What is the raison d'être of the vintage travel razor?

[Ron Scott]

In a way I get it. You have to pack smartly and compactly, so the travel razor makers comply. They make smaller, lighter razors, and allow you to break everything down including the handle into multiple parts that fit into a compact case. Neat.

But razors themselves are pretty small to start with right?

Did guys really think they were being more efficient by "shaving" an ounce and an inch off their razors for travel purposes?

Anybody out there who just could not fit their Fatboy into the carry-on and had to leave without?

Just seems wack....

 

[Mike H]

Based on the number of mint examples out there, it would appear, they were not used very often.

 

[cheesepiece]

Have to agree. They're robust and compact as is.

 

[ateace]

This is especially true for Travel Techs.

 

[oldbluelight]

It might be possible that a large number of 'mint' Travel Techs specimens were purchased by persons who couldn't think of any other gift for uncle Bob at the last moment or couldn't afford anything nicer for brother Bill. In other words they were not purchased by the end user and, after they were received, were not often used by him. I think we might call it the Oh-How-Nice Syndrome.

 

[takeshi]

Anybody out there who just could not fit their Fatboy into the carry-on and had to leave without?

No but the travel razor I have is MUCH more compact than my Fatboy. Every person's kit differs. My kit's of a decent size so I take everything I use at home. Some people travel with much less room to spare. Again, YMMV.

 

[Simple Sam]

I just purchased a mint Gillette Travel Tech in a tiny little bag. It really is small and easy to fit into my toiletry bag. I shaved with it using a used blade and a travel size Barbasol. The result was uninspiring although I think I will try it with a fresh blade and Kiss My Face to see if the shave improves. I'm thinking I just need to get some sort of clamshell case for my slim and maybe a small cosmetic jar for the shaving cream.

 

[Slash McCoy]

Their main purpose was to be sold. And they were sold, in large numbers.