Thread: Cold Water Shaving

+1 for cold water shaving for all the same reasons.

sometimes i'll put som water in scuttle or mug and place in freezer. In the morning or justbefore shave put cold waterover iced mug to soak brush. wash with cold water, lather cold, strop razor, work lather into face and relather, shave. Use hot towel aftershave to bring skin to normal. Almost seems to be like shaving under skin. Get extra 3/4 to 1 day of not shaving.

I started the cold water routine about two weeks ago after researching about irritation. I can say I have had more pleasurable experiences since. I don't go the full 9 yards and have cold lather, but I will soak my face in a cold towel after a warm shower, and rinse with cold water between passes. By cold, I mean what the tap puts out. I did try to use Obie's luxury routine once after starting, and couldn't make it work out. I do use Noxema as a pre-shave, and let it soak in for the first pass while I lather. Still have irritation issues with an ATG, but overall still a better experience.

Just got done with my first cold water shave. Convinced...

2 cold towels
lather
cold towel
wtg
atg
touch ups
SOLD!

best shave I've had though getting used to the cold may take a minute.

It's really what works for the individual. I tried it, it worked, but my mindset didn't buy it. Tried it again, and finally accepted it. Guess I'm hard headed.

I use warm water to lather my soap but rinse my blade under cold water then apply to face on next and each subsequent stroke. Felt better than using a warm water stream or hot to rinse the blade. I know not the exact same you guys are referring to but I am new to this and trying to see what works for me. Great write ups by members here on this technique. Thanks for sharing for us newbs!

I actually tried cold water shaving based 2 weeks ago after reading this thread. It's probably in the mind but it feels like my skin feels less susceptible to being cut by comparison soaking in hot water seems to soften my skin too much. The other thing is previously I would tend to rinse the blade over hot water too long and would feel a slight burn. After the 2nd shave it seems more natural to me and I haven;t looked back though I'm keen to mix it up. Thinking of doing hot water with safety razors twice a week and cold water with feather dx 5 times a week.

Then there's the bit that makes you wonder... cold shaving with a straight works better for me, but cold shaving with a DE gives me a less than perfect shave. I also noticed that the skin felt less susceptible to cuts with cold water.

Originally Posted by MichaelP

Then there's the bit that makes you wonder... cold shaving with a straight works better for me, but cold shaving with a DE gives me a less than perfect shave. I also noticed that the skin felt less susceptible to cuts with cold water.

I guess it all boils down to the individual who is doing the shaving. I use cold water for both straight razor shaves and DE shaves and find no difference. Like everything else in this sport there is no one size fits all way of doing things, only what works for you.

Bob

I've been shaving cool/cold tap whatever for years with non-straight, never had a rash. Since going straight starting 2015 I've been trying 'by the book'- hot towel pre, hot lather, etc, then bingo i've got this itchy rash on my neck like poison ivy. I'm blaming myself for trying the scything motion too soon- now i'm wondering if it was the heat. Gonna try cold again- thanks for this thread !