I have been trying everything I can get my hands on to find that perfect mix for me of straight and DE razors, blade, soap, prep, technique, etc over the years. And I may have found it, but it's not at all what I expected. I've spent the last week shaving exclusively with the Village Barber Shave Oil. No soap, creme, brush or anything else. After a hot shower I wet my face, apply the oil and rub it in for about 30 seconds and then shave. I admit it's weird not having the lather but it's nice being able to see the sideburns and goatee perfectly. Now I've used pre-shave oil for awhile but never a true shave oil exclusively. Anybody else exclusively use a shave oil? I've found that I have almost no irritation whatsoever (with DE or Straight) and my face feels great afterwards. More so than even the most expensive and/or well known soaps and cremes that I own and use. Anyway, this is a new thing for me and I'm pleasantly surprised how well it works. I thought my face would be nasty oily and gross throughout the day doing this but that hasn't been the case at all. Anybody else experienced this same thing?
Shaving Oil - Is it the holy grail?
- Thread starter AZKB53
- Start date
I used oils when I used to shave with carts and it was OK, once I started with my disposable straight it wasn't so pleasant, granted I'm a newbie and probably due many things wrong (and blame it on the oil). I tend to like my shaves with lather, but wont oppose to use just the oil again if it provides good shaves.
One thing that deter me from continuing, was that I didn't find any other members that used only oil, and now I have some soaps and creams and brushes and would find it difficult return just to oil, but just because I really enjoy using the gear.
I will give it a go and see how it goes tomorrow...
One thing that deter me from continuing, was that I didn't find any other members that used only oil, and now I have some soaps and creams and brushes and would find it difficult return just to oil, but just because I really enjoy using the gear.
I will give it a go and see how it goes tomorrow...
I like it when I'm on the last shave for a blade. It doesn't necessarily make the shave closer, but it seems to improve comfort for me.
I have not heard of just oil for shaving, either. It is supposed to be a pre shave thing. But, if you had to, something is better than nothing.
I have used bar soap, dries face out.
I have used shampoo, not as slick.
Both tend to cause irritation, unless a good moisturizer is used, after.
I have used bar soap, dries face out.
I have used shampoo, not as slick.
Both tend to cause irritation, unless a good moisturizer is used, after.
Never tried just oil. Might give it a shot sometime.
He said shave oil, not pre-shave oil. Two different things. Shave oil is meant to be used in place of soap/cream, pre-shave oil is used under the lather to condition the skin.
x1
Pre-shave oil is widely recommended by some (including Kyle's Prep http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/9745-How-to-Pre-Shave-Prep)...but if you have the right shaving soap, pre-shave oil probably isn't necessary.
Maybe for some but not all. YMMV as with anything.
When I was still shaving with carts, I used almond oil on its own for quite a long time after I lost my brush and couldn't lather the soap anymore. It wasn't as good as with soap on top, but still remarkably better than canned creme. I would definitely do it again with my straight if that were all I had
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That's how the ancient Romans did it. Then, in about the first century AD*, barbarians from Gaul introduced soap and the world was plummeted into the dark ages.
A coincidence? I dunno.
*Pliny the Elder's Historia Naturalis
A coincidence? I dunno.
*Pliny the Elder's Historia Naturalis
Olive oil for shaving was used in the past in southern europe.
- Thread starter
- #15
Exactly, I was referencing a true shave oil, like Village Barber. I don't know who else makes a true shave oil but would like to try them. I still love a good lather, especially when I can take the proper time to enjoy a good shave with my straight. But my day to day shave is now with only shave Oil and my face feels great. I'm a serious road warrior for work so this makes my kit even simpler.
What is "shave oil" composed of? Are there additives that make it differ from pre shave oils?
I use homemade shave oil religiously. I apply it between passes, and find it's definitely my holy grail. My concoction is composed of: olive, almond, jojaba, peppermint and lavender oils, all of which are available at the supermarket.
I've been wet shaving since I was a teenager (now I'm over 40
) and noticed a couple of years ago that my skin changed and become a lot more sensitive. It didn't matter what I did, I suffered irritation. So I tried the oil, and found instant gratification. I've never looked back.
I've been wet shaving since I was a teenager (now I'm over 40
) and noticed a couple of years ago that my skin changed and become a lot more sensitive. It didn't matter what I did, I suffered irritation. So I tried the oil, and found instant gratification. I've never looked back.
Shave Secret. Available at some Wal Mart locations and online from some vendors. I've used it as a pre-shave oil extensively, but it's actually intended to be used on its own. I do use it on its own, in the shower, for... other... areas.
- Thread starter
- #19
I use homemade shave oil religiously. I apply it between passes, and find it's definitely my holy grail. My concoction is composed of: olive, almond, jojaba, peppermint and lavender oils, all of which are available at the supermarket.
I've been wet shaving since I was a teenager (now I'm over 40
Would love to get the details of that recipe PM'd to me if you wouldn't mind sharing. I'd love to try it out. I have also noticed that my skin is becoming less and less sensitive the more I use it.
So I did the just oil this morning, and I'm a bit torn with the results. It was less messy and I loved that I could see where I was shaving, but that became a problem since I did more smaller strokes without re-applying oil. I did get some irritation (maybe because of the extra strokes). I don't know... I will try it again on Monday when I have a full weekend beard.
I do enjoy the lather more thou.
BTW, I would like to try the Homemade racepie as well, if we are in the shearing mode
. I used Nuage Shaving Oil, I bought it in the UK, I think they are more into oils, since they have a few brands even in the supermarkets.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nuage-Shavi...=1413268081&sr=1-3&keywords=Nuage+Shaving+Oil
I do enjoy the lather more thou.
BTW, I would like to try the Homemade racepie as well, if we are in the shearing mode
. I used Nuage Shaving Oil, I bought it in the UK, I think they are more into oils, since they have a few brands even in the supermarkets.http://www.amazon.co.uk/Nuage-Shavi...=1413268081&sr=1-3&keywords=Nuage+Shaving+Oil
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