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

another simple option is trying a few drops of baby oil.. i've done it from time to time.. works good and you don't need to really shell out for it.

Originally Posted by vthomlinson

another simple option is trying a few drops of baby oil.. i've done it from time to time.. works good and you don't need to really shell out for it.

I regularly use baby oil for my head shaving and it is wonderfull stuff. As VThomlinson said, don't be afraid of it for your face.

Much of what I read here led me believe that pre-shave oil wasn't worth it, so I skipped it when I first started straight shaving a few months back. I have been getting very satisfactory shaves without it.

But part of the fun is trying different products in search of that perfect combination that provides the perfect shave experience. I recently picked up some cream from Art of Shaving, and decided to give their pre-shave oil a chance as well. I like it, but I'm not sure I'd say I like it better then not using it. It makes for a different shave, not necessarily better or worse. Just like with soaps, creams, and aftershaves, I think everyone's experience will be very different.

I will say that I'm glad I didn't use it to begin with. When first getting started, there are so many variables. All the possibilities are exciting, but doing too much too soon will make it difficult to know what the problem is, should you encounter a problem shaving. To anyone just starting up, I would advise a minimal approach. Between the razor, the strop, the brush, the soap, and your technique, there are already a lot of things that could go wrong. Keep it simple until you get a feel for the basics, then slowly vary your routine. That will make it easier to appreciate the differences, and know whether it's an improvement or not.

Thanks for the thoughtful advice.

Larry

Agree that it's mostly about enjoying the feel maybe a bit smoother glide maybe... but if the lather is good no real need...

of course if I'm in the mood for oil I just use olive oil ala the Romans....

I think that there is some benefit in pre shave oil but I don't think that the benefits justify the cost and effort.

Didn't know one could use olive oil. Guess I'll have to keep that in mind and give it a try since I do have lot's of olive oil. Great peice of information.

Larry

I having been using Bio-Oil for a while now, it seems to work and is cheaper than shave oil, but as others have said its all down to personal preference

Ps MV how do you warm your oil ?

Originally Posted by Doublewood

I having been using Bio-Oil for a while now, it seems to work and is cheaper than shave oil, but as others have said its all down to personal preference

Ps MV how do you warm your oil ?

Did you buy the Bio-Oil to use as a shave oil?

Thank you,
--Shoki

Originally Posted by Shoki

Did you buy the Bio-Oil to use as a shave oil?

Thank you,
--Shoki

Yes Shoki, I did buy the Bio-Oil to use as shave oil, I use it as a base under my shave cream (works for me )