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

The key to most of the pre-shaving stuff is to use it very sparingly, rub them in well and it usually takes a couple weeks to get the positive effects from them.

Have fun,

Lynn

I've been using an oil pre-shave for a few months now.
IMHO, it takes a wee bit away from the lather on the first pass. Other than that, my opinion is that while it may not help, it certainly doesn't hurt!

So, for me at least, the jury is still out....

I've used AoS oil twice so far and I can't say I noticed a difference. Like Lynn said, it may take awhile to notice the benefit.

I used pre-shave oil from the Art of Shaving for quite a while. I never noticed a difference in the shave. The only benefit (although an important one) for me is that it cut down on razor burn. The problem was the oil was about $22 for a small bottle. I have since made my own, using 2/3 castor oil and 1/3 olive oil mixed together. This is the same mixture for the Art of Shaving oil, except the AOS also adds lavender oil in with the castor/olive oils. You really can't tell the difference (and the homemade version costs about a buck a bottle rather than 22).

I like using the oil only to help with razor burn. If you use a hot towel and really work in the soap with the brush, the oil doesn't do anything in terms of closeness IMO.

After gaining some more experience with my AoS PSO, I agree that it doesn't make for a closer shave. I can see it helping with razor burn for some, but I didn't really have a problem to start with. I will say that for some reason it makes my shave feel more luxurious. It may just be a frame of mind thing, the idea that I'm adding an extra step that isn't really necessary feels like a special treat.

For anyone thinking about trying it out though, I would advise finding an unscented oil. I went with sandlewood, because I like sandlewood. It goes great with my sandlewood soap, or my sandlewood cream, but if I'm in the mood for a different scented soap, then I can't really use my oil without creating something very strange.

Nobody needs preshave oil for a great shave.

Nobody needs a straight to get a great shave (IMHO a Schick or a Gem will suffice).

Nobody needs a scuttle, tallow soap, and a silvertip to get a great shave.

BUT... taking the time to apply the oil, create the warm lather, and expertly using a device that shaved your great-grandfather's peers is an experience well worth the effort.

The Japanese tea ceremony is not about drinking the tea. A great shave, as done this way, is not about getting a great shave.

I've used only one brand, and it didn't have any effect on my face.
While browsing, I notice that in terms of quantity to price, Oils suck out a lot of dough. I'm feeling fortunate that I can leave the $22 bottle of 3 oz. oil on the shelf and out of my internet shopping cart.
just an aside, I watched my house mate shave with extra virgin olive oil directly from the kitchen and nothing else. He told me the "extra virgin" means less processing chemicals.
I've never tried, but for the sake of his procedure, who wouldn't want an extra virgin on his face? I know I would. I think I'm going to have a nice, slow, slippery shave right now!!

I previously used a pre shave balm, but without a pre shave balm is just as good.
Wet your Head, apply soap and rub the soap with your hands through your beard.
Let it sit a few minutes, you can now make Lather , strop your razor ect.
Then bring the soap on with the brush and shaving.

Most days I don't even bother with preshave oil. If you decide not to use it I don't think you will be disappointed. Occasionally when I have a lot of time or I didn't shower before shaving I will use the oil. I find it makes the razor glide slightly smoother. I stress slightly because this may be just all in my head, but hey, sometimes thats all that matters. In any case I could live without it but it's nice to have around when I want to use it. Plus its pretty cheap so I don't feel guilty keeping it around and only seldomly using it.

Nicely put.

Originally Posted by pcb01

Nobody needs preshave oil for a great shave.

Nobody needs a straight to get a great shave (IMHO a Schick or a Gem will suffice).

Nobody needs a scuttle, tallow soap, and a silvertip to get a great shave.

BUT... taking the time to apply the oil, create the warm lather, and expertly using a device that shaved your great-grandfather's peers is an experience well worth the effort.

The Japanese tea ceremony is not about drinking the tea. A great shave, as done this way, is not about getting a great shave.