Evolution of Shave Cloth use

[tsmba]

I think that I, like most newcomers to MS, suffer confusion in the face of the evolution of techniques. Mark's videos, and much of the discussion here, is dated. While owning several brushes, I never use them for MS, relying strictly on the cloth.

Now, in the latter part of 2009, I am relying, for the most part, on the "start-to-finish" (30+min) video. Consequently, I use the cloth only as a tool to build my wet mix. I then extract the mix into my palm and work it in with my fingertips (I start the process by washing my face as normal, with the scented primer or Musgo Round, a washcloth, then rinse). Once that wet mix is extracted, buffered, then recharged, I am finished with the cloth.

I've read some instructions that suggest using the loaded cloth as an applicator, something I don't do (again, using the video as my guide). After I start cutting, anything I add from that point forward is mixed in my palm. Am I missing something?

[msandoval858]

No, you're actually pretty dead on with the way Charles is teaching the method to new shavers today.  The cloth, though it works well, never felt good to me using it apply mix to my face.  However, it does do a great job at creating the mix.

While alot of the information here is dated, many shavers, including myself still use the brush.  I find the cloth effective, but I enjoy using the brush, particularly my V200.  I've met several shavers that actually use neither, they have developed great and effective techniques for hand mixing Hydrolast and get outstanding results.  This really goes to show that with Method Shaving, there is a powerful range of versatility in the products and how they can be used. 

[tsmba]

I have heard scuttlbut that cutting balm damages (or at least glops up) the brush. Are you using cutting balm in your mix?

[msandoval858]

No, you never want to put cutting balm in the brush.  My brush mixes are based on water, primer, paste, and activator. 

I've found cutting balm best used as a finishing componenet.  I will usually do my first form cutting without it, then put some up towards the end of the shave.  Then I rinse clean and put up a bit of finishing balm for touchup.

I've also found cutting balm to be a great preshave treatment.  I'll wet the face with hot water, message a thin layer of it thoroughly into my face and allow it to set on the skin while I build my mix.  Then apply mix over top of it and start cutting.  This works especially well with straight razor shaves.

Obviously this is a bit backwards from what Charles teaches now, but I find the approach to work very well.

[tsmba]

Interesting. There seems to be quite a discrepancy between the way we newbies go about it and the techniques used by those who've been at it awhile. One thing I'm missing is the hot towel.....I plan to start working that in prior to applying my wet mask.

I've been fiddling with my paste (#2). Of all the products, it seems the most "touchy". Too little and nicks are possible, too much and its harder to cut....just right and the razor glides. I can even do a "rollover", something I would NEVER attempt with regular creams.