Thread: Good alternatives to shaving cream/soap

Wanted to get everyone's thoughts on this article that I came across that suggest things like hair conditioner and baby oil as alternatives to shaving cream/soap. What are your thoughts?

I think using other products can give you amazing slickness but zero cushion.. Probably get a closer but more uncomfortable shave ..

I have tried some things like that, but right now my shaving routine produces great results. Plus I like my soaps, creams and brushes. I have no desire to eliminate anything from my shave routine, but I do use Noxema as a preshave cream. I believe it was TC that suggested it to me.

Why? Alternatives are for the weak. Use a mans soap and brush for Christ sake

I've got a mug with a chunk of bar soap it it, that I build a lather from every so often. Its a Amish made soap, called goats milk soap.

It creates a very nice lather, nice slickness, with decent cushion. But for all the other stuff like oil, conditioners, brushless creams......no thanks.!

1st post? Don't fall for it!

I once read in a book on strait razor shaving, that one goal of the soap was to remove the oils from your hair and therefore make them easier to cut. Using oil seems counter productive. My soap is home made from deer tallow from my yearly kill that I render down. Ingredients include various other oils, but they react with the lye and turn into soap. They are not "raw".

I don't think much of using alternatives when purpose made shaving creams/soaps are plentiful and not expensive. Alternatives are for desperation moments when, for whatever reason, you have no proper shave cram/soap. So far have not had one of those moments.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

I don't think much of using alternatives when purpose made shaving creams/soaps are plentiful and not expensive. Alternatives are for desperation moments when, for whatever reason, you have no proper shave cram/soap. So far have not had one of those moments.

Bob

Even plain old bar soap works in a pinch. Worst case scenario is to take a hot shower first or even a rag soaked in hot water applied to the face before shaving.

Some of the best shaves I have had have been in a steam room with a double edge razor. A straight razor would have probably freaked out folks.

The primary goal of shave cream lather is to provide moisture to the beard, additionally provide slickness to protect the skin and fragrance to make the chore more enjoyable.

Yes, you can use other products to shave with, including plain water, but as said why, when there are so many great soaps and creams available for pennies per use?