Long spoon with storage in handle

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?

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