World's Most Traveled Razor

**TOB9595** · 07-22-2009, 07:48 AM

So my time is coming.
It'll be great to have this tuned up before coming to me.

Thanks ALL
Tom

**davecmu** · 07-22-2009, 10:33 AM

What is the big deal?
Sure, it's manly, but my wife spends more time giggling about this "manly" habit than she does appreciating my manliness for doing it. As a result, I think I lean more toward the uniqueness end of the "big deal" spectrum - it's something unique that not many people know about or do anymore. People who know I do it find it totally fascinating, and I am rarely fascinating for any other reason, so there is some ego appeal, as well.

Is it worth it?
If you're patient about the process, yes. I've never had a better shave than with a straight, and I've never had more satisfaction from such a mundane daily task as I have had with straight razor shaving.

Is it exciting?
Not in an adrenaline-frenzy way, no. I find it more satisfying than exciting.

Is it dangerous?
Can be. I have a toddler and two cats, and share a bathroom with SWMBO, which means my morning shaves can be difficult to focus on. I've intentionally structured my morning routine to buy me the ten minutes it takes to do a satisfying straight razor shave. The real danger lies in the ADs associated with discovering the benefit of an old-fashioned way to do something because then you begin wondering what else can be done in such a way...

Why do it?
To be different, for sure, and for the satisfaction of a shave well-done.

In the alternative, why not do it?
Tough to begin, so if you're one of those people who often start projects but never see them through, this will be an expensive and frustrating venture. If you find a DE inconvenient, this will be worse. If you want to avoid being looked at sideways if the topic ever comes up, you should consider another hobby.

Do we have to give up shaving with a DE to get the full benefit?
I have, but I know plenty of guys who can use both. I did it just because I find the shave with the straight to be superior without too much sacrifice for convenience.

Is there anything wrong with alternating between a DE and a straight?
Not in my humble opinion, despite my own practice.

Which are the smoothest shaves, double (single) edge or straight razors?
I find straights give me the best shave.

How are they different (DE/SE vs. Straights)?
The straight is more versatile, agile, and precise. You can see the blade where it makes contact with your face, with no bulky machinery in the way, so it can be the most precise instrument possible. This helps with their ease of use. The DE is decidedly more convenient for someone who wants to strike a balance between modern cartridge shaving and straights, as it has disposable pieces (as opposed to having to hone a blade) and allows for faster uptake. The differences lay in these differing strengths. I think it's important to note that these are opposites, so there is room here for both.

Regarding the absence of posts by WMTR vets, I think it's true there is some room here for improvement, but it's also important to note that many of the more esoteric or thought provoking topics related to this pass have been covered in this thread and the previous one. Maybe we're just settling into a more refined appreciation for the razor and it's value.

Then again, maybe I'm wrong and people are just short-attentioned and fickle.

Hopefully, the pace will pick back up a bit soon!

**brothers** · 07-23-2009, 04:39 AM

Originally Posted by TOB9595

So my time is coming.
It'll be great to have this tuned up before coming to me.

Thanks ALL
Tom

Good morning Tom. You, and everybody still on the list, will be very happy to know that the WMTR made it to Bill Ellis safely, and he has given it a very thorough going-over. It's as strong as ever, and if all goes well, it should be in the mail on its way to the great state of New Jersey today!

As you can imagine, Bill is proud of his special razor, and wants everyone using it to be able to remember the great shaves they received from it. And he wants to let those guys whose time with the razor is coming up to remember, if possible, to put a small drop of oil on both sides of the pivot pin, then you can wipe up any excess with a tissue and apply it to the blade, being careful to avoid any possible damage when wiping near the edge.

It should be more of the same smooth sailing from this point forward, through the next 8 guys. Tom, please give us all a heads-up when the package arrives, and enjoy every minute of your time with it. We're all eager to see some new pics of this beautiful little traveler on the road again.

<Thanks Bill!>

**brothers** · 07-23-2009, 04:58 AM

Originally Posted by davecmu

Hopefully, the pace will pick back up a bit soon!

Dave, and the others who've posted, thanks for your thoughtful contribution. We do the best we can, life happens, people have responsibilities to those things that are truly important, their families and their jobs, and this project has been, and is, a unique and pleasant diversion. I think we all have a great mutual appreciation and respect for each other's valuable time and energy that has been contributed to making this such a neat experience. I'm excited and looking forward to the rest of the traveling razor's journey back and forth across the country.

**davecmu** · 07-23-2009, 07:24 AM

Originally Posted by brothers

Dave, and the others who've posted, thanks for your thoughtful contribution. We do the best we can, life happens, people have responsibilities to those things that are truly important, their families and their jobs, and this project has been, and is, a unique and pleasant diversion. I think we all have a great mutual appreciation and respect for each other's valuable time and energy that has been contributed to making this such a neat experience. I'm excited and looking forward to the rest of the traveling razor's journey back and forth across the country.

Gary,

You were a great choice to run this show in Bill's absence. Keep the philosophy coming!

Paul, you were a great choice to run that map in Ben's absence. Keep the technology coming!

Dave

**smokelaw1** · 07-24-2009, 06:03 AM

Hey everybody, wanted to pop in with an apology for not posting pictures yet.
As I have mentioned other times (it's a reason...not an excuse) I've been painfully busy lately. On top of that, my wife had the camera down at the beach last weekend, and left it at the family's beach house while I worked (yeah...my new DSLR is sitting out at a beach house right now). On top of that she "thinks she might have" erased some of my pictures. How does one "think they might have" gone through the three-button process of erasing pictures off a card? It's an 8 gig card, with like 50 pictures on it....why the h--- are you erasing anything?
I digress....if there are any pictures left on the camera when I get it back (aside from what I am sure are adorable pictures of the 15 month old in a bathing suit playing with the puppy), I'll be sure to post them.

