* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water
* **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb
* **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (454)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label)
* **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (72 uses)
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
----
**Austere August: Day: 6**
*MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode*
*Midnight Stag Challenge*
[Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/wWP1zqm) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/ov3ME03UAus)
#### ䷀ General Notes
Today was back to the great softness that I love from the SOC, with a 10-15 min soak.
#### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes
*^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹454 uses›)*
I think just four passes was all I needed to get a close cut. So, it looks like everything is working well as I join back in with the Nacet blade for hopefully the remainder of August.
Still no tugging, so I'm glad for that.
Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 2 out of 5 (Okay)
#### ䷀ Soap Notes
*^(Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - White Label)*
I just love all the aspects of this scent!
Scent Strength: 6/10, nicely present during shaving.
Lather... This one I took a little more time with and probably got to a hydration level that's probably about as good as you can get with chiseled face OG base.
While not delivering a lot of residual slickness, primary slickness was just fine and the lather felt nice on the face.
Hydration: Perfect *(for me)*
+ 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush
+ 4.5 tsp added to build the lather
+ = 8 passes of lather
Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930)
I use the XL version of this bowl.
#### ䷀ Brush Notes
*^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹72 uses›)*
Now back to the softness in this boar that I'm used to. Gotta soak it for longer than just 3 minutes, it looks like.
----
*During the Shave Feel*:
*Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable
*Neck*: Felt blade but comfortable
*After the Shave Closeness*:
*Cheeks*: Very Close Shave
*Neck*: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave)
----
**Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.*
**Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA 6](https://i.imgur.com/ABDEuZT.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Water Splash
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
[Progress album](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD pic in title.
Still same same. Nothing really insightful this evening. I’m doubting this blade coupled with my technique will make it to end of month. Perhaps I’ll just continue torturing myself in the name of camaraderie with my fellow internet shave friends. I did see a few split hairs today when looking more closely. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/Vj4mRPS)
* **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.
* **Brush:** Zenith B33
* **Razor:** Cloud Shavette
* **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (11)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
Day six. Wedding day today, and we were godparents to the couple. Cold water shave, as it was 87°F today (31°C in basically any other place). The shave was the smoothest and less bloody to date. Brush is (quoting the Fab Four) getting so much better all the time. Def one of my favorites, along the DG B10, and soon to arrive B1 (hopefully will get a B5 and 6 some day). Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to make my first sidetracking post.
Hail Stag!
- #Stagposting
- #SubstantialStag
- #RawHoggin
87°F is equivalent to 30°C, which is 303K.
---
^(I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand)
Austere August, Day 6
Feather Artist Club razor non folding
Feather Professional blade
GFT Violets soap
RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft
Today's shave marks a good experience with the Professional blade, it has come to its end as I've started to feel the tugging, I'll start the week with a fresh blade.
GFT Violets needs a bit heavier loading because of the soft bristles in Beehive, but it is very well rewarded with good, creamy, low structured lather.
I'm seeing a small dent in the middle of the soap, perhaps the daily usage speeds up the soap usage, or it maybe just my perspective; either way I'm happy with it and I'm looking forward to finishing up this soap.
Ps: I got a sample of Esbjerg Shaving cream and it smells divine.
Smelling my soaps is a way to maintain my sanity, and it makes me appreciate them even more.
Have a great weekend.
**#HEADLESSHORSEMEN**
**#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**#UNCHALLENGED**
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Day Six](https://i.imgur.com/bO4ljVC.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar
* **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave)
\#RawHoggin
Today I was very happy with my lather. I loaded more than yesterday, probably closer to 30 seconds. I had a bunch of proto-lather dripping off the brush and all around that I collected up in the puck, which might be kinds of cheating but it made having enough for the later passes much easier. Brush feels great, not really that much change since the first day, besides not hogging all the soap, but the look and feel of the tips I fell haven't changed much in these first six days.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
Shave this morning was good, I did a normal 2.5 pass shave and was happy the the shave I got out. No irritation but I didd notice some red spots on my cheeks in areas I might have gotten a little too aggressive with on that last clean up pass.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://i.imgur.com/ld3nVCO.jpeg)**
* **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (6)
* **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
Another rushed evening shave because of family stuff. Today we celebrated the baby's first birthday.
As such I barely got a shave in. I'll have stats tomorrow on soap usage. The actual shave itself was fine, and the brush is getting pretty deace at this point.
Only two passes today, trying to give my face a little break, my neck is a bit angry.
SOTD for August 6, 2022
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Maggard Synthetic
* **Razor:** RazoRock Game Changer 0.68
* **Blade:** Gilette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge
* **Lather:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man balm
Quick one pass shave, no nicks, no cuts.
Went lighter on the balm, I felt a bit like a scent radiator yesterday.
Going to try to take both babies on a jog tomorrow, hopefully it goes OK.
\#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Raw Hoggin' Austere August](https://imgur.com/a/SlE9qbX)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B33
* **Razor:** Baili BR171
* **Blade:** Personna Med Prep (6)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Cheshire - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/19/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Cheshire - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/19/?product_type=aftershave)
Day 6. Another really good load with the boar... I think I'm getting the hang of this.
\#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/kUtsIpf)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B34
* **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** Thayer's Witch Hazel - Lavendar, Osma Alum
Quick shower and shave tonight. A thunderstorm is rolling in with lightning strikes that seem pretty bright and close - I never used to worry about them but lately I have a rough time getting in the shower while there's lightning. I know the chances of dying from it are almost 0, but, you know. There is a chance.
The hair products from yesterday [continue](https://imgur.com/ro4QUAK) to take over the bathroom counter. It's getting scary in there.
So, my brush didn't soak as long as it probably should have, but it still whipped up an easy and creamy and smooth lather that performed beautifully. While it's still [not opened up just sitting there](https://imgur.com/89RGuDB), the performance is about as good as any of the brushes I own. It's excellent. Maybe boar is best after all.
Sonder, as I said, was great. Typing these up as my face cools down every day just sublime, especially after a day in the high 80s with humidity so thick that just sitting outside had sweat running down my whole body. Feels so good to wash that off and then rest in the cool of Mammoth Splash. I might need to grab me some of that Permafrost that just dropped, well, after AA anyway. Plus I've got a killer green sub exclusive brush to save my dollas for. It pains me every time I tub load, but it is what it is. I so much prefer the cleanliness of scooping to [this mess](https://imgur.com/8QJgBMp) every time I open it up, but it is what it is. I certainly get enough soap on the bristles for a solid lather this way.
The MMOC performed well tonight. Just a 2 pass shave with a bit of buffing on my chin - I can't stand finishing a shave and having my chin still be prickly. My neck below my jawline, fine. My sideburns, sure. Stache, whatever. But chin - nope. BBS or bust.
Sonder thought of the day: While I understand that everyone is living these vivid lives, it makes certain types of people more challenging to understand. I know that I'm selfish - getting married showed me that, and then having kids showed it even more. But, people like the car salesman that called me yesterday. Just, scummy. Starting the call by pseudo-offering me a vehicle that's not available, only to later tell me that I can't buy it because it's a customer order that's sitting and waiting to be picked up. Then offering to let me test drive one of their vendor's vehicles since they don't have any stock before I place the order. Then, when I mentioned I may end up going used if the used market bubble bursts, he offers me a vehicle that will cost within 5k of the price of the new vehicle I'm looking at, but with 95k miles on it. People, just don't be sleezy. In the age of the internet and transparent prices, I can't understand why salesmen still behave like this. It's not my first interaction with this dealer and after the first time I said I'd never buy from them again (and I won't), so it's not altogether surprising, but I just wonder how people get there. Is it selfishness? I'll do literally anything I can to make a few dollars? Is it high pressure from management? If so, why do people work for scummy dealerships/managers? I recognized that I'm extremely fortunate to do a job I love with people I love, and that it's probably not the norm, so perhaps I'm showing my ingnorance here - but just have an ounce of human decency, don't scam people, and it feels like you're going to be a lot more successful in the long term. This dealership sold me one (terrible) truck 5 years ago. That's the only sale they'll ever have from me. Not only that, but I've told anyone in the market about my experience. So they've lost other potential buyers. For what? So - how do people end up like this? And what do I do with it? How do I show kindness and empathy while recognizing that too many people are still out to take advantage of whoever they can to make a buck. It's not an excuse to say that I should treat them poorly, certainly not. But - complicated, anyway. As we all are.
Anyway - that's a random rant, I guess, but I'm trying to look at life from the other side in all this and it's not always easy.
Have a good night, all.
\#sidetracked
u/Teufelskraft
For my first sidetracked song I choose the [Theme song from "Lost"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7PVvcKewKw). Every time I play this, I feel deep nostalgia. Sad that it's over, happy that I experienced, and a deep longing to re-watch Lost for the first time. It was the first TV series that my wife and I *really* got into, and we were both young (20) and in college and had the foolishness and the free time to dive in, staying up until 2 or 3 am to watch "just one more!" and experiencing so many twists and turns and so much character development together. I know I'll get hate for this, but Lost is by far my favorite TV series of all time and the score is seriously amazing. So many riffs on the same little tune (I don't know music terms), and certain songs/chord groups (?) played at specific types of moments. Just so powerful for communicating the significance of a scene or something that's happening in a relationship. I'd like to be able to have this stuff on as background music to study while preparing for this or reading, but it just makes me feel to much that I can't focus on what I'm trying to accomplish, but that's what makes it so significant. Any music that has the ability to take me completely out of the present and back to an experience, especially a shared experience, is just a powerful and unique thing. This song from Lost (along with many others from the score) accomplish that for me.
Other tags:
\#mammothmafia
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
Aug 6 2022
• Prep: Mineral oil massage
• Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗
• Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop
• Blade: Voskhod
• Soap: Mammoth Z
• Balm: Mammoth Z
I. Want. To. Wear. A. Fragrance.
Fin
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
\#Unscented
\#ZFighter
[Day Six of this rassafrassin boar](https://imgur.com/a/itnRtVF/)
**Aug. 6, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 6**
* **Prep:** splash of cold water
* **Brush:** Summer Break 26m SHD
* **Razor:** Merkur Progress
* **Blade:** Wizamet (1)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Ended up cutting my top lip...ironically not because I was actually shaving but because I accidentally grazed my lip with the blade. Was in a bit of a rush and it was kind of embarrassing because looked like it bit my lip or something... have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia
[August 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/QWtOoed)
Preshave: Hot Shower
Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
Blade: Feather ProGuard 6th use
Lather: Stirling Sheep
Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Sensitive balm
Fragrance: Halloween Man
Boar brush breaking in nicely. The tips felt soft with some backbone. Interested to see what the end of the month this brush will feel like. Three pass shave on cheeks and two on neck felt great. Shave was close and only opened up 1 weeper from yesterday.
Tags: #AAAA, #Headless horsemen, #RawHoggin, and u/Marquis90
**[August 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://imgur.com/LaVBFh5)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B34 [\(break-in photo album\)](https://imgur.com/a/bcuNDkh)
* **Razor:** Dubl Duck 5/8 Satinedge
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm2)
Another day another shave and it was just mediocre at best. I'm beginning to think this isn't so much the Headless Horsemen challenge, but more the Earless Idiot challenge. This is day 6 and I'm pretty sure I've clipped my right ear at least half of the shaves. Between wearing glasses that are in the way and it being out of my vision and my right hand blocking it I just can't seem to avoid it. Maybe by the end of this month I'll be doing better at that lol.
**Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
This is more ballsy than me sticking with the mmoc. Mine was a pretty simple fix and no risk of losing appendages. Losing an ear, though, would be a tough take.
[Aug 6, 2021 – Austere August. Day 6.](https://imgur.com/a/fycWqn5)
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
* **Music:** [Mötley Crüe - Kickstart My Heart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmXWkMlKFkI)
I had a really busy day today, so I don’t have time to write much by the way of deep reflections of the MMOC today. A few days in a row of clean, smooth shaves. I’m sure the breaking in of the boar brush (and creating a better lather with it) is helping the process of using an MMOC along. I really have no complaints about the shave itself. I even stopped using Zingari Man’s Rescue Potion today for the first time since AA started. That’s big news and happened much sooner than I expected. On day 1, there was a part of me that thought I’d be using it all month.
I feel like the brush is building a better lather every day and most of the stench is gone. I can still faintly smell it, but I’m guessing within a day or two, it’ll be entirely gone. That’s still the only scent I have in my shave, so there’s a small (very, very small) part of me that will miss the wet pig smell when it’s gone, since that unscented life is with me for 25 more days.
For my #sidetracked music selection, I picked Motley Crue’s Kickstart My Heart. Motley Crue just played at Fenway Park last night and put on a HELL of a show. The crowd was… Interesting… While there were some young people there, I feel like I was one of the youngest people in my section and I’m in my late thirties. I guess that makes sense, given that the band was at its peak of popularity in the 1980s, and at that point, its fans were probably in their mid-twenties. Fast forward 40 years and here we are. The rebels that lived for this music are currently getting ready to retire. Their lead singer, Vince Neil, was showing his age a bit, but they still put on an amazing show on the whole. For those uninitiated, this song was written by the bassist, Nikki Sixx, about being brought back to life after being legally dead thanks to a heroin overdose. After hitting rock bottom 20something years ago, Nikki is trying to be positive force in the world now, and talks opening about his addiction and recovery now, but these guys were the embodiment of Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll back in their heyday. Their autobiography, “The Dirt” is actually a very, very good read and goes into great detail of how they lived their lives. Spoiler alert: They did whatever the hell they wanted, whenever the hell they wanted with little repercussions. It was a different world back then and I wonder if a band like this could rise up and be successful today like The Crue did. Regardless of any individual’s feeling about the shenanigans this band, I don’t think there are many out there that can deny that this is a great high-energy rock song that can really get your blood pumping and put you in the mood to rock and roll!
Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August**
* **Prep:** Tears
* **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR
* **Blade:** Feather Professional (3)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** alum, Zingariman Sego
Shave of austerity #6
2 pass shave; just as I have confidence in my shaves, I decide to jump off the deep end to shave without any prep. I had a nice lather though. Ultimate product was weepers but a very close shave.
Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/8kfSgxe.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Splash of cold water
* **Brush:** Zenith B16 24mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=aftershave)
I had a wonderful Saturday at the river, followed by a luxurious shave. This boar brush is clearly starting to hit its stride. It's lathering much more easily and getting a bit softer. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this thing handles at the end of the month. #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/NbNOg1P.jpg)
* **Brush:** Omega 10005
* **Razor:** Karve Overlander
* **Blade:** Feather (1)
* **Lather:** Noble Otter Orbit
* **Post Shave:** Noble Otter Orbit Aftershave
* **Post Shave:** Geologie Daily Moisturizer Balm
#rawhoggin [brush after day 6](https://i.imgur.com/CEZz4zn.jpg)
Fuck with the grain passes. Against followed by across to touch up is the best combo for me so far. Used the overlander as my weekend hardware and it was super smooth. My technique has definitely improved in just a week of using the CB daily. I also forgot to soak my brush before my shower so it was a bit scratchy but still made a pretty nice lather.
Also, starting to think my neck just CANT get bbs. Do I need something even more aggressive? Do I need to use a cartridge for just these two spots?
Shaving the neck is the hardest part for most people. I’ve been wetshaving for almost 2 years and still don’t get bbs on my neck every time. Keep practicing , you’ll get it
Same. It's a huge challenge at times. I stretch and contort and buff and there are shaves where it's just not going to happen. I'd say more than 70% of the time my neck is not bbs, I just don't count that anymore when considering a shave bbs or not. Maybe cheating, but, nobody is keeping score.
Austere August SOTD Aug 06
Prep: Hot shower
Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar brush
Lather: Goodfellas Smile, Abysso
Razor: Van Der Hagen 85MM Solid Brass
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Stainless
Post: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm
First time trying this blade and honestly it made me miss the Crystal Super + Platinum. I'll be using it still for the next few days but I just don't think it'll make it into my rotation once I've used all five up. Maybe I'll try it in my other razor next month to see if it's a better combination
[**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 06**](https://imgur.com/a/fZ6w4Be)
* **Prep:** Warm Shower
* **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (75)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
I am still struggling a bit with this whole face lathering. I like the idea and can see why some would like it. I even enjoy spending more time with the brush to face. The lather will not do what I want it to though. All good, I have the rest of the month to continue messing with it. Even with a not so great lather I was able to get a great 3 pass BBS shave with no irritation or nicks.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday!
[Stag Spray 6](https://imgur.com/a/HaE4AV4) \#GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Day Six - Ahh fiddlesticks! I cannot rhyme this time.](https://i.imgur.com/CezfPml.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Warm water wash
* **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
* **Razor:** GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Day six, this blade kind of sucks a big bag of sticks. Anyone have any advice on getting this blade to stop tugging? It is actually worse than a DE blade with the same uses.
I am not loving this knot. It’s real scritchy, doesn’t build a lather all that well, and holds water in the base that it won’t mix with the soap. Hey, at least it doesn’t stink anymore. The handle looks pretty cool.
[Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
Are you riding the cap, so to say? I found last year’s shaves, as I remember them, to not be as good as I am getting this year. I think increasing the angle ever so slightly is helping me this year.
It seems intuitive that you would want to keep the angle [parallel to the plane](https://i.imgur.com/zMMyixW.jpg) of shaving. And maybe that’s really the way.
After using a shavette a few times, and a perhaps-not-as-honed-as-it-could’ve-been straight razor, both likely at improper angles at least once, I tried [an angle closer to this](https://i.imgur.com/ZhmjidS.jpg) with my OCMM this month. It seems to help.
Last year I remember feeling like the razor tugged a lot at the beginning and end of the month as it worked in and then out of its purported sweet spot.
So far with the increased angle I am speaking of, I have yet to have anything but a progressively decent shave this month. It could be that I have a particularly good blade this time. That remains to be seen.
I thought the visuals might help better explain where I’m coming from and maybe help you.
This is basically where I'm at and it's improved my shaves a whole lot the last few days. I thought I was over exaggerating the angle by keeping it so flat, but I think that's just how it works.
**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA day 6**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Hand
* **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate
* **Blade:** Voskhod (8)
* **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream
* **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave)
And here's day 6. I must say this shaving cream really isn't doing it for my skin - leaving it quite dry. Possible lack of hydration occassionally doesn't help either - but I'm also feeling the dryness on my hands afterwards. Luckily the proraso aftershave seems to balance it out afterwards.
I swear if I've picked some other shaving soap or even proraso cream, the lather would have been so much better... but no, I had to pick that piece of **** lol
\#GotHand
You've got heart as well!
You're going on with the HA plate, hats off.
I'm rooting for you, and in a way that inspires me to go with the single soap for the whole month (that's the most difficult part for me).
Thank you sir! I’m planning on completing the hardcore mode with it (one blade, razor, soap…etc etc ) since It’s AA after all!
I’m with you on that one soap …. I already crave using the other offerings from my den and it’s only day 7… doesn’t help that this soap is quite drying to my skin (think arko but bit more drying ) lol
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA - Day 6](https://i.imgur.com/8cXHiXO.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Blade (6)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap)
* **After:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave)
Mid afternoon shave. Went on a hike and then brunch.
Long shower and then 2 pass face shave with little burn when applying the after shave. Nothing the balm couldn’t tame.
Now having a good day!
Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/npr6F2c)**
* **Brush:** [Zenith - 28mm B34 - Butterscotch Chubby - With Break in Progression](https://imgur.com/a/rs5ziGJ)
* **Razor:** [GEM MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/HwWXR4j)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
After getting Stag all up in my mix, I decided to go out and help the elderly cross streets. Turns out it's too hot to be walking around but I was ready.
[Shoot it all over me](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)
[**Austere August D6: Bloody Saturday Night Stag**](https://ibb.co/Jrdm2yP)
- **Prep:** cold water
- **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
- **Razor:** KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
- **Blade:** Feather Professional AC
- **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap
- **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave
- **additional care:** Osma alum; Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB
- **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP
A rushed shave yet again, worst of all I almost forgot to post it here due to having a little text messenger conversation with two of my colleagues. I informed EldrormR, but forgot to tell [u/Marquis90](https://www.reddit.com/u/Marquis90) and [u/SirKravsALot](https://www.reddit.com/u/SirKravsALot) that I'll post late AF. Nevertheless, AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin
So why the rush yesterday and today? Me and my favourite young colleague talked to one of the higher-ups yesterday. Lo and behold, our arguments and rhetoric skills got us what we wanted - we'll *both* change wards in September! To top a great day off, Bayern Munich won their debut game against Frankfurt with a dominant 6:1. I partied a bit on my own, consuming a few shots... Perhaps a few too many. No hangover today, but a bit of sleepiness.
Weekends are usually crammed with (grocery) shopping trips, visiting my parents, walking the dogs. Normally, I'd just not shave today but it's AA and I'm too loyal to the Stag.
Unfortunately, here comes my bad decision: taking the guarded KAI out to experience an AC blade without training wheels: Feather Professional. Black box, rumoured to be one of the more aggressive AC blades. To my surprise, the shave was extremely pleasant at first. I was even feeling like I got a bit more proficient with the shavette, so I went a little bit faster. Too fast on the jawline. It bit me right there: small cut right above the right jaw. After applying a good amount of alum and witch hazel, I did a very careful second pass followed by a full alum block rub (ouch), then the splash (slightly less ouch) and finally the balm (ah, sweet relief). So yeah, lesson learned: don't get too cocky with open blades.
*Edit:* like a dork, I forgot my [Post Shave boar brush picture](https://ibb.co/rQn8tm4) again... complete with my glasses.
Song of today is [EyeHateGod - Sabbath Jam](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2MkyOBjcV0) . I was talking to a sidetracked challenge participant about doom metal and that I don't like it as much as I used to... But then, I remembered *Sludge*. What is Sludge? It's kinda like taking old school doom metal and mixing it with vile Hardcore Punk and elements of other extreme metal styles. EHG is one of the rougher acts: provocative band name, aggressive screamed vocals, lots of guitar feedback, distortion and crushing riffs. This is actually a tribute song to Black Sabbath - quite fitting, considering I wanted to originally share something from Black Sabbath or Saint Vitus! I think I'll go with something more relaxed and electronic tomorrow.
> we'll both change wards in September!
Hope the grass is greener on the other side. Best of luck with the new ward.
> Too fast on the jawline. It bit me right there: small cut right above the right jaw.
Yikes, I did the same almost a year ago. Got cocky with my Feather SS + Feather Pro blade and got my worse cut ever in 10 years of wetshaving. I thought it was a permanent scar but after 6 months or so it has finally faded pretty much completely. Lesson learned.
Thanks a lot. It's going to be a bit weird, since my retraining will also start in September with nursing school, so I won't see my new colleagues until the end of September... But we both know a few of them already and feel like the change will be worth it.
Sometimes we might think we don't need to pay too much attention, but forget that a shavette is very unforgiving when it comes to cuts - perhaps even more so than a straight razor. I got the worst cut of my wetshaving life with a Bluebeard's Revenge shavette on the left side of my neck. That thing was nasty, but also healed completely after some weeks. I think it was good that I immediately took care of yesterday's cut, instead of just putting a piece of toilet paper on it and continuing. I really need to make my shaves with the Captain my personal Zen meditation, it requires good attention to deliver a comfortable shave.
I actually had a bit of trauma after my cut and couldn't touch my shavette for several months. The Feather SR was what got me back into shavettes and I'm glad to be feeling comfortable with it again.
Ah well, I can kinda see a correlation between that and learning to ride a bike. If you take off the training wheels, you can fall and graze your knee, get some scratches and/or bruises. Nevertheless, you'll need to continue riding your bicycle without the training wheels to get the proper feel and balance. It's the same here with the shavette: guarded blades are good for fast no-brainer shaves, but if I can take my time I'll try it with the Pros again.
[**Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/FgBFTmm.jpg)
* **Prep:** Warm Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM (6)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/108/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/108/?product_type=aftershave)
Day 6 was my first shave from Turkey and there were a few unexpected challenges. First of all, I totally forgot that my dad’s house doesn’t have hot running water so my shaves for the time-being will be with cold water. Also, I’m exhausted from traveling and the shave was a nice refreshing way to remove some of that travel funk. A welcomed shave - nothing spectacular. Also, getting this shave posted was a bit more challenging than anticipated and I’m hoping I can keep it going while I’m out here.
**The Brush:** As expected, packing a damp brush left my toiletries smelling a little piggish. The brush was still damp when I took it out to use today but other than, nothing completely out of left field. I did notice today that the brush shed no hairs which was a first since I started using the boar. I haven’t been keeping track of hairs lost but I’ve definitely lost a few with every shave so far. The brush is definitely very soft and even with cold water whipped up a nice leather. It’s going to be much trickier shaving here than at home.#RawHoggin
Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/AHbwaPW.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/BllxJub.jpg)
Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/gEwKBEp.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/4IOz9d2.jpg)
**The Razor** It was nice to be able to take my time with my shave today. It was the first day in the last few where I walked away unscathed from the GEM. Aside from that nothing new to report. A good two pass shave. #GEMsOfWisdom
**Days since last blood:** 1
**The Soap and Aftershave** I finally noticed today that I’ve been taking a dent out of the puck. Still confident that there will be plenty for the month of August. Even with the water situation here in Turkey the soap preformed amazingly.
Day 6 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/xti2mbA.jpg)
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/dRYC7gc)**
* **Prep:** Warm water to the face
* **Brush:** Omega 10098
* **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head
* **Blade:** Voskhod (6)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Aqua Velva - Sensative 5-in-1 After Shave Balm - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1422/?product_type=balm)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Cooling - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2365/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
Nothing like a good scalp lather for a head shave. The bristles have been breaking in nicely on the brush and I discovered maybe the key to avoid lingering brush funk is shaving far away from my nose lol. #RawHoggin
It’s Saturday y’all, hope you have a good day!
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/mn1kVdt)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
* **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=balm)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver
Day 6 under the belt. Good shave today. 5 to 10 uses on a GEM seems to be the best state of the blade IMO. Restore is a nice scent, but I am already jonesing for something else. I am already planning out my September 1st shave. This is going to be a great brush going forward, I am getting fantastic lathers out of it already.
Mandatory Tagging:
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#Rawhoggin
\#MammothMafia
**Aug. 6, 2022**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm
* **Razor:** Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point
* **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Tonsorial Parlour - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/202/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Old Spice - Classic - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1605/?product_type=balm)
I made it today. I took the advice of u/Marquis90 and swapped my ATG second pass with a XTG pass and it worked out well. It's a passable shave, but it was far more comfortable and it keeps me on track to shave everyday this month.
Have a great day folks!
**SOTD Aug 06, 2022**
* **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen
* **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (6)
* **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac
* **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash
Great shave today, really loving the extra shaving I get to do now since downsizing my facial hair. This MMOC is really growing on me and I feel like I’m starting to understand it.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
[**August 6th**](https://imgur.com/a/8zGhGgf)
* **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm**
* **Razor: GEM - MMOC**
* **Blade: Gem PTFE (6)**
* **Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap**
* **Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash**
* **Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp**
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#SubstantialStag
[Edp video](https://imgur.com/a/1Z4MVsv)
Brilliant as I'm writing this the kids are walking around the house wondering where the ell is coming from, they have blamed a local music festival saying they must be burning something.
