Paste, Activator, Balm - DIY alternatives?

[K.T.]

I've been interested in Method Shaving since I started with DE's. I've never tried it, though, because there seems to be only one product system, and you must pay the asking price to get involved. The long-term cost is more than I want to spend, currently.

Which brings me to my next question - are there any DIY alternatives to Paste, Activator, and Balm? What are these things, exactly, on a chemical level? How do they do what they do to the primer (soap) bloc? If someone wanted to use non-branded alternatives that works on the primer the same way paste, activator, and balm do, what would those substances be? Basically, what are the active ingredients of these items, and can one make their own product with them?

After learning to get BBS with my regular complement of creams and soaps, I'm now looking to reduce or eliminate irritation and burn. My next frontier is figuring out how to achieve consistently comfortable and irritation-free shaves. Method Shaving seems to be worth a shot, but I wouldn't be able to pay the asking price on a long-term basis. Any discussion or information on DIY alternatives is much welcome!

I look in the Method Shaving forum infrequently, so I apologize if this question has been asked before. Thanks for your help!

K.T.

 

[Bright (Satin) Futur]

Congrats on taking the plunge!

I've been using the Method for years both with and without the Hydrolast products and I'm very pleased with the results. Earth Science Moisturizing Shaving Creme For Men is among the few creams that are slick enough to do a good job but I always return to genuine Hydrolast products for complete satisfaction.

 

[K.T.]

Thanks!

I'm looking forward to what's possible. I'm looking to replicate the Method Shaving experience without having to use the official Hydrolast products.

Just so everyone understands my position, I'm a DIY guy; build my own stereo's, etc. A large part of my motivation is to save money by understanding how a product works, and to build or make it myself if possible.

My understanding of the Hydrolast products is that certain chemicals or active ingredients in the paste, activator, and balm affect the primer (soap) bloc in specific ways. I understand the products maximize the soap's slickness, and gives it a specific viscosity, elasticity, texture, etc. I'm very curious to understand what these active ingredients are, and how they work on the primer, and if those ingredients are available to be purchased.

If there are other, more affordable, commercial product that produce a similar slickness and shave quality of the Hydrolast products, I would gladly try them. It may be that achieving a similar shave quality doesn't require the mixing of products. If there's something that exists in one bottle, great!

So I'm also eager to hear about other products that replicate the feel of a Method Shave without necessarily mirroring the chemistry or the mixing process.

The Earth Science Moisturizing Shave Creme sounds promising. I've tried their toner in the past and liked it a lot, so I know they make quality products.

How would you use the Earth Science Creme? Just slather it on as you would the "mix" or "slag?" Do you need to treat it with anything, or prep in in any way? I will give it a try.

If anyone else has more insight into the Hydrolast products, or any similarly performing products, give a holler. Thanks!

K.T.

 

[ouch]

Don't forget the thesaurus.

 

[Friskyseal]

K.T., you're basically asking to backwards-engineer the hard work and livelihood of a single man. I believe his wife published an ingredients list of the paste and conditioner here:

http://www.hydrolast.com/shaving/index.php?topic=108.0

but as far as the important ingredients for the cutting balm, I would think he's trying to keep that a secret for a reason? Of course you could buy a ton of oils, spend the time mixing them together, and test them out against the cutting balm, but doing that would surely cost more time and money than just purchasing the cutting balm itself. Furthermore, if you didn't purchase the original, how would you know what you were shooting for?

 

[K.T.]

K.T., you're basically asking to backwards-engineer the hard work and livelihood of a single man.... but as far as the important ingredients for the cutting balm, I would think he's trying to keep that a secret for a reason?

Well, the only reason I seek insight into the product is to save money. If there's a competing product that gives a comparable performance to Hydrolast and I can get it for the cost of my current creams or soaps, I would do that and be done with it.

That's why I also asked for insight into other products that may offer a similar experience, but which may cost less.

