A Good Shave

[PClark]

I see people on here always talking about a BBS shave, and how they strive for that perfect shave. And other people that say they can't get a BBS shave because of the pattern of their beard. I know most people discount what I have to say when actually talking to them about shaving because of my age, and I've actually had people say that to me. But when it comes to shaving I never try for a BBS shave, I don't see the point. My grandpa shaved with a DE razor, every day, right up until the day he died at 96 and never had a perfectly smooth shave.

What I'm saying is when people complain that their shave takes to long to get a BBS shave, why are you trying to get that shave? If you can run your hands with the grain of your beard and not feel stubble that will do for the day. Some people prefer the smoothest shave possible and that's ok if that's what you want, but it's not always necessary.

Just my humble opinion, not here to start any arguments or attack anyone's way of shaving.

 

[Niles]

Some people prefer the smoothest shave possible and that's ok if that's what you want, but it's not always necessary.

I think this is what it boils down to.

 

[SteveWY]

For me there is no "perfect" shave but I suppose we all have some ideal outcome we are looking for. A Holy Grail shave to reach for. IMHO, an exceptional/great, nearing perfection shave is a combination of very close and very comfortable with no problems. If I push a shave with 4-5 passes searching for BBS but have irritation or nicks afterwords it is not a perfect shave. So, "perfect" for me is not totally about the absence of stubble but more about the presence of overall quality and enjoying the experience.

 

[JayEddie]

I can achieve BBS, but it comes at a cost of a lot of ingrown hairs, so I don't. But I'm o.k. with that. My goal is a comfortable, good shave. But, if I could do BBS with no issues, I would. It would be a little bit longer that I would have a smooth face.

 

[Jarick]

Same as above. If I go for BBS, I get irritation. I'll instead get a nice DFS and if I'm going out that evening, I'll shave again. My days of having a smooth face for 24-36 hours after a shave are long gone!

 

[PClark]

See now you guys know what a good shave really is, and I'm not talking about the experience, I just mean what it takes to get through the day.

 

[Macbreezy]

What is the purpose of this thread? To say it's not necessary for gents to try for a BBS when a lesser shave will do? To each their own I guess but I attempt to get the best shave possible with a three pass shave and a short spot shave if needed. An irritation free BBS is the results of good technique, good lather, and choosing the appropriate blade and razor combo for your particular skin. All of those things can take time to find and some, as stated above, do not attempt to get a BBS. I don't get a perfect shave every time, no one does, but that doesn't mean I don't strive for it and try to master the craft of DE shaving. If I was concerned about the time it required I would stick to canned goo and a cart. That's great that you and your grandpa are satisfied with a "good" shave but I and many others are not and that's why we strive for a BBS if a BBS is something your skin will tolerate. Good luck with your shaves!

 

[Jarick]

It's just the realization or admission that BBS is not always possible or desirable.

 

[Capslock]

There are days where I feel like taking my time, and doing a thorough job, and days where I just want to shave and go. What's cool about wet shaving is that the materials, smells, and ritual reward taking extra time, something that I was never motivated to do with a Mach 3. I love variety, so every day is different. I'm too much of a noob to ever really get a BBS, and consider a DFS a victory. I also find that after 2 passes, I'm risking irritation so I usually stop after a WTG and an XTG pass. But even that is just a guideline, not a rule. Do what ever you feel like in the morning!

 

[Nadir M]

I can achieve BBS, but it's quite uncomfortable to shave that close on a final pass. I settle for DFS and I'm happy.

 

[PClark]

What is the purpose of this thread? To say it's not necessary for gents to try for a BBS when a lesser shave will do? To each their own I guess but I attempt to get the best shave possible with a three pass shave and a short spot shave if needed. An irritation free BBS is the results of good technique, good lather, and choosing the appropriate blade and razor combo for your particular skin. All of those things can take time to find and some, as stated above, do not attempt to get a BBS. I don't get a perfect shave every time, no one does, but that doesn't mean I don't strive for it and try to master the craft of DE shaving. If I was concerned about the time it required I would stick to canned goo and a cart. That's great that you and your grandpa are satisfied with a "good" shave but I and many others are not and that's why we strive for a BBS if a BBS is something your skin will tolerate. Good luck with your shaves!

You missed the ball altogether on what I was saying. You took it too much to heart. Think lightly on it.

 

[PClark]

It's just the realization or admission that BBS is not always possible or desirable.

Its a bit more than that too. It's also saying people don't always need to try so hard for it when it's not always necessary.

 

[Macbreezy]

Oh man, another one of these...

 

[PClark]

Oh man, another one of these...

Another one of these? Just because I'm new to the site doesn't mean I'm new to wet shaving. I could also say you're "another one of these".

 

[Macbreezy]

Enjoy your shaves sir. I'm not getting sucked into an argument.