Just found this thread, I'm not sure that this is the most important one I've written to, but it is dear to someones heart, or chin.

Some years ago I experimented with shaving oil and was pleased with the results, but appauled by the price so tried alteratives. Basically almost any oil works. The best value and shave I found to be baby oil or the gel equivalent. I put the oil in an empty ball deodorent applicator (describtion of type not use!!) You just roll a thin layer on chin and shave off. Use of water is optional as a thin layer of oil is quite benificial in dry climates. I have been using this method for about 5 years, and each refill lasts about 6 months. Gillette wanted me to get the patents worked out myself before they could take it up, so rollerballs to them!!

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Errrm.....wot...flying the flag ???? I dont remember shaving while in Colombia.

How's it going Chuck ? We'll be in the US tomorrow (if they let us in, might have to shave).

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Do you "shave-a-holics" ever come in from the woods? In my travels in Mex, Cen. America, S. America I mostly stayed in modest Hotels or Pensiones. Guess what Hotels have? Towels, soap and hot water (sometimes).

Disposable plastic Bic shavers do a great job and are available...almost everywhere....in town....not in the jungle or woods. I carry two or three. If you're really into shaving, EDGE shaving gel is quite erotic, blue, smells good and softens a beard way better and faster than common soap....and won't dry out your skin the way CHEAP 3rd world Dial soap will.

The other thing you'll find when you come to town are wonderful, ridiculously cheap barber shops. Remember those? Having a very relaxing 30 minute old fashion shave with massage and FruFru water included for less than a dollar is an experience not to be missed. DO NOT let them cut your hair....you have been warned! I also hit the local Sauna's when available. Oaxaca,
Mexico has a good one. (take a date, ask for "matrimonial") Helps acclimate to the heat and great for getting cleaner than you've ever been.

After your shave, hit the central market for lunch and practise the local language, eat some Pig Scroutum, roasted Qui (Guiena Pig), fried Grasshoppers or whatever...have some weird pink Rice drink for a beverage...or the local Beer. Come on you Limey's, loosen up will ya? Friggin' Anaracks!

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

shaving oil is the go i reckon. been using "king of shaves" for years and swear by it - little bottle, needs minimal water, no foam so you can see what you're doing. and o so smooth.
haven't experienced the oil on toothbrush problem, but wouldn't be great.
the bottle lasts forever at about three drops a shave.
cheers.

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........at some of your replies guys!!!!! Do not neglect yourselves on the road and do not deprive yourself of an experience that is (almost) as good as spending a night with a very pretty girl.

Men have few grooming pleasures in this world, but without doubt the best and most pleasurable of these is to have a good shave and keep clean. And if you don't do it then meeting the abovementioned very pretty girl or impressing your partner will not be just as easy!

Do not use soap when you can use cream or gel. There is a big difference as far as I'm concerned and these can be found in very small packages.

Use a proper razor. Lets be honest, a really good one is not exactly a big item and is so easy to carry. I bought one of those new Gillette Fusions which has a little battery inside to make it vibrate. It is heaven to use and each blade will last for around 3-4 weeks.

I shave every other day and I have to say I look forward to the experience every time. In total it takes 5 minutes and that includes applying after shave moisturiser too. Don't laugh guys, and don't call me vain, but it is such a small effort that gives a very relaxed feeling afterwards that lasts all day.

So there you go.........just my opinion........but it's a bit of a no-brainer to me.

Chris

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"Life is too short to drink cheap wine!"

I've used "king of shaves" too. It works well but if you use too much it clogs up your razor. It must be the most expensive oil in the world £3.50 for 10cc. I've found a cheaper alternative from a discount store in a small metal can. It's menthol and yes it is like nepalm. I got some in my eye once (don't ask) it would make a good alternative for MACE !! The main ingredient is sunflower oil. So why not just use any vegtable oil. Push the boat out and use Extra virgin.

