Soaking Blades in hot water before shaving

[amit711]

How many people actually soak their DE razor and blade (along with the brush) for a few minutes in hot water before shaving?

Does a hot blade slice the whiskers better?

I am curious as I am trying to perfect my technique and pin down the variables that can affect the quality of shave (e.g. all this while I was shaving with warm / hot water on my face. I tried cold water today and the shave was simply amazing).

Regards
Amit

 

[heybatter]

I soak my razor with blade while my brush is soaking separately in a scuttle. Does a hot blade slice whiskers better? I wouldn't think so, I just don't like the feeling of a cold razor against my skin.

 

[Planbee]

I do - feels nice in my hands

 

[Firewalker]

Nope, not me. I see no difference in a hot blade but do like a dry razor, more grip.

 

[jwilock]

I have hot water in the sink that I rinse off the lather with as I shave. Before I start shaving I dip my razor in there for a few seconds. I hate having a really cold razor hit my face.

 

[mharris127]

I soak my assembled razor including blade in a cup of hot water while I am whipping my lather up. I find that a wet razor glides a bit better and prefer the feel of a warm razor to a cold one. As for the question at hand I don't think the heat makes any difference on the actual quality of the shave.

 

[Useless shaver]

I have hot water in the sink that I rinse off the lather with as I shave. Before I start shaving I dip my razor in there for a few seconds. I hate having a really cold razor hit my face.

Same here.

 

[redrako]

Being made of all metal, It really just takes a second or two, to warm up the razor and blade. When I occasionally forget to do this, I"m reminded of how nice it feels to have a warm razor/blade against my warm, prepped face.

 

[inspiringK]

Being made of all metal, It really just takes a second or two, to warm up the razor and blade. When I occasionally forget to do this, I"m reminded of how nice it feels to have a warm razor/blade against my warm, prepped face.

+1

I don't soak the razor and blade in water before I shave (I would worry about corrosion over time caused by doing this). But, unless I am cold water shaving, I run the razor and blade under hot water for a second or two before making the first stroke. After that the razor gets rinsed in warm water a few times during each pass.

 

[Scott0079]

Nope, not me. I see no difference in a hot blade but do like a dry razor, more grip.

Same here, can't stand feeling like a razor could slip out of my hands.

 

[rajagra]

I try to soak the razor ... but I do so to get it as clean as possible before the shave.

 

[bhorsoft]

I give the head a swish in the sink before I use it. That heats it up a bit. If I don't do it and go with a dry razor straight to the face that first stroke is a bit harsher to me than the strokes after I rinse the razor. I think it is because of some water on the blade provides a bit of lubrication when mixed with the lather on my face. Not anything to do with a warm blade.

 

[ReAndyMator]

I'm not sure 'soak' is the right word. The blade/razor aren't porous, so there's no penetration of the water, but as with several others - yes - I warm the blade in the water. Feels much nicer.

 

[Graybeard57]

I soak my razor with blade while my brush is soaking separately in a scuttle. Does a hot blade slice whiskers better? I wouldn't think so, I just don't like the feeling of a cold razor against my skin.

+1

 

[dundak]

I set mine in the sink of hot water while getting ready to help clean the razor of any residuals left over from the previous shave.

 

[PinoySteel]

I pour isopropyl alcohol over my blade and razor, rub it over the surfaces that will make contact with my skin, and then rinse with water before my first pass.

 

[coolbus18]

I give the head a swish in the sink before I use it. That heats it up a bit. If I don't do it and go with a dry razor straight to the face that first stroke is a bit harsher to me than the strokes after I rinse the razor. I think it is because of some water on the blade provides a bit of lubrication when mixed with the lather on my face. Not anything to do with a warm blade.

+1 same for me.

 

[Mick]

I will swish my razor/blade in the sink full of water before I start shaving.

I find a dry razor/blade will tug/pull so I just get it wet before I start.

If I am warm water shaving the razor is warm if I am cold water shaving the razor is cold.

 

[Vanderveckyn]

Nah, just enough to warm the blade. Other than the temp I can't tell a difference.