In Praise of the DFS

[Shaving_CHENG]

While we often shoot for the BBS (as a measure of perfection), I'm most satisfied with a the DFS (as a measure of excellence). When I have achieved BBS it has come at a the cost of time and irritation; whereas the DFS is a reflection of the tools, the work, and is readily attained.

I stand for the DFS.

 

[Haggises]

Anything around a Close Comfortable Shave to a Damn Fine Shave is good for me.
Sometimes I get 90% BBS, sometimes I don't. It doesn't really matter to me.

 

[Buck Melanoma]

Damn straight!

 

[Mad Man]

Agreed. The mantra of BBS - at any cost - is reminiscent of the most extreme type of fundamentalism.

I says, do what works for you & be content in your own shave.

 

[musicman1951]

After my third pass, while rinsing the excess lather from my face I will sometimes find an area of imperfection and (gasp) not re-lather and clean it up. But I have to admit the decision is a bit of a struggle.

 

[Nomad1600]

Thanks for posting this... I seem to become obsessed with getting as close of a shave as possible, and need to learn and accept that many days, less is good enough. I am sure my face will appreciate me learning that lesson.

 

[blindmouse]

I recently discovered that too many days in a row of even a DFS is irritating my skin a wee bit. I've only attempted BBS a handful of times and it did not go well.

 

[aimsport]

I used to think that way. I used to think that a BBS shave could elude me on any given morning unless I used an SE or injector. I thought daily pursuit of a BBS was foolish since it could lead to increased irritation.

Later when I was able to get many daily BBSs in a row, I would still often see the irritation build day after day until I had to quit trying. What I discovered is that "mild" shavers with very very sharp blades, while very enjoyable, are the main culprit to the skin... along with hot water and lengthy prep.

Then I stopped and thought of the best straight razor shaves. How did they do so well when straight razors are nowhere near as sharp as even dull DE blades?

Through experimentation I discovered that the unlikely combo of an extremely aggressive DE (r41 2011) and not so sharp blades is the ticket to calm skin and daily BBS. An aggressive razor and a stiff, smooth but only moderately sharp blade can deliver a BBS every time for me with no irritation. The smooth blade can slide over the skin without plowing into it, and cut the hair right at the base. With a moderate sharpness it gives the slightest tug on the hair, making the second pass cut just enough additional length to deliver an amazing BBS without ingrown hairs.

Funny though. Now that I have achieved a BBS like clockwork I have realized that a two pass BBS is not nirvana. In fact, I waste a lot of lather and miss the gradual reduction approach to shaving at times. I am now mixing things up. I'm the process of going back and trying my earlier combos and learning how to do the better with each of them. This is a great hobby.

Question for us all. We have discovered that wetshaving is very enjoyable. A few of you have known all along. But how in the world did the greatest generation get marketed out of this kind of shaving into multi-blade cartridges?? Were blades really that bad back then? What made the multi-blade offerings stick?

 

[Shaving_CHENG]

I used to think that way. I used to think that a BBS shave could elude me on any given morning unless I used an SE or injector. I thought daily pursuit of a BBS was foolish since it could lead to increased irritation.

Later when I was able to get many daily BBSs in a row, I would still often see the irritation build day after day until I had to quit trying. What I discovered is that "mild" shavers with very very sharp blades, while very enjoyable, are the main culprit to the skin... along with hot water and lengthy prep.

Then I stopped and thought of the best straight razor shaves. How did they do so well when straight razors are nowhere near as sharp as even dull DE blades?

Through experimentation I discovered that the unlikely combo of an extremely aggressive DE (r41 2011) and not so sharp blades is the ticket to calm skin and daily BBS. An aggressive razor and a stiff, smooth but only moderately sharp blade can deliver a BBS every time for me with no irritation. The smooth blade can slide over the skin without plowing into it, and cut the hair right at the base. With a moderate sharpness it gives the slightest tug on the hair, making the second pass cut just enough additional length to deliver an amazing BBS without ingrown hairs.

Funny though. Now that I have achieved a BBS like clockwork I have realized that a two pass BBS is not nirvana. In fact, I waste a lot of lather and miss the gradual reduction approach to shaving at times. I am now mixing things up. I'm the process of going back and trying my earlier combos and learning how to do the better with each of them. This is a great hobby.

I'm happy for you, and wowed at your precision.

Philosophically and practically your style is not one that works for me, and that's just fine. I will continue to be happy striving for excellence, and should I stumble upon perfection along the way, become elated.

 

[mikelz777]

I found that I'm enjoying my shaves much more now that I've "settled" for a DFS. Seeking that absolutely perfect shave took a lot more time and resulted in more irritation than it was worth. I have much less worry now and while it may not always feel perfect, it's close enough and looks just as good.

 

[Foyle]

I don't worry about measuring my shaves by DFS or BBS anymore. When I've had a good shave, it's close and comfortable. When I've had a bad shave, I have irritation or the shave just didn't get that close for some reason. Thankfully, that's pretty infrequent, but the last couple of days have been off-shaves. I had a great shave today. I'm happy.

 

[AceByTerror]

I found that I'm enjoying my shaves much more now that I've "settled" for a DFS. Seeking that absolutely perfect shave took a lot more time and resulted in more irritation than it was worth. I have much less worry now and while it may not always feel perfect, it's close enough and looks just as good.

++1 this ^^

 

[Niles]

Anything around a Close Comfortable Shave to a Damn Fine Shave is good for me.
Sometimes I get 90% BBS, sometimes I don't. It doesn't really matter to me.

This is my philosphy, too.

 

[aimsport]

Nothing special about me. I have run across other 2011 r41 shavers that get 2 pass BBSes as well. And more and more are recognizing the merit of ultra-smooth but mild blades in aggressive razors.

Philosophically and practically your style is not one that works for me, and that's just fine. I will continue to be happy striving for excellence, and should I stumble upon perfection along the way, become elated.

Me neither. Like I said

"Funny though. Now that I have achieved a BBS like clockwork I have realized that a two pass BBS is not nirvana. In fact, I waste a lot of lather and miss the gradual reduction approach to shaving at times. I am now mixing things up. I'm the process of going back and trying my earlier combos and learning how to do the better with each of them. This is a great hobby."

 

[Ron Scott]

Full Prep (wash to eliminate oils, exfoliate, and full hydration) + reasonably sharp blade = BBS

Else = DFS

 

[Taborcarn]

Hear, hear! Going the extra mile for complete BBS is usually not worth the irritation for me.

 

[blzrfn]

BBS is my goal every morning, but I won't go beyond my 3-pass shave with some touching up in the heavier areas. If after this process I am left with DFS or CCS then I settle, but occasionally I do get that irritation-free BBS and I'll tell you what, it truly sets the tone for an amazing day as my pride and confidence last as long as my smooth face.

 

[Shaving_CHENG]

BBS is my goal every morning, but I won't go beyond my 3-pass shave with some touching up in the heavier areas. If after this process I am left with DFS or CCS then I settle, but occasionally I do get that irritation-free BBS and I'll tell you what, it truly sets the tone for an amazing day as my pride and confidence last as long as my smooth face.

That is a solid philosophy.

 

[fsturnz]

BBS is my goal every morning, but I won't go beyond my 3-pass shave with some touching up in the heavier areas. If after this process I am left with DFS or CCS then I settle, but occasionally I do get that irritation-free BBS and I'll tell you what, it truly sets the tone for an amazing day as my pride and confidence last as long as my smooth face.

I totally agree!

 

[SocalRick]

While BBS is the ultimate goal and hope, I'm always very happy with a DFS, which is what I usually achieve. I have a couple of neck spots that won't go BBS no matter what I do, but that's ok!