**brothers** · 07-24-2009, 06:44 AM

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

Hey everybody, wanted to pop in with an apology for not posting pictures yet.
As I have mentioned other times (it's a reason...not an excuse) I've been painfully busy lately. On top of that, my wife had the camera down at the beach last weekend, and left it at the family's beach house while I worked (yeah...my new DSLR is sitting out at a beach house right now). On top of that she "thinks she might have" erased some of my pictures. How does one "think they might have" gone through the three-button process of erasing pictures off a card? It's an 8 gig card, with like 50 pictures on it....why the h--- are you erasing anything?
I digress....if there are any pictures left on the camera when I get it back (aside from what I am sure are adorable pictures of the 15 month old in a bathing suit playing with the puppy), I'll be sure to post them.

I think under the circumstances, everybody understands. If you have the time, probably the best solution would be to grab the camera and revisit your locations, taking the same photos, sans the WMTR. Now that might be a huge hassle for you, especially if you traveled around quite a bit, but if it can be done within reason, that'll work! Also, I think Paul's going to want to know a close approximation of your mileage with the razor, for the count. Thanks for letting us know. I've never been to your beautiful part of the country, and would love to see whatever you can come up with.

**richmondesi** · 07-24-2009, 07:00 AM

Originally Posted by smokelaw1

Hey everybody, wanted to pop in with an apology for not posting pictures yet.
As I have mentioned other times (it's a reason...not an excuse) I've been painfully busy lately. On top of that, my wife had the camera down at the beach last weekend, and left it at the family's beach house while I worked (yeah...my new DSLR is sitting out at a beach house right now). On top of that she "thinks she might have" erased some of my pictures. How does one "think they might have" gone through the three-button process of erasing pictures off a card? It's an 8 gig card, with like 50 pictures on it....why the h--- are you erasing anything?
I digress....if there are any pictures left on the camera when I get it back (aside from what I am sure are adorable pictures of the 15 month old in a bathing suit playing with the puppy), I'll be sure to post them.

That sounds like something my wife would do/say!

**smokelaw1** · 07-24-2009, 08:03 AM

Gary,

Good idea. I'll take a drive around...maybe with a cardboard cut-out! One of our photoshop experts can "insert" the WMTR!!

Total mileage was very low....perhaps roughly 30?

**tomjr** · 07-24-2009, 10:11 AM

hi im a newbie but your traveling razor intriqued me ive been shaving with vintage blades and would really like to experience a custom razor you are giving to this community in a way all straighters would enjoy thanks tomjr

**whitebar** · 07-24-2009, 10:19 PM

Originally Posted by richmondesi

That sounds like something my wife would do/say!

Paul, I won't tell her you said that!

**richmondesi** · 07-24-2009, 10:27 PM

Originally Posted by whitebar

Paul, I won't tell her you said that!

Thanks, Buddy. BTW, the Tabac EDT and AS have found a new home

**Steve P** · 07-25-2009, 01:30 PM

This is a great thread. Maybe I'll be ready for this in a few years, but for now the DE experience has been a big step up, in terms of a quality shave...

Steve

**brothers** · 07-26-2009, 12:19 PM

According to USPS, the WMTR was delivered yesterday to Tom (TOB9595) in New Jersey!

**richmondesi** · 07-26-2009, 01:46 PM

Josh, were you able to get any pictures for the map?

**whitebar** · 07-26-2009, 11:28 PM

I'm excited that the WMTR is back on the road again. I've missed seeing pictures of its adventures.

**AceBuckeye** · 07-27-2009, 08:54 AM

Benn out of town but wanted to get my 2 cents in on these questions

What is the big deal?
Believe it or not I started investigating straight shaving as being more environmentally friendly, (no plastic blades in land fills), obviously I was also intrigued when I started looking into it by the possibility of getting a closer shave.

Is it worth it?
Without a doubt.

Is it exciting?
Exciting , no, I find it to be a luxury however, to me it is one of the few "manly" ways we can pamper ourselves.

Is it dangerous?
If you are not careful, but then again, there are very few mundane tasks that could not be dangerous if your mind is checked out.

Why do it?
Enviro friendly, to get a better shave, to have one more thing to collect.

In the alternative, why not do it?
Certainly less expensive shaving methods, some may also say there are less time consuming. Also, if you are not patient or lack the enthusiasm to keep your gear in good shape.

Do we have to give up shaving with a DE to get the full benefit?
No, I still use a DE from time to time for various reason. Funny part is my DE technique improved as well by using the straight.

Is there anything wrong with alternating between a DE and a straight?
Nope.

Which are the smoothest shaves, double (single) edge or straight razors?
I find straights give me the best shave.

How are they different (DE/SE vs. Straights)?
I find the straight to give me more control, I can do some creative facial hair lines with a straight if I want to that I could never get as straight or even with a DE. I also like the fact that I can have control over the edge itself, meaning how sharp it's kept, when it gets touched up etc. Also for me the straight razor is definitely more a work of art with the scales or blade shape etc. I have seen very few DE or SE that had a WOW factor from a looks standpoint

**TOB9595** · 07-27-2009, 09:03 AM

WMTR received. Hahaha Saturday I missed the delivery so I sat at the post facility till my carrier returned for the day so I could get it. I shaved with it immediately, A lovely experience. Took some pics. Went to my Lady's Sat night to see her AND BALOONFEST NJ.
Lots of baloons very close. Cool to hear the whoosh of the propane as they need.
Pics to come and trip to NY and philly is in the cards before I send out on Wednesday.

I need the next guy's addie
Tom