Thread: Air Travel w/ Straights

Well, if you really want to "know before you go" here is a link to TSA's Prohibited Items.

Originally Posted by 2005xfr

Well, if you really want to "know before you go" here is a link to TSA's Prohibited Items.

That is a good idea...but I will warn you of two realities:

1. That list changes from time to time.
2. The TSA agent checking your things may not be HIGHLY familiar with it, and will not care if you have the most current copy of it with you. They will use their discretion to decide and that decision is final.

TSA agents run the full spectrum from nice people here to assist you along on safe travel, to a chap that feels overworked, angry, and possibly had a few too many cups of coffee. They are people, they make mistakes. The best plan is to have a back up plan. I have lost a few things over the years...I have learned how not too. You would be surprised at how interpretations swing. A puck of shaving soap is not expensive, but it can be a hassle to loose.

Along those lines. I recently received a few complimentary containers of soap shavings that came in a small vial, and a small plastic bag with little or no markings (that amounted to a sticker label with a 3 word description typed on it), I would expect to loose these if I tried to carry them through as is (I would probably simply ship my entire shave kit if I were traveling today).

My travel shaving system:
Checking a bag? I bring two (or three) Travel Straights - good shavers that I would not be heartbroken if they somehow got "lost" in transit. Pack them in those silicone sleeves that are loaded in to a $.99 tooth brush holder. This also give you a reason for RAD as you are just accumulating those "players to be named later"...
Not checking a bag but want to use the Straight? I use the unit system, mail them to the location (office if I'm visiting a client, hotel if not) again, picking from my "travel team". I put return labels inside the package.
Not checking and can live with a DE shave? I mail two blades (blade and a spare, cause you never know...) in advance to the hotel (or client). Since the blades are less that return postage I take the used and unused blade to the front desk and ask them for a sharps container. Don't throw them in the trash, that would not be a gentlemanly thing to do....The worst blade in your DE collection is better than the best blade you will find at (insert name of store that is open at O-Dark Hundred when you get a chance to shop after your delayed arrival)
Going some place all of the time? I have some projects that have me going back to the same site weekly, monthly or quarterly. When I can I get a budget suitcase and leave it at the clients or at the hotel. Think gym clothes, underwear, real sized shaving stuff etc. This lets me get by with carry-on only when I go there but have a semi-normal routine when I'm there. Just pretend you are a spy and have to set up your "safe-house"....and like a safe house, you need to be ready to abandon anything there if you have to....so don't stock it with Puma's and Filly's if you know what I mean...

And I carry a Cart razor as a back-up because I am a belts and suspenders kinda guy when it comes to travel prep.
There is no way (that I know of, please tell me if you have an idea) for you to have your edge of choice with you at the travel lounge in Hong Kong on your way to Jakarta. And trust me...a shave and a shower are very important after a 19 hour plane ride...and as bad as your Cart is, you don't want to use what they have on the counter. You would be better off breaking the water glass on the edge of the sink and using the shards...

Going for an interview? Think safe, conservative and low stress....

And good luck!
Hope that helps...

Wow guys there are some great suggestions here. It never came to mind about posting your items express. Such a good idea. I'm a national manager of a chain of luggage stores so i can just post it to the store that im about to visit!

Thanks guys,

FE

Bring a cheap multi-blade razor. Quick and easy, no trouble and you get a decent shave. When you get home you'll appreciate a ST8 shave that much more.

Thanks for all the feedback. I decided to pick up a Dovo Shavette for weekend flights.

If I'm doing an overnighter or 2 day trip, I use a disposable (Bic Metal). This is the only disposable I've seen that has a fixed head (no swivel), and a single blade. Also has a metal bar guard that leaves the razor open to get an almost aggressive shave.

I'd rather carry on then go through the hassle of mailing ahead or checking baggage for those 2 day and under trips.

Lately I've been gone for 4-5 days so I check my bag and use a leather sheath for the straight. I also pack a DE and some blades in case the straight has an "accident".

I'm about to leave on a 10 day trip and I'm going to test a "new to me" system.

Recently I picked up a C.J.B Blade Handle WH100B - The Korean version of the Feather RJ/DX style non folder. Separate review to follow...
Since I'm checking a bag I could do my normal routine mentioned above but I'm hopping that this will make it simpler.

A. CJB and a pack of Feather Pro Blades
B. Jagger DE and Blades (Astra Blue)
C. Cart in the Carry On just in case the bag goes sideways for a day.
D. The Wet Shaving travel Kit.
E. Trauma Kit (Neosporin, super glue, bandaids - cause you just never know...)

I've been avoiding the Feather DX/RG/SS because of the Feather Slasher stories...but that has not stopped me from being drawn to the system like a moth to the flame...that and when you have RAD it is indiscriminate that way...although I have no urge to get a Frameback for some reason...

Then Bingo Bango Bongo I'm able to score a CJB - it's bargin price off-set by the eye watering shipping fees, but still a good deal, and I knew I could find them a new home in short order if it did not work. (it has worked out...three shaves in and its a keeper)

Why you say?

It's all about the KISS rule.

No spare Straights, 6 months worth of blades take up about as much room as your thumb.
When you travel spare time is at a premium, this system does save time. No pre and post shave stropping, no strop to pack, the post shave razor care is about like taking care of your DE.

No, it is not the same as shaving with my W&B, King Cutter, Conqueror, Luna 5911, Chas Randall yada yada..
But you can get a DFS in 1.5 passes (YMMV). One careful pass and I'm already ahead of my best Cartridge performance...and what it does to that PITA spot to the left of my Adams Apple is nothing short of amazing...

So I've committed to using nothing else for the week before I leave to get some practice in.

I'll try to report in mid trip...

And if you have any recommendations for Montreal let me know...