My on and off again relationship with pre-shave oils

I never understood the need for a pre shave oil. I do shave 3-5 times a week though

I understand that other people's faces/skin/beard are not necessarily like mine. I think it's one of those things you simply have to try for yourself.

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Executive Shaving in the UK does a nice pre-shave oil, water soluble so it doesn't gunk up your razor etc. I found after a while that I was happier using the Glyce Lime soap from Ach Brito, which I rub into my face and leave on for a few minutes while I load from the puck and then have a quick rinse. For me it has worked better than the pre-shave oil, but I think anything that gets you to where you want to be is a good thing.

I don't find oil helpful when shaving, it prevents water from entering the hair. It lubricates the skin by creating an oil slick to slide around on, but this seems to make the hairs less available to the blade for cutting to me (razor skips over hairs instead of engaging).

However, as many others, I still use it quite frequently depending on my mood. It probably adds an extra pass to my shave so I don't know why I do this.

I like to use preshave oil despite the fact that I really don't see much benefit to it. To me its more about just adding another step to a ritual and another scent to match to create a unique profile. However, on the rare occasion I shave without showering first, I find that I get better shaves with a preshave product.

I understand that pre-shave oils seem to work well for some, but it just seems to reduce the slickness of the lather for me. The oil makes my skin tacky. I suspect it's due to my skin type. YMMV and all that, right?

I've always found them to be obstructive and sticky.