BBS, what is your definition?

E

Eeyore

Forum GOD!
I have a friend who reaches BBS regularly (proven with the cotton ball test), but also makes five or six passes if "needed". As a consequence, he also does not shave every day, to avoid skin irritation.

So it can be done. It's also not worth the trouble for me. I go for good and comfortable shaves.
 
R

R181

Grumpy old man
Fidelis said:
I agree, we can define bbs as a "true" bbs, in the meaning of no(!) stubble can be felt, regardless how hard I try to. :) :wink:

But, as we all know, a good shave will be never objective (with bladefeel... without... very wet lather... thick lather... creamy lather... quick strokes... slow strokes... using an aggressive razor... using a comfortable razor... very sharp blade... more comfortable blade... etc.) and that's fine with me.

And as we are human beings, aiming for perfection, but honestly rarely reaching it, I think, we can say, subjective bbs (or just a good, really close shave) is what you can get within the limits of what you call yourself a comfortable/pleasant/enjoyable shave, plus a satisfying/gratifying result.

Still, it is interesting for me to read, what you call a bbs result, within your subjective point of view. :)
Click to expand...
Agreed, objectively the definition of BBS is in the term itself and anything less is not BBS no matter how subjectively one tries to define it. It really is one of those terms that should never be used to describe the results of your shave.

Bob
 
Jacobite

Jacobite

Forum GOD!
When it happens to me it isn't ever planned. My usual shave is 2 passes- wtg and an xtg/atg mixed pass. Once in a while a third pass, but that doesn't necessarily equal an absolute smooth shave. When the stars line up just right- good hydrating prep, a slick soap that is perfectly hydrated and built into a face lather that makes every whisker stand at attention, and a great blade (usually on its 2nd -4th use) I'll get an ultra smooth shave after 3 careful and deliberate passes. But I don't chase it. I want my face to heal enough today so that I can get the same quality shave again tomorrow if I have to do so. Too many passes today makes for a less than perfect shave for me tomorrow. That said, it is delightful when it happens, innit?
 
Fidelis

Fidelis

Forum GOD!
Yes, the number of passes... as my skin in the face is prone to weepers and irritations (that came because of a medical treatment, due to an strong allergic reaction, including inflammations, which took nearly a year), I normally try to limit the numbers of passes, to reduce these.
With my aggressive/efficient razors (R41, Charcoal OC Lvl 3, Shavecraft Tech, iKon B1 Standard, Gem MMOC, FaTip Grande) I can do my daily routine mostly with two passes (one xtg and one atg) and some touch ups, but still reaching mostly bbs result (only on my lower neck, this seems near impossible).
With my medium aggressive/efficient razors (Timeless OC/SB .95, BBS-1, Blackbird SB, Charcoal OC Lvl 2, Shavecraft Shortcomb, iKon B1 Deluxe) I need 2.5 or 3 passes with touch ups for the same.
With my more mild razors it is always 3 passes, plus some more touch ups - but these are not the longest lasting shaves.

Because of my skin, I use everytime coconut oil plus a pre shave cream, what showed the best results in protection, for getting a really smooth face.

And I agree, overdoing it today, means uncomfortable shave tomorrow (or even a break for one day).

And yes, true, very delightful, when everything gets the right way in a shave :)
 
Rowlers

Rowlers

Massive Member
Staff member
Some good thoughts so far Gents....
For me a TRUE cotton ball BBS is unachievable. I simply CBA spending the time in the bathroom to achieve it nor could be bothered to deal with the raw, irritated fizog after the event.
I'm happy with BBS in most places, which is a DFS overall...
 
efsk

efsk

Forum GOD!
BBS is no stubble left when feeling up and down the skin. Problem is, BBS lasts what, an hour? The hairs keep growing.
So, chasing BBS tot the point where the shave gets obsessive or uncomfortable is madness. Chasing DFS, which I do not define as smoothness but as how PLEASANT the shave was, that is the sensible thing to do.
Therefore: DFS trumps everything, BBS is a nice bonus.
 
SeanC

SeanC

Forum GOD!
I use 2 passes plus touch ups pretty much regardless due to the law of diminishing returns. Results usually fall into the following:

PPP (hungover, under the weather or rushed) - 15%
DFS - 70%
BBS - 15%

I would define BBS as being perfectly smooth when running a hand ATG, however as the difference from DFS is so marginal and short lasting, I lose no sleep whatsoever about it
 
DamianJ

DamianJ

Forum GOD!
I started chasing bbs shaves early on and the atg pass really didn't do my neck any good whatsoever. I did learn to get a dfs with 2 passes and this to me is much better as I shave pretty much every day. Occasionally I do get a bbs with these 2 passes but they're not much better than what I achieve normally.
 
jar

jar

Rollin Tumblin
As the oldest of six kids and who was often the babysitter BBS carries an entirely different and somewhat odoriferous connotation and is not anything I desire.

I far prefer to think in terms of PDG, OK and NDG.
 
Tomhstorey

Tomhstorey

Forum GOD!
Baby butt smooth!

For me its no matter what way I run my fingers over my face there is no stubble to be found, just smooth silky skin :)

I can get this almost all over my face with no bother but the neck and jawline is slightly more finicky for me, I mostly settle for DFS in those areas. I do have a habit of chasing that perfection though.
 
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