Thread: Perfect shave

My Routine:

1) Pour whiskey tumbler with Jameson

My shave routine:
1) pour tumbler half full of Jamesons
2) strop razor on leather and newspaper
3) splash cool water on face
4) face lather
5) shave 3 passes, enjoying Jamesons before and after every pass is mandatory.

I used to have elaborate pre-shave rituals, but I found, with my beard and skin, that they were not necessary. The only thing required is a very sharp razor. I also found that the cool water was more soothing to my skin than hot water. Maybe is I leave off the Jamesons I'll be able to shave as fast as Ace!

I occasionally use proraso's pre shave cream (which incidentally is also meant to be applied after shaving but for that I find it too greasy/doesn't absorb well) and feel that if it makes a difference at all, it's totally insignificant compared to the effects of a pre-shave shower, good lathering (proraso green in my case) and letting the lather 'sit' for at least 2 minutes before starting to shave.

That's been my routine for the past 8 years (ever since I ditched the overpriced creams smelling of long-dead lords that don't work half as well for me) but as other say, ymmv. Experiment a bit to see what works.

I have also been using Proraso pre shave, and skipped it for the first time this morning. I didn't notice any difference - but that's just me. If it's true, it simplifies the process even more... And leaves me more money to try other soaps!
But I can see if you have super sensitive skin (which I thought I did), you'd need all the help you can get.

The only preshave oil i've used is the TOBS herbal oil. I have a really thick beard and sensitive skin, but I found with practice and some better prep like a hot shower and good facial scrub before hand the beard will come off easy enough. I don't like the idea of shaving with oil on my skin, as it has made be break out with zits. Mid 20's Acne is the worst.

I think it's down to technique as well. When you start shaving with a straight you think you need all these adjuncts because you need to refine your skill. Once you really learn how to use the razor and how to keep it really really "hanging hair" sharp you will find it takes less and less product to keep your skin from feeling raw. There are always exceptions that will need to add oil or some other product but I think 90% will find that technique and a sharp blade is all the balm they need. These days I can even make a cheap Indian blade give me a close comfortable shave when two years ago I would have needed plasma to keep from passing out.

Definitely technique. I've been straight shaving for two years and still have crummy shaves. You need to experiment and find what works for you. I had a terrible straight shave today. Lather was too try and didn't use enough of my preshave oil. I use proraso preshave when I shave with my DE in the shower. I notice a difference. I don't use it when I straight shave, I find it too tacky and causes blade skip. Trial and error my friend.