Thread: What do we mean by a close shave?

J Cosmet Sci. 2004 Nov-Dec;55(6):539-51.
The smoothness of shaven beards: the relation between stubble length distribution and skin parameters and tactile smoothness.
Westerink J, van den Berg F, van Eemeren J.
Philips Research Laboratories Eindhoven, Prof. Holstlaan 4, 5656 AA Eindhoven, The Netherlands.
Abstract

In this report we describe how the tactile smoothness of shaven beards depends on the distribution of the stubble lengths remaining after shaving and on various skin parameters like coarseness and scaliness. To this end, we set up two experiments on perceived smoothness with blinded [Is this ethical? Alethephant] human judges. In the first experiment we used artificial beards with various stubble length distributions and stubble densities as stimuli. In the second experiment we presented freshly shaven human beards, for which a wide range of objective skin and stubble parameters had been measured, as stimuli. The results of the two experiments are mostly in line with each other. We can conclude that there are individual differences between judges in the aspects they pay attention to when judging tactile smoothness. Nevertheless, a general line is discernable, and we can identify three parameters that influence the impression of tactile smoothness: the orientation of the stubble, the density of the stubble, and the length of the hairs in the stubble length distribution. We have also established the relative importance of the latter two effects.

Some things are best left simple and not over analyzed.

Your own finger on your own face.
No perceived stubble in any direction = BBS = the holly grail. Not always essential. If you can calibrate your thumb pad to a razors edge keenness/smoothness (actually it's the brain being calibrated), then feeling stubble should be a cinch. The teeth on a razors edge are microns in width yet we can still feel them.

I would also add that a close shave can also be quantified by the time is takes for the stubble to grow back. All in all this is very subjective territory though

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Some things are best left simple and not over analyzed.

Can we give our brother a big AMEN and a +1.we like the K.I.S.S. method

One could differenciate a close shave from BBS as one that looks clean shaven, but still feels stubbly, and one that is close shaven and no stubble felt.

By my definition, running my hand ATG, I feel nothing but smooth skin. When my wife touches my face and exclaims, "Gawd, your face is soft!" I consider that good enough.

If I feel stubble it ain't a close shave. Close = smooth skin in my shave den.

Aha! I have been waiting for this to come up again.

I found a video on the Discovery Channel website showing a straight razor shave pass. Now I know we use multiple passes and all, but this is pretty interesting to see what is happening on a pass. This video is either XTG or ATG - definitely not a WTG.

But look at the different states of the whiskers. Some cut off right at the follicle, some midway and some skipped altogether. So this is what we call beard reduction and why multiple passes are necessary for that "close shave".

Here is the whole video.
Time Warp: Straight Razor : Video : Discovery Channel Channel

Originally Posted by Alembic

Aha! I have been waiting for this to come up again.

I found a video on the Discovery Channel website showing a straight razor shave pass. Now I know we use multiple passes and all, but this is pretty interesting to see what is happening on a pass. This video is either XTG or ATG - definitely not a WTG.

But look at the different states of the whiskers. Some cut off right at the follicle, some midway and some skipped altogether. So this is what we call beard reduction and why multiple passes are necessary for that "close shave".

Here is the whole video.
Time Warp: Straight Razor : Video : Discovery Channel Channel

I wasn't impressed. The blade was pulling and I'm surprised we didn't see blood. Also, I think that if the razor was shave ready and some sort of lather/lube used, it would've been a better representation.