Top Tips for Traveling with a Straight Razor

Photo by nejron on Depositphotos

It’s the season of out-of-town trips again. You may think you'll need to forego your established clean and smooth shave routine while you're away. While security concerns do place limitations on traveling with wet shaving gear, traveling with a straight razor is permitted if done properly.

So we are perfectly clear—straight razors, razor blades, or anything with a sharp blade are absolutely items you should not put in your carry-on luggage, unless you have a few hours to spare in airport security interrogation. Your favorite Naked Armor, Dovo, or Theirs Issard razor may look stunning on your counter, but unfortunately, some straight-edge razors are too bulky to fit in your leather case or Dopp bag.

If you are flying, you might be wondering, "Are razors allowed on airplanes?" or "Can you bring a razor on an airplane?" It might be tempting to sneak your expensive straight razor on board. The best thing to do is to purchase shaving products that pack well and still provide a BBS comfortable shave for your trip, one that won't result in a significant financial loss if lost, especially if you travel frequently.

Have no worries, fellow wet shavers. Today, there is a world of modern shaving products designed for travel that meet Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements for checked luggage and won't compromise the quality of your prep or shave when traveling. Here is everything you need to know about traveling with a straight razor.

• Are Straight Razors Allowed on Planes?
• Things to Avoid When Straight Razor Shaving on Vacation
• What to Include in Your Dopp Kit
  • How to Pack a Dopp Kit
• Traveling with Shaving Soap and Shaving Cream
  • How to Pack Shaving Soap and Cream
• How to Sharpen Your Straight Razor on Vacation
• The Key Takeaways

Are Straight Razors Allowed on Planes?

Straight razors must be securely packed in checked baggage when traveling by air.
Original photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels | Edited by Naked Armor

If you are checking luggage, unquestionably. Generally, the TSA does not permit sharp objects in carry-on luggage; however, the rules are more relaxed for checked baggage. One of men's most frequently asked questions is about the kind of razors they can bring in their carry-on luggage. Here are TSA’s guidelines¹ on traveling with a razor:

• Straight Razor
  Straight razors are extremely sharp objects, similar to knives, so the TSA does not allow them on carry-on luggage. Instead, place it in a straight razor case and pack it inside a Dopp kit, then put the entire kit inside your checked baggage.
  
  
• DE Razor
  TSA only allows empty safety razors on carry-on luggage. Meanwhile, it would be best to pack the blades separately inside your checked baggage. We recommend storing your safety razor and replacement blades in one place to avoid misplacing them.
  
  
• Cartridge Razor
  Cartridge razors have a fixed cartridge blade, so you can bring either a disposable razor or a cartridge razor with you on the plane. This is because the razor blades are permanently inside the razor's head and are not removable.

According to the official TSA guidelines², straight razors and blades not in a cartridge are prohibited on flights unless they are securely wrapped and sheathed inside your checked-in baggage. Meanwhile, safety razors are only allowed if they are empty.

Things to Avoid When Straight Razor Shaving on Vacation

There's a lot to remember, from the actual travel to ensuring you have a great shave at your destination. Remember these dos and don'ts of straight razor shaving on vacation to keep your face and razor in great shape.

Here are the things you should remember when traveling with a straight razor.

Top Five Items You Need:

1. Dopp kitt
2. Razor travel case
3. Shaving soap
4. Small plastic bottle for your favorite aftershave splash
5. Shaving brush

Go for it:

• Opt for a straight razor with a Dutch point or round point
• Pack your razor safely in a travel case
• Bring your soap, pre-shave oil, and shaving creams
• Strop your blade
• Make sure to check your luggage
• Wear sunscreen
• Consider other razors if you must, or disposable razors

Avoid:

• Bringing your most expensive razor
• Forgetting your shaving brush
• Skipping your aftercare
• Leaving your razor damp

Let's go over the fundamentals of traveling with a straight razor in greater detail:

• Opt for a Straight Razor with a Dutch Point or Round Point
  The point of a straight razor is its defining characteristic. Beginners to straight razor shaving are often recommended to start with a round point straight-edge razor because it is the easiest to learn. And since it resembles a razor more than a knife, it's less likely to trigger any alarm bells in the security department.
  
  
• Don't Bring Your Most Expensive Razor
  Less is more when it comes to packing, especially when it comes to valuables. It is best to leave your high-quality luxury Damascus steel razor at home and return to one of your favorite economical razors instead. If your bags get lost, you'll have less emotional trauma to deal with if you prepare for this possibility.
  
  
• Pack It Away Safely
  A straight razor is a valuable investment, and it's essential to take precautions when traveling with it. Keep it in the case it came with and ensure that it is dry, folded, and secure.
  
  
• Remember Your Soap and Pre-Shave Oil
  Using a lubricant like shaving soap or shaving cream is crucial for a traditional straight razor shave, as it prevents cuts and helps map your face for the correct shaving direction. If your skin tends to dry when you shave, consider bringing a pre-shave oil to help moisturize your skin.
  
