Thread: military and shaving

Originally Posted by mikwat

Gas masks have to seal around your face to be effective, with excess stuble there, they don't seal well.

What he said.

King Gillette went bankrupt many times trying to market his newfangled razor to a skeptical public; it wasn't until WWI that the circumstances were right for success, and Uncle Sam bought his safety razor by the millions to issue to the troops crossing the pond. I love my straight, but if I had to shave twice a day while standing up to my knees in mud, even through a multi-day bombardment, I think I'd be reaching for the DE too. We've all seen the pictures of Josh after his attempt to shave through a fireworks show. Unfortunately for our beloved razor, when those boys came home and went shopping for a razor it was generally the newly-tried-and-true DE that they plunked down the cash for.

Another option would be using the AC. No honing or stropping required, the blades are good for 2 weeks of shaving and you can at least imagine that you're shaving with a real straight.

Not sure of your type of military unit. I know that when I was in during the 80's in the 1/10 Cav and later Delta Co. 3/34 Armor , we moved a lot while in the field (opfor unit, war games etc). because of this we often were careful about how much water we used. So usually we bought a cheap electric that ran off batteries at the PX. Not a real close shave but kept the NCO's and brass off your ass. Sometimes I used my regular gillette cartridge razor. Under such conditions this fits the need the best in many soldiers opinion including mine. This was common practice when I was in. I know that thos is not necassarily what people want to read on a straight razor forum but it was the most practical way to shave under the circumstance. Please also understand that people training in the field in combat arms units often went 2-3 days with no sleep. Just part of the training.
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1/10 Cav-Once Cav always Cav
Delta Co. 3/34 Armor "Death Angels"
Del

Originally Posted by kimbal

Not sure of your type of military unit. I know that when I was in during the 80's in the 1/10 Cav and later Delta Co. 3/34 Armor , we moved a lot while in the field (opfor unit, war games etc). because of this we often were careful about how much water we used. So usually we bought a cheap electric that ran off batteries at the PX. Not a real close shave but kept the NCO's and brass off your ass. Sometimes I used my regular gillette cartridge razor. Under such conditions this fits the need the best in many soldiers opinion including mine. This was common practice when I was in. I know that thos is not necassarily what people want to read on a straight razor forum but it was the most practical way to shave under the circumstance. Please also understand that people training in the field in combat arms units often went 2-3 days with no sleep. Just part of the training.
__________________________________________________ ________
1/10 Cav-Once Cav always Cav
Delta Co. 3/34 Armor "Death Angels"
Del

I'm not exactly sure what kind of unit I'll be attached to, but this summer I'm supposed to be working with the 22nd MEU. I'm not really sure what to expect because this is my first time out since Field School.

If conditions allow it, feel free to use a straight or DE. I would definitely pack an electric with batteries to play it safe. On the days that time and circumstances permit enjoy a straight razor shave!! Best of luck to you. Hope this helps you out. Was just letting you know my experience.
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Del

Kimbal is crystal. water, let alone hot is always tight. I would pack those batteries also.

Phil
1/22 Inf. Forty Rounds

I'd recommend packing some POWEREX batteries along with a charger. I've been very impressed by how long they last, compared with alkalines.

- Scott

Any wetshaving with soap and cold water sucks - full stop.

When I was in the field I made do, but it wasn't fun - especially during the winter!

If I knew then what I knew now, I would likely use a disposable or schick injector with some brushless cream (unscented - scented products don't mix with a tactical environment). The only problem with the DE or injector is that you can't pack them with a loaded blade unless you find a way to protect the head of the razor (the blade will get damaged otherwise).

As for the whole Feather AC issue, it would work, but let's be honest shaving with a straight is just not practical when you're in the field. It takes longer than shaving with a safety razor and rushing will only lead to nicks and cuts. Also, a Feather AC is a pretty expensive razor to lose or break - the risk of either being heightened when in the field.

Like I said, I think having a small container of a good brushless cream and a decent cartridge/disposable is the best and most practical way to wetshave in the field.

Just my $0.02.

Feather portable breaks down into 3 pieces and has a case that also fits a couple of blades.

And no, I'm not paid by the Feather corporation

MikWat buy a shaving stick, i no the whole cold lather idea sucks but it beats cold lather from a can! it work for me when i was in the field.