I agree about "fire hose" to clean blade--even without pre-shaves. Skin does feel good afterwards. Expensive for not getting any enjoyment as you do with a brush--I'll just keep traveling with CO Bigelow in tube and Wee Scot and enjoy the shave and save money. Glad you reviewed this since I thought I just couldn't use this product correctly and you found every thing I had questioned about this. Their Healing Shave Balm, however, is outstanding!