Thread: Shaving in the Field

I've wondered the same thing in regards to backpacking. I think under those conditions I'd pack along a cheap disposable. The cutting edge of the blade is thinner than paper and easily damaged.

Rich

“Always do right. This will gratify some people & astonish the rest” – Mark Twain

Just ran into a military Weck safety razor on Ebay. Not exactly a straight. But, possibly interesting to some on this message...

US Army / Military Weck Safety / Straight Razor - eBay (item 220498227470 end time Oct-27-09 17:09:23 PDT)

Sly, welcome! Hey man, I was in the Military for 21 years, Air Force 14 years, National Guard 6 and Active Army 1 (Iraq). I spent alot of time in the field, but I never used a straight. Honestly, I wish I had one while I was still in. They are so easy to use and give a much better shave than any multi blade out there. All you need is a strop, mirror and you'll have a good shave kit. I guess for the field being as space is a premium, you can use a can of shave cream (Gasp!!!) or even just a bar of soap. Actually, you could use a puck of shave soap and just use your hand to work up the lather. It will work for the time in the field. At least with a straight razor, you don't have to carry extra blades with you. Don't know if this helps any. Take care and stay safe!

I tried taking my straight with me when I was in the field. It became too much of a hassle though. Bring a strop, make sure your blade stays dry, steilize it in case any nasty critters got on it, pack it up correctly so it doesn't break in your rucksack. It was an F$%&ing pain.

In the end I got the cheapest disposable razors and put them in a ziplock bag. Toothpaste can also do double duty as shaving cream. It will be fully unsatisfying as a shave but what do you expect while shaving in a foxhole?