Travel gear

Hi guys, I tried searching the forum but didn't find anything related, so help would be greatly appreciated and I apologise if it's been discussed previously.

I've started a new job, and part of it would include constant business trips to the US. Do you guys have any words of wisdom regarding traveling gear and TSA related issues? What is your favorite setup? I guess my preshave oil or any kind of shaving cream would be problematic (changes in pressure, liquid amounts to conform to TSA regulations, etc.), but what about blades in a magazine (Feather AC type), or is there a difference between luggage and carry-on? What works for you best?

I'm really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the subject.

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My travel kit is pretty uniform whether checking a bag or carrying on. Most of my trips are around a week in length so I check a bag. Kit includes vintage Gillette Superspeed because it's a mild shaver and I'm often hurrying. I carry a synthetic brush because it's not going to have sufficient drying time and synth is almost dry just by shaking it out. I carry a soap stick like Arko or Palmolive, currently it's mystic waters. I add to that a small stub of a styptic pencil should that be needed (never has been yet) and a tuck of whatever blade I choose to take. A small bottle of aftershave and a small container of unrefined Shea butter and I'm good to go. If i carry-on I replace the razor and blades with a Gillette fusion and a couple of cartridges. Everything else stays.

I travel a lot and am heading across the foam to Europe in a couple weeks and in the past have taken whole set ups, mailed blades, soaps etc. Checked and carry on.

The 3-1-1 liquids rule is real. The TSA enforces it no matter what you might say to them. Don't even try to exceed it.

In a couple of weeks a Gillette Fusion/Mach 3 and buy a European soap there. DE/SE shaving is too much of a hassle anymore when traveling. The carts work great too.

My advice would be to just travel light as hell, buy plenty at Pasteur's on 34th street, and enjoy when you get home!

I agree about just taking a Gillette Fusion/Mach 3 or any other cartridge razor.  What might pass muster with one TSA agent on any given day might not with another one on a different day.  I have had too many times when I have just glided right through security and an equal number of times when I haven't and I have tried everything from separating a 3-piece razor to leaving the doors open on a Twist-To-Open (TTO).  It is always hit or miss.  If you're willing to take them, a firm soap and a brush should cause no problems but a cream might, depending on the size.

It's a choice you will have to make after deciding what inconveniences and possible loss of gear you are willing to put up with.  You might get away with taking a magazine of Artist Club blades the first and second times and the third time they will be confiscated.  It's simply not worth the hassle to me.  However, I always try to travel with nothing but carry-on bags.  If you always check your luggage then there won't be a problem.  Good luck with the new job and happy travels.

Thanks!

It's been ages since I used cartridges.

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I would have to agree with Max and Freddy's sentiments about taking cartridge razors if you have to travel quite a bit for your job. This, along with a shave stick and synthetic brush might be the easiest thing to facilitate your trips.
The Bic single blade cartridges work fairly well and they are easily acquired.
Good luck.

The liquid rule is only for carry on luggage. You can bring whatever you like if you check your bags, including blades. I have been traveling for work and I don't check my bags. I get stopped half the time to show them that my razor doesn't have any blades in it. If you use preshave oil, Shave Secret comes in a small container that is perfect for traveling. I was also able to find a 3 pack of 1 oz Art Of Shaving shaving creams for $10 on the big auction site, so that might be something to look into as well.

I usually check a bag and bring whatever I want. In the event I have to do carry on I have a trac II handle and some carts, and if they ever have an issue with the carts any pharmacy will have replacement carts pretty inexpensively, I also take a cream that I put in a small sample container that has the ml marked on it. I took a hard puck once and had a 15 min. debate about how it's not a liquid before he decided he was doing me a favour letting me fly with it because the container said 115g.

Here's my travel setup right now:



I could bring whatever I wanted though. We drove to our destination.

I don't carry on my luggage so I travel with a DE, blades, etc. When I do carry on, I research the location I will be and see if there is a pharmacy or similar store close to the hotel I will be staying at. I then buy a small DE blade dispenser from them. I have also mailed blades to my hotel to be held for my arrival.