Written, step-by-step, MS instructions?

**H8Debt** · 01-13-2010, 10:42 AM

I know there is a 30-minute video and all sorts of threads, but has anyone ever done a write up with just simple instructions?

I did my first solo shave using MS this morning and wasn't comfortable if I was using the products in the right sequence. Shave paste, cutting balm, conditioner, tonic, soap...

**gstrand** · 01-13-2010, 10:51 AM

I am far from an expert, but this is my process:

My process:
- Soak soap and cloth, work up some lather and then add cutting balm in the cloth and work it some more. I usually keep refolding it in to the cloth until I get a nice light lather, enough to cover my face and save some for the second pass.
- Apply to scruffy morning face post shower.
- Dip a small finger tip of paste out of the tub, rub it in to the lather on 1/2 of my face, do the same for the other side.
- Textbook first form, pretty long strokes
- No rinse, but apply the saved lather, and a little more paste.
- Second first form...
- Apply more paste or lather if it feels like I need it, usually not. Often just apply some hot water.
- Combined second and third form strokes
- Apply a little bit of water and or paste for some spot "machine gunning" on the problem/rough spots a la the Shaving 101 video.
- Rinse
- Finish off with Charles' Tonic or A/S of your choice - currently I'm using either Eucalyptus Aromatic Tonic or Shea Moisture Tea Tree Bump Preventer, depending on which bathroom I'm in in the house...

Works for me...

**H8Debt** · 01-13-2010, 10:52 AM

So, cutting balm is only used at the beginning when you're lathering up the cloth, right?

**gstrand** · 01-13-2010, 11:19 AM

That's how Charles showed us, anyway. Lather the soap in to the cloth, then add cutting balm to that lather before you apply to your face...

But then again... some people use it later in the process as well... I've actually touched up after 12 hours with cutting balm only...

**thestone725** · 01-13-2010, 11:29 AM

I learned a great deal from watching Mantic59's videos on youtube. They are short and to the point. Very helpful in my opinion.

**Bruce** · 01-13-2010, 11:33 AM

Cutting balm?

Is this part of some shaving system process?

**gstrand** · 01-13-2010, 12:06 PM

Yeah... RMWS/Method Shaving... (see forum section...

)

http://www.youtube.com/view_play_lis...B8DD0B02808245

and

http://shaving101.com/index.php/educ...to-finish.html

are good places to start...

**tsmba** · 01-13-2010, 02:51 PM

I think the video is the most up-to-date tutorial I know of. CR's written works are linked to Enchanteonline and are pretty lengthy. Mantic's videos are fairly dated, but I found some good tips in them.

**Zombasaur** · 01-13-2010, 04:50 PM

I do it pretty much exactly like gstrand, except if I feel like I need a little more lubrication I'll hand lather the primer and run it VERY wet over my skin.

The cutting balm can be used later combined with the activator for the gloss shave. I've not used the activator, maybe someone else can comment on this aspect?