Thread: Four pass shaving?

Hi,

Having just had a great 3 pass shave going, WTG, XTG (ear to nose) and ATG.

I felt my face after the shave and it felt wonderful and smooth along the directions of the passes but I still felt some stubble XTG (nose to ear) direction.

My question is should we be doing four pass shaves for the ultimate in smoothness?

Only if your skin can handle it. Most of my face can, but others can not... Some people may just do a difficult spot afterwards as a touch-up. Skin stretching may alleviate some need for more touch-ups.

I agree with coach, only if your face can handle it. But as for your question, "should we be doing four pass shaves for the ultimate in smoothness" - in all likeliness, no. I say that for two reasons. First, and probably the most obvious reason, is that many of us couldn't tolerate 4 full passes as everybody's skin is different. Second, as your technique progresses you'll find you can get a great shave with 2 passes.

I guess you should ask yourself if it's really important to chase the ultimate closeness for every single shave. Without being condescending, we all start out obsessed with getting BBS shaves, but after awhile comfort comes first.

EDIT - I just realized this was in the DE forum However, I still believe the same rules apply with DE's as straights...

Originally Posted by coachschaller

Only if your skin can handle it.

+1... I do 4 passes, ie 1 WTG, 2XTG & 1ATG.

Because the manoeuvrability of the DE makes it much easier for me to do truly ATG strokes all over my face and neck, I don't find I need more than two passes with a DE. Generally, I actually get a closer shave with a DE than with a straight. I could get the same result with a straight, but I don't generally feel the need to spend the time it would take. However, certainly from time to time I get real fun out of a long, precise multi pass straight shave...

If I was going to do guard duty back in the army I'd take the time ...

Thanks guys. I agree with what you are saying. I only do WTG and ATG on my neck area as the hair grows more from the centre line outwards. All XTG (ear to centre) on my neck so far have caused razor burn. But on my cheek areas I seem to handle 3 passes ok.
It was Saturday morning, i had time, was lathering up a new brush and using a 2nd-day feather in a Merker 39C. I used a really slow and soft technique letting the weight of the razor do the work. I also really felt like I could TRUST in the sharpness of the blade.

Anyway I guess all I can do is try it next time and see...

The Merkur 39C is the long handled Slant, is it not? It's considered an overly agressive razor, so if you overdo it you'll definitely be courting irritation, especially with a Feather...

Originally Posted by MrSmoooth

Hi,

Having just had a great 3 pass shave going, WTG, XTG (ear to nose) and ATG.

I felt my face after the shave and it felt wonderful and smooth along the directions of the passes but I still felt some stubble XTG (nose to ear) direction.

My question is should we be doing four pass shaves for the ultimate in smoothness?

I can't because my face can't take it. Someone suggested five passes as a means of getting in more practice and learning faster but three is my limit.

Ironically, a two pass shave doesn't cut it for me either. For some strange reason one day I did the WTG and ATG, but forgot the XTG. When I realized what I had done I tried to do a "touch up" to get what I had missed and my face felt more irritated than usual.

I think if you continue with your three passes I think you'll get better and achieve the results you want. That's my experience anyway.

I dont have much experience with other DE's. The Merker 39C is the long handled slant. It's my first DE razor but I think I am getting on top of it with the feather blades. I'm looking to experiment more with other DE razors as a lead up to perfecting the straights. I'm looking to buy a couple of new DEs and pick up a couple of old ones that seem to lurk in just about every antique shop. That way I can try a few different razors and types of shaving experiences.

Originally Posted by MrSmoooth

I dont have much experience with other DE's. The Merker 39C is the long handled slant. It's my first DE razor but I think I am getting on top of it with the feather blades. I'm looking to experiment more with other DE razors as a lead up to perfecting the straights. I'm looking to buy a couple of new DEs and pick up a couple of old ones that seem to lurk in just about every antique shop. That way I can try a few different razors and types of shaving experiences.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize we were talking about safety razors. I was talking about my experience with a straight razor.

I love the 39C and Feather blades, but that's an aggressive combination. I usually use a slant with either Medical Personna or Astra blades.

What I do with safety razors is one pass. I do one side in all directions then do the other side. It's heaven compared to all the irritation I experienced with cartridges and disposables, not to mention a much better shave.

I don't see the use of a safety razor as a "lead in" to straights. If you want to master the straight, use the straight. What I generally do is straight shave when I have more time and use a safety razor when I'm pressed for time or if my face is irritated.