Quote Originally Posted by Bruce View Post
Never could figure out what the pre-shave oil is for. Does one slather it on before lathering and then lather on top of it, a slather then lather? Or does one slather then shave, a slather and no lather?
A lot depends on your shave-den habits and your whiskers.

In general my whiskers soften best with water.

If you get out of the shower your whiskers may be soft and
ready to go. This could be a good time to apply a pre-shave oil
If your whiskers are not soft and ready to go a pre-shave
oil might limit the ability of water to soften your whiskers.

If you need less softening than I do the pre-shave
oil might be applied at anytime to lubricate the skin
and help your shave. For some folk the skin softens
and gets fragile as the whiskers soak so an oil can
help the skin.

If you are a face lathering person then the oil might
simply wash off the pre-shave oil. If you build a lather
in a mug and paint it on top of the oil it may feel differently. If
you apply it after shaving the same oil is a post-shave oil.

Normal skin oils tent to add drag and gummyness. Oils can
soften these gummy skin compounds and much improve
the skin razor interaction. I use common vegetable oil
to remove stickers from things.

The truth is in YOUR shave test.

Try all the obvious permutations and retest as the seasons change.

Slather away and have fun.