So here is my ocd problem

**D/E Bob** · 09-22-2010, 08:20 AM

Morning Gent's:

Since I've been DE shaving (about 4 months now) I have continually improved my technique to the point where I can get consistently GREAT BBS shaves with 3 passes of my Vintage Gillette Tech and either a Gillette Yellow or an IP Red, and without a nick. Here's where my OCD kicks in...........

If I stop at a 2 passes and a little touch up for a DFS, and I have, that is where the OCD kicks in. I always wind up lathering up again for that BBS! Seems I can not control myself! I have yet to walk away with a DFS since I know there is better BBS awaiting. Does anybody else have this problem?

D/E Bob

**bbarton713** · 09-22-2010, 08:25 AM

I always have to remind myself to stop, that it is good enough. I used to oil paint, the Bob Ross method, with my father-in-law and he said there was always a point when you had to stop before you wrecked what you were doing. LOL

**mr. s** · 09-22-2010, 08:27 AM

Yes. This soft face is a curse. How am I supposed to concentrate at school with all those women touching my face?
But seriously, I never saw it as ocd, just as good shaving practise. I've also never thought it ocd to eat a meal 3 times a day.
Glad to hear of your success. Happy shaving.

**Brandon** · 09-22-2010, 08:58 AM

As long as you're not causing irritation as a side effect of taking it too far then there's nothing wrong with finishing your shave and going for the desired result. In fact, it would be ridiculous not to.

If you are getting irritation from that third pass then that's another story.

**Cyclocat** · 09-22-2010, 09:04 AM

I'll preface this by saying I do 3-pass shave regularly yet I still have the OCD kick in sometimes. What I do is tell myself that it's close enough that it looks perfect and no one is going to notice my BBS, but they will notice if I get too overzealous and inflict some razor burn.

**TheSentinel** · 09-22-2010, 10:08 AM

I have a similar issue. What kills me is the "almost BBS" shave. It can be perfect on the cheeks and moustache, but if there's just a bit of stubble hidden under the jawbone that can be detected by going against the grain, I have to lather up again and try to fix it.

**kingfisher** · 09-22-2010, 10:36 AM

You're in good company.

If you want to rid yourself of it, you have to consciously set a limit. Say two passes and a tiny bit of touch-up, and then you quit.

**Telecaster52** · 09-22-2010, 11:03 AM

take the blade out after the 2nd pass, then you can make as many extra passes as you'd like

**rogueinfomaniac** · 09-22-2010, 11:04 AM

this happens to me all the time, more often than not I just lather up without thinking about it and go for the BBS. But with a bit of self control I can put the brush down and call it done DFS

**DE Shaver** · 09-22-2010, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by D/E Bob

If I stop at a 2 passes and a little touch up for a DFS, and I have, that is where the OCD kicks in. I always wind up lathering up again for that BBS! Seems I can not control myself! I have yet to walk away with a DFS since I know there is better BBS awaiting. Does anybody else have this problem?

I always prefer to get a BBS (or close) and I try to do it in two passes. However, getting a perfectly BBS shave effort isn't always worth the payoff to me, so I live with what I get after two passes. If I definitely need BBS, then I go to a third pass. Evidently, you think it's always worth the extra time. If it makes you happy, there is nothing wrong.

**petr** · 09-22-2010, 11:24 AM

Yeah, it's addictive.

If your skin is taking it hard, use a bit of pre shave oil to buff with. Saves the skin and really polishes a great shave.

**D/E Bob** · 09-22-2010, 02:20 PM

Well at least I am not feeling like I am alone now! I am recently retired and so I am in no particular hurry most days. I try to plan my morning shower and shave for when after my wife has left for work, so I don't have to listen to her nagging me about how long I'm in the bathroom....... (what the heck are you doing in there; you are worse than a woman, etc.... LOL). Now that I am retired I find myself resentful when I am being rushed - for anything! I like to enjoy some of the daily rituals like making a pot of fresh brewed coffee in a percolator, and reading two newspapers at the breakfast table. These are the simple things that I had no time to enjoy or for that matter do at all when I was working 6 days a week.

I usually have no particular NEED for a BBS, and a DFS would do just fine, it's just either the challenge or the OCD! I guess what ever it is, I might as well enjoy the ride.

Thanks guys,
D/E Bob

**Harvitz81** · 09-22-2010, 03:29 PM

I usually don't feel like I shaved unless I'm BBS.

**Dennard** · 09-22-2010, 08:02 PM

Originally Posted by brandon

as long as you're not causing irritation as a side effect of taking it too far then there's nothing wrong with finishing your shave and going for the desired result.

+1.

**dirtdog** · 09-23-2010, 12:31 AM

Originally Posted by DE Shaver

I always prefer to get a BBS (or close) and I try to do it in two passes. However, getting a perfectly BBS shave effort isn't always worth the payoff to me, so I live with what I get after two passes. If I definitely need BBS, then I go to a third pass. Evidently, you think it's always worth the extra time. If it makes you happy, there is nothing wrong.

this

**rdh1223** · 09-23-2010, 12:39 AM

If I could get a bbs everytime I def would go for it.... Fact is I seem to only be able to manage it about once a week. But Im new to the DE shaving so maybe soon.... In the meantime I jus try not to mangle myself because then I cant shave for 2-3 days.

**noahpictures** · 09-23-2010, 12:48 AM

I have the same problem. I think it's part of being a man. Maybe we'll get better with age and learn to stop trying to be perfect. Here's to hoping.

**peacefrog33756** · 09-23-2010, 05:32 AM

Two passes, a little touch up and be happy!

**DamnFineBob** · 09-23-2010, 05:37 AM

Originally Posted by Harvitz81

I usually don't feel like I shaved unless I'm BBS.

Ditto.

**OCDshaver** · 09-23-2010, 05:50 AM

Ummmm....yeah.

I have managed to control my BBS OCD to some extent in recent years, but it always lurks, waiting to overpower me...the urge to go over those troublesome spots again...and again.

Two things help me. The first is the realization that the face feels smoother 30 minutes after the shave is complete....which means that you don't have to get to BBS during the shave. It often gets that way later.

Second, frequent BBS shaves often leads to irritation, which mars the look of the shave...no matter how close it is. I need to hold on to whatever handsomeness I have left.....so DFS is where I usually stop.

Usually