I remember reading this very same tip in a magazine back in the '80s. The author of the article claimed that hot water actually causes the micro-thin edge of the blade to "ripple" and that causes irritation.
This needs to be a pinned comment if true. The explanation of the blade “rippling” under warm water makes soooo much sense in terms of causing irritation. I love the comments section for reasons like this. I can vouch for the cold water blade rinse working extremely well for myself who has relatively easily irritated skin. Cheers and have a good one!
Yeah I read the same thing. And it's logical.. Basic physics says heat expands materials and cold contracts. If you have a perfectly straight egde and you force it to expand, the whole blade won't stretch.. just the "thinner and weaker" spots will move or warp, making the blade not as straight! 👍
@@baldbearded9601 I’ve been only rinsing under cold water after reading these comments/seeing these tips, and I’ve had nothing but fantastic shaves…this coming from someone who previously is very prone to irritation. Cheers and have a good one!
Hey Geo. Just tried this with my Saturday morning shave. Loved it. I usually get a little irritation on my neck. The cold razor, with a light touch, helped and gave me a great shave. Thanks to you, and the dude who emailed you, for the tip. Have a great shave, have a great day! 🍻
I started using a safety razor about a month ago. I quit trying to shave at 18 because 1-2 days after I used to get bad bumps on my neck. Ten years later I decided to try a safety razor. It got rid of most of it. This just got rid of the rest.
Saw your video and decided to try this myself. Kept the whole shave routine the same today except washed my face with hot water and rinsed my razor in cold water. After the shave, rinsed my face first with hot water and then finished with cold water followed by my post shave routine. Result?? Blade on the razor didn't bite or dig into the skin. I usually get razor burn on the moustache area but no stinging or burning with this routine. Comfortable and irritation free 2 pass shave. Didn't think it would work but stunned by the results. Thanks Geofatboy for the video and the guy who gave the tip.
I tried the warm-everything-cold-blade method and I too have experienced much less irritation. Thanks Bill and thanks Geo. By the way, Geo, I am shaving with DE razors for about one year now and your videos helped me considerably with that. Thank you very much! Have a good day! Greetings, John (from the Netherlands).
To think that I would find something new after more than 15 years of traditional wetshaving... Great refreshing shave and great results. I don't really have trouble with irritation, but my skin felt a lot better nevertheless. Thanks for the awesome tip to both of you!
Hello Geo. I've been shaving with a safety razor for 14 months. Have extremely sensitive skin. I am now 58 years old and have always shaved with a beard trimmer because it always leaves 1mm of hair. Even in the military as the only soldier I didn't have to shave because of the sensitive skin. And now after 1 year of experimenting I found the solution. It's the complete switch to cold. I wash my face cold before shaving. Then apply preshave cream to my face. Then create shaving foam with cold water. And then do the actual shaving with a well-cooled razor like in your video. It's a huge difference. The alum block after the shave burns only minimally, if at all. Everything completely cold is the solution. You brought me to it with the cold razor. But in the end only the complete implementation brought the best result. You have the best tips. Greetings from Germany.
I've been a cold water shaver for around a year now and i'm never going back to warm/hot water again. I might be unpleasant at the start and especially during winter, but at least for me it works and I get better results. I also wash my face with a shampoo to soften my beard a bit more and I think it works. Also, instead of using pre-shaves and average/below average soaps, just buy a better quality soap with more moisturising properties instead of spending your money on inferior products.
Agreed on the cold shaves, however, I still had weepers because the cold shave is so close. I then tried regular hair conditioner in place of shave cream/soap. Problem solved.
I Agree with You on Cold Water Shaves! I've been Cold Water Shaving for 2 or 3 years now & like you I'll Never go back. Everything Cold, Even rinsing my Straight Razor. Best shaves in the 5 Years shaving With a Straight. I use AfterShaves & Balms but no Pre-Shave. I lather up, Strop the Razor then, Refresh the lather & shave. It gives the soap/Cream time to do its job just like a Barber does minus the Hot Towel. Enjoy Your Shaves.
Agreed on the better soaps part. I use Proraso stuff but I may well switch to Stirling soap outside of the white Proraso. Not having to use a pre shave would really help.
Yes, I tried the ice water and had an awesome shave. 3 passes, no pickups. Muhle R41, v12 super platinum blade, Proraso red shave cream. Incredible shave. This will now be part of my shave routine.
We are here some friends from Greece and we drink ouzo (do you like ouzo?) Eating sun-dried octopus, unfortunately canned at this time due to lack of sunshine. We love you very much. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Hello my Greek brothers and sisters! Great to see you here. Do I like Ouzo? I LOVE Ouzo! I love it so much I even put it in my Tiganites! (Greek Pancakes) Best from the USA and thank you for your support. When I return to Greece we can do a shot together!
Hi Geo, Just used this cold water technique on my shave. I did everything as usual except I used cold water on the razor first and when rinsing the lather off. It worked really well and I shall continue to use this method. Best wishes mate, Dave.
Hey there, long time listener first time caller. Been wet shaving for about 6 years now, always with hot water except for the final cold water rinse. I watched this and spent several weeks hemming and hawing over this idea, and finally decided to give it a try about 2 weeks ago. I have to admit, I was skeptical, but I can honestly say I have never had more enjoyable, pleasant, and refreshing shaves and I can't imagine ever going back. Big thumbs up and huge thanks.
