Newbie question: BBS

[MattD]

Hi everyone,

I just had a question about getting a bbs shave. My beard is really rough, and I can't recall ever having a bbs shave before (although I just recently got into wet-shaving). I also have sensitive skin. I was just wondering if it's just not possible for some people to get a BBS shave, or if they might have to do a 5th pass? (If there is such a thing )

Also, are there any shaving stores in Calgary, Alberta that carry any Merkurs or other DE razors?

Thanks in advance!

Matt

[fearisouronlyg0d]

For a store in Calgary, Rasage Poulin is all the rage (lucky you). They carry Merkur stuff.

[MattD]

Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! I've been going crazy looking for barber shops or even just drug stores that have anything to do with wet-shaving.

[cim_can]

I'll be honest - I don't think I ever get a BBS. If I run my hand ATG on my face, I will always feel some form of stubble, even though WTG, it feels fantastic. I have thick bread growth, and while it may be technically possible to achieve BBS, it will also probably mean slicing and irritating skin. I'd like to think that it's not my technique that is responsible, but I settle for a decent shave everyday.

[fearisouronlyg0d]

Same here in Edmonton. I was rather dismayed when a barber I asked simply said there was nowhere in Edmonton who had decent supplies and that he ordered from Vancouver...

...Come to think of it... I guess he hasn't heart of Rasage Poulin? Maybe I should let him know!

[MattD]

I wish there were still places in Calgary that offered a straight razor shave for when I have to go to an upscale event. Oh well, I guess that's life. Thanks again!

[saltypete]

Don't stress if you don't get a BBS shave. Like was said above, I can't think of a time when I couldn't feel a little bit of stubble even after my best shaves. I don't get hung up on achieving perfection. Of course that is the goal, but for me , it is more about the pursuit of excellence that actually achieving it.

Pete

[dpmtherrien]

+1 on the above about BBS. In order to get that elusive BBS, one risks cuts, nicks, weepers, and a whole lot of razor burn.

Just be satisfied with a DFS or even a CCS. Take the BBS if it does happen along, but don't stress over it. Besides the only one who will really know you've got a BBS is you.

[michiganlover]

Besides the only one who will really know you've got a BBS is you.

+1

I will not risk the additional irritation, and potential cuts for a super close shave that nobody but me will notice.

The average person you interact with is not going to notice your shave unless 1) you have huge patches of stubble you missed, or 2) very apparent cuts to your face!

Since even a single pass should remove the huge patches of stubble, it's not worth risking visible embarrassing cuts to achieve results that nobody except yourself will ever even notice.

Truth be told, your SO probably won't notice the difference between a CCS (close, comfortable, shave), and a BBS either (unless she constantly strokes your face, which is probably unlikely).

I count myself as unique around these parts, as I am not seeking a BBS shave, and I am not obsessed with the elusive BBS shave. I also don't understand the obsession with the BBS shave.

[Pumpkin]

If you get a BBS great! If not, don't worry about it! My first couple of shaves I was going for BBS and probably got more irritation as a result. As soon as I stopped worrying about it I had great, comfortable shaves! Now that my technique is better, I'm getting even closer shaves...with less passes

[natchez]

I have similar feelings to many of those who posted above- a DFS or CCS is really all I look for on a daily basis. I do think the method shaving advocates probably do achieve either a BBS or closer to it then most, but the effort and angst seems out of proportion to the benefit to me.

Since I returned to wet shaving SWMBO has actually noticed the smoother face and much better skin tone, so for me that is pretty satisfying. I also know my shaves have improved and continue to do so and what was a chore has become a pleasure- a wonderful transformation.

Thanks to B&B and the information here I have achieved these benefits with very little discomfort, I continue to learn more about the various product options, and am very pleased to be part of this forum.

[lvsc10]

My goal is to get a nice clean shave without, or at the very least, minimal irritation. But everyone must find their own comfort zone. Good luck!!

[KeNd0]

House of Knives at Chinook is having a moving
Sale until tommorow I believe. I picked
Up my 38C, brush, stand and blades there
Last week.

PS 40% off when I was there.

[dmcconnell]

I wish there were still places in Calgary that offered a straight razor shave for when I have to go to an upscale event. Oh well, I guess that's life. Thanks again!

Hi Matt - there are still some barbers in Calgary who will do a straight shave. I know of at least 2. There is Razor's Edge barbershop in Avenida village in the south (I had a shave there about 3 weeks back) and Omar's on Elbow Dr SW. Getting a straight shave by a pro is how I discovered what a BBS was. However, like others here, I focus on a decent shave with a minimum of irritation - not BBS every time.

Also - check out this thread for a a discussion on shaving products available in Calgary. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=132726

[blackfoot]

I'll be honest - I don't think I ever get a BBS. If I run my hand ATG on my face, I will always feel some form of stubble, even though WTG, it feels fantastic. I have thick bread growth, and while it may be technically possible to achieve BBS, it will also probably mean slicing and irritating skin. I'd like to think that it's not my technique that is responsible, but I settle for a decent shave everyday.

Same here.