Define: BBS

[Frankenstein]

I've noticed a few comments regarding BBS shaves lately that have given me the impression we each have different definitions of BBS. So my question is - how do you define BBS.

For me it means being able to rub your hand or finger, with and without pressure over the shaved area of your face, in any direction about an hour after shaving and not be able to detect the slightest presence of hair.

I say an hour after shaving because a hot shower or towel will swell your growth - which will naturally contract when it cools down over time.

Is my definition too rigid/not strict enough?

Cheers,

Rob

Edited to further clarify definition.

[holli4pirating]

I qualify my BBS directionally, and a good razor gives me directional BBS. What I mean here is that I can rub my finger in the direction I shaved and not feel anything. I use the directional part because it is part of how I determine whether or not a razor is shave ready. A razor is shave ready if it gives me directional BBS and cuts cleanly. I'd never considered the time aspect; I usually check immediately after the pass or while applying my AS balm.

Note: A really good razor will give me perpendicular BBS, meaning I can shave WTG and feel BBS when rubbing XTG.

[BeBerlin]

The ultimate test is a fluffy round makeup remover cotton pad thingy. If you rub it across your face, and none of the fibres catch - you're there.

Still waiting for that to happen, though, blasted jawline and all that.

[Jaxx2112]

The ultimate test is a fluffy round makeup remover cotton pad thingy. If you rub it across your face, and none of the fibres catch - you're there.

Ah, but what direction are you rubbing in? WTG? XTG? ATG? I think this is what Frankenstein may be getting at.

[Frankenstein]

Ah, but what direction are you rubbing in? WTG? XTG? ATG? I think this is what Frankenstein may be getting at.

Yes, exactly. Thanks for that; I've edited the OP to include that. So I mean in any direction and with pressure.

[BeBerlin]

So I mean in any direction and with pressure.

Light touch, circular motions. These things catch easily.

You might, in the interest of science, try using a buffer, but I would not recommend it.

[Allen]

If I can rub the back of my hand ATG and not feel any roughness at all, that's BBS for me.

[TheBaron]

The ultimate test is a fluffy round makeup remover cotton pad thingy. If you rub it across your face, and none of the fibres catch - you're there.

Still waiting for that to happen, though, blasted jawline and all that.

I use these for applying my witch hazel. My skin is sensitive so I use the pads to make sure I'm sparing with it and it immediately tells me what areas I still need to work on in the future.

[zib]

The ultimate test is a fluffy round makeup remover cotton pad thingy. If you rub it across your face, and none of the fibres catch - you're there.

Still waiting for that to happen, though, blasted jawline and all that.

Robin, In the states, the Ladies used to test their shaved legs with a cotton ball, The old cotton ball test.

BBS is awesome. You get such a close shave with a straight razor. My GF can't keep her hands off my face. She said, it's as if you shave below the skin. What I like about it is how long the shave itself lasts...Just awesome.
I was talking to a guy in work, and told him I use a str8, He said, He'd probably cut his own throat....

[BingoBango]

For me, BBS is smooth skin with I rub with pressure against the grain. I don't really count anything within an hour of the shave since all of the AS balms/lotions might make it feel smoother than it really is. That cotton ball test is pretty effective at finding out if it's BBS, and for me that's a good way of mapping my beard, too.