I'm new here and want to get away from cartridge shaving and move to a safety razor. I've been shaving with one of those muti-bladed things for a long time. I've been shaving in the shower and with a shaving oil (Total Shaving Solution). I haven't seen much mention of oil here. Is that because it doesn't work well with safety razors? Shaving in the shower saves me quite a bit of time.

Any advice appreciated.

Many people on here use preshave oils and lather over the PSO (preshave oil) and shave. Have you tried the oil with your DE?

Quite a few use oils as pre-shaves. The general sense I get is that, in a pinch, you can use it by itself, but it is best as part of the prep, before using soap or cream. A lot of us make our own, as it is easy & inexpensive to do.

No I have tried it yet. I'm still making up my mind on which DE to buy. I'm leaning towards the Muhle R89 so maybe I should go for it and experiment.

Sounds like I'll have to change my routine a bit. Quit shaving in the shower and do it afterwards.

Thanks!

That's not a bad idea. Just after a shower, your facial hair will be softer. Also, if you get into DE shaving & working up a nice lather, taking your time is one of life's pleasures. Talk to some of the guys here about how much they like it.

Hi Tom. Welcome to TSD! Please sign up for the Newbie give-away Here

Hi, my first and stil only razor was the muhle r89. I love it, has good design and really nice finish. The handle has a good grip and it's not very expensive.

I'm not planning on buying new razors anytime soon, I'm stil working on my technique.

Hi Tom and welcome to TSD!

I've got one small bottle of shaving oil. Works for me, but I like it less than lathering up. For one thing if you use lather you can see where you've already been. But other than that there's no problem. It is faster than lathering, but less fun (YMMV).

Hi, welcome!

Remember, just because a product exists doesn't mean you need to use it. Shave oil is something some people do, and some people don't. My on pre is to put water on my face before I lather. It's all a your mileage may vary thing. Do what works for you.

Welcome, Tom!

I'm a regular user of pre-shave oils and pre-shave creams. I tend to apply these products post-shower.
I have used both of these types of pre-shave products for the past 12 months fairly consistently, and in my own personal experience, I prefer to use them than not.
Why? The extra layer of protection and glide the oil provides is added insurance for my sensitive skin. I don't have a thick beard, but it doesn't take much for me to develop skin rash.
Regular use of these pre-shave products plus good-quality shave soaps have all but eliminated my experiencing post-shave irritation and red rash.
Although I make both of these products (ps oil and ps cream), my preference is the cream (a combination of shea butter, lanolin, jojoba oil, vitamin e) which provides an excellent additional barrier for my skin against the onslaught of the razor.

Tubs of Pre-shave cream (L), and pump-bottle pre-shave oil (R)...

Kevin, have you posted the recipe for your re-shave cream? If so, can you please put a link to it, in this thread? If not, would you post it? Thanks.

I use pre-shave everyday. For me, it makes a difference.

Sara, I'm awaiting for the mail to deliver a few essential ingredients before I make another big batch of the PS cream. My plan is to make a thread with the recipe(s) I'm using—plus the usual photos of the process.
Pre-shave cream, post-shave balm, and anything else that comes to mind....

The PS cream is similar to the recipe I used for the shea butter cream I made for my wife (I stole the photo from that thread to post above as it looks very similar to the PS cream) last July.
I need to check the exact PS cream recipe, though, since its been a while. The shea butter cream (below) works well enough as a ps cream, but the addition of the lanolin improves the lasting feel on the face and ,IMO, a better 'barrier.'
Shea Butter Cream

I would love that recipe too =) we're waiting =D

How do you add vitamin e? =P

As an oil—a natural preservative, plus additional skin benefits.

I need to start using mine on my neck... I forgot I had any

Ahh, never mind. Noway i will find that here...

Sure you will, just like I did - Amazon UK is your friend.

If you can't find it, lemme know and I'll check with my bookmarks when I get in front of my computer ;-)