Tips for Wet Shaving While Traveling, Part 1: Razors and Blades

Got a trip coming up? You may think you’ll have to surrender your wet shaving routine while you’re traveling, but that’s simply not the case. Today, there are plenty of products designed to give you a pleasurable shaving experience while still abiding by strict TSA standards. Whether these products are created specifically for travel or they are compact and sturdy by nature, we’ll be taking a look at smart travel choices for razors.

Check back for Part 2 soon!

Carry-on vs. checked bag

Before you begin packing, consider how long you’ll be traveling and whether you’ll be checking bags or bringing a carry-on only.

Razor blades are not permitted in carry-ons. However, the TSA allows you to bring a DE razor in your carry-on so long as it doesn’t have a razor blade inside. So if you wish to bring razor blades, you’ll have to put them in checked baggage. That being said, in our experience putting blades in checked baggage can still sometimes warrant a TSA inspection. If you want to avoid the hassle of possibly getting searched, try to ship your blades ahead of time or purchase them once you’re at your destination.

If this too sounds like a hassle, you can compromise and bring a cartridge razor or electric trimmer. While this may not be ideal, if your trip is on the shorter side (a business trip, for instance) you’ll be able to tolerate one to two days of acceptable shaves.

Travel-sized DE razors

There are quite a few great DE razor options out there for travelers. Merkur Progress features a slight but mighty frame with an adjustable head. And no need to worry about purchasing an additional case: our Merkur Progress Adjustable Safety Razor Travel Set includes a travel case and a 10-pack of Merkur Super Platinum Blades so you’re good to start shaving right after you land.

Merkur also makes a specialized travel razor with a four-piece design that lets you dissemble and fit it even into the tightest corners of your carry-on. Merkur’s travel razor retains the brand’s classic head, so if you’re familiar with Merkur, you won’t face a learning curve when transitioning over.

You can also consider a shavette, a straight razor-style razor that uses disposable blades. The Dovo Shavette Travel Kit comes in a leather travel case and includes a polishing cloth. Just remember you’ll have to figure out how to ship or acquire blades.

Cartridge razors and electric trimmers

If expediency is key, these two will get you seamlessly through TSA.

We recommend the Edwin Jagger Diffusion Fusion Razor for a comfortable shave with the heft you’re used to getting from a DE razor. The extra-long handle gives you optimal balance, while the smooth, ergonomic shape enhances comfort and control. The Edwin Jagger Diffusion Fusion Razor uses standard Gillette Fusion cartridges, which are available worldwide, so you can get a great shave anywhere you go.

For a high-functioning electric trimmer, the Philips Norelco PQ 208/40 Travel Electric Razor is a small version of the original Philips Norelco Electric Razor. You get 60 minutes of cordless shaving, and the razor’s lightweight design makes it perfect for travel. Independently floating heads follow the contour of your face.

Untitled-1

The Influence of 1940’s Fashion on Today’s Fashion

london_fashion_designers-_the_work_of_members_of_the_incorporated_society_of_london_fashion_designers_in_wartime_london_england_uk_1944_d23067

Personal style is a big part of being a well-groomed gentleman. A freshly-shaven face and smart outfit go hand in hand in making a stylish first impression. And fashion always takes cues from the past.

That’s why we’re excited to hand it over to Marie Miguel, a fashion journalist, to give us a fun history lesson about men’s and women’s’ fashion in the 1940s, and how that era still has influence over what we wear today.

Enjoy!

Fashion in the 1940s focused more on comfort than aesthetics. The start of the World War II significantly increased the popularity of utilitarian style. Practical styles were hugely advocated since it was an era of strict rationing and patriotism. With less extravagant pieces of jewelry, embroideries, and heavy fabrics, men and women were able to do their day jobs with ease.

katherine-hepburn-slacks

Katherine Hepburn in wide-legged slacks.

1940s-day-dress-war-years

Typical 1940s day dresses were uniform in nature.

