I maybe should post this in the Showcase instead, or as well, but since I mainly hang out at the 30DC, here it is. While looking for my Khaki set tonight to re-examine the razor, I came across a rather fascinating old travel set that I think I will try out tomorrow.
It's a simple metal cylinder 6 3/4 inches long by 1 1/2 inches in diameter. The top third unscrews and a boar brush is stored in the now open bottom. The base of the hollow metal brush handle unscrews in turn, revealing the stored soap stick. Meanwhile the top cap unscrews from the top third of the cylinder, revealing a 4-piece travel razor and a metal blade bank. There aOre no maker's marks on any of the pieces. I originally bought it from a UK vendor on eBay, and the blades in the blade bank are vintage English-made stainless Wilkinsons, so I am guessing it was probably made in England but I don't know for sure.
As a travel set, it would have been very handy. Just a simple streamlined cylinder to slip into a suitcase or even into an inside jacket pocket, and everything is there ready to go when needed.
The boar brush is about a 20mm knot. I soaked it and gave it a wash with shampoo conditioner. It lost three or four hairs but otherwise seemed to respond well. I think I will try shaving with the brush and razor tomorrow. I'm not so sure about the soap though -- it smells okay, a vague tallow smell but otherwise nothing much, but looks a little grubby...
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