Finally after weeks of sketching, measuring and erasing, I built the first prototype. As it was in college the sketches always lie. I modeled it after a "Ranger Tin", a small pocket case that can hold what you need to get you out of an emergency. Included in the tin are two, 1 dram vials that can hold A/S and EDT or cologne or Witch Hazel. I chose the 1 dram because when I ordered the Floid sample from Superlather, the 1 dram gave me enough for 4 or 5 days of A/S. The material is cut now to hold a Gem/Everready. But before I removed that material I made sure that it would hold a three piece as well. The limitation is that it will not hold a 1 piece razor due to the size of the head and the size of the tin. I can order a larger tin, it just defeats the purpose of having something small that you can carry. Also the finished product, not the prototype, will have a mirror in the top lid and a cork surround so that you can have small pics of the fam or important people to pin to it. The bottom will probably be wood with a spot on the bottom of the wood to hold a small soap cake. The insert can be removed to so that the bottom can be used as a soap mug. I am taking suggestions to improve. If it works out, I may offer a few for sale, not sure yet. I have ordered a plain, brushed aluminum tin in the same size so you needn't worry about the tin saying Altoids or something else.
Good looking idea. I see a couple potential improvements: -How about forming some cork or foam so all the parts aren't rattling against each other? -Also could you get a small dispenser for a brushless cream? Razor with blade, 1 vial or brushless cream, and 1 vial of A/S would cover a minimal shave.
I have constructed "ranger kits" perhaps a half dozen times in my life. I have made the "I might need this if I make a new 'friend' tonight" kit in college (and a little bit after). I have my "things I really might need on any given day" city kit that included bandaids, neosporin, a little sewing kit, tiny knife and flashlight, etc, and a minimalist "woods kit" that I toss in the pack on dayhikes, just in case. I hadn't thought of making one for wetshaving....but I am VERY glad someone did. If you do make some commercially available...I would love to be one of your first customers. One thought...if it holds soap, but obviosuly no brush...that seems to be a small weakness. What about some brushless cream?
Here is a crazy idea... Instead of cork, formed or carved shave soap to hold things in place... Although the wetness may not be a good thing...
All great ideas. As for the soap. I had thought of carving a small niche on the bottom of the cork, which will be wood, to mill in some soap. That could be used like a soap stick, but I see that as limiting. I like the brushless cream idea. I think I'll use that. Anyone have any ideas for a good brushless cream? Is the 3 piece razor limitation to the tin a deterrent, or an acceptable limitation of the product?
For brushless cream, I like Kiss My Face. While even better with a brush, it work well brushless. The 3-piece razor is fine to me. While my daily shaver is a '57 flair tip SS, lots of guy use 3-piece razors every day. Someday I'll likely pick up a Tech, so why not as part of a travel kit?
I'll leave the brushless cream rec's to people with more experience than I. As for the three piece limitation, well, I don't consider it a limitation at all, actually. A full size three piece is what will fit, and is what I shave with most days, as is!
Kewl. I was thinking of using teak or maple. Teak because it looks good and is really water tight. Maple well it looks cool.
Looking good! For brushless, check out the AOS creams, they later well just by hand. They have a sample pack that would be enough for 2 days of shaving, might wanna get your hands on some of those!
Creamo Cream and Nancyboy creams are both brushless and work very well. As far as using a 3 piece razor. I had been thinking of building something very similar to what you have, so I think it's a great idea. I was going to use foam for the insert to hold everything in place.
With the glass vials, brushless cream would he difficult to use. Perhaps one or another of the shaving oils might work. It would certainly work well in a vial and you only need a small amount. I have shaved with oil only a few times, but it got the job done. I think the teak would be nice since it works so well with water. You could use your shave oil to shine it up too!
Singles has a great idea.Could serve as an emergency dopp kit.Women carry emergency stuff for overnighters dont they? Anyone else recognize the Gem 1912 patent SE comb razor in the Altoids "possibles" box? That model Gem came in its own tin military style box, but often the box was lost, so the unit was designed so the handle will also slide horizontally into the space between the mounting bracket and the blade chamber. Could leave more room in the box for "possibles".
