Water Only

Ok, so I'm trying to prepare myself in case I have to live under a box someday with only my razors to my name :D ... (I have been hunting for work, but that's a side note).

So I've been experimenting with minimalist approaches to shaving for fun lately. So today I shaved with a palm stropped John Engstrom (4 shaves in, still going strong) and nothing but water on my face.

I basically washed my face and wet a rag with lukewarm water. When the water started drying out, I'd wet my face with the rag and go back to shaving.

It worked out pretty well. The shave was close, and got the job done. It was not as good as with soap in terms of comfort or end results, but it give a passable shave. You need to be careful about pressure though, or else I'd suspect you'd have a bit of burn.

Anyway, I have my zombie defense plan in place, my tinfoil hat, and my stock of twinkies... I should be ready for the apocalypse. :)

I'll be sticking with the brushes & creams, but wanted to say good luck with the job hunting. :tu

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Del1r1um

Ok, so I'm trying to prepare myself in case I have to live under a box someday with only my razors to my name :D ... (I have been hunting for work, but that's a side note).
....snip...
I have my zombie defense plan in place, my tinfoil hat, and my stock of twinkies... I should be ready for the apocalypse. :)

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Interesting plan.

Try shaving with the cream from the inside of a Twinkie :nono:

Try shaving with a bit of that hand soap that places like McDonald's
use in the rest room. Some have 'softeners' and might lather on a three
day old set of whiskers without a brush.

Try some random inexpensive bar soaps. Ivory, Kirk's Original Coco Castile Soap,
Dove... Bar soap in the ladies section may work better.

Gentlemen:

I have shaved in the jungle with a steel helmet filled with tepid canteen water, hoping a sniper doesn't give me a big nick, and if you will forgive me, at this stage and place in my life, I'll indulge in all the luxuries wet shaving can offer.

Regards,
Obie

I've been told that if you go awhile without shaving in an apocolypse type setting, you can just use a fiery stick and singe your beard hairs off.
No joke.
(not that it works, but no joke that I was told that by someone who was completely serious)

Del, like you I am waiting for the apocalypse too. Actually I've been waiting for years and to be honest am getting a bit impatient - so much so that I've started pretending I AM living in an apocalypse. I look at other people and pretend they're zombies, I carry my bag as though I'll never return home, and I look at developed areas and shops as though they're wastelands.

But to answer your question, how about some kind of dry lube? I've never tried it but perhaps if your smeared your face with beeswax, or a crayon or candle - something along the likes of these it might provide an interesting experience.

As for me, when I was learning how to shave I experimented a lot and can now get a comfortable shave dry or with just water or oil (if I have to).

Thanks for the replies fellas, I got a kick out of them

Ben and Obie,

I'm with you guys 100%, this was one of those "I wonder" moments. I have zero plans to give up my soaps and brushes. I hope it never comes to that :)

As for the other replies, who knows what crazy schemes I'll try next. Although twinkie cream may be interesting! I am not quite ready for the fire trick though.

Twinkie cream. Pah. Everyone knows peanut butter's the standby. :gaah:

Experimenting can be good - and even if you're not going to make it your norm, it may well improve your regular shave.

I've thought about the water only too - but even a moderately priced soap or cream is still pretty cheap when you consider how long it lasts.

But sometimes - you might find things you take for granted as being neccessary are not - they're nice, but not neccessary. Then if you do choose to still use them, you may well appreciate them more.

(It's late here and I'm tired... not sure if this sounds like a ramble...:))

All the best,
Michael.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Gentlemen:

I have shaved in the jungle with a steel helmet filled with tepid canteen water, hoping a sniper doesn't give me a big nick, and if you will forgive me, at this stage and place in my life, I'll indulge in all the luxuries wet shaving can offer.

Regards,
Obie

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That always scared me more than zombies anyway. Snipers. Zombies. It's a wonder I sleep at all.

Zombie defense plan... but there has to be 2 of you to use it :p

You know, you need to mix it up and deal with adversity that way you appreciate what you have when things are good.

There really isn't any issue with shaving with water. The trick is to ensure your face stays wet all the time because the water disappears mighty fast. You really can get a darn good and comfortable shave though with just water.

The twinkee trick should work

Actually, Van Der Hagen Deluxe can be bought in dozen-packs for about $15. Just like you lay in a store of canned goods, bottled water, generator-cranked flashlights and radios, not to mention 1000 rounds each for your favorite handgun and shoulder weapon, you could just add maybe a dozen pucks of VDH to your store.

I'm going down to the basement right now to check on my stash…