Thread: Cold water shave is the best & worst ever

So I had to try this today with a day and a half growth

1. Hot shower
2. Scrub face well while in shower with agave wash cloth and soap.
3. Rinse get out of shower
4. Bay Rum splash
5. Cold lather
6. 3 Pass str8 shave WTG, WTG, ATG
7. Alum block
8. Cold rinse
9. Bay run splash

Things I learned:

1. Bay rum even burns without having shaved
2. Shave was incredibly close and normal trouble spots did not require touch up
3. Bay run hurt less on second application
4. It was not as soothing, but felt good and refreshing.

I think I'll try this tomorrow with Mama Bears Lime Ice soap. Now that will be invigorating.

OK. Now I've done the cold water shave w/ all my safety razors, Gem Micromatic, Schick Injector (1944), GI Issue Gillette Tech ('40s), Merkur HD Slantbar, and last night finally used a Henckels 78 1/2 straight. So far I've gotten very easy, close (w/o going against grain), and non-irritating shaves.
My wife thought my cheeks & neck felt as smooth as she's ever experienced in 27 years of marriage.
The only problem is, I MISS the warm lather on the brush! I think I shall have to try this again, when the weather is warmer, and the tap water isn't so damned COLD!

I've been doing this for about a week now and it's really working for me. I have sensitive skin and I think using hot water to lather, rince was really affecting my skin.

JF

Next I have to try using WH before the shave too.

I did a hot water shave last night and for the time being decided I prefer the cold water shave. The resulting shave was good but I find the cold water a more refreshing and pleasant experience. YMMV.

I agree. Even with the cold winter weather here I still prefer the cold shave as well. It's easier on my skin and I think it's also giving me a closer shave. I only do a one pass WTG shave every day so if I can get it a little closer without more irritation than I will continue with that.

JF

Before using a straight razor, I used a disposable. I either shaved in the shower or shaved after the shower... about an hour later with cold water only.

I've been doing it for years and honestly enjoyed the cold water shaves more than the warm water shaves. I'm going to give it a go tomorrow with a straight and see how the chips fall.

I've been doing cold water shave for about a week now (I think).

Initially it didn't feel that great, but I think it is now getting much better. (Maybe even better than with hot water???).

Technique
I had to really focus on improving and modifying my technique
eg. improved scything and varying my approaches

Sharp, maintained blade
Also helped when I gave my blade another hone last night.

I do like the reduction of stuff (less water and no kettle).

All the best,
Michael.

I tried a cold water shave today. I have to admit it gave a very close shave with less effort than usual. It only took 2 passes instead of 3 plus the usual touch ups(my beard grows in many different angles). It was a shock to the nervous system and i do enjoy the hot lather on my skin.it is very soothing. But the BBS shave is the goal and i will be trying this again with a menthol soap.

Following on from this thread I am thinking of starting a new business venture!
" Cold water scuttles ". !!!
You can imagine the marketing campaign - " significantly different from hot water scuttles !!?"

Seriously though I have just tried a cold water shave and found it refreshing and very comfortable for my skin - as others have mentioned my skin feels 'less dry' after the shave is done!

Kind Regards all, Andy.