Cutting Balm

[MedicBill]

Greetings Method Shavers!

Quick question for you folks! I was reading LeisureGuy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving, in which LeisureGuy talks about using Cutting Balm in the final pass for polishing.

I'm a traditional wetshaver, and I was curious if you folks thought it would be worth a shot to use the cutting balm in conjunction with traditional creams/soaps for the final pass.

Also, if you do think it's a good idea, which scent is your favorite?

Thanks guys!

 

[gstrand]

Cutting balm is interesting, really slick and moisturizing stuff. I'd say go for it. I may try it myself. When I go "full method" my face is much glossier than when I don't - I attribute that to the balm.

This morning, like I do about half the time, I used something other than Hydrolast (today it was all Bigelow/proraso.) Next time I do that, I'll finish the last pass with cutting balm and see how it works for me.

 

[sanuginz]

Yes, I've been doing this recently with great results. Leisureguy also states that the cutting balm is the best out there for the oil pass. It works wonders on the mustache (It is possible to go ATG here with the oil pass the only product I found that can do that) ATG buffing and neck ATG - the 2 areas I traditionally get irritation. It also gives a nice finish and closer shave for a shave that lasts longer throughout the day. The cutting balm is very powerful stuff and often overlooked.

 

[petr]

Cutting balm is great for chasing down strays and a light final pass (3rd or 4th). If you use it for several days you will notice the benefit to your skin. No one can deny the results, especially a guy like me with dry skin.

This is one thing about the rmws process that I truly appreciated. His "cutting balm" does not have an equal. I have tried to find another product or mix my own, but this one has MOJO to it. Simple as that.

This will take your shave closeness to the next level. The peppermint is amazing and should be tried. It's like a natural menthol - freeze your face off deal. Lime & Green tea is my overall favorite.

Now, this technique leisure guy is using was taught when he sold brushes and not that cheese *** rag. Use as leisure guy describes and you'll be better for it. (soap brush first 3 forms, put away brush, then use cutting balm)

(As a side note, I stopped wanting my shaves this close every day. It is like getting a laser peel or something and I have a wicked thick beard. Five o clock shadows are a thing of the past. I go in cycles. These days I simply want a shave with no risk of ingrowns, zero redness and that usually means not getting this freakishly close with a feather and cutting balm)

It should be experienced though I used it for over two years in a high profile job with great success.

 

[Omnichron]

I'm thinking of trying the cutting balm as well.

 

[SRock]

Just marking this thread as I try to educate myself more on the Method Shave.

 

[sanuginz]

that usually means not getting this freakishly close with a feather and cutting balm)

If using cutting balm is akin to a freakishly close shave, then call me a freak anytime.

Just marking this thread as I try to educate myself more on the Method Shave.

It's nice to see you mosey on over here Rob. You'll undoubtedly add to your shave what you learn here.

 

[gstrand]

Used cutting balm as a 4th pass this morning.

Used Bigelow pre-shave oil, Bigelow/Proraso cream for the first three (quick) passes/forms...

Then rinsed my hands, and put a nickel sized squirt of cutting balm all over the face, and worked the remaining patches of rough...

The result is pretty doggone close if not freakishly close...

Not much different if not the same as when I go with my full Hydrolast Method. And of course, the moisturizing factor is quite high as expected.

The cutting balm is frankly the heart of Hydrolast for me...

 

[gstrand]

OK, for giggles I went out on a limb today.

Yesterday was an FCS - Freakishly Close Shave - with the way I did it, so as a result this morning I'm as ~5 o'clock shadow level rather than full day beard level.

So I decided to do a test.

Post shower, I wet my face back up with hot water.
I got a quarter size pool of cutting balm slathered on, and commenced to cutting.

One quick pass, a little water a la stretching the mix, and another quick pass. A couple more squirts on a couple rough chin spots and I was done.

Nothing but cutting balm and hot water. Totally passable shave, no cuts nicks or weepers.

 

[MedicBill]

Used cutting balm as a 4th pass this morning.

Used Bigelow pre-shave oil, Bigelow/Proraso cream for the first three (quick) passes/forms...

Then rinsed my hands, and put a nickel sized squirt of cutting balm all over the face, and worked the remaining patches of rough...

The result is pretty doggone close if not freakishly close...

Not much different if not the same as when I go with my full Hydrolast Method. And of course, the moisturizing factor is quite high as expected.

The cutting balm is frankly the heart of Hydrolast for me...

Thanks for posting this. Giving serious thought to ordering some cutting balm.

You're awesome!

 

[tsmba]

I've always used CB just to build my wet mix, but apparently it has many more uses. Some guys seem to love it as a moisturizer.

 

[rlandrews3rd]

Wait until you try the #2 CB. I've been a test subject with it for some time now and it's great! I use the original with the soap on my face along with what I build in my hand for the first pass. I use the #2 for the touchup pass, and it's smooth!

 

[tsmba]

When you say that, do you mean you are using just the CB for that pass, or are you using primer and the #2 product?

 

[rlandrews3rd]

Just the CB2 on the final (touch up) pass when I'm finishing the shave. I use the original CB with soap and primer on the first pass.

 

[tsmba]

I'm interested in the differences between "traditional" CB and the #2 product you mentioned. Is it viscosity? Is it the same price?

 

[mars]

He constantly is reformulating the CB. All costs the same. He made one winter version a few months ago that was much thicker. Just tell him what you want and he will make it to your specifications.

 

[rlandrews3rd]

Yes, it's the same price. It is "slicker" than the original and he's still tweaking the recipe a little.

 

[sanuginz]

I think I'm going to try cutting balm only (+ possibly primer) for travel and see what happens. Hand slag only, no brush, no cloth. 2 passes only.

 

[Zombasaur]

I've been dropping the paste from my routine recently, using only primer and cutting balm. It's been working great for me.

 

[tsmba]

I've had the same feeling. My biggest problem in MS is having my wet mix fall apart on my face. I don't like having to hurry to keep up with it. I like to take my time shaving, and never attempt to mimic Charles' style. So the thing I seek is creating a wet mix that stays together throughout my shave.

I never have gotten into "stretching the mix", as I end up with a slick razor, rushing through my strokes, which leads to: trouble.