The 'Single-Pass' shave ----- some observations.

If I shave everyday it's one pass with the grain I look in the mirror if it looks good I'm good to go... doesn't matter how it feels if I allow my beard to grow for two or three days then I go for BBs

These are some interesting thoughts; thank you for sharing! I use badger brushes and straights almost exclusively and agree that, because badger is hydrophobic, little-to-no soaking is really necessary. By the same token, I find I can easily "get by" with a single WTG pass with a straight. Granted, it's not as clean/close as two passes, plus touch-up, but it's certainly good enough for when I'm in a rush.

Had to return to add an observation that I failed to mention the first time around.

With a single-pass shave, there may be the temptation to use pressure to get the job done. Not a good idea. It’s better to do some cleaning up after that first pass, or if that isn’t enough, then just a full second pass.

Much of the perceived success of the single-pass shave depends on the standard you are after. But irritation is never worth it, when it could be avoided by doing something a little differently.

My face shaves I typically stick to one pass WTG with an aggressive razor. Every once in a while I'll use something a little milder and add in a single XTG pass. It's pretty rare though.

Nice thread yohannrjm . I typically do 3x shave during the week. I have on occasion gone 2x but even with that, I look fairly beat by the end of the day with 5 o'clock shadow.

Not the end of the world but do enjoy that "quiet time" in the morning during my shave so include the extra passes. Sets the tone for what's to follow.

I use straights for my head shaves pretty exclusively...very rarely will I touchup with a DE, or even more rarely use a DE for the shave...

Generally speaking it is 3 passes plus a fourth GTX(across in opposite direction) on just the top of the head. This is good enough for a DFS-BBS in about half an hour.

Some days I am lucky enough to get 2 shaves in. The second shave is very typically just 2 passes...XTG and ATG, with some light touchups for a DFS.

I can't do a single pass shave. It leaves my head feeling like velcro...

I will say that after using straights exclusively for the last 4 months, I could do an everyday 2-pass(XTG/ATG) with a DE and probably feel pretty good about it...but I enjoy my straights too much...

I have done a quick one pass when I was pressed for time. I have found though that 2 passes barely take any more time.

Had to return to add an observation that I failed to mention the first time around.

With a single-pass shave, there may be the temptation to use pressure to get the job done. Not a good idea. It’s better to do some cleaning up after that first pass, or if that isn’t enough, then just a full second pass.

Much of the perceived success of the single-pass shave depends on the standard you are after. But irritation is never worth it, when it could be avoided by doing something a little differently.

I can't agree with this more. Using pressure is never a good idea. Nor is it ever necessary.

One thing I forgot to mention is that I frequently using blade-buffing in areas that have extra growth. I use it also during my regular 3+ pass shave, so it's not a technique that's specific to my 1+ pass shave.