The handle is a segment of a large-diameter carbon arrow shaft, and I used aluminum arrow hardware to make the spoon and pen interchangeable. The spoon component is the end of an anodized aluminum Vargo spoon that I received as a Christmas gift. The handle is 6 inches long (long enough for boil-in-bag meals) and holds a toothbrush, about ten days worth of dried toothpaste, a shaving razor, a quarter of a sheet of paper, and a pen (which can be screwed on in place of the spoon). Everything together weighs 18 grams (0.6 oz).

Edited by ckrusor on 01/21/2013 17:35:36 MST.

Very clever! Not only is it functional, but it has a very clean design, as well.

What keeps the round toothbrush shaft from rotating when you try to use it normally?

Most normal toothbrushes have a flattened handle so that they don't rotate when held.

--B.G.--

Bob, I had the same concern about the toothbrush handle. My first design had a flat handle. But I've used this one for three brushings and rotation of the head really isn't a problem. The bristles are short and the braided polyester cord bonded to the handle gives the handle some texture. It needs a firmer grip than a standard toothbrush, and the small head makes brushing take a bit longer, but it works. I get the same thoroughly-brushed, clean-mouth feeling as at home, it just takes a little more work. It works far better than those little Colgate Wisps or the rubbery finger-toothbrushes.

Very, very cool!

This is my favorite of all the modified spoon/multi use ideas that have been posted.

It looks like something that would sell easily.

Nice! I want one, where do I sign up?

Oh snap, that's some undercover brother stuff right there.

Seriously cool, but where do you get replacement cartridges for the pen?

I drilled out the aluminum part that the pen is mated to, so there is actually about 1.5" of ink tube in there, which should last me a while. I don't keep a journal when I backpack; I just like to have something to jot notes on (ideas for work projects, etc.).

I guess any company that sold gadgets like these would probably put as little ink as possible in the pen part, and sell replacements in four-packs for nineteen dollars each. It works for Gillette.

Colin,

You continue to amaze me. Very nice. I would probably buy one should decide to market it.

P.S. you don't need to shave on the trail. Save some weight :)

"P.S. you don't need to shave on the trail."

Nick showed us photos of his grandfather out on the trail sporting a full white beard, so we know this is true.

--B.G.--

Colin,

Does the "razor" attach to the arrow shaft spoon handle somehow?

Party On,

Newton

The razor doesn't attach to anything, but I don't find that it needs to. For years now I've been shaving on the trail with just a razor head like that. I pinch the ends with my thumb and middle finger, and adjust the pressure and the angle by pressing my index finger against the back. It's slower than shaving with a complete razor, but it works once you get the hang of it.

When I'm on the trail by myself I don't bother, but when I'm going with my wife, I try to keep the bristles under control.

I found this rather neat little idea for a travel/trail razor.

http://dvice.com/archives/2011/08/carzor-stashes.php



Yeah it's gonna be a little heavier but it's dual use. The shaving mirror could be used for signaling for a rescue after a serious shaving accident. ;-)

"When I'm on the trail by myself I don't bother, but when I'm going with my wife, I try to keep the bristles under control."

So you're the only one shaving on the trail?

Methinks I sense a double standard involving a triple edged super ultralight disposable safety razor.

Question:

So you've been convinced that not growing a beard on the trail is inherently lighter?

All in fun.;-)

Party On,

Newton

"Nick showed us photos of his grandfather out on the trail sporting a full white beard, so we know this is true."

Sometimes we need to listen to our elders. Grandpa said that my diet was poor and razors are barbaric instruments.






So I changed my ways. Threw away my razor and changed to a Paleo diet.






Grandpa also said real mean don't use trekking poles. I can't find a hiking staff like he had. May Colin could build one?

Colin,

Where did you get the tooth brush?

Edited by jumpbackjack on 01/24/2013 23:00:41 MST.

Jack, I made the head of the toothbrush from a bigger toothbrush. The handle is pultruded carbon fiber rod with a bit of braided polyester cord bonded onto the end. The handle is bonded to the head with epoxy.

Colin, would you mind explaining the spoon part a little more? I'm curious about what you used to attach it to the arrow shaft and how it was done.

Thanks,

Sean