Thread: Is this statement correct?

A properly honed straight razor should be capable of removing all hair with one pass.

Broadly speaking I would say no (based on evidence) however, you ask a complex question perhaps you would considered rephrasing to get the answer you are actually looking for.

fairly true to my experience
but you will still need to do multiple passes to get a BBS which would include a WTG & either or both a XTG & ATG pass for best results depending on your beard growth
YMMV

Agree with DrDalton.
With one pass a shave ready razor with cut every hair it meets in one pass.
What changes with subsequent passes in how close the shave it.
By changing direction and skin tension a second (or third) pass allows you to cut the hair closer/lower.

But I can get a very presentable shave in one pass.

I don't know that that is possible. Each hair or group of hairs has some variance in direction of growth and a couple other small factors that prevents this. If you could cut all you whiskers in a single pass why would anyone do a multiple pass shave.

Originally Posted by Substance

fairly true to my experience
but you will still need to do multiple passes to get a BBS which would include a WTG & either or both a XTG & ATG pass for best results depending on your beard growth
YMMV

I think this answer is right on. Since I have been finishing with the Apache I have been able to get a really decent first pass shave but the BBS comes with multiple passes because of the direction the hair grows

The reason I asked was that I had heard this and I have gone through so many different stages in my straight shaving adventure, only once (for a period of about 2 months) did I seem to be getting really smooth shaves that were close. For the last couple of months I have found it difficult to get smooth acceptable shaves, same razors, same stropping, same soaps/creams, same technique yet for some reason it's just not coming together and I have to resort to using a de to get a decent shave (shudders).

Originally Posted by FrankD

A properly honed straight razor should be capable of removing all hair with one pass.

I would say 'maybe' depending on the razor, and on the hand of the user. I frequently do one pass and call it good. Could it be better ? Well, yes no doubt. The thing is I don't try to get bbs with the one pass, just acceptable. If I were to try I'd run the definite risk of irritation I think. YMMV.

The Multiple Pass Shaving Technique - Straight Razor Place Library

Originally Posted by RezDog

I don't know that that is possible. Each hair or group of hairs has some variance in direction of growth and a couple other small factors that prevents this. If you could cut all you whiskers in a single pass why would anyone do a multiple pass shave.

I don't disagree, it is, as DrDalton mentions, a complex question.

Our group tends to take shaving to a higher level than the vast majority of "daily shavers"
After you have been doing this for a while what we consider "a good shave" would be, for most men, some kind of out of body experience that would leave them in shock.

So a. "cut every hair" is not the same as b."cut every hair as close as possible while still being comfortable and safe"
For me to get to "b." that second pass is going to be required.

Smooth Shaving...

Originally Posted by FrankD

The reason I asked was that I had heard this and I have gone through so many different stages in my straight shaving adventure, only once (for a period of about 2 months) did I seem to be getting really smooth shaves that were close. For the last couple of months I have found it difficult to get smooth acceptable shaves, same razors, same stropping, same soaps/creams, same technique yet for some reason it's just not coming together and I have to resort to using a de to get a decent shave (shudders).

You may want to seek out a Mentor in the area. Your edge(s) may have degraded as part of the learning/start-up. This happens to most of us as there is so much to master and so little in the way of reference. It's like trying to teach yourself how to not only play the piano but tune one, all by reading on the web.
Even a very slight decline in edge quality matters, and if it happens slowly over weeks you might not notice until it's glaring.

A few hours with a mentor will save you much time and trouble...
Good luck...