This summer being on vacations, near a very beautiful cost side in Greece, where hot water was an issue, I tried for 10 days shaving with cold water (which I was doing out of necessity when I was serving the Greek army some 30 years ago) and amazingly I had the best shaving results concerning my skin as far as smoothness and blade burns was concerned. Cold water works not only for the blade but also for the skin. Aftershave was then an extra plus : fantastic performance and feeling on my skin. Try it!
You learn something new everyday. I just got done shaving using hot water the whole process, it did feel a bit rough. I lay down and now this video shows up 😂
I tried this today, with good results. I filled a small plastic container(so I wouldn't bang the blade into glass or metal) with cold water from the refrigerator, and put the Henson shaver on its head in the water while prepping to shave and for rinses. A shaver has a lot of thermal mass, so this "loaded" the shaver with cold. I still used the sink as a basin for warm water for rinsing soap off hands and general cleanup. Although after seeing a fair amount of recommendations for doing all cold shaving, maybe I don't need warm shaving soap or warm rinse water. Cold shaver is easy and seems to be a winner....further experiments required.....
Wow, just wow! Tried this today and what a big difference, thanks! I switched to a DE after the first of the year after watching a ton of your videos but with neck irritation. I’m using TOBS and other quality products and thought I had to tough it out as my technique would get better. This one change made the total difference, thanks for this and all your other videos!!!
Did this for about a year. I shave in the shower and it would bring mugs filled with ice into the shower with me. It did work well, but it was a lot of extra work; it's much easier and faster to just go right to the shave with the hot water from the shower.
I have a red solo cup that I fill up with cold water from the sink and use it to soak the razor in and rinse it off with. I also shave in the shower and it works very well
A song I would listen to long ago would say a DJ saved my life. Well now I can add cold water to that list. I performed a shave on my head with Proraso Red and my Rockwell 6C on a 3 setting, and on my face the day after with Proraso Green and my 37C. WOW!! This is the best thing since sliced bread! Closer shave and NO irritation in my neck area. My morning routine is now changed forever. Thank you for another amazing video Geo. Keep up the great work!
i just tried this tip and it is working perfectly on my skin too. I feel my face more sealed and defenced against the razor passes. No irritations. I used to suffer from irritations on the first shave of every blade, no matter what the brand was. Thanks Bill and Geo for the useful tip. We want more tips for gentle and efficient shavings.
I"ve been doing the same thing for a long time, in fact it was my grandfather that told me to try it, I researched this subject and read that a cold blade stays more rigid and holds a sharper edge than a relaxed warm blade, the edge of a warm blade bends and curves on a microscopic level causing skin irritation, so H is 100% correct. I hope this works for other people as it has worked for me, but each to their own as they say. All the best from the UK.
Tried the warm shave with a cold razor and it was refreshing against the face. Have to try it a few more times to see how it works overall. Hardest part was breaking the habit of reaching for the hot water tap instead of the cold one. 🤪
Thanks Geo and Bill from H! This was a game changer for me, I've made a lot of progress in cutting down the irritation on my neck, but still get a little bit. This helped TREMENDOUSLY. Awesome tip!
I have tried every shaving tip out there to prevent razor burn and in my opinion you need four things; a good shaving cream/lotion, a good shaving brush, a good razor and good technique. I have been shaving for 40 years and and for the first 20 struggled with various Cartridge Razors and Edge Gel on my very tough beard. I switched to DE razor around 20 years ago and that was a huge improvement. Then I got better shaving cream, a badger brush and watched TH-cam videos on how to shave and read old barber books on technique and have zero issues now. Also what helped me was with internet retailers like yourself offering better shaving products.
Hi Geo - why don't you try Coconut Oil instead of shaving cream / soap in your next shave. I have found this to be the easiest shave for sensitive skin and its very easy for sensitive skin shavers get a really close shave.
I’m new to safety razors, but lucky in the fact that I don’t deal with hardly any irritation. I will start doing this as I will progressively move up to more aggressive blades, in search of my perfect blade.
It's basic science Geo, heat makes metal expand, cold makes it contract. Heat softens the beard and opens the pores, cold stiffens the beard and closes the pores. So use warm lather on a warm face but a cold razor
Hi im looking forward to try cold shave. Are u getting any profits so far comparing to hot? Anyhting to pay attention at the first time of trying? Cheers :)
I've done a cold shave today and I had no burn after applying my after shave I usually struggle with razor bumps but I think my skin is just not used to it (started shaving a month ago after my yeard chellenge) My skin definetly felt better especially in the cold weather with bright sunshine today
@@dergeistliche2006 That was great to hear. 👍👍 Cold water shaves works just great for me. Doing it for many years now. Check out my youtube channel if you are are interested to see a Swedish wetshaver. Have a awesome day and take care. 🤘😃🤘
@@greypant7204 My skinn fels better when i’m using cold water. No just use cold water when you clean and rinns your face. Works just great. Good luck. Have a awesome day and take care. 🤘😃🤘
Always amazed at how fast Geo shaves. I always rinse the razor with cold water only because I'm too impatient to wait for the hot water. I never really get razor burn except with a bic blade
Ok Geo. Gave it a try just now with my Rockwell 6c set on plate 3. New Derby Premium blade. I have sensitive skin so plate 3 is usually pretty agressive for me. The cold blade WORKED WONDERS!! I really can't understand why because I've read about cold water shaving...but not this. Only 1 tiny weeper (I usually end up with a crime scene on my face because I'm about 6 weeks into wet shaving and yet to perfect my technique) but I'm really impressed with this method. Thanks to you and your Emailer! I'm a disciple. Thanks from Ottawa Canada brother.
