Cold Water Shave vs Blade Longevity

Since I switched to cold water shave, I can't seem to get more than 3 comfortable shaves on one blade. This also applies to Feather blade whether I use my Wilkinson Classic, DE 89 or 37C razor. My observation has been different from what I read online. My opinion is that because both the whiskers and the blade are "hardened" by cold water, they both become more brittle. It's similar to a Japanese sword. I have read that the samurai warriors would not block an attack with the cutting edge of their swords but rather with the back of their blades so as to prevent damaging the edge.

I may be right just as I may be wrong. It does not really matter. I am okay with 3 shaves per blade as I much prefer cold water shave.

I haven't noticed a difference with my straights. Do you lather twice? I splash water, lather strop, rub in the lather, splash water, lather, shave.

Been using cold water for a couple of years now and have not noticed any difference in how many shaves I get from a DE blade. I normally get 5 - 7 shaves out of a blade with the Gillette Silver Blues being really good for me while Feathers don't seem to go more than 5 shaves.

I guess my DE blades get a good workout too as I do no prep, just splash face, face lather and do a 4 pass shave. I always re wet my face before I re lather for the next pass.

Bob

I do pretty much like Bob. Sometimes I use Proraso preshave, sometimes I don't. And I face lather. This is probably the part that I like best. I spend quite some time working the lather on my face.

It is just one of those YMMV things and with shaving most things are just that.

Bob

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by BobH

It is just one of those YMMV things and with shaving most things are just that.

Bob

---

Yes, YMMV is so true when it comes to shaving. Like I said, I am fine with less shaves per blade because I much prefer cold water shave to hot water shave. The first time it was a bit weird, and not comfortable, but now I love it.