Thread: Out Camping

I was out camping over the weekend and didn't pack up any of my razors or anything (figured for a weekend, I could survive without shaving), and of course I didn't have access to a mirror with the exception of car mirror (which is kind of small really)...

Anyway...During this weekend, I had this thought go through my head....I wonder if I could shave without a mirror and let muscle memory work it's magic.....Hmmm. Do I really want to attempt that?


Anyone out there ever attempted shaving with a straight and without a mirror?

If you have a dull razor or razor shaped object, you can always give it a shot without the risk of harming yourself or the razor. I have never tried shaving without a mirror, but that is a combination of not wanting to try, not having cause to try, and having a mirror at the sink where I shave.

it can succeed, I've sometimes also on the way shaved without a mirror.
it is not without danger, but it's doable
But the easiest is still a very small mirror in your backpack to have.

I go through about 1/3 of my shave without an eyeline to the mirror with all the contortions I have to do to get the skin pulled taut.

I certainly wouldn't want to do the bits I normally check with my eyes without a mirror because I think that would lead to savage cuts. Not because I couldn't do it safely by touch if I learned to do it that way but because I wouldn't have my normal reference points that I rely on.

I shave my head, and I do the back of it without a mirror. It's not that hard once you get a feel for the razor.
Use little to no pressure and you'll be able to feel if it hangs up anywhere. Just don't do any slicing motions, and be careful around your nose and ears.

It should be a great way to test your shaving skills and possibly work on your first-aid skills in the same setting.

My 20 year old son reminded me the other day that we needed to go camping soon (we go to Deep Creek Conversation Park, 4500 ha, on the south coast of the Fleurieu Peninsula, South Australia (picture below of the coast). You know what I said? I said "You'll have to wait till I've got my portable shaving kit" (I was thinking of buying the Thiers Issard 'Historic' Shaving Box). He said "You could always NOT shave for a few days"!!! He doesn't GET it, does he? I'm reminded of those English Army Officers as portrayed in movies like this one (it IS shaving related):

‪Monty Python - The Meaning of War (Tigers)‬‏ - YouTube

I think I could emulate that well...

what you want to have on hand is duck tape and supper glue, to put back things that fall off.

Originally Posted by JCummins

I was out camping over the weekend and didn't pack up any of my razors or anything (figured for a weekend, I could survive without shaving), and of course I didn't have access to a mirror with the exception of car mirror (which is kind of small really)...

Anyway...During this weekend, I had this thought go through my head....I wonder if I could shave without a mirror and let muscle memory work it's magic.....Hmmm. Do I really want to attempt that?


Anyone out there ever attempted shaving with a straight and without a mirror?

Yes. Do it fairly regularly when I'm on the farm. It's a little slower but you get a feel for it. I still don't get as close to the Goatee as I should, but I play it safe around the facial hair I wish to remain on my face. I worry about fine tuning when I'm back in town or if the breeze is kind enough to not blow while I check with a small camp mirror.

I've had a go a few times but always miss a couple spots here and there. I also do the back of my neck every few days without seeing what I'm doing with no worries. I never bother when I'm camping though, I've got too many other routines on the go like cowboy coffee and dutch oven cooking and swilling beers round the fire so I don't worry about having a shave!