Thread: Pre-shave reccomendations?

I think, like everyone else, I can echo the importance of using hot water or shaving right after a shower (but, to insert a small disclaimer - you might want to put something on, because dropping a razor in the nude can be dangerous to all sorts of body parts you want to keep.)

As for pre-shave oil, I've heard the same thing - that it's dangerous to use it with a brush. I don't know what about the oil it is, and the way I use the brush, I can't imagine much transfers anyway. I also note that some firms which make oils (Taylors, for instance) also make brushes, and give no such warning. Really, the choice is yours and depends on a lot of things like how much you want to keep your brush and for how long. I'd certainly be more inclined to be careful with a $500 Plisson than with my current $50, three year old Taylor's.

If you do decide to try a pre-shave oil, the Truefitt and Hill oil has an intoxicating smell that I don't think can be beat. However, it is much thicker than some others. Pacific Shaving's oil is all natural and works very well - some people shave with just that, though I don't know about with a straight razor. King of Shaves is popular, but contains a lot of menthol, so you might get a bit aggressive. I've also tried Caswell and Massey, but it seems like smearing motor oil on your face because it's a mineral oil base, rather than something lighter like a grape seed oil.

I have been thinking, it is probably due to the razor not being sharp enough. A razor that is not sharp enough causes you to press too hard and go over the same area several times.

After today's shave, I can almost guarantee it's the blade! I have some pretty bad razor burn today, and I know it's from using too much pressure to get that d#*m chin! Also on my neck, I went over it too many times with way too much pressure. After reading everyone else's comments on this post, I know that I was trying too hard with a "not sharp enough" blade. Back to the hone! T'is how we learn...

Tim