Thread: Cold Water Shaving & Edge Longevity

Gentlemen,

As some of you may have read in JimmyHAD's cold water shaving thread, I'm among the many here who gave it a shot and was more than pleased with the results. I've been shaving using the "1905" technique for a week now, making sure my results are consistant enough to recommend this procedure, and the verdict is yes. It works, and although I may save this technique for the summer months (yes, contrary to popular belief it CAN get very hot in the summer in Canada) I would recommend cold water shaving to the uninitiated and the skeptical.

But now that the proverbial honeymoon phase is over I'm interested in the opinions others (more experienced w/ cold water shaving) may have regarding the effects of this technque on edge longevity.

Keep in mind this is, for me at least, entirely theoretical. But wouldn't making the beard hairs brittle and hard with cold water and soap be harsher on an edge than the soft supple whiskers that we are used to cutting with hot water prep?

On the other hand, those brittle and hard whiskers may theoretically be cut with more ease, and therefore with less pressure, using the cold water method.

I do not know the answer to either scenario, nor do I own a microscope, so I must ask others who might have a better idea than me. Hopefully some members who have had many more cold water shaves compared to my handful will be able to respond with their experiences.

Best regards,

Ryan

I forgot to mention that if the Mods feel this thread would be better suited in the Honing section feel free to move it.

Glad you like the cold water shave Ryan. I'm still at it 'cause I like it better too. I shave with so many darn razors that I can't contribute any input to the question. I can never discipline myself to shave with one or even two on any kind of regular basis. Others who are cold water shavers will no doubt be along.

Ryan,

During the almost one month I have been 'cold' shaving, I have used only my Dovo EnVogue stainless straight.

I have been keeping an eye on the edge with a loupe, and can't, so far, see any difference (better or worse), or feel any difference on the face in edge longevity compared with the 'warm shave'.

The blade still gets its brief touch up on CrOx every twelve (12) shaves.

I intend to use just this razor, until it is time for a touch-up on a stone.

Hopefully we might see some differences by then

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I shave with so many darn razors that I can't contribute any input to the question. I can never discipline myself to shave with one or even two on any kind of regular basis.

I kinda figured that would be the case with you Jimmy When I rotate my razors it's usually for around 2 weeks, so I "get to know" that particular razor rather well again for that time frame.

And thanks for your observations PhatMan. I was hoping someone here would take it upon themselves to observe what effects, if any, this method has on a razor's edge.

If anyone else has anything to add, by all means, be my guest....