Methodshaving beginner kit?

[Razorburne]

OK....If I was looking to start methodshaving, or at least using some of CAR's products, what would it take to start? What is essential to the process - da Cube? paste? cutting balm? aftershave cream?

And, being someone who does not have the money it would take to drop on a shavemaster brush (especially that I may not actually like methodshaving once I've tried it), can I technically do the process with any brush? Before you answer, understand that I am not new to wetshaving, I get the whole idea behind fan vs. lightbulb brushes and loft, etc. etc. But seriously....could you use a C&E BBB and still get the great results that methodshavers speak of, or would one be forced to buy another brush? And if you used the C&E, would the beating you are supposed to give the Cube end up destroying the brush?

is there any word on whether CAR would create a beginner kit so that interested souls could try out the method at a much lower price, and if it actually performs well for them, then they could invest in the brush and standard sized products, etc.?

last question...if you didn't do the entire method, would it make any sense to use the cube along with a traditional wetshaving cream (i.e., Proraso)?

Lots of questions, I know...and I apologize....but any info would be great.

[Kyle]

OK....If I was looking to start methodshaving, or at least using some of CAR's products, what would it take to start? What is essential to the process - da Cube? paste? cutting balm? aftershave cream?

And, being someone who does not have the money it would take to drop on a shavemaster brush (especially that I may not actually like methodshaving once I've tried it), can I technically do the process with any brush? Before you answer, understand that I am not new to wetshaving, I get the whole idea behind fan vs. lightbulb brushes and loft, etc. etc. But seriously....could you use a C&E BBB and still get the great results that methodshavers speak of, or would one be forced to buy another brush? And if you used the C&E, would the beating you are supposed to give the Cube end up destroying the brush?

is there any word on whether CAR would create a beginner kit so that interested souls could try out the method at a much lower price, and if it actually performs well for them, then they could invest in the brush and standard sized products, etc.?

last question...if you didn't do the entire method, would it make any sense to use the cube along with a traditional wetshaving cream (i.e., Proraso)?

Lots of questions, I know...and I apologize....but any info would be great.

While you don't have to have all of the products or equipment that is recommended, understand that everything is recommended for a reason. The process works best when using all/most of the products because they compliment one another. Each variation that you make from the prescribed "method" is going to have some impact on the final outcome.

Understandably, the brush is the foremost place that compromise is acceptable as it is the biggest investment. From my experience/understanding, a large, densely packed, fan shaped brush is going to give you the best results. When tinkering with Method Shaving, I used a Vulfix #41. While it isn't necessarily a dense brush, it is large and fan shaped and was adequate. I would guess that most brushes can be made to work, though some will prove more difficult to use than others.

The cube works very well with traditional creams (think of it as superlather). Further, it is a great soap for simply washing the face. While I don't often return to method shaving, I still use the cube from time to time to wash my face in the evenings.

Lastly, you might consider contacting Charles in regards to acquiring some smaller sample sized products to suit your needs. I'm not guaranteeing that he offers this, but he does seem to be a fairly accommodating fellow.

Good luck.

[Razorburne]

Kyle....as the Vulfix #41 is ~$135 and the Shavemaster V200 (new one) is ~145, would it just be best to get the shavemaster?

Does the shavemaster work well even with "traditional" cream and soaps?

[Brad]

I would go with either a cube and hard shaving round and some hydrolast paste. If you can spring for the extra $, add some activator and any decnt brush will work. I own a Shavemaster S100, but aslo have good luck with my B&B Finest brush, which is anything but fan shaped. I use more activator to get this primed right.

You do not need to beat up your brush if it hold a lot of water, that is the key. Call Charles and he may sampe you some of the conditioner as well. I think that is one of the best parts of his line. The peppermint will blow your head clean off. It is my favorite of anything. If you want to use a cream iwth the cube, use one of the three T's, not Proraso, Proraso does not create the same type of foam, so will not work as well. I have used TOBS and AOS and they both work okay with the cube. I have also used several triple milled soaps with the hydrolast paste with good success, but if you are ust trying it, I would go for the experience of both the cube and the paste to get a feel for what slick really is all about.

Also, watch Mantic's videos before you do this, as the technique is a little different. If you try this, be warned, it will likely become a habit, as the results are great.

Brad

[Kyle]

Kyle....as the Vulfix #41 is ~$135 and the Shavemaster V200 (new one) is ~145, would it just be best to get the shavemaster?

Does the shavemaster work well even with "traditional" cream and soaps?

I used the Vulfix because I already owned it at the time. Also, the Shavemasters were not yet in production and CAR was recommending some of the Simpson's brushes that were well out of my price range. I would think that any mid-size, fan shaped brush would work well enough for an evaluation (again, based on my experience). Others will have to chime in on their success or lack thereof with other brush styles. Ultimately, I do not believe that you must have a Shavemaster to adequately test Method Shaving.

While I cannot give first hand feedback on how a Shavemaster will perform with traditional products, I've not read about anyone that preferred it over standard brushes.

[ratcheer]

I have done the Method Shaving techniques without any special products several times. At least, as much as I can understand the techniques - everyone seems to give slightly different explanations of them.

Anyway, I agree, the techniques do seem to result in significantly better shaves. I can't explain why I don't always try to use them, or even why I don't give in and buy the products. :confused:

Tim