There are several factors for doing a BBS or DFS …

[MichaelSch]

There are several factors that contribute to a BBS or DFS … great lather … great soap … blade that is right for your skin … razor that is right for you … list goes on

However in my experience what is MOST important is …

TECHNIQUE which includes THE LIGHTEST of touches with the razor, meaning pretty much next to ZERO pressure.

Agree or disagree?

Speaking from experience being a DE shaver for near on 11 years doing daily head shave and neck shave.

 

[musicman1951]

I would agree that the lightest pressure possible is the best way to get an irritation free shave. I suspect some shavers have razor/blade combinations that are too mild for a BBS without adding pressure, and some do so successfully, but it's not the combination I would recommend. But I also suspect some people have skin like a shark and never get irritation. We're all a little different. While I would recommend very, very low pressure to all, I realize no single method works for everyone.

 

[dotKomo]

I would agree that technique, which encompasses the amount of pressure applied.

One complicating factor for some if us older shavers is skin condition (which in my case means drier) and beard. As my beard greyed, it became hard and brittle. Both are conditions are impediments to achieving BBS.

 

[Grundi]

I'm adding to the above (great set of factors already stated)...knowing your beard (and head) hair growth direction and pattern. When I was first converting over to DE shaving, a lot of the experienced guys talks about the importance of "mapping your face".

 

[AshleyC]

Disagree on lightest touch. I wonder if the answer is the maximum pressure you can safely apply, rather than the least you can apply and still get blade action.

Best, closest, most irritation free, most honestly BBS shave I ever accomplished was with a Fatboy, Derby Premium and lots of pressure. I mean I really bore down on it. Of course I would never bear down like that with my Futur or Timeless .68 bronze. The key thing is the maximum safe pressure.

 

[rockviper]

It's generally accepted that the five factors are value, quality, momentum, size, and volatility. Based on that .....

Oh wait a sec, this is B&B and not the personal finance forum I frequent.

 

[Alex Jr]

Disagree on lightest touch. I wonder if the answer is the maximum pressure you can safely apply, rather than the least you can apply and still get blade action.

This. I get terrible shaves with the “lightest pressure possible”.

There’s always some pressure and it’s not the lightest. It’s an assertive and firm touch I like to call it.

I guess it’s something difficult to put in words but everyone sooner or later will realize what that means.

 

[silverlifter]

If only it were that simple...

Silverlifter's Surefire System for Superb Shaves

This system has been developed over many years, and has been synthesised down to the absolute sessentials for a superb shave (SSSSS™). My methodology and research has been to feed youtube shaving influencer videos to AI and distill the absolute best wisdom of the greatest minds in shaving, and...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

Pre-shave wash, or not; a good lather, carefully whipped up from MdC, tallow Tabac or vintage Yardley, or maybe brushless cream applied in a hurry; very little pressure here, a bit more there, attention wanders for a few moments, a bit of blade buffing in this or that area. All rather random, but I generally get a DFS and sometimes BBS. The only definite conclusions are that I get BBS more often when I take a little bit more time and I know my face very well after using DE or SE razors for well over a decade.

 

[Ravenonrock]

I feel you need a modicum of pressure with both a straight razor and DE. For my shaves, edge quality trumps most of the other stuff. If I haven’t prepared my razor properly it won’t be a good shave no matter how fantastic my technique or super fatted, slick, sick, soap is. Same goes for my DE setup, I want a good blade, but I have less control here and rely on the manufacturer…a leap of faith.

 

[The Blackadder]

Blade sharpness

I was getting bad shaves just because didn’t understand the importance of a good blade. It was one of my a-ha moments when I changed the blade midshave for a fresh one

 

[Cphobes]

Knowing your face is king, beats all else.

Beard growth, with or against the grain etc. What does your face really need for prep, cold vs. hot, etc.

If you don't know your face and what is best for it, it doesn't matter what you use.

For example: I've learned the hard way I can't do three passes. And I had to change my approach to my neck and for the best comfortable shave. Some areas I can apply some pressure, others definitely not.

 

[SydneyShaver]

I agree in principle. Ultimately, I can’t get a perfect smooth glass like finish unless I shave WTG, XTG AND ATG. Technique doesn’t really matter as much as the mechanics. I could do these 3 passes with the best/worst products on earth and the outcome would be largely the same. Difference would be in comfort and enjoyment.