King of Shaves oil as a pre-shave?

**Naked Ape** · 10-06-2009, 02:19 PM

Hi, fellas. I'd be particularly interested to hear opinions on the pros and cons of pre-shave approaches from all you seasoned scrapers and rookie razoristas out there.

I'm new to this art - only been 'reducing follicular mass' for just over a month. In the past week I've been experimenting with King of Shaves alpha oil, applying a few drops as an 'undercoat' to my cream. It seems to be making a difference of sorts: the shave is smoother and my face doesn't feel so dry or tacky during a pass.

Not tried the lather-under-hot-towel technique yet. Are there any other pre-shave approaches that have worked for you? Or do most of you regard it as an unmitigated waste of time?

Chin-Chin,

Nik

**auk1124** · 10-06-2009, 03:36 PM

I bought a bottle of their "Ultra Hybrid" oil to try as a preshave and honestly couldn't tell it was doing much of anything for my shaves.

But, strangely the stuff seems to do a great job as a POST-shave razor burn treatment. Very soothing and slimy-moisturizing if you apply a little to the affected sore spots. I've quit using it entirely pre-shave and now just keep it handy for razor burn treatment.

**Suzuki** · 10-06-2009, 03:37 PM

On the subject of pre-shaves, I have but one comment:

Meh...

**Ru4scuba?** · 10-06-2009, 04:11 PM

Originally Posted by Suzuki

On the subject of pre-shaves, I have but one comment:

Meh...

+1 to this...particularly with KoS. Not sure its more of a gimmick.

Kyle's Prep (search for it under the Shaving clinic) is probably THE only way to truly prep your beard.

I have some KoS pre shave oil under the sink. Thats where it has stayed since discovering Kyle's method.

**Naked Ape** · 10-06-2009, 04:18 PM

Thanks, guys. Auk, I'll try the alpha oil as a post-shave only, to see if it has any similar skin-soothing properties.

Regards

**Jim** · 10-06-2009, 04:19 PM

If you are getting better shaves with it, sub par lather is suspect.

**instpasr** · 10-06-2009, 04:22 PM

I was using shave secret for awhile but mostly as a post shave. I just recently got some truefit & hill shave oil and have been using it pre and post. I love it, my shave appears to be much better.

**Scotty** · 10-06-2009, 05:12 PM

I use Pacific pre-Shave Oil with great results!

**instpasr** · 10-06-2009, 06:40 PM

Originally Posted by Scotty

I use Pacific pre-Shave Oil with great results!

Which scent? How long does the scent stay around?
I lost my sense of smell and have to rely on the opinion of others as to what smells good.

**taffy** · 10-07-2009, 12:49 AM

I like pre shave oils and to me they make a differnce, did not rate kos that highly though but here in the uk in boots hacketts preshave oil is superb and only £2.99, currently using st james pre shave oil which retails at £15.99 but got 3 bottles at £4.99 at tk max though i dont think its as good as hacketts but if i dont use a pre shave i notice a big difference in my shaves.

**Naked Ape** · 10-08-2009, 09:36 AM

Originally Posted by taffy

I like pre shave oils and to me they make a differnce, did not rate kos that highly though but here in the uk in boots hacketts preshave oil is superb and only £2.99, currently using st james pre shave oil which retails at £15.99 but got 3 bottles at £4.99 at tk max though i dont think its as good as hacketts but if i dont use a pre shave i notice a big difference in my shaves.

Hi Taffy. Went searching for the Hacketts oil in Boots but it's all sold out. Never mind, picked up a Shaving Company shave cream in Poundland and it only set me back a quid!

**taffy** · 10-08-2009, 10:08 AM

Originally Posted by Naked Ape

Hi Taffy. Went searching for the Hacketts oil in Boots but it's all sold out. Never mind, picked up a Shaving Company shave cream in Poundland and it only set me back a quid!

Funny you should say that but i had a look as well but none about and its great stuff

**barneyb** · 10-08-2009, 10:17 AM

+1 for Pacific oil. It has a nice subtle, citrus smell. Great company as well.

**Scotchd** · 10-08-2009, 11:37 AM

I find shave oils to be helpful, and have used shave secret as a pre-shave.

I would rate shave oil as the 3rd or 4th most important item to get a great shave. It'll help, but it won't by itself make for a great shave.

Lo'Tek · 10-08-2009, 08:56 PM

After a shower I use natural oils - olive or avocado, then apply hot towel. This softens the skin really nicely. However, you have to wipe off excess oil from your face thoroughly or it can effect your lather body. I've noticed several pro oils that are just combinations of three or four such natural oils.

**Dshave4** · 10-20-2009, 09:21 AM

KoS hybrid oil isn't a preshave. its considered a hybrid cause its a mix of shave gel and oil in one. Use the KoS Alphaoil as a preshave next time. Great results!