Thread: Cold Water Shave

I've been doing cold water shaves for about a week now. It really seems to work better for me as well.

I've been throwing a few ice cubes in the sink as the cold water in the Georgia summer is not really cold.

I recall reading that right after exiting a sweat lodge, the Indians would jump into the cold river. This was determined to be good for the nervous system. Also, Stonewall Jackson would tell his men to rinse with cold water when shaving as it reduced razor burn. This was done by men marching up to 35 miles a day so I presume shaving was not done leisurely. Just a thought offered as a historical FYI.

Originally Posted by Ulfherjar

I recall reading that right after exiting a sweat lodge, the Indians would jump into the cold river. This was determined to be good for the nervous system. Also, Stonewall Jackson would tell his men to rinse with cold water when shaving as it reduced razor burn. This was done by men marching up to 35 miles a day so I presume shaving was not done leisurely. Just a thought offered as a historical FYI.

Indeed it is good for the nervous system as well as helping to strengthen the largest organ in the human body, the skin, develops the immune system.
And has been used in several martial arts systems for not only increasing awareness but also developing stamina focus and concentration.

at 3 months, I'm still learning which end to hold on the razor. But I've mostly struggled to be able to use a normal sized full hollow with the ease of a 1/4 hollow or wedge. I tried cold water and a 5/8 hollow today. It was MUCH easier. 'Less facial irritation, less drag, less concern for blade flex on heavy grass. 'Can't explain it, but it worked well.

'Makes me want to search & read any thread Jimmy started. I did this w/ Hi_Bud_gl, and am much better for it. Thank You again, Jimmy.

Been cold water shaving for about a month and a half now and I am enjoying it but starting to look at the winter months. I have been needing to get a real shave bowl or scuttle anyways to lather in because the things I have around my house are either too small or shallow, the lather goes over the edge easily and I have to watch my swirling which I think is affecting my lather making. I am also thinking the warming capability would be nice in the winter, not looking for hot just a little warmth possibly.

By the way is lather made by a basic swirling motion or is more like beating an egg with a around the bowl motion? Just curious if my lathering is due to bad form.

I have been considering 3 types so far and was wondering on what others think about them use wise.

The first is a Dirty Bird Scuttle 1.5
Outer bowl 6.25"
Bowl opening 4.5" wide x 3.5" deep inside

I like the width and the depth but I am not sure if the depth is too much.



2nd is the Billy Bowl
4.5" inside diameter
3.5" tall

Seems the same as the Scuttle above but no warming for the winter.




3rd is a Georgetown Pottery Scuttle
Overall 5.5W x 3.25H
Inside Bowl 4.75W x 2.5H

It is definitely wide enough and the depth/Hight sounds like it would be good but would the lather go over?

Library Guy, I see some truth in this. While I'm shaving with hot water, my whiskers are cut flush with the skin & the result is smooth. It is after my final rinse with COLD water that the whiskers seem to "re-appear". I then usually end up dryshaving what's left.

Ro TSasser: I , if I may, would even recommend what is known here on SRP, from member Jockey's, as a Red Neck Scuttle. AKA the self watering planter. It is a double deck, one bowl fits into and ontop of another bowl. It's my scuttle of choice always and can be found at Walmart's garden and lawn section for about $7.00 US Dollars. Here is atypical one. Good luck on your purchase, whatever it may be.

Well, this morning I tried a cold shave and the results where my best shave yet (still a newb).

Procedure was to shave prior to the shower. Splashed cold water from the faucet and whipped up a lather with the same water. Had much fewer weepers and the shave was cleaner, crisper.

Took the shower, then finished with some WH and then Nivea Shave balm.

Great results...thanks for the tips!

Tried the cold water shave, and it worked well on my face!

Originally Posted by JohnnyCakeDC

Ro TSasser: I , if I may, would even recommend what is known here on SRP, from member Jockey's, as a Red Neck Scuttle. AKA the self watering planter. It is a double deck, one bowl fits into and ontop of another bowl. It's my scuttle of choice always and can be found at Walmart's garden and lawn section for about $7.00 US Dollars. Here is atypical one. Good luck on your purchase, whatever it may be.

I am thinking about going to Walmart today for a few things and I will check that out. Thank you and thank everyone one else on the suggestions.

Much obliged.

Originally Posted by leadingedge

Tried the cold water shave, and it worked well on my face!

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