Hi All, So, I've been working on my DE shaving for about three months now. I've worked my way through a whole tub of Edwin Jagger Hydrating Preshave Lotion. I have to say that I like it but, it doesn't seem to stay slick long enough. I would like to try something else but I just had a bad experience with a different shaving cream so I'm a little leary. I have used T&H Ultimate Comfort cream since I started because it's unscented. I purchased a tub of Dreadnaught after seeing good reviews only to use it a few times and notice dark blotchy patches in my skin and a very irritated looking face. I immediately switched back to my T&H and my face cleared back up. So, looking for a preshave is a bit daunting. I was actually thinking about trying the TSD Sub Zero stuff or maybe Proraso Pre/Post but, I'm gun-shy. I actually heard that the Proraso might not be as slick so I was leaning towards the TSD. What do you guys think? I have heard awfully good things about JoAnna's creations and there's nothing in it that should hurt me... Or, should I try something else? I'm not usually this indecisive but, I don't like paying good money for something only to chuck it... Oh, and BTW I'm really enjoying the shave experience. I still have a lot to learn but, that will come with time...
I'd recommend trying the Proraso first. No offense to JoAnn, who makes wonderful products, but this way you could buy from a company that has a worldwide following and has incredibly high standards. Again, not to imply that JoAnn doesn't, this is just a statement. Also, you can try to Proraso for fairly cheap (for the small container), and if you like it you can upgrade to the barber size (300mL) for a really good price. Plus, the Proraso pre-shave does an excellent job of "patching" any scrapes that may come along as you shave. For my money, it's the best there is.
I've used both Proraso and Jack Black preshave. Honestly I found no difference between them or what I use as a preshave now "Corn Huskers Lotion". Well there was one difference, at the time Proraso and Jack Black cost about $13 for 3-3.5 oz, while "Corn Huskers" cost about $3 for 7oz. I'd suggest you try the "Corn Huskers" first it's much cheaper, you get ALOT more and if you don't like it for some reason you can still use it for your hands or if you do throw it away you won't loose a ton of money......
I've never used a preshave product per se, but if I were you I would seriously consider JoAnn's (TSD) preshave balm as your next preshave product. Just looking at the list of ingredients convinced me I need to try this stuff! I will definately buy some with my next order.
I use Proraso pre-shave and it seems to work really well, but like you mentioned about the product you use, it doesn't stay as slick as I would like. I recently tried my brothers AoS preshave oil and it was really nice. It was a little thicker then I like. I was on RoyalShave.com and placed an order for Cromwell & Cruthers Shaving Oil. I will give that a try next week. For the price (under $10) it's worth a shot. Be sure to keep me posted if you find something worth a try or try one of the ones I listed and like it.
I just picked up some Floids as I read some great reviews about it. How do you guys apply the pre shave oil? How many drops? Wet hands or dry hands? Wet face or dry face? How long do you massage in? Let it sit before applying lather? I don't I put it on right today, didn't see much of a difference. only used 3 drops and used dry hands, think most of it ended up getting absorbed into my hands
The TSD store has a worldwide following and JoAnna has incredibly high standards. Unlike Prorazo, JoAnna does not use preservatives in her products.
Hi guys, I apologize for not responding sooner. I think given my face's response to the dreadnaught cream that I had better try some of the TSD stuff first. At least I know what ingredients are in it and that there should be nothing for my skin to react to unless it's some weird allergic reaction that I don't know of... Thanks again... Oh, and this is another reason why I think I'll try the TSD stuff. I feel like I'm part of something when I post here and get such great responses. I feel like supporting TSD is a good thing and my purchase will help even if it is in a small way...
The Floid has been working good, the key is wet hands and a wet face. Then a little goes a long way and it forms a slick layer over your beard and neck. No issues gunking up my razor, or leaving a oily residue. Just apply as my scuttle is heating up and continue with my normal shave routine
I have been having some trouble with the Art of Shaving oil. I put a couple of drops on my face, wait a min or two, lather and the razor stops gliding; I get irritated on my face and in my veins. When I put on the less viscous The Body Shop's oil I get great results, I just need to put some in-between the runs.
I've heard the the AoS oil is on the thick side. So I don't think that's just you. Other formulas are thinner, there's instructions to make your own in the tutorial section. This would give you the ability to adjust the viscosity to your liking.
JoAnna or Sarah would probably be able to answer this question. I'm not sure. I would have never thought to add right to the bottle, your a smart man.
I do rinse, but it is still not smooth. Now I am wondering if olive oil or general mineral oil is better. Castor oil viscosity -- 1000 Olive oil -- 100-300 Mineral oil -- 75-150
I think you could. Just keep track of what you add, so you can repeat a result you like. (Or better yet, start making your own, when you use up the AoS.)
I know this is kind of a late update to this thread but, I got some TSD Sub-Zero and it's awesome. I actually got a side benefit from the directions that I probably wouldn't have otherwise. It says to wash off with soap so, after application and a hot towel I do a three pass as usual with nice slickness. Then, I use my face wash quickly before my cold rinse, alum and aftershave. I ended up with a side benefit that my breaking out on my neck is now clearing up slowly too. I have problems with breaking out over the summer due to allergies and oiliness so, we'll see how this summer goes with the new shaving process... Thumbs up to JoAnna!!!
Home made! You can look it up and it's pretty easy to make. If scent is not an issue, you don't even need to add essential oils in there.
