Two-pass shaving tips?

[Mempho]

I started DE shaving two months ago with a thirty-minute, four-pass shave but soon settled into a classic three-pass shave, WTG, XTG, ATG, that took ten minutes and was really close, although I do have to keep the styptic pencil within easy reach. While rinsing off my face after the second pass, I've been thinking, "I could quit right now and have a clean shave." So, as an experiment, I'm dropping down to two passes for a while.

The results are okay, not too bad, but I miss that near-BBS feeling. Now, I know there are a bunch of expert two-pass shavers out there. What tips do you have on how to get the most out of two passes? Can I be stubble-free in 2?

James

 

[luvmysuper]

Do a combo WTG-XTG on pass 1 and a combo XTG-ATG on pass 2.

 

[mcandre]

Use something more aggressive, possibly an adjustable and adjust up on the second pass.

 

[gull]

Skin stretching
Use an aggressive razor

 

[buyandhold2018]

Skin stretching
Use an aggressive razor

bingo!

 

[bhayn007]

Futur!

 

[SiBurning]

Buff on both passes in those harder areas. First pass should get the bulk clear. For me that's mostly the front of the chin from where the cheek turns to chin. Skip the WTG, instead doing both passes XTG, first WTGerly, then ATGerly. Use a different razor for the two passes. For me, the first pass is with a heavy or aggressive blade, like a slant or injector. The second pass is where most of the touch up is, especially on the sensitive/difficult areas, like the neck, and that's easier with a lighter blade or a slant if I didn't use it for the first pass. I also buff along or across the chin line and the cheek-sideburns. The two different razors also produce a different kind of friction or whatever leads to razor burn, so you might also try different blades in those razors to optimize the hair reduction at each pass, and also to minimize irritation. After all, if you're cutting corners like this, the next step is to reduce prep time, so you really need to work on reducing irritation. You might also learn to move the blade faster with longer strokes.

I guess, technically, I'm doing 6 or more passes in some places buffing both times.

Also, I can't get close to BBS without a 3rd touch up pass. One thing that helps is to rinse well after each pass. I find if I leave the soap on throughout, it's harder to judge the remaining stubble, and it also dries my skin more than if I rinse well between passes.

 

[Mike'sWorld]

Skin stretching
Use an aggressive razor

I agree with this also.
Try a SE razor. GBar or 1912 Everready.
I felt the same when I started shaving, with a Tech. After I improved my technique, I found it just too mild.

 

[craig87c]

Like Mike said, use an SE! With stretching and a GEM 1912 travel edition, I can get a 2 pass DFS/BBS with little to no irritation. In a few minutes, I'm going to go do just that!

 

[binowatch]

Don't forget the Schick injector-I use it whenever I am in a hurry because a 1 or 2 pass shave is fine. It handles quickly but still needs respect!

 

[danparker77]

Do a combo WTG-XTG on pass 1 and a combo XTG-ATG on pass 2.

+1 I don't do an ATG so my two passes are both "chevron" passes. WTG/XTG then WTG/XTG the other direction. I only do one pass on my neck straight down below the ears and down the adam's apple everything else in between get a "gillette slide" working from ear to center on each side. So I guess in actuality I don't even do a full two pass shave on work days.

 

[El Comanche]

Blade buffing WTG then ATG with a new feather blade comes close.

 

[BBrad]

Do a combo WTG-XTG on pass 1 and a combo XTG-ATG on pass 2.

Phil's process gives me DFS every time! If I do it with a GEM 1912 and add a buff under the jawbone, I get BBS.

Great shaves from two passes happen every day . . . it just takes careful attention to technique, proper prep and lather, and the right razor/blade combination for your face.

 

[ace43]

One ATG pass and touch-up, also ATG.

 

[Rossmeister]

I have been DE-shaving for a few months now, and my technique is continually improving. When I just want to LOOK stubble free, I just do two passes. WTG + ATG.

Depending on the blade, I have to do three passes plus touch up or four passes for near BBS.

I don't really have any "tips" for two passes, but like I say.. When I don't need to feel smooth, I just go two passes.

 

[Duke of Somerset]

Not sure if it's been mentioned, but another factor is proper prep. I find my shaves are significantly closer and more comfortable when I let the moist lather sit on my face a couple minutes before going at it. FWIW, I always do a 2-pass shave with touch ups around the chin.

 

[OkieStubble]

Like Mike said, use an SE! With stretching and a GEM 1912 travel edition, I can get a 2 pass DFS/BBS with little to no irritation. In a few minutes, I'm going to go do just that!

I concur with Mike & Craig. When using my Super Speed or Merkur 33c, 3 passes. When using my GEM 1912, 1 pass WTG + 1 pass ATG = a consistant DFS and occasional BBS when I take the time and do touch ups.