Is BBS possible without an ATG pass?

[Brantd]

I don't think you can can a BBS with just WTG passes. Maybe, just maybe with a XTG, but an ATG shave is where you really get all the stubble.

[PhatMan]

Hi,

I used to be obsessive about getting BBS everytime I shaved.

When I used a DE razor, my face always glowed in the dark afterwards

I needed six (6) passes (including the blade buffing touch ups).

To describe the aftershave as 'bracing' was an understatement !!

I then let common sense take over, and went for a comfortable shave, that wasn't 100% BBS, but was generally a DFS.

I now use straights exlusively, but still will always take the comfortable shave over the obsessive BBS sore faced shave.

Best of luck

Have fun !

best regards

Russ

[Stropper]

Here's my take on the ATG pass, yes for a BBS shave you need it. The idea though is to cut the hairs not take off layers of skin cells. Use a light touch . This is true for both straight razors and safety razors. I believe the habit of using too much pressure is left over from our cartridge razor days. A well sharpened straight razor or a merkur, especially with a feather blade, will shave well with very light pressure on the skin. The discovery of the light touch cured all razor burn for me YMMV. I use one pass north to south then one pass south to north. This leaves a few patches where stubble hangs out, so as I rinse my face I take note of where these patches are and the direction of the hair growth. Now it's just a matter of stretching the skin to get the hairs on a flatter surface and selecting the proper stroke to get a good ATG pass or as close to an ATG pass as is practical for the left over patches. This method along with a light touch gives me if not a BBS then at least a DFS every time. Try the light touch once or twice even if you think you won't get a close shave and see how much less razor burn you get, my guess is you'll be surprised at how close the shave is. There's my 2 cents worth

[akw]

I've never been able to get BBS without ATG.

[richmondesi]

I don't believe BBS is possible with only WTG shaves (could be wrong), but I'm certain that I can't get BBS without going ATG... I normally do go for BBS because I rarely have irritation issues. I wouldn't go for it if I did.

[wolfmanXIII]

A lot of good things coming from you guys; a light touch (and patience) is key if you don't want irritation, but the BBS shave is sometimes just not worth your face feeling like hamburger especially if your skin is sensitive or you haven't mastered just the right amount of pressure when you could just get a decent shave and leave it at that. It really depends a whole lot upon the thickness of your hair and how it grows; mine unfortunately is very thick (and destroys all other razors otherwise I probably wouldn't have ended up here), lays close to the skin, and grows in different directions. I myself have never even with ATG passes been able to get a BBS shave and have come to the conclusion that for a guy with facial hair like mine it is almost impossible without having hamburger face afterwards. Then again I'm only about 3-4 months into my str8 journey so who knows maybe I'll get to know my face/neck well enough some day that I can achieve those results.

[Seraphim]

I shaved WTG only two days ago.


It was BBS in WTG direction only.

I felt dirty.




Last night I went full 3 pass shave. BBS in all directions for at least 12 hours, and even now, 18 hours later I have less stubble than I did immediately after my WTG only shave.

I'd rather shave only once every 48 hours (maybe 36, if I really need that sharp steel fix...) and get a long lasting, smooth faced shave, than shave every day WTG only, and to feel like I was missing something in my life.

But that's just me...

[hi_bud_gl]

Yes it is possible. you have to try right technique guys.(stretching ,schything motion , good preparation etc.)
ATG is wrong and not advisable.
i have to scream from bottom of my lungs that may help people.

[richmondesi]

Yes it is possible. you have to try right technique guys.(stretching ,schything motion , good preparation etc.)
ATG is wrong and not advisable.
i have to scream from bottom of my lungs that may help people.

I need to come up to your place to see this in person

[Jsteele]

My beard grows in every which way possible,that being stated. I only recently i have been able to get a bbs shave without ATG passes. I noticed that if i stretch the skin tightly i can achieve a bbs with WTG strokes as well as using a XTG technique in areas that the hair grows sideways. And keeping a good lather in the areas im shaving prevents any irritation. I guess this is the reason why it is called wet shaving LOL