Anyone experienced with shaving oil?

[JanJosh]

Essentially, I was wondering if anyone might have experience shaving with oil instead of shave soap? I've heard of it being done with straight razors and if anyone has pointers, do let me in.

Also, can this be done with tea sead/camellia oil? I've heard that it's both been supposedly used with straight razor shaving in the past, but is also used with blade maintenance. Any say on that?

 

[High Rock Lather]

Essentially, I was wondering if anyone might have experience shaving with oil instead of shave soap? I've heard of it being done with straight razors and if anyone has pointers, do let me in.

Also, can this be done with tea sead/camellia oil? I've heard that it's both been supposedly used with straight razor shaving in the past, but is also used with blade maintenance. Any say on that?

I've never shaved straight off oil but I use the death grip brand shave oil as a preshave oil. I don't think the oil would be able to provide the same level of cushion I'm looking for in a shave.

 

[JanJosh]

I've never shaved straight off oil but I use the death grip brand shave oil as a preshave oil. I don't think the oil would be able to provide the same level of cushion I'm looking for in a shave.

So explain further. What's the steps for using shave oil properly? Is it like, wash the face however, apply oil, then apply the soap lather right over it?

 

[CBLindsay]

This question/topic of using ONLY oil to shave has come up many times but I’ll be honest, this is the first I’ve seen anyone say anything about shaving oil being used to straight razor shave (assuming you were asking about using JUST oil and no lather) More than 15 years ago I found a small bottle of shaving oil (miracle oil I believe) at Walmart. It was sold next to regular cartridge razors and at the time I used either a Mach 3 or an old Gillette de. I used it and found it performed essentially the same as the canned foam/gel I was using at the time. This isn’t to say it was bad, only that I don’t recall it being superior in any way.

Now if we are talking about using oil as a pre-shave or as part of a typical wet shaving routine then I would agree oil can be a positive addition. The main idea being to make the skin as happy and pliable as possible before subjecting it to the abuse a razor (DE or straight) is about to inflict. I do in fact USE a pre-shave oil from time to time. What oil do I use? CBL Apothecary oil of course. Since I don’t sell this oil any more and I don’t know what is available from our artisans I would suggest keeping it super simple. You want a light, fast absorbing, oil like Jojoba or even argan oil (both are also great for your hair). Both of these oils also have a low comedogenic score so they aren’t likely to clog pores or irritate your skin. Another GREAT option if you can tolerate the feel is castor oil (cheap and easy to get at Walmart). Not only does castor oil have a low comedogenic score, it is a little thicker so it stays on the surface long enough to provide a little extra stickiness AND it also helps build a wonderful lather. You could also try rice bran oil or apricot oil but I would stay away from apricot oil because it can cause’purging’ and break outs for the first couple weeks you use it.

How do I use it? I wash as usual then apply a LITTLE bit of the oil on my wet face and rub in well. Then I proceed to load my brush and lather on my face as usual. If you are going to be using a straight razor (or that new kamisori) I would be sure to wash you hands after applying the oil (especially the castor oil since it will feel tacky but still be slippery when it counts). I prefer to use oil as a post shave before applying a good aftershave because it feels good and over time it can make your skin more supple and resistant to nicks etc.

You mention using the oil as part of straight razor maintenance too…I have actually done this but mostly on my shavette style razors. I wipe the oil on the part of the blade that is held by the razor so it has a little protection against rust as it sits unused. I don’t usually wipe oil on my straight razors unless I am placing them in storage for awhile. But I don’t use organic oils (like what you put on your skin) I prefer Balistol or similar gun oil that is made specifically to clean and prevent rust. For short term storage between uses I spray with a blend of isopropyl alcohol and barbicide then wipe it DRY and strop well.

 

[Spider]

I've always found pre-shave oils to be too thick, and in turn make for a less slick shav, which is the opposite of what you want for a straight shave. I do enjoy using oils as a post shave though for some great skin conditioning.

If using as Chris said to condition the skin beforehand, from my experience, I'd do it well in advance of the shave to give it a chance to really soak into the skin, and not done immediately before applying lather.

 

[CBLindsay]

I've always found pre-shave oils to be too thick, and in turn make for a less slick shav, which is the opposite of what you want for a straight shave. I do enjoy using oils as a post shave though for some great skin conditioning.

If using as Chris said to condition the skin beforehand, from my experience, I'd do it well in advance of the shave to give it a chance to really soak into the skin, and not done immediately before applying lather.

I'm with you on the slickness factor. I have never applied any sort of oil pre-shave and felt like I experienced a SLICKER surface as a result. I don't know (i don't recall) if I ever felt i got less slickness but I would guess it depends on the oil, the soap and the timing. Of all the oil available Castor oil is the only one known to be a lather booster in its raw form. Adding a drop to a lther bowl or the surface of a puck has been known to help build a thicker more stable lather.

 

[BarberDave]

my Take:
Shave oils evolved from the Greek, back in the day of very limited water, or more less running water Olive and other oils were used to actually cleanse the skin. It would applied rubbed in and a wooden "Strigil" would used to scrape the dirt and soften the skin, many fragrance oils well also combined, so you would not smell like a pasta salad.

As to the modern Shave oil, it is your face and shave, but like above, and from a professional standpoint it is "Snake Oil" as it were. I have not found it enhances the shave in anyway, does not assist the lather etc. Your own body produces sebum (oill) from your sebaceous glands when pores scrubbed or agitated. It is your body's mechanism to sooth and protect. Therefore in my opinion a good pre-shave routine of washing the face with a good soap, negates the need, and a good lathering technique is all you need. The body provides what any shave oil cannot, but if YOU like it in your shave regiment, then do it.