Towels.... and shaving foam
 

This is quite odd I know - anyhow... I like to keep clean and tidy on the road - I consider it a particular pride that how-ever long I've been on the road I don't smell, I look tidy and I'm always clean shaven.

What this means is that I've developed a quite well equipped (but small) wash kit - but I'm always on the look out to make it smaller.

Yesterday I bought a very neat little razor that folds down to almost nothing - much better than my last effort - but it got me thinking about shaving foam - currently I use the little travel jobs - just enough for about 3 weeks - but has anyone got any experience of using shaving oil? Does it work? Is it any good? If so that would be brilliant as it comes in tiny little bottles.

The other thing I've seen recently is shaving foam paper - tiny little pack of 30 strips of paper that dissolve into shaving foam - anyone give them a try?

Finally towels - I'm using the standard micro towel effort at the moment - very small but manages to dry me off completely and dry off itself nice and smart too - but are there any other options?

I'll sit down and some point and write up exactly what I've got in my kit - it just occurred to me that this as a neglected area and perhaps you guys have some hard earned advice that would help :cool4:

Cheers

m

Hi Matt,

I carry a simple bar of 'aloe vera' soap and use it for everything from washing my hair and body; and I also use it as shaving foam. Works a treat.

As for storage, I keep it in a 'zip lock' bag.

ahh good idea - I've already replaced my shower gel etc with one bar of soap - takes up much less space and also lasts much longer....

Will give that a try today.

m

Shaving foam?
 

I have found something in my local Wilkinson (the modern equivalent of Woolworths of old!) called Shaving Oil made by King of Shaves. It is a small plastic bottle just over 1 inch high.

I've tried it once or twice. It is odd to the feel and the razor seems to drag a little but it is better than nothing, and small and light

How it works in a cold mountain stream I have no idea!

OK, when I want to travel light, as in riding, I ditch the washbag and put the bare essentials into a polythene bag (as given away by supermarkets, but maybe not for much longer!). As in another post, one bar of soap does for everything and I use disposable razors or I may choose to grow a beard/designer stubble depending on the journey duration. Also out with the washbag goes the shaving mirror which is already on the bike as a wing mirror. The absolute essential is the toothbrush, but toothpaste is optional.

Any towel torn into half or even thirds will do for the purpose - overall I aim to have at least two uses for everything; if it doesn't have at least a second use then why carry it is my approach in packing.

Cheers,

Dave

Here in France we have a shaving foam that comes in a small tube, just like toothpaste. You rub it up to a lather with a brush or your fingers. One of these lasts me several months. I find that the act of lathering softens the hairs - unlike the oil - and thus helps with the shave. Used it on the road, and still do now.

Isn't it great us that chaps can talk so easily about personal grooming these days eh? :)

Simon

On this issue, I have had the solution for more than 45 years. I carry a small shaving mug with two rounds of shaving soap (good for about a year, but any decent soap will do) a set of straight razors, two special stones and a small piece of leather for a strop. It takes about the same room as a small can of foam and will never run out, be too dull to shave with, and can't break down. Old Spice makes a non-allergenic soap for a buck a round. Edge makes a stube of brush soap that is hypoallergenic for 2.50 a tube. For me, there is something relaxing about the routine of stropping the razor and going through the ritual of "the shave" that sets the pattern for a relaxed day. BTW, every western movie where the barber is shown stropping--he (she) is doing it ass-backwards. Always turn the razor over, not under the movement or you just remove the edge instead of polishing it.

Yes, now we've got our own thread! How about a forum for 'good back, sack & crack waxes' on the road to go alongside 'good mechanics'?

Referring to the original point, I was going to be the first respondent earlier today and suggest using soap for shaving but I didn't want to seem like a weirdo or cheapskate. Seems like I'm not alone though. :)
Stephan

Soap definately seems to be the best option so far - it has two uses - is small - and lathers up well.

Would love to carry my cut throat with me, but I've never mastered the sharpening on leather thing - i always end up blunting it.

But you're quite right - there is something about shaving on top of a mountain outside your tent that restores you and makes you ready for the day ahead. Don't know what it is - but I guess it's a pretty personal thing - I also love a barber shave and treat myself once a month.

Anyhow... yes rather glad we can talk about these things in this modern age ;-) Perhaps we should organise a facial at the meet in June! :rofl:

2nd opinion needed
 

Just kidding - but then again, maybe you haven't been on the road long enough yet. After a while, dirt, grim and odors start winning the war and keeping clean, smelling good just doesn't seem all that important some days.

I just check in with a barber about every 4-6 weeks - I couldn't handle agonizing over what to carry in the shaving kit.

