Alright duders. After talking to both Charles and Jean via email numerous times, I ordered the following "starter" package: Grapeseed Aromatic Round 3-piece Cube 3-tier unscented paste (the blend Charles recommend especially for RMWS newbs like me!) SM 100 brush Merkur DE HD razor Sandalwood/Cirtus tonic spray So he wants me to call him before I generate my first mix and shave. He recommended I watch mantic's videos on the Hydrolast mix generation, but I'll be honest: I've watched all 3 of the videos in his series numerous times. He uses 3 different brushes, and from what I can tell the end result (the mix itself) is somewhat thinner and runnier (and I guess MUCH slicker) than a traditional lather. However, how do I know when it's "ready?" How thin is just thin enough? How thick is too thick? It's hard to judge from the videos. Anyway, wish me luck -- since I've been DE shaving for a good while now, I think I've got the basics of a traditional DE shave.... how should this translate into a proper Methodshave? I ask all you experts (Mike, Raf, mantic, etc. etc.) for advice. Oh yeah... and does the 'Velva go on BEFORE the mix, or AFTER the mix?
You were doing so well until you mentioned the Velva...so sad. Btw it does not go anywhere near the face after the shave. Your car has a container for windshield wiper fluid put it there. let us know before you start. We will talk you through it. Raf
Nice Jason, I also have a bunch of Method stuff on my way that Mike is very kindly putting together for me. While I am skipping the Razor and Brush options, I am getting all the other goodies (Minus Cutting Balm). Should be fun to play around with when I get it. Also thanks to all the method guys for the good advice, and for Mike for his specific help too.
Step away from the Velva... We'll get you squared away correctly. Let us know when you're ready to get started. On the phone with Chas right now, back later
But, but.... but... it's not windshield wiper fluid. It's My Blue Heaven in a bottle! Ok I'll post up when the stuffs arrives and I'm ready to roll. Thanks!! Indeed. We're fortunate to have some of the top-most elite of Methodshaving as regulars around here. I already scored a tub of that in trade a while back, but in discussions with Charles, it seems that I possibly have a tub that's gone bad. It's a bit too thick and heavy for me, and Charles reports that his A/S Conditioner shouldn't be heavy in the least. But even in its present condition, my tub of Peppermint Conditioner is great -- just a tad too thick and heavy for me (even using 1/2 a pinky size across entire wetted face).
Congratulations! Not sure if it would be helpful or not, but I posted observations of a Method newbie on the enchanteonline forum a couple of months ago. Welcome to the wonderful world of RMWS....
Are you using tonic with it? I think it is heavy if I have not spritzed up good. With your face good and wet, it glides easily and is not heavy at all. I like the eucalyptus tonic right after the shave followed by the peppermint conditioner and then a spritz of grapefruit tonic. Nirvana! Brad
Yes, entire face is dripping with any one of the following (I tried all these with similar results -- the Hydrolast Conditioner just kind of never sank in and stayed too thick and heavy): QED Peppermint Hydrosol QED DaVinci Hydrosol QED Lemon Peel Hydrosol Plain water Thayer's Lavender Witch Hazel Thayer's Rose Witch Hazel Perhaps I need actual Hydrolast tonic, although I don't think that will matter. Regardless, I'll get to try that theory out soon!
The package arrived today -- complete with generous samples of "Red #3" paste (I think?) and 3 different A/S conditioners... Eucalyptus, Sandalwood and Lavender. The SM100 brush is smaller than I had it pictured in my mind. I'm excited... and want to do this right. Give me advice/pointers/tips on how to create the mix, etc. and I'll give it my first try tomorrow morning!!!
Nice Jason! Mine should be arriving soon too.. don't get too excited since you are going to have newbie company soon!
just finally saw this...... You know I'm interested. Alls I got is the cube and some Eucalyptus Cutting Paste but that works great for me. Of course.....since I quit putting the mix into my scuttle, the results have been much better.
Yeah, that's the only thing I'll miss really badly if this takes off for me... I LOVE my scuttle... one of the best parts of my mornings == warm lather.
