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OBOW Light Travel Forum > Shaving

Using the "laundry" thread as an example, I wanted to throw out a question I guess aimed mostly towards the males here.

What do you use to shave with when traveling?

I'm a blade user but still searching for the right soap/creme/oil that will give me a decent shave and can also be brought as carry-on.

I've tried small cans of shaving cream, shaving oil (clogged up my razor after only a couple of days, shaving sheets,

I have a tough beard but sensitive skin.

So, fellow onebaggers, what do you use or do you have any suggestions for me? That's suggestions about shaving.
December 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterFrank @ OBOW
I use one product for everything--shaving, shampoo, body wash--and that product is Suave 3-in-1 Shampoo, conditioner and body wash in Citrus Rush fragrance. It is not designed for shaving but it works great. The aroma is mild, not too strong like Nivea's version. I save a lot of space, too, since 1 product does it all.
December 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAlan
What about liquid castile soap? Dr Bronner's lists shaving cream as one of it's uses. (assuming you're already taking some with you)
December 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterUnaV
Gillette fusion razor, usually with travel size shaving cream (either gel, preferred, or foam), shaving sheets worked well when I really tried to cut the 3-1-1 stuff on a couple of trips, and when in need, whatever available dish soap is around in the hotel, like my grandfather used his whole life (depression-era conservation values). I remember he used to shave with a horse hair brush that he'd use to stir up old leftover soap chips in an old coffee mug. Shaving after a hot shower and using such a brush may be one way to soften up the tough beard while traveling. If recreational travel, often skip shaving for a couple of days in a row.
December 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJD
To clarify the above... he used the brush to apply the soap and soften the beard. And as I remember he used straight razor.
December 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJD
Thanks,

Yes, I have taken a travel size Dr. Bronners with me but I find it really dries out my face when I shave with it.

I used to use a brush at home. What i'm thinking is I start taking that and the shaving sheets. I can make a liquid soap with the brush and shaving sheets and then use the brush to apply to my face. This way I can leave the liquids/gels/foams at home. I can use the palm of my hand, cupped to prevent spillage, as the place to mix the shaving sheet and water. No need to bring something extra.

As for a razor, I have a couple of Twister type (called Clever Razors) where the blade twists down into a tube and when closed is about the size of a lipstick container. It weights practically nothing and takes Trac II blades.

I think I'll try it tomorrow morning to see how it works.
December 21, 2011 | Registered CommenterFrank@OBOW
Gillette fusion manual razor under hot shower with lots of soap/body wash..
Nivea 3 in 1 works well.
Nivea for Men Active 3 Shower, Shampoo, Shave Body Wash.
http://www.amazon.com/Nivea-Active-Shower-Shampoo-Shave/dp/B003U2DV4C/ref=pd_sxp_f_pt
The key is lots of hot water to soak up the skin and prepare for a smooth shave..
December 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterArt
Have y'all tried olive oil? It helps sensitive skin...
As a woman, I use the razors with soap and blade together. Its considered a solid and you only need one for up to two weeks (maybe more if you shave less often) .
December 21, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterMegan E.
I remain an unrepentant electric shaver user, in part because we generally eat out when traveling, and it's much easier to touch up a shave prior to heading out in the evening using an electric. Besides, that's the way I shave the rest of the year. Currently I use one of the less expensive Norelco models, weights eight ounces or so in its case, another two ounces for the charger I need, if the trip is going to be in the week or longer range, but left at home for long weekends. I also have a Braun, similar weight, which does a bit better on trimming sideburns, while the Norelco does better over the face and neck.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAlan B
I tried a product from Sea to Summit that I can't remember the name of. It was a liquid that foamed up and was for shaving. I didn't like it. The best shave I get on the road is after a hot shower and using soap for lather. I take a disposable razor. I've tried all manner of things and still haven.t found anything that works well. This is a great discussion!
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLarry
Simply decant your favorite shaving cream into a smaller container. I prefer Taylor's Avocado [1] in Muji's small plastic squeeze bottles [2]. Taylor's (and most other quality shaving creams) will build lather on your face OK even without a brush. Those who prefer shaving soaps to creams or wish to travel without liquids can buy shaving sticks [3] or make them at home [4].

Sure, a dedicated soap or cream for shaving is another product to take with you but I find this is one of those cases where you can get very good value for a very small weight and size footprint. My skin is pretty sensitive, too, and while I can get by with shampoo, I'd rather have the small luxury of a good shaving cream.

I use my everyday razor while traveling but at some point will upgrade to dedicated travel razor which pack better. Merkur makes some of the best in the business for not too much money, given they will outlast their user. [5] Most of my travels are by train or car where bringing double edged blades is not an issue. And while I can't fly with blades they are readily available in most corners of the globe.

[1] http://www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk/acatalog/shaving-soaps-and-creams.html
[2] http://www.muji.eu/pages/online.asp?V=1&Sec=18&Sub=78&PID=2097
[3] http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/40-Tutorial-how-to-use-a-shaving-stick
[4] http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/158288
[5] http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Travel-Razor-Chrome-Plated-Leather/dp/B001LY5WZ2
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterKalle
Gillette Fusion razor and Pacific Shaving Oil.
http://www.pacificshaving.com/index.php

I switch to oil a few years ago, initially getting a "sample pack" of oils from an online shop.
a lot of oils are heavy and will clog a razor quickly. The Pacific Shaving Oil is thinner, and does not clog. Also, the Fusion blade cartridges don't have a "back" so it's easier to rinse thru and keep clean.

