[Droogie]

Hey all,

I have been using a str8 razor to shave for a few years now and i actually was a member of the original yahoo group and just got away from the forum for a while, anyways i have been using the classic shaving gold soap for a while because it seems to be one of the few soaps that doesnt burn my skin. I have been quite happy with the results but i have been thinking that maybe a pre-shave product of some kind applied under my soap lather would give me a closer smoother and more comfortable shave. ive been looking at T$H oil and the CF pre- shave and was wondering if any of you have used either and if you had any problems with irritation caused by the product and if you have used either which is a better product. I just wanted to get some feedback before i drop $40 bucks on one and find out that i just burns my skin. Thanks in advance for any feedback guys.

[riooso]

I have found that Proraso pre-shave is great. My skin is not very sensitive so no issue there. I use it every time I shave. I like oil but I use it a little different than most guys I think, I apply about 20 minutes before my shower then go ahead and shower like normal. The biggest thing, for me, has been the realization that I get better shaves if my skin is in good shape. I use Nivea X-Tra aftershave balm and it has been great for my skin. I have been getting outrageous shave this last week and am loving it.



Later,
Richard

[jnich67]

I used to use AOS pre-shave oil, but found it didn't really make any difference. It just tended to gunk things up. I do apply Proraso pre/post and let it sit while I strop. I then rinse with hot water and just lather with soap/cream. I find if I use a good quality soap or cream, I don't need anything else. I'd rather spend my money on the soaps or cream. This is just my experience. YMMV


Jordan

[Ockham]

I have a very sensitive skin, and the use of a pre-shave oil really changed my appreciation of shaving... I had no irritations nor razor burns... I am currently using the T&H and the AOS pre-shave oils: the AOS is a little more "oily" than the T&H, which has more scent (citrus fruits if I'm not mistaken) than the AOS (I am using the unscented version)... but I like them both.

Next, I'll try the The Gentlemens Refinery pre-shave oil, which seems to be very good also...

Hope this helps.

[gssixgun]

With sensitive skin myself I am pretty careful, my pre-shave of choice for the past 8 months has been plain olé' Noxema.....

[fccexpert]

Shave Secret. You can get it at WalMart for about $2.00. Works great.

[Seraphim]

I got a bottle of Jojopba oil ($12), a bottle of sweeet almond oil($6)l, and a bottle of vitamin E($3.50).

I use about 1/2 sweet almond oil (slippery stuff often used in massage therapy) 1/4 Jojoba (oil matches skin's natural oils), and 1/4 Vitamin E (for nourishuing goodness!).

Works good for me!

[Droogie]

Where do you get those items at Seraphim? Sounds interesting. Think theres any problem with skin irritation for those with sensitive skin?

By the way thanks for all the responses so far to the rest of you guys!

[Seraphim]

Jojoba and the sweet almond oil I get at Whole Foods. The vitamin E you can get at your local CVS in the hand/facial lotions section.

[Dewey]

EZ and Great pre-shave oil:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a few drops of Lavender Essential Oil (not necessary for the shave but it makes it smell great!)

Just about two or three drops smoothed over your dampened beard works great under your lather. And the price is extremely reasonable. The Essential Oil is available at Hobby Lobby.

[BeBerlin]

Originally Posted by Droogie

ive been looking at T$H oil and the CF pre- shave and was wondering if any of you have used either and if you had any problems with irritation caused by the product and if you have used either which is a better product.

I've been using CF's pre-shave for 5 months now (along with the rest of their product range), and I really quite like it. For me, the pre-shave makes for a more pleasant shave. And if you apply minimum amounts, your skin does not look freshly oiled for 12 hours afterwards.

I also gave the full AOS product range a whirl, and was rewarded with everything from razor burn to zits. Admittedly, I only tried it for a week, but the experience was less than encouraging. Also, while the CF pre-shave - at least for me - feels very comfortable to the touch and smells of, well, nothing, AOS's felt like glue, smelt horrible, and was generally unpleasant to work with.

Caveat: I only switched to straight shaving from DE's in December, so I may have done something completely wrong, and AOS may have the best products in the world.

[Seraphim]

Originally Posted by Seraphim

I got a bottle of Jojopba oil ($12), a bottle of sweeet almond oil($6)l, and a bottle of vitamin E($3.50).

I use about 1/2 sweet almond oil (slippery stuff often used in massage therapy) 1/4 Jojoba (oil matches skin's natural oils), and 1/4 Vitamin E (for nourishuing goodness!).

Works good for me!

I also just added some olive oil to the mix for good measure!

I have also been trying adding a second oil application just prior to lathering up before my ATG final pass. Seems nice, and my skin has never been silkier

[leadduck]

With all due respect to fccexpert and others who like Shave Secret, it did nothing for me. But for two and a half bucks, it's worth a try.

[RoyalKooparillo]

I also have very sensitive skin and I've found that pre-shave products really help to reduce irritation/redness. I've used CF pre-shave for a few months and although it helps, it's a bit pricey and not quite as effective as other products, IMHO.

TGR's pre-shave oil is one that stands out for me. It has a nice, citrusy scent and it lubes up my face like crazy. This stuff has really helped me get irritation-free BBS shaves lately. It also leaves my skin feeling hydrated and smooth after the shave.

Hope that helps!

[psdarby]

I have very sensitive skin and like using preshave products. I'm a big fan of CFs preshave. It's water soluble which works very well for me, as oils tend to cause my skin some problems.