I see the finishing balm rendering the activator and cutting balm unecessary. I use the finishing balm to boost the mix (a la activator), in cutting serum (with slag and a dab of paste), and with a splash of hot water for a clean-up pass. Hmmm, reminds me of the oooooold SNL skit ("It's a dessert topping _and_ a floor wax!") Raf and Isaac--good points. Maybe I need to ease off on the visits to Enchante. I might just end up talking about the role of the Hegelian dialectic in wet shaving (which sadly, CAR and I have done) Y'all have a great weekend. j
While, I agree that you could substitute one for the other, I think there may still be uses for the others. Before there was finishing balm, I used activator and slag in lieu of cutting balm as I didn't want to buy both. After trying a sample of the cutting balm, I have noticed that there are some differences in how it performs. The same holds true for the finishing balm. Do you NEED all products, probably not. Are they nice to have and use separate and are there performance trade offs? I think they are. JMHO Brad
Well my 2nd shave was just as effective as my first.. perhaps even a little more so. Chances are very good once I get the basics under my belt I will grab the cutting and finishing balms to add to the customization process. Maybe a few weeks.
Glad some more of you are seeing the benefits of the Hydrolast stuff. It is truly amazing stuff, but there is always room for traditional products. I recommend the activator and finishing balm as well, they are great products and just enchance the closeness and slickness of everything. When I started I used the forms as well, and now my passes are much more loose, and I do what workds for my beard. Of any Hydrolast product, you have to try the AS Conditioner. It will make your face feel moisturized all day.
The aftershave is definitely a top quality moisturizer, and you need so little of it to cover your entire face.
I just wanted to quickly post that I too have fallen to Method Shaving. I stocked up on shaving supplies during my trip back to the US and came back with the Cube, unscented paste, a Lychee Rose shaving round and Peppermint AS conditioner. I have been Method Shaving for a week and and wow! It is simply amazing! My skin has never felt so good and my shaves are incredible! I'm finding it hard to go back to just regular soap now. I was pleased to find that the Cube doesn't smell as bad as people made it out to be. If you've smelled a normal Savon de Marseilles, then you've smelled the Cube. I do wish the shave had a bit more smell, so I'll be getting some scented paste next time I need to stock up. Have not tried the round yet but I have to say that it smells INCREDIBLE! Again, this was based on people's recommendation and I can honestly that I am very pleased with it. Now just have to see how it shaves. The AS conditioner is amazing. I don't think there's anything else to say about it that has not been already said. It is definitely a very top tier after shave, worth every single penny. Conclusion: Method Shaving rocks! Not only are my shaves much better but my skin feels incredible. I'm going to have to see if I can go back to using my shaving soaps. I just find it very hard right now...
It's been at least four years since I've method shaved. I found it to be extremely effective, but had to stop as it really was drying my skin out. Too much scrubbing with the brush with olive oil soap and too many passes with the razor. Best, Marion
