One ATG pass only?

Still new to wet shaving, but during my technique research I've got a question that I haven't seen an answer to. Given that the point of multiple passes is to reduce the beard length with each successive pass, if your beard grows slowly enough, is there a down side to doing just one ATG pass? Do previous passes have an effect on the hairs other than the obvious shortening?

Never thought about it but the only way to find out is to try it and see if it works for you.

Bob

I have heard of others with light growth or slow growth going straight to atg as it is still short or light enough that multiple passes may cause more irritation to the skin than jumping straight to atg. It's very much a YMMV thing and best to experiment and see what is best for you.

I've done it twice... when I thought I was in a hurry. Results were passable. I find now, when I'm in a rush, that I prefer to just skip the morning shave and catch it up that evening. I usually do a two pass shave, and I prefer enjoying the time vs the stress of a pressing deadline. Plus I don't cut myself when I'm in no hurry.

I don't do an ATG pass because they irritate my skin and aren't necessary for a visibly smooth shave...no one strokes my neck ATG to feel any stubble. I can't imagine doing just an ATG pass, but try it on just a part of your face and see what it is like. YMMV.

Well, had a go at it this morning. Bearing in mind that I'm still a beginner at this:

* Sideburns down to jaw - No issues whatsoever, feels BBS and as good as I've been able to get with multiple passes. Looks like I'll be doing just one pass here from now on.
* Chin - Not quite BBS but as good as I've managed to get it so far, although I needed a touch-up pass to get a couple of spots I missed the first time around. Think I can reduce this down to one pass as well.
* Upper lip - A few nicks, but with that said the upper lip has always been my trouble spot, I've never gotten a blood free shave in that area yet. Hair is also coarsest there so I'll continue doing two passes, maybe revisit this when my technique improves.

Now... what to do with this extra lather...

I tried it, but found that I get a better shave overall if I do a progression. I think the big difference is the extra passes clean up strays that get missed if you just go over an area one time.

If you are talking about a straight razor I can't really add to what has been posted. If your talking about a safety razor I frequently do 1 pass ATG. I get a shave that I can 'call good', but I get a better shave doing 2 passes. I never do 3 passes. I get irritation if I do.

I have never been able to go ATG on my upper lip with any razor, be it safety, or straight. YMMV.

The only time I do the 1 pass ATG (with a DE or SE) is when I'm pressed for time. I like to enjoy the shave and try to plan ahead to where I'm not running late.

If I've done a really good BBS shave the day before, then I can usually get away with just a one pass ATG shave. I tried just doing a single ATG pass shave with my normal DFS growth and kept nicking myself. It was like the longer hair was guiding the blade into my skin.

It might work for you, but I'm not trying it again. Plus, I have no desire to really shorten my quiet time.

You'll probably have to shave sooner after, your shave might not be as close as if you had done more than one pass. I don't think I'd do an ATG pass first on myself, as it would irritate my face too much.

If I shaved the day before, I can go right to an ATG pass. However, I normally get a close shave to the point that I really only shave a couple times a week.

With a DE or cartridge razor I understand the concept of beard reduction since without it you may clog the razor and pull hair but with a straight I will often do a ATG pass right off. With a good sharp razor and good technique I haven't had any problems or draw backs. I wouldn't recommend this to a beginner though. I think it is easier to have problems with ATG right away if your technique isn't up to par but as an advanced technique, again, I haven't had any problems. Some will do a 1 multi directional pass but I think just starting out I would say take your time.

Thanks for the further opinions everyone! For reference I'm using a Parker shavette + Shark blades. Fully aware that this may not work for everyone, but I've been continuing to test purely ATG for the last couple of days:

* Sideburns/jawline: Just as smooth as multiple passes, but no irritation at all. No difference in time needed between shaves either.
* Chin: The parts that get done easily (centre of chin) are great but the corners of my chin need a touch-up pass. Think Ernie1980 is right with the extra passes catching stray hairs, two passes doubles the chances of the hard-to-reach hairs at least getting a trim. With that said, I'm happy to say that a full ATG pass then a touch-up gives no irritation if I stretch my skin properly, while there's a bit with two passes.
* Upper lip: Tried this once more, but won't be doing it again. Back to two passes for sure!

My advise would be this. Even though you have a light beard, just do a regular 3 pass shave. Enjoy the shave time and collect your thoughts, listen to music or whatever to relax. The shave time should be relaxed and savored and enjoyed.

There is my free advise.....they say that free advise sometimes coast thousands.

I have a light beard but still shave daily. I can get buy with the single pass if I am pressed for time without issue and still get a great shave. That said, my routine is a 3 pass shave. Selfish I know since it's for no other reason then I enjoy it

Truer words could not be said..enjoying the shave.