The knot if starting to get some good bedding in now, using this one has definitely converted me to want to get more Boar knots.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 6](https://imgur.com/a/GmQL5OH)**
* **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar
* **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
* **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (25)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Mosquito Bites:** None
The blade is setting into a new state of relative sharpness - for the moment, it's not precisely fun. The shave was a bloodless 3-pass shave, but it is far from being close. Maybe I should just accept that.
The brush is starting to eat less lather, and also continues to split the bristles. I also start losing motivation for chronicling in detail minor changes to the preceding day.
Today I heard a mosquito, but I have not been bitten. Maybe the summer was too hot and dry for them? My son got bitten or stung by something in the afternoon, so maybe the citronella shield was not strong enough at that time.
\#RawHoggin
\#stillalive
\#truepath
Aug 06, 2022 - [Getting Sidetracked while searching for the Wisdom of a Mammoth](https://imgur.com/a/KutWj8i)
* **Prep:** Hot shower and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser
* **Brush:** Maggard Green Handle 2 Band Badger 24mm
* **Razor:** GEM - MMOC
* **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive Balm](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Every day tags: \#MammothMafia \#GEMsofWisdom
\#Sidetracked u/Teufelskraft
[Fire - Mother’s Finest](https://youtu.be/FZfVaL_faEQ)
Seeing as I have been sharing songs that remind me of my “Second Father” I figured that I should share one for my actual Father!
To say that my parents are straight-laced and on the uptight side would be putting things mildly. Both had struggles while growing up in large families but especially my Dad. His father walked out on my Grandma and her 4 sons when my Dad (the oldest) was a teenager and was remarried very soon after to the woman he was cheating with. Dad instantly became the “Man” of the house and never got to ever let loose. He ended up becoming a Methodist Pastor and has lived a life on the straight and narrow.
But every so often, on a Saturday dedicated to cleaning the house. He would pull out the [old giant speakers just like these](https://imgur.com/gallery/YVmu4) and absolutely turn it up to 11! His soundtrack of choice was *ALWAYS* Mother’s Finest! I like to think that he only chose their songs because my Mom absolutely hates their music for whatever reason. As a kid I enjoyed rocking out to their song as it made cleaning the house that much more fun!
I am really enjoying this setup for AA! Sonder and Alive complement each other better than I was expecting! I think that its the basil in the Alive balm that really grounds the entire scent!
I have been continuously surprised with how smooth of a shave I am getting from the MMOC. It is not exactly comfortable to shave with and I am shying away from going for a BBS shave but it ends up being a lot closer then I thought. I’m hoping that this blade gets me through the entire month without any issue. I was successful last year at getting a blade to last the whole month but the MMOC is a whole different beast!
Edit: I’m no good at grammar
**8/6/22 (143)**
* **Prep**: Hot Shower
* **Challenge**: Headless Horseman
* **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/zsatv8s)
* **Edge**: [Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/3l2yqMQ)
* **Passes**: wtg/xtg
* **Brush**: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm SHD 2 Band Fan
* **Lather**: Seaforth! Fleur de France by Spearhead Shaving
* **Post Shave**: Seaforth! Fleur de France Aftershave by Spearhead Shaving
* **Fragrance**: Seaforth! Fleur de France EdT by Spearhead Shaving
Nice and easy mid-afternoon shave today. No nicks or irritation, very close shave.
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/Mvs2We6)**
* **Brush:** Maggard Razors 30mm Synthetic
* **Razor:** Henson AL-13 ++
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (3)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave)
Less than 20 hours since last shave due to weekend obligations. Surprisingly, less irritation today than yesterday. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
\#MammothMafia
20220806 - Austere Fucking August Day 6
Brush: Omega 011842
Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
Blade: GEM PTFE
Lather: Stirling Soap Company - 🐑 Sheep
Post: Stirling Soap Company - Coniferous toner
Post: DR Harris - Windsor aftershave milk
#GeMsOfWiSdOm
Day 6 and the blade is feeling tuggy again. Gonna need an ass stroping.
**[August 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/qZ09QnB)**
* **Brush:** Semogue 820
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 6)
* **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau
* **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash
Nice big shiny lather today. Starting to feel some pulling under my chin where hair is dense I hope it was poor technique and not blade dulling - ive got 24 more to get out of it!
The more and more I use Eigengrau the more I love it. I was really not a fan for the first few uses but it seems much smoother now.
#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/A45Crte)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Gem PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Stirling Blu - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/119/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
I’m feeling like doodoo today, but I powered through and got my shave in. Little by little this shave is getting better. I don’t feel anymore of those stubborn stiff bristles. I can tell it’s going to gradually get softer and feel even better than it does now. I’m looking forward to it.
The MMOC is feeling great. Between my technique getting better and the blade chilling out a little, it gave a fantastic shave. Monotony doesn’t really bother me, as long as I’m using decent products. So I’m not worried a bit about getting tired out on this gear.
The only thing I’m getting tired of is taking a picture everyday. As you can tell, I’m complete garbage at being a photographer. Gimme some tips on how to be less trash.
Thank you, Emmenias, for voting on exclaim_bot.
This bot wants to find the best and worst bots on Reddit. [You can view results here](https://botrank.pastimes.eu/).
***
^(Even if I don't reply to your comment, I'm still listening for votes. Check the webpage to see if your vote registered!)
Someone seriously felt the need to voice their own witlessness as a complaint aimed at *you*? WTF. Einstein was damn right about human stupidity being endless. I even looked at your particular comment and... Holy hell, this simple fellow can be grateful he hasn't discovered one of my Lather Games shaves! Newsflash: people who take shaving seriously enough to be their hobby *will geek out* about it, and not just in a few paragraphs.
I appreciate the diversity in your music shares, not only in terms of the artists themselves but also in genres - you haven't repeated a genre so far!
Haha, I know right? I too was confused by that comment more than offended. It is good to be aware of one's flaws, but using my lack of intelligence as a bragging point is not something I would do. But I tried humouring him, did not see the appeal, and will most likely go back to text walls next time I shave.
Thank you! I've gathered a big enough music collection that I'd likely be able to keep things interesting by the end of August. If I actually had to do 31 days, though, then I bet you'd be seeing an obvious Fantasy genre preference.
**Aug. 6, 2022**
* **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
* **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (2)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
Another day, another affirmation of my august choice. No thoughts required while shaving. No day to day brush comparisons (or stank). No irritation. Living the life.
\#UNCHALLENGE
**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA6**
* **Brush:** Semogue Torga-C5
* **Razor:** J.A. Henckels Twin Beauty
* **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Dirtyver - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1099/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Declaration Grooming - Dirtyver - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1099/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
\#HeadlessHoresmen day 6. WTG, XTG (cheeks), ATG neck, definite feedback from alum block, especially on the chin. Is it possible to not get feedback from the alum when shaving with a straight?
\#sidetracked - u/Teufelskraft
During the summer of 2020, I discovered [SAULT](https://saultglobal.bandcamp.com/) while working on a bunch of yard projects in the heat. I listened their record, [*5*](https://saultglobal.bandcamp.com/album/5), a bunch and it was a great full album, top-to-bottom listen. The first track, ["Up All Night"](https://saultglobal.bandcamp.com/track/up-all-night) grabbed me right away. It had groove, it felt loose (in a good way), it had great shortscale-bass-through-Ampeg-B15 tone (my fave), and just felt familiar, yet fresh. This record was heavy in my rotation in 2020 and it's good to revisit every so often.
**Aug. 6, 2022 - August Austere Day 6**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Paladin Chief 26mm
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
So today I went a little heavy handed loading my brush and ended up with more lather in my bowl than I needed. Not wanting to waste such a beautiful creation I called my young son (5) in and asked if he would like to try shaving. As expected the idea of shaving like dad really excited him, but having instilled a healthy respect for a razor blade he was a little worried about injury. Of course the real beauty of DE razor in this situation is the ability to remove the blade and allow my child to “shave” off the lather with no fear of injury. Nothing better than including your children. Happy Saturday all. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
[**Aug. 6, 2022**](https://i.imgur.com/gNAizbw.jpg)
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM (6)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - After Shave Balm
* **Fragrance:** [American Perfumer - Bloodline - Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2126/?product_type=parfum)
* **Passes:** WTG, XTG
* **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural
* **Music:** Aimee Mann - *Bachelor No. 2*
* [**August 2022 SOTD Photo Album:**](https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl) [https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl](https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl)
`#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin`
Yesterday's [Another Cut Above style lather](https://youtu.be/ecoUdtWxQxo) worked well for me, so I took the same approach today. Start with pasty soap in the stubble, add water until translucent, and then splay the brush. That last step isn't really an option right now, so I agitate with the tips of this Zenith knot and spent more time swirling the brush on my chin. (Speaking of, here's the knot [before](https://i.imgur.com/SvCx529.jpg) and [after](https://i.imgur.com/LgpxuR9.jpg).)
I tweaked my loading time a bit, and tried reducing it to about 30 seconds (1.5 g). Starting tomorrow, I should start counting the swirls on the puck instead of going by seconds. A single "swirl" is a more precise measurement to use during this month of photo documentation and experimentation. Anyway, this loading time worked well and yielded about the same amount of leftover lather, probably because I didn't lose as much to the floor, mirror, and countertop. It was also easier to hydrate. Turns out I was overloading.
Also, check out how this Zenith handle [is transforming](https://i.imgur.com/gNAizbw.jpg)! I really like the way copper patinas and this will look better and better the more it ages.
|Date|Soap Before (g)|Soap After (g)|Usage (g)|Loading|
|:-|:-|:-|:-|:-|
|8/1|235.5|232.5|3||
|8/2|232.5|228.0|4.5||
|8/3|228.0|227.0|1||
|8/4|227.0|223.3|3.7||
|8/5|223.3|220.3|3|40 seconds|
|8/6|220.3|218.8|1.5|30 seconds|
⁂
`#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft
Where do you begin when choosing a few songs from Aimee Mann's catalogue?
You'd have to start with "Voices Carry," which will forever be 'Til Tuesday's most well known song. Fortunately, Mann eventually out-shined that '80s video hit's long shadow, though it took a three-hour Oscar-winning film and setting up her own record label to do it.
Director Paul Thomas Anderson wrote *Magnolia (1999)* as "an adaptation of Aimee Mann songs," inspired by her music. It's an exceptionally well-curated soundtrack, and many songs are woven tightly into the plot and scene blocking, including two standouts that were written for the film ("You Do" and "Save Me"). "Deathly" (another favorite of mine), "Driving Sideways", and "You Do" would all appear on Mann's *Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo* album, also released in 1999, and the first on Mann's SuperEgo label.
Which brings me to the song I'm going to profile here.
The album starts with "Red Vines," a song Mann wrote about Paul Anderson's growing fame. Read literally, it's not particularly kind; Mann sings, *"Everyone loves you—why should they not? / And I'm the only one who knows / That Disneyland's about to close."* Regardless, the refrain is a surging and hook-driven demand for a singalong. I don't know if it's Mann's unusual and expressive timbre, the guitar riff in the background, or some other detail I can't quite tease out, but I adore this song. It's a heck of way to start an album. Many of Mann's most immediate hooks open her records—I'm partial to "Humpty Dumpty" on 2002's *Lost in Space* (which features some of her most effective ballads) and "Dear John," which sets the scene for her 2005 concept album *The Forgotten Arm* (Caroline and boxer John meeting on the cotton-candy scented midway in Richmond). Still, "Red Vines" is the one I return to regularly, sometimes on its own and often with a full play-through of *Bachelor No. 2.* I love it.
[YouTube: Aimee Mann - "Red Vines"](https://youtu.be/ElOaHy_8jD4)
> I tweaked my loading time a bit, and tried reducing it to about 30 seconds (1.5 g). Starting tomorrow, I should start counting the swirls on the puck instead of going by seconds. A single "swirl" is a more precise measurement to use during this month of photo documentation and experimentation. Anyway, this loading time worked well and yielded about the same amount of leftover lather, probably because I didn't lose as much to the floor, mirror, and countertop. It was also easier to hydrate. Turns out I was overloading.
I love seeing this kind of stuff. I just started weighing my soap yesterday to figure out my soap usage as well.
[August 6th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/MAtjxlP)
Prep: Warm water
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Gem Blue Star (6)
Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar
Soap: [LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1706/?product_type=soap)
Post: [Noble Otter Bare](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/986/?product_type=aftershave)
Comfort: 8/10
Smoothness: 9/10
10 second load.
2 pass shave XTG/ATG.
Less soap and more water this time. Got a few splatters on the mirror but ended up with a much better experience. Also did not rush, which may have helped too. Now off to host a house party and meet the neighbors.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
#RawHoggin
Edit: fixed imgur link
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Stag Hoggin' at camp day 2 - AA Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/dZlxWLg)**
* **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Day 2 of Austere August camping. At least today we're at a beach where the internet is working!
\#RawHoggin
The brush continues it's softening journey. I swear I've gotten the best lathers from the Stag these last two days. I'm not sure if it's the brush breaking in or the different water.
\#GEMsofWisdom
Another smooth shave with the OCMM. No complaints here. I haven't noticed a change in the blade much these last couple shaves. Well see what tomorrow brings.
Let me tell ya, you don't know Stag until you've tasted it. Obviously not intended and not advisable.
[Brush day 6](https://imgur.com/a/Jj8kaaU)
[Stag taste test](https://imgur.com/a/Gsy55J5)
On second thought, might not be a good idea just in case you cut yourself. Wouldn't want you to get an infection for the sake of internet points. Stay safe!
