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im new to straight razor shaving i know preparing my face is just as important as having a sharp razor so this is what i do i shave after i get out of the shower i use altesse shaving soap a badger brush what i want to know is am i missing any thing is this the best way to prepare and what are some of the best products out there i can use to make the shaving experience better, thanks
Hello, elebluo5:
Thank you for your note.
I dare say, your question is loaded with a number of other questions. To answer everything would take several pages. I don't know how much research you have done thus far.
If I may suggest, a better idea to start with is this: please look into the WIKI for a vast amount of information on almost every aspect of wet shaving with the straight razor. You also have access to numerous straight razor shaving, stropping and lather-making videos here and on You Tube.
This basic and necessary research will supply your initial information. Beyond that come the specific questions. Everyone will be more than happy to answer your questions and make suggestions.
I think this is the best way for you to get started. Many thanks.
Regards,
Obie
Water and a good soap or cream. That's all you need. You can look into things like pre-shave oils, but they are really not necessary.
If you'd like to try something cheap and readily available, then try Noxzema cleansing cream. I've never used Proraso but I recall that a comparison of the ingredients indicated that functionally it was quite similar. I've been using Noxzema for several years and it does help with keeping the face moist if you do have a delay between shower and shaving.
The Proraso pre/post cream does have a noxzema feel to it, but the Proraso has the mentol added for a tingle feel. Perhaps I'll pick up some noxzema and try adding some mentol oil to it and see if I can duplicate.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Utopian
I love mint and menthol!
I use Proraso pre/post regularly, it's great stuff. I would label it as more of a conditioner rather than an oil-glide product.
It also is excellent post shave. I use it occasionally for small areas that may be a little tender after shaving, and it takes care of the tenderness in short order, leaving the skin feeling refreshed.
Cold/Cool water
Just tried the Proraso pre-shave. Man that is really nice. I have no sense of smell and this was the next best thing. My face felt like a piece of peppermint candy. It felt so strong and refreshing.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoki
Can you really use this after the shave like nivia after shave balm?
Amazing!
I really do not notice much difference in my shave when I use a "pre-shave" and when I don't.
I will use one of two things for my pre-shave:
1. A home made mixture of almond oil and peppermint oil; or
2. Whatever aftershave I am using that day (Nivea, Institut Karite, etc.)
I find that they really just provide a little added moisture to the skin and do nothing to influence the quality of the shave.
Does the almond oil cut the strength of the peppermint oil?Quote:
Originally Posted by Fbones24
Where do I buy these oils?
Thank you,
--Shoki
I actually add about two drops of peppermint oil to every ounce of almond oil. The almond oil can be bought at any supermarket in the oil section. Just regular almond oil. It is not as thick as olive oil, but has a decent consistency.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoki
The essential oils can be purchased in many places that carry them. I would check vitamin Shoppe. That is where I got my peppermint oil. It has a nice fragrance and a cooling effect, but they carry other essential oils that you can try.
Good beard prep won't help much if you have a dull razor or bad technique. However, if you have really good technique, you can get away with very little prep and a less than uber sharp razor.Quote:
Originally Posted by eleblu05
That said, as a beginner, going overboard on the prep to really soften up the hairs. I certainly did and I think it helped where my technique was lacking. I've been at this about 4 months now, and my technique has been developing the entire time, and so I've found myself cutting back on the prep (which I was purposefully overdoing - see journal in sig)
There are plenty of guys who put very little thought into prep and still get good shaves.
See Here: YouTube - Rasiermesser Rasur
I have used several preshave, but I am not in the shave oils, the T&H preshave doesn't improve very much my shave , only the oil (American crew brand) used by my barber seems useful to me, but I think that the facial massage and the hot towels are the best part of the preshave.Quote:
Originally Posted by eleblu05
I use proraso, the white jar, a preshave for sensitive skin, it's not expensive and I feel better when using. In Spain there is another product called "Myrsol emulsion" , that is very popular and is a decent preshave.
I have tested several preshave oils, (L'Occitane, Clarins, Kiehls,...) and I keep my opinion about proraso, I prefer it. Maybe because my skin is a bit oily .
I use the Noxzema deep cleanse, as Utopian mentioned. I just like it in general for cleaning my face, when I get up in the morning, and before going to bed.
But what I think helps me most is lathering, then leaving the lather on my face while I strop, then relathering before my first pass.
I tried preshave oil once, I think it was AOS. I didn't like how slippery my hands felt despite repeatedly trying to wash it off - I was just paranoid that my razor would slip out of my hands.
Had a sample of the AOS oil. Used it this morning and for me it was dreadful. Oil all over my face, on my brush, in the water, on my hands. YUCK! :tdQuote:
Originally Posted by RayG
Yes you can. It is especially nice as an aftershave balm in summer months. Very refreshing and cooling after a shave. Splash on some Osage Rub, Alcolado Glacial or Mama Bear's Lime Ice after applying the Proraso and you can "freeze" your face.Quote:
Originally Posted by Shoki
I've tried lots of stuff, and one of the best things is to simply wash your face well with a good olive oil soap or glycerin soap with warm water.