Thread: pre shave oil

I am a newbie so pls forgive my ignorance ...Is it necessary to use a pre shave oil before lathering and shaving? also I was told to always strope on the canvas side then strope on leather side ? thx charlie

No on the oil, and although the linen is good to use if its supple generally you shouldn't need it in the beginning. It is debatable, some use it some don't. Which means you don't NEED to use it just yet. After about 4-5 shaves on the same edge you can start using it to "help" your stropping a little. As long as its supple it wont hurt anything if you do it. But extra stropping isn't needed either. Its the leather that really does the work.

The use of a pre-shave oil is really a personal preference. It is not necessary, but some really like it. You really need to make sure you get it all off your hands though, before you handle your razor. We have had many an intersting debate on linen/canvas use along with the leather. I usually use the linen side after honing a razor, but do not cosistently use it daily before stropping on the leather side. Have fun. Lynn

I've yet to use linen to strop a razor - just leather.

What's the difference between them? What does the linen do?

thx for comments...after trying pre shave oil, it seems to upset hair follicles and I would think block pores fromtaking in moisture and lubrication...Am I wrong?

I've tried the pre shave oils and personally they didn't make any difference in the shave. Also I've heard tell that some of the manufacturers of the better brushes don't recommend you use them. Apparently they affect the brush in some negative way.

As far as linen goes I usually give a blade about 6 passes before the leather.