Thread: Is it possible to shave with just water??

I believe that any prep that softens the hairs enough to cut without tugging can work. I used to shave with SE disposibles immediately after a shower, shampoo, and conditioner using water only. I had to work fast before the hairs dried. Using lather is better, but I still rinse my face for final clean-up using water. I get my closest shaves and smoothest skin by straight shaving with uberlather, DE followup using uberlather, and DE cleanup using water only. Water only works OK for me if I wash the hairs well using soap or shampoo before using water. The DE works well after the straight because there is not much left to cut and the straight is gentle on the skin when used correctly.

I recommend gaining proficiency with a DE before trying a straight which has much steeper learning curves for use and maintaining a shave ready edge. I also recommend a trip to the local pharmacy or supermarket for a cheap VDH boar brush and a puck of VDH soap before trying water alone. Even a can of foam will probably give a better shave than water alone.

When i used dispisables i used only water. I just wanted to get it over with as soon as possible. Now I enjoy all the face prep and ritual. It relaxes me and gives me time to take a moment out of my day and do something for myself. I view shaving kind of the same way I do food. If I am so busy that the only option I have for a meal is fast food, Ill just skip the meal. Same goes with shaving. I dont eat for the sole purpose of nourishing myself as some do. I enjoy the experience and take time to taste and enjoy the different flavor profiles. I dont shave to simply get rid of my beard either, I like most here enjoy every bit of the experience. I think the advice above about not stacking the cards against u in the begining is great advice. You have enough to learn and will have enough of a challenge getting used to this new art even with a proper pre shave regiment.

That's true. The Zen part is the best part. I enjoy the fifteen minutes of quiet first thing in the morning just staring at myself in the mirror, intently concentrating on avoiding bloodshed, thinking nothing else. It sounds stressful, but really, the concentration is relaxing in a way I wouldn't have believed. When I don't feel like meditating, I skip it.

I wholeheartedly agree with holli4pirating here, he's offering sound advice. I would not recommend using just water - but the truth is I do it myself, on very rare occations. (when I am really pressed for time and just out of the shower I can do a simple wtg pass, just so I don't look too scruffy going to work, - it literally takes me just a few seconds that way). However, I have been shaving with a straight for quite a while, and my technique is adequate. Being new at straight razors, I very much doubt it will be a pleasant experience. Or worse - the lather is there to provide cushion and glide, it is much easier to cut yourself without.

Have fun

You can always do what my poor cousin Festus does and after he drains the motor oil out of his crankcase he runs it through some cheesecloth and adds a few items and uses it to shave with. He says you can't beat it. Oh, and he says 30 weight is the best.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You can always do what my poor cousin Festus does and after he drains the motor oil out of his crankcase he runs it through some cheesecloth and adds a few items and uses it to shave with. He says you can't beat it. Oh, and he says 30 weight is the best.

A Haggan will go through a whole heap of garsh durn trouble without headin nobody's never mind.

If you choose to shave with water don't let any seep into the pivot .

I have a friend who says he shaves against the grain with just water and a cartridge razor every day. My face would be ruined if I did that.

I shave precision part with just water so as i can see what I am doing.
I would advise using cream for your neck ect or just normal shaving.
As shaving takes some oil out of the skin the cream helps your skin not to be like an old shoe ^^

There was a day when I shaved dry with a multi blade disposable razor. It takes a while to build up a tough enough face - I spent quite a good deal of my time outdoors in those days (like 16 hours a day).

Some have already chimed in that "just water" requires constant replenishing as the water runs off your face rather quickly.

I sometimes. as others have stated, shave touch ups with only water.

I've saved with just about every kind of regular bar soap -Dove worked the best, Irish Springs was a little stiff.

Depending on the brand and product Toothpaste has fine grit so I would stay clear of it. Though, you could use it as a polishing compound on your razor.

And, snot, blood and semen(the one no one mentioned) are probably better left as body fluids than face preps.