Thread: how many passes?

With very good technique and a very keen edge I can do a five pass shave with no irritation but usually only need three and a couple of touch ups on problem spots.
I love to hone so my edges never get very far off, so keen is not a problem. I always strive for a 96% to 99% BBS and usually I only need to shave every other day with a shave like this.
It's taken me over 150 shaves to reach this level and I still do a fare bit of experimenting with different technique to better my shaves. Just found out the other day that if I skip WTG and go right to ATG on my first pass on my neck I get a better shave and as long as I have done a good job on the hones I get very little irritation.

It takes a good long while to get really decent shaves from a straight. The learning curve is much longer than most would think or want to admit. The last thing you want to do is push it with something you are uncomfortable doing. You have the right idea in not doing the ATG pass as you are not comfortable with it at the moment. When you try the ATG pass try using very little gap between the spine and your face. It will eventually click.

Don't worry too much about how many passes others do, they are not you. Just do what you are comfortable with and eventually the shaves will get better. Personally, I don't shower before a shave, do not prep, just wet face lather up and do a 4 pass shave. Wouldn't you know it with all that effort there still is a spot under my chin that defies complete smoothness, maybe some day. No I would not be doing a 4 pass shave if the shave at the end of it was not comfortable and I sure did not start off with 4 passes. Starting out it was hard to do 2 passes without irritating the heck out of my face.

Just enjoy the ride you will get there at your own pace.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

It takes a good long while to get really decent shaves from a straight. The learning curve is much longer than most would think or want to admit. The last thing you want to do is push it with something you are uncomfortable doing. You have the right idea in not doing the ATg pass as you are not comfortable with it at the moment. When you try the ATG pass try using very little gap between the spine and your face. It will eventually click.

Don't worry too much about how many passes others do, they are not you. Just do what you are comfortable with and eventually the shaves will get better. Personally, I don't shower before a shave, do not prep, just wet face lather up and do a 4 pass shave. Wouldn't you know it with all that effort there still is a spot under my chin that defies complete smoothness, maybe some day. No I would not be doing a 4 pass shave if the shave at the end of it was not comfortable and I sure did not start off with 4 passes. Starting out it was hard to do 2 passes without irritating the heck out of my face.

Just enjoy the ride you will get there at your own pace.

Bob

+1. Good advice here I think. I have found that more passes with LESS strokes are easier on my neck. Instead of 9 strokes over 3 passes (3 strokes per pass. 2 of which are without any lubrication) I have less irritation and a closer shave with 1 long stroke per pass. 3 strokes over 3 passes. Then I clean up on the 4 th pass with maybe two strokes in that pass for a total of 5 strokes per section per shave (4 of which have water/lather for lubrication). Much less irritation and a closer shave. Ok now. Clear as mud?

Originally Posted by Steel

Ok now. Clear as mud?

Bob

2.5 passes.

WTG, ATG and then ATG for the wild hairs on the neck. Stretching, a sharp edge and knowing which way your beard grows are key. Shave WTG and the rub your face. Feel which direction has the most stubble and shave that direction. Rub your face again and shave the remaining stubble in the direction that feels the roughest. If you are prone to irritation lighten up on the pressure. The other change I made to get a better shave was using both hands. Some angles cannot be made if you shave with only your dominant hand.

One pass with maybe a touchup on the chin sides.

All I need.

Bob is right. It is your face and all are different.

After 300 shaves I have finally felt comfortable with the 3rd atg pass with no touch up - all of my razors will not comfortable do that so have to pick up a
W&B sometimes for my third pass if using another blade!!

just read the beginner guide in the library last night and found out that WTG you want 30 degree angle XTG you want 20 degree and ATG you want about a 5 degree angle.
these are average degrees as every face is different and every razor. the advice I've been getting is take your time. get to know your face, how your beard grows, and find a way to hold your razor thats comfortable. i've watched a lot of videos and every person has a different way of holding their razor for the different areas of your face. hope you find a way to shave that is comfortable and i agree with
QUOTE=greatbolo;1471635] all of my razors will not comfortable do that so have to pick up a
W&B sometimes for my third pass if using another blade!![/QUOTE]
there are many variables in str8 razor shaving you could try changing Razor for 3rd pass, changing soap, changing the angles you shave at.

im a one pass , maybe 2 in areas where i know i dont get as close on the first ... i dont have to shave so i have no reason other then for enjoyment ..lol

3.5 passes
WTG, XTG, ATG
Cleanup pass : lower part of neck, detail work around stash and goatee.
Close to bbs daily.

Pete <:-}