DE motivations vs. straight razors

[RMC_SS_LDO]

All,

I have been toying with the idea of picking up a DE razor and blades just to give it a try. While there are lots of options it doesn't seem to approach the lunacy I have enjoyed with the world of straights!

For the actual questions... I have really been looking at these since it seems easier to travel with them. Unless the TSA has really lost it's mind, there is no need to check your shave kit, unlike traveling with a few straights- correct? I have never had issue with actually using a straight when traveling (the set-up and such) but having to check my razors has always been a source of contention for me. It is a good excuse to ride my bike or drive to wherever, but sometimes flying is unavoidable.

I am just curious what other motivations folks have to use a DE vice a straight. I really can't see much time savings since I can shave quite quickly if need be with a straight, but time-savings is not a real motivator.

The other questions revolve around the actual shave, but I would guess a search here would reveal plenty of opinions.

[Oglethorpe]

I use mine for travelling and that's all. The main detractor is that it's just not anywhere near as fun. On travel, the shaving goes back to being a chore (unfortunately).

[TexasBob]

I have not traveled in a couple of years but I hear that it costs $20 to check a bag now-a-days. I assume a straight (or even DE/SE blades) would need to be checked. Doesn't this make traveling with straights or even safety razors pretty much a lost cause if you aren't checking a bag for other reasons?

Most of my travel has been short term and I have been able to hold everything in a carry-on.

[Oglethorpe]

Bob, speaking from experience, you are OK travelling with DE equipment. I carry a toiletry case, and in there I keep a merkur 33c, a 5-box of blades, a brush, and a tube of cream (speick usually).

The thing about the merkur is that it breaks down into a stem and head and doesn't look like a DE anymore (via the x-ray screens). I break it down when it's not in use and it probably just looks like a hunk of metal or a pen or something. Razor blades are razor blades, but I don't know how the TSA expects people to shave while they're away if they can't bring shaving equipment. So far (4-6 trips with carry-on) I've been good with the DE equipment on security scans.

Hope this helps.

[Malacoda]

That's good to hear. I instantly assumed that DE blades would not be allowed in carry-ons and have to be checked. Glad to hear from someone with first-hand experience that that assumption was mistaken.

Of course, after the Detroit incident the other day, they may tighten restrictions even more...

[RMC_SS_LDO]

...Most of my travel has been short term and I have been able to hold everything in a carry-on.

That is one of my motivations. I travel light and could easily get what I need into a carry-on but razors are another story.

This was illustrated when I was deployed. On my way back, it would have been easy to just travel with one small carry-on to avoid the baggage check and the nonsense since I had to change carriers. The issue was that I had to grab a checked bag then re-check it for the connection once I got back to the continental US.

My other worry is theft with a checked bag. None of the razors I take are particularly collectable, but they are custom in the fact that I found them and restored them with scales I made. It is less the intrinsic value than the point that my razors are mine and are individualistic. Sounds silly to some, but the folks here understand I'm sure...

Maybe I can work out a temporary swap with a DE user for a straight to see how I/we like the "other side" before taking the plunge... Just looking at travel options.

[blockhead]

Maybe I can work out a temporary swap with a DE user for a straight to see how I/we like the "other side" before taking the plunge... Just looking at travel options.

I have picked up some WONDERFUL Gillette DE's for next to nothing. I nabbed a '48-'50 Aristocrat a bit ago for $5 at a flea market, and subsiquently got the best, closest shave that I have EVER had. Given, I have not shaved with a straight as of yet, so I am sure that statement will change soon. I hope to be shaving with a straight very soon. I am sure that I might look upon DE shaving as unfavorably as some straight users do some time down the road, but as of right now, I love my shaving ritual using a DE.

Let me know if you are unable to find anything. If I can look around here and grab something to help you out I would be more than happy to do so.

[Pabster]

One can always consider a straight razor that takes disposable blades. That is what I use when I travel and loan out to friends who want to try straight shaving. I get BBS results from the el cheapo ones as well as the more expensive one.

Ever since I have been using a straight razor, my standard for a good shave has skyrocketed.

Pabster

[Pete_S]

All,

I have been toying with the idea of picking up a DE razor and blades just to give it a try. While there are lots of options it doesn't seem to approach the lunacy I have enjoyed with the world of straights!

For the actual questions... I have really been looking at these since it seems easier to travel with them. Unless the TSA has really lost it's mind...

You think Those Stupid A**holes have a mind? You're much more charitable then I am. Anyway, I was surprised that you could carry razor blades on the plane with the fear mongering that's been going on about sharp objects, and officially you can't.

TSA: Prohibited Items

I guess it depends on if you get a screener with common sense enough to know that you cant do anything except get beat to a pulp or shot if you were actually dumb enough to try to take over a plane with a razor blade. More likely they'll just miss it while confiscating your sprite..

[RMC_SS_LDO]

"Razor-Type Blades - such as box cutters, utility knives, razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors."

I would think a DE constitutes a safety razor?!

Hell, I'm pretty safe with a straight (unless provoked)... I'd think that would count too!!


v/r

Allen