As we say here in Berks County, 'it wonders me' why I hear so much talk about BBS.
For me I am content to do 2 passes and get a DFS.
So do you chase the BBS? If so, why?
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As we say here in Berks County, 'it wonders me' why I hear so much talk about BBS.
For me I am content to do 2 passes and get a DFS.
So do you chase the BBS? If so, why?
I can't for the life of me shave really ATG in my neck, hairs are too sideways. And moustache is too tough, though I get close to BBS. Yes, I chase BBS, but not fervently and I'm content with DFS to save my skin.
I'm usually content with a DFS and a few small trouble spots that need a third pass. Being retired there is no need for a BBS except every so often when the mood hits me to play around or prolong the shaving time I'll go for a BBS. When I occasionally use a DE or SE I'll play around to see if I can get a BBS with them (no and sometimes).
WTG + XTG + ATG = BBS. WTF, WNI?
No, I just give it 2 (ish)more like 1.68 passes and call it good. Heck I will be doing it again tomorrow anyway. When I did get really really smooth I couldn't touch my face due to the pain.
i only shave two passes, wtg then atg. to achieve bbs on my cheeks, all i have to do is wet my face again and do another quick atg touch up which takes like a minute so why not?
When I first started I was trying to get BBS every time I shaved. Now its WTG, and ATG and that's it. I also have a beard so the only areas I'm doing are my neck and a bit of my upper cheeks. The cheeks get 1 pass and the neck gets 2 passes. It works well for me and leaves a nice comfortable shave.
I don't chase the BBS but I do give it a run once a week.
Why, because in my mind, for me, it is the 'mark of mastery' in this endeavor.
When I can achieve BBS anytime I want, I will know that I have dominion over the steel!
With that being said, I also know that with SR shaving, it's the journey not the destination.
today was a 2 pass DFS.
Everyone have a great day.
I chase a BBS all the time but if I don't get it no big deal either, just try again another day.
Bob
I do a three pass shave. I am blessed with no razor burn so I can get a BBS shave often. If after three passes I miss a few hairs no big deal. I'll get them tomorrow.
First off I tend to follow a set rotation of razors. I have razors that I never expect a BBS from so that immediately sets my expectation. My work day shave is 2 pass and maybe a touch up under my jaw line. Whatever the result is good enough. If I am going out with the "fairer sex" then I will pursue BBS, choosing an appropriate blade is the first step.
I don't try very hard to get BBS. As long as as it looks good and feels decent. If I don't get BBS I just have more to practice on tomorrow, no big deal :)
I'm with you, two passes and a DFS.
A BBS shave increases the time for me exponentially, risk factor also goes up with the required ATG pass all over for a third pass, then spending time with the blade and water only doing touch ups.
Also, for a BBS shave, it somewhat dictates what razor I have to use, no huge blades, have to go around the 5/8th size, at least for me.
Finally, I then take myself out of the shave equation for the next 3 days, it's such a close shave. I like shaving, so a DFS shave allows me to shave every other day, or if necessary, every day.
Cheers!
When you brush your teeth, do you try to get ALL of the plaque off of them or just some of it? When you bathe, do you try to get all of the filth off of yourself or is a little dirt under the fingernails ok? When you hone your razor, do you chase a perfect edge or is a reasonably sharp edge good enough? I think you see where I'm going here. But I dont CHASE a BBS shave, I get one every time. I've learned what I need to do to get it and that's my routine. And the reasons are simple. When I took up SR shaving I was completely efficient with a DE and was loving the results I was getting. I tried a SR for fun but promised myself that if I couldn't get as good of a shave with a SR as I could with a DE or better (something I had seen promised in many circles), I would drop it as an interesting diversion but not something I would stick with. Because, what's the point if I can do a better job with a DE? So I took on that challenge. The reason I switched from cartridges was because I wanted a really good shave. I kept hearing that a DE or SR could deliver that. If I was ok with the results I was getting, I wouldn't have made the switch. OTOH, if my razor isn't up to the job, I'm not going to punish myself in order to get it BBS. That's just stupid. In that case I accept a bad shave and fix the problem later.
In general I do 3 1/2 passes, two if I'm tired or time restricted. This achieves a near perfect to perfect shave every time. I'm not chasing the BBS, I am more or less achieving it in about 20 minutes. Sometimes when there is an event or a special evening with my wife I may touch up with water after to get the ones I can feel are a little longer when I massage my beard, although they may or may not exist.
I shave to bbs everyday, although I have a small piece under my left ear by the nape of the neck that is impossible to go atg, straight, de mach 3 you name it. But my shave ready test for a blade is a 5 pass with no irritation and I dont get any. So Im chasing a different side to sharp with my Jnats. And it seems no matter how long you are shaving, your technique improves. They all pass HHT with flying colors though. But thats another post!
You will notice that it's more of the newer guys focusing on the BBS. For me, most of the time a DFS is just fine...but when I don't shave for a day or two it just happens to be that I get a BBS every time without trying. DFS is just fine for me...
I do not chase a BBS but I do just let it happen. I can feel when the prep is perfect, when I am in the right frame of mind, and when It just all fits together smoothly without having to try. Most days I do a two pass shave, WTG and XTG, and have a DFS as a result. I like shaving and a BBS means I don't need to shave for a few days, so while it is nice it is not a necessity.
I chase COMFORTABLE, period end of story...
I'm chasing the edge and the shave...yet. But I'm calling DFS good-enough. I can chase BBS only as long as the ADD holds out. ;)
One pass suffices me perfectly. BBS = tenderness.
I never chase a BBS.
DFS in one pass for me.
BBS is for special occasions, maybe once a month or so. The rest of the time DFS is best.
I do a solid two passes. At my best I get a great shave with no irritation. It fit my schedule and lifestyle.
Sometimes I do a third pass but it takes me beyond the point of diminishing returns. I don't get much closer and my risk of a cut goes up.
Michael
For those who were wondering -WNI = Who Needs It
I occasionally experience it, and I admit I chase it, BUT, comfort and a 12 hour shave are what I crave so I don't pursue it like others do. For instance, I never go ATG, with any razor, or I get irritation that's not worth it.
DFS works for me.
BBS is nice but DFS is good enough to keep the Mrs happy and me out of trouble at work, that's the main thing.
I thought I had posted in this thread but I guess not>
Two passes and maybe some light water only touch up = BBS with a few spots of DFS.
I will go for BBS if I have a reason, it adds a water only pass + touch ups.
It takes as long as the first two passes and can leave a touch of irritation although I can skip a day after.
My comfortable 2 pass shave is close enough and keeps me and the little woman happy.
I go for and achieve BBS every shave except for the moustache area...it just won't accept it. Maybe I was Tom Selleck in a previous incarnation, I sure as hell ain't now.
When I started straight razor shaving I wanted bbs badly and couldn't get it. Once I could on a fairly regular basis time passed to where bbs became less important to me.
Now I only go for it on occasion and dfs is plenty good most days.