Thread: Perfect shave

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.