Does anyone use pre shave oiles. What are the benefits of using them. I've been using a straight razor for about three weeks and I'm wondering if it would help. Also can you make it ?
I used the KOS mint oil when I first started, but I quit using it because I did not see much benefit, nor can I tell you what the benefit is. I have heard of people using them and making them, but I have no recipe. If you want, I can fire you off what is left of my KOS....PM if interested.
Though not an oil, I use the TSD SubZero Pre-Shave Balm for my weekend SE shaves, straight and single edge. Provides a little more lubrication for a bit more glide of the blade. I like it for its cooling menthol, as well.
BTDT & Q Been There Done That and Quit... I saw no measurable improvement from using pre-shave oil.. I used the AoS and KoS oils and it seemed to do no more than add another step with no dividend.
Never used a pre-shave oil but I do hear Olive Oil ain't that bad. Not sure if I would try it but some like it.
I have been experimenting with two different oils to reach two different targets. The first is Someests shave oil, Awesome feeling that really wakes you up and helps to get a softer bristle, Very handy for monday mornings shaving. The second is pure coconut oil, Really helps to reduce irritation if you are getting that issue, I do on occassion now, but can usually tell by the first pass whether I need it or not. I also like the smell of coconut.
Tried a few (King of Shaves and Shave Secret) and found no benefit for me. As a pre-shave treatment I find that lesser quality shaving creams seem to work okay. There is an Every Man Jack cream I bought that doesn't work too well as a shaving cream but works well as a beard softening treatment. Hair conditioner works really well too. Goes to show that you shouldn't throw anything out.
I have the every man jack shave cream from a couple of years ago I'll have to try that. I'm also ordering some TSD sub zero preshave balm and jeff is sending me some KOS oil. Thanks everyone !
I have experimented with castor, olive and grapeseed oils, separately and in combinations. I found castor to be the best beard softener, and grapeseed to be the best skin protector (especially my neck which is problematic). My current blend is 50-50 castor and grapeseed.
I have been using the Castle Forbes non-oil) pre-shave lately. I've experimented with Anthony's pre-shave, Jack Black Beard conditioner, Pacific, Keils and Proraso. I apply them, then use a hot towel on top for 40 seconds, then lather my face and begin pass 1 of 3. I think they help smoothness.
I am using The Art of Shaving's pre-shave oil for shaving with the DE and with the SE razors, have not done so yet when shaving with a straight.
I use the Art Of Shaving pre shave oil once in a while...I think it helps when I use a straight razor. When you think about it the oil can only help not hurt.
I use Truefitt and Hill pre shave oil, works for me, expensive , but works, and you need very small amount per shave, so should last long time Tried Castle forbes water soluble- does not do much at least for my beard. There's different recipes for home made pre shave oils available.
In the same boat. I love Truefitt & Hill's pre-shave oil. It actually helps in giving me a smooth shave and I had the Castle Forbes pre-shave which wasnt as good and had a weird smell to it.
I've tried several. Pleasant, but very little difference to my shave. But the only way to know if they suit you is to try some yourself.
I recently bought the Art of Shaving pre-shave oil (sandlewood). I do find a positive difference in the shave & the way my face feels afterward. It's a fairly subtle difference but anything that makes the shave easier & less irritating is worthwhile, IMO. I also bought their shaving cream & am liking it, too.
I have been seriously considering some preshave oil or cream...I have tried using hair conditioner in the shower before my shave but don't feel like it helps very much