I have the same blades and ordered a 6c earlier today. My face is an irritated mess at the mo since I started DE shaving in just the last week. Looking forward to my new handle and to try this technique!
This is my first time watching one of your videos - a good friend forwarded this one to me. I would expect terrible acoustics from the bricks in your bathroom (if they're real), but I love that I can *hear* the shave and yet there isn't a disturbing amount of echo. I look forward to trying a cold razor!
I almost could not believe it. It truly makes a difference. It works! Thinking about it, the cold razor/blade causes the skin to shrink back causing the hair to become further isolated from the skin. It is almost crazy to think I have not seen this recommendation before in my wet shaving research, going on now over a year. Thanks for bringing this to us! Great video as always!
👍🏻 Used my Merkur 39C this morning with hot water on my face and cold only on the razor and received a great shave, needed to do only a 2 pass shave instead on my usual 3 pass to get a BBS. Thanks to you and Bill…Frank
I've been Coldwater shaving ever since I saw this video a year it two ago. Never looked back. I might try one more hot shave, just to be sure. I also changed my razor blades, I was getting irritation but I did not think it was because of the cold water, I think it was just the crap blades.
Yep, closer shave and less irritation. The hairs standing on end from the cold razor does makes a difference. Muhle R41 with professional derby Shavettes bilaterally. (Too inconsistent with straight blade, more control and consistency improved with DE) I have a ton of shavettes left so I put two in the DE and so far no negative results.
Hey Geo, Tried the cold water razor shave Sat afternoon. I had 5 days growth. I used my Vikings Blade Emperor Meiji with new Gillette Perma-Sharp blade. Soap was PAA Atomic Bay Rum CK-1. I was awesome!! Hardest part was breaking the habit of turning the hot faucet on to rinse the razor 🪒 Thanks for the tip, will definitely try it again tomorrow
I tried the cold water razor this morning and I will need a little more time to make up my mind….Yes, a very smooth shave with no or little irritation, but I enjoy the feel of a hot water razor against my face in the morning. Old habits hard to break. Will keep trying.
I’ve been a wet shaver for a handful of years… I use a DE for my face & my head, minus where my goatee is lol. I’ve done a cold water shave for most of those years, as discovered by razor emporium’s Matt. Yesterday I shaved my face and head not only with a cold water shave, but also a cold razor. Typically I do I do everything 🥶 cold, except the razor would be hot. Yesterday I made the razor cold like everything else. And I really enjoyed the shaved. It just felt more comfortable, soothing, and I feel like I got less irritation with us method. I was surprised how much I felt the difference in temperature on my skin! Thanks for the tip Geo 👍😀👌 I enjoy watching your videos 😜
Interesting. Matt at Razor Emporium shaves in cold water as well - says he has sensitive skin. I thought it was crazy (I shaved in cold water outdoors in Alaska and it was miserable) but will give it a try the way you did it.
@@geofatboy Started trying this the very next shave after my comment and am amazed at how well it works. I think the issue in Alaska, is the prep was also cold! Infantry life.
Hey Geo, Tried it with my Merkur 34 and Wilkinson Sword blade used for four shaves already. Result was NO irritation and no feedback from my Alum block. The best shave I have ever had and this will now be part of my normal routine. Thanks Geo and Bill from H V
Hi Geo, I tried this tip tonight. Works a treat. It makes sense too. The blade is thin enough that it's temperature would stiffen, or unstiffen the blade. So cold blade == stiffer blade. Used a brand new Derby tonight. Now a word of caution for my DE brethren..... A couple of weeks back, I let my wife use my bar of Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap cos the winter air is playing havoc with her face. She's been using it regularly and looked for it with a certain Riverine retailer. I told her to hold off and let me check my source. Long story short, another SN order has been placed. The caution to be taken from this tale is that if you're a kind soul, don't be surprised if your SO latches onto that product. LOL
Tried this last night and followed it to the letter. The cold razor touching my skin woke me up with start! The sensation was more than I was expecting. First pass with the grain, perfect. Second pass across the grain, better still. Third pass, felt very smooth shave, just a small nick on bottom of jaw bone.👍👍
If I'm wanting a super cold shave during the summer I'll use the following method: Hot shower 🚿. Cold water at the sink and a preshave such as Terrorade (I keep it in the freezer). I will use a cooling shave cream such as some made buy Stirling. Afterwards I'll splash some Osage Rub (I also keep this in the freezer) on my freshly shaved sensitive skin followed by an aftershave balm such as Nivea Sensitive (kept in the refrigerator). Talking about invigorating❄
I tried it, and it was different. I will admit that during the summer It would be refreshing. I didn't notice any major change in irritation, but the whole reason for going to the double edge razor again in the first place was to reduce irritation. I would really like to see some scientific reasoning for this, or at lest the hypothesis that the idea is based on before I would go all in with it. William C. central Indiana.
Hey Geo, just tried the cold razor shave and it was amazing. Best shave I ever had. I usually get some razor bumps and burns but none at all with this technique, as verified by the shave nation alum! Who know applied physics would give you such a great shave and a great day!
Just tried this. Muhle R41 + yellow feather, no cuts and no irritation, but to be honest the shave wasn’t very smooth, there was some pulling (blade was new). But definitely will be using this method going forward.
Tried it as well - I like to shave 7 days a week - this reduced irritation - not that i got that much before - but this was much more comfortable!!!! Great idea!!!
I used to get terrible razor burn with cheapo cartridge or disposable razors and my braun/phillishave electric doodads, just switching to DE (and eventually SE) eliminated it, I put it down to extra care items like quality soap, pre and post shave routines and fewer strokes. There's nothing like the blades my shavette uses although I reckon the proper shaving has toughened my skin to where i could use a kitchen knife if it was sharp enough, lol. I'll deliberately cold blade next time and see if any difference.
I have a beard now so I use an Adjustable Schick Injector razor to line up my mustache and neck. I made a mistake and did a cold blade/cold rinse, cold gel application. I shaved with the grain at setting 5 & against at setting 3. For once, it wasn’t irritating at all! I’ll try again in 2 days using the views suggested method with an update. My skin type: Sensitive skin, coarse hair.
Hi Geo. I tried this twice using two different razors just to give it a fair shake. Although it worked well, I don't think it made a big difference to me. Also, I really don't like the feel of a cold, wet razor on my face after a warm water splash in the middle of a cold Canadian winter. I found it took away a lot of the enjoyment of my shave. So I won't adopt it as a regular practice but perhaps reserve it for some of those really hot summer days. I thank you and your viewer for the tip as it's always worth trying new things to see how they work for you. Take care!
Tried this tonight after Sunday evening sauna. Last shave was Friday. Used Feather razor and blade. No red blister or skin irritation. Usually if I shave within 48h I would get irritated so it worked for me… but I’ll try again Tuesday and see.
Going to try this thanks. I'm new to the double edged blades I'm used to using the cartridge ones. so far really liking the difference just using the classic ones.
Thanks. I've been wet shaving for over 10 hears now and am 69 years old. Use preshaves - either oil or cream that helps. Tried this and it seems to also help - razor seemed to glide easier and even less irritation than usual.
I can't believe that you guys didn't know this before. I first heard it from my grandpa and many times since then. I remember even a monologue in the movie Miller's Crossing about how you need to soak the blade in cold water to get a first class shave from a mob moss character who is obsessed with shaving.
This is honestly the best tip . It's a new shaving routine now. No burns no irritations. Everyone should try it.
Love it!
I remember reading this very same tip in a magazine back in the '80s. The author of the article claimed that hot water actually causes the micro-thin edge of the blade to "ripple" and that causes irritation.
This needs to be a pinned comment if true. The explanation of the blade “rippling” under warm water makes soooo much sense in terms of causing irritation. I love the comments section for reasons like this. I can vouch for the cold water blade rinse working extremely well for myself who has relatively easily irritated skin. Cheers and have a good one!
Yeah I read the same thing. And it's logical.. Basic physics says heat expands materials and cold contracts. If you have a perfectly straight egde and you force it to expand, the whole blade won't stretch.. just the "thinner and weaker" spots will move or warp, making the blade not as straight! 👍
@@baldbearded9601 I’ve been only rinsing under cold water after reading these comments/seeing these tips, and I’ve had nothing but fantastic shaves…this coming from someone who previously is very prone to irritation. Cheers and have a good one!
Yup I was taught this in the 90s
Hey Geo. Just tried this with my Saturday morning shave. Loved it. I usually get a little irritation on my neck. The cold razor, with a light touch, helped and gave me a great shave. Thanks to you, and the dude who emailed you, for the tip. Have a great shave, have a great day! 🍻
I started using a safety razor about a month ago. I quit trying to shave at 18 because 1-2 days after I used to get bad bumps on my neck. Ten years later I decided to try a safety razor. It got rid of most of it. This just got rid of the rest.
Saw your video and decided to try this myself.
Kept the whole shave routine the same today except washed my face with hot water and rinsed my razor in cold water. After the shave, rinsed my face first with hot water and then finished with cold water followed by my post shave routine.
Result?? Blade on the razor didn't bite or dig into the skin. I usually get razor burn on the moustache area but no stinging or burning with this routine. Comfortable and irritation free 2 pass shave.
Didn't think it would work but stunned by the results. Thanks Geofatboy for the video and the guy who gave the tip.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing your experience with it.
I tried the warm-everything-cold-blade method and I too have experienced much less irritation. Thanks Bill and thanks Geo.
By the way, Geo, I am shaving with DE razors for about one year now and your videos helped me considerably with that. Thank you very much!
Have a good day!
Greetings, John (from the Netherlands).
Great John! Thanks for sharing
To think that I would find something new after more than 15 years of traditional wetshaving... Great refreshing shave and great results. I don't really have trouble with irritation, but my skin felt a lot better nevertheless. Thanks for the awesome tip to both of you!