I feel I'm carrying the flag a little when I'm out and about - and a British Man is never unclean or unshaven... or at least that's what my dad taught me - but he was army so a little biased I guess!

m

Hi
I have tried the shaving oil and did not like it. If you have much stuble its pretty useless, it also breaks open while in the wash bag covering every thing in oil.
I have since bought a good travel shaving brush through e bay its got a cannister not much bigger then a film cannister I also bought some good shaving soap which I plan to just fill a film cannister with as alittle bit goes a long way.
This might not be the smallest set up but I think is the best if you want a nice shave.
I recently bought a towel from army surlpus for £1 which is a very good towel.
john

View from the other camp
 

As I have always used electic razors, I carry a battery powered electric razor, maybe heavier than wet razor and kit, but your face seems to get used to one or the other, and I find on the few occasions I've tried wet razors, apart from looking silly with bits of paper all over my face to stem the flows of blood, I always end up with a rash.
Do you wet razor users carry a styptic pencil to seal any cuts?

I am using shaving oil whenever I travel. Works fine for me. But soap also will do. My dad was also in the army and thougt me that a "gentlement" should be clean and tidy even in a war situation.
Towel issue... I carry small towel like hand drying towel. Enough for everything for me..

"king of shaves" gel, comes in different styles (aloe vera=nice and cool, menthol=napalm, and various ones in between)

shaves very well, and you only need a small amount, so decant what you need into a small squeezy bottle.


if im using those disposables with 3+ blades and slime strip then i just use water.

towelwise i use one of those microfibre travel towels, amazing how a postage stamp can soak up so much water! they feel dead weird to use but work a treat and dry from wrung out to bone dry in 20mins or so

Matt, thats disgusting!

i dont care what you get up to on brokeback mountain but not at the hubb meet, please!

I've also used King of Shaves but ditched it, along with a razor, as non-essential.

As we all need to carry engine oil has anyone tried using that? - This way us 'chaps' could be clean shaven and still keep the whole macho man and machine thing going strong!

I'm off to do an experiment - which works best of the fluids I carry as a matter of course, WD40, 25-50, 10-40 or Scottoil. Maybe even a petrol aftershave for that freshing sting. I will announce the results at the HU meeting in a few weeks (I will be the one with the bad skin irritation).

Oh no! I know some people like that 'fresh' feeling when you slap on a bit of Old Spice - but that's not even funny! Ouch! :eek3:

(let me know how you get on :innocent:)

Obviously you haven't run into Happy Hacker, a.k.a. Smelly Biker. You'll have a hard time fixing the image of Brits if you follow that dude's tracks.

(just kidding Bob!)

Shaving aids are one of the things I've tested quite a lot over the years. I used to think KOS little oil bottles were the dogs, but I've since found a few problems:

1) they ALWAYS leak, and it's a real pain to have oily bottles and toothbrush
2)The plastic bottles become brittle and break after a while, though my last bottle was wrapped in gaffer tape from new
3)they leave a crappy oily, bristly mess on your razor, which is hard to clean off, especially if you have limited water
4)they aren't the best shave ever, particularly with cold water.

Through all this, I've found that the best thing to shave with is DOVE soap - no kidding! Just wet it and rub it over your bristles and the razor will glide over easily.

I've also gone back to basics with the razor, using an old Gillette scre-on safty razor. Packs to nothing (though watch the blade), and you can get blades for it anywhere in the world. And let's be honest, you really don't get a better shave from a lazer guided fluorescent green molybdenum tipped space age 9 bladed gizmo, a sharp blade is a good shave.

Shavaball
 

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!!

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).

Do you "shave-a-holics" ever come in from the woods? :Beach: 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! :helpsmilie: 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?:innocent: Friggin' Anaracks! :mchappy:

Hi,
From my days in the military where your home was on your back i ended up through trial and error with the following.

Universal bar of soap (for all uses). Disposable razors (with handles cut in half). Shaving brush (same treatment as razors). All in a ammunition bandolier. Worked for years and still works for me today.
If away for prolonged trip with no chance of resupply i replaced disposables with the old type with removable blades. you can pack in a lot of blades if you need to.

for when i wanted a really good shaving soap i made my own, see attached link. Try it you will be pleasantly surprised.
Shaving Soap Recipe - Cold Process Shaving Soap - Olive Oil Soap from Scratch

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.

I Am Shocked........
 

........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. :innocent:

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

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. :eek3:

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!

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:mchappy:

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

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.

Trim the beard
 

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 beer! :rolleyes2:

Stylish facial hair
 

Here's some food for thought on beard arrangements:-
BBC NEWS | In Pictures | Beards and Moustaches: Your photos

:rofl:

electric
 

its a battery operated shaver for me. very small and cheap using 2AA rechargeable batteries. i charge the batts with 12V charger whilst riding. easy! :thumbup1: