Shaving Creme

[SlowAndSlower]

I am one of those who has to shave more often then most and I've tried to find lightweight solutions for everything associated with the task.

I generally use Banana Boat 30 Sheer sunscreen and I noticed when I wash it off it kind of lathers up and takes some work to get it off my face.
I wondered one day how it would work as a shaving cream. So one day I put on sunscreen and took a ride. When I came back in I tried shaving just using the residual sunscreen.
Using a little water it lathered up and I shave just fine. I have since used a dab of sunscreen first thing in the morning to shave and it works well too.

This may already be a known use for sunscreen but its new to me. I know that some use it to remove chain gunk and that some say it works as an insect repellent too.
I suspect that YMMV depending on the sunscreen you use.

[staehpj1]

Plain water works fine for me.

[SlowAndSlower]

Plain water works fine for me.

Yes but you have said you don't shave:)

[staehpj1]

I usually don't on tour, but at home I do and find plain water adequate.

[RussSeaton]

Not sure about plain water.  But bar soap or shampoo lathered on your face provides a frictionless surface for the razor.

[John Nelson]

I am one of those who has to shave more often then most.

You have to shave? On my first tour, I sent my plastic disposable razor home because it wasn't worth the 16 grams. On subsequent tours, I stop shaving a few weeks before the tour starts.

[SlowAndSlower]

You have to shave? On my first tour, I sent my plastic disposable razor home because it wasn't worth the 16 grams. On subsequent tours, I stop shaving a few weeks before the tour starts.

Well its a habit that has developed beginning in 1956 with the 82nd. Then another decade or two with IBM just cemented the habit in. But I understand some of you younger ones might be able to tough it out and not shave. Then there are others that can shave dry skin and use bits of wetness and feel you have a comfortable shave. Good. I'm glad you can do that.

But for those like me that are perhaps more tender then you mountain men what I said was I found an alternative to a shaving creme that most carry on tour. The post wasn't a suggestion or proposition that it was better than any other substitute or alternative to shaving. Simply if you carry shaving creme think about using sunscreen.

[adventurepdx]

You have to shave?

For myself on tour, I don't have to shave, but I prefer to, as I don't want to grow a beard in the summer. I don't shave as often as I would be at home, but will do it when I get tired of stubble and an opportunity presents itself. So I end up bringing a bottle of Pacific Shave Oil. It's very small, lasts a long time, and gets the job done.
http://www.pacificshaving.com/products/All-Natural-Shaving-Oil-%281%7B47%7D2-oz.%29.html

[dombrosk]

I like the original poster's concept of dual-purpose items.  It's great to carry one item that can serve multiple purposes.  As another person who shaves on tour, my solution is Dr. Bonners liquid soap (I like the peppermint variety).  It's available at REI and many other outlets.
For me, this product works as shaving cream (just a few drops works), soap, and shampoo while on tour.  Makes it very efficient heading to the shower at camp!  To get road dirt off in the shower, it does help to carry a mini-size pack towel to use as a washcloth. 

[staehpj1]

my solution is Dr. Bonners liquid soap

Another thing that works well as all purpose soap is baby shampoo.  It works fine for cleaning body, clothing, and dishes.  It even works fine in a washing machine.  I am sure you could shave with it as well.

[DaveB]

You have to shave? On my first tour, I sent my plastic disposable razor home because it wasn't worth the 16 grams. On subsequent tours, I stop shaving a few weeks before the tour starts.

I'll bet the resulting beard weighed more than 16 grams!

[bogiesan]

You kno, there are many online forums dedicated to the manly art of the classical wet shave? Badger and Blade comes to mind.

I shaved wiith my great grandfather's solid brass injector when I was a kid and then descended into displosables. Now I enjoy my shaving ritual a great deal, ten minutes of zen every morning, and I have treated myself to some nice tools for the job including a Merkur double edge razor, several dozens of international blades and a selection of exquisitely luxurious shaving soaps rom England, USA, Italy and Scotland.

But when I'm on a bike tour I usually take my rechargable electric. If I knew I'd be unable to recharge it, I'd instead take my whole kit but I'd use a lighter razor and probably forego the badger hair brush and steel mug. Shortcutting the pleasures of a proper shave to save a few ounces by using inferior blades and razors would be a shame.

[bikeguyrich]

The sunscreen sounds interesting, I just use whatever soap is available as I don't do much sunscreen (though heaven knows I probably should) I have tried just water and it rips my face up. When touring, the lightest travel razor is fine as long as it is pretty new. I will try the sunscreen next time out.

[bogiesan]

There was a thread here many years ago about minimalist shaving equipment. The young man used a Feather (or Dovo) Shavette, a folding holder for single edge blades that simulates the experience of a straight razor. Only needed a drop or two of olive oil, which he was carrying anyway for cooking.

http://www.straightrazor.co/c=MI1Awt9Xn43Wk8I94aQHiX3nN/category/dovo_shavette/

[JayH]

Has anybody tried Dr Bronners...  You can wash your hair, use it as soap, brush your teeth, wash dishes. I bet it can be used to shave too..

Jay