Matt, thats disgusting!

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

__________________
dave

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!

(let me know how you get on )

__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com

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!)

__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand

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.

__________________
4.5 years around Eurasia in a Toyota Hilux|http://eurasiaoverland.wordpress.com/
Pictures Here|https://picasaweb.google.com/113619413612674951960

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!!

__________________
Happy Trails

Stagbeetle

It is not the Journey nor yet the Destination, that is the Prize; it is the people you meet on the way.

Blog on http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/fairless/

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).

__________________
Missing, presumed fed.
https://youtube.com/@ChileBob

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!

__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!

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

__________________
Kas,

“Never argue with an idiot - we'll drag you down to our level, then beat you with experience”

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.

__________________
www.outforaspin.blogspot.com

........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

__________________


"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!

__________________
------------------
http://thelondonbiker.com/blog

Watch some of my camp cooking videos

AIM: mattcashmore
SKYPE: matthewcashmore
MSN: matthew@matthewcashmore.com

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

__________________
Patrick passed Dec 2018. RIP Patrick!