Hello Geo. I've been shaving with a safety razor for 14 months. Have extremely sensitive skin. I am now 58 years old and have always shaved with a beard trimmer because it always leaves 1mm of hair. Even in the military as the only soldier I didn't have to shave because of the sensitive skin. And now after 1 year of experimenting I found the solution. It's the complete switch to cold. I wash my face cold before shaving. Then apply preshave cream to my face. Then create shaving foam with cold water. And then do the actual shaving with a well-cooled razor like in your video. It's a huge difference. The alum block after the shave burns only minimally, if at all. Everything completely cold is the solution. You brought me to it with the cold razor. But in the end only the complete implementation brought the best result. You have the best tips. Greetings from Germany.
Thanks Ralf! I'm glad it worked for you. It's a free, easy, simple tip that really works! Many "sensitive skin" shaves would benefit from it.
I've been a cold water shaver for around a year now and i'm never going back to warm/hot water again. I might be unpleasant at the start and especially during winter, but at least for me it works and I get better results. I also wash my face with a shampoo to soften my beard a bit more and I think it works. Also, instead of using pre-shaves and average/below average soaps, just buy a better quality soap with more moisturising properties instead of spending your money on inferior products.
Agreed on the cold shaves, however, I still had weepers because the cold shave is so close. I then tried regular hair conditioner in place of shave cream/soap. Problem solved.
I Agree with You on Cold Water Shaves! I've been Cold Water Shaving for 2 or 3 years now & like you I'll Never go back. Everything Cold, Even rinsing my Straight Razor. Best shaves in the 5 Years shaving With a Straight. I use AfterShaves & Balms but no Pre-Shave. I lather up, Strop the Razor then, Refresh the lather & shave. It gives the soap/Cream time to do its job just like a Barber does minus the Hot Towel. Enjoy Your Shaves.
Agreed on the better soaps part. I use Proraso stuff but I may well switch to Stirling soap outside of the white Proraso. Not having to use a pre shave would really help.
I'm a cold water shaver. makes wonders to my skin.
You also prepare your face with cold water?
@@arielspalter7425 yes
@@FelixBizaron Interesting, I'll try it in my next shave. Thanks!
Same here. works good
Do you also use the saving cream cold straight from the tub onto your face, or do you lather it first in a hot bowl?
Just found out about your business. I’ve placed a couple orders and couldn’t be happier.
Thank you for your support!
Yes, I tried the ice water and had an awesome shave. 3 passes, no pickups. Muhle R41, v12 super platinum blade, Proraso red shave cream. Incredible shave. This will now be part of my shave routine.
We are here some friends from Greece and we drink ouzo (do you like ouzo?) Eating sun-dried octopus, unfortunately canned at this time due to lack of sunshine. We love you very much. Keep up the good work. Cheers!
Hello my Greek brothers and sisters! Great to see you here. Do I like Ouzo? I LOVE Ouzo! I love it so much I even put it in my Tiganites! (Greek Pancakes) Best from the USA and thank you for your support. When I return to Greece we can do a shot together!
Hi Geo,
Just used this cold water technique on my shave. I did everything as usual except I used cold water on the razor first and when rinsing the lather off. It worked really well and I shall continue to use this method.
Best wishes mate,
Dave.
Hey there, long time listener first time caller. Been wet shaving for about 6 years now, always with hot water except for the final cold water rinse. I watched this and spent several weeks hemming and hawing over this idea, and finally decided to give it a try about 2 weeks ago. I have to admit, I was skeptical, but I can honestly say I have never had more enjoyable, pleasant, and refreshing shaves and I can't imagine ever going back. Big thumbs up and huge thanks.
First Time Caller-Love it! Thanks for sharing. It does make a difference!
This summer being on vacations, near a very beautiful cost side in Greece, where hot water was an issue, I tried for 10 days shaving with cold water (which I was doing out of necessity when I was serving the Greek army some 30 years ago) and amazingly I had the best shaving results concerning my skin as far as smoothness and blade burns was concerned. Cold water works not only for the blade but also for the skin. Aftershave was then an extra plus : fantastic performance and feeling on my skin. Try it!
You learn something new everyday. I just got done shaving using hot water the whole process, it did feel a bit rough. I lay down and now this video shows up 😂
I tried this today, with good results. I filled a small plastic container(so I wouldn't bang the blade into glass or metal) with cold water from the refrigerator, and put the Henson shaver on its head in the water while prepping to shave and for rinses. A shaver has a lot of thermal mass, so this "loaded" the shaver with cold. I still used the sink as a basin for warm water for rinsing soap off hands and general cleanup. Although after seeing a fair amount of recommendations for doing all cold shaving, maybe I don't need warm shaving soap or warm rinse water. Cold shaver is easy and seems to be a winner....further experiments required.....
Thanks for sharing Thom. Let us know how it works for you going All Cold!
Wow, just wow! Tried this today and what a big difference, thanks! I switched to a DE after the first of the year after watching a ton of your videos but with neck irritation. I’m using TOBS and other quality products and thought I had to tough it out as my technique would get better. This one change made the total difference, thanks for this and all your other videos!!!
Tried this method because i have no wetshaved in a while and didnt want to cut myself. I am impressed and I think i have found my new routine
Excellent-Thanks Jay!
Tried this while watching the video and it was great. The cold blade felt very refreshing.
Cold Chillin'! 🥶
Did this for about a year. I shave in the shower and it would bring mugs filled with ice into the shower with me. It did work well, but it was a lot of extra work; it's much easier and faster to just go right to the shave with the hot water from the shower.
