I used my Piccolo today. I had a 4 day beard. I haven't used it in awhile, I've been using my artist club type razors. I put a new GSB blade in it. I usually do 2 passes plus touch ups. After one pass on 4 days growth my face felt very smooth. The main reason I did a second pass was because shaving is my hobby. I could have gotten by with just one pass. I forgot how great this razor is. It gives my artist club razors a run for their money.