BBS in One Pass?

[1OldGI]

Here lately I've become a bit more OCD about the edge on my razors. I've toyed with the idea of setting aside a week dedicated to one pass shaves, to see if there is a way to get BBS in one pass. I must admit I was about 85-90% BBS after one North-South pass this morning. The usual suspects however needed a quick touch up (i.e. chin and left side of my neck just below the jawbone. Spot touchups don't count as second passes though, right? My normal routine is two passes N-S then S-N. with any razor, this routine seems to render presentable shaves. With an uber sharp unit however, BBS shaves are not uncommon. This morning I did a full second pass but could have easily just hit the problem areas and had BBS. Is BBS with one pass possible? or is this the holy grail of the straight razor world?

On lots of recent shaves, I've rinsed after the first pass and thought to myself, that's plenty good enough right there. Invariably though, I tend to go for the second pass whether it's really necessary or not just for the "Gee Whiz this is a blast!" factor.

[Birnando]

I guess that depends on the beard.
And the direction of growth as well.
I have tried to achieve it, by only going straight against the grain, but I wasn't even close
The growth direction om my trouble spots change so much ,in such small areas, that I think it will be quite difficult for me to be able to do that. Or I am just using that as an excuse
I bet some can do it, but I'm not even trying anymore.
Two passes are more fun!

[pcb01]

Takes me 2 passes and touch-up to get BBS (no stubble anywhere, in any direction). There are some members here who report they can get one-pass BBS however.

About a year ago I proposed a witnessed demonstration of this at one of the meets, where others could confirm it can be done. I have not heard that this has been attempted to this point.

I'd say I'm skeptical. Not to say anyone is not being truthful; I do think that "BBS" may mean different things to different folks, however. And my skepticism may just reflect my personal lack of skills in this area.

[thebigspendur]

If you had a beard consisting of straight whiskers that grew straight up and everything was consistent like that you should be able to do it in the same pass. That's in theory of course. I know I can't. Two passes for me not including my neck.

[ace]

I've recently started shaving ATG on the initial pass. I get close to BBS with that, but touching up is still helpful.

[Ryan82]

Is it possible....

To get a BBS shave in one pass? No.

To get a directionally smooth shave in one pass? Yes. And depending on one's facial growth and personal standards this may be all you need or desire on a given day. But there is a difference between BBS and directionally smooth.

[RazorRed]

Only having a dozen str8 shaves under my belt, seven with a shavette, I can't possibly think of less than 3 passes for a shave that I'm happy with. Now that I have a cutthroat, I am once again learning the hair growth pattern and technique to remove it, all over again. I got the DE shaves down pat as far as BBS goes. Str8's? a whole new ball game. I do an XTG on the second pass and that may suffice for close enough as far as anywhere above the throat goes. I still have to do ATG on the neck and most times have to break out the DE to complete that. I will get my str8 tech down to where I won't have to touch the DE (a promise I've made to myself). BBS in one pass? I look forward to THAT day!

[Theseus]

On a few occasions, I've had the nigh-BBS one pass shave. They were usually times when the stars aligned with a perfectly honed, perfectly stropped razor and pefect lather. Seems when I get these shaves it's almost always an extra hollow razor.

[gssixgun]

I think the biggest problem with the discussion is the term BBS

I can only define my face, as you can only define yours... Now on my face I get BBS with one pass in the direction of the pass ie:
WTG pass then a WTG smooth feeling with my hand but if I were to S T R E C H the skin and run my fingers ATG, then I can find a few pricklers, still can't see them, but I could find them.. Now if I go WTG then XTG this gives me a near perfect BBS in all directions except if I really, really, try ATG with my fingers I could get OCD about a few pricklers... WTG, XTG, and a clear water ATG, will get them all, but at that point in time I begin to think of shaving as a chore again

Now when it comes to going to work, or out in public, just a single WTG pass and a quick clear water touch up is more than I ever need to get through 12 hours in public, and the shave is soooooooo comfortable, which is the real reason I even use a SR..

BBS is a goal, but comfort is the true destination for me...

[niftyshaving]

Here lately I've become a bit more OCD about the edge on my razors. I've toyed with the idea of setting aside a week dedicated to one pass shaves, to see if there is a way to get BBS in one pass. I must admit I was about 85-90% BBS after one North-South pass this morning. The usual suspects however needed a quick touch up (i.e. chin and left side of my neck just below the jawbone. Spot touchups don't count as second passes though, right? My normal routine is two passes N-S then S-N. with any razor, this routine seems to render presentable shaves. With an uber sharp unit however, BBS shaves are not uncommon. This morning I did a full second pass but could have easily just hit the problem areas and had BBS. Is BBS with one pass possible? or is this the holy grail of the straight razor world?

On lots of recent shaves, I've rinsed after the first pass and thought to myself, that's plenty good enough right there. Invariably though, I tend to go for the second pass whether it's really necessary or not just for the "Gee Whiz this is a blast!" factor.

The BBS is the grail of all shave systems.

The result depends on your whiskers and face more than anything.
If you have swirls and other direction changes like I do it is difficult to
get a fine single pass shave.

I have abandoned the WTG/ATG mind set. I often go for two
passes 90 degrees to each other. i.e. 45 to the right of
WTG and 45 degrees to the left of WTG and that gets me
closer to BBS and causes less irritation.