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Posts: 786
Quote:
Originally Posted by tfar
The winner in overall lightweight/no bulk is still a good shave oil, though (see my original link).
I tried shaving oil once and a couple of days later my face was so broken out I swore never again. But then I can't use anything greasy on humid days either.
The new Panasonic wet/dry models certainly have impressive specs... but I cant swallow their new age high-tech design.... doesnt Panny have any of the old school crome finish bulky/squarish designs available any more.... my guess is that one would have to travel to Japan to get the really good stuff thats mostly domestic market (Japan) only.... or?
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If I'm traveling with checked baggage, I take my Weishi double edge safety razor with Japanese "Feather" blades.
If I'm going carry on only, I use a disposable single blade (bic metal). Multi-blade razors are a gimmick and promote in-grown hairs.
Also, for cream, I use a Shave stick (shaving soap in convenient stick form factor) from Tabac or Speick. Finally I use a small best badger hair brush from Crabtree & Evelyn.
I have yet to find an electric razor (new Panasonic included) that shaves my face to my satisfaction.
I see you're an expert, too. The Blades are reportedly extremely sharp. This will be my next step.
I am surprised though that you do not take the DE razor into the carry-on. I thought it was permitted. Is it not?
In terms of multi-blade razors and in-grown hairs, I am not sure if I agree. I think what promotes in-grown hairs is switching between methods and, then, some people are more prone to it than others. I get an in-grown hair maybe thrice a year switching between the Panny and a blade.
Quote:
Originally Posted by tcook052
I found here in Canada a company called Cromwell & Cruthers that makes shave oil that gets rave reviews from some friends I know ho've tried it so think I'll give it a go. There's a little more about the product here:
Yeah, I heard about their products. There is a wealth of products out there, so one can really experiment. After that, we cannot complain anymore about our significant others who have three or four or even more products just for their facial skin.
As for the old Panny style, mine is the blocky style you talk about, an ES 8083. It is not available anymore. I like the new style, too, but am not sure about the usefulness of a swiveling head. I used a Braun once and found the swiveling head to be very counterproductive. Apparently, others agreed because Braun then started to make a lock that fixes the swiveling head in place for those who don't like it. Panasonic has always had a swivel lock. They learned from Braun's mistake before they even made their own. And Braun learned from Panasonic in making wet-dry razors.
I am tempted to try the latest Panasonic model but I really don't need three electric razors plus the bevy of blades I own.
I tried shaving oil once and a couple of days later my face was so broken out I swore never again. But then I can't use anything greasy on humid days either.
I think one of the most important things in shaving is the prep. Not only to soften the hair but also to clean the skin before the blade hits the skin. When I shave dry without having washed my face before, I am much more prone to razor burn and break outs.
If you have oily skin anyways, razor oil might not be ideal. But I swear that this Alpha oil I am using right now is the cat's meow. I really like that I don't need to use an aftershave or balm. Just wash the face with cool water and blot dry. The only thing I miss is the childish fun it is to deal with foam, especially if you whip it up with a brush. The oil shave is a bit lackluster, so to say.
I see you're an expert, too. The Blades are reportedly extremely sharp.
Yeah, I got into DE shaving about one year ago and haven't looked back. I now have a collection of 8 vintage and new Safety razors. Badger & Blade is a great internet forum to read up on.
I've constantly been buying electric shavers because I travel so much and because of the convenience, but somehow none of them give me a satisfactory shave. My beard hairs kindof go every which way.
Although I have to say the Panasonic got me as close as I've ever gotten.
I am surprised though that you do not take the DE razor into the carry-on. I thought it was permitted. Is it not?
You can bring a DE (I bring my Merkur HD disassembled all the time in carry-on). You cannot bring razor blades, though (I use snail mail to mail mine to my destination).
I used to travel with the Feathers and badger brush in my carry-on. I actually have flown through LAS, BOS, LAX, SFO, and ATL security with the Feathers. Since being caught once and having to throw out a box of Feathers, I do the following:
- short trip: use electric razor (crap shave, but convenient)
- medium/long trip: mail a couple blades, travel with HD disassembled. I've found disassembling makes it easier w security. I've been stopped a couple times where they manually check if there's a blade when it's assembled. disassembled, no problem.
