Thread: Reflections on Wartime Shaves

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.

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

Obie,

Ain't it the truth! Your post brought to mind a letter I wrote to my young cousin Jason. He is a 7th grade Reading and English teacher. I got the impression from one of our conversations that he felt his profession was somewhat less than manly (only three male teachers in his middle school). I wrote him the following to buck him up and disabuse him of that notion.

Dear Jason,

I wanted to tell you that I was re-reading Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's White Company. This was his favorite among his own works. I have been reading some medieval adventure stories of late and now remember why I loved them so much as a boy. Might I suggest it for your teen aged boys?

IMHO, the greatest thing someone in your position can do is inspire a young person to become a recreational reader. The difference between those who started reading early, and those who did not, is so obvious to the people who will exert powerful influence throughout their lives. And, I am NOT just speaking of Human Resource Managers and prospective employers.

You do IMPORTANT work! I am sure you do it well. Your students and their parents should be grateful beyond measure. I believe Yeats said..."Education is not the filling of a pail, but the lighting of a fire". Go forth and create a literate man. Or, clone yourself!

With respect and affection,
xxxx

P.S. Writing is akin to playing golf. You can know the mechanics, rules and strategies but, if you don't play...your game will still suck! It's all about muscle memory.

OK, please forgive the digression. Before we pound ourselves senseless congratulating ourselves on our literateness (is that even a word?) Let's get back on track.

I read somewhere that troops are not permitted to bring straight razors in country. Too dangerous! It's OK to walk around with loaded M9's and M4's with bayonets but, not sharp shaving utensils. Could we, should we, suggest a program to get mugs, brushes and safety razors to the troops who would want them?

Sincerely,
oldschooltools

P.S. Thank you for the kind comment regarding my Great Grandfather's shaving.

Originally Posted by oldschooltools

I read somewhere that troops are not permitted to bring straight razors in country. Too dangerous! It's OK to walk around with loaded M9's and M4's with bayonets but, not sharp shaving utensils. Could we, should we, suggest a program to get mugs, brushes and safety razors to the troops who would want them?

there used to be a thread here somewhere called "shaving stuff for the troops" not sure what happened to it, since shaving stuff can sometimes be hard to come by out there people would donate stuff and send it one of the guys here who would package it all up and send it out to a unit/units either in iraq or afganistan. i received a box that had a bunch of soaps and creams, some aftershave balms, some brushes and the little tuppaware cups for the soaps.

im pretty sure they are allowed to have straights over there, i always bring mine with me (although i mostly use my DE over there). they just cant bring them on the plane unless it is in their checked luggage.

yep most of the guys over there use the disposable plastic crap and canned goo, i got a few guys to start at least using a brush and real soap but i think they reverted back to their old ways cause it took to long, oh well their loss. i actually got my first straight from one of the guys here, he sent it to me as a care package with a wapi, a strop, cream and a brush it was obviously and awesome package to open.

-dan-

Obie,

You brought a tear to my eye. Things are never the same after you've seen the elephant.

I didn't get the solace you did from my shaving, infrequent as it was. I do remember looking forward to a shower, hot or cold, clean clothes, hot chow and a cot when coming back from a mission.

But I digress. Thank you for sharing in such articulate fashion.

Photo by Jean-baptiste Fourichon. I don't remember where I found this photo, only that it reminded me of Obie's thread on wartime shaves. My GUESS is a Legionaire in Afganistan.