I got hooked on using shaving oil a while back, but have seen no mention of it here. I use either soap or cream (haven't really settled on which I like best) but will use oil on my subsequent passes for baby smooth. I am currently using Truefit and Hill, but started with Mont Source. What is the general view on using oil here?
Oil
- Thread starter bill mcdill
- Start date
I've seen several who use it as a pre-treatment and some who use it as the only medium (instead of soap or cream).
Purpose sold shaving oil seems to be expensive, and, as a pre-treatment is a little controversial as to its benefits.
I've see some advocate using olive oil alone, but it apparently makes a real mess of the sink and razor.
Since there are some straight razor users who will do their final ATG pass with water only, I don't see any reason why oil wouldn't work. I think I can safely say that most of us rinse and reapply soap/cream lather for the multiple passes.
Welcome aboard, by the way.
- Chris
Purpose sold shaving oil seems to be expensive, and, as a pre-treatment is a little controversial as to its benefits.
I've see some advocate using olive oil alone, but it apparently makes a real mess of the sink and razor.
Since there are some straight razor users who will do their final ATG pass with water only, I don't see any reason why oil wouldn't work. I think I can safely say that most of us rinse and reapply soap/cream lather for the multiple passes.
Welcome aboard, by the way.
- Chris
I use Shave Secret as a preshave. I tried the T&H and was unimpressed with the results, ditto straight olive oil. Shave Secret however really adds something to my repertoire and I notice the difference in shave quality when I have not used it.
- Thread starter
- #4
I learned this technique from a barber in New Orleans who gave me the best hot towel shave I have ever had. I am surprised it is not widely used.
Jeez, you got guys talking about their Plisson brushes, they cost more than my first car
Thanks Chris, bill
Jeez, you got guys talking about their Plisson brushes, they cost more than my first car
Thanks Chris, bill
If you search around you will find many discussions on shave oil. Check also the reviews section for specific products. I have personally found it unnecessary (and overpriced in the case of the T&H stuff I had).
I think you can find a few reviews on B&B about shaving oil.
I used the product for a while. I have to agree with Chris, olive oil does the trick. Even Canola oil should do the trick if you don't want to use that liquid gold! And yes, it's pricey if you look at how much oil you get vs how many shaves vs what it does.
I made my own for a while and realised that a hot towel was more efficient than pre-shave oil for my prep. I also used the oil instead of lather and I prefer lather.
I used the product for a while. I have to agree with Chris, olive oil does the trick. Even Canola oil should do the trick if you don't want to use that liquid gold! And yes, it's pricey if you look at how much oil you get vs how many shaves vs what it does.
I made my own for a while and realised that a hot towel was more efficient than pre-shave oil for my prep. I also used the oil instead of lather and I prefer lather.
I used Musgo oil for a while but then I discovered Proraso Pre/Post. That little gem has been part of my shave for the last year. Good stuff!
I remember back in the days, I thought using oil was the only way for me not to get razor burn or irritation, I bought 5 of those king of shaves, from a friend. They worked fine, (just didn't like how my basin was left).
Anyway, I decided not to use oil one day, and haven't done it ever since.
I think I only needed to get used to the blade, and technique.
By the way I ussually do 4 passes, and I have not had irritation, or razor burn for like 2 months.
Anyway, I decided not to use oil one day, and haven't done it ever since.
I think I only needed to get used to the blade, and technique.
By the way I ussually do 4 passes, and I have not had irritation, or razor burn for like 2 months.
- Thread starter
- #10
Be a while before I'll try going against grain w/o oil but maybe my technique needs improvement
Olive oil makes going for BBS on the ATG touch up easier for me.
I used only shaving oil with a cartridge razor and enjoyed it much. The skin feels smooth and nourished after the shave.
Switching to DE and recently to SR shaving I use oil and soap or shaving cream. It makes the blade glide better over the skin and reduces the "aggressiveness" of the alkaline soaps and creams.
I usually make my own shaving oil. You can use olive oil, but I prefer whet germ oil or jojoba oil. And I add essential oils for a nice fragrance. If you like you can add D-Panthenol or Bisabolol which promote woung healing. But it is more important that this substances are in your aftershave product, because this will stay longer on your skin.
Switching to DE and recently to SR shaving I use oil and soap or shaving cream. It makes the blade glide better over the skin and reduces the "aggressiveness" of the alkaline soaps and creams.
I usually make my own shaving oil. You can use olive oil, but I prefer whet germ oil or jojoba oil. And I add essential oils for a nice fragrance. If you like you can add D-Panthenol or Bisabolol which promote woung healing. But it is more important that this substances are in your aftershave product, because this will stay longer on your skin.
its also worth remembering that oils can clog up brushes and make it harder to get a good lather
Since I've never used oil as a preshave, just for touch up after the lather is gone, that's not an issue for me.
- Thread starter
- #15
Thanks for the thoughts, I'm going to try making up my own concoction, you guys have convinced me that the $ spent on commercial products are best spent on beer or some other truly necessary items
In my pre-DE days (not that long ago!) I'd shave while in the shower, I frequently used straight almond oil and had good success with it.
