The elusive BBS

[renewingmind]

So,

When I started wet shaving I used a Sensor Excel and a VDH bowl, brush and soap. My shaves were BBS pretty much every morning. A few months ago I started DE shaving and although I've gotten pretty good at it, DFS has been more common than BBS for me. With the highlander challenge I tried mixing up everything I could change: water temperature, when I shaved, before or after the shower, etc. I found that cold water resulted in the best shaves but I don't like it, that the traditional method post shower is the second best, but still was mostly DFS for me.

And then...

I was in a hurry and rushed my shave. Noticed during the day that I had a pretty sweet BBS shave that day. Had more time the next day, DFS. So now I've picked up the pace every day and BBS has become routine. I've used two different blades (GSB and Derby) and used one almost a week (GSB) and still BBS every day (except day 7 when I binned the GSB).

Technique is like the white whale around here at times, but I thought it worth sharing this change to my technique that made a huge difference in the quality of my shaves.

Joel

 

[engblom]

Very true! Slow movements will push the stubbles rather than cutting them. This is one of the reasons I think Gillette Tech or a Merkur open comb razor fits best a beginner (as opposite to the popular DE89). With those two it is easy to keep the speed up without nicking oneself.

 

[Senshi]

It's hard for me to imagine a real BBS. I have medium beard growth. When you guys say BBS do you mean that there is literally no feeling of stubble on your entire face and neck? I use my Slim Adjustable on 7-9 sometimes with a new feather blade and my face above the jaw line is no problem but my neck will always have an area that isn't completely smooth.

Is there anyone with thick/heavy beard growth all over that gets BBS?

 

[aussie]

I too have noticed that the DE razor works better with a more positive stroke and grip, and a slight sense of urgency. Nonetheless it always need a forth pass for BBS. That was until I discovered SE razors. I have a very tough beard that seems to respond better to a thicker blade.

I suggest that you consider an aggressive technique such as the diagonal stroke.

 

[aussie]

For sure. To get a closer shave in those problem areas I suggest you do your touch ups with a more acute angle. This will cut the whiskers more closely.

Is there anyone with thick/heavy beard growth all over that gets BBS?

 

[engblom]

It's hard for me to imagine a real BBS. I have medium beard growth. When you guys say BBS do you mean that there is literally no feeling of stubble on your entire face and neck? I use my Slim Adjustable on 7-9 sometimes with a new feather blade and my face above the jaw line is no problem but my neck will always have an area that isn't completely smooth.

Is there anyone with thick/heavy beard growth all over that gets BBS?

You need a R41 for a true BBS . With other razors you get very close to BBS. You feel smooth with the hand, but something tiny is there compared to R41. Also, the 5 o'clock shadow comes faster if you shaved with other razors.

I almost regret I sold my R41. I could not stand a daily BBS with my skin, but a BBS here and there was OK.

 

[Trek2100]

It's hard for me to imagine a real BBS. I have medium beard growth. When you guys say BBS do you mean that there is literally no feeling of stubble on your entire face and neck? I use my Slim Adjustable on 7-9 sometimes with a new feather blade and my face above the jaw line is no problem but my neck will always have an area that isn't completely smooth.

Is there anyone with thick/heavy beard growth all over that gets BBS?

I have a very coarse beard. A real BBS for me is just about impossible. Above the chin line, like you, I get a totally smooth shave. Below the chin line it runs about 80-85% smooth. There are some areas that no matter how many times I touch up it's still not really smooth. I can't get the skin taught enough to glide the razor flat against the grain. Also, my beard grows in different directions at different locations under the chin. Ahhh!!!!!

 

[Senshi]

You need a R41 for a true BBS . With other razors you get very close to BBS. You feel smooth with the hand, but something tiny is there compared to R41. Also, the 5 o'clock shadow comes faster if you shaved with other razors.

I almost regret I sold my R41. I could not stand a daily BBS with my skin, but a BBS here and there was OK.

I'm glad to hear that because I just won an R41 on the Saint Sue auction. I have always wanted to try an open comb and this seems to be just the right one!

For sure. To get a closer shave in those problem areas I suggest you do your touch ups with a more acute angle. This will cut the whiskers more closely.

See the problem is I don't do touch ups really. I'm a strict three pass guy and if I don't get it done in those, I chalk it up to having poor technique. Maybe I'm too hard on myself.

I have a very coarse beard. A real BBS for me is just about impossible. Above the chin line, like you, I get a totally smooth shave. Below the chin line it runs about 80-85% smooth. There are some areas that no matter how many times I touch up it's still not really smooth. I can't get the skin taught enough to glide the razor flat against the grain. Also, my beard grows in different directions at different locations under the chin. Ahhh!!!!!

