I was in a fog this morning, stubble looked rough so no shave skipping today. I decided I'm doing a SAS and move on. I did one pass WTG and hit the trouble spots after. Lo and behold, I got a DFS in, on par with my slower 3 pass. The only thing I can think of is maybe I swirled the brush longer on my face? Do any of you have good results with minimal passes, and if so, maybe shed light on how to do it consistently?
1.5 pass as good as a 3 pass??
- Thread starter Jefebadskin
- Start date
One NaturalPass(tm) is as good as 3 passes for me. The keys are:
Sharp razor, I use a straight razor so the edge gets refreshed by stropping before each shave.
Proper technique - This is the essence of the NaturalShave(tm) process, but it is not complicated. Basically it is using natural motions instead of forcing an unatural motion on your body and face.
Sharp razor, I use a straight razor so the edge gets refreshed by stropping before each shave.
Proper technique - This is the essence of the NaturalShave(tm) process, but it is not complicated. Basically it is using natural motions instead of forcing an unatural motion on your body and face.
For me, a full second pass (XTG) is necessary. A simple touch-up after one WTG pass doesn't do it. But then, a third pass won't add much if anything at all to the shave.
I suspect it is mostly skill and experience. My shaves improved rapidly as I got better at keeping the proper blade angle and learned to use blade buffing or J-hooking on the trouble spots. I just really enjoy doing the full three passes, though. Perhaps one day I'll see just how few passes I can get away with, but 2.5-3 works well.
I generally shave only 2 passes: 1 WTG and 1 ATG. My facial hair isn't super-thick, so the WTG is enough for me to be able to manage ATG without XTG. I've done a few 3 pass shaves, but not recently. I just don't see the point with the way my face works. I also think it helps that I don't have particularly sensitive skin. As always, YMMV.
I find there is an area of my face that needs more like 3 passes. my chin and the area between my left cheeck and the chin, next to the mouth, it is really stubborn and won't bulge unless I hit it 3 times. The rest of the face could do with two, so I'm more of a 2.5 i guess
I always do a 3 pass when time permits. In this order WTG, XTG and ATG is always my last pass in the order. My razor weight is the only pressure that I use and I don't go over the same spots repeatedly on any single pass. Albeit, this is a big YMMV and not everyone's cup of tea . But, it works very well for me. I am big on reduction shaving, I suppose.
The razor and blade make a big difference. The only two razors I've been able to achieve a DFS one pass is a shavette and a 1912 Ever-Ready. Although I'm usually able to pull off a two pass with any of my DEs.
- Thread starter
- #10
This is exactly what I do. I tried a 2 pass before and it just didn't work for me. Although some of you mention different spots needing more passes, I'm in this boat too. I think my mustache area needs 1, sideburns, jawline need 3, neck needs 2-4 but i burn there, still learning. This morning was just so different. Nothing else changed. I used my EJ 86, personna blade, mystic water soap (tallow).
I do a 1.5, WTG and then a bit of XTG and ATG for touch-ups. The reason it works is that I use a Slant. In general, the more aggressive the razor, the fewer passes needed.
It isn't quite a BBS shave but I no longer believe in BBS. Totally not necessary, you look the same, and women don't care about it either: they expect you to look like a man.
It isn't quite a BBS shave but I no longer believe in BBS. Totally not necessary, you look the same, and women don't care about it either: they expect you to look like a man.
...and beard, prep, etc. I only ever use one pass.
I'm a one pass guy with DE and SE (especially with SE)
With a straight I still have to do a fair bit of touching up, especially on my neck.
I'd call that a half pass.
With a straight I still have to do a fair bit of touching up, especially on my neck.
I'd call that a half pass.
That's all I've been doing recently--One pass (WTG/XTG) and another pass (XTG/ATG) only on neck/jaw. A BBS/DFS. Works for me.
I usually do my Naturespass(tm) shave, but sometimes I like to do a PassMeTheNaturals(tm) shave.
On rare occassion, I'll even do a IsThisNatural?(tm) shave.
All other times, with a DE I do about a 3 pass shave, if you count 0.5 as blade buffing on the jawline.
With a straight, I'm a 2 pass guy, but no blade buffing
I think it really depends on your skin and hair type.
No one can speak for certain about what works for someone else, but old guy hair is generally tougher and harder to cut than young guy hair.
If you are able to get a great shave with less passes, more power to you, enjoy it as long as you can.
On rare occassion, I'll even do a IsThisNatural?(tm) shave.
All other times, with a DE I do about a 3 pass shave, if you count 0.5 as blade buffing on the jawline.
With a straight, I'm a 2 pass guy, but no blade buffing
I think it really depends on your skin and hair type.
No one can speak for certain about what works for someone else, but old guy hair is generally tougher and harder to cut than young guy hair.
If you are able to get a great shave with less passes, more power to you, enjoy it as long as you can.
NaturalPass(tm)? Please, divulge me in your secret ways. I just hope you haven't trademarked a "WTG" pass....
I usually do my Naturespass(tm) shave, but sometimes I like to do a PassMeTheNaturals(tm) shave.
With a straight, I'm a 2 pass guy, but no blade buffing
What say ye about 'J hooking' with that straight
What say ye about 'J hooking' with that straight
Nope, but close!
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/105865-The-Scything-amp-Slicing-stroke
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