OK, update from me. Now I am totally convinced water temperature makes absolutely no difference in shaving other than personal preference. It has no effect on the quality of the shave at all. I was lowering the temperature from HAWT to just hot in my scuttle to help with the lather. I also started just washing with warm/hot water, not the hottest, because it was more comfortable. Then the hot water went out and we had none. I was forced into my first cold water shave, like it or not. It was fine. If your beard is sufficiently hydrated, and your lather is good and your technique is good, I am fairly certain you won't find a difference in shave quality. If those things are not present, I don't think hot water will save the shave. Proper prep and technique is key, use the temperature you like. Personally I don't care for cold water shaves, but I like warm lather. Need not be hot, I just don't like cold lather. Maybe some guys prefer the cold lather, some guys like the really hot treatment. Me, I use warm but comfortable water throughout my shave now. Use the water temperature you like. It is not likely to matter one iota in the quality of your shave if your prep and technique are good. YMMV, but I doubt that it will.