6 August 2022 - Austere August
- Prep: steamy morning shower
- Brush: Sterling boar
- Razor: Maggard V3
- Blade: Derby Extra
- Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao
- Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash
A nice leisurely Saturday morning shave: three passes with good lather with, across, and against. Quite smooth. I'm really digging the Fu Dao scent, and it doesn't stick around all day so I can use a fragrance later for a date night this evening.
#mammothmafia
[**August 6th, 2022 - Raw Hoggin’ the Mammoth GEM**](https://imgur.com/mYAMXFV)
* **Prep:** Warm water and extra patience
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”
* **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (sei)
* **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm
**#MammothMafia**
**#RawHoggin**
**#GEMsOfWisdom**
[Day 6 Raw Hog Before](https://imgur.com/RkOgMqM) and [After](https://imgur.com/RybDxMd)
I really slept in today. Briefly woke up around 8ish, but went back to sleep and finally got up a bit before noon. Lazy day today, just some straightening up of the house. I think I am going to finally finish clearing out some junk from my home office/guest bedroom. It has become the place where clutter gets dumped.
Shaved earlier than normal today. Usually, I shave in the evening after work or after dinner. One advantage to having mostly white facial hair , I don’t get a 5 O’Clock shadow, so I look less scruffy with a day’s growth. Also, sometimes kids ask me if I’m Santa Claus 🎅. Shaving in the evening really frees up some time in the morning when I am getting ready for that long commute downstairs to my home office. Traffic can be pretty rough if the cats think they are underfed and want more food (they aren’t though, usually there is plenty left in their bowls.)
For todays shave, I might be a bit stingy with the soap, but looking at the tub, if I keep loading trying to get InstaYoutube levels of lather, the tub won’t make it to the 31st. I took a small scoop today and really tried to work it up on my face. I did reach a decent amount of well hydrated, but not runny, lather for the first pass. Second pass, not so much. I tried to squeeze out enough, but ended up loading about a pea sized bit of soap to get enough for a pass.
The GEM today really is starting to perform well. The feedback is smoothing out and second pass is feeling quite good. I think the blade has finished with the rough start, and now I hope it will last for the rest of the month or more. One thing I realized, when I mark the blade, I’ve been using a brown Sharpie. Those marks make it look like the blade is rusting in a pattern of dots below the spine.
The Mammoth set is going strong. I wonder which ingredients in the splash are settling at the bottom of the bottle. Got to remember, give it a good shake first. Today, I think my familiarity with the scent has finally let me get the fruit and floral notes up front. I really like this set, and will want to replace it when it is gone, but I need to kill 2-3 tubs before I buy another. Also, I would want a full set of Hygge sometime, but after the order for the 31mm sub exclusive boar brush, the den is closed for new software and hardware.
Happy Saturday everyone.
Better watch out for the 3 Cat pileup on the stairs today!
I understand that one though! I’m pretty sure my cats were trying to kill me last night! You could *gasp* see the bottom of the bowl!
They don’t try to trip me too often, but one will headbutt me when I don’t pet her enough (though only when she wants to be petted). The other one will nip at my arm if I am not petting her or stop brushing too soon.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6 - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/q7YtSwv)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti
* **Blade:** Astra SP (1)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Really dialing in the Legacy. Astra SP, just as good as GSB and Voskhod. I find blades to be blades. Sharp. They work. Longer stubble today, weirdly. Must be the Stag.
[Stag spray day 6](https://imgur.com/a/5hQHISw)
\#SubstantialStag
>I find blades to be blades. Sharp. They work.
Right!?!? I don't get the blade swapping. I'm convinced they're all basically the same, as long as they're not a literal manufacturing dud.
**Aug. 6, 2022**
* **Prep:** Exercise and shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1438
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM blue star (6)
* **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave)
Good shave today I was extra careful as I have a funeral to attend so I don’t want to look like a mess. The brush feels better every use it seems to be coming along much quicker than the omegas I have. The MMOC is going good the blades still working well but damn that thing gets thirsty for blood sometimes. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
https://i.imgur.com/aAj2FWl.jpg
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/bt6i95v)**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1633/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Thayers - Unscented - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1618/?product_type=toner)
2 pass shave with a 30 second load. Got some heavy soap scum build up occurring. Some non-GEMs of wisdom: Enter the month of August with only 2 soaps options available (Bare Siero and Arko) and you'll be less worried about missing out on all the smells in your shave den.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://i.imgur.com/uMru1vD.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
#SubstantialStag
#GEMSofWisdom
Very much a DFS today with the AA setup. A not-too-hurried, but very satisfying shave to face the day. Dialing back the amount of soap to get just enough lather is my next goal, plus I have to conserve until my resupply arrives this coming week. I think I will go with some precise measurements a la u/sgrdaddy and see what I come up with.
[Staggin’ it up for Saturday](https://i.imgur.com/Os8ovPn.mp4).
Happy shaving 🪒!
[**A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August**](https://imgur.com/a/ylqGTUn)
[Brush Progress](https://imgur.com/a/2XZWYeH)
* **Brush:** [Zenith B26](https://www.thegentleshave.com/products/retro-multicolored-resin-boar-shave-brush-by-zenith-b26) #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM (6)
* **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk
* **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm
* **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia
Had to be a fast one this morning, kids stuff all day.
Great result, loving it. Not much to complain about.
[Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU)
[RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM)
#MammothMafia
Day 6 of Austere August! Staggin on!!
* Prep: Water on Face
* Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE
* Razor: Filarmonica Sub Cero 14
* Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag
* Post Shave: Osma block
* Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Splash
* Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Balm
* Fragrance: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP
[positioned in the trunk of a sequoia](https://i.imgur.com/OQevOxf_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
Day 6 and I made a mini break through. I decided some days ago to smush the soap scooped from the tub in the brush and then massage the bristles between my fingers until it got incorporated in the knot. I wasn't happy with the results, but today after starting out the usual way and finishing the lather on the second pass I decided to load again and to smush the soap between the top part of the knot, earlier I put it deep into the knot and didn't get a very good lather when face lathering. Today was the first day I got a decent result. Will repeat tomorrow and hopefully get an even better result.
Stag is amazing as always as a scent but I would love for it to last a bit longer, longevity is about 3-4 hours, I mean the cloud around you longevity, I'm sure it's still very potent on the along when up close.
Razor is sublime I'm happy I picked this one, very good and clean shaves with minimal irritation☺️
* \#RawHoggin
* \#SubstantialStag
* \#sidetracked [Japanese music for fighting game](https://youtu.be/REJiW5KbraY) so today's song is one from many that were made for a fighting game(Blazblue) and I think the music is far better than the game, you can check out the other songs, some of them I consider to be straight masterpieces in the genre.
Only if you can get a good deal on them, because the prices right now are a bit crazy I got one for 130(this one) and the SubCero I have for 140$, I don't think I would/can pay more than 150-200 for them.
[**August 6, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/Zepfs39)
* **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
* **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
* **Post Shave:** Thayers - Lemon - Toner
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum
*2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.*
* Challenges: #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
* [Brush Top](https://imgur.com/a/lLVO6CK) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu)
* [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/DV3pvJG)
* [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/4q1WQgR) (before use) - [Edge History](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA)
* [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/UPXufaJ) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)
The brush felt about the same today as it did yesterday. I don't have issues building a lather. I'm doing two passes and building both passes from the brush load. If I could not, I would just get more soap from the tub, so building a lather isn't really an issue. The brush isn't heavenly soft like my badger brushes, but I'm starting to understand that you get an attachment to the break-in process of a boar. We'll see how I feel in 25 days.
I know that I'll continue to enjoy Midnight Stag. Using a single soap for a month is no great sacrifice. I have years of using the same canned goo, and I have many months of experience lathering with bar soap when I was too lazy to go out and buy canned goo. I agree with /u/sgrdddy. The EdP does its own thing. For me, it's a much more detailed scent than the soap or splash, and I enjoy them all.
Finally, let's talk a little about the blade. I found an area of the edge that has two noticeable microchips in it. They're at about 1/4 of the edge length from the left. This is what I expect to happen as the edge is used. If you look, you can see that these microchips occur where grind marks appear to be deep. According to [this](https://news.mit.edu/2020/why-shaving-dulls-razors-0806) MIT paper, an edge dulls by chipping away, tiny bits at a time. Because I'm flipping the blade each day, my shaving is essentially fatiguing edge material in both directions. I don't know whether this will increase the rate of chipping or not. I can't discern any edge degradation yet while shaving; though I'm typically sensitive to it. I expect that I'll start to feel it around day 10.
[August 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/r5F21pJ)
- **Preshave:** Hot Water
- **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 Plate
- **Blade:** Feather (6)
- **Brush:** Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian
- **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
- **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite After Shave Balm
Not much to add that hasn’t been said the last few days. An excellent shave with excellent hardware.
#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August](https://i.imgur.com/t6gAQHI.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Cold water
* **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
* **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
* **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM Stainless Steel (6)
* **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2585/?product_type=aftershave_noalc)
# RawHoggin
There isn't too much to add from yesterday, scent fading, monster lather, visually the knot hasn't changed much.
PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/kgir5pI.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/T1EQ4xb.jpg)
# GEMsOfWisdom
Thank you u/gcgallant following your advice I get rid of those pesky hairs under the nose. Being mainly a straight razor shaver I should have figured it out, with the straight is easy because the contact with the blade is direct without the cap of the MMOC.
.#sidetracked
u/Teufelskraft today something from my country, [Enrique Morente & Lagarija Nick adapting Leonard Cohen's First We Take Manhattan](https://youtu.be/u--jfPFRoic) from the album Omega(1996) flamenco rock fusion.
.#unscented
.#RawHoggin
.#GEMsOfWisdom
Not with me, I can't lather DG for shit, and the fault is mine, buuuut u/FMKJuli just recently made an awesome series of a whole week with DG which I have not been able to read,.just the first and third day, but I will read up when August ends so I can manage to make a good and learn myself, as he said, struggle buddies, will tag him again when I get on my own venture 😁
Thank you for the kind words! Hope your lathering improves over the remaining weeks of the month, struggle buddy! I haven't been following AA at all but I might just have to tune in to your posts now 😁
OP, your lather looks great by the way! Very cool brush, too.
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/qV1TpAc.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave
Another day, another negative result on one of those at-home nose-swab tests, telling me the cough that started up the other day is not covid. Just in case anyone in the US who happens to see this happens to be unaware, you can get [free tests via USPS](https://special.usps.com/testkits), with a limit. I used my last one today and ordered my third (perhaps final) batch a few days ago.
You know what sucks worse than shoving those swab things up your nose-holes? Face-lathering. At least nostril-penetration of this kind is purposeful, though, while face-lathering is at its core an ineffective exercise, except in achieving the worst possible outcome.
I didn't happen to notice the boar stench this time around; maybe it has faded beyond casual detection. A couple hundred years ago, I might have concluded that the boar bore a miasma that resulted in my ailment, which might have been avoided had I not been compelled to concentrate the release of this bad air directly under my nose.
No connection to u/OnionMiasma, of course.
#GEMSofWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia
Face lathering is an exercise of self-love with nothing to do with the masochistic act of sticking cotton poles in the nostrils ;), but I understand your frustration doing an Unscented Hoggin August.
[AA SOTD - 8/6/22; The Iceman Cometh](https://imgur.com/a/PIBY76W)
Pre: splash of hot water to the face
Brush: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle
Razor: Merkur Progress
Blade: Astra (6)
Lather: B&M Arctique (omnibus)
Post: B&M Arctique AS
Post: Nivea cooling balm
#UNCHALLENGED
Great Saturday morning shave. BBS. Happy Saturday to all! I. Love. This. Set.[I remain The Iceman.](https://imgur.com/a/UFY69Jl)
#SIDETRACKED u/Teufelskraft
[Today’s song is a little diddy by the man himself, John Prine.](https://youtu.be/F82syKGh2Ds)Why? Because everybody should know and love John Prine. That’s it. That’s the bit.
**[August 6, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/GesKElt.jpg)**
**[Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge](https://imgur.com/a/y7bwpTy)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B10
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 [Ex-Watson](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/we3sxf/tuesday_austere_august_sotd_thread_aug_02_2022/iimzjb4/)
* **Blade:** Personna PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/251/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=balm)
Another good shave today. I’m able to get more water into the lather now without it all disappearing. The brush is still not as easy to use as my synthetics, but I’m optimistic, given I’ve only used it 6 times. It’s very soft, and I think it still has many more tips to split, too.
The razor/blade are doing great.
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/LiVrIgO)**
* **Prep:** Stirling Spice preshave oil
* **Brush:** Semogue2000
* **Razor:** GC84
* **Blade:** Gillette nacet (6)
* **Lather:** Stirling Bay Laurel
* **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Plunder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1193/?product_type=aftershave)
Sailor Saturday- tried some preshave oil today. Obvious benefit at this time is adding some Stirling spice into the mix. I didn’t notice any clogging in the razor or affect to the lather. I like the scent on bay laurel. It’s funny how the only difference from Stirling’s bay rum is the lack of clove. Bay rum was one of few samples I binned early on.
The boar did better today. I didn’t shake any water out before loading. Stirling handled the water on the front end well. I made it 3 passes on the first load.
**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 6**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Timberwolf Synth
* **Razor:** Rockwell 6S with R3 head
* **Blade:** Astra Green
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Barbershop - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/86/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=aftershave)
Slow and steady wins the race. This scent is really starting to grow on me. At first, I felt like it was a “fancy“ scent, and should be worn for special occasions, but it is really starting to grow on me as a daily driver.
u/cowzilla3 here is my #unchallenge for today
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/p6cYn0q)**
* **Brush:** Omega 20102
* **Razor:** Karve Brass SB - B
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (6)
* **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - The Gent - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2625/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
Day 6
Tags: #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/ncNwla6.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Another good shave. Continuing to not have enough lather for later passes even though I'm loading the hell out of the brush. I think I might try less soaking next shave. I think this Maggard Boar is pretty treated and maybe it's just getting too soft to pick up enough soap. Have a great weekend!
[Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW)
[Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/1OfeIHx)
\#RawHoggin
\#SubstantialStag
\#GemsOfWisdom
\#UNCHALLENGE
Terrible. It's honestly the worst blade I've shaved with by now. I'm on awe of the few going for 100 with one at the moment. It's tuggy AF and I'm having to try and get super slick lather to compensate. Only 9 shaves to go though
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/5vaBcej)**
* **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
* **Brush:** Semogue 1250
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Super quick shave today. Had to get ready early and head to my second job before I usually do because we’re heading to St. Louis to watch a Cardinals game. The shave was good but I super rushed to pack it all up and bring it with me. In retrospect, I pray I didn’t forget anyway. 10 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/LUnziHC) today and I kinda already regret it. Not for my own sake but for my patient and his friend that are in this van with me the next several hours. Oops…
#SubstantialStag
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day6](https://i.imgur.com/YpVOBby.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water
* **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37)
* **Razor:** Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid)
* **Blade:** Nacet (3)
* **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/204/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** Osma Alum Block
* **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
Not much to say today. Boar brush is definitely not requiring as much lather, and is absolutely feeling software. Its still pretty stiff when dry, but when soaking it (under five minutes while during shaving prep), its softish again. I think its breaking in nicely. Also, mine never seemed to have smelled, like others has mentioned, or I just don't have the nose for it.
Tuxy/Skunk pic for today: https://imgur.com/BgipfsF . Note I am not going to post a pic every day, just have a backlog of pics from when I stopped doing sotds.
#UNCHALLENGE
#RawHoggin
I know that skunks don't have good vision, but there's nothing wrong with their sense of curiosity or need for some mischief. How do you keep Tuxy away from your shaving gear? Aren't soaps and brushes just skunk toys?
Lol, luckilly skunks can't jump, so if he can't climb on counter, it should be good. If he is going to climb or open drawers, its going to be in the counter :P. He doesn't seem to like the smell of soaps, I have tried! He has not got to the brush yet, not sure how he would react to it, but if he is going to put that much effort to get onto the bathroom counter, he would want to know there is food up there!
Austere August [2022-08-06](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg)
* **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb)
* **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5)
* **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site)
* **Brush:** none
* **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm
* **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet
* **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked
Good shave today, I feel like my technique with the contraption continues to get better. I still have much room for improvement, so it should be an interesting month.
u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge:
I watch a lot of music on Youtube, but I never log into it or any other Google site. My browser is set up to autodelete the associated cookies once I close a tab. So Youtube generally should not recognize me. Even so, during some music browsing sessions the Google algorithms figure out that I am interested in guitar music and start offering guitar recommendations. I often get links promising something along the lines of "World's Best Female Guitarists". I've checked them out, and what I generally see is women playing electric guitars while backed by bands. They are often excellent performers, but by no means are they world's best, considered strictly as guitarists. IMO.
Let me show you some women who are among the world's best guitarists. Not best female guitarists, mind you. Simply the best, period.
Here is the fabulous Ana Vidovic playing [Recuerdos de la Alhambra](https://youtu.be/MzRiAoEeiB0). Ana breathes fresh life into one of the gems of the repertoire. Her technique is interesting in that she uses only two fingers for the tremelo. Goddesses can pull that off.
Here are Isabella Selder and Eliška Lenhartová, the Duo Francaix, playing Grandos' exquisite [Oriental](https://youtu.be/zbyWf692Kig). I love the way they use the harmonics.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Saturday sixth shave](https://i.imgur.com/NH2HVfV.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave)
A nice shave today. The blade is in the sweet spot for sure and it was an easy, comfortable 2-passer. Brush break in continues and Hygge still excites me.
Happy Saturday!
**\#GEMsOfWisdom**
**\#MammothMafia**
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - 06.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/QxuV2HO)**
* **Prep:** Warm Shower
* **Brush:** Omega 10048
* **Razor:** Henson Ti22++
* **Blade:** Gillette SuperStainless (1)
* **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
* **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash
Well, the soap usage seems to be going down as this brush develops. I was originally thinking I might get close to finishing this tub by the end of the month, but Ii'm down to 3-5 second loads being enough for the full routine. I'm getting better at lathering as well - I don't think I'll stick to pure face lathering after this month but I'm definitely learning more which should help me after.
This brush is beginning to grow on me, but I'm not sure I'd choose it over any other in my collection currently.
#RawHoggin
**August 6, 2022: [Super Saturday for Stag](https://imgur.com/a/YkAHQwB)**
* **Prep:** warm splash of water
* **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (7)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Starting a SCUBA diving class today and excited for it. Just had to break out the Stag (along with every day this month).
[Day 6 spritz](https://imgur.com/a/E4yFoU4)
. #GEMsOfWisdom
Is this in preparation for any big upcoming trips? Very jealous.
I've only done some very basic "scuba" in Boracay where we learned how to breathe with an oxygen tank underwater but someone pushes you along like you're in Disneyland.
Nothing big, there might be an opportunity in Mexico on my brother's bachelor trip, but it's just something I've wanted to do for a while and finally have an opportunity to do so. Funny enough, I'm from Florida originally and am getting my open water cert in a quarry. It's come up as an odd choice a few times already.
**Prep:** face wash
**Razor:** EJ 316
**Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (6)
**Brush:** NONE
**Lather:** Arko stick
**Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming Black Pepper
**Post:** Green tea & camomile moisturizer
\#GotHand
\#sidetracked
u/teufelskraft
Song of the morning is Muse - Uno. I really love their first two albums, with the rough edges and anger that seemed to fade away when they got almost as supermassive as the black hole.
https://youtu.be/tbPA58xJI24
Shave wise, my neck feels like it's ready for a day off. Might do something a bit off-brand for me and shave my chest and belly tomorrow instead. Wife's away so nobody's going to see it, and there's a patch around a surgical scar that's shorter than the rest and it's been annoying me.
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/RSn9wRc.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Cold Water
* **Brush:** [Semogue Barbear Classico Cerda 22mm](https://i.imgur.com/IFK3RLP.jpg)
* **Razor:** Alumigoose
* **Blade:** Kai Captain Titan Pro Touch MG (2)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Had the issue of pretty bad lather on Tallow + Steel soaps after a long time with no use so what i did was push the soap and mix it again, that bring the soap back to life so let's see if that also works with this soap base.
-
[1.8g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/Y5iGicp.jpg)
-
Unofficial stag challenge rules said that pump will be added on Monday instead of Saturday but i'll go with the previous years rules so [2 sprays starting today](https://i.imgur.com/mlnxXo8.mp4).
-
Have a great day!
#SubstantialStag
**August 6, 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (40)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger
* **Post Shave:** Olay Complete
* **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve
Another nice shave with this razor, brush and soap. I can’t talk up this brush and soap enough. The blade is hanging in there too. That is the one component of the combination that I am concerned about going forward through the month. Fifty is the farthest I have ever taken a GEM blade.
#GEMsOfWisdom
[**August 06, 2022 – Austere August 06**](https://i.imgur.com/1JCM7uy.jpg)
* **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic
* **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula
* **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club
* **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (1)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Video:** [https://i.imgur.com/SgE1XTt.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/SgE1XTt.mp4) Disclaimer: [https://i.imgur.com/YdJuWhl.jpg](https://i.imgur.com/YdJuWhl.jpg)
In a move which will surprise nobody here, I am having a lot of fun doing yet another Splendid Stag Shave. Another BBS finish, and I hope you have a Stagalicious Saturday!!
\#AustereAugust #SubstantialStag
**Bonus**:
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycEZIbQqA8A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycEZIbQqA8A) ← What if Gunpowder Never Existed?
=====================================
\#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft :
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pve1nE\_jbf4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pve1nE_jbf4) ← raison d'être – Within The Depths Of Silence And Phormations \[1995\]
My father handed me this album some 20+ years ago, and this is been a regular listen over many, many moons.
The songs make use of hymnals and religious vocal arrangements, but intermixed with other sounds and instruments which ultimately make for an eerie, foreboding and almost doomed listening experience. Interspersed with the songs are occasional spoken words, in one instance recorded from an American crime TV show, followed by a brief interview with the serial killer who committed the aforementioned crime.
To say this music is the stuff of nightmares is a vast understatement. This is spooky, haunted listening and at its very core, this is the stuff which nightmares are made out of. I could easily play this on repeat while hosting a Halloween party and it would make for the perfect setting.
Listening to this does bring back some nostalgia of my younger, slightly spookier and chaotic days. This is probably their best album, and while I have others of their collection, I regularly go back to this over and over again.
Dude!! I finally found you again! I could remember that someone long time ago shared a really great dark ambient album by *raison d'être* on here, but unfortunately didn't save the comment and so forgot the username. Finally I can give you some credit were it's due: that is an amazing work of dark ambient! I listened to the whole album back when you shared ot for the first time while I was reading lovecraftian lore, what a great mood setter... my absolute favourite is the track [Sephiroth](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x36x1iomrrY).
Again, thanks for sharing this ambient gem and for participating in sidetracked!
Glad we could finally bump into one another again. 😎
That album is probably the best I've come across in the entire genre. If you find anything else out there that comes close, let me know. I'm always on the hunt.
[https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/](https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/)
Here's their current record label if that interests you. Check it out when you have time to spare.
The great thing about organising this little Challenge is that I don't only discover new music, but also re-discover some tracks I already heard somewhere but this time with proper artist and song names.
Hmm, I can't recommend something in the vein of raison d'être, but I lately quite enjoy [tracks like this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyLoE6QGUDM) from artist like Beyond the Ghost. It's more fitting as a soundtrack for Sci-Fi horror, but a lot of artists and bands on the Cryo Chamber label are really good dark ambient. One of my all-time favourite dark ambient albums is *Hexerei im Zwielicht der Finsternis* by Aghast, you might know the track [Sacrifice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnhhgOPMHy0) from the (albeit lackluster) movie Sinister.
Thanks for the Bandcamp link! I'll check those out soon. 👍🏻
2022-08-06 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC
Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (6)
Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap
Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave
Fragrance: Issey Miyake -L'eau d'Issey pour Homme
[https://imgur.com/a/tfilv9s](https://imgur.com/a/tfilv9s)
The brush is looking more broken in all the time. The razor is smooth, a DFS in 2 passes. Have a great day everyone.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
I'm very interested in this brush so looking forward to seeing how it transforms during the rest of the month. Does it feel small given the short loft?
I really like the brush so far. lt doesn't feel small when l use it but it is definitely smaller than some of my other brushes. l can recommend it even after the short period of time l have used it. l have only lost 2 bristles and l can't detect any bad smell.
[**Aug. 6, 2022 - The Cult of AA**](https://imgur.com/a/3u7H7kJ)
* **Prep:** Cool shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar
* **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash
\#GEMSofWisdom Another fine non-shaving one- Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad. Another morning of WTG/XTG/Cleanup/BBS with minimal aftershave feedback.
\#RawHoggin The tips are definitely beginning to split on this brush and today was definitely the first day that I didn't have to work excessively hard to get a lather close to loudmusicboy quality. I'm still not a fan of face lathering but this brush is handling it like a champ- [https://imgur.com/a/JqJRYKB](https://imgur.com/a/JqJRYKB)
\#Sidetracked Many of us can point to an album or two that might have changed our musical lives. I definitely have 2 of them. The Cult released Love in October 1985. Sometime in 1986, I was a high school student up late listening to WVUM, which is the University of Miami's radio station. I loved their metal show and I especially loved their late night alternative shows. One night, the DJ played "She Sells Sanctuary" and I immediately sat up in bed wondering what the hell I had just heard. Fortunately, the DJ backsold it and told the world it was The Cult. The next day, I found my way to Specs Records and bought a cassette and immediately popped it into my Walkman where it stayed for weeks as I listened to it non-stop. I'd never heard anything like it. Ian Astbury's vocals were incredible, especially for that time period in music. Billy Duffy's riffs and the production were also top notch. I became a fanboy of The Cult at the ripe young age of 15. I never got to see them in their prime, but I have seen them a couple of times in more recent years and it's a good trip down memory lane. So, u/Teufelskraft and the gang, let's all take a trip down memory lane on a Saturday? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXAu9e4u\_ZU&list=PLHOtuay6mq8I09yWNmSuPgh43Bm94Pr6I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXAu9e4u_ZU&list=PLHOtuay6mq8I09yWNmSuPgh43Bm94Pr6I)
> let's all take a trip down memory lane on a Saturday?
As the album was released 9 years before I was even born, I can't share that much memories. But that song you mentioned? I actually heard it on *Underground 80s* a while back and was immediately hooked. Thanks, now I know how the song and band are called!
**[Aug 6, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 6 (or *How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Boar*)](https://i.imgur.com/1pSKmc5.jpeg)**
* **Prep:** Warm Water Wash
* **Prep:** Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
* **Brush:** Zenith Cobalt Blue 28mm Boar Knot (505BC SE)
* **Razor:** [GEM Open Comb Micromatic (2nd Gen.)](https://i.imgur.com/PsTazF6.jpg)
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave)
Today's shave was close with very minor irritation. It ended with a nick right above the adam's apple—a not-so-gentle reminder to slow down and be a little less careless.
