I'm not impressed or convinced about pre-shave oil either. I stick with my shower bodywash to set things up.
Feb 17th '52 Canadian Tech w Astra (1) WD High Mountain Badger Tcheon Fung Sing Maestro Miche Thayers Unscented Stirling Gentleman Balm Day for of the humble Canadian Tech focus. Day one with Astra. Unlike the SS, not a noticeable difference switching from Voskhod to Astra. The TFS is one of my favourite soaps, and I had it even when I shaved with carts. Nice, relable lather. The 3 pass shave itself was nice, however, right at the end, for the first time ever, I actually cut myself. Have had tons of weepers, but this was a cut. Right below my ear, and I think I got myself with the exposed side of the blade. Dusted off the styptic and put on the great-scented balm. Have a great day all!
Paul, hang with the Slim and you'll get it. May I humbly suggest that you shave only with the Slim for the rest of the month? I predict this will quicken your skill development.
I think I need to be more "gradual" than that, Charlie. Like making it through a successful full pass first. So I'm not sure about doing it with just the Slim through the remainder of the month, but I will say I did feel good about its use today.
Lots of good comments about not needing Pre Shave Oils, and for the most part I agree. However, I do still use PSOs when it is really cold and dry in the winter here. I'll take any moisturizing I can get at -25!
That is interesting. I find that with the AOS especially and somewhat with the TOBS, the preshave oil helped. Stirling is so slick on its own that it might not need it. It might be a soap by soap basis as to its need.
I use preshave oil in the winter at times, mainly when I am battling dry skin, and usually in spurts. I think it definitely has an adverse effect on first pass lather, and it seems more pronounced with Stirling. I do not think it has any positive effect on the shave itself, other than occasionally a matched scent oil adds to the overall shave. I never really noticed this shaving with a safety razor, but you can definitely feel it with a Shavette. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I have used PSO with both TOBS (Eton College) and AOS (Ocean Kelp), and it seems to me about the same using it or not. It is one of those areas that if you notice a difference, then use it, if not, then you can still use it if you want. That's the great thing about shaving: Lots of ways to shave...I mean...skin a cat.
I'm with them. I used half a small bottle of Shave Secret. Not being a fan of Bay Rum, the scent I was getting from the product, I quit using it. Didn't notice any difference in my shaves, reduced one step from my procedure, and avoided the clove scent. I was thinking someone will come along and say they like it. It wouldn't be a thing unless there was a market and users. If it works for you, then it's good stuff. Have you found a post shave product that adds to your moisturizing?
I agree with that as well Paul. I switched cold turkey on Feb 1 and doubt I will go back to the electric I had before nor the Mach3 some time ago. I also find that a DE razor requires you to have skill to get a good shave. That can only be obtained with practice. For me, I do a 3 pass shave every day in part because my technique could be better and I am sure I am changing the angle as I shave causing the blade to miss certain spots. All together, they get everything. On the tough spots, chin, upper lip and jawline, I sometimes need a touch up. In all, I find the DE to give me a closer shave to the point where I might be able to go another 1/2 day without being that bad. For me, I have been a daily shaver since I needed to start shaving. Buying a bit more time is nice. You need to commit and not look back. Leave some extra time until the skill develops and you will get faster and better as you do it. I know these past 17 shaves has paid dividends for me. My first shaves took close to 1/2 hour if you include all the steps I do. I also make lather pretty slow. Now, I think I cut 10 mins off and if I use a cream, I could do a 3 pass in 15 mins. without any sensation of rushing. Best of luck and enjoy the process!!!
My experience has been limited. AOS PreS seems to make my dried skin better and I do find I get cut less. Then again, this may turn out to be a winter thing only. I tend to perspire much in the summer and adding oil then might not help. Time will tell. For now, I am switching to making my own once the unscented runs out. Since it is easy to make and it seems to help, I will continue. At the same time, it is hard to quantify the PreS. I started with an AOS medium sandalwood kit. I followed the directions and now here I am with wet shaving. AOS was first used with my electric and it really helped it get a closer shave than ever before. and yes, the oil was used before the Panasonic 8423A electric shave. And No, it did not clog or have any adverse affects to it. In all, the cream and PreS gave that electric a closer shave. For DE shaving, I have just continued with what worked there. Skin has had lots less ingrown hairs , less razor burn and my skin feels softer all day. ain't broke , don't fix it I guess.
I would recommend the same thing. At least complete your shave with it. Touch up with the cart if you need to, but do the actual shave with the Slim. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Absolutely. Have balms that are great. Was just pointing out that on really cold, dry mornings I do notice a difference on starting my shave out with a little PSO before I lather up. As with everything else, YMMV...
If it is working for you I would keep using it. The entire trick is to pick a setup and go at for 30 shaves without changing. Each time a variable changes it just increases the time before everything clicks into place. Once you have a very good base line established you will be able to change one thing at a time and judge the results.
