Started out with three. Since I have been using my '71 SA-109, I'm down to two(WTG, XTG cheeks and chin, ATG neck).
With my newly acquired Mühle R89 I started with one pass back in 2015 - and I wondered why I would not get a close shave Then I realized I might need to do more passes, so I did 3 for a while. Now, thanks to some hours of practice and the 30-day-focus-group, I get a BBS shave in 2 passes 95 percent of the time.
I used to do 3 passes every day, WTG, XTG, ATG, with some touch up. I've reduced that 2 1/2 passes, with AGT only on neck and jaw, with a couple of touch-up passes in that same area. I voted 3 because my 2 1/2 with touch-up seemed closer to 3 than 2. My beard is course enough that I have to do the extra work on the jaw and neck, or it will really rub my shirt collars. Before my beard starting going gray, I would have a 5:00 shadow by 2:00! I would frquently have to shave in the evening if we were going out to some event or nice a restaraunt, and that was with the demon carts! Now my beard doesn't show up as much, but if I wanted to knock it back for going out, a single pass with a DE gets it done with a lot less irritation than the carts.
Two passes does the trick for me. Usually one WTG and another pass for touch ups, just for good measure.
Agree. I use a Merkur 34c and of the blades I've tested so far the Astra SP is one of the tops. A few more blades to test however I'm sure the Astra SP will be one I buy in bulk.
If I were shaving on a daily basis - probably just 2 passes with touch up as needed. Since retiring - I do 3 passes. I have the time and why not take it to enjoy the process longer. Plus I take more time now to apply hot towels to my face as part of the prep. Really enjoy it this time of year with the cold weather.
Normally 2. With and across on the cheeks and chin, with and against on the neck. With the SR I usually go around one more time to get the spots I missed.
Can I change my vote? Since picking up the str8, I eliminated one pass. I can now get er done with 2 passes and a touch up