For towels I use those kitchen sponge cloths. Wipe down after a shower, wring out, job done. I haven't used my "microfibre" towel for 4 years. I use one to dry my washing up too. Sometimes I've used the same one for both jobs !! so if I offer you a coffee, rinse the mug out first.

Well.. just to bring you all up to date - I've decided that the shaving kit is far too important to mess around with - so I bought a very nice King Travel Shaving brush - real badger hair - that slots into a nice tube so doesn't get damaged on the road - I've bought a bar of very very nice John Lewis shaving soap and placed it in a small food container - and I'll be taking my Gillette fusion with me - mainly because I get a better shave with that than with my cut throat - I'm sure it's all down to technique!

But I shall be clean shaven and damn good looking I tell ya!

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Good thread. I have a beard which only needs a trim every 10 days or so. But it reminds me of all the fantastic hair cuts I've had around the world, I always look forward to getting a hair cut on the road, been in some great barber shops. One barber in India stopped half way through the hair cut to repair a bicycle puncture. Had one on a Russian ship in the Black Sea, big Russian lady who was intent on using her ample bosom as a head rest. Another in Latvia seemed never ending, Turkey was great with all the hot towels and every hair on the head gets trimmed, nose, ears and eyebrows. I could go on but maybe I should CUT it short

I recommend everyone tries it, next time you’re on the road find a barber.
Steve

Yes, very relaxing but....
Me thinks you've never really known shaving pleasure at all.....this from my post #23 above....

"The other thing you'll find when you come to town are wonderful, ridiculously cheap barber shops. Remember those? Having a very relaxing 30 min. long, old fashioned shave with massage and FruFru water included, for less than a dollar, is an experience not to be missed. DO NOT let them cut your hair....you have been warned! I also hit the local Sauna's when available. Oaxaca,
Mexico has a good one. (take a date, ask for the "matrimonial") Helps acclimate to the heat and great for getting cleaner than you've ever been."

The local barbers take their duties very seriously. Never a rush. They'll spend a few minutes stropping their ancient straight razor while a HOT scented towel is snugly wrapped round your face. Then comes the soap, lovingly hand lathered with a beautiful Camel hair brush and wonderful soap dish until a mound of froth is created. Then delicately applied and worked into your skin painstakeingly....then another hot towel over your lathered face. And finally a shave so close your beard won't be seen for two or three days.

Then comes the ritual plucking of nose hairs and trim of ear hairs, a nice massage with the electric vibrator gadget and a nice douse of Eau du Toliet
Frufru water (optional...they always ask first). Heaven. With fanfare the Barber's cover sheet is thrown off, the Barber bow's and payment is given. A delight, not to be missed for anyone who enjoy's a good shave.

Patrick

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Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

I think I know where my first port of call in Morocco will be then!

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for the hair, I'll keep it raz'd or get cuts in barber shops, not too worried about that.

The beard is another story. I like keeping clean shaven. (except for this squirrel I'm growing on the tip of my chin!)

I've got a small microfiber towel that dries the whole body including my current fire-hazard amount of hair and then dries easily over night.

toothbrush with the end cut off.

tube of toothpaste.

soap to clean and to shave, I'll try to use a "good" soap when I can.

I always have a good aftershave and/or moisturizer on hand (several different kinds at home!) and I'll do my best to keep some in the kit on the road.

I use a brush and cream from "The Body Shop" at home, but I'm not bringing a brush on the road. I might pick up a cool travel one (as was mentioned previously) when I am somewhere, after my packing gets all sorted.

I've never worn a beard before. Any tips for keeping it clean/healthy when it gets long? I'm growing just chin hair, and I think I want it for a while.

Mitch

PS I leave for my RTW in 8 days.

Definitely trim the beard! You can cut it down to "designer stubble" with a small pair of scissors or experiment with cutting to various shapes over time.

If you let it grow long you may end up looking like a mate of mine; when drunk his flowing beard was full of food crumbs and dribbled !

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