Thread: need preshave advice

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.

Originally Posted by Utopian

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.

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

Originally Posted by Shoki

I love mint and menthol!

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.

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.