  
• Strop Your Blade
  You should always strop your blade before using it, so packing a leather strop on your trip is a must. A strop is a long piece of leather or fabric used to sharpen and maintain a razor's edge.
  
  
• Avoid Forgetting Your Shaving Brush
  A convenient way to bring a shaving brush is to purchase a quick-drying, collapsible travel shaving brush, preferably with badger hair or synthetic bristles. If you're looking to stay dapper on long flights, consider packing a shaving brush in your carry-on luggage, along with a small plastic bottle of shaving cream and a disposable razor. Use your brush to create a rich lather on your face. You can leave the shaving scuttle at home and gain some extra storage space by purchasing a flat shaving bowl for blooming your favorite soap or cream on your journeys.
  
  
• Make Sure to Pack It in Your Checked Bag
  The TSA has stringent regulations regarding what can and cannot be brought on board in your carry-on. You must pack your straight-edge razor, double-edge blades, and disposable blades for shavettes in your checked luggage. Keep your straight razor in a leather travel pouch to keep it dark and dry, preventing the razor blade from rusting and cutting through your checked luggage.
  
  
• Don’t Skip Your Aftercare
  It can be tempting to leave your aftershave or post-shave skincare behind when you go on vacation. Shaving with a straight razor offers an unparalleled shaving experience, removing facial hair with ease, and leaving your skin in need of moisture and protection afterward. We encourage you to bring your aftercare products, especially a highly nourishing aftershave balm.
  
  
• Wear Sunscreen
  Men are more likely to develop skin cancer than women because they don't use sunscreen as regularly as women do. When you shave, you expose your skin to the sun's harsh rays, which can cause painful sunburns and, in the long run, increase your risk of skin cancer. Bring sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and apply a new layer every two hours.
  
  
• Don't Leave Your Razor Damp
  Straight razors and moisture do not mix well. Exposure to water or humidity can cause rusting or dull your razor blades, posing a danger, even if they are made of stainless steel. After shaving, dry your straight razor thoroughly with a soft, clean cloth.
  
  
• Consider a Different Kind of Razor
  If used correctly, a straight razor can give a less irritating shave because it requires fewer passes when shaving. Unfortunately, they aren't practical for shaving on the go.
  
  You may opt for a cartridge razor since replacing those blades generates less waste and is often more cost-effective. Many budget airlines don't offer checked luggage by default, or they make it very expensive.

The most important thing to note is to keep your skin hydrated and protected using the right shaving or skincare products. This way, you can lessen the risks of post-shave irritations and increase your chances of getting a close and smooth shave.

What to Include in Your Dopp Kit

A well-packed Dopp kit keeps all your shaving, grooming, and hygiene essentials organized and travel-ready.
Photo by Alexander Kirov on Unsplash

Every man knows the basic items that should be included in every Dopp kit. A Dopp kit should be about the size of a pencil case and kept fully packed at all times, so you can throw it in your backpack and go. Every man should have the necessary toiletries³, such as deodorant, a toothbrush and toothpaste, a razor, and first-aid essentials.

Here's what should be inside your Dopp kit:

• Moisturizing Products
  Lotions, balms, and oils are excellent for helping your skin survive post-shave irritations. Applying a pre-shave oil before shaving also helps keep the skin supple and makes it easier to shave while adding an extra layer of protection against the razor blade. Aftershave lotions and balms help treat razor burn, rehydrate the skin, and disinfect the area.
  
  Opt for products with an extra-hydrating formula for those traveling to colder climates.
  
  
• Shaving Gear
  Only bring your essential shaving gear when traveling, and opt for multipurpose products, but don't compromise on performance. We recommend packing your shaving gear trifecta—razor, brush, and soap in a puck.
  
  The razor should have high-quality blades that are sharp and provide a close shave. The shaving brush should have soft bristles that hold a substantial amount of lather, and the soap should produce a thick, creamy lather. You can use your moisturizing skincare products as an aftershave, after all.
  
  
• Oral Care
  A well-groomed beard or a clean-shaven face only matters if you take oral care seriously. Always bring a toothbrush with a cover, travel-size toothpaste, and floss. Regularly brushing and flossing your teeth is essential for proper oral hygiene and should not be neglected.
  
  
• Grooming Essentials
  Some other essential items to include in your Dopp kit are nail clippers and a comb. Regularly grooming your nails and hair is crucial for maintaining a neat and well-groomed appearance, as well as promoting overall health and well-being.
  
  
• Hygiene Basics
  Your scent plays a crucial role in how people perceive you. But hygiene does not just stop with scent. It is also essential to keep your body clean. It is only necessary to bring your favorite toiletries, including your body wash, shampoo, deodorant, and signature perfume. Do not bring anything overpowering.
  
