Thread: Necessary

Is pre shave necessary? I'm all new to this guys and sorry for the many questions B-)

Hot shower is a good prep, I think and the only one I use (except lather), but I've got kind of oily skin and doesn't need balms and the likes after shaves either.

I don't think its absolutely necessary, but every once and awhile I like to go with the hot towel. I find it relaxing. Also whenever I finish honing and need to test shave I like to use the least amount of prep possible. That is no shower and only a splash of water on my face and then lather. The way I figure it is if I can get a great shave with only that prep than a decent prep would either be the same or a better shave. Everyone has there own shaving ritual. Some spend 5min shaving some spend an hr+. It all comes down to what you want to get out of your shave.

How you prepare for a shave is a personal choice, nothing is written in stone. Just experiment with different prep rituals to see which one if any help your shave. My entire life I have never associated shaving with a shower and still don't. I have tried different prep creams and oils and it did not seem to help so I don't use them either. So I don't consider that necessary for me but you just might find those things very useful for yourself.

Bob

I think the only thing that is "necessary" is a razor that is sharp enough to cut whiskers. Everything else either enhances the process (making shaving more efficient, more comfortable, more safe) or enhances the experience (using a favorite scent, high-end equipment). It seems to me that some pre-shave products or procedures can enhance the process by softening the whiskers or providing more cushion or glide, whereas others only enhance the experience by giving one the opportunity to add one more pleasantly smelling layer to the ritual. Different people will do different things for different reasons; just like everything else pertaining to this pursuit.

Here is what I do:
-Wash face with Musgo Real Lime Glyce soap - I love the scent and it seems to help hydrate and soften the whiskers and lube up the skin (it very well may not do any of this, but so what?)

-Rub either Proraso or 3P preshave cream into whiskers, and let it sit while I prepare my razor and whip up my lather (I prefer 3P). This is supposed to soften the whiskers, but again, if not, who cares? One more layer of enjoyment. If I have time, this is were two minutes with a hot towel is a real treat.

-Apply Floid Sandalor pre-shave gel just prior to lathering up. I absolutely love this stuff - this is the one product I use for every shave without fail. It is very slippery going on, but again, I'm not real sure about whether or not it actually enhances the process of shaving, or just the experience. It does, however, have a wonderfully fresh, soapy smell that no other product in my experience be it soap, cream, aftershave, or balm can match.

After that, lather up and shave. Whatever you come up with, make sure you enjoy it!

Originally Posted by Blomski

Is pre shave necessary? I'm all new to this guys and sorry for the many questions B-)

Blomski,
I don't know if pre-shave is necessary or not. I think it's more a personal choice. Since I am plagued with a heavy beard and extremely sensitive skin, I find it as another layer of cushion to protect my skin. My pre-shave is Castle Forbes. Besides, the pre-shave is another dimension in the colorful ritual that frames traditional wet shaving with the straight razor or the double edge.

I haven't experimented with pre-shave products like oils and whatnot, but I find that I get closer and more comfortable shaves if I do a hot towel, lather, hot towel, lather, shave routine than if I just do lather, shave.

I suspect that as a shaver gets more experienced and their technique gets better, the prep matters less. I've been straight shaving just over a year, and anything that helps make up for flaws in my technique is useful, so I almost always do the full routine with towels and a re-application of lather.

I've found that a proper pre-shave is crucial to my getting a nice close shave. My facial hair grows very fast and if I don't get a BBS shave its going to be coming back in about 8 hours and need to be shaved again. I use Proraso for sensitive skin and make a concerted effort to get it up under my stubble to get it standing up and ready for shaving. I find that without this product I get far more nicks, cuts and irritation as well.

I'm not even sure what a pre-shave is. We used to pre-game before a party. Which basically meant we got drunk before we showed up. So if pre-shaving is the same thing, then no, it wouldn't be necessary. Because there's not much need to shave before you shave.

If you're talking about some chemical or cream, soap or something, I'd say no, that's not necessary either. I subscribe to Matt69's routine when shave testing a razor. But normally for a regular everyday shave, I wet my face, add lather, and shave. The whiskers seem to be gone when I'm done, so I think that means it's working.

I say save your money for some other acquisition disorder you're likely to contract. Or just keep it for a big roast beef sandwich. I just had one, and boy did that hit the spot.

you do need your beard ready to shave comfortably. what that means for your face you will need to find out.

as an example i need to shower before shaving, i prefer a preshave oil before lather but i can skip it without issues.

If i skip shower and try to wet beard any other way, including hot towel treatment, i get an awful shave with weepers.