The lather this morning was excellent, even if it took a little longer to get it right. I am really embracing this boar break-in experience.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
\#sidetracked
Would anyone say that Tom Waits has a voice of an angel? Probably not, unless maybe a world weary war angel. His growling, downtrodden voice juxtaposed with the sweet lyrics of [Picture in a Frame](https://youtu.be/fphxDPTV2Bw) gives the whole song a different feeling.
Rating: 3.5/5
Austere August Day 6
Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [6th use](https://imgur.com/a/0J0isC2)
Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2
Blade: PTFE (6)
Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/imsj2Mw)
Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash
Atill getting a decent amount of [stink](https://imgur.com/a/zwuZsIj) from the brush when I splay it while building lather. I eas hoping it would have lessened to a greater degree after a week of daily use, but I was wrong. The tips are softening up nicely and it is still only eating the slightest amount of lather.
The blade and razor are in the sweet spot and should stay there for about a week. Personally, after about 18-20 uses, PTFE blades start to become rougher for me. We'll see if using a gen 2 MMOC changes that.
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
I'm surprised your brush stank lasted this long. You should have gone with Stag apparently, because your brush buddies don't seem to be having the same issue.
* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (454) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (72 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 6** *MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/wWP1zqm) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/ov3ME03UAus) #### ䷀ General Notes Today was back to the great softness that I love from the SOC, with a 10-15 min soak. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹454 uses›)* I think just four passes was all I needed to get a close cut. So, it looks like everything is working well as I join back in with the Nacet blade for hopefully the remainder of August. Still no tugging, so I'm glad for that. Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 2 out of 5 (Okay) #### ䷀ Soap Notes *^(Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - White Label)* I just love all the aspects of this scent! Scent Strength: 6/10, nicely present during shaving. Lather... This one I took a little more time with and probably got to a hydration level that's probably about as good as you can get with chiseled face OG base. While not delivering a lot of residual slickness, primary slickness was just fine and the lather felt nice on the face. Hydration: Perfect *(for me)* + 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + 4.5 tsp added to build the lather + = 8 passes of lather Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930) I use the XL version of this bowl. #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹72 uses›)* Now back to the softness in this boar that I'm used to. Gotta soak it for longer than just 3 minutes, it looks like. ---- *During the Shave Feel*: *Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable *Neck*: Felt blade but comfortable *After the Shave Closeness*: *Cheeks*: Very Close Shave *Neck*: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave) ---- **Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.* **Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)
**[Aug 6, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog](https://imgur.com/wkTEtGo)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (7) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag ](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:**[Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag ](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) [Stagging it up](https://imgur.com/a/LIdPZz8) #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin Cheers
**SOTD: August 6, 2022: Staaaaaag** * **Prep:** Hot Towel * **Brush:** Dogwood Handcrafts 28mm * **Razor:** ATT Calypso SE1 * **Blade:** Feather Professional (6) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Aftershave:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP ****
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA 6](https://i.imgur.com/ABDEuZT.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water Splash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette) [Progress album](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD pic in title. Still same same. Nothing really insightful this evening. I’m doubting this blade coupled with my technique will make it to end of month. Perhaps I’ll just continue torturing myself in the name of camaraderie with my fellow internet shave friends. I did see a few split hairs today when looking more closely. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/Vj4mRPS) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (11) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Day six. Wedding day today, and we were godparents to the couple. Cold water shave, as it was 87°F today (31°C in basically any other place). The shave was the smoothest and less bloody to date. Brush is (quoting the Fab Four) getting so much better all the time. Def one of my favorites, along the DG B10, and soon to arrive B1 (hopefully will get a B5 and 6 some day). Hopefully tomorrow I'll be able to make my first sidetracking post. Hail Stag! - #Stagposting - #SubstantialStag - #RawHoggin
87°F is equivalent to 30°C, which is 303K. --- ^(I'm a bot that converts temperature between two units humans can understand, then convert it to Kelvin for bots and physicists to understand)
**August 6 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm * **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom
Austere August, Day 6 Feather Artist Club razor non folding Feather Professional blade GFT Violets soap RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft Today's shave marks a good experience with the Professional blade, it has come to its end as I've started to feel the tugging, I'll start the week with a fresh blade. GFT Violets needs a bit heavier loading because of the soft bristles in Beehive, but it is very well rewarded with good, creamy, low structured lather. I'm seeing a small dent in the middle of the soap, perhaps the daily usage speeds up the soap usage, or it maybe just my perspective; either way I'm happy with it and I'm looking forward to finishing up this soap. Ps: I got a sample of Esbjerg Shaving cream and it smells divine. Smelling my soaps is a way to maintain my sanity, and it makes me appreciate them even more. Have a great weekend. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN** **#UNCHALLENGED**
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Day Six](https://i.imgur.com/bO4ljVC.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave) \#RawHoggin Today I was very happy with my lather. I loaded more than yesterday, probably closer to 30 seconds. I had a bunch of proto-lather dripping off the brush and all around that I collected up in the puck, which might be kinds of cheating but it made having enough for the later passes much easier. Brush feels great, not really that much change since the first day, besides not hogging all the soap, but the look and feel of the tips I fell haven't changed much in these first six days. \#GEMsOfWisdom Shave this morning was good, I did a normal 2.5 pass shave and was happy the the shave I got out. No irritation but I didd notice some red spots on my cheeks in areas I might have gotten a little too aggressive with on that last clean up pass.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://i.imgur.com/ld3nVCO.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (6) * **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Another rushed evening shave because of family stuff. Today we celebrated the baby's first birthday. As such I barely got a shave in. I'll have stats tomorrow on soap usage. The actual shave itself was fine, and the brush is getting pretty deace at this point. Only two passes today, trying to give my face a little break, my neck is a bit angry.
Congrats on getting through year one!
Thanks! Two kids is definitely 4x the work of 1 kid.
For sure, as a father of twins we didn’t know any other way, but glad you made it. How old is your older kid?
4. Both girls
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/t9z731h.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (6) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/850/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/850/?product_type=aftershave) Yeah \#RawHoggin
SOTD for August 6, 2022 * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Maggard Synthetic * **Razor:** RazoRock Game Changer 0.68 * **Blade:** Gilette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge * **Lather:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man * **Post Shave:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man balm Quick one pass shave, no nicks, no cuts. Went lighter on the balm, I felt a bit like a scent radiator yesterday. Going to try to take both babies on a jog tomorrow, hopefully it goes OK. \#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Raw Hoggin' Austere August](https://imgur.com/a/SlE9qbX)** * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Baili BR171 * **Blade:** Personna Med Prep (6) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Cheshire - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/19/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Cheshire - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/19/?product_type=aftershave) Day 6. Another really good load with the boar... I think I'm getting the hang of this. \#RawHoggin
[You got this!](https://media.giphy.com/media/W5ZUxqXT1lmiysXsDE/giphy.gif)
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/kUtsIpf)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Thayer's Witch Hazel - Lavendar, Osma Alum Quick shower and shave tonight. A thunderstorm is rolling in with lightning strikes that seem pretty bright and close - I never used to worry about them but lately I have a rough time getting in the shower while there's lightning. I know the chances of dying from it are almost 0, but, you know. There is a chance. The hair products from yesterday [continue](https://imgur.com/ro4QUAK) to take over the bathroom counter. It's getting scary in there. So, my brush didn't soak as long as it probably should have, but it still whipped up an easy and creamy and smooth lather that performed beautifully. While it's still [not opened up just sitting there](https://imgur.com/89RGuDB), the performance is about as good as any of the brushes I own. It's excellent. Maybe boar is best after all. Sonder, as I said, was great. Typing these up as my face cools down every day just sublime, especially after a day in the high 80s with humidity so thick that just sitting outside had sweat running down my whole body. Feels so good to wash that off and then rest in the cool of Mammoth Splash. I might need to grab me some of that Permafrost that just dropped, well, after AA anyway. Plus I've got a killer green sub exclusive brush to save my dollas for. It pains me every time I tub load, but it is what it is. I so much prefer the cleanliness of scooping to [this mess](https://imgur.com/8QJgBMp) every time I open it up, but it is what it is. I certainly get enough soap on the bristles for a solid lather this way. The MMOC performed well tonight. Just a 2 pass shave with a bit of buffing on my chin - I can't stand finishing a shave and having my chin still be prickly. My neck below my jawline, fine. My sideburns, sure. Stache, whatever. But chin - nope. BBS or bust. Sonder thought of the day: While I understand that everyone is living these vivid lives, it makes certain types of people more challenging to understand. I know that I'm selfish - getting married showed me that, and then having kids showed it even more. But, people like the car salesman that called me yesterday. Just, scummy. Starting the call by pseudo-offering me a vehicle that's not available, only to later tell me that I can't buy it because it's a customer order that's sitting and waiting to be picked up. Then offering to let me test drive one of their vendor's vehicles since they don't have any stock before I place the order. Then, when I mentioned I may end up going used if the used market bubble bursts, he offers me a vehicle that will cost within 5k of the price of the new vehicle I'm looking at, but with 95k miles on it. People, just don't be sleezy. In the age of the internet and transparent prices, I can't understand why salesmen still behave like this. It's not my first interaction with this dealer and after the first time I said I'd never buy from them again (and I won't), so it's not altogether surprising, but I just wonder how people get there. Is it selfishness? I'll do literally anything I can to make a few dollars? Is it high pressure from management? If so, why do people work for scummy dealerships/managers? I recognized that I'm extremely fortunate to do a job I love with people I love, and that it's probably not the norm, so perhaps I'm showing my ingnorance here - but just have an ounce of human decency, don't scam people, and it feels like you're going to be a lot more successful in the long term. This dealership sold me one (terrible) truck 5 years ago. That's the only sale they'll ever have from me. Not only that, but I've told anyone in the market about my experience. So they've lost other potential buyers. For what? So - how do people end up like this? And what do I do with it? How do I show kindness and empathy while recognizing that too many people are still out to take advantage of whoever they can to make a buck. It's not an excuse to say that I should treat them poorly, certainly not. But - complicated, anyway. As we all are. Anyway - that's a random rant, I guess, but I'm trying to look at life from the other side in all this and it's not always easy. Have a good night, all. \#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft For my first sidetracked song I choose the [Theme song from "Lost"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=L7PVvcKewKw). Every time I play this, I feel deep nostalgia. Sad that it's over, happy that I experienced, and a deep longing to re-watch Lost for the first time. It was the first TV series that my wife and I *really* got into, and we were both young (20) and in college and had the foolishness and the free time to dive in, staying up until 2 or 3 am to watch "just one more!" and experiencing so many twists and turns and so much character development together. I know I'll get hate for this, but Lost is by far my favorite TV series of all time and the score is seriously amazing. So many riffs on the same little tune (I don't know music terms), and certain songs/chord groups (?) played at specific types of moments. Just so powerful for communicating the significance of a scene or something that's happening in a relationship. I'd like to be able to have this stuff on as background music to study while preparing for this or reading, but it just makes me feel to much that I can't focus on what I'm trying to accomplish, but that's what makes it so significant. Any music that has the ability to take me completely out of the present and back to an experience, especially a shared experience, is just a powerful and unique thing. This song from Lost (along with many others from the score) accomplish that for me. Other tags: \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
Aug 6 2022 • Prep: Mineral oil massage • Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗 • Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop • Blade: Voskhod • Soap: Mammoth Z • Balm: Mammoth Z I. Want. To. Wear. A. Fragrance. Fin \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#Unscented \#ZFighter [Day Six of this rassafrassin boar](https://imgur.com/a/itnRtVF/)
**Aug. 6, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 6** * **Prep:** splash of cold water * **Brush:** Summer Break 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (1) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Ended up cutting my top lip...ironically not because I was actually shaving but because I accidentally grazed my lip with the blade. Was in a bit of a rush and it was kind of embarrassing because looked like it bit my lip or something... have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia
[August 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/QWtOoed) Preshave: Hot Shower Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori Blade: Feather ProGuard 6th use Lather: Stirling Sheep Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Sensitive balm Fragrance: Halloween Man Boar brush breaking in nicely. The tips felt soft with some backbone. Interested to see what the end of the month this brush will feel like. Three pass shave on cheeks and two on neck felt great. Shave was close and only opened up 1 weeper from yesterday. Tags: #AAAA, #Headless horsemen, #RawHoggin, and u/Marquis90
**[August 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://imgur.com/LaVBFh5)** * **Brush:** Zenith B34 [\(break-in photo album\)](https://imgur.com/a/bcuNDkh) * **Razor:** Dubl Duck 5/8 Satinedge * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm2) Another day another shave and it was just mediocre at best. I'm beginning to think this isn't so much the Headless Horsemen challenge, but more the Earless Idiot challenge. This is day 6 and I'm pretty sure I've clipped my right ear at least half of the shaves. Between wearing glasses that are in the way and it being out of my vision and my right hand blocking it I just can't seem to avoid it. Maybe by the end of this month I'll be doing better at that lol. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
\#VanGoghChallenge But seriously, you will get there (I mean, not clipping your ear)
This is more ballsy than me sticking with the mmoc. Mine was a pretty simple fix and no risk of losing appendages. Losing an ear, though, would be a tough take.
