As a newbie I'm interested in all the stuff thats out there. One thing that I'm curious about is pre-shave oil. Does it really help or can one do without it quiet well?
_Larry
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As a newbie I'm interested in all the stuff thats out there. One thing that I'm curious about is pre-shave oil. Does it really help or can one do without it quiet well?
_Larry
It's one of those things you have to try and see what your experience is. Some love it, some the opposite. I've tried and found it did nothing for me.
I use warm oil under my shave cream. I enjoy it, try it see what happens.
I find that either pre shave cream (Proraso or Santa Maria Novella) or pre shave oil (Truefitt & Hills) works for me. I know some argue that proper preparation removes the need for pre shave unguents so see how you go.
Thanks for the comment. What to do or not do, what the value is or isn't can be confusing for a new person. Glad this site exist.
_Larry
I think Pre-Shave is an individual preference. I sometimes use an almond oil/peppermint oil homemade mixture as a pre-shave, but I find it does nothing to improve the quality of my shave. I occasionally will use whatever aftershave balm I am using that day as a pre-shave as well. It definitely adds some moisture to the skin though, so for that it is useful.
This is something you have to experiment. Is it going to be a miracle product and give you a much better shave....I don't think so. Does it add to the experience and make your shave more enjoyable...........maybe? :shrug:
This is 100% a preference thing.
Hello, Larry:
Some gentlemen shavers swear by pre-shaves and some shrug them off. I have shaved with pre-shaves and without them and found little difference in my shave. I currently use a pre-shave, but once it's gone, it will stay gone from my shaving routine.
Shave without it for a while, and then with it for a while — and then make up your mind.
Regards,
Obie
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
I personally do not like to put anything greasy and oily onto my skin so pre-shave oil is not for me.
I bought a bottle of pre-shave oil when I started 2 months ago. I stopped using it about 2 weeks ago, and it is hard for me to say if I notice a difference. If anything, it seems like I get a closer shave without the oil, but a more comfortable shave with the oil. The difference though, is not overwhelming.
I say try it both ways.
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.
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.
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.:aargh:
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
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.
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 ?
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.