Thread: Cold Water Shave

Whether he invented it or not and even though he was not alone in the practice I think JimmyHAD has done an excellent job Mentoring many of us toward a much simpler way of shaving.

Thank you Jimmy for pointing out how well it works! (I finally understood the point of rubbing in after beginning the practice which I had previously skipped)

I have no plans for adding further steps going super cold- i take it as it comes from the source.

Your welcome Kevin. I am in hiding now because the manufacturers of scuttles and hot lather gizmos have a contract out on me.

Truth is it really surprised me as to how well it worked and how comfortable it feels. It saves time, electricity and simplifies the process a great deal.

I only use tap water however cold it is out of the faucet too. I understand the guys that prefer the hot water shave but I'm not one of them.

I do buy the concept that hot water softening the whisker is counter productive and cold stiffening it makes for easier cutting.

Growing up, my grandfather always used cold water and said it was why his shave AND skin were so nice–even at 80+ years of age. Back then, I took his advice and began using cold water and also got a better shave. Time passed, I began using electrics, and the issue disappeared. That is, until recently. I picked up wet shaving again and used all the typical advice, but I wasn’t getting the quality of shave I believed I should. But today, I decided to take up my late grandfather’s advise and, quite surprisingly, I got a better and more comfortable shave. At least, more comfortable once I was over the shock of splashing cold water on my face. Consequently, I decided to do a web search and see if any “experts” would conform the experience. Indeed, that is hard to find. Still, I know my personal experience and it is clear. For me, cold shaving is superior.

Hi Jonx, welcome to SRP. Glad to have another cold water shaver here.

I must say I doubted trusting a man that used to walk on the skeletons of buildings 30 years ago but now I'm eating my own foot. Another great cold shave tonight, Jimmy!


Anyone that hasn't tried this should!

I bailed, I choked, I chickened out I think I'm going to put this on the back burner until the weather heats up around here. I also think I need to refine my honing/stropping technique a bit. I'm close to where I want to be edge-wise, but I think I need a few more % points before I can deal with the stiffer whiskers that cold shaving entails.

The day it's just too stinking hot here to put a hot towel on my face will be my cold-shaving D-Day.

Cheers,
Ian

I tried using no hot water with a Gem 1912, so bad cuts that I have to give SE shaving a break. It does not harm for DE shave though.

For reasons unknown I was possessed to try it again this morning. I thought maybe the water wasn't cold enough, so I used ice water today. I even made the lather in a scuttle full of ice and water.

I will not do that again.

Originally Posted by HNSB

For reasons unknown I was possessed to try it again this morning. I thought maybe the water wasn't cold enough, so I used ice water today. I even made the lather in a scuttle full of ice and water.

I will not do that again.

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

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Pawned