Bad ass shave- New shaving classification?

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11-26-2010, 02:49 AM
flyman

Bad ass shave- New shaving classification?

I had a shave experience today as I was getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner that I feel belongs in its own category. I had a BAS (Bad ass shave).

I lapped my Butcher Bros 3/4 grind 40 times on webbed fabric and 80 times on black latigo. The shave consisted of lightly swiping off a single pass of well-hydrated Gentlenmens' Best Signature lather, with no other feedback to tell me that my thick beard was being shaved other than that sound of buttering toast. It felt as if I was shaving a face that had already been shaved. One single, clean, and uneventful pass; no cuts, no nicks, not even a weeper. No touch-ups or go backs whatsoever. It was not a perfect shave, but I was left with a shave that was BBS in at least two directions at least 90 degrees apart in all parts of the face. I just nailed it. That's all there is to it.

I think that, when that happens (This is the first time for me), you just stop right there. Which is what I did. No more passes, no more touching up, you've just had a BAS. I think what differentiates it from DFS is the single pass and done aspect with the accompanying sense of fulfillment from that.

So what do you guys think? Does this merit its own classification, or is it so commonplace after a passing a cetain level of proficiency that you just take it in stride?
11-26-2010, 03:34 AM
nessmuck

I think you just kicked it up a notch.Its nice when it all comes together,without thinking about what your doing. You know,the right angle,pressure,stretching,staying away from ears with a spike!!! Congrats on your new level.
11-26-2010, 06:37 AM
Utopian

I just call it a shave.
11-26-2010, 07:30 AM
pinklather

OK. Now, I 'm laughing my butt off

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utopian

I just call it a shave.

Utopian. you provided a well timed laugh. Thanks!

Oh for the day it's just a shave. As we noobs learn, these shaves are events to be savored. I can't wait for them to be just 'a shave'.

'Reminds me of the thread where someone said that soap/cream, etc was for people who don't know how to shave - just water should be sufficient. I actually don't doubt it, but I can't even SEE there from here.

I had one shave where a single wtg pass wasn't whatever bbs is, but a damn fine shave. I was amazed. It's been weeks, but I still remember the double take when I felt the skin.

Savor it, Flyman. I'm glad for every one I get. 'Can't wait 'til it's the ho-hum norm.
11-26-2010, 08:05 AM
thehekler

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinklather

'Reminds me of the thread where someone said that soap/cream, etc was for people who don't know how to shave - just water should be sufficient. I actually don't doubt it, but I can't even SEE there from here.

That thread changed my entire shaving experience. First thought was bullsh*t! Luckily I decided to try it anyway and boy what a difference. I didnt do the entire shave sans soap/cream if for no other reason as that's a big part of my shaving experience but my last ATG stroke is done with only water and it gives me the best shave I've ever had I recommend it to everyone. One, you can see what your doing so no feeling around to find places that need a touch up. Two, if you have a light enough touch it's no more irritating than a traditional stroke with cream. Try it some time hopefully it will be as game changing as it was for me.
11-26-2010, 10:47 AM
Mvcrash

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinklather

Utopian. you provided a well timed laugh. Thanks!

Oh for the day it's just a shave. As we noobs learn, these shaves are events to be savored. I can't wait for them to be just 'a shave'. ...

Savor it, Flyman. I'm glad for every one I get. 'Can't wait 'til it's the ho-hum norm.

I had a good laugh too and agree. As us noobs hit milestones we realize how much better a shave can get.

I am hoping this never becomes just a shave. If it does I may as well go back to, dare I say, a multi-blade shave with dispersed days of electric.
11-26-2010, 11:01 AM
souschefdude

Quote:

Originally Posted by flyman

I had a shave experience today as I was getting ready for Thanksgiving dinner that I feel belongs in its own category. I had a BAS (Bad ass shave).

I lapped my Butcher Bros 3/4 grind 40 times on webbed fabric and 80 times on black latigo. The shave consisted of lightly swiping off a single pass of well-hydrated Gentlenmens' Best Signature lather, with no other feedback to tell me that my thick beard was being shaved other than that sound of buttering toast. It felt as if I was shaving a face that had already been shaved. One single, clean, and uneventful pass; no cuts, no nicks, not even a weeper. No touch-ups or go backs whatsoever. It was not a perfect shave, but I was left with a shave that was BBS in at least two directions at least 90 degrees apart in all parts of the face. I just nailed it. That's all there is to it.

I think that, when that happens (This is the first time for me), you just stop right there. Which is what I did. No more passes, no more touching up, you've just had a BAS. I think what differentiates it from DFS is the single pass and done aspect with the accompanying sense of fulfillment from that.

So what do you guys think? Does this merit its own classification, or is it so commonplace after a passing a cetain level of proficiency that you just take it in stride?

This reminds me of the thread about the superfast shave. You know the one with the guy in the kitchen, no shirt, one and a half pass.
I think that too qualified as a BAS.
I haven't had one yet.
11-26-2010, 11:35 AM
commiecat

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utopian

I just call it a shave.

JAS = just a shave
11-26-2010, 12:52 PM
JimmyHAD

Quote:

Originally Posted by Utopian

I just call it a shave.

Reminds me of Rudyard Kipling's quote, "A woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke." Whatever that meant. :D I can and do get shaves like the OP regularly with a well honed razor. Technique does have a big impact IME.
11-26-2010, 01:07 PM
Gracecab

Try to remember what you did and make it a consistent pattern. It's possible.:gl:
11-26-2010, 02:03 PM
leadduck

Quote:

Originally Posted by pinklather

'Can't wait 'til it's the ho-hum norm.

The norm perhaps, but ho-hum? Never. After three years, it's still what gets me up in the morning.
11-26-2010, 02:48 PM
LawsonStone

I'm pretty getting this every day now. I do one WTG pass, relather, ATG pass, and the result is wonderful. I imagine i touch up a spot or two but it goes so easily I actually forget.

Needed for this to work: a wicked-sharp razor. I used a 7-day set honed by Lynn Abrams as my standard for my own honing, and have about 10 razors I've honed myself that aren't up to Lynn's standard, but accomplish a nice 2 pass nearly BBS shave every day. It's now just what I expect, so I like JAS!
11-26-2010, 02:49 PM
LawsonStone

And...by the way... ALL straight-razor shaving is Bad-A$$-Shaving!

Someone asked why I do this...and "It's just so bad-a$$" is what came to my lips. I'm a clergyman, which made it a bit shocking!
11-26-2010, 03:19 PM
MackofallTrades

Quote:

Originally Posted by LawsonStone

"It's just so bad-a$$" is what came to my lips. I'm a clergyman, which made it a bit shocking!

That's a sermon I can get behind!
11-26-2010, 04:47 PM
flyman

Thank you so much for all your feedback. Truthfully, I enjoyed them almost as much as the shave! Special thanks to Utopian for the bad-ass comment of the day!
11-26-2010, 07:01 PM
welshwizard

Quote:

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Reminds me of Rudyard Kipling's quote, "A woman is only a woman, but a good cigar is a smoke." Whatever that meant.

He preferred cigars to women? It would explain all the boy scout stuff.