Thread: Is There any value in Pre-Shave Oil?

When I started wet shaving ~1 year ago, T&H pre-shave oil was my go-to "prep" after a shower and before the lather. It really helped with the glide. But I quickly learned the proper art of lathering and just as quickly the usefulness of the oil evaporated. I still use it occasionally. Not because it helps, but because I like the smell.

My advice is to concentrate on lather making technique and proper workup into the beard...once you get this down, you'll have one less thing to worry about (and spend on).

BTW: instead of $$ pre-shave oils, almond oil can be used an alternative with great results.

Thanks Bladerunner.

Originally Posted by lfloyd

Thanks Obie. Since my experience base is so small I think I will stick with my current system for a while. No need to complicate things since I'm a rank beginning straight shaver. But, oh how I'm enjoying it!
_Larry

Hello, Larry:

You are very welcome.

Yes, this is good thinking: keep it simple. Experiment slowly as you hone your skill with the straight razor.

In the end, though, straight razor shaving and the ritual that frames it becomes a sweet obsession. It is for me.

Welcome aboard, my good man.

Regards,
Obie

I have the castle forbes stuff... I like it, but not sure it's worth the cost.

Originally Posted by bbshriver

I have the castle forbes stuff... I like it, but not sure it's worth the cost.

I just started using the castle forbes pre-shave, and so far I like it. But its not an oil, and is water soluble, so it works great with your shaving soap or cream. I haven't tried any oils, because it just doesn't make sence to me to put oil on my face before wet shaving. Oil and water don't mix, and it sounds messy to me. But I will try one in the future just in case I'm wrong. Wouldn't be the first time. Is there anywhere to buy sample size pre-shave oils? I hate buying full bottles just to try something.

Thanks for pointing that out, I really hadn't considered it. I tried the Truefitt&Hill preshave oil and did not like it (burned my skin)

Shaving Lotions, Shaving Soaps, Creams, Lotions & Toiletries - ClassicShaving.com

I do like this stuff though, just $40 is a lot...

Truefitt&Hill will send you samples of everything for free I believe. When I did it they also sent me a coupon for 15% off my first order... I have lots of aftershave and cologne now!

I have recently made the switch to wet shaving. I had NEVER been able to shave everyday, because of facial irritation with the popular razors , I decided to learn how and for me the pre-shave was the final part of the puzzle. I switched over to shave soap & brush, with the fusion razor, that was much better, but not good enough, then went to DE and that was Much better, but still not good enough and then went to pre-shave oil and that was the bomb - for me.

I can not use any lotion based product as a pre or post shave as it irritates my skin or causes breakouts, the oil has left my skin feeling great and eliminated the red bumps and I am now BBS with no irritation

my 2 cents

try every thing until you find what works for you, then add whatever you may find pleasurable

T&H Oil
Hot towel
The Gentlemans quarter soap
Badger silvertip brush
Parker 99r with derby blades
Old spice, or clubman or bay rum
Witch Hazel at night

Don, 6 weeks and loving it

You have plenty of advise already, just use it and if it works incorporate it into your prep routine....one thing, avoid the common error made by many in applying gobs of this stuff...just a little dab will do; too much and it will make your lather droopy and less cushiony. Remember to wipe your hands after application, you don't want butterfingers when holding your blade.HOG

Originally Posted by lfloyd

One thing that I'm curious about is pre-shave oil.

It's not expensive, the best way to satisfy your curiosity is to experiment and see if it improves your shave.
Some of us like it, some don't. It didn't do much for me.

Originally Posted by lfloyd

Thanks Obie. Since my experience base is so small I think I will stick with my current system for a while. No need to complicate things since I'm a rank beginning straight shaver. But, oh how I'm enjoying it!

_Larry

That sounds like a solid plan. Get your pre-shave routine as well as your technique down pat and consistent first. When you get consistent shaves then throwing in the pre-shave oil will give you something to compare against.