Pre-Shave Products

[rrester]

Hello,

Has anyone tried this product, http://www.ebay.com/itm/400570124943?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649 ? I am new to shaving with a safety razor and think I might need a pre-shave product because I get razor burn from time to time. What are the thoughts of the community on Pre-Shave products including the one I posted the link too?

Thanks,
Reuben

 

[ysuboy]

Reuben,
I think some of your razor burn issues are technique related. Whether its the angle you're holding the razor, using too much pressure or your lathering (if you are making your own) could be off.

Personally, the use of preshave does nothing for my shaves. I have some now that I am using simply because I bought it, realized it was all hype (my personal experience) and want to just use it up, without any intentions of purchasing more.

How are you finding the correct angle? Are you using pressure? If making your own lather are you using any methods to test if the lather is providing enough "slickness" for a comfortable shave? Also, what gear are you using and what is your prep before you shave?

 

[eezee]

Reuben,

I have been traditional shaving for 5 months now and here's my two cents.

I agree with ysuboy in that you need to evaluate your technique. When you think you're using no pressure, use a little less! Razor angle is very important as well. In addition I'd like to know what razor and blade you're using. Your technique may be fine but your skin may not like the blade. Everyone's skin doesn't necessarily like a super sharp blade like a Feather. I started out using a Merkur 47C and about a month ago tried one of the Kai blades, which have the reputation of being in the Feather category of sharpness. Everything went well, but man oh man, I can see where any pressure and you'd have a case of styptic stickitis!! I also have a friend that was getting a lot of razor burn with his Merkur 25C and Merkur blades. He tried a Derby blade and life is good.

Having said all of that, I've been using a pre shave oil. The brand is pricey, Art of Shaving, but it is a great product and I do notice a difference in the feel of my face when I don't use it. I have plans to try the Proraso pre shave cream and see how that works as well.

I don't know a thing about the product in your link. Here's a link to a site that I like a lot. It's not the cheapest site, but the fellow has a ton of great videos on YouTube, so I like supporting his business. I have no experience with this oil but I just tried some of their Tequila Lime Shave cream and it is fantastic. If the pre shave oil is as good as the shave cream, you'll be in business.

http://shavenation.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=12_42&products_id=52

Good Luck!

EZ

 

[pjp_t]

I really love Proraso sensitive. I believe it helps reduce irritation and leaves a nice menthol feeling.

 

[djh]

My favourite pre-shave products are soap and water. Normally applied in the shower.

 

[AABCDS]

When I started out, I had horrible technique. I tried to alleviate the problem by using The Art of Shaving pre-shave oil. That helped some. What helped more was using the correct technique.

 

[emt88]

I alternate between proraso and oil from maggard razors. While it does help, it won't be a cure all. Until I have good technique I am trying to use a good asb to help heal some of the damage I've done.

 

[rrester]

I have been using a shave factory tto with a derby blade, cremo cream shaving cream, and every man jack after shave. I agree it may be my technique. Thanks for the replies.

 

[aihpcfl]

My opinion: I'm almost certain you can shave without razor burn with no pre-shave provided you learn to lay off the pressure. That said, I won't argue with a guy who says the pre-shave makes his shave even better. So, work on technique, don't think product is going to compensate for bad technique, but once you master the technique use whatever you think gives you what you are looking for.

 

[Amzimbo]

I started using a pre-shave everyday about 18 months ago and it has helped enormously. I think the pre-shave helps retain water on your whiskers, thereby softening them up as much as possible. No razor burn, almost never a nick, rarely even a weeper. What's not to like?

 

[drawonme]

I use Proraso pre-shave if I have more than a 2 or 3 day growth. With my normal every day or every other day shave, it doesn't make a difference. Marty

 

[Opus_Y_&_Z]

I agree with the other comments regarding technique. That said, I find myself using Truefitt & Hill's preshave oil during the cold months of the year, especially when the air is drier and hence my skin can get dry and less pliable. My skin can sometimes suffer irritation and slight burn during these colder months, and I find that a little preshave oil can assist with this.

 

[deruitem]

It is worth a shot, my pre shave is just a face wash and hot water in the shower. Cold water shaving has helped my a lot though!

 

[The Dean]

I'm a firm believer in preshave products. They may not be necessary for some (many?) but they are a MUST for me,. They are no substitute for prep and technique, but they serve another purpose. If they help you, why not use them?

My advice is, use whatever works--but keep experimenting. You may find, over time, you do not need them. As I have been wet shaving for many years, I have concluded a good preshave oil is a necessary part of my prep. Still I occasionally try a shave without it. So far, I have not been pleased with those shaves.

 

[santamariasteve]

I have recently discovered the best pre-shave "product" is to wash one's face TWICE with soap and warm water before lathering up to shave. I let the lather set for one minute, and then I re-lather and shave.

 

[cooltide]

i have tried a few pre shave products and i feel that by and large they are a bit of a gimmick, best off getting a nice bottle of whiskey for the post shave

 

[seattleshaver]

If you feel that you need a pre-shave product just put some hair conditioner on your beard while you are in the shower. Cold water and light pressure is all I need if they neck area is starting to get sensitive.

 

[MartialArtist]

Not all preshave products are created equal many are just shave cream repackaged in a thinned suspension.
Two I highly recommend are "Prepare" by Zirh zirh.com and "Easy Slider" by Origins origins.com. These do add a layer of lube between skin and blade (but so should a good shave cream/soap) but the primary action is to soak into the hair and top layer of skin to soften and disrupt the tight connections between the cells. It makes the "cutting" part easier.
You can also make one of your own if you have a talent for making emulsions. Sesame seed oil (main ingredient of Zirh Prepare) works best as the primary component. Easy Slider by Origins uses Grape, Jojoba, Sesame, and Soybean oils in that order. (That is the one I use.)
BUT, it is not a matter of mixing oils, but rather emulsifying them together with water soluble extracts, which is tricky to do. That's why I pay for the ones these companies make.

 

[GellWroomed]

Pre-shave oil's/creams where to further soften the beard for the blade to slice through and to provide a glide with the blade on the skin if, you've got a few days growth. But like many have said for daily shaving its all in the technique.

 

[The Dean]

i have tried a few pre shave products and i feel that by and large they are a bit of a gimmick, best off getting a nice bottle of whiskey for the post shave

Don't you think calling something that doesn't' work for you "a gimmick" is a bit contrary to the YMMV spirit of this forum? It seems very dismissive, to me. Perhaps you didn't mean it that way, so I'll give you the benefit of the doubt. Not that I disagree with buying a bottle of whiskey--that's always a fine alternative use for any cash, IMO. I'll stick with the preshave oil and just find a slightly less expensive bottle of hooch.