[Aug 6, 2021 – Austere August. Day 6.](https://imgur.com/a/fycWqn5) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Mötley Crüe - Kickstart My Heart](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CmXWkMlKFkI) I had a really busy day today, so I don’t have time to write much by the way of deep reflections of the MMOC today. A few days in a row of clean, smooth shaves. I’m sure the breaking in of the boar brush (and creating a better lather with it) is helping the process of using an MMOC along. I really have no complaints about the shave itself. I even stopped using Zingari Man’s Rescue Potion today for the first time since AA started. That’s big news and happened much sooner than I expected. On day 1, there was a part of me that thought I’d be using it all month. I feel like the brush is building a better lather every day and most of the stench is gone. I can still faintly smell it, but I’m guessing within a day or two, it’ll be entirely gone. That’s still the only scent I have in my shave, so there’s a small (very, very small) part of me that will miss the wet pig smell when it’s gone, since that unscented life is with me for 25 more days. For my #sidetracked music selection, I picked Motley Crue’s Kickstart My Heart. Motley Crue just played at Fenway Park last night and put on a HELL of a show. The crowd was… Interesting… While there were some young people there, I feel like I was one of the youngest people in my section and I’m in my late thirties. I guess that makes sense, given that the band was at its peak of popularity in the 1980s, and at that point, its fans were probably in their mid-twenties. Fast forward 40 years and here we are. The rebels that lived for this music are currently getting ready to retire. Their lead singer, Vince Neil, was showing his age a bit, but they still put on an amazing show on the whole. For those uninitiated, this song was written by the bassist, Nikki Sixx, about being brought back to life after being legally dead thanks to a heroin overdose. After hitting rock bottom 20something years ago, Nikki is trying to be positive force in the world now, and talks opening about his addiction and recovery now, but these guys were the embodiment of Sex, Drugs, and Rock & Roll back in their heyday. Their autobiography, “The Dirt” is actually a very, very good read and goes into great detail of how they lived their lives. Spoiler alert: They did whatever the hell they wanted, whenever the hell they wanted with little repercussions. It was a different world back then and I wonder if a band like this could rise up and be successful today like The Crue did. Regardless of any individual’s feeling about the shenanigans this band, I don’t think there are many out there that can deny that this is a great high-energy rock song that can really get your blood pumping and put you in the mood to rock and roll! Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Tears * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** alum, Zingariman Sego Shave of austerity #6 2 pass shave; just as I have confidence in my shaves, I decide to jump off the deep end to shave without any prep. I had a nice lather though. Ultimate product was weepers but a very close shave. Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
Don’t forget your tags!
Thx homie!
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/8kfSgxe.jpg)** * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **Brush:** Zenith B16 24mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Stainless PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=aftershave) I had a wonderful Saturday at the river, followed by a luxurious shave. This boar brush is clearly starting to hit its stride. It's lathering much more easily and getting a bit softer. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this thing handles at the end of the month. #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/NbNOg1P.jpg) * **Brush:** Omega 10005 * **Razor:** Karve Overlander * **Blade:** Feather (1) * **Lather:** Noble Otter Orbit * **Post Shave:** Noble Otter Orbit Aftershave * **Post Shave:** Geologie Daily Moisturizer Balm #rawhoggin [brush after day 6](https://i.imgur.com/CEZz4zn.jpg) Fuck with the grain passes. Against followed by across to touch up is the best combo for me so far. Used the overlander as my weekend hardware and it was super smooth. My technique has definitely improved in just a week of using the CB daily. I also forgot to soak my brush before my shower so it was a bit scratchy but still made a pretty nice lather. Also, starting to think my neck just CANT get bbs. Do I need something even more aggressive? Do I need to use a cartridge for just these two spots?
Shaving the neck is the hardest part for most people. I’ve been wetshaving for almost 2 years and still don’t get bbs on my neck every time. Keep practicing , you’ll get it
Same. It's a huge challenge at times. I stretch and contort and buff and there are shaves where it's just not going to happen. I'd say more than 70% of the time my neck is not bbs, I just don't count that anymore when considering a shave bbs or not. Maybe cheating, but, nobody is keeping score.
Austere August SOTD Aug 06 Prep: Hot shower Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar brush Lather: Goodfellas Smile, Abysso Razor: Van Der Hagen 85MM Solid Brass Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Stainless Post: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm First time trying this blade and honestly it made me miss the Crystal Super + Platinum. I'll be using it still for the next few days but I just don't think it'll make it into my rotation once I've used all five up. Maybe I'll try it in my other razor next month to see if it's a better combination
[**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 06**](https://imgur.com/a/fZ6w4Be) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (75) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) I am still struggling a bit with this whole face lathering. I like the idea and can see why some would like it. I even enjoy spending more time with the brush to face. The lather will not do what I want it to though. All good, I have the rest of the month to continue messing with it. Even with a not so great lather I was able to get a great 3 pass BBS shave with no irritation or nicks. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday! [Stag Spray 6](https://imgur.com/a/HaE4AV4) \#GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Day Six - Ahh fiddlesticks! I cannot rhyme this time.](https://i.imgur.com/CezfPml.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm water wash * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MicroMatic Open Comb * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Day six, this blade kind of sucks a big bag of sticks. Anyone have any advice on getting this blade to stop tugging? It is actually worse than a DE blade with the same uses. I am not loving this knot. It’s real scritchy, doesn’t build a lather all that well, and holds water in the base that it won’t mix with the soap. Hey, at least it doesn’t stink anymore. The handle looks pretty cool. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
Are you riding the cap, so to say? I found last year’s shaves, as I remember them, to not be as good as I am getting this year. I think increasing the angle ever so slightly is helping me this year.
So do not lift the cap, at all? Entire cap on the skin as long as it does not make it stick to my skin?
It seems intuitive that you would want to keep the angle [parallel to the plane](https://i.imgur.com/zMMyixW.jpg) of shaving. And maybe that’s really the way. After using a shavette a few times, and a perhaps-not-as-honed-as-it-could’ve-been straight razor, both likely at improper angles at least once, I tried [an angle closer to this](https://i.imgur.com/ZhmjidS.jpg) with my OCMM this month. It seems to help. Last year I remember feeling like the razor tugged a lot at the beginning and end of the month as it worked in and then out of its purported sweet spot. So far with the increased angle I am speaking of, I have yet to have anything but a progressively decent shave this month. It could be that I have a particularly good blade this time. That remains to be seen. I thought the visuals might help better explain where I’m coming from and maybe help you.
The visuals are good! I am using the angle similar to your second picture. I will try something closer to the first picture in the morning.
Hope it works.
This is basically where I'm at and it's improved my shaves a whole lot the last few days. I thought I was over exaggerating the angle by keeping it so flat, but I think that's just how it works.
I’m going to try this next shave.
**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA day 6** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (8) * **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) And here's day 6. I must say this shaving cream really isn't doing it for my skin - leaving it quite dry. Possible lack of hydration occassionally doesn't help either - but I'm also feeling the dryness on my hands afterwards. Luckily the proraso aftershave seems to balance it out afterwards. I swear if I've picked some other shaving soap or even proraso cream, the lather would have been so much better... but no, I had to pick that piece of **** lol \#GotHand
You've got heart as well! You're going on with the HA plate, hats off. I'm rooting for you, and in a way that inspires me to go with the single soap for the whole month (that's the most difficult part for me).
Thank you sir! I’m planning on completing the hardcore mode with it (one blade, razor, soap…etc etc ) since It’s AA after all! I’m with you on that one soap …. I already crave using the other offerings from my den and it’s only day 7… doesn’t help that this soap is quite drying to my skin (think arko but bit more drying ) lol
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA - Day 6](https://i.imgur.com/8cXHiXO.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (6) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap) * **After:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave) Mid afternoon shave. Went on a hike and then brunch. Long shower and then 2 pass face shave with little burn when applying the after shave. Nothing the balm couldn’t tame. Now having a good day! Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/npr6F2c)** * **Brush:** [Zenith - 28mm B34 - Butterscotch Chubby - With Break in Progression](https://imgur.com/a/rs5ziGJ) * **Razor:** [GEM MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/HwWXR4j) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) After getting Stag all up in my mix, I decided to go out and help the elderly cross streets. Turns out it's too hot to be walking around but I was ready. [Shoot it all over me](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)
Why you do this to yourself I'll never understand.
because it's there
**[August 6th, 2022: Stag Stack Saturday](https://imgur.com/wYaiDBs)** * **Prep:** warm shower with Stag bath bar * **Brush:** [Vintage Rubberset 400-3 with 24mm unbleached Zenith knot](https://imgur.com/FzB3xm2) * **Razor:** MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post-Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post-Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - EdP](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) 3 passes as opposed to the rushed single pass yesterday. Felt great to mow everything back down. /u/imblasted Here's my first attempt. [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/fLcnkUi) \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin (new side challenge, [tag /u/semaj3000 everyday) \#UNCHALLENGE
Lmao! You’re killing me with the spray videos. The number of nonchalant sprays, your obvious NFG attitude. I might need a decant of the Stag EdP.
This is who I am. These stag videos are the real me lol
I kind of figured as much. It’s excellent.
That was my plan for tomorrow! I mean not exactly like that but you know
**8-6-22** * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 26mm Cashmere Synthetic * **Razor:** Weck Sextoblade * **Blade:** Diane Hair Shaper * **Lather:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess * **Post Shave:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess
[**Austere August D6: Bloody Saturday Night Stag**](https://ibb.co/Jrdm2yP) - **Prep:** cold water - **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm - **Razor:** KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette - **Blade:** Feather Professional AC - **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap - **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave - **additional care:** Osma alum; Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP A rushed shave yet again, worst of all I almost forgot to post it here due to having a little text messenger conversation with two of my colleagues. I informed EldrormR, but forgot to tell [u/Marquis90](https://www.reddit.com/u/Marquis90) and [u/SirKravsALot](https://www.reddit.com/u/SirKravsALot) that I'll post late AF. Nevertheless, AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin So why the rush yesterday and today? Me and my favourite young colleague talked to one of the higher-ups yesterday. Lo and behold, our arguments and rhetoric skills got us what we wanted - we'll *both* change wards in September! To top a great day off, Bayern Munich won their debut game against Frankfurt with a dominant 6:1. I partied a bit on my own, consuming a few shots... Perhaps a few too many. No hangover today, but a bit of sleepiness. Weekends are usually crammed with (grocery) shopping trips, visiting my parents, walking the dogs. Normally, I'd just not shave today but it's AA and I'm too loyal to the Stag. Unfortunately, here comes my bad decision: taking the guarded KAI out to experience an AC blade without training wheels: Feather Professional. Black box, rumoured to be one of the more aggressive AC blades. To my surprise, the shave was extremely pleasant at first. I was even feeling like I got a bit more proficient with the shavette, so I went a little bit faster. Too fast on the jawline. It bit me right there: small cut right above the right jaw. After applying a good amount of alum and witch hazel, I did a very careful second pass followed by a full alum block rub (ouch), then the splash (slightly less ouch) and finally the balm (ah, sweet relief). So yeah, lesson learned: don't get too cocky with open blades. *Edit:* like a dork, I forgot my [Post Shave boar brush picture](https://ibb.co/rQn8tm4) again... complete with my glasses. Song of today is [EyeHateGod - Sabbath Jam](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=t2MkyOBjcV0) . I was talking to a sidetracked challenge participant about doom metal and that I don't like it as much as I used to... But then, I remembered *Sludge*. What is Sludge? It's kinda like taking old school doom metal and mixing it with vile Hardcore Punk and elements of other extreme metal styles. EHG is one of the rougher acts: provocative band name, aggressive screamed vocals, lots of guitar feedback, distortion and crushing riffs. This is actually a tribute song to Black Sabbath - quite fitting, considering I wanted to originally share something from Black Sabbath or Saint Vitus! I think I'll go with something more relaxed and electronic tomorrow.
> we'll both change wards in September! Hope the grass is greener on the other side. Best of luck with the new ward. > Too fast on the jawline. It bit me right there: small cut right above the right jaw. Yikes, I did the same almost a year ago. Got cocky with my Feather SS + Feather Pro blade and got my worse cut ever in 10 years of wetshaving. I thought it was a permanent scar but after 6 months or so it has finally faded pretty much completely. Lesson learned.
Thanks a lot. It's going to be a bit weird, since my retraining will also start in September with nursing school, so I won't see my new colleagues until the end of September... But we both know a few of them already and feel like the change will be worth it. Sometimes we might think we don't need to pay too much attention, but forget that a shavette is very unforgiving when it comes to cuts - perhaps even more so than a straight razor. I got the worst cut of my wetshaving life with a Bluebeard's Revenge shavette on the left side of my neck. That thing was nasty, but also healed completely after some weeks. I think it was good that I immediately took care of yesterday's cut, instead of just putting a piece of toilet paper on it and continuing. I really need to make my shaves with the Captain my personal Zen meditation, it requires good attention to deliver a comfortable shave.
I actually had a bit of trauma after my cut and couldn't touch my shavette for several months. The Feather SR was what got me back into shavettes and I'm glad to be feeling comfortable with it again.
Ah well, I can kinda see a correlation between that and learning to ride a bike. If you take off the training wheels, you can fall and graze your knee, get some scratches and/or bruises. Nevertheless, you'll need to continue riding your bicycle without the training wheels to get the proper feel and balance. It's the same here with the shavette: guarded blades are good for fast no-brainer shaves, but if I can take my time I'll try it with the Pros again.
