Is A BBS Shave Overly Promoted?

[OV1kenobi]

In the eighteen months, or so, that I have been a member of this forum I have acquired and used many different razors, blades, soaps and creams in the quest for the so-called "perfect, BBS shave".

Yes, I have achieved what many would regard as a BBS shave, most often with a SE or Schick injector. However, those shaves have been at the expense of much trial and error.

Actually, I have found that a BBS shave isn't all that needed. Being a blue-collar "working Joe" I have found that I have gotten greater satisfaction with a close, comfortable shave (CCS) or a socially acceptable shave (SAS) and have been much happier in the process.

How close does one REALLY need to shave?

It has been my experience that a close, comfortable shave is all I really need to achieve. Other than my time in the U.S. Coast Guard and U.S. Army I have never experienced anyone staring at my face and running some cardstock against my whiskers just to see how close I shaved, nor have I ever experienced anyone commenting that one shave was closer than another. Most, if not almost all, do not notice nor care about the difference of our shaves just as long as we pass muster and do not look like "skanks".

Perhaps, in the quest for BBS, I and others have discounted otherwise fine razors, blades, soaps and creams in the pursuit of something we really did not need.

And spent too much time and experienced too much aggravation in the process.

What are your thoughts on this matter?

If I have commited blasphemy here, please feel free to send me references to re-education camps that I may attend while on summer leave. Also, any donations of British Ever-Ready Streamline, Gillette single-ring, New Deluxe, TTO open-comb or other rare and unusual razors along with brushes, soaps, creams and blades are more than welcome to assist me in seeing the error of my ways!

Warmest Regards,

David

 

[DFrancis]

Going for a full-on BBS is not worth it for me, I can get it on my cheeks with no irritation but I find that an irritation free-shave is more important to me than being all over smooth in every direction. Sure, getting an irritation free BBS is possible for some guys, but it's just not going to happen for everybody.

 

[OV1kenobi]

Going for a full-on BBS is not worth it for me, I can get it on my cheeks with no irritation but I find that an irritation free-shave is more important to me than being all over smooth in every direction. Sure, getting an irritation free BBS is possible for some guys, but it's just not going to happen for everybody.

+1

Nor does it REALLY matter, for the most part.

Just enjoy the ride and have fun! Maybe even learn a few things and looking good and well-groomed in the process. Isn't that what matters most?

Did I mention getting a morale boost and feeling good about yourself?

 

[DFrancis]

Just enjoy the ride and have fun! Maybe even learn a few things and looking good and well-groomed in the process. Isn't that what matters most?

Did I mention getting a morale boost and feeling good about yourself?

Exactly, last week there was a discussion on how a nice shave can be a pick-me-up on a bad day.

 

[Pkrankow]

Exactly, last week there was a discussion on how a nice shave can be a pick-me-up on a bad day.

Yep, going to shower and hot shave after freezing my *ahem* off digging the drive. BBS is a bonus for a well prepared CCS, but not a goal in itself.

Phil

 

[Straight Arrow]

If you want BBS go ahead and try for it. For me it is unnecessary and not desired. I have no problem with feeling the whiskers when I rub my face against the grain after a shave.

 

[mretzloff]

Irritation free shaves are better than BBS shaves with irritation. I find that a DFS with no irritation is the best of both worlds.

 

[global_dev]

Actually, I have found that a BBS shave isn't all that needed. Being a blue-collar "working Joe" I have found that I have gotten greater satisfaction with a close, comfortable shave (CCS) or a socially acceptable shave (SAS) and have been much happier in the process.

I don't think you are off at all, even for a white-collar worker like me, although I found it pretty easy to get a DFS. I do feel way better when I have some micro stubble with no irritation (especially on my neck), versus a too close for comfort BBS shave in that area. although when i get the angles right, that BBS is pretty damn sweet.

 

[gull]

I don't think I've seen BBS being promoted; I have see it being sought after. I think that BBS is a nice thing to shoot for, but I do only two passes myself. I don't have anyone feeling my face, so who cares if I have BBS? As long as there isn't any stubble on my face, I'm happy.

I must confess that I only do one pass on some parts of my neck. No one is looking down there anyway!

The most important thing is to have an enjoyable shave. Whether that is BBS or not.

 

[global_dev]

I don't have anyone feeling my face, so who cares if I have BBS?
.

I'll tell you when I do have someone feeling my face after you shave, like my wife or my very young daughters, it's a moment to smile about and bask in the positive attention.

 

[sffone]

For me, a total BBS shave is impossible, and I've been wet-shaving for lots of years and have used all sorts of blades and razors during those years. The problem is my neck area. I can get BBS everywhere but there. For me, the most important thing is to just enjoy the process.

 

[luvmysuper]

Generally speaking, it isn't long time shavers you find talking about BBS, it's more of a newer to wet shaving kind of thing.
Just find a routine that works for you and whatever shave you get - you get.
Sometimes it will be DFS or CCS and sometimes it will be BBS, but whatever it is should be the result of your shave, not the goal of it.

 

[klm099]

I don't even think about a bbs shave; I want a close and comfortable shave in less than 10 minutes and I get a very close shave most of the time and if I don't, my day is not ruined

hey, its just a shave and not a sacrament
ken

 

[El Judio Bravo]

Generally speaking, it isn't long time shavers you find talking about BBS, it's more of a newer to wet shaving kind of thing.
Just find a routine that works for you and whatever shave you get - you get.
Sometimes it will be DFS or CCS and sometimes it will be BBS, but whatever it is should be the result of your shave, not the goal of it.

+1

Very well put! Thanks!

 

[Gustav]

I find the journey is more important than the destination. In the last few months I have been straight razor shaving and my best shaves are probably as good at least as my best DE-shaves, but never BBS. It takes more time, it is more difficult and is tremendously more enjoyable than anything else I have tried. I often spend an hour in the bath room and can get a really nice DFS out of it with more or less irritation and up until now it has never been an hour that felt wasted in any way whatsoever.

 

[David in Boston]

I find the journey is more important than the destination...

DFS are just fine with me.

When I try for a BBS shave by doing three passes+ my face feels like it is on fire for the rest of the day.

Taking my time, not trying hard and keeping with a two pass shave gives me the best results.

Trying for a BBS makes shaving a chore.

Getting a DFS makes shaving fun.

 

[M80]

I would estimate my average week is comprised of 5 DFS and 2 BBS. That seems to work out for me.

 

[ateace]

Better to look well-groomed and feel a little stubble than to look like you need medical attention.

Also, backing off from BBS will probably open up more choices for blades that will work.

 

[ouch]

The quest for a BBS shave is probably responsible for more torn up faces than any inferior product or substandard technique. Trying to gradually improve your shaves is probably the better way to go, as it will yield better long term results without torturing yourself.

You only have to impress yourself.

Remember, as a B&B'er, you're representing us, and walking around with bits of toilet paper on your chin isn't a fitting image. Moreover, your worst shave will probably be better than that of anyone else you encounter.

 

[Saltchuck]

hey, its just a shave and not a sacrament
ken

What???!!!