  
• First-Aid Essentials
  Accidents can happen anytime and anywhere. Plus, getting a nick while shaving is inevitable, especially when not using a straight razor. So, bring your first-aid essentials: band-aids, alcohol, topical creams, and pain medications.

How to Pack a Dopp Kit

Dopp kits vary in the number and type of pockets, mesh dividers, and bags they feature, making it more challenging to pack your own efficiently.

Your travel-sized bottles of shampoo, conditioner, and deodorant will all be easily accessible if you bring different sizes of elastic bands and tie them together.

Mesh pockets are great alternatives to plastic bags for smaller, more awkward items, such as nail clippers and floss. When transporting bottles or containers that could leak, place them in the designated leak-proof area or a sealed plastic bag. Also, do not forget TSA’s guidelines saying that blades should be securely wrapped.

Traveling with Shaving Soap and Shaving Cream

Taconic Shave's shaving soap sticks pack the perfect punch of convenience—solid, compact, and TSA-friendly for smooth shaves on the go.
Photo by Taconic Shave

Traveling with a 3.4-oz full-size aerosol can of shaving cream in your carry-on bag is allowed, but is it convenient? Not really. If you are a shaving soap aficionado, opt for a shaving stick—they are a fantastic, compact way to travel with shaving soap in deodorant stick size. If the travel size of your preferred shaving cream isn't convenient, transfer the amount you'll need to a small plastic bottle instead.

How to Pack Shaving Soap and Cream

Follow the 3-1-1 rule when packing liquids: all lotions, gels, and creams in your carry-on should be in a 3.4-ounce or 1-quart plastic bag. Ensure they are easy to remove so you don't encounter issues at the airport security checkpoint.

But if your 1-quart bag gets too full to seal, you can try these brilliant hacks:

• Pack a solid shaving soap instead of creams and gels, and pair this with a quick-drying synthetic shaving brush. These two dry fast after use, which means they don't need to be inside a plastic bag.
• Sample packets of aftershave products are perfect for your travel shaving. They offer the right amount of products that are easy to dispose of after use.
• Why not skip the shave and give your skin a break for a couple of hours, especially if you are not attending a formal event afterward?

There is no way you can cheat TSA rules. After all, these are for the safety of you and other passengers. Trying to avoid them and sneaking in your shave gear carelessly could cause delays and fines.

How to Sharpen Your Straight Razor on Vacation

Sharpening your straight razor while on vacation can be a daunting task, but it can be done with the right tools and proper technique. The most convenient way is to bring a travel-sized hanging leather strop.

Here's how to sharpen a straight razor with a leather strop.

1. Set up your strop
   Hang your strop on a strong hook, then pull the other end toward you until the strop is tight. If your strop has a canvas side, you can clean the blade and warm the steel by rubbing it against the canvas a few times.
   
   
2. Put the straight razor blade flat against the strop
   Open the blade and place it flat against the strop. The spine and edge of the blade should always be in contact with the strop, never at an angle to the blade or with the blade facing away from you.
   
   
3. Start stropping the blade toward you
   Pull the razor towards you while applying light pressure, with the spine (not the edge) facing you. As you move it, ensure the blade stays in flat contact with the strop at all times.
   
   
4. Flip the blade
   When you reach the end of the belt, turn your wrist to flip the blade for the upstroke. The spine of the razor should always be in contact with the strop, allowing the blade to turn smoothly.
   
   
5. Repeat steps 2-4
   Do about as many as 40 to 50 laps. Flip the strop over to the canvas side and strop the razor 3–5 times to polish the blade and smooth the edge.

Make sure your strop is clean and stiff before using it. If your strop is dirty and worn, it can hurt the edge of your straight razor.

The Key Takeaways

Traveling with a straight razor on a short trip can be difficult, especially if you only need to pack lightly. That's when you'll have to settle for a disposable or cartridge razor for the time being, as you can sneak in a good shave mid-flight and look clean-shaven and ready for your meeting as soon as you land.

Those going on long trips should keep their Dopp kits easily accessible in their checked luggage. Do not keep it in the back of your bag if you don't want to rummage through all your belongings to get a great shave.

Most importantly, if you want an excellent straight razor shave, choose products with TSA-friendly packaging and top-notch quality performance.

Related Articles

How to Get the Closest Shave of Your Life
The Myths and Realities of Wet Shaving
Dry Shaving Vs Wet Shaving: Pros, Cons, and Tips

References

1. Sharp Objects. (n.d.). Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/security-screening/whatcanibring/sharp-objects
2. Travel Tips. (n.d.). Transportation Security Administration. https://www.tsa.gov/travel/travel-tips#:~:text=Safety%20Razors%3A%20Because%20the%20razor,same%20applies%20for%20straight%20razors.
3. Byrne, M. (2017, September 12). This Is the Correct Way to Pack a Dopp Kit. GQ. https://www.gq.com/story/this-is-the-correct-way-to-pack-a-dopp-kit