You can bring a DE (I bring my Merkur HD disassembled all the time in carry-on). You cannot bring razor blades, though (I use snail mail to mail mine to my destination).
I used to travel with the Feathers and badger brush in my carry-on. I actually have flown through LAS, BOS, LAX, SFO, and ATL security with the Feathers. Since being caught once and having to throw out a box of Feathers, I do the following:
- short trip: use electric razor (crap shave, but convenient)
- medium/long trip: mail a couple blades, travel with HD disassembled. I've found disassembling makes it easier w security. I've been stopped a couple times where they manually check if there's a blade when it's assembled. disassembled, no problem.
Thanks very much for your experience report and welcome to FT!
So if I understand correctly you can take the DE razor but you are not allowed to take the blades, even if the blade is in the razor? At least that would be a consequent solution, which one cannot say of all TSA solutions.
The wording says you cannot bring "razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors".
So, what's a safety razor? I thought a safety razor was something like a DE razor, no? It is normal that you can bring the razor itself without a blade, no need to specify that. Or do they mean something like a Gillette razor when they say 'safety razor'?
I know you can disassemble many DE razors but the Merkur Futura, for example, cannot be disassembled, true? I guess, I'd just risk taking one or two blades. I wouldn't take the entire box.
Till
Last edited by tfar; Apr 13, 09 at 12:31 am.
Reason: Added TSA wording
Thanks very much for your experience report and welcome to FT!
So if I understand correctly you can take the DE razor but you are not allowed to take the blades, even if the blade is in the razor? At least that would be a consequent solution, which one cannot say of all TSA solutions.
The wording says you cannot bring "razor blades not in a cartridge, but excluding safety razors".
So, what's a safety razor? I thought a safety razor was something like a DE razor, no? It is normal that you can bring the razor itself without a blade, no need to specify that. Or do they mean something like a Gillette razor when they say 'safety razor'?
Till
Correct, you can take the DE but not the blades, even if the blade is in the razor. I've had a few different experiences where TSA has taken out my razor and checked to make sure it didn't have a blade (hence my new approach of traveling with it disassembled).
So I think technically you should be able to travel with Feather blades (or any other type of blade) but enforcement is inconsistent (which is why I've gone the mail-the-blades route). I might try the wallet trick, though.
Correct, you can take the DE but not the blades, even if the blade is in the razor. I've had a few different experiences where TSA has taken out my razor and checked to make sure it didn't have a blade (hence my new approach of traveling with it disassembled).
So I think technically you should be able to travel with Feather blades (or any other type of blade) but enforcement is inconsistent (which is why I've gone the mail-the-blades route). I might try the wallet trick, though.
Thanks for the reply, raz91. Looking at your link, I see the writer chose the other possible interpretation, namely that safety razor blades ARE permitted. The wording is really not clear, which is not surprising. His article did bring up another thing though, that I regularly do. In my briefcase I carry a print-out of the TSA permitted and prohibited item list. It's just two pages that I stapled together and folded. I regularly carry a lighter and cigar accessories. Sometimes they buck but then I either explain or use the list. It works. This way you don't get an impolite agent who doesn't want to pull out the rules for you.
In terms of shaving, I guess I will simply refrain from the DE method while traveling in order not to complicate life further.
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I just use generic disposable razors with regular soap, so personally I’ve not given this much thought. The TSA’s rules are ambiguous by design, and plenty of TSOs like to make things up. On the comments to the article that raz91 posted:
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commenter 1
I was a TSA screener in 2002-2003. Permitted items were changed on a daily basis (probably not, but it seemed that way). They may not remember the "safety razor" exception - they just key in on razor = no. The Lead or Supervisor is going to back them up to save face. It isn't right, but that's how it works.
So much depends on the training at the airport and how harried the screener is. When I was with the TSA our supervisors would load themselves or another screener with various threats, i.e. razors, knives, ice picks etc to see what we could get past the WTMD. The airports I have been in recently appear so short staffed I doubt they have the time to train like that.
Oh, and:
[/sheeple_fail]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commenter 2
<SNIP> Secondly, is it smart to be sneaking sharp things onto a plane? I'm gonna go with no. That's how people end up in prison, and justly so. I'm not a lawyer, but I'm pretty sure you've committed at least one felony by publishing this. Stuff like this is how the terrorists win. Do you want the terrorists to win?
[/sheeple_fail]
Quote:
Originally Posted by Commenter 3
I'm don't think an expose on how to pass metal objects through detectors is a real service to readers even those of us who are frequent travellers. Although the TSA rule book exempts safety razors, I generally would prefer my flights to be sharp-object-free (including scissors). If you don't check baggage (where you could keep your stash), you could determine where to buy them when you reach your destination.
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Out of curiosity, what do y'all use for aftershave when one bagging it? I have traditionally just used the hotel lotion but that doesn't always work out well. At home I like aquavelva or Art of Shaving balm or Nivea balm, but these are all too big for the freedom baggies.
Out of curiosity, what do y'all use for aftershave when one bagging it? I have traditionally just used the hotel lotion but that doesn't always work out well. At home I like aquavelva or Art of Shaving balm or Nivea balm, but these are all too big for the freedom baggies.
I like the Nivea Balm, too, especially the one with chamomile. Right now, I use the L'Oreal Men's Expert Comfort Max Balm. It has no alcohol and has sunscreen integrated. It also comes in a 3.3 oz/ 100 ml plastic bottle which is great for traveling. I also use a Carolina Herrera EdT and Balm. That one does contain alcohol, though. Otherwise the Biotherm Alc-free razor burn eliminator is wonderful but expensive.
I cannot recommend the Neutrogena Triple Protect Face Lotion. It is supposed to not contain alcohol but it stings badly, irritates the skin and gives me pimples. Really not a good product, at least for me.
The nice thing with the Alpha Oil is that you really don't need an aftershave. So, that "shaves" off precious weight right there.
I like the Nivea Balm, too, especially the one with chamomile. Right now, I use the L'Oreal Men's Expert Comfort Max Balm. It has no alcohol and has sunscreen integrated. It also comes in a 3.3 oz/ 100 ml plastic bottle which is great for traveling. I also use a Carolina Herrera EdT and Balm. That one does contain alcohol, though. Otherwise the Biotherm Alc-free razor burn eliminator is wonderful but expensive.
I cannot recommend the Neutrogena Triple Protect Face Lotion. It is supposed to not contain alcohol but it stings badly, irritates the skin and gives me pimples. Really not a good product, at least for me.
The nice thing with the Alpha Oil is that you really don't need an aftershave. So, that "shaves" off precious weight right there.
Till
Well despite negative reviews on B&B I picked up a vial of alpha oil to give a try tomorrow when I shave. I'll also use a bic disposable as I would on an actual trip. Then I'll try to go without aftershave.
If that doesn't work I'll have to figure out how to get my nivea balm in a small leakproof container.
Well despite negative reviews on B&B I picked up a vial of alpha oil to give a try tomorrow when I shave. I'll also use a bic disposable as I would on an actual trip. Then I'll try to go without aftershave.
If that doesn't work I'll have to figure out how to get my nivea balm in a small leakproof container.
Cool, I am looking forward to hear your impressions.
When you use the oil, make sure you have washed your face before, either in the shower or at the sink. Leave the face wet! I apply 4-6 drops (they recommend 2-3) into the palm of my left hand. Then I take some up with the fingers of my right hand and massage the right hands oil and what is left in the left hand into the face. I make sure I give the mouth/moustache area a good workout. After that, I shave as I always do, first wtg then atg.
I rinse the razor under hot water every couple of strokes. The four-blade Quattro doesn't rinse very well, so I use a little stiff brush to help clean it. I feel I need to brush it twice for a complete shave. With the Bic that might not be needed. If you think the blade doesn't glide well enough, dab a little hot water onto your skin; no need to add more oil. Rinse with warm and then with cold water. Blot skin dry. I'd be surprised if you needed an aftershave.
My nalgene bottles are really leak-proof. The Nivea Balm is quite liquid, I'd go with nalgene for that. The L'Oreal is thicker, you could use the humangear silicon squeeze bottles for it. I have also bought a Nivea travel kit that consists of a small foam aerosol and a tiny Balm container. Works great. I will keep the Balm container and refill it when it's empty.