Of course, you're right: I won't know how something compares to Hydrolast until I've tried Hydrolast. I will, in fact, try it out. No doubt.

I harbor no strong feelings towards Hydrolast, Enchante, or it's proprietor, either positive or negative. My sole motivation for seeking insight into the product is based solely on cost. Certainly I will try Hydrolast to get a baseline knowledge of its performance. I may even buy the product every now and then if I like it. It's just that I can't spend the asking price to use it for my everyday shaves. It would beneficial to me and others to find a less expensive alternative, whether that involves gaining insight into the Hydrolast products and making a DIY alternative, or simply by identifying a similarly performing, but less expensive alternative.

As for the proprietor's hard work, I certainly believe he deserves success if he's putting out a good product that people like. But I also believe that competition is a good thing. If Method Shaving is as effective as many here have described, I would hope that someone would offer a competing product at some point and let the market do its thing. No one expects the proprietor to divulge his secrets, but I do think it is in the DIY spirit for hobbyists to experiment, gain insight, and share their knowledge of what works.

Best,
K.T.

 

[tsmba]

I've never heard of a DIY alternative. $24.95 buys a "starter set" that has all that's needed to get going. There are many work-arounds...for instance, many method shavers still use their brush. I use a shave cloth,and those can be found online (but not for any great savings).

The "must haves" are:

*primer: either "da cube" or one of the scented rounds or bars. This may be something that could be purchased elsewhere for a small savings.

*cutting balm

*shave cloth or brush. If you use a brush, don't put cutting balm on it

That's it! All the other goodies: activator, finishing balm, tonic, conditioner, etc. are great products, but not essential. I'd be happy to send some samples, but would strongly suggest the starter kit. Samples are fine, but MS takes time and practice to perfect. If after giving it a good workout, and think its not your thing, I'm certain you wouldn't have any problem selling the rest.

 

[Bright (Satin) Futur]

How would you use the Earth Science Creme? Just slather it on as you would the "mix" or "slag?"

Yes and No

Yes, just open the tube, apply small amount to face as directed, adding water too and then shave away. This stuff also does great when 'stretching' the mix. Since all the messy mixing is done for us, there's no fuss with this stuff.

- No, you don't need to add a thing but if you feel led to, have a go and let us know how it works for you.

 

[Sueto]

I don't see a DIY alternative being out of the realm of reason. Charles had to come up with it somehow and did it in a DIY approach, so I am sure that anyone else could do the same. Especially if part of the dream to come true, other people would need to know how to mix this stuff. He told me when I bought the stuff that he hopes to some day know that there are other shavemasters out there that you could go to and get the balm and paste mixed specifically for you. So the break down as I understand it:

primer: a good quality milled soap. The one I used was a palm oil based soap. he had other soaps at his shop that can be bought from other vendors. I have used Pre de Provence soap with good results.

cutting balm: olive oil + some mixture of ingredients

cutting paste: good luck on this one.

 

[mars]

The paste is certainly the most difficult to reproduce. It's arguably the most important element as well. There are many choices for primers -- he doesn't make any of them himself. Cutting balm is just a blend of vegetal oils-- you might be able to experiment until you find something you like. But, you'd have to try the actual products first to know what you are tryng to replicate.

 

[K.T.]

K.T., you're basically asking to backwards-engineer the hard work and livelihood of a single man.

Thanks for your advice so far, everyone. I will pick up either the starter kit, or maybe just some of the paste, not right away, though. Probably sometime next month. If it's not too much trouble for you, Tom, I may take you up on your sample offer. Thanks.

I currently have a good slick oil-based soap I can use and currently own a cloth I think may work similarly to the Hydrolast cloth, as seen here: http://www.amazon.com/Cure-Japanese-Exfoliating-Bath-Towel/dp/B002KC6YG0/ref=pd_sim_bt_4. So I will try it to see if this cloth will work sufficiently. Perhaps the money saved on a new Hydrolast cloth can go toward a larger amount of paste.

