There’s something special about getting away—disconnecting from the usual rush and slowing down to soak in the moment. Earlier this summer, my family and I spent a few days on a houseboat, floating peacefully on the lake, surrounded by still water, fresh air, and no real sense of urgency. I made a bold decision before the trip: I left my shaving gear behind.
Four days in, the peaceful stubble turned into something a little less “relaxed” and a little more “itchy.” So when we pulled back into the marina, I decided it was time to clean up. I didn’t have high expectations- I just wanted a basic shave to tame the growth. But what happened turned into a small revelation that changed how I approach my routine. I stuck to what I know: I wet my face thoroughly, applied a few drops of my pre-shave oil, and built a rich lather with one of my favorite soaps. But then I tried something different.
Instead of making multiple passes with the razor before rinsing, I rinsed the blade after every single pass. Just a quick dip in the basin after each stroke. It may not seem like a big deal—but that small change made a noticeable difference. I started thinking about traditional hot towel shaves at the barbershop—how they wipe and rinse the blade between each pass, keeping it clean and precise. Turns out, there’s a reason for that. The result for me? A smooth, clean shave. No tugging, no irritation, and not a single nick.
Now, I’ll admit—it took some conscious effort to break my usual habit of just rinsing once every few strokes. But after that shave, I was sold. With a little practice, it’s already starting to feel natural. If you’re like me and have your routine pretty dialed in, try shaking it up a bit. Sometimes, it’s the smallest changes that deliver the biggest improvements.
Until next time—shave well, travel light, and enjoy the journey.
– Jonathan Founder, Stone Field Shaving Company ⸻ 
Quick Tips for a Better Shave (Even on Vacation):
• Keep It Clean: Rinse your razor after every pass. It keeps the blade sharp and reduces drag and irritation.
• Don’t Skip the Prep: Even when you’re in a rush (or on a houseboat), wet your face thoroughly and apply a pre-shave oil to soften the stubble.
• Lather Like You Mean It: Take the time to build a rich lather—it cushions the blade and improves glide.
• Mind the Water: If you’re somewhere with hard water (like a lakehouse or cabin), consider using bottled or filtered water for lathering. It can make a big difference.
• Pack Smart: If you do decide to bring some shave gear- consider a small dopp kit with your essentials so they don't take up much space—pre-shave oil, a travel-size brush, and your favorite soap can still go along for the ride.
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