A travel size bottle of the Pacific oil will last weeks (6-7 drops per shave), and it's quick and easy to use.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterScott
I used to use Somersets Oil which I got from the UK. It gives a good shave. However, it clogs my blades after just 2-3 shaves. (Too bad, I still have a few bottles of it.)

I'll try the Pacific Shaving Oil although I'm leaning towards trying to get rid of the 3-1-1 bag.

I thought about getting a travel electric but I've never had good luck with them. Or any electric. They seem to irritate my skin.

I do have a double edge razor and every now and then go through the whole brush/soap/double edge routine...but it's too much for travel. Also not practical for air travel especially when taking numerous flights within a short time period.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterFrank @ OBOW
I started using the conditioner the hotel supplies after reading about it on a lightweight travel site, maybe here. It's worked well in most cases. I find that a hot shower and scrubbing my face with soap and washcloth first really softens up the stubble.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRuss
One ritual I like to maintain everywhere is my wet shave. I use an Art of Shaving Proglide Power Razor and their very nice "Turnback Silvertip Badger" travel brush. I use eShave's fantastic white tea shaving cream & after shave cream. Two small HumanGear GoTubbs will hold a week's worth of each and eShave sells 1oz containers for longer trips. I ALWAYS make up my lather in the palm of my hand, even at home. Works perfectly. I've been one-handed the last couple of weeks after a shoulder surgery, though... so I'm copying a move I saw the guys at at Geo F Trumper in London use. They put some cream on the hot, wet brush, then whip it up on the side of the sink... you lose a little lather, but it does work.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterYonkdaddy
My husband switched to using Shave Secret shaving oil every day after trying it for travel three years ago. He has problems with clogging, too, so he switched to only using razors that don't have a "back" because they are easier to rinse. The Gillette Fusion is one option, but he is currently using the Dollar General version of the Schick Quattro and seems to like it.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterSshsearching
I convinced the bloke to shave with sorbolene/glycerine lotion (He saw how it works a treat on my armpits and legs). It is a skin moisturiser, and doesn't clog a blade razor. And can be used as a body-wash for sensitive skin. Love a multipurpose product.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterOzBarb
I start off by rinsing my face with warm water. Then I use facial scrub (Target) to remove skin oil from my face, apply and then rinse off. Then I use about five drops of shaving oil. I have tried several shaving oils and I believe the shaving oil from Pacific Shaving Company is the best. On top of the shaving oil, I use shaving gel made be King of Shaves, also available at Target. I use a Gillette Sensor Excel and have no problems with this shaving method. After shaving, I apply blade oil, also from Pacific Shaving Company, which doubles the use of the blades. I pack the facial scrub in one ounce in a wide mouth Nalgene container. It will last about a month. I pack the shaving gel in a one ounce Nalgene container and that will last about 17 days. The shaving oil and blade oil come in their own containers. No one shaving method will satisfy everyone. This method works for me. As in life, there are all sorts of tradeoffs.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterAlbert
I use Art of Shaving cream with a brush. I've used both their shaving oil or home-made oil as a pre-shave. I don't know if the oil really helps, but it feels better. AOS sells a travel set with small containers that fit easily in a 3-1-1.
December 22, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterDave B
I forgot that I used to use Proraso shave cream which gave me a great shave. However, It also caused my face to break out over time.

I'm thinking of trying the Proraso Shave Soap for Sensitive Skin which is something I just found out about. Since it's a soap, I won't need to put it in a 3-1-1 bag and it comes in its own jar.
December 22, 2011 | Registered CommenterFrank@OBOW
I use a Gillette Mach 3 razor with Somerset's shaving oil which I find great. I've tried King of Shaves oil in the past and didn't like it. The Somerset oil seems to give more protection to the skin during shaving.

I don't have any problems with clogged blades. I waggle the blades vigorously in the water after every few strokes. They gets an extra-long waggle at the end and a thorough rinse under the tap. Then, most importantly, I dry the outsides of the blades by swiping them down a towel (in the non-cutting direction!) about 15 times.

I change my blade every 21 shaves, whether I need to or not. I used to make it last for a month but the last few days could be problematical.
December 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLawrence
Right after a hot shower, a Gillette Fusion razor, a shaving brush, and whatever facial soap the hotel happens to have. The brush definitely helps to soften up the beard and make the shave easier.
December 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterLuke
I keep it simple. At home and when travelling, I use Gillette disposable razors bought in bulk at Costco. I use a 1.7 oz can of Gillette Foamy for shaving cream.
The disposable blades are extremely light weight and will last me at least two weeks on one blade.
December 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterRobert
I take a small badger brush, with a very small plastic container filled with Proraso and a single sensor excel razor and I'm done. Been doing this for years and have never had any problems while traveling.
December 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterJerry S.
I use King of Shaves shave oil (bought a year or so ago, bottle is less than 1oz. and still have some, so TSA-compliant). I use basic double-edge disposable razors, preferably with a lubricating/moisturizing strip, out of sheer price/convenience. Each one lasts a few shaves, so even if I pack 2-3 for a trip, they weigh next to nothing. But, I try to just bring 1 or 2, and buy more as needed wherever I am.
Yes, the blades clog due to the oil being fairly thick, but I try to use a little shampoo lather or soap on the blades at the end of my shower to de-oil them and clean them up, which helps a bit.
December 23, 2011 | Unregistered CommenterD M