Thread: Number of passes -- I quit when my wife likes the feel

I've been shaving with one tool or another for more than 50 years. Using no tool (double edge, injectors, many bladed cartridges and SRs) I've never made more than a pass plus a touch up. ..call it a pass and a half. I have a fairly medium beard, but it grows in many different directions, so tell me, am I crazy or does BBS really require 3 passes? I can't bring myself to go ATG with a straight.

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

I've been shaving with one tool or another for more than 50 years. Using no tool (double edge, injectors, many bladed cartridges and SRs) I've never made more than a pass plus a touch up. ..call it a pass and a half. I have a fairly medium beard, but it grows in many different directions, so tell me, am I crazy or does BBS really require 3 passes? I can't bring myself to go ATG with a straight.

Technically, most will tell you to get the BBS shave, you're looking at 3 passes, of which one is ATG. Having said that, in order to get a BBS shave, depending on your beard coarseness and technique, it could take you many more passes!!

For me, it would be 3 passes, including XTG on the cheeks, ATG on the neck, and possibly an all over WTG pass with just water, after the first three passes.

That's why I don't chase the BBS shave, too much work, I settle for a nice DFS....two passes and done.

YMMV...

Originally Posted by Haroldg48

...I can't bring myself to go ATG with a straight.

Why not, please?

To achieve BBS for me it is two passes and clear water touch up.
1st pass is a scything WTG (XTG)
2nd pass is a scything XTG (ATG)
Both of which are more of a 45° angle to the actual growth.
If that makes sense but as always YMMV

Originally Posted by pfries

To achieve BBS for me it is two passes and clear water touch up.
1st pass is a scything WTG (XTG)
2nd pass is a scything XTG (ATG)
Both of which are more of a 45° angle to the actual growth.
If that makes sense but as always YMMV

Hey pfries - I've seen that scything stroke, looks effective and it makes sense, haven't tried it yet. I have a goatee, so don't know if I would need that in my repertoire, WTG, XTG and ATG works for me, but I've wanted to try that. Seen a few vids were it's used, from the side of the mouth, right scything right down the side of the face, down and across the neck to below the ear...looks great, works great, does seem a bit risky though...something to consider.

Thanks!

I don't really chase the BBS smooth anymore. I do more passes on my neck though, but that's only because the hair grows funny there.

I have a goatee and with my coarse thick beard, the scything stroke is the only way to go.

Originally Posted by Phrank

Hey pfries - I've seen that scything stroke, looks effective and it makes sense, haven't tried it yet. I have a goatee, so don't know if I would need that in my repertoire, WTG, XTG and ATG works for me, but I've wanted to try that. Seen a few vids were it's used, from the side of the mouth, right scything right down the side of the face, down and across the neck to below the ear...looks great, works great, does seem a bit risky though...something to consider.

Thanks!

Originally Posted by hillbillypick

I have a goatee and with my coarse thick beard, the scything stroke is the only way to go.

Well, tomorrow's Halloween, I'll give it a try, if I screw it up, won't need a costume I guess....

Just go by feel and keep the blade advancing

Originally Posted by pfries

To achieve BBS for me it is two passes and clear water touch up.

This.

Except mine is
1. WTG
2. ATG

The more I shave, the less I shave (I used to use more passes). My technique has improved. I think my edges have improved also