What women wore during wartime 1940s

Unlike women’s fashion in the previous decades, clothing in the 1940s was uniform in nature. Dresses, blouses, and skirts had standard lengths, shapes, and patterns. Squared shoulders, below-the-knee skirts, and narrow hip suits became very popular.

As the female workface increased, women began wearing wide-legged slacks because pants were much easier to work in than a dress or skirt. While initially only worn while working, these slacks transitioned into everyday wear and even became integrated into pants suits. At the height of the war, women were also encouraged to create their own dresses to conserve materials and reduce their clothing expenses.

ww2-mens-fashion

What men wore during wartime 1940s

The movie The Aviator starring Leonardo Di Caprio accurately depicts the state of men’s fashion during World War II.

Men wore plain suits in muted colors like black, navy, and tan. Vests, trouser cuffs, and pocket flaps declined in popularity as the need for sturdy clothing such as trousers and shirts made with cotton twill or gabardine started to rise. Additionally, the government mandated specific rules for tailoring: no double-breasted jackets, no slits or buttons on the cuff, and three pockets or less.

christian-diors-new-look-1947

Christian Dior’s “New Look”, circa 1947.

Fashion after the war

When the war ended in the late 1940s, rationing was lifted and men and women gained access to expensive clothing and accessories. Designers could choose from an array of laces, fancy fabrics, and textiles. Hence, the fashion industry regained its glamour and boomed once again. A prime example of post-WWII glamour is Christian Dior’s “New Look” – a long, full circle skirt nipped in the waist, featuring tons of fabric.

012015-wide-trousers-594

WWII fashion vs. today

Women

Today, women still wear clothes with squared shoulders (without the pads), sports jackets, and knee-length skirts, styles which were quite popular in the 1940s. Utilitarian dresses and skirts are worn to achieve a vintage look. Moreover, the modified version of the wide leg slacks introduced in the same era has become quite popular among celebrities. Often, the slacks are paired with cotton or silk blouses and worn at formal events.

bad-company-michelangelo-di-battista-homotography-4

Men

Suits are still considered de rigueur for formal events and business meetings. But suits have also carried over into street style in recent years. It’s not uncommon to see men wearing blazers and slacks in the streets to achieve a high fashion look. Sans the tie and bow, suits are worn casually and paired with sporty polo shirts and plain t-shirts.

Also important to note: many of the trendy styles both men and women wear today – bomber jackets, trench coats, chinos, and aviator glasses – have their origin in WWII military clothing.

Untitled-1

Valentine’s Day Gift Guide 2017: 7 Gifts for the Discerning Gentleman

Valentine’s Day is a time to give a nod to the special man in your life. But it can become challenging task when he is sartorially selective. To help you find a gift that is both elegant and something he will actually use, we have put together this list of 7 gifts for the discerning gentleman. These are thoughtful items at several price points to suit your budget and his taste.

From a perfectly fitting, Italian-made wool suit from Eidos to statement monk-strap shoes, there’s a unique gift for him.

eidos-wool-suit

Eidos Basic Lana Wool Suit $1625

Helmed by young creative director Anotonio Ciongoli, Eidos is a line that fuses Neapolitan tailoring and American sportswear. Beautifully crafted in Italy, the Eidos Basic Lana Wool Suit will keep him equally warm and sharp for special occasions during the winter. A simple notched lapel and comfortable silhouette prevent the suit from looking too severe.

tom-ford

Tom Ford Noir Eau de Parfum $135 for 1.7 oz.