Is the cutting balm necessary, too? What does it do, exactly? I didn't see that it was specified in the starter kit, only the paste.

Finally, I just wanted to respectfully comment on Friskyseal's quote above. While I understand the sentiment, I have to respectfully disagree.

I thought about the reasoning, and it seemed akin to arguing that one shouldn't attempt to make a DIY icecream with a similar mouth-feel and flavor to Ben and Jerry's because that would infringe upon their hard work and livelihood. I'm under no obligation to Ben and Jerry's to not make something similar to their product for my own consumption.

Furthermore, I believe that if I want to make an icecream that is similar to Ben and Jerry's for my own personal consumption, that a concern for Ben and Jerry's business interest shouldn't hamper my discussion with others regarding what Ben and Jerry are doing to make such a good icecream. Again, I'm under no obligation to Ben and Jerry's to not discuss with my peers their products and whatever ingredients or manufacturing steps they may be using.

Anyway, I didn't want to make a thing of it. Just that I see it differently.

I hope the concern voiced doesn't dampen a free and spirited discussion of a very interesting product.

Best,
K.T.

 

[K.T.]

Yes and No

Yes, just open the tube, apply small amount to face as directed, adding water too and then shave away. This stuff also does great when 'stretching' the mix. Since all the messy mixing is done for us, there's no fuss with this stuff.

- No, you don't need to add a thing but if you feel led to, have a go and let us know how it works for you.

Thanks, Satin.

I'm currently experimenting with slick stuff instead of the normal foamy creams. Right now I'm trying out Headslick, and I like it a lot. Next on my list are Cremo Cream, Earth Science, and Hydrolast, of course.

Would you say the key characteristic of Hydrolast is slickness?

K.T.

 

[Sueto]

I know the question wasn't directed towards me, but I would like to comment on the question of the key characteristic. I don't think it is slickness, but in the way that the hydrolast system hydrates the face that then leads to the ability to do the shave. I state it this way because I feel that it is very different to having a slick product on a dry face.

 

[K.T.]

I know the question wasn't directed towards me, but I would like to comment on the question of the key characteristic. I don't think it is slickness, but in the way that the hydrolast system hydrates the face that then leads to the ability to do the shave. I state it this way because I feel that it is very different to having a slick product on a dry face.

Very interesting. I can see I'll have to definitely try the Hydrolast products. It seems to be a unique shaving experience that's different from what I imagined.

Just to clarify, is the balm necessary? I see that the starter kit comes with the cloth, the paste, and the primer. No mention of the balm in the website description.

Thanks!
K.T.

 

[Sueto]

I felt the cutting balm was key to the whole thing working.

 

[Defcon5]

But then who will teach you the secret handshakes?

 

[K.T.]

But then who will teach you the secret handshakes?

I will have to shake my own hands while simultaneously trying to get a BBS. Good thing I haven't started with straights, yet!

K.T.

 

[Carolina Kiltman]

I have to admit that this is the first time I have heard about Hydrolast Method. So being totally unfamiliar with the product(s) I am commenting from the information gathered from the posts. If I am totally off base, please let me know, OK?

In another post I mentioned the "rite of passage" in having my father teach me the manly art of shaving (after his brother-in-law) gave me a Rolls Razor shaving set for my 16th birthday. He stressed the following;

1. Always wash the face thoroughly with soap and water first.

2. Work up a good lather (as an engineer he had to explain that it was the water retained on the face that provided the lubrication to the cutting edge of the razor.)

3. Shave once "with the grain" and then go over it again "against the grain", especially on the neck.

4. Rinse face with hot water, then treat any nicks with styptic pencile (alum)

5. Now is the time to use the shave lotion. He mixed up his own using cheap rum, olive oil (a very small amount) and some essential oil, such as bay.

does this sound familiar to anyone?