This all goes back to the early days of shave geekdom, which may have started as an underground movement in the late '90's. Old methods from the turn of the 20th century were dredged up, studied, and copied as a guide to shaving. Three passes was the standard. And not much later on, some brushes were discovered that were able to hold enough lather for the whole shave without having to whip up more for each pass. Thus, the gold standard for a brush's capacity (although not overall quality) was born.
Where did the three pass rule come from?
- Thread starter dundak
- Start date
I was told there would be no math.
The "rule" applies to anyone that thinks it's a must have. It's irrelevant to me as I don't need three passes. YMMV, as always. Evaluate brushes on your needs/wants, not some arbitrary rule.
I have always done two passes and some touch up which is how my Father taught me how to shave. I always have lather left over.
Well it's certainly not a rule that I would consider. I only do one pass so why whould I need a "three pass" brush. There is certainly plenty of soap left in the brush after I'm finished lathering my face, but I have no idea how many hypothetical additional passes it would supply. In any event, if I needed more lather, I could always just add more soap and water to the brush.
Conclusion - this is a pointless rule and can be ignored.
Conclusion - this is a pointless rule and can be ignored.
I do 3 passes because it's a nice round number 
This is an impressive example of knowing what is going on around here!
I'm a head shaver too, so my brush must hold 6 passes...I guess I need to start another thread!
I bowl lather with creams, so there is no issue. The issue is the mild depression while washing all that left over lather down the sink. There are no rules, but as either a face latherer or someone with low quantity lather syndrome you naturally have to expect a certain amount of derision from the rest of us more-than-enough lather people.
No issue for me now either. I don't suffer from LQLS any more. I got the vaccine the last time i was @ the shaveologist.
Another rule! Now I have to start learning how to shave all over again! That is the third time this week.I dip and add and reload and relather and do 2-5 passes and play with my extra lather or go show it to my fiance who then looks at me like I'm an idiot.
nrv216
A shaver is no longer a newbie when he no longer needs rules
You too! I'm glad I'm not alone.
Vise, thank you, I've read the book and found things I didn't know. For example, the author says to wash the face, then dry it before applying the lather! And then he advices to use your fingers to rub the lather into the beard! This is all new to me.
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