Thread: Newbie to the Cold Water Shave

Originally Posted by BobH

I really think there is a lot of folklore regarding the use of hot water and hot towels and what that does in shaving. OTH you use what works for you.

Bob

From what I've read the myth that hot water opens the pores and cold water closes them is nonsense, there is a lot of conflicting information out there though.
I think it just adds to the experience, there's nothing like a hot barber towel, shave, then a cold towel to finish off.
Whether it makes the beard softer I cannot say for certain.

Where I live in Southern Florida, we get lukewarm water out of our cold water taps, so cooler water feels like a luxury. I shave with the coolest water I can get out of the tap. I can't imagine wanting to shave with warm water.

Did it in the army in the field and swore never again if there was hot water. I do rinse under cold water. I find a cool razor doesn't irritate my face as much as a warm or hot razor.

With temperatures hitting 33.2C (91.8F) around my neck of the woods I thought I'd give this cold water malarkey another go.
Using a one of my favourite razors, a big 'ol W&B FBU, and some Taylor's coconut shaving cream I had a two pass shave. It wasn't bad. I actually enjoyed the coldness of the steel on my face.
I cant see me doing this too often but at least when it heats up here I can cold water shave to cool down

Originally Posted by markbignosekelly

With temperatures hitting 33.2C (91.8F) around my neck of the woods I thought I'd give this cold water malarkey another go.
Using a one of my favourite razors, a big 'ol W&B FBU, and some Taylor's coconut shaving cream I had a two pass shave. It wasn't bad. I actually enjoyed the coldness of the steel on my face.
I cant see me doing this too often but at least when it heats up here I can cold water shave to cool down

Get yourself some Meisner Mint Ice Menthol soap and A/S. After using that you'll want to put your winter coat on after shaving no matter the temp outside.

I have never shaved with cold water but I joined the Army (British) 3 months before my 18th birthday.

We had to shave every day during basic training even if we didn't need to, I certainly didn't need to.

The training NCO used to warn us that if he found out that any of us had skipped shaving he would personally dry shave us.

Probably wouldn't but we were young scared recruits and I for one wasn't going to chance it.

I joined an armoured regiment and while on exercise (maneuvers) we spent most of our time on immediate notice to move so didn't shave, wash or even get our boots off much.

Lucky we were young single squadies so we didn't mind too much.

I'm old and married now, I don't think I would be very popular if I tried to relive those days.

Steve

@STF
After you get your shaves down (next summer) give cold water shaving a try when its hot outside. It really is wonderful. I was made to shave by Uncle Sam out in the field. Splash some water and drag the razor across the face. I never thought id ever want to try cold water shaving again. But i enjoy it. Now that the weather is turning cold im going back to warm, not hot, shaves.

Being a big dumb northern Ontario bushwhacker I use cold water year round. Really wakes you up in the winter.

Never had to cold water shave in the Canadian Navy but there were other challenges to the required daily shave while on ship. Nothing like holding onto something while the old destroyer rolled around in a bad sea state and you are trying to shave.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Being a big dumb northern Ontario bushwhacker I use cold water year round. Really wakes you up in the winter.

Never had to cold water shave in the Canadian Navy but there were other challenges to the required daily shave while on ship. Nothing like holding onto something while the old destroyer rolled around in a bad sea state and you are trying to shave.

Bob

I joined the army because I don't like sharks

I have been to Thunder Bay quite a few times, I lived in Elliot Lake and we used to camp at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Kakebeca Falls mostly.

Spent a lot of time grubbing in the dirt for Amethist too.

Lovely place, wouldn't have minded living there.

Steve

Originally Posted by STF

I joined the army because I don't like sharks

I have been to Thunder Bay quite a few times, I lived in Elliot Lake and we used to camp at Sleeping Giant Provincial Park and Kakebeca Falls mostly.

Spent a lot of time grubbing in the dirt for Amethist too.

Lovely place, wouldn't have minded living there.

Steve

Glad to see you enjoyed your time in the forgotten part of the province otherwise known as the Land Toronto Forgot.

Bob