Merkur 34c BBS, how many passes does it take?
- Thread starter RazorTom
- Start date
OK, I’ll bite: 3 passes for me (a daily shaver).
Think there is no one answer fits all skins & beards.
Razor holds Blade, Blade Choice make difference.
I guessing in 2023?you got over 50 blade choices.
Razor holds Blade, Blade Choice make difference.
I guessing in 2023?you got over 50 blade choices.
YMMV........
3 passes with a Bic Chrome Platinum or Wizamet. I guess it will work with a Feather as well but I can’t remember if I tried one in it yet.
Depends on your technique, prep, blade
I no longer own one, but with all my razors it is usually 3 passes, BBS or not. I will not chase a BBS shave as I don't like irritation.
3 pass. Not looking for BBS but if it happens, it happens. I strive for a DFS.
AimlessWanderer
Remember to forget me!
I don't have one of these razors, but know enough about where they fall on the spectrum, to answer fairly confidently.
I would be able to get a comfortable BBS shave with it, every 2 to 3 days, in 2 passes plus a little bit of localised touch up ... eventually ... after several weeks of properly getting used to the razor... and only if I stuck to just that one razor.
First use, it would be properly close OR properly comfortable. I wouldn't consistently get both to my own pedantic standards.
Intermittent use would be the same.
However, I am already settled on another mild razor, and wouldn't want to spend a few weeks tuning in to something else, only to end up with the same great shaves I currently get.
I already did that earlier this year, which is why I'm not budging from this one 
I would be able to get a comfortable BBS shave with it, every 2 to 3 days, in 2 passes plus a little bit of localised touch up ... eventually ... after several weeks of properly getting used to the razor... and only if I stuck to just that one razor.
First use, it would be properly close OR properly comfortable. I wouldn't consistently get both to my own pedantic standards.
Intermittent use would be the same.
However, I am already settled on another mild razor, and wouldn't want to spend a few weeks tuning in to something else, only to end up with the same great shaves I currently get.
I already did that earlier this year, which is why I'm not budging from this one 
I've never been able to attain a BBS with this razor, and were I to try for that would likely end up with a face that felt like 80 grit sandpaper, regardless of the blade.
It was my first razor and I don't reach for it often, but remains my go to when I'm looking for a nice, drama free shave.
It was my first razor and I don't reach for it often, but remains my go to when I'm looking for a nice, drama free shave.
3 passes + a touch-up pass (daily shaver; Derby Extra, upwards)
Daily shaver here, I don't chase BBS I just do three passes and done. As long as I have a shave every morning I am a happy camper.
Daily shaver. 2 pass BBS. Just like all my other razors. After years of trying other Razors (some vintage) I now own only Merkurs and Müles. Never tried any expensive stainless steel offerings. I get great shaves with my German rotation.
I’m new to safety razors (came from cartridges) and I agree about chasing a BBS. It’s easy to achieve on the face (for me), but pursuing one on my neck is a fool’s errand.
Maybe I’ll find my unicorn razor and blade combo that suddenly makes it possible, but I highly doubt it.
