Thread: Traditional Shaving Products for Our Troops

Ladies and gentlemen:

Oldschoolstools, one of our members, brought up an interesting point in another thread. I thought the subject deserved its own thread. Here is a quote from Oldschoolstools:

"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"

Ladies and gentlemen, what are your thoughts on this suggestion? I don't know if the soldiers are allowed straight razors. Perhaps someone might know. Also, would there be interest from soldiers for such traditional shaving products under the circumstances, since obviously they are fighting a war.

And may they remain safe and return home.

Regards,

Obie

I think it's a fine suggestion albeit on a flawed premise. As you know, my brother is in Afghanistan right now, and he took razors, a hone, and a strop. He doesn't have much time for shaving/hobby because he's working 16 hour days, but he took them there without any issues.

Originally Posted by richmondesi

I think it's a fine suggestion albeit on a flawed premise. As you know, my brother is in Afghanistan right now, and he took razors, a hone, and a strop. He doesn't have much time for shaving/hobby because he's working 16 hour days, but he took them there without any issues.

I was thinking the same. I was under the impression (from other members who are serving overseas) that they are allowed to shave with straights...and if allowed, they can carry it...Not sure.

However, if wrong, I am all for such a program. If I were serving without my straight gear, I would not be a happy camper

I know that I PIF'd a straight and other wet shaving gear to a deployed Soldier. He received them and was using them, last I checked. Of course, each rotation of Soldiers experiences their own limitations imposed by their particular command, so YMMV.

That said, great idea, and I'd be willing to contribute a few items...

I'm gratified that they can have any shaving tools of their choice out there; it would be borderline criminal to deny them basic things. (Smoking cigars comes to mind, but let's not get into that so I don't have to tell you about my friend's son - a West Pointer in active service in an active zone with Special Forces - smuggling boxes back there for his guys.)

If the idea takes root, please count me in. While I don't have anything on hand, I stand ready to put money up for it or go out and buy something nice to send to the boys out there.

I'm not a man to hold a grudge, really I'm not, but if this takes hold and I'm left out I will find the responsible party, come over and dull every razor I can find.

Ok, I won't do that, but I use hyperbole to illustrate a point. Besides, I've been burning to use the world "hyperbole" in a sentence for years.

This is a wonderful idea. I'm game to donate some gear.

i dont have much of a collection but i could donate what i can or i can order some new stuff and have it shipped directly to whoever is going to head this up. people here were so great to me during the two deployments where i had internet so i just wanna give back what i can. count me in

-dan-

Interesting, I am deploying this summer and planned on taking my disposable str8, wasn't wanting to take a stone and strop, and hadn't heard that I couldn't take it. I will have to be sure to ask around. I know there are some places I wouldn't even bother given the conditions but those places are less common now.

hey everyone.. let me know if i can send over some products for a group care package.. i have around 80 derby blades and a few misc soaps i can contribute to the cause..

i love being a member of this community and will do anything to give back.

I deployed over there andnever had an issue with sr8's...The only thing they had an isue with was my knife and bayonet....We could bring guns on board, but no knives...I was ridiculous...SO if the Soldies are carring the str8 on in a carry on luggage, then that is where the issue lies...As for sending str8's over..Most soldiers won't like the time it takes to shave with a straight...I was in for 22years and converted only a few in that time....Most joes like to rip through a shave...THere are a few, but not enough to send str8s over....THey would end up using them to open MRE's.