Shaving Oil

[tac006]

Not sure if this is the right section of this forum for this topic, but I figured "shaving cream" wasn't quite right either...

Have any of you tried shaving oils such as Ultimate Shaving Oil or Shave Secret Oil? I saw some Shave Secret Oil in the store yesterday and since it is something I've never used before decided to spend the $3 and pick up a bottle. I used it today and was both impressed, but also disappointed.

http://www.shavesecret.com/
http://www.ultimate-shave.com/

Impressed - I thought the oil gave great lubrication to the skin and definitely gave a great, smooth shave without having to make any additional passes. My skin felt soft afterward and moist without being oily. The cleanup process was easy as the oil is applied with hands rather than a brush and even the hair in the sink after the shave was easier to clean than normal. The cost/quantity is also pretty good. Bottle was $3 and shaving only requires 3 to 5 drops, so I imagine that this will last me quite a while.

Disappointed - The shaving experience I enjoy was not as nice as what it normally is. Shaving creams definitely smell better and the act of brushing on warm shaving cream is definitely more pleasant than the oil. Also, this particular shaving oil has a "hint of menthol" (according to the bottle), but when first applied, the menthol came on a little more pungent than what I would have liked. Normally, I like menthol pretty well, but I guess the combination of menthol with the natural oils created a sent that was no where near as pleasant as shaving cream.

Anyway, back to my original question... Have any of you used oils? How do you like them? I think I'm definitely going to need to use the oil a few more times. I definitely prefer cream, but must admit that the $3 spent on this oil was not a waste.

 

[Lakebound]

I used Somerset's pre shave oil for the first two months and haven't used any oil after that. Instead, I concentrated on what was really important and crucial to a good shave; moisturizing/proper skin preparation.

For me, using pre-shave oil was a crutch or worse, an excuse to skimp on my preps. Instead of oils which clogged up my razors, I spent extra time in the shower washing my face with quality moisturizing soaps and then, allowing my shave cream to sit on the face longer while I prepped/loaded my razor.

I don't miss the pre-shave oils at all, I don't need them any longer. Some here love them and in the end, it is really about what works best for you.

Best of luck, and best regards.

Frank

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

I've used a couple and didn't think much of them. Didn't give as much lubrication as a well applied lather, no cushioning to speak of, not as luxurious an experience and gunked up my razor. YMMV, but not for me.

 

[Cagliostro]

I've got shave secret and I find it works excellent, surprised me when I first bought and used it...just an oil works? Why yes, it can and pretty darn well if you know your technique well. Of course it isn't as good as a cream or a soap (What do you expect...seriously?) But in a pinch and when in a hurry or so on I find it works well enough to get a pretty good shave, the scent I like it is a warm scent...only thing is I dislike is...I have to wash my razor with soap and water after and the blade has to be cleaned well or tossed usually I blot it the blade until most residue is visually gone. So yeah a bit more meh on clean up, but it dose work and not too shabby. I haven't tried any others, well some samples of Trufitt and Hill oils...but that stuff to me was like cooking oil...I didn't care for them lol.

 

[RVshave]

Started out using it and didn't think it provided any extra lubrication so PIFed to a person just getting started. Make sure you make good lather and you'll get all the cushion and glide you'll need.

 

[tac006]

I used Somerset's pre shave oil for the first two months and haven't used any oil after that. Instead, I concentrated on what was really important and crucial to a good shave; moisturizing/proper skin preparation.

For me, using pre-shave oil was a crutch or worse, an excuse to skimp on my preps. Instead of oils which clogged up my razors, I spent extra time in the shower washing my face with quality moisturizing soaps and then, allowing my shave cream to sit on the face longer while I prepped/loaded my razor.

I don't miss the pre-shave oils at all, I don't need them any longer. Some here love them and in the end, it is really about what works best for you.

Best of luck, and best regards.

Frank

This isn't marketed as a pre-shave oil, but as a replacement for shaving cream. Similar to you, I've never been a fan of pre-shave oil, but this particular oil didn't clog my razor (to my surprise) and left my skin pretty moist. This next question may be somewhat novice, but as I'm not overly familiar with oils it might be helpful for me to know... Is there a big difference between pre-shave oil and shaving oil?

 

[Cagliostro]

There might be but I am not sure, I have used a pre shave oil but do not recall the exp oddly, I don't like the idea of dragging my brush through oil...that's just me lol.

 

[deruitem]

I tried it for prep but decided that a shower works just as well and well I already do that anyway

 

[u2u]

I have used a number of them over the years. Most are beneficial except when face lathering using a stick or soap. Save the pre-shave oil for use with creams, face or bowl lathering, and soaps when bowl lathering. My current supply, in order of preference is:

NOS Zirh,
Simpson Naturally Vitalising Pre-Shave Oil,
Gentlemen's Tonic Babassu and Bergamot Pre Shave oil,
Truefitt & Hill Ultimate Comfort Pre-Shave oil,
Art of Shaving Lavender Pre-Shave oil.

I probably won't replace the T&H or AoS. The Zirh is my favourite but has been off the market for years. Simpson has been very very expensive but each tube came with an included Manchurian brush!

No razor clogging or brush issues in my experience.

Scent wise, the Gentlemen's Tonic gives a pleasant, yet subtle, start to the shave routine.

 

[gus1942]

My only pre shave product is water and a loofa sponge.

 

[Ron Scott]

Oil doesn't make sense. It inhibits hydration, which is what you want to promote!

 

[Sled_Dog]

What I've started doing, with great success, is applying pre-shave oil in the shower after washing. My skin really becomes supple, and when I get wet and lather up the blade just glides along. Sometimes I wonder if I have the wrong angle because I'm not feeling any friction.

 

[coloradomonkey]

Shave Secret is how I originally found B&B a year ago or so. I liked it so much I Googled it to find out more about the ingredients and Google led me here. Needless to say that got me reading more and more and pretty soon I ordered a DE and some Proraso and now I only use SS when I travel. But it really works well. I just love the whole process of wet shaving too much to use SS very often.

I do enjoy my homeade preshave oil, however. My skin can be pretty dry and I like the feel of the oil.

 

[Early Morning]

Oil doesn't make sense. It inhibits hydration, which is what you want to promote!

Some oils are considered to be emollients because they help to retain water within the hair shaft. I think in terms of shaving, the question is how fast does one apply them, at what temperature, and whether or not certain oils increase or decrease the force to cut. Obviously, they should be applied after the face has been washed to strip off the existing fatty-acids, but if the oil is too thick, it is increasing rather than decreasing friction on the surface of the skin. It is a complicated subject worth keeping an open mind about. If there is an oil that is non-irritating and reduces the force to cut, it's worth adding to one's pre-shave regimen, in my opinion.

 

[aussie]

I have used King of Shaves Oil with Fusion cartridges and this combination is awesome. The oil also serves as an AS. It's totally the opposite with a DE razor.

I do understand that some shave oils are intended to be used under regular lather, but I haven't tried and so therefore am unable to comment.