Thread: Cold shaving

I started without the first lather rubbed in. More often than not I add that step. If you were to wet your face afterward you'd see there's still a lot of soap there-which I think may be the point of it. A base coat.

As Ive mentioned a hundred times I use a short, thin strop so it's easy to roll. For a couple days(at least) you can usually go without stropping. Add a couple more days and I've found it's just easier to take another razor. Because if you take a strop for backwood rambles you will need to protect it from dust, dirt, grime, sand etc.

Shaving out of a plastic mirror is imperfect. for a while I had one with a crox coated leather pad glued to the backside. I ordered a Vecto1 signal mirror 2x3. I dont know that I should try to shave with it or not(or really even if i made the right choice for signal)

Back on topic for a minute I like cold water, low prep shaves. It's not that much trouble or pack weight if you practice the same methods at home. I just haven't reached that mirrorless plateau yet....actually I'd like all my kit to be more perfect; only the cold water aspect is 100 percent unimproveable(sp)

Originally Posted by Bruce

KY jelly and ice cubes. The mind blossoms with images.

Mix a little Lecithin and light vegetable oil togeather, wet face, rub in a small amount of oil and shave, it really works

I learned on a civil war tour with my father years ago, that Stonewall Jackson had his men shave with cold water. This was done purposefully as it lowered the chance of razor burn in the field. I've been taking his advice for 16 years of Army life and never had a complaint. I will be continuing once I get back to the states and begin my new str8 razor experience. Wish us luck!

With my tough beard, don't think this is something I'd try. As it is, I have to use two hot towels to get a decent shave.

I just tried the cold water shave technique, as per the
1905 instructions. I had a bit of trouble getting a good
lather going, but that's about it.

The shave was OK...not great...but OK.

After the shave, my 13 year-old daughter gave me an
"inspection". She rubbed my face with her hands, looked
at me critically, and said, "B+".

So I guess that's the "score".

How about a compromise? Hot water for lather, cold
water for the face.

Cheers,
Paul

Well..... I just got done with a nice cold water night shave(cool water not real cold) and I have to say...it really was close and coooool. I have cold water shaved before with the same refreshing results. Soooo.....I may very well be a convert.This is definantly one of those personal preference deals y'know. I do not poo poo those who like the hot towel etc.,but I'm thinkin I really like this. I soaked the brush in cool water,lathered in it and shaved with it,sometimes wiping with a cool washcloth between relathers. Finished off with alum block and Clubman regular A/S and barely any sting at all. My skin feels very refreshed(kinda like when you lay yer head on a nice cool pillow)...Maybe it's because I was born in lower Northern Michigan heh,I dunno,but I do know I like this....Yep.

I have not been able to get any cold water, our water is gravity fed from tanks on the roof and it's been at least 117 for the last several months. It's luke warm and I have been using it that was, no hot water at all and I can't tell any difference. Can't wait to try though.

I did really enjoy reading the pdf though. Very interesting the way people used to write.

Matt

I have been cold shaving since reading the 1905 pamphlet and love it! I still use hot water to soak my brush and to soften up my soap.

I read the pamphlet and have shaved twice with cold water with a hot water shave in between.

I feel that I have gotten a better shave and no weepers using cold water. One shave was with a hard glycerin soap the other with trumpers creame. I am going to continue the comparison wiht a few other lather makers and additonal straights to see what happens.

My wife said , boy what did you do to get that smooth chin and jaw line! I take that as a good sign.