Thread: Why do Barbers only do one pass when we do 2 - 3?

Barber's are running a business. When they have a client sit at their chair for a shave they follow the same standard routine for everyone. This eliminates the thousands of variables that may be involved for each person. They are not going to rest doing 5 passes with ATG angles etc when it may work for one person but be hell for another. They is just too much risk involved and they are trying to make money. Therefore, I believe, they shoot for a general standard that they can execute for all people.
That is why learning to shave yourself tends to be more rewarding.

My first barber's shave was a two pass shave and was BBS. It's what got me into SR shaving in the first place. I've been chasing that dragon ever since.

Originally Posted by Mick

My first barber's shave was a two pass shave and was BBS. It's what got me into SR shaving in the first place. I've been chasing that dragon ever since.

sure looks that way judging by your profile photo... hard to make out if that is as wild of a beard as i have ever seen or something else

I'd like to find a barber in El Paso that does SR shaves. I've asked around and no one that I know seems to know.

I love that guys beard it's out of control.

Well here in N.Y. they have to use shavettes,and there just not as good as a good straight IMHO,as I used one for many years,secondly,being a businessman,I don't think he wants you to get two days of not needing a shave,or you wont be back as soon,also there good at what they do (Hopefully) and can make a BBS shave in one pass but it might not last as long as what we do in our own shave caves, (WTG, ATG, ) and anything we do trying for the ultimate shave,but all I do know is that the couple of times I tried one from a Barber,it was O.K.,but not as good as the one who taught me,or myself for that matter,as I know my mug better than he did.

I used to go to the barber for a shave in the middle of the afternoon, or close to closing time. The shop was less busy. I feel fortunate to have had some great shaves in the mid 70s through the mid 80s. Now when I get a shave I'm just disappointed.

The only barber shaves I have received were the side and back of my head. On base, the barbers can't use razors. But, off-base, they can. Just outside of Fort Polk, I got my first one. I enjoyed it. But, as I recall, it was a bit harsh and had razor burn for a day or two. In Arlington (23rd & Clark St in Crystal City), there was a barber who also used shavettes. She did the whole lather, hot towel, relather, and shave. Very good shave and no razor burn. I forgot all about that until I was reading this thread.

Bri

Back in the day a barber shave was very gentle, total pleasure. After my 1st one I was amazed how smooth my face was, and it lasted for 2 days. A barber shave is one of my guilty pleasures. I learned to do them. I thought it might be nice to find a shave buddy that "gets it." I don't trust barbershops or young barbers. LM

Having a barber give me a shave has been a guilty pleasure I've enjoyed for quite a few years now.That is until I had a nightmarish experience with a new barber a couple months ago which really ruined it for me. Anyways it has been my experience that a good barber will do two passes, or I guess you could call it one and a half. the second would be more like a touch up. If you want that bbs shave your best off learning to do it yourself. Trust me all around it's much more satisfying.