I think BBS probably sets up lots of false expectations for beginners. I mean it's subjective. Once your whiskers have been cut-off, how much closer is BBS anyway? I think the more realistic approach is just cut off the stubble and be presentable. Some shaves will barely meet that standard, others may exceed it. FWIW, even after years of using a straight, sometimes I get that sticky smooth gee that was a great shave feeling and other times its, Meh!...that'll do. Although I suspect most of my shaves are somewhere in between those two extremes. I've kind of gotten over obsessing over BBS shaves. If you've got a heavy beard, you're going to have to shave again tomorrow anyway so why sweat it. As long as the shaves are good, comfortable and leave you presentable and cleaned shaved, who cares about some subjective standard like BBS?
I've also noticed that even on the Meh!...that'll do days, I'm still the cleanest shaved guy at work at 5 PM. It stands to reason that those of us whose genetics (or purely manly studlieness) give us a beard that looks like Barney Rubble are going to have a tougher time of it than those that look like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Don't sweat the small stuff. I'll take comfortable and fun any day. My recommendation? North-South pass, South-North Pass, rinse, feel around for high spots and touch up as required. Unless you're shaving with a spoon, that should get you in the neighborhood, or at least to the comfortable and presentable standard.
This part I had to do. For the record, I'm probably Barney Rubble plus. My beard begins just under my eyes and stops when it turns into chest hair.
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