Thread: Straight razors on a ship

Originally Posted by mjsorkin

I've never been in the military, and I'm not a sailor; but I did read a series of historical novels that took place on British Navy ships around 1815. So I'm basically an expert.

British Navy officers were very fussy about being clean shaven. They always wanted to look their best, and were required to be clean shaven at all times. Of course they had no modern conveniences, so they used straight razors for shaving. they did this daily on wooden sailing ships.

Since fictional British Navy officer from 1815 could shave with a straight at sea, then you should have no problem. Right??

Michael

Well if Admiral Hornblower can do it anybody can! Seriously though, straight razors were the only option (aside from fire) to remove facial hair for hundreds of years & people got by just fine. Just takes experience/confidence and possibly a DE or disposable for the days of rough sailing.

Edit: I do hope those are the books you meant. Forrester is one of my favorite authors.

Oh, there are many books. Moby Dick, for example - Ahab melts down his straight razors to make a tip for his harpoon, and tempers it with the blood of heathens! However, I was under the impression that the officers were shaved by others. Maybe I am wrong about that.

I cannot see why you couldn't take a straight razor on a ship. My only advice would be to get really, really good at using it while you are on shore. I have no idea what the amenities are like on board a ship of this nature, but if you can wedge yourself in using your legs you should be ok, even if things are rocking and rolling - it's the relative movement that'll cause issues, not the movement itself if you know what I mean.

James.

You'll be in a salt-water environment. Keep the blade oiled between shaves.

I use a DE razor when cruising.

. Charles / "Right Galah", Morgan 36 Out Island sloop

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

You'll be in a salt-water environment. Keep the blade oiled between shaves.

I use a DE razor when cruising.

. Charles / "Right Galah", Morgan 36 Out Island sloop

Good call didnt think of that.

I did a few cruises during my time in the Marine Corps the smallest boat I was ever on was an LHA and the largest a CV they all bobbed around but I do not remember it being bad enough not to shave, however I did not shave with a straight at the time. If it were me I would take one and try it out. Do you know what type boat you will be on? This has been more than a few years ago and my memory has gotten fuzzy so have fun and let us know how it all turns out

I am in the coast guard so it will be a ship between 210-378 feet long. I have 2 years left where I am now then I should be bound for a ship. But from all the replys I figure Ill get my shave on and get confident then I will try it when I get out to sea. Thank you all for all the feed back

I was in the Navy on a DE about 400 feet long and when in heavy seas I would not want to even try a straight. However under normal circumstances with a little rolling you could time the strokes with the motion of the ship. Of course in those days I used an electric but based on what I know now it could be done with practice.

Originally Posted by sjb4552

Ill get my shave on and get confident then I will try it when I get out to sea.

I gather you were on a ship before your shore duty assignment began, yes? Think back to how much time you had in front of a sink, especially in port when everyone on board is rushing to get squared away for topside muster at 8:00 AM or for a surprise inspection.

I served on a tin can after "A" school and later on a nuclear submarine. Whether in port or out at sea, port and starboard or three section watch, it seemed there was always three or four guys behind me, waiting their turn at the sink. Not the best environment for a relaxed, leisurely straight razor shave. A straight razor shave should not have to be rushed. Let it be something you treat yourself to.

Don't give it another thought until it's time to rotate back to sea duty. Make your decision then. For now, just focus on the rewarding pleasure you get shaving with your straight.


Morty

Yes I spent 2 years on a cutter before I came shore side, Thank you for bringing up what had sliped my mind, although my duty will be a little different, I am what you navy folk would call a spook so my work and time is a little differdnt than other. But I did not think back to having to hurry for those suprise morning inspections.