Castle Forbes Pre-Shave

[texbilly]

I recently received some Castle Forbes shave cream samples from Colonial Drug and Joseph was kind enough to include several extras, including CF Pre-Shave. Although I was skeptical based on my one experience with pre-shaves (T&H oil), I decided to give the CF a try.

Keeping my hardware setup intact, I applied the pre-shave two days in a row, skipped two days, then used it again to see if there was any noticeable difference. There was. I wouldn't say the affect was incredible by any means, but there was a noticeable improvement in smoothness and my razor and blade seemed to work more efficiently. Perhaps it's all in my head, but this stuff seems to work!

Joel wrote a nice review on this product back in 2006. Has anyone had any recent experience with Castle Forbes Pre-Shave?

 

[The Nid Hog]

I got a small bottle of it with my CF "Fly Kit." I have to say that I've been getting some excellent shaves lately. I hadn't put it down to the pre-shave, but it might just be helping. I'll have to try a few days on, then off to see if I feel a difference.

 

[texbilly]

I got a small bottle of it with my CF "Fly Kit." I have to say that I've been getting some excellent shaves lately. I hadn't put it down to the pre-shave, but it might just be helping. I'll have to try a few days on, then off to see if I feel a difference.

My sample was only enough for three applications but that was enough to get my attention and continue the experiment. Let me know how it works for you.

 

[JPM]

The SWMBO got me a bottle (and lime shaving cream and AS balm) for V-Day. I will try it soon and post my thoughts. I've heard good things about it.

 

[beginish]

I've been using it with virtually every shave for more than a year. I was skeptical as well until I did not take it with me on a week long vacation over the summer. I found my shaves to be a lot rougher than usual, even with a really good, cushioning soap like La Toja. When I got back, I did what you did, and ran a consecutive day comparison with the same kit +/- the Pre-Shave, and I got much better shaves with it.

 

[texbilly]

The SWMBO got me a bottle (and lime shaving cream and AS balm) for V-Day. I will try it soon and post my thoughts. I've heard good things about it.

Looking forward to your experience, John.

I've been using it with virtually every shave for more than a year. I was skeptical as well until I did not take it with me on a week long vacation over the summer. I found my shaves to be a lot rougher than usual, even with a really good, cushioning soap like La Toja. When I got back, I did what you did, and ran a consecutive day comparison with the same kit +/- the Pre-Shave, and I got much better shaves with it.

Bob, that's good to hear. It occured to me that the lotion could be compensating for a less-than-stellar prep on my part. Even so, this could be a great product to eliminate at least one variable.

 

[beginish]

Bob, that's good to hear. It occured to me that the lotion could be compensating for a less-than-stellar prep on my part. Even so, this could be a great product to eliminate at least one variable.

The effect is subtle, and you don't notice it until it's not there, sort of like during a bout of bad weather and all commercial air traffic is grounded. It suddenly sounds a lot more quiet than usual.

 

[JPM]

I used it for the first time today, and it seems to make the shave smoother. I normally use GFT Skin Food, and I have to say my beard felt softer after I used the preshave and applied a hot towel for 2-3 minutes (my usual routine). I got a very close shave with no irritation.

I suppose it could be my imagination, but it feels like it worked better than the Skin Food, even though I am a big Skin Food fan.

 

[petr]

I have used it often for two years.

My verdict is:

It does make the shave smoother. Some guys have said it is fancy glycerin, but I disagree. There is more to it than that.

What it does best is provides a closer shave. Noticeably so. Rumor is there is an ingredient that actually made the hair fatter (a laxative?) and swell before being cut - it would seem to be the case. It turns the hair into a wet noodle.

I do not think that it prevents razor burn that great. At least, not like a preshave oil like T&H, which definately protects the skin.

After being satisfied for so long with it, I finally got curious and began using the T&H in it's place. It is winter, my skin was in poor shape, and I needed some extra protection.

Overall, I think it is worth the price. It lasts a long time and gives that extra edge. Some guys use it as an aftershave and love it. I do this in the summer.

 

[texbilly]

I have used it often for two years.

My verdict is:

It does make the shave smoother. Some guys have said it is fancy glycerin, but I disagree. There is more to it than that.

What it does best is provides a closer shave. Noticeably so. Rumor is there is an ingredient that actually made the hair fatter (a laxative?) and swell before being cut - it would seem to be the case. It turns the hair into a wet noodle.

I do not think that it prevents razor burn that great. At least, not like a preshave oil like T&H, which definately protects the skin.

After being satisfied for so long with it, I finally got curious and began using the T&H in it's place. It is winter, my skin was in poor shape, and I needed some extra protection.

Overall, I think it is worth the price. It lasts a long time and gives that extra edge. Some guys use it as an aftershave and love it. I do this in the summer.

Excellent feedback, Terry. I think you've pushed me to buy a bottle.

 

[ProphetNoir]

I have also used CF pre-shave for about two years and, based on my experience with it, I would invest in it again. I like that fact that it is water based and doesn't feel tacky on my skin, nor does it affect my brush.

 

[texbilly]

I have also used CF pre-shave for about two years and, based on my experience with it, I would invest in it again. I like that fact that it is water based and doesn't feel tacky on my skin, nor does it affect my brush.

Yes Prophet, the fact that it contains no oil is big with me as well. In fact, now that I know more, I wonder if my impression of T&H pre-shave OIL was poor because of its affect on my lather, as many have implied.

 

[Evbo]

Perhaps it's all in my head, but this stuff seems to work! ... Has anyone had any recent experience with Castle Forbes Pre-Shave?

I've been using it with virtually every shave for more than a year. ... I got much better shaves with it.

it seems to make the shave smoother.

It does make the shave smoother.

I have also used CF pre-shave for about two years and, based on my experience with it, I would invest in it again. I like that fact that it is water based and doesn't feel tacky on my skin, nor does it affect my brush.

+as much as possible. I use it w/every shave -- it's become a staple. Sometimes I'll forget, and the shave is noticeably rougher. The stuff just works!

 

[Obsessed]

Can one get samples of this stuff anywhere?

 

[JPM]

Can one get samples of this stuff anywhere?

Vintage Blades sells the travel size bottle in a 1 ounce size. Haven't seen samples anywhere, though.

 

[Obsessed]

Vintage Blades sells the travel size bottle in a 1 ounce size. Haven't seen samples anywhere, though.

That should work. Thanks.

 

[Confilo]

I've used CF pre shave for a few years and it works plus it is not an oil. There was a time when it was hard to find but i'm glad is back in stock in most places

 

[texbilly]

Can one get samples of this stuff anywhere?

I got my unsolicited sample from Colonial Drug (617-864-2222) when I requested CF shave cream samples. It was good for three applications.

 

[The Nid Hog]

I've been using my travel bottle for a week now, but I haven't changed anything else in my routine. I feel like it's really adding something to my shave. Another great CF product!

 

[texbilly]

I've been using my travel bottle for a week now, but I haven't changed anything else in my routine. I feel like it's really adding something to my shave. Another great CF product!

I'm really impressed with every CF product I've used so far. I just ordered a bottle of pre-shave from Colonial Drug - on backorder - and have another nice sample on the way to tide me over. And the creams are second to none. (OK, my Pen's Blenheim Bouquet is pretty darn good!)