I have a red solo cup that I fill up with cold water from the sink and use it to soak the razor in and rinse it off with. I also shave in the shower and it works very well
A song I would listen to long ago would say a DJ saved my life. Well now I can add cold water to that list. I performed a shave on my head with Proraso Red and my Rockwell 6C on a 3 setting, and on my face the day after with Proraso Green and my 37C. WOW!! This is the best thing since sliced bread! Closer shave and NO irritation in my neck area. My morning routine is now changed forever. Thank you for another amazing video Geo. Keep up the great work!
i just tried this tip and it is working perfectly on my skin too. I feel my face more sealed and defenced against the razor passes. No irritations. I used to suffer from irritations on the first shave of every blade, no matter what the brand was. Thanks Bill and Geo for the useful tip. We want more tips for gentle and efficient shavings.
I love using my black tuxedo 🤵🏻♂️ synthetic brush, TOBS Jermyn Street with my Black Beauty Adjustable
Did this forever off course - cold water makes metal shrinking so the micro blade gets even sharper....
Thanks for sharing Robert!
I"ve been doing the same thing for a long time, in fact it was my grandfather that told me to try it, I researched this subject and read that a cold blade stays more rigid and holds a sharper edge than a relaxed warm blade, the edge of a warm blade bends and curves on a microscopic level causing skin irritation, so H is 100% correct. I hope this works for other people as it has worked for me, but each to their own as they say. All the best from the UK.
That’s interesting using cold water on the razor instead of warm water I’ll have to try that because I get razor burn all the time.
Who would knew , i thought about it and tried it , this is my go to shave routine it feels better and also the blades last way longer
Tried the warm shave with a cold razor and it was refreshing against the face. Have to try it a few more times to see how it works overall. Hardest part was breaking the habit of reaching for the hot water tap instead of the cold one. 🤪
Thanks Geo and Bill from H! This was a game changer for me, I've made a lot of progress in cutting down the irritation on my neck, but still get a little bit. This helped TREMENDOUSLY. Awesome tip!
I have tried every shaving tip out there to prevent razor burn and in my opinion you need four things; a good shaving cream/lotion, a good shaving brush, a good razor and good technique. I have been shaving for 40 years and and for the first 20 struggled with various Cartridge Razors and Edge Gel on my very tough beard. I switched to DE razor around 20 years ago and that was a huge improvement. Then I got better shaving cream, a badger brush and watched TH-cam videos on how to shave and read old barber books on technique and have zero issues now. Also what helped me was with internet retailers like yourself offering better shaving products.
Fine shave Geo. I am a cold water shaver so I hardly get irritation. Take care.
Funny when I was in the Army I cold shaved in the field but I never thought much about it ! Gonna try this experiment!
I loved it!
Hi Geo - why don't you try Coconut Oil instead of shaving cream / soap in your next shave. I have found this to be the easiest shave for sensitive skin and its very easy for sensitive skin shavers get a really close shave.
Definitely giving this a try tomorrow.
And...?
I’m new to safety razors, but lucky in the fact that I don’t deal with hardly any irritation. I will start doing this as I will progressively move up to more aggressive blades, in search of my perfect blade.
I literally tried this 20 minuets ago and I must say, this was my best shave yet, thank you for sharing this amazing tip.
Yep, this works and is the way I shave.
It's basic science Geo, heat makes metal expand, cold makes it contract. Heat softens the beard and opens the pores, cold stiffens the beard and closes the pores. So use warm lather on a warm face but a cold razor
Absolute genius.....done this twice now this week and no neck irritation....
Nice shave Geo
👍👍
I’m a coldwater shaver and i’m always realy satisfied with my shaves.
Have a awesome day and take care.
You rock.
🤘😃🤘
Hi im looking forward to try cold shave. Are u getting any profits so far comparing to hot? Anyhting to pay attention at the first time of trying? Cheers :)
I've done a cold shave today and I had no burn after applying my after shave
I usually struggle with razor bumps but I think my skin is just not used to it (started shaving a month ago after my yeard chellenge)
My skin definetly felt better especially in the cold weather with bright sunshine today
@@dergeistliche2006
That was great to hear.
👍👍
Cold water shaves works just great for me. Doing it for many years now.
Check out my youtube channel if you are are interested to see a Swedish wetshaver.
Have a awesome day and take care.
🤘😃🤘
@@greypant7204
My skinn fels better when i’m using cold water.
No just use cold water when you clean and rinns your face. Works just great.
Good luck.
Have a awesome day and take care.
🤘😃🤘
I've used this technique, and it works extremely well for me. And my face doesn't dry out like it does with the HW rinse. Give it a try!!!
I have always wondered why Revisor (straight razor manufacturer in Germany) recommend to always rinse your straight razor in cold water.
There's a lot of science behind it...
Always amazed at how fast Geo shaves. I always rinse the razor with cold water only because I'm too impatient to wait for the hot water. I never really get razor burn except with a bic blade
Ok Geo. Gave it a try just now with my Rockwell 6c set on plate 3. New Derby Premium blade. I have sensitive skin so plate 3 is usually pretty agressive for me.
The cold blade WORKED WONDERS!! I really can't understand why because I've read about cold water shaving...but not this.
Only 1 tiny weeper (I usually end up with a crime scene on my face because I'm about 6 weeks into wet shaving and yet to perfect my technique) but I'm really impressed with this method. Thanks to you and your Emailer! I'm a disciple.
