Thread: Not quite getting it

About a year ago, I started my quest for a better shave. I went from an M3 to a DE. I've tried several combinations and settled on my definate favorite. I can take it WTG, XTG and get an excellent near BBS (I say near because there's always one tiny patch somewhere that gives the lightest whisker indication when stroking ATG) only when taking an ATG pass and a clean-up/blade buffing pass. My ATG pass meets my whiskers head on (as opposed to a slight angle), and I complete this pass with no irritation or nicks. So, bottom line, I know I can achieve BBS (or darn near), and I know I can go directly ATG.

On my quest for an even better shave, I decided to pursue straights a few months ago. I can shave WTG and XTG with ease, but I still don't feel the shave is close enough without an ATG pass. I've read many reports of folks getting a close shave without even doing an ATG pass, but I haven't figured that out for me. Problem is, my ATG passes still don't get nearly as close as I can get with my DE, and I just don't get it. My results are the same whether my razor is fresh in from a professional honemeister or I've been shaving with it for a while, so I don't think it's a sharpness issue. My stropping technique seems to be in line with everything I've seen and read. I've varied the angle from 30 degrees down to the spine almost on my skin.

Anyone have any thoughts on what the issue might be? Especially if you came from the DE world and have tips on making that transition.

All I can tell you is that coming from a few years of DE and now with over two years exclusively with the straight I've come to a place where I can get a bbs shave with one WTG pass and a few touch ups. This is fairly recent and I attribute it to improved technique in honing and in the actual shave. Switching to cold water may also account for some of it. The whole being the sum of it's parts it is hard to quantify. So stick with it and over time imperceptible improvements will occur until you reach yet another plateau and don't quite know how you got there.

++1 on Jimmy's thoughts...There is no need to attempt to achieve a BBS shave only a few months into str8 razor shaving. I transitioned from a DE to a str8 razor last December. Today, I get mostly close, smooth comfortable shaves, with an occasional BBS. I'm quite happy with the former.

Str8 razor shaving is more of an art than a science. Patience and persistence will definitely pay off in the long run.

I didn't get my first true BBS until about the 3-4 month mark and it wasn't consistent until about the sixth month. Now I've backed off knowing I can get it at any time and focusing on a comfortable shave I can do every day of the week.

Unlike most folks here, I've never used a DE. The best and quickest way to learn is to jump off the deep end and only use a straight no matter what happens...no going back to the M3 or DE.

I struggled with the same problem for a long time. . My GEMs and superspeeds were giving me bbs daily, but my straight shaves were always subpar. What I decided to do was pack away my safety razors, so there would be no temptation to use them, and keep practicing. The shaves get better, its really hard to explain why, but they just do the more you use your straight. Sticking to the same straight razor daily helps the process also!

Some good advice from these guys, put the SE away and stick with the straight. The key with this is the same with any endeavor, practice, practice, practice! Good luck and happy shaving!

As with probably all new guys, when I started, I was focused on the often referenced and therefore to a new guy desirable (HHT) as a test for honing and the BBS as the measure of the perfect shave...so, after much concentration, one severe case of RB, and some blood, I achieved the BBS, and did so for sometime...probably a few weeks ago, I noted that my shaves were no longer of the BBS-Class, but, still pretty good. I gave it a little consideration...knew my blades were sufficient for the task, so I was the problem...and the problem was:

1. Blade angle to the face...I had shallowed the angle
2. Skin pull...got a little lazy there
3. Prep...shortened the process

When I started, I was cautioned that some people try and shave @ 45 degree angle and avoid that...I over compensated...when you're @ 30 degrees with your razor...it probably looks steeper ... did to me and you might compensate by going too shallow on the WTG...when I steepened my angle, I found the initial knock-down made the other pass (es) much more effective. I get a BBS with 2-passes and a little touch-up on the typical trouble areas, (corner jaw-line, etc.).

Anyway, the guys above my post are more in the know than I, but, this brought the old BBS back for me when I want it or might be seeing a dark-eyed and in this case haired beauty...(think I'll copy this post and send it to her, might get some bonus points)...I don't reach for the perfect shave everyday.

Hey...good luck!!