I can only get BBS with 2 days growth

[izlat]

^
Alex - this is arguable, at least

I also enjoy my shaves much more when I have several days' worth of gowth.

On the other hand, if you are good with a straight you should be able to go several days in a row without irritation - but maybe not BBS every day, just *presentable*

Also, some people find it very easy to get BBS (skin, hair characteristics), while others find it much more challenging. I'd advise most to focus on comfort

Cheers
Ivo

[Fraserazor]

Hi,

I found my shaves are best on the third day, if i leave it much longer the shave is not as comfatable for me. I'm going to try and knock it back to shaving every two days see how that goes. Although I have been shaving off of a norton 8000 edge! and stropping of course, I'm also the proud new owner of a Shapton 16000 now and some chromium oxide so I'm exited to see what edges I'll be getting from now on!

Cheers Mark

[holli4pirating]

I believe it was Seraphim who made this observation in another post, but since I agree and have had the same experiences, I'll share what he said.

I find that I get better shaves when my skin is in better shape. This might require a days rest between shaves if I go ATG, or shaving two days in a row but only going WTG. It might mean using some extra balm/moisturizer at night/in the morning to keep my skin healthy.

I really don't think it has anything to do with beard length since the actual cutting edge of the razor is right at the base of the hairs, and the resistance the hairs give has to do with the end of the hair that is actually in your face (as opposed to the end that hangs free). At least, that's my take on the beard length part.

[Lt.Arclight]

It is a rarity that I don't shave EVERY day. I don't think beard length has anything to do with getting a BBS. A sharp razor and proper technique. Period.

If you are getting razor burn and irritation everytime you shave-you are doing something wrong. And if your face is RAW,you should allow it to heal. And then rethink your shaving technique.

[hoglahoo]

I don't find that the period of time between shaves has anything to do with the quality of the shaves I get - maybe they're all just that bad, haha!

Maybe like others have said it depends on one's skin sensitivity?

[joke1176]

I don't find that the period of time between shaves has anything to do with the quality of the shaves I get - maybe they're all just that bad, haha!

Maybe like others have said it depends on one's skin sensitivity?

Well, I am more prone to face irritation, and I'm not talking about shaving. My face and neck get red and itchy from seasonal allergies.

I bet I have a stronger histamine reaction (released by pressure on mast cells), and that's why I have to wait for best shave results.

[Johnny J]

I believe I have found a partial solution.

(1) Use linen + leather before every shave, a more burnished edge is less irritating.

(2) On days when I don't plan to go out in the evening, do WTG/XTG. Save the WTG/ATG shaves for nights out. That also cuts down on irritation.

The result with 1 day growth is not quite BBS ATG, but close. Until Joke's post, I never thought to focus on the irritation aspect. So that was pretty useful. Thanks, Joke!

[Johnny J]

Another new discovery. I stopped doing daily ATG passes to give my face a break, & I discovered that the ATG pass is the most destructive to the edge, and the most sensitive to edge degradation. An edge that seems good WTG and XTG can leave my face red, like I've just been pimp-slapped, when I go ATG. If I didn't go ATG, I could probably get away with much less frequent touch-ups. But on nights when I plan to go out, I like having a BBS shave which only ATG can provide.

[fpessanha]

I have no idea why this happens... I too find that my monday shave, if I skip sunday, is closer than, for instance, the wednesday shave (I use several razors...). But I also think that prep is important and goes a long way helping us achieve a good shave. And let's face it, folks: is BBS really THAT important? A non BBS shave will always look good on my book!

[Quick]

Wouldn't normal shave prep (lots of heat, moisture, etc) produce an effect similar to the edema resulting from mild irritation ( as described by Joke above)?