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Ok so I am in the service and am stationed shore side for the next few years, I am just starting my journey into straight shaving, and I was just wondering since my next duty location will be a ship, are there any other service members in here who have any experance with straight razors on a ship, is it a good idea or should I also invest in a DE?
I have a old barber friend who was in the navy and when he busted out his straight on the ship everyone would leave the room. But he said he never nicked himself so id go for it.
Good Luck and Welcome to SRP.
I guess it might not be such a good idea. I have been on a destroyer and in any kind of slightly heavy weather I would not even consider it. It is hard enough to hang onto something and shave one handed with a DE on a DE in those conditions. Might be a totally different story on a larger ship though.
Bob
Welcome to the forum! Wow, that would be challenging, to say the least under bad conditions! Good luck if you try. i guess you could get both and use the DE for the rougher days and the straight on the calm ones.
Aloha and Welcome to SRP. Sorry I can't offer any advise on ship board ops. I am in a land based service component.
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. :D
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
I went on a cruise around the Caribbean at the start of the year and only took my straight with me to shave with. Most of the time you would not know you were on a ship but there was one day when it got fairly choppy( was actually struggling to stand up ) but still found it no problem to shave. Even the water seemed good on the ship and I got a great lather :rock:
I guess it would depend on the size of the ship, and how much movement it has at sea. :)
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by mjsorkin
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
Good call didnt think of that.Quote:
Originally Posted by cpcohen1945
Of the non-fictional people born before 1815, there has been one hundred percent mortality. Can we really be sure it wasn't the razors?Quote:
Originally Posted by mjsorkin
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by sjb4552
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.
:beer1:
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.
Do NOT rely on what anyone tells you here on this forum about possessing a straight razor on board ship. That is a queston that you must ask your XO, first sergeant or squadron commander, or even an on-board JAG. Repeat: Do NOT rely on anything posted here or you may end up Article 15'd or court martialed.
Including your post? :DQuote:
Originally Posted by jbtusa
James
Straights on a ship! Reminds of "Snakes on a plane!" :D Yeah, they might not allow even DE's these days. I recommend to ask. I am sure they will tell ya! Thanks for serving! :tu
How would a Straight Razor be any different from a folding knife, a KA-BAR, or a Bayonet? I just bought a Straight I would have never considered or did I ask my command or anybody else for their permission or opinion with regards to what I chose to shave my face with.Quote:
Originally Posted by jbtusa
It's being used for hygiene not close quarters combat. But it would not hurt anything to ask if it is against the UCMJ? I have seen others in the Military that have and are using them currently and the UCMJ is UCMJ no matter what branch of service you are in. If it were me I would ask just to cover my a@&!!Quote:
Originally Posted by jbtusa