Cold water shaving

[Squidma]

I started cold water shaving several months ago. I have been traveling back and forth to Copenhagen recently and have noticed that my shaves over here are SUPERB. I had considered during my last visit that it was the VERY cold tap water that contributed to these great shaves. I was shaving at home a few days ago and noted that the cold water out of my tap had gotten noticeably colder, perceivably due to the changing weather. Once again a FANTASTIC shave. Another theory I had regarding the quality of shaves in Copenhagen was the soap I use here, MdC and SMN. While I find these to be far above average soaps, my results at home with the colder water using MWF, Vitos Red, and DRH Lavender, great soaps in their own right, has changed my mind and convinced me that it is the VERY cold water that is at the heart of these results.

I will monitor my shaves over the next few weeks and see if anything changes, but I may have to use refrigerated water or throw a few ice cubes in the sink during the warm months in order to maintain this streak of great shaves. Any other cold water shavers out there notice this?

 

[DICE]

I think I might try this on my next shave. I have been doing warm/hot ever since I started DE shaving. I will try to do some searches and read more about this! I mean what would be the advantages/disadvantages for the cold/hot debate? Is one better for your face overall or does it only affect the quality of the shave? I am definitely going to look into this further.

Oh yea just thought of one more thing. So instead of soaking your brush in hot/warm water while you shower do you soak it in cold? and does it affect the lather build at all?

 

[DICE]

Found all the answers to my questions AND MORE here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/168069-Cold-water-shaving-it-works?highlight=cold

I can't wait to try it out! Seems like its the hot ticket!!! Or I guess I should say... COLD ticket!!!

 

[HoosierTrooper]

The colder the better.

 

[tmurzz]

Unfortunately in Miami, cold water does not exist. I suppose I could refrigerate to experience super cold water. Maybe next week in Chicago I'll bring my DE setup and buy some blades to test it out.

 

[Mick]

I cold water shave in summer and warm (not hot) water shave in winter.

I don't notice a difference in the results between either. It is just nicer to use cold water when it is hot and to use warm lather (scuttle) when it is cold.

 

[Buster Casey]

I really love cold water and have not used any warm or hot water since using cold water. I could tell a difference and that is why I stayed with cold water.

 

[wales4ever]

I bought a fantastic hot water scuttle just a matter of days before I discovered cold water shaving. I don't think that I'll ever shave with warm water again.

Cold water shaving really suits me. Its superb, no irritation and little feedback with the old alum block. |It's the best kept secret out there!

 

[celestino]

Great way to shave! Continued success.

 

[semi]

tried this again last night with some cooling proraso. i dont know if it was just the cold water or the fact that the straight I was using was particularly smooth but i was really surprised when I braced myself to put the alum to my face and felt so little stinging. I had to dip it in water and run it all over again because I thought something wasn't working at first.
i do now have a large crack in my plastic omega professional handle that seems to be from the really cold water and i think the cold water made it harder to lather but the slicker lather worked well with the straight anyway.
the ice cold water rinses felt great, it made the proraso menthol even colder and my skin feels nice today.

 

[R0SS]

recently converted to cold water and cant even imagine going back to the trouble i had with warm water....cold all the way for me

not had a problem with lathering and i use Proraso and just recently tried an Arko stick and that worked wonders too

 

[tinkersd]

I don't cold water shave per sa' but I do rinse with cold water just before lathering up and I feel it contricts the facial muscles an stiffens the beard for better grabing with the blade, the lather is by the way warm lather, but that's my compromise any who blokes.

Top of the monring and bottom of the afternoon to you all!!!

tinkersd

 

[Niles]

I like a cool water shave on occasion. I don't do it on a regular basis.

 

[CigarettesCigars]

I keep hearing people talk about all of this cold water shaving stuff but I'm still not brave enough to try it during the middle of November.

 

[DICE]

My first Cold Water Shave was yesterday. Its not as big of a shock as you would think, especially doing it after a hot shower. It is actually pretty refreshing. And having zero irritation compared to my hot shaves I was doing, I am a believer!

 

[TonyJoe]

I used to always cold water shave when I used carts. Then I found this site and tried all the hot water prep and lather routines. My shaves were better, but I think it was because I was learning better technique. I switched back to cold water - keeping the same prep routines otherwise - and I'm getting the best shaves of my life now.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

I keep hearing people talk about all of this cold water shaving stuff but I'm still not brave enough to try it during the middle of November.

Aw, come on and give it a try, I live an hour and a half away from you and it ain't killed me yet.

 

[BZiel]

Cold water shaving is a total myth. Don't try it.

If you do, babies may be born naked.,

 

[gus1942]

Cold water shaving is a total myth. Don't try it.

If you do, babies may be born naked.,

OMG! I've been living a wonderful shaving myth all these years.

 

[banditman]

I keep hearing people talk about all of this cold water shaving stuff but I'm still not brave enough to try it during the middle of November.

Go ahead and take the plunge! It's refreshing to cold shave. Besides, it'll put lead in your pencil.