Thread: Pre-shave creams & oils

Has anyone tried the Taylors of Old Bond Street herbal pre-shave gel or the Bath and Body Works (CO Bigelow) pre-oils? I'm not sure who the Bath and Body Works are rebranded from (if they are), but have wanted to try those three. I'll prob pick up the bath and body this week when I go get some glycerin to try über-lather!

I use two different pre-shave oils. Depends on the type of soap I'm going to use. If I use TGQ Orange/Patchoulli shave soap, I use the Taylor of Old Bond Street pre shave oil. If I use Ogallala Bay Rum/Sandalwood or Sage and Cedar (OBR) I use The Caswell-Massey "1752" Sandalwood Pre shave oil. The TOB has a little more of a fruit overtone with a lingering peppery smell to it. The CM is my favorite! It performs fantastic and the Sandalwood aroma is very balanced, not overpowering at all. I'm a sucker for anything "Sandalwood" scented. Sort of reminds me of the earlier years of Blacklight posters and "Dark Side of The Moon" coming out of the stereo!

I have used the T+H pre-shave oil, but it is quite pricey for the 2 oz bottle. So, I made my own: I mixed about 1 oz of Sweet Almond oil with a sample vial of the "Woodstock" EO from Em's Place. Very nice. Going to make more scented pre-shaves oils soon.

I've tried several pre-shave products including proraso pre/post, AOS pre-shave oil, trumpers skinfood, 100% glycerin, feather pre-shave and so far I think lather has been my best pre-shave. I lather up and steam my face with a hot towel for 4 minutes. Lather up again and shave. I haven't tried Taylors pre-shave yet though so I'm not sure about that particular one but I've never been given a pre-shave other than lather in a barber shop so that might say something.

Originally Posted by saladbar2000

I've tried several pre-shave products including proraso pre/post, AOS pre-shave oil, trumpers skinfood, 100% glycerin, feather pre-shave and so far I think lather has been my best pre-shave. I lather up and steam my face with a hot towel for 4 minutes. Lather up again and shave. I haven't tried Taylors pre-shave yet though so I'm not sure about that particular one but I've never been given a pre-shave other than lather in a barber shop so that might say something.

+1 on the above. I too have tried the AOS, T&H, Proraso Pre/Post and found that the best prep is lather followed by a hot towel, to each his own of course but my biggest issue with the oils was the fact that I could tell they were there in my brush following the shave.

I have a couple of dispensers of 'Hacketts' preshave oil and I like it a lot, I don't use it very often any more though. Once day I just missed it out of the routine and it has more or less been out of the loop ever since.

Originally Posted by bonedog

Has anyone tried the Taylors of Old Bond Street herbal pre-shave gel or the Bath and Body Works (CO Bigelow) pre-oils? I'm not sure who the Bath and Body Works are rebranded from (if they are), but have wanted to try those three. I'll prob pick up the bath and body this week when I go get some glycerin to try über-lather!

I have nothing to compare it with, as i've never used a shave balm before, but Ilike the aroma of the Bigelow stuff my wife got me, and it seems to help the skin a bit. a little goes a loooong way, be advised.

Off to shave right now, as a matter of fact.

To address Lynn's slippery razor question, yes I did experience that, but found a way around it (although it does add time and effort to the shave).

I apply the pre-shave oil very carefully only to areas on which the razor will glide (meaning don't just rub all over). What I do is make sure not to have any on my skin stretching spots. Then I wash my hands with bath soap and wipe good before beginning (making sure I don't feel any on my hands). No problems afterwards if you are careful.

Do I think it helps the shave? Yes, it does seem to improve the shave (for me).

Do I think you need it? No, I am not getting bad shaves without it.

I believe more in the "Keep It Simple" rules to most of life's endeavors, so I actually haven't used it in awhile. Plus, I tend to believe that good prep and good products (creams or soaps) should negate the need for pre-shave oil. IMHO.

YMMV of course.

I have found that by simply rinsing my hands after all the prep work, including useing my Proraso pre-shave I don't have any trouble holding on to my str8 while shaving. A bit of water and some shaving soap on the hands does not seem to make me lose control of my shaving instrument. But yes, pre-shaving products DO cause a slippery situation whilst shaving.

Thank you for this thread, excellent stuff!!

tinkersd of SRP, again!!

Gentlemen,

I have tried several pre-shave treatments, including Proraso and Truefitt & Hill. I feel sometimes they work for me and sometimes not. For now I am leaving them alone. I don't seem to feel the difference. Then again, it could be a problem of perception.

Regards,

Obie