Thread: Reflections on Wartime Shaves

This prompts memories of a conflict that is still going on. February-June 2003found myself and 135 other members of US Coast Guard Port Security Unit 311 at the Kuwait Naval Base (KNB) in preparation for Operation Iraqi Freedom. Shaving was one of those things you did very quickly, because you never knew if you would be interrupted by the incoming missle alert. When this happened, you stopped whatever you were doing, donned your chemical protective gear and made a beeline for the nearest shelter. We had a few missiles fall short of our camp, but the majority of them were taken out in short order by the US Army air defense batteries. Needless to say, shaving was not one of those things you could spend any time enjoying.

March '03 found a group of 35 of us on the Khawr al Amaya Oil Terminal (KAAOT), located about 1/2 mile from the Iran/Iraq maritime border and about 25 miles off the coast of Kuwait. KAAOT had not been in operation for 12 years, after sustaining damage in the Gulf War. Our job was to ensure that it could not be used, as it was in the last war, to flood the Gulf w/ oil. The best way to describe the living conditions was Gilligan's Island meets Junkyard Wars. My buddy and I were the weapons guys and lived in a Conex box next to our makeshift armory. Our job was to maintain all crew served weapons (M2 .50 cal, Mk 19 grenade launchers, and M60) at the fixed posts and maintain and repair all pistols, rifles and shotguns assigned to various personnel. Between standing watch, doing my assigned job, and wondering if that little dhow (fishing boat) approaching us was really out there to fish or.........life was very busy. My morning shave was the few minutes of peace and quiet that I could garner.

A 3" x 5" plastic mirror, canteen cup, bottled water, Bic disposable and tube of Old Spice shaving cream were my tickets to this temporary Nirvana. Though the oil platform had not been operational for many years, the stove in the kitchen area was working and I was at least able to warm the water for my shave. I still remember splashing the warm water from the beat up aluminum canteen cup over my face, smearing on the Old Spice cream, the smell of which brought a modicum of normalcy to this junkpile in the middle of the Arabian Gulf, and going to work with the Bic disposable. It was usually pretty quiet at this time, the only sounds being those of the sea birds and water splashing against the pilings. For a few minutes, everything was civilized.

It's safe to say that because of this experience, I truly appreciate the pleasure that SR shaving affords me and everytime I smell Old Spice I'm transported back to the Northern Arabian Gulf and my canteen cup shaves on those early mornings.

Wow, LASoxfan-Yours is another very vivid wartime shaving story! You guys really know how to put your reader in the scene.

Obie,
What a story and what a unique perspective . I really enjoyed reading it.

I have never served in war, but I have seen it and all I can say is that if I were in your shoes, it wouldn't matter if I were using a Fili, Thater or any other razor. My first priority would be to stay alive. So, every day I thank men and women like yourself that are put in harm's way to protect the very security under which the rest of us can continue to operate and go about our very lives. Freedom is NEVER free.

So, thank you serving us my friend and thank you for being here sharing this (and other such) stories.

Obie,

Again, another well-written piece! Maybe a collection of war-time memories could be your next project after you finish your novel set in Cairo. Trying to patiently await its publishing...

Thanks for writing and for your service.

Your friend,
Greg

Obie,

I was there, in II Corps, just about the same time you were. And now am here shaving with a straight razor. How about that?

What a beautiful post, Obie.

My brother is currently in Afghanistan, but he was converted to straight razors before he left. So, he has a lovely Simpson brush, some good software, a few razors, and a coticule and strop to help him escape.

The NOS Yardley soap I sent him didn't hurt...

Thanks for sharing that!

A fantastic story Obie, sorry I'm at a loss for words. God Bless you my friend

Obie,

What a wonderful story. I enjoyed reading every word. NOW I know one of the reasons you write so well...practice!!

It made me wonder about the troops now serving in harms way and how they view the hardships of day-to-day hygiene. With internet access so prevelant in Afganistan and Iraq, I hope someone will read the story and chime in. I'm up for sending some quality shaving gear to a warrior.

Thanks for the story and your service.

Thank you for serving, and thank you for the story.

Will N.

Hello, Oldschooltools:

Thank you for your kind words. Yes, practice always helps. Since Vietnam I have not spent a day without pen and paper. Currently I am working on my second novel, as well as articles. I write seven days a week. It's a good way to keep the creative muscles honed.

I also shave every day. Since I switch hands for the straight razor shave, I still continue to increase the dexterity in my non-dominant hand, the left, as much as possible in daily activies. I also have returned to studying my classical guitar, which means daily practice. (I am so bad I embarrass myself). So, you are right: practice, practice, practice. But I digress.

Yes, every war has its distinct characteristics. The Civil War was the last of the Napoleonic-style wars, in which, I imagine, the troops used some type of a straight razor, although beards were prevalent. In WWI (which still had elements of the Napoleonic-style wars), I assume the troops used both the straight razor and the up and coming double edge safety.

World War Two was the last of the romantic wars, I believe, and that's when the double edge safety razor reigned. In the Korean War, the forgotten war, I assume the troops still used the double edge razor. By the time Vietnam came along (sadly we, the troops, returned home to mostly sneers, criticism and a few wads of spit), the plastic disposable razors were flooding the world.

I imagine the troops these days use the disposable cartridge and multi-blade cartridge razors and canned foam.

I must say, soldiers, of any nation, are probably the most innovative creatures on earth. Somehow they find a way to do everything the best they can despite the elements. That probably is so in Iraq and Afghanistan. Yes, I think sending a willing soldier a nice double edge razor, or a straight, a brush and some good cream would be a kind gesture. You, sir, are generous, indeed, and as a former soldier, I thank you for it.

Stay well, friend.

Regards,

Obie