Well, I'm packing for a Carribean cruise nearly 2 months after beginning DE shaving. I use a Merkur 34C, an Edwin Jagger best badger brush from Crabtree & Evelyn, and a variety of soaps and creams. I have used ASR blades and vertical Derby's. After the last 2 Derby shaves, I am afraid that I might consider going back to cartridges and canned goo. I really think I have gotten consistently better shaves with the ASR blades than the Derbys. And, yes, I have tried corking the Derbys! Neither shave with the last Derby was good despite good prep and GFT Coconut soap. Dragging and nicking were the result. I got a little frustrated after tonight's shave and decided to pack my old Atra Plus cartridges with some Edge gel in a travel size can for the eight day cruise I am about to go on. One reason that I don't want to take the new Merkur is that I don't want it to get damaged. Well, we'll see what a week with the old setup feels like...
I'm at a crossroads...going cruising!
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I predict that you're going to get a lot of suggestions to try a blade sampler.
Also, I'm not familiar at all with regulations on a cruise ship, but are DE blades allowed? You might want to check if you haven't already. I'm sure some people here have been on cruises and will be able to give you advice.
Also, I'm not familiar at all with regulations on a cruise ship, but are DE blades allowed? You might want to check if you haven't already. I'm sure some people here have been on cruises and will be able to give you advice.
For me a holiday is the perfect time to learn something new. If you were able to take as much time as you wanted to shave each day, you would make great improvements over the week I am sure.
Pack whatever works for you. It's a vacation after all. Have a great time!
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- #5
Well, it'll be cartridges for the week. On the upside, I threw a new asr blade in an enjoyed this morning's shave much better. I'll have to go back to corking the Derby's or find a new blade altogether. On the way to Port Everglades!!!
Sounds like you've made up your mind since you are already on your way. The water on the cruises is desalinated sea water, so the change in water may have a dramatic impact on your shave results compared to what you are use to. Regardless, enjoy your vacation.
Personally, for a vacation I would have packed my EJ DE89L and a couple of Feather blades, as that combination has provided me with the most consistent and comfortable results.
As already mentioned, a blade sampler pack may be something you should look into as it seems you have only compared two brands of blades. With all the blade manufacturers out there and with all their variations of coating, etc., IMHO two blades is not a reliable example to provide you with conclusive results.
Personally, for a vacation I would have packed my EJ DE89L and a couple of Feather blades, as that combination has provided me with the most consistent and comfortable results.
As already mentioned, a blade sampler pack may be something you should look into as it seems you have only compared two brands of blades. With all the blade manufacturers out there and with all their variations of coating, etc., IMHO two blades is not a reliable example to provide you with conclusive results.
Last Cruise I was on.... Schick Injector and a Old style with Crystals, KMF, and a Penworks brush.... Also my suggestion Blade sampler. I found Red's and crystals the best for me. Derby's were PIFed to someone else. YMMV
Took a cruise in February. Brought my regular merkur in a plastic tube, a pack of blades, shave stick and a brush in a tube. Put some WH in a little travel bottle and a small bottle of AS. Comfy, fantastic shaves all week.
I took my regular DE setup on my last cruise on the Mexican Riviera.
Don't worry about damage. It's not going to happen on the ship. They're like staying in a nice hotel room (though a little smaller) and the room stewards are terrific. Rough seas come up now and then, but just stow your gear in your dopp kit and put it on the floor in a closet. It'll be fine.
A cruise is a time to relax and enjoy. So take your normal gear and enjoy some leisurely shaves onboard. Don't use junk to shave, take the opportunity to relax with your gear and not feel rushed.
And enjoy your cruise! I did the southern Caribbean a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. A cruise every year is something I truly look forward to. Have fun!
Don't worry about damage. It's not going to happen on the ship. They're like staying in a nice hotel room (though a little smaller) and the room stewards are terrific. Rough seas come up now and then, but just stow your gear in your dopp kit and put it on the floor in a closet. It'll be fine.
A cruise is a time to relax and enjoy. So take your normal gear and enjoy some leisurely shaves onboard. Don't use junk to shave, take the opportunity to relax with your gear and not feel rushed.
And enjoy your cruise! I did the southern Caribbean a couple of years ago and absolutely loved it. A cruise every year is something I truly look forward to. Have fun!
THAT's the way to do it!
Sounds like the OP os already sailing by now, but for others who may wonder, I've been on several cruises and have never seen any rule or regulation regarding blades or any shaving gear. It's not like getting on an airplane, where you're not allowed to carryon blades.
Whatever floats your boat!
I suggest packing the mildest DE blades you have and just doing WTG passes. You can resume your regular shaves when you get back. This way you can enjoy your cruise and not nick your face up.
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- #14
I'm back! Weather could not have been better, but that is an aside. I should have brought my DE setup along. There were no regs against it and I had all the time in the world to enjoy shaving. Anyway, the shave with Edge Gel and NEW Atra Plus blades after long, hot showers was comparable to DE shaves in terms of closeness and lack of irritation. I won't be going back to cartridge shaving, but it wasn't as bad as I remembered! Had my first DE shave since returning home this morning with some Maca Root cream from The Body Shop. Looking forward to DE variety, and I guess I'm going to order a sample pack.... Thanks for the posts!
Blade sampler, blah blah, WTG passes, blah blah.
Honestly, do whatever works for you. Traditional. New fangeled multi-bladed thingys, and goo that would kill me might be great for you.
Honestly, do whatever works for you. Traditional. New fangeled multi-bladed thingys, and goo that would kill me might be great for you.
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- #16
Order is restored. After a couple of very good DE shaves, I'm back to where I was back in Feb when I first started DE shaving. Little GFT Lavender (or is it violet?) with a new Derby blade in my HD and I kept marvelling at how little stubble I had all day long...
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