Thread: second pass with just water?

I have recently seen several references to doing the second pass without lather, just water. So.. tried it today and it wasn't bad. Just wondered if its common for you guys or whether it's odd.

It seemed counterintunitve to me at first, since I'd think the skin would need more protection the second time around, but it seems that the residue from the first lather provides enough lubercation and there is less cushion so you can get a closer shave. Easier to see exactly what you're doing too. I sometimes do a little cleanup with just water, but not a full pass.

Same here, my last touch up pass is just water....

The lather from the first pass can often provide enough lube for a second, but you need to have a good prep, and a good razor.
not something I would suggest for a beginner, but it does work.
I will often clean up with just water, but only with my best razors.
trying this with a sub par razor is inviting razor burn or worse.

I do it this way too. Here's the key:

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

it seems that the residue from the first lather provides enough lubercation and there is less cushion so you can get a closer shave. Easier to see exactly what you're doing too.

So after my first whole pass ATG I rinse (with cold water) but don't exactly wash anything off - just smear it around my face. If you do it right it kind of becomes slimy so the razor really glides over your skin. I love it.

I've never tried it and for my second pass I enjoy pulling that warm lather charged brush out of the Moss scuttle too much to do it just to say that I did.

Gentlemen,

I, too, love the brush and warm lather too much not to take advantage of it for my usual three passes. The touching-up, however, is always with warm water.

One must assume whatever works for each individual shaver. For me, this seems to be the ideal pattern.

Regards,

Obie

Originally Posted by dgstr8

I have recently seen several references to doing the second pass without lather, just water. So.. tried it today and it wasn't bad. Just wondered if its common for you guys or whether it's odd.

I generally only do one pass; but if I need to touch up a spot or two because I was a bit sloppy, I use water only.

Lather is the best thing about straight shaving. Why would you want to use it less?


Only time I go in without lather is when I notice I missed a patch and have already returned my kit to the cabinet.

i second the motion for more lather..i really enjoy the smell of the shave soap and use it on each pass. to me it seems also to help stop the razor burn that i sometimes get from more than one pass