OK, I have been experimenting with a number of oils and pre-shave products the last month and I've come to the conclusion that they really don't do much for me. I even tried Leisureguys's pure glycerin approach. Some performed better than others in terms of razor pull and such and some were better at hydration put nothing jumped out at me as "superior." I found with adequate pre-shave preparation as outlined by a number of people, you should be OK. Personally, and note I said personally, everyone is different and you may get different results. I have found for myself that doing the prep work right by keeping my face hydrated and lathering properly is all I needed. I do however, use some Proraso pre-post cream or glycerin just before my cleanup work to give my face a little extra protection since this will be the 4th time over my face with a razor. Again, this was a personal experiment and what works for you might be different. I'm still open for products suggestions though. I have to maintain my shopping for shaving products fix although I think I can know spend a few more dollars in other areas like more Mama Bear soaps.
I agree with you.... with one caveat. Most, if not all, of the preshave oil products out there contain one or more ingredients that frankly...don't belong in a preshave treatment. Olive oil -> too heavy Castor oil -> too heavy Grapeseed oil -> has astringent properties Meadowfoam oil -> rejuvenates/heals hair tBHQ -> chemical/carcinogenic I happen to find that a good preshave oil is very beneficial to my shaves, especially in the winter when my skin tends to be dry. No matter how much hot water I splash on my face, its still dry and can lead to a crappy shave. Using the "right" oil/oils can not only allow you to shave dry/sensitive skin, but it will allow for poor technique (bad angle) or a bum-blade. I ended up developing my own recipe, after quite a bit of research and trial & error. It also includes things that help to heal your skin and soothe bumps/irritations. The cumulative effect of all these beneficial qualities (in addition to further protecting your skin from the blade - above and beyond a good lather) leads to much healthier skin. Moreover, I was not able to shave every day consistently until I was using a preshave. My skin has never looked better (or smoother)
I have found that nothing beats hot towels , a hot shower, or a good hot wash. Pre shave oils give glide...but don't really soften the bristles. Softer bristles give a closer first pass and longer blade life......but then I am preaching to the converted!
-> I have developed my own and am working with a vendor to make it available to the public As far as what is currently/readily available - I would recommend you use a small amount of avocado or almond oil. This is far cry from the list of action-packed ingredients that is contained in my recipe....but it will work, if in a pinch. -> Part of the trick to making a preshave work is in the application as well. Its best to have wetted your face, and pour/drip some of the oil into a wetted hand (key) as well. If your hand is not wet, the oil will absorb into your hand rather than your face. I feel this step right here is part of the reason why most people scoff at preshave oils - they never get the full benefit of them because they end up with oiled hands instead of face.
Hmm...is Illinois is becoming wet shaving world domination headquarters? I knew I felt some extra energy last week as I drove from O'Hare up to Rockford. You don't find that the oil gums up the blade at all?
LOL Olive Oil could possibly? My blades rinse very clean....and possibly stay sharper than they did previously. Oil is used to preserve metals....ever notice how the blue Gillette Swedes are "oily" when you slide them out of the dispenser? Also, to address the "oil in the badger" issue - oil is a natural and necessary component of all hair. Any excess will get washed out with the lather.
Good luck on the product development. I'll be sure to give it a try. You're right, I found Sweet Almond Oil and Avocado oil did better than most and I made sure my face and hands were wet when I applied the oil. I have found that wet hands when applying any pre-shave or post-shave product worked better.
I started wet shaving with The Art of Shaving products, which includes a preshave oil in their suggested product regimine. It worked well with the Mach III at the time, or maybe I just didn't know better. The only oil I've found since then that I enjoyed using was the T&H Ultimate Comfort. It had a nice light citric aroma and the oil itself was very light and easy to apply without feeling sticky or goopy. The downside of course being the price.
+1 on the pre-shave oils. A lot of shaving purists frown upon them. But the PSOs I've tried have really helped improve the quality of my shaves. Two in particular, Em's and King of Shaves, are excellent IMO. Of course, I'm still waiting for TJ to hook this brutha up!
#12 was used today, but based on some of your feedback I am trying to source a couple different ingredients Thanks for your input buddy :happy088
Pre-Shave oil homemade I heard you could mix Almond oil, Catrol oil and olive oil to make your own preshave. You wet your face, massage it in, lather, shave. Rinse and repeat. Is this true? Also, the guy above, who's name I can't recall and can't see right now....did you ever make your oil available to the public yet. I would be interested in trying some. I also would be interested in deigning a web page for you....if the oil is good. LOL