Thanks from Ottawa Canada brother.
I have the same blades and ordered a 6c earlier today. My face is an irritated mess at the mo since I started DE shaving in just the last week.
Looking forward to my new handle and to try this technique!
Geo you did something like this awhile ago where you shaved outdoors in the snow.
It really works in my case. Recommend IT.
will definitely try this next time i shave
This cold water shaving tip was given by Robin Williams (playing Adrian Cronauer) in the 1987 movie "Good Morning Vietnam."
This is my first time watching one of your videos - a good friend forwarded this one to me. I would expect terrible acoustics from the bricks in your bathroom (if they're real), but I love that I can *hear* the shave and yet there isn't a disturbing amount of echo. I look forward to trying a cold razor!
I'll have to give this a try next shave!
It works.👍👍👍👍 thanks for the hack.
No problem 👍
I almost could not believe it. It truly makes a difference. It works! Thinking about it, the cold razor/blade causes the skin to shrink back causing the hair to become further isolated from the skin. It is almost crazy to think I have not seen this recommendation before in my wet shaving research, going on now over a year. Thanks for bringing this to us! Great video as always!
Thanks Patrick! Enjoy.
👍🏻 Used my Merkur 39C this morning with hot water on my face and cold only on the razor and received a great shave, needed to do only a 2 pass shave instead on my usual 3 pass to get a BBS. Thanks to you and Bill…Frank
Had one of the best shaves doing this today. Love the tip.
Have to try this 🤔
How'd it work for you?
@@geofatboy Yes, its stange but the after shave is nice. No bleeding at all.
I've been Coldwater shaving ever since I saw this video a year it two ago. Never looked back. I might try one more hot shave, just to be sure. I also changed my razor blades, I was getting irritation but I did not think it was because of the cold water, I think it was just the crap blades.
I still like to mix it up between hot and cold.
I was always told not to use hot water for cleaning kitchen knives, because they will blunt faster - so this makes sense to me
That’s crazy I actually did that a few time with the cold water rinses and it really helps
I went all cold the other day and was surprised with how close and easy the shave was today.
Yeah tried this today and it gave the best shave I've ever had, I'm pretty much convinced
Yep, closer shave and less irritation. The hairs standing on end from the cold razor does makes a difference. Muhle R41 with professional derby Shavettes bilaterally. (Too inconsistent with straight blade, more control and consistency improved with DE) I have a ton of shavettes left so I put two in the DE and so far no negative results.
I tried this method this morning. I must say that I was amazed at the difference this made. Cold razor from now on👍🏻
In the movie "Good morning, America" a radio DJ recommended the exact same thing. But I've never tried it because I like my blades warm.
Hey Geo,
Tried the cold water razor shave Sat afternoon. I had 5 days growth. I used my Vikings Blade Emperor Meiji with new Gillette Perma-Sharp blade. Soap was PAA Atomic Bay Rum CK-1. I was awesome!! Hardest part was breaking the habit of turning the hot faucet on to rinse the razor 🪒 Thanks for the tip, will definitely try it again tomorrow
I tried the cold water razor this morning and I will need a little more time to make up my mind….Yes, a very smooth shave with no or little irritation, but I enjoy the feel of a hot water razor against my face in the morning. Old habits hard to break.
Will keep trying.
I’ve been a wet shaver for a handful of years… I use a DE for my face & my head, minus where my goatee is lol. I’ve done a cold water shave for most of those years, as discovered by razor emporium’s Matt. Yesterday I shaved my face and head not only with a cold water shave, but also a cold razor. Typically I do I do everything 🥶 cold, except the razor would be hot. Yesterday I made the razor cold like everything else. And I really enjoyed the shaved. It just felt more comfortable, soothing, and I feel like I got less irritation with us method. I was surprised how much I felt the difference in temperature on my skin! Thanks for the tip Geo 👍😀👌 I enjoy watching your videos 😜
Thanks geo I'll try it tomorrow morning first thing I want my Italian mama Mia face to look awesome see you later stay safe
This technique works like a charm! love it!
Awesome!
Interesting. Matt at Razor Emporium shaves in cold water as well - says he has sensitive skin. I thought it was crazy (I shaved in cold water outdoors in Alaska and it was miserable) but will give it a try the way you did it.
Read the other comments-It works!
@@geofatboy Started trying this the very next shave after my comment and am amazed at how well it works. I think the issue in Alaska, is the prep was also cold! Infantry life.
Hey Geo, Tried it with my Merkur 34 and Wilkinson Sword blade used for four shaves already. Result was NO irritation and no feedback from my Alum block. The best shave I have ever had and this will now be part of my normal routine. Thanks Geo and Bill from H V
I actually use ice water in a bowl. It's done wonders for my sensitive skin.
Did anyone find the original article? Tried it today and loved it. I just want to know why it works now, hopefully it wasn't a fluke!
Hi Geo,
I tried this tip tonight.
Works a treat.
It makes sense too.
The blade is thin enough that it's temperature would stiffen, or unstiffen the blade. So cold blade == stiffer blade.
Used a brand new Derby tonight.
Now a word of caution for my DE brethren.....
A couple of weeks back, I let my wife use my bar of Mitchell's Wool Fat Soap cos the winter air is playing havoc with her face. She's been using it regularly and looked for it with a certain Riverine retailer. I told her to hold off and let me check my source.
