Cracks in the cube?

[neilxvx]

My 1/3 cut of the cube is showing cracks on one side. What does this mean, is it bad? Do I need to dry it differently?

[mars]

This has happened to mine, too. I don't think there's anythign that can be done about it. Sometimes, they break into small pieces, too. Not sure if this happens with the full cube, though.

[msandoval858]

My full size cubes have done this in the past, but usually not until they get pretty small after a quite a few uses.

I've never used the 3x cut cube so I'm not sure if that makes a difference.

Despite the cracks, it never seemed to effect performance.

[neilxvx]

Hi Mike. My name is Neil. I've seen you post a lot on this forum and the hydrolast website. While we're on the subject, I have a few questions for you if you don't mind. It's nice talking to experienced method shaves other than Charles. He's an amiable gentleman but sometimes he is too enthusiastic about his products and although he means well it's hard to get a solid, useful answer out of him when i'm seeking guidance.

Are you partial to the cube or the round? And, are you exclusively a method shaver or do you dabble with creams and soaps?

[msandoval858]

Hi Mike. My name is Neil. I've seen you post a lot on this forum and the hydrolast website. While we're on the subject, I have a few questions for you if you don't mind. It's nice talking to experienced method shaves other than Charles. He's an amiable gentleman but sometimes he is too enthusiastic about his products and although he means well it's hard to get a solid, useful answer out of him when i'm seeking guidance.

Are you partial to the cube or the round? And, are you exclusively a method shaver or do you dabble with creams and soaps?

I dabble in a pretty wide range of products, mostly soaps as I don't care for shaving creams much at all. I do find that Hydrolast does give me the best shave by far which is why I use it often.

I have tried the rounds, which are soaps that have been adopted for use with the HL pastes. Personally, I find my shaves better with the cube. Getting the cube/paste mix right with a cube does take a bit of learning, but the results are outstanding.

If you have something on your mind, please feel free to PM me anytime and I'd be more than happy to help where I can.

[neilxvx]

Thanks man.

Another quick question if you don't mind. How long did it take you to get really satisfactory and consistent results with method shaving?

[collinarose]

Neil,

The cracks are probably from the soap drying after use but they shouldn't make much difference. My cut Cube did the same thing and I found it annoying. The full Cubes for some reason don't have the issue so you may want to try a full one next time.

As for consistent shaves, it doesn't take too long. Keep a sharp blade and once you learn to get the mix buffered (peaked) properly, you're in good shape.

If you want, you might also try posting some questions over at the Hydrolast forum. Good luck.


-CR

[neilxvx]

Neil,

The cracks are probably from the soap drying after use but they shouldn't make much difference. My cut Cube did the same thing and I found it annoying. The full Cubes for some reason don't have the issue so you may want to try a full one next time.

As for consistent shaves, it doesn't take too long. Keep a sharp blade and once you learn to get the mix buffered (peaked) properly, you're in good shape.

If you want, you might also try posting some questions over at the Hydrolast forum. Good luck.


-CR

Thank you sir. I've really seen some improvement lately since I stopped trying to be too greedy and remove every bit of stubble so quickly. I stopped going against the grain almost completely except on my neck under my chin. I've also started prepping more. Yesterday was the first time I tried using some Trumpers skin food as a pre-shave and it softened up my beard like nothing else has. That really made a difference in how easy my beeard was to cut.

[jellywerker]

It has something to do with the way soap cures after it is made. However, it happens to nearly all air dried soaps, so don't let it bother you.

[Gafer]

Thank you sir. I've really seen some improvement lately since I stopped trying to be too greedy and remove every bit of stubble so quickly. I stopped going against the grain almost completely except on my neck under my chin. I've also started prepping more. Yesterday was the first time I tried using some Trumpers skin food as a pre-shave and it softened up my beard like nothing else has. That really made a difference in how easy my beeard was to cut.

While this isn't a sanctioned Method Shaving technique have you tried using Kyle's prep method with Hydrolast? Here's what I do. Once your mix is ready lather your face and then apply a hot towel for about three minutes. Refresh the towel with hot water as needed but try to get in the full three minutes. Man will this soften your beard! You gotta try it.

[neilxvx]

While this isn't a sanctioned Method Shaving technique have you tried using Kyle's prep method with Hydrolast? Here's what I do. Once your mix is ready lather your face and then apply a hot towel for about three minutes. Refresh the towel with hot water as needed but try to get in the full three minutes. Man will this soften your beard! You gotta try it.

I've tried priming my brush and using some slag with kyles prep, it didn't really seem to do much and the slag dissolved almost instantly. I'll probably try it again with the full mix and paste thought. Thank you for the suggestion

[Gafer]

I've tried priming my brush and using some slag with kyles prep, it didn't really seem to do much and the slag dissolved almost instantly. I'll probably try it again with the full mix and paste thought. Thank you for the suggestion

I don't have Da cube since I've been using the round (Sea Mist for me) and that soap used by itself does absolutely nothing for me as a prep either. When using traditional creams I often soap my face first with Williams or Van Der Hagen. I tried the round and it really didn't yield any better results than any other soap. Interestingly I've tried adding Hydrolast paste to traditional creams or soaps - I can't tell a bit of difference. But, remarkably you pair the two up (Hydrolast paste and a round) and bamo! Slickest damn stuff on the planet. It's strange how the whole is greater than the sum of the parts when it comes to the Method Mix.