You know what they say, opinions are like a**holes, everybody's got one...and most of them stink. So here's my contrary take on things...

I do like balms, actually only one, T&H Classic. I use it occasionally during the winter; I like the feel and the scent...very classic barbershopy scent. When I really want the old time feel of a shave, it's TOBS Shave shop shave cream and T&H Classic Balm.

However, I'm not looking for a balm. The shea butter base in the AS is quite soothing on it's own and perfectly acceptable for year round use. Like Joe, I'd prefer a signature scent, classic, appropriate for use at any time.

With regard to the menthol, I like it (not the 'menthol' scent, but the cooling sensation of the menthol crystals added to a couple of the first round AS's). I'd describe the cooling from the menthol like a quick evaporation of alcohol...like what you'd experience with an alcohol based AS applied while standing in front of a fan. By the same tolken, I'm not a big fan of high alcohol content AS. It is certainly not due to the alcohol burn as I use an alum block following most shaves; maybe it is the drying of the skin, maybe it's the mental image of McCaully Culkin in 'Home Alone' applying his fathers AS each morning and letting out that hedious catterwahl.

Not suggesting changes or a different approach, just presenting personal preferences.

Colleen, know that you remain in my prayers.

Cheers,
Ed