Forgive me father for I have sinned

Before I became a str8 shaver (about 4 years ago) I used to shave with a junky drugstore DE that I bought in the late 80s, when I was a teenager, for I think around $15. I didn't know anything about shaving or good prep. I used to put shaving cream from a can directly onto my dry, unprepped beard & start scraping away. Naturally, I got lousy shaves. I had a goatee for 10 years because I couldn't bear the agony of shaving that area of my face.

After I took the str8 plunge, I got rid of what I thought was old junk; the DE, plus a bunch of Mach 5 handles that I got free (and unasked-for) in the mail. I didn't know that they stopped making DE razors, and that the razor I thought was garbage was actually worth keeping.

I just had a chance to rectify that error for under $12, by buying a much classier all-metal DE , of much older vintage than mine, from the classifieds here at SRP. I plan to keep it as a back-up when flying & not checking luggage, or when going on motorcycle trips when there is simply no way to pack a strop, nowhere to store a wet brush, & no room for all that paraphernalia. A DE and a tube of cream that I can apply with my hands are just what the doctor ordered.

I wish I had kept that old DE. Sure it was cheap, non-adjustable & with a plastic handle, but still...

That's my story & I'm sticking to it. Over & out, -Johnny

I do the same when I'm not checking my luggage. The DE is a good tool.

Jordan

when you guys take DE razors on a plane and don't check any luggage, how do you get the blades on? Do they not make you throw away DE blades?

I have not tried this, but I have heard of people putting a couple blades in the razor. They probably don't even notice they're there. But don't come crying to me if you get a full body cavity search as a result of trying this!

The TSA web site contains this weird & ambiguous statement:

"Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors [prohibited from carry-on]. " This seems to imply that DE and Schick-type blades are OK, but it could certainly be clearer.

TSA: What To Know Before You Go

Edit: I just emailed the TSA for clarification. I'll post their reply here.

TSA has never asked to examine my razor - they probably just think its a cartridge job. But I've never taken the chance to try getting DE blades on the plane. I don't want to get arrested by a TSA agent having a bad day. So - I've pre-positioned DE blades at the places I travel to frequently - MIL's house, etc. If I'm going somewhere else, I just buy some when I get there.

Jordan

I flew about 4 weeks ago with my DE and they ran the bag through 3 times and pulled me off to the side. I didn't pack blades and at first the TSA guy said I couldn't bring it on but I showed him there weren't blades and he said it's ok then. Who knows, maybe they'd check it and maybe not but a weird shaped big piece of metal will turn a few x-ray screeners heads usually.

Here is my query to the TSA and their reply:

I, and the gentlemen of a classic shaving club, would like to know if Gilette-style double-edge safety razor blades are allowed in carry-on luggage. Your web site contains the following strange & ambiguous statement. I would be grateful for any clarification. TIA, -Jon

"Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors [prohibited from carry-on]."


Thank you for your e-mail.

The Transportation Security Administration's current security screening procedures require all carry-on luggage and accessible property be screened before passengers take them onboard an aircraft. Regardless of whether an item is on the prohibited or permitted items list, the Transportation Security Officers (TSO's) have discretion to prohibit an individual from carrying an item through the screening checkpoint or onboard an aircraft if the item poses a security threat.

Therefore, TSA security screening personnel will make the final decision on whether to permit items like a Gilette-style double-edge safety razor blade into the sterile area of the airport. Should you need additional assistance, feel free to contact us at toll free 866-289-9673.

Please visit our website at www.tsa.gov for additional information about TSA. We continue to add new information and encourage you to check the website frequently for updated information.

We hope this information is helpful.
TSA Contact Center


So the short answer is, it's up to the discretion of whoever is working the X-ray machine that day. Some might let it through, others not.

There are basically two safe options: Check it in your luggage OR buy blades when you arrive at your point of destination. Though I'm not sure what to do of those if I'd be travelling often.

Some guys will mail a few ahead of time to their destination as well.