Long story short, another SN order has been placed.
The caution to be taken from this tale is that if you're a kind soul, don't be surprised if your SO latches onto that product.
LOL
Tried this last night and followed it to the letter. The cold razor touching my skin woke me up with start! The sensation was more than I was expecting. First pass with the grain, perfect. Second pass across the grain, better still. Third pass, felt very smooth shave, just a small nick on bottom of jaw bone.👍👍
If I'm wanting a super cold shave during the summer I'll use the following method: Hot shower 🚿. Cold water at the sink and a preshave such as Terrorade (I keep it in the freezer). I will use a cooling shave cream such as some made buy Stirling. Afterwards I'll splash some Osage Rub (I also keep this in the freezer) on my freshly shaved sensitive skin followed by an aftershave balm such as Nivea Sensitive (kept in the refrigerator). Talking about invigorating❄
I tried it, and it was different. I will admit that during the summer It would be refreshing. I didn't notice any major change in irritation, but the whole reason for going to the double edge razor again in the first place was to reduce irritation. I would really like to see some scientific reasoning for this, or at lest the hypothesis that the idea is based on before I would go all in with it. William C. central Indiana.
Hey Geo, just tried the cold razor shave and it was amazing. Best shave I ever had. I usually get some razor bumps and burns but none at all with this technique, as verified by the shave nation alum! Who know applied physics would give you such a great shave and a great day!
Tried it today first time and was very satisfied with the result. Will go on testing it. All the best from Germany and thank you so much für this tip.
Just tried this. Muhle R41 + yellow feather, no cuts and no irritation, but to be honest the shave wasn’t very smooth, there was some pulling (blade was new). But definitely will be using this method going forward.
Feather blades often improve after the first shave!
Okay…I only shave in shower so will have to figure out a way to try this.
I just tried this and it works. It’s odd putting a cold razor on my face instead of a warm one but I’ve got no razor burn.
I know right?
Tried it as well - I like to shave 7 days a week - this reduced irritation - not that i got that much before - but this was much more comfortable!!!! Great idea!!!
So this is also why you shouldn’t rinse a straight razor when shaving but use a towel or special lather catcher to clean the razor during the shave?
Maybe, but I still use the water, it's easier and faster...
Hmm, Warm everything except the razor eh? I'll have to give it a try.🤔
I used to get terrible razor burn with cheapo cartridge or disposable razors and my braun/phillishave electric doodads, just switching to DE (and eventually SE) eliminated it, I put it down to extra care items like quality soap, pre and post shave routines and fewer strokes. There's nothing like the blades my shavette uses although I reckon the proper shaving has toughened my skin to where i could use a kitchen knife if it was sharp enough, lol. I'll deliberately cold blade next time and see if any difference.
I have a beard now so I use an Adjustable Schick Injector razor to line up my mustache and neck. I made a mistake and did a cold blade/cold rinse, cold gel application. I shaved with the grain at setting 5 & against at setting 3. For once, it wasn’t irritating at all! I’ll try again in 2 days using the views suggested method with an update. My skin type: Sensitive skin, coarse hair.
Thanks for sharing Schwarzer!
@@geofatboy After a few months of doing the "cold pass" vs "traditional pass", the cold pass is a huge success for my skin.
This also makes blades last longer since you're strengthing the edge with the cold
After the shave, do you open your DE razor and rinse/clean it with hot or cold water? Before you dry and store till the next shave ?
Personal preference. bit.ly/ShaveNationBladeMagnet You can also remove it, rinse it and hand it on a magnet to dry till the next shave.
Hi Geo. I tried this twice using two different razors just to give it a fair shake. Although it worked well, I don't think it made a big difference to me. Also, I really don't like the feel of a cold, wet razor on my face after a warm water splash in the middle of a cold Canadian winter. I found it took away a lot of the enjoyment of my shave. So I won't adopt it as a regular practice but perhaps reserve it for some of those really hot summer days. I thank you and your viewer for the tip as it's always worth trying new things to see how they work for you. Take care!
Tried this tonight after Sunday evening sauna. Last shave was Friday. Used Feather razor and blade. No red blister or skin irritation. Usually if I shave within 48h I would get irritated so it worked for me… but I’ll try again Tuesday and see.
It worked for me too. Significantly less razor burn. I love it
Love your videos keep up the good work. From Canada
Going to try this thanks. I'm new to the double edged blades I'm used to using the cartridge ones. so far really liking the difference just using the classic ones.
Enjoy!
Thanks for sharing. I will try this the next time I shave
Thanks. I've been wet shaving for over 10 hears now and am 69 years old. Use preshaves - either oil or cream that helps. Tried this and it seems to also help - razor seemed to glide easier and even less irritation than usual.
Learn something new everyday.
Probably makes sense to cold shave as the skin will be tighter?
A full cold water shave has helped me in the past with irritation. Just switch to cold everything for a few weeks and everything cleared up.
How is the lathering in cold water? Is it harder or u do i with hot water and the rest is cooooold? 🤗
I can't believe that you guys didn't know this before. I first heard it from my grandpa and many times since then. I remember even a monologue in the movie Miller's Crossing about how you need to soak the blade in cold water to get a first class shave from a mob moss character who is obsessed with shaving.