Thread: Travel Shaving

Ok, I am headed to Vegas in a couple of days for a pool tournament, and this will be the first time I have been on a vacation long enough to bring shaving gear since I started straight shaving. I think I have most of the details worked out.

I found a sealable tube that is perfect size to transport my brush unharmed, since my travel brush didn't arive in time. My razor has it's own case so no problems that, and the creams and soaps aren't a problem. However, my paddle strop has not arrived yet, so I am forcedd to take myhanging strop with me. What is the best way to transport this without doing damage to it? Also I would be interested into anyone other travel shaving suggestions that people have used.

It sounds like you're covered on everything but the strop. Are you flying? The easiest way to carry your strop is to, well, (hang) the hanging strop. Put it on the clothes tab in the back seat of the car or carefully pack it in your clothing hanging bag if you have one. If not, place it in the bottom of your bag (the flat part) and everything else you pack in will keep it in place. When we drove out of town a few wk ago, I just laid mine out flat in the trunk. Good luck!

I have read that some people use a belt for stropping when traveling.

Originally Posted by scruffy

I have read that some people use a belt for stropping when traveling.

I just bought a bridle leather belt from Filson, and I used it for just this purpose when I was traveling to Houston. I just looped it around the towel rack, put the end through the buckle, drew it tight, and stropped to my heart's content. I had a great shave from it, and it actually worked better than the (admittedly pretty lousy) strop I have hanging in the bathroom.

I really need to buy a better strop.

I would recomend a small S hook and when it's time to shave you can hang your strop on a towel rack. As for transport, it is best if your strop can lay flat in a suit case as opposed to being bent into any shape.

So, do you think the travel strops dont really bring much to the mix? I have seen the TI versions and they seem like a good idea, but seeing no comment here, I'm guessing no one sees much benefit from the added expense. Anyone have experience with the TI travel versions...or any other "travel" strop?

Jim

What an opportune thread, thanks! I just returned from a 5 day trip. I convinced myself that I could get by with my old electric razor. WRONG!! I couldn't wait to get back home and get a real shave. If nothing else, I will pack my double edge and some real shaving soap. However, I would rather take my good old straight, but I would appreciate some of you accomplished travelers sharing your knowledge and experience on how to deal with some of the challenges. A few of my questions: do you take the entire paraphernalia, i.e., soap container, lather bowl, etc. or is there a better alternative, such as cream? I much prefer a hanging strop to a paddle, how do you handle finding a place to hang it for use? I would appreciate any and all suggestions, as I very seldom travel.

I usually just pack my DE so i dont have to check my bags. I know...I'm lame.

On a longer trip I would probably take my wapi with me and my TM practice strop.

BTW. i would wrap your razor in paper towel/tissue paper before putting it in its coffin so it doesnt rattle around.

I take two razors (in case of catastrophe!), my TM Apprentice strop, one soap of choice, and a wooden lather bowl.

Just got back from a week in Japan. It was a comfort to have my straights with me. A week with a DE would have been a dissapointment. It's nice to be able to take the time for a nice straight shave when traveling-nobody's waiting to use the bathroom "hurry up in there!", etc.

Sure, you don't want to pack your most expensive razor to take, but do take a straight!

Great information in the proceeding post, as with Slater, I pack a DE when I travel. One thing I have found to be helpful is the shave stick, a number of companies make them and it does reduce space in the travel kit.

Enjoy

Joe