My past several shaves, I'd say 4 or 5, have been no fun at all. I got a decent shave, but not as close as normal and it felt HORRIBLE during the process. After a few days I finally realized what I was doing different. Usually I shave in the morning with very little prep. I rub some warm water on my face and go at it. I decided to start shaving at night after a hot shower to better my prepping routine. The best way to prep right? WRONG, at least not for me! I read up on cold water shaving, and I tried it tonight. WOW. I didn't COLD water shave. I luke-warm water shaved. I didn't soak my hair for a long time either. Just a splash, then cream, and started shaving. Amazing results! Even closer shave, and it felt awesome. Plus after the shave my face wasn't all warm and puffy. My theory is this. When the hair is hot and water-soaked its like trying to cut a string that someone is holding limp. Pull the string tight and snap! That knife slices right through it. With minimal water exposure before shaving the hair isn't swollen and soaked so the razor cuts it clean like a tight string. YMMV!! WooHoo!! Thanx for reading!!