Tom Ford Noir Eau de Parfum presents a captivating duality: oriental notes of Bulgarian rose and Italian bergamot intertwine with softer, classic notes of vanilla and nutmeg. The company describes Noir as a fragrance that “captures the twin facets of the Tom Ford man – the refined, urbane sophisticate who everyone gets to see and the intriguingly sensuous, private man they don’t.” It’s the perfect cologne for cool weather or a night out.

kindle-paperwhite

Kindle Paperwhite $99.99

If he always has his nose in a book, the Kindle Paperwhite E-reader will dramatically multiply his reading options, while lightening the load. The Paperwhite holds thousands of books and features a glare-free screen and high-resolution 300 ppi display. He can easily slip it into his messenger or backpack for the commute home.

truck-club-unboxing

Trunk Club (Price Varies)

No matter his sartorial expertise, when he gets busy it can be hard to make a trip to the store – or spend hours browsing the internet – to purchase new pieces for his collection. That’s where Trunk Club comes in. The subscription service asks him a series of questions to create a style profile. From there, he’ll get matched with a stylist who will help pick clothing that fits his look, size, and spending preferences. Trunk Club carries pieces from Jack Erwin, Bonobos, Ralph Lauren, and Belstaff, to name a few.

maduroleafcandle

Penhaligon’s Maduro Leaf Candle $135

At the end of the day, there’s nothing more relaxing than lighting a candle and unwinding with a glass of wine. Penhaligon’s makes this ritual even more luxurious with their Maduro Leaf Candle, a triple-wick candle that fills his space with a scent reminiscent of a smoking room in an elegant gentlemen’s club. This warm and comforting scent evokes cigars, soft leather armchairs, and a fire burning in the grate.

Spicy top notes open to a heart of cedarwood, patchouli, and oakwood. Base notes of white musk and amber anchor the fragrance.

hr_405-174-00_dovo-inox-5-8-straight-razor-olivewood

Dovo Inox 5/8” Full Hollow Straight Razor – Olivewood $160.81

An exquisite straight razor, the Dovo Inox 5/8” Full Hollow Straight Razor in Olivewood makes a fine gift for seasoned shavers and novices alike. The 5/8” full hollow carbon steel blade holds its sharpness, while the handle has a one-of-a-kind grain pattern that’ll make his razor uniquely his.

john-lobb-monk-strap-shoes

John Lobb William Leather Monk-Strap Shoes $1300

The John Lobb William Leather Monk-Strap Shoes in Oxblood are for the gentleman who’s looking to step out of the classic Oxford comfort zone. With two monks and buckles, these monk-strap shoes are an adventurous alternative to Oxfords. This pair looks particularly charming in Oxblood. Best yet, he can match monk-strap shoes to casual denim and sharp suits alike.

Untitled-1

Grooming Artist News Roundup: February 2017

news-roundup-feb-2017

Welcome to February!

With Valentine’s Day less than two weeks away, we’re sharing ideas for beautifully crafted, thoughtful presents for your significant other that don’t come from the mall or the neighborhood drug store. If you’re in a long term relationship and really want to impress her, we’ve included an article featuring the most romantic hotels in the world. From Marrakesh, Morocco to Shima, Japan, these hotels are destinations in and of themselves.

In wet shaving news, the Sharpologist talks about the allure of luxury razors and explains what you’re getting for the money. And we interview Barbershops of America author and photographer Rob Hammer about why it was important for him to document traditional barbershops across America. Hammer captures these community watering holes – and their barbers – in a way that honors this slowly disappearing institution.

We hope you have a lovely Valentine’s Day!

Sharpologist does a roundup of 11 high end, luxury razors. (Sharpologist)

We interview Barbershops of America author Rob Hammer about documenting the disappearance of traditional barbershops around the country. (Grooming Artist)

Five vintage wet shaving products you should be using today. (Grooming Artist)

Stumped about what to get her for Valentine’s Day? Ask Men has a long list of non-cliché ideas that will exceed her expectations. (Ask Men)

If you’re looking to really splurge this Valentine’s Day (or to go big for the next one), these destination hotels are some of the most romantic in the world. (MR PORTER Journal)

Chances are you’ll be watching the big game this Sunday. This year, skip the vats of queso and pizza pockets and instead enjoy the elegant fare suggested by Food & Wine, like a beet slider with goat cheese. (Food & Wine)

Untitled-1

%d bloggers like this: