Thread: Cold water shave

I tried it last summer w/ good results; but hadn't the nerve this winter since the tap water is so cold. This thread inspired me. Excellent results! Closer shave w/ no irritation! Once more today, then I grow a full beard for a part. Fort Wayne Youtheatre fundraiser; theme is old cowboy movies. My part? George "Gabby" Hayes!

I just can't stand the thought of shaving with cold water. Just reading the words "cold water shave" gives me the shivers. In the words of the immortal Jules Winnfield: "Sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy mother."

I have found that for me, when Jimmy recommends something it's worthwhile to pay attention. That held true with cold-water shaving; sure enough, it works!

In summer, when I'm camping.
Then I shave with cold water, I must say ...... pretty good.
In winter, as now I prefer warm water ..... this because I do not like cold.
the water is extra cold in winter here...... brrrr

Anyway earlier in 1930 or so, they only just shaved with cold water.
There was no hot water,the shaving soap was from of a lower quality.
Nevertheless a close shave, perhaps they had a better technique? Who nows
In other words, it actually belongs with cold water but hot water is a true luxury.

Originally Posted by flyman

I just can't stand the thought of shaving with cold water. Just reading the words "cold water shave" gives me the shivers. In the words of the immortal Jules Winnfield: "Sewer rat may taste like pumpkin pie, but I'd never know 'cause I wouldn't eat the filthy mother."

Sewer rat is some good eatin'.

Originally Posted by STEVENMITCHELL

Sewer rat is some good eatin'.

If it's cooked right.

I have plans on trying the cold vs hot today. I'm going to try one side wtih a warm lather after a hot shower (normal process). Then let my face cool down, and go back and do the opposite with the cold technique and see if i notice a difference. It may look strange if one side is closer then the other, but you may notice a difference. I'll post pictures as well. I apologize ahead of time for any razor burn or older cuts that you may see, as i am still using my disposable straight while wiating on my new (new to me) J.R. Torrey 5/8. Hopefully you can tell a difference anyway.

Just finished a cold shave (very cold... Montreal winter tap water is ice-cold!) and obtained very good results. I've been on cold-shave binge for the last week or so and for me, it produces a zero-irritation shave, even though my skin is on the sensitive side.

Once you get past the initial wetting of the face with cold water, the rest is quite comfortable, and at least for me, the feeling of cold steel on the face is quite nice and refreshing!

Finally finished my hot vs cold shave and pictures to show. As i said before, the disposable i used has been scratching my face but no nicks. I think its my technique, i'm getting the edge too close and sometimes get scratched. but thats another story. Here's the Hot vs Cold:

Hot


Cold


I dont know if you can really see much of a difference. The cold was much more invigorating, and a little more stiff at first so there wasnt as much stretching needed. I was able to get BBS with 2 passes (WTG, then XTG), as compared to the hot side, which too longer to prep, and took 3 passes to get BBS. I'm sold, cold it is, and its easier to prep. ts just feels better, and more soothing quicker. Hope it helps anyone on the fence. Sorry that the pictures are sideways. Still havent figured out how to rotate them.

I've shaved cold for years, only 'cause I couldn't be bothered to wait for the hot water to get hot.