Thread: Shaving with a straight razor......on the road

I've been a member of this forum for about three years and really haven't talked much about myself, except that which pertains to shaving, but I wanted to get some feedback.

Basically, I worked in IT (computers) for many years, lost my job, and couldn't find another one in that field. So this summer I went to truck driving school and next week I begin that career. I will be driving as a member of a two-man team and will basically be living in a truck most of the time.

I have a passion for straight razors and would sure like to continue using them. Obviously I wonder if I can. A few months ago I took a pleasure trip and had no problems, but from now on I'll be in cramped quarters and on the road all the time. I won't shave in a moving truck, but will have to in places like truck stops.

The question is, has anyone here done that before, or know someone who has? I have been trying to think about space, stropping, and shaving. I bought 3-4 Dovo Best Quality razors over the past few months so if they are stolen I won't lose my nicest ones.

What do you think about a truck driver straight shaving?

I have a good friend that put together a straight razor traveling kit for the road and he was an over the road driver. I would bring a travel brush, a couple razors in tooth brush holders or something like it, and something like the DR Harris soaps in the plastic tubes plus a splash that you like. While your driving around the country, stop by the house when you can for a hand shake, cup o joe and even some honing if you have time.

Have fun.

I also work away from home. My to go razors are a pair of henkel friodurs. I thought they would require less care in a marine environment. I have no problems. You should encounter no worse than small bathrooms and perhaps lack of time. Have fun and good luck with the new work path or road as it is.

I work as a railroad engineer. I strop my blades before I leave the house. No problems here.

I work away from home for a couple weeks at a time, I have 2 straights in my bag and one in my console, some customers are picky, have had to shave in a rear view mirror before. I have a small brush that I use when time permits, as well as a look strop with a pasted side for tune ups. Creams are obviously easier than soaps when there are time constraints. This setup has worked well for the last year or so.

Hmmm... sounds like an AlembiCase and paddle strop are in your future?

Also, I dunno if you have tried or like Arko, but I'd say get a stick and an empty twist-up deodorant tube from amazon (or, if you shoot me your address I can send you an extra that I have). I did this to my Arko stick, and it works pretty well.

You may want to think about getting a DE just in case you're someplace that you'd need to be quick or that might be a bit sketchy.

And, as a general rule, get some sort of sanitizing wipes/lysol/etc. to clean around where you'll be shaving. As a courtesy to the next driver, you could also clean up after yourself.

Oh, two words... Barber's hone. Or, even better, a strop-backed hone.

With all that and your AS of choice, you could most likely get by.


By the way, if you're going to make it through/near Atlanta, hit me up and we can at least go have a meal and beer!

An alembicase would be nice, but not a necessity. The plastic Dovo BQ boxes work good. I've driven plenty of roads that could qualify for Ice Road Truckers, with a soft sided duffel bag and my razors are unharmed. Driving highway miles, you will be fine with the stock boxes.

Wow, great suggestions, all of them. Toothbrush holder for razor, cream in a tube or stick, travel brush, paddle strop.

I had to laugh at myself when I read the suggestion about the toothbrush holder because I had bought one for my toothbrush and didn't think of using one as a razor holder. But it fits like a glove.

Thanks. I'd hate it if I couldn't straight shave.

I'd also enjoy meeting some of the members when I get on my feet.

This all easily fits in a dop kit, with little or no risk of breakage:

2 razors, in coffins
roll-up Roo Hide strop, in 3" plastic container
4x6" silicone cloth, in ziplock bag (razor wipe)

4oz shaving gel, in plastic bottle
shaving soap stick, in push-up tube
small travel brush, in plastic tube
2oz witch hazel, in plastic bottle
2oz AS, in plastic bottle
2oz moisturizing cream, in plastic bottle
1/2oz tube antibiotic cream
styptic pencil

**********
optional additions (if you have room):

razor hone or leather & stone combo paddle
full-size linen/leather strop, carefully packed
shaving soap or cream in a travel bowl

I've never tried straight razor shaving in a truck stop, but this has worked
for me in train stations and airports.

Sorry meant to say good luck in your new job.