Thread: Hot towel/pre-shave oil question

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

Finding answers on Google isn't as easy as it looks.

I respectfully disagree. It's not the tool, it's the user. Some people know how to use search commands, some don't. But even shots in the dark will get you a wealth of information if you just look for it. Not to mention the extensive search tools provided here...

Originally Posted by bassguy

I respectfully disagree. It's not the tool, it's the user. Some people know how to use search commands, some don't. But even shots in the dark will get you a wealth of information if you just look for it. Not to mention the extensive search tools provided here...

I agree. I only post questions I can't find on Google. Maybe people have easier times finding more information than I do.

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

You don't know if i've searched for these questions on Google.

What makes you say that? Even pre shave oil site:straightrazorplace.com - Google Search yields results that go beyond your four independent queries.

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you again: Which problem are you trying to solve?

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

What makes you say that? Even pre shave oil site:straightrazorplace.com - Google Search yields results that go beyond your four independent queries.

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you again: Which problem are you trying to solve?

That's good information you gave me. I'm just trying to shave with a straight razor without cutting myself. I've learned a lot, and I think I have good routine now that i'm going to try out and see if it works. Thanks.

Originally Posted by frustratedSRuser

If I put a hot washcloth over my shaving cream covered face for 3 minutes without taking a shower, then re-apply more shaving cream, do I need pre-shave oil?

If you are in search for a solution to get a close and comfortable shave with a straight razor, no you don't need pre-shave oil for that. You need a well-honed razor, a decent shaving technique and good beard preparation. Getting the whiskers fully hydrated is the goal of good beard preparation. A shower works great. A hot towel can replace the shower. Washing the face with warm water and a mild soap can get you there as well, if you take your time.
Giving the lather some time to soak in, while you strop the razor serves the purpose as well.

Pre-shave products generally aim to protect the skin to some extent, so you can cope a bit better with the slight scraping effect that all shaving has on the skin. Pre-shave oil may improve a wetshaver's overall skin condition in the long run, if problems are experienced in that field.
It will not miraculously improve the results of your shave or resolve bad post-shave irritation in the blink of an eye.

Those are facts, as far as I am concerned.

Now for opinion:
I suggest you learn to shave with a basic setup.
Prep with water and mild soap. Or shower.
Lather well.
Use a well-honed razor.
Strop that razor in the right manner.
Shave with a light touch. Think beard reduction, not beard eradication. Smoothness comes with practice.
Rinse with cold water.
Alum block.
Apply a good moisturizing post shave balm.

That is more than enough to learn.
Once you reach a comfort zone where you can shave confidently with the straight, it's experimentation time:
different soaps and cream, über and unter lather, different razor makes and models, pre-shave products, post-shave products, advanced shaving techniques.
You have a life time of learning ahead. While you age, your skin will serve new challenges...

Best regards.
Bart.

PS. Cross posting more or less the same question on a forum is considered an annoyance.

Gentlemen,

If you will permit me, I would like to make a suggestion regarding this topic, as we are dancing in a circle.

We seem to have lost the topic's focus, although I don't believe the focus was established in the first place. Robin (Berlin) so much has alluded to that. Perhaps if we may ask FrustratedSRuser to sharpen his focus and restate his shaving problem more clearly.

Exactly what is the problem? If anyone can analyze and offer suggestions, it is the experts on the forum.

Than you, gentlemen.

Regards,

Obie

Dear Obie,

Many thanks for trying to help this tread to get back on track, but is has all been said in http://straightrazorpalace.com/after...have-oils.html.

Regards,
Robin

My dear Robin,

By Jove, you are right. I must have missed the thread on pre-shave oils. Everything is made clear in it on this topic.

Thanks for pointing it out to me.

Regards,

Obie

I agree 100% with Bart. A well honed razor and skills are the answer. I shave after a shower and never use pre-shave oil.