My neck growth is so weird man. The bottom of my entire neckline (my throat area) all grows up, so N to S is XTG for about two inches of my neck. Then right below the jaw line my hair grows E to W in the area closest to my ear and switches to W to E halfway. This happens on both sides but the just reverse. Then between the jawline and the neckline the hair is completely randon with some swirls of hair. BBS on my neck just seems so far away.

 

[bosseb]

My neck growth is so weird man. The bottom of my entire neckline (my throat area) all grows up, so N to S is XTG for about two inches of my neck. Then right below the jaw line my hair grows E to W in the area closest to my ear and switches to W to E halfway. This happens on both sides but the just reverse. Then between the jawline and the neckline the hair is completely randon with some swirls of hair. BBS on my neck just seems so far away.

This sounds like the perfect description of my beard growth. Except that I also have had two birthmarks removed from my lower neck which resulted in random growth patterns.

Many years ago a doctor told me to use a DE razor and to take care of my skin. At the time I had very irritated skin because I used a rotating Philips contraption to shave and an alcohol based splash of AS. After a two year long training period with the DE I have now had a six year long period of daily BBS shaves.

The key for me was proper preparation, good shaving technique and keeping the skin hydrated between the shaves. I only use AS balms without alcohol and I use a standard skin hydrating creme during the cold and dry season. We have very dry air during the winter in Stockholm. I only use razors, brushes and soaps on their shaving merits, not for how they look or how hyped they are. Admittedly I have had to try a lot of equipment but the journey has been worth it.

Lesson learned: You cannot buy yourself to a good shave. Technique comes from practice with for you suitable equipment. Take good care of your skin between shaves.

Above all: Enjoy your shaves!

​

 

[Trek2100]

My neck growth is so weird man. The bottom of my entire neckline (my throat area) all grows up, so N to S is XTG for about two inches of my neck. Then right below the jaw line my hair grows E to W in the area closest to my ear and switches to W to E halfway. This happens on both sides but the just reverse. Then between the jawline and the neckline the hair is completely randon with some swirls of hair. BBS on my neck just seems so far away.

I have a solution. Just grow a neck beard and have a BBS face. Also, you will not need a scarf when the weather turns cold.

 

[Ru4scuba?]

My neck growth is so weird man. The bottom of my entire neckline (my throat area) all grows up, so N to S is XTG for about two inches of my neck. Then right below the jaw line my hair grows E to W in the area closest to my ear and switches to W to E halfway. This happens on both sides but the just reverse. Then between the jawline and the neckline the hair is completely randon with some swirls of hair. BBS on my neck just seems so far away.

There is no such thing as "normal" hair growth bro....just hair growth. You got yours figured out...now you just gotta use the right technique to mow it down.

I have a somewhat similar growth pattern
N-S cheeks to jaw
E-W entire jawline
N-S jawline to about 2" down the neck
S-N at the base of the neck

Took me a long time to figure out how to shave this and not get razor burn (chevrons work) and I have one small spot that will forever have minor stubble with even the best technique.

It is what it is...

 

[duderubble]

I have five kids aged 18 to 4. I am soooo over Baby Butts. I am going for Lady Butt Smooth shaves.

 

[Icebear]

LBS ROFL

 

[ShavinBacon]

I have five kids aged 18 to 4. I am soooo over Baby Butts. I am going for Lady Butt Smooth shaves.

Without a doubt, this is the best line I have ever seen on this site. Thank you sir!

 

[Jeff_H]

We may have to start a Lady Butt Smooth club, with pictures required for membership.

 

[Senshi]

There is no such thing as "normal" hair growth bro....just hair growth. You got yours figured out...now you just gotta use the right technique to mow it down.

I have a somewhat similar growth pattern
N-S cheeks to jaw
E-W entire jawline
N-S jawline to about 2" down the neck
S-N at the base of the neck

Took me a long time to figure out how to shave this and not get razor burn (chevrons work) and I have one small spot that will forever have minor stubble with even the best technique.

It is what it is...

I really enjoyed reading this man. Thank you.

I had a good shave today and got most of my neck to be BBS, with the small exception of some areas.

Hey, wet shaving is a marathon, not a sprint

 

[Ru4scuba?]

I really enjoyed reading this man. Thank you.

I had a good shave today and got most of my neck to be BBS, with the small exception of some areas.

Hey, wet shaving is a marathon, not a sprint

Congrats dude!

 

[Useless shaver]

I have five kids aged 18 to 4. I am soooo over Baby Butts. I am going for Lady Butt Smooth shaves.

LBS ROFL

Without a doubt, this is the best line I have ever seen on this site. Thank you sir!

We may have to start a Lady Butt Smooth club, with pictures required for membership.

I'm in!!!!!