Thread: Vacation Shaving

My wife and I took a short vacation earlier this month, and I decided to take my DE and my VDH soap and brush (a set from a drug store or walmart that also comes with a bowl). I took the VDH stuff because it face lathers pretty well and the brush is cheap so I didn't feel like I had to take a brush stand or otherwise worry about it getting messed up. I went with the DE mainly because it took up less space in the packing (not as much extra stuff), which is the primary concern when traveling with SWMBO. DE shaving does save a little time as well (stropping, etc), so it might be a good option for you too.

I used to think the same way as you are thinking right now, until I put my face through that torture you are speaking of. If you are a veteran straight shaver, you would regret your even talking about it...but don't take my word, just do it...but take your straight for the following day...I didn't. You will see what I mean...cartridge razors are meat grinders after you are used to the wonderful feel of a straight shave.

What I have learned to take when vacationing is two razors, a paddle strop (Rolling up your nice hanging strop put creases in mine), a touch-up stone, brush, and your soap as long as it's not in a glass container. I have learned to palm/face lather. Bigelow is actually my traveling shave cream, works quite well...yes, you need your brush. Use one of the ladies hair dryer to dry it. I roll up my brush in a dry washcloth after use and stow it back in the luggage with the rest of my shave gear for it's safety.

I generally bring either my shavette or a DE when I travel with me and a what I designate a travel brush.

Bring the str8. Lather up and go when everyone's out.

Last vacation, I did not have the luxury of 5 ladies, but did have very nice shaves in the shared camping bathroom. I brought one razor, my strop that I hung from a hook in our tent, my brush and a small stainless steel bowl and one soap in a closed container. Except for stropping in the tent, I changed nothing of my normal ritual and had very relaxing shaves while people came and went.

I find that I do not startle easily when someone bangs on the door or something, so I'm fully confident of shaving with other people around. Disappointingly, no-one paid any interest in the classiness of the straight razor.

After reading all these posts, I have decided to bring my straight along with me. I'm still very new to straightshaving, but I find I like it more and more each time. If I'm to contunue straightshaving, I owe it to myself to learn how in varying locations and conditions.

One thing I might do is to let everybody know that you are using a straight, show it to them & maybe demonstrate on a bit of arm hair. Then explain that you're going to put a sock on the knob when you go to shave and that knocks on the door could end in a sliced up face with blood everywhere and possibly an ambulance ride and stitches. Not that it is that dangerous, but they don't have to know that.

Then, take your everloving time while they contemplate if they should knock or not once they see the sock...

Opt to shave outside!!

If you've never done it, you'll be in for a wonderful treat! Especially so if the weather is cool and you opt for a menthol lather... And while you're at it, try a cold water shave!!

I do it at least once a week in the warmer weather!

Originally Posted by MikekiM

Opt to shave outside!!

If you've never done it, you'll be in for a wonderful treat! Especially so if the weather is cool and you opt for a menthol lather... And while you're at it, try a cold water shave!!

I do it at least once a week in the warmer weather!

That's actually a very nice idea. I'll keep that in mind for when I move to a house that gives me that possibility.

Well- I'm back from vacation, just got back this morning. I wasn't even able to shave the entire time! The bathroom sink was sandwiched between two walls- I couldnt even fit my shoulders in between them!

I had 5 days worth of growth on my face and my razor took care of it without any issues at all! I was afraid that I would've forgot everything that I have been learning, but it all came back to me. It was my best straight shave to date!