Thread: DE for Straight shaver for use whilst travelling?

Many of you may know me a long-time straight shaver. I've been doing this since winter 2005. First with a shavette, then a DE and eventually settled with a 'proper' straight 6 months after getting in to this whole thing.

I'm soon to be going abroad for a couple of weeks. I have a hand-held strop by Trumper and can't be bothered to take it with me: it's not the best thing to use and it tends to dull my razors.

So I was wondering if you guys can recommend a good, affordable DE razor to get my hands on and take with me. Not particularly looking for one that can be taken apart and put in a leather case. Just something sturdy that delivers a close shave that I can use whilst travelling.

I've had a look at my favourite (UK) stores and can see that Parker razors are some of the cheaper ones, with butterfly mechanism types around £20 (87R model). I previously had a Merkur which was the non-butterfly opening type. It was OK but sometimes difficult to change blades. On further digging, I've found the 34C is the most popular DE out there.

What are your thoughts?
Can you suggest a DE whilst living out of a suitcase? If so, which one?
Or am I being silly and should I just take a hanging strop and a straight with me instead?

Appreciate all your suggestions!

I could not be bothered taking a SR while travelling either so just take a DE instead. I really like the Merkur 37c slant and the Fine plastic slant for that purpose. Very efficient razors that give a close long lasting shave for me. Don't forget to pair any travel razor with a good shave stick too.

Bob

I, like Bob, use the Merkur 37c when traveling. It is light, handles well and does a good job. Just make sure to have the blades in a checked bag when traveling. Port security folks at airports don't like razor blades in carry on.

Thanks gents. Agree about checked luggage. Wouldn't have tried that with a straight either. More or less anything sharp here in Europe is a no-go.

Will have to check the 37c out!

So, to clarify if I'm reading this correctly: the 37C is a 'slant', meaning the blade sticks out a bit more than a regular DE? And this is better for my face if I have thick growth and/or sensitive skin? (I fit both those categories quite perfectly, so I'm intrigued already).

I bet BobH will jump in with a good picture. He had one posted earlier that really showed it. It is slightly "twisted" is the best way I can describe it. I find it a dream to shave with, not harsh at all.

Originally Posted by rum

So, to clarify if I'm reading this correctly: the 37C is a 'slant', meaning the blade sticks out a bit more than a regular DE? And this is better for my face if I have thick growth and/or sensitive skin? (I fit both those categories quite perfectly, so I'm intrigued already).

Fantastic! Would love to see pics, even though I placed my order for one a short while ago. Less than £30 for one of these. Hopefully it will mean I can shave comfortably for a little less effort. Straights are OK to take abroad, just not when you are taking the family with you and need to get ready quickly...

Could not find a photo of the 37c alone but this should give you an idea of the twist/torque applied to the DE blade by the head design of a slant.

Bob

Thanks, Bob; that's excellent! Now all I need to do is adjust to shaving with this a bit. Oh and RE shaving sticks I already have a Palmolive stick in the washbag as well as a small dish of the C&S Oxford and Cambridge soap.

Is the purpose for the slant head to create a slicing motion like guillotining with a straight razor?