I think there's been about a million "if you could only have one..." threads, but recently I moved to work and had to make that choice. I brought a '40s S/S, Omega Deluxe (can't remember the model No) and some MWF, with Bolzano blades. This set-up has proven less than effective and I think this is totally due to the hard water, which coats my Superspeed to the extent that I need to de-scale it with a toothbrush every week. My lather seems to have lost heart, my blades aren't sliding and my results at times have been less than SAS. I believe if I'd brought my R89, some Feathers and RSCo Cream, things would be much better. Unfortunately there is a dearth of real shaving gear around....I'm even thinking of trying to make a superlather with Muji handsoap and.....Gillette gel. I know!
Hard water, big difference
- Thread starter scottish steve
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If the water is really that hard, maybe you could filter some and heat it on the stove (or in a kettle) to fill your basin and shave with?!
Just buy a bottle of distilled water for shaving or you can buy a small tabletop distiller.
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I'm loathe to go to such lengths. The Muji soap's actually pretty good, but its still not like home....
I'm with you Steve. I have always had normal water, so when I go to visit my mother and the in-laws (who both live in rural Indiana) I get a healthy dose of their crazy water softeners. Best of luck to you, and let us know if you need us to send you some real shaving gear!
Hard water unfortunately does make a difference, particularly when shaving. I face the same issue here and have to admit I was positively surprised during a recent three-week trip to Asia; reason was that I found the water there much less hard.
More specifically, I was in Shanghai in June, and from what I understand you are in the vicinity of this metropolis. Compared to what I am dealing with here every day, I found the water in Shanghai to be less hard. My shaves were much easier there. May be in Suzhou things are different, though.
In any case, the pleasure during shaving is considerably assisted and maximized by water that is not hard. For those who have this luxury, they should enjoy it. For some of us who don't, patience is what we should use (till we finally change location).
More specifically, I was in Shanghai in June, and from what I understand you are in the vicinity of this metropolis. Compared to what I am dealing with here every day, I found the water in Shanghai to be less hard. My shaves were much easier there. May be in Suzhou things are different, though.
In any case, the pleasure during shaving is considerably assisted and maximized by water that is not hard. For those who have this luxury, they should enjoy it. For some of us who don't, patience is what we should use (till we finally change location).
Soft water at home, thanks to a true water expert I've used for a decade. (If you live in Northern Delaware or South Eastern PA and think you need expert help for soft water PM me and I'll send you his contact info.)
Hard water sometimes when I travel. More soap helps but I can't get my best shave. Pinnacle shaves are only with soft water for me.
Hard water sometimes when I travel. More soap helps but I can't get my best shave. Pinnacle shaves are only with soft water for me.
This works really well. I was surprised at how much my lather improved when I used distilled water. Even if you continue to use the tap water to rinse your razor and face, your shaves will improve immensely.
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