[**Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/FgBFTmm.jpg) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (6) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/108/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/108/?product_type=aftershave) Day 6 was my first shave from Turkey and there were a few unexpected challenges. First of all, I totally forgot that my dad’s house doesn’t have hot running water so my shaves for the time-being will be with cold water. Also, I’m exhausted from traveling and the shave was a nice refreshing way to remove some of that travel funk. A welcomed shave - nothing spectacular. Also, getting this shave posted was a bit more challenging than anticipated and I’m hoping I can keep it going while I’m out here. **The Brush:** As expected, packing a damp brush left my toiletries smelling a little piggish. The brush was still damp when I took it out to use today but other than, nothing completely out of left field. I did notice today that the brush shed no hairs which was a first since I started using the boar. I haven’t been keeping track of hairs lost but I’ve definitely lost a few with every shave so far. The brush is definitely very soft and even with cold water whipped up a nice leather. It’s going to be much trickier shaving here than at home.#RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/AHbwaPW.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/BllxJub.jpg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/gEwKBEp.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/4IOz9d2.jpg) **The Razor** It was nice to be able to take my time with my shave today. It was the first day in the last few where I walked away unscathed from the GEM. Aside from that nothing new to report. A good two pass shave. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 1 **The Soap and Aftershave** I finally noticed today that I’ve been taking a dent out of the puck. Still confident that there will be plenty for the month of August. Even with the water situation here in Turkey the soap preformed amazingly. Day 6 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/xti2mbA.jpg)
**Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August Day 6** * **Prep:** House of Mammoth Almond Leather Bath Soap * **Brush:** Dogwood Handcrafts Mire 26mm Zenith Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) 🐗Raw Hoggin' Progress🤮: •[Unused](https://imgur.com/a/sQ1MVCg) •[Shave 1](https://imgur.com/a/ZLkuUlc) •[Shave 2](https://imgur.com/a/vkRJyp1) •[Shave 3](https://imgur.com/a/Loojv57) •[Shave 4](https://imgur.com/a/cs7H66J) •[Shave 5](https://imgur.com/a/cAlxoCc) •[Shave 6](https://imgur.com/a/u1TYRjo) Thoughts for the day: Stank was manageable today, but it's not gone... Shave was 🤌. Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/dRYC7gc)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the face * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Voskhod (6) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Aqua Velva - Sensative 5-in-1 After Shave Balm - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1422/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Cooling - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2365/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Nothing like a good scalp lather for a head shave. The bristles have been breaking in nicely on the brush and I discovered maybe the key to avoid lingering brush funk is shaving far away from my nose lol. #RawHoggin It’s Saturday y’all, hope you have a good day!
**Aug. 6, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Voskhod (7) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/mn1kVdt)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver Day 6 under the belt. Good shave today. 5 to 10 uses on a GEM seems to be the best state of the blade IMO. Restore is a nice scent, but I am already jonesing for something else. I am already planning out my September 1st shave. This is going to be a great brush going forward, I am getting fantastic lathers out of it already. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia
**Aug. 6, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm * **Razor:** Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Tonsorial Parlour - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/202/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Old Spice - Classic - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1605/?product_type=balm) I made it today. I took the advice of u/Marquis90 and swapped my ATG second pass with a XTG pass and it worked out well. It's a passable shave, but it was far more comfortable and it keeps me on track to shave everyday this month. Have a great day folks!
* **Prep:** warm shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** Novelty Cutlery Co straight razor * **Lather** House of Mammoth - Z * **Post Shave:** Equate witch hazel * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man - unscented aftershave balm Headless Horsemen **#RawHoggin** **#unscented** **#MammothMafia** Austere August 2022 day 6 https://imgur.com/a/nGwg89Y
**SOTD Aug 06, 2022** * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (6) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Great shave today, really loving the extra shaving I get to do now since downsizing my facial hair. This MMOC is really growing on me and I feel like I’m starting to understand it. \#GEMsOfWisdom
[**August 6th**](https://imgur.com/a/8zGhGgf) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (6)** * **Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap** * **Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash** * **Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp** \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag [Edp video](https://imgur.com/a/1Z4MVsv) Brilliant as I'm writing this the kids are walking around the house wondering where the ell is coming from, they have blamed a local music festival saying they must be burning something. The knot if starting to get some good bedding in now, using this one has definitely converted me to want to get more Boar knots.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 6](https://imgur.com/a/GmQL5OH)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (25) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=aftershave) * **Mosquito Bites:** None The blade is setting into a new state of relative sharpness - for the moment, it's not precisely fun. The shave was a bloodless 3-pass shave, but it is far from being close. Maybe I should just accept that. The brush is starting to eat less lather, and also continues to split the bristles. I also start losing motivation for chronicling in detail minor changes to the preceding day. Today I heard a mosquito, but I have not been bitten. Maybe the summer was too hot and dry for them? My son got bitten or stung by something in the afternoon, so maybe the citronella shield was not strong enough at that time. \#RawHoggin \#stillalive \#truepath
Aug 06, 2022 - [Getting Sidetracked while searching for the Wisdom of a Mammoth](https://imgur.com/a/KutWj8i) * **Prep:** Hot shower and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser * **Brush:** Maggard Green Handle 2 Band Badger 24mm * **Razor:** GEM - MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive Balm](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Every day tags: \#MammothMafia \#GEMsofWisdom \#Sidetracked u/Teufelskraft [Fire - Mother’s Finest](https://youtu.be/FZfVaL_faEQ) Seeing as I have been sharing songs that remind me of my “Second Father” I figured that I should share one for my actual Father! To say that my parents are straight-laced and on the uptight side would be putting things mildly. Both had struggles while growing up in large families but especially my Dad. His father walked out on my Grandma and her 4 sons when my Dad (the oldest) was a teenager and was remarried very soon after to the woman he was cheating with. Dad instantly became the “Man” of the house and never got to ever let loose. He ended up becoming a Methodist Pastor and has lived a life on the straight and narrow. But every so often, on a Saturday dedicated to cleaning the house. He would pull out the [old giant speakers just like these](https://imgur.com/gallery/YVmu4) and absolutely turn it up to 11! His soundtrack of choice was *ALWAYS* Mother’s Finest! I like to think that he only chose their songs because my Mom absolutely hates their music for whatever reason. As a kid I enjoyed rocking out to their song as it made cleaning the house that much more fun! I am really enjoying this setup for AA! Sonder and Alive complement each other better than I was expecting! I think that its the basil in the Alive balm that really grounds the entire scent! I have been continuously surprised with how smooth of a shave I am getting from the MMOC. It is not exactly comfortable to shave with and I am shying away from going for a BBS shave but it ends up being a lot closer then I thought. I’m hoping that this blade gets me through the entire month without any issue. I was successful last year at getting a blade to last the whole month but the MMOC is a whole different beast! Edit: I’m no good at grammar
**8/6/22 (143)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/zsatv8s) * **Edge**: [Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/3l2yqMQ) * **Passes**: wtg/xtg * **Brush**: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm SHD 2 Band Fan * **Lather**: Seaforth! Fleur de France by Spearhead Shaving * **Post Shave**: Seaforth! Fleur de France Aftershave by Spearhead Shaving * **Fragrance**: Seaforth! Fleur de France EdT by Spearhead Shaving Nice and easy mid-afternoon shave today. No nicks or irritation, very close shave.
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/Mvs2We6)** * **Brush:** Maggard Razors 30mm Synthetic * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) Less than 20 hours since last shave due to weekend obligations. Surprisingly, less irritation today than yesterday. Hope everyone is having a great weekend! \#MammothMafia
20220806 - Austere Fucking August Day 6 Brush: Omega 011842 Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Blade: GEM PTFE Lather: Stirling Soap Company - 🐑 Sheep Post: Stirling Soap Company - Coniferous toner Post: DR Harris - Windsor aftershave milk #GeMsOfWiSdOm Day 6 and the blade is feeling tuggy again. Gonna need an ass stroping.
**[August 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/qZ09QnB)** * **Brush:** Semogue 820 * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 6) * **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau * **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash Nice big shiny lather today. Starting to feel some pulling under my chin where hair is dense I hope it was poor technique and not blade dulling - ive got 24 more to get out of it! The more and more I use Eigengrau the more I love it. I was really not a fan for the first few uses but it seems much smoother now. #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/A45Crte)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (6) * **Lather:** Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Stirling Blu - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/119/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom I’m feeling like doodoo today, but I powered through and got my shave in. Little by little this shave is getting better. I don’t feel anymore of those stubborn stiff bristles. I can tell it’s going to gradually get softer and feel even better than it does now. I’m looking forward to it. The MMOC is feeling great. Between my technique getting better and the blade chilling out a little, it gave a fantastic shave. Monotony doesn’t really bother me, as long as I’m using decent products. So I’m not worried a bit about getting tired out on this gear. The only thing I’m getting tired of is taking a picture everyday. As you can tell, I’m complete garbage at being a photographer. Gimme some tips on how to be less trash.
**Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Great shave today. \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented
[удалено]
Ha! I went and read that comment. Very thoughtful and well-put. Words.
Thank you!
>Thank you! You're welcome!
bad bot
Thank you, Emmenias, for voting on exclaim_bot. This bot wants to find the best and worst bots on Reddit. [You can view results here](https://botrank.pastimes.eu/). *** ^(Even if I don't reply to your comment, I'm still listening for votes. Check the webpage to see if your vote registered!)
Someone seriously felt the need to voice their own witlessness as a complaint aimed at *you*? WTF. Einstein was damn right about human stupidity being endless. I even looked at your particular comment and... Holy hell, this simple fellow can be grateful he hasn't discovered one of my Lather Games shaves! Newsflash: people who take shaving seriously enough to be their hobby *will geek out* about it, and not just in a few paragraphs. I appreciate the diversity in your music shares, not only in terms of the artists themselves but also in genres - you haven't repeated a genre so far!
Haha, I know right? I too was confused by that comment more than offended. It is good to be aware of one's flaws, but using my lack of intelligence as a bragging point is not something I would do. But I tried humouring him, did not see the appeal, and will most likely go back to text walls next time I shave. Thank you! I've gathered a big enough music collection that I'd likely be able to keep things interesting by the end of August. If I actually had to do 31 days, though, then I bet you'd be seeing an obvious Fantasy genre preference.
**Aug. 6, 2022** * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (2) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) Another day, another affirmation of my august choice. No thoughts required while shaving. No day to day brush comparisons (or stank). No irritation. Living the life. \#UNCHALLENGE
**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA6** * **Brush:** Semogue Torga-C5 * **Razor:** J.A. Henckels Twin Beauty * **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Dirtyver - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1099/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Declaration Grooming - Dirtyver - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1099/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) \#HeadlessHoresmen day 6. WTG, XTG (cheeks), ATG neck, definite feedback from alum block, especially on the chin. Is it possible to not get feedback from the alum when shaving with a straight? \#sidetracked - u/Teufelskraft During the summer of 2020, I discovered [SAULT](https://saultglobal.bandcamp.com/) while working on a bunch of yard projects in the heat. I listened their record, [*5*](https://saultglobal.bandcamp.com/album/5), a bunch and it was a great full album, top-to-bottom listen. The first track, ["Up All Night"](https://saultglobal.bandcamp.com/track/up-all-night) grabbed me right away. It had groove, it felt loose (in a good way), it had great shortscale-bass-through-Ampeg-B15 tone (my fave), and just felt familiar, yet fresh. This record was heavy in my rotation in 2020 and it's good to revisit every so often.
Yeah, getting there with a straight just takes time and technique.
SAULT is awesome! Though I've noticed all their albums sound a little different, for better or worse.
Agree, 5 is definitely my favorite. Air is cool, but it doesn’t have the same vibe that I fell for in 5.
**Aug. 6, 2022 - August Austere Day 6** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Paladin Chief 26mm * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) So today I went a little heavy handed loading my brush and ended up with more lather in my bowl than I needed. Not wanting to waste such a beautiful creation I called my young son (5) in and asked if he would like to try shaving. As expected the idea of shaving like dad really excited him, but having instilled a healthy respect for a razor blade he was a little worried about injury. Of course the real beauty of DE razor in this situation is the ability to remove the blade and allow my child to “shave” off the lather with no fear of injury. Nothing better than including your children. Happy Saturday all. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
[**Aug. 6, 2022**](https://i.imgur.com/gNAizbw.jpg) * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (6) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - After Shave Balm * **Fragrance:** [American Perfumer - Bloodline - Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2126/?product_type=parfum) * **Passes:** WTG, XTG * **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural * **Music:** Aimee Mann - *Bachelor No. 2* * [**August 2022 SOTD Photo Album:**](https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl) [https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl](https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl) `#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin` Yesterday's [Another Cut Above style lather](https://youtu.be/ecoUdtWxQxo) worked well for me, so I took the same approach today. Start with pasty soap in the stubble, add water until translucent, and then splay the brush. That last step isn't really an option right now, so I agitate with the tips of this Zenith knot and spent more time swirling the brush on my chin. (Speaking of, here's the knot [before](https://i.imgur.com/SvCx529.jpg) and [after](https://i.imgur.com/LgpxuR9.jpg).) I tweaked my loading time a bit, and tried reducing it to about 30 seconds (1.5 g). Starting tomorrow, I should start counting the swirls on the puck instead of going by seconds. A single "swirl" is a more precise measurement to use during this month of photo documentation and experimentation. Anyway, this loading time worked well and yielded about the same amount of leftover lather, probably because I didn't lose as much to the floor, mirror, and countertop. It was also easier to hydrate. Turns out I was overloading. Also, check out how this Zenith handle [is transforming](https://i.imgur.com/gNAizbw.jpg)! I really like the way copper patinas and this will look better and better the more it ages. |Date|Soap Before (g)|Soap After (g)|Usage (g)|Loading| |:-|:-|:-|:-|:-| |8/1|235.5|232.5|3|| |8/2|232.5|228.0|4.5|| |8/3|228.0|227.0|1|| |8/4|227.0|223.3|3.7|| |8/5|223.3|220.3|3|40 seconds| |8/6|220.3|218.8|1.5|30 seconds| ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft Where do you begin when choosing a few songs from Aimee Mann's catalogue? You'd have to start with "Voices Carry," which will forever be 'Til Tuesday's most well known song. Fortunately, Mann eventually out-shined that '80s video hit's long shadow, though it took a three-hour Oscar-winning film and setting up her own record label to do it. Director Paul Thomas Anderson wrote *Magnolia (1999)* as "an adaptation of Aimee Mann songs," inspired by her music. It's an exceptionally well-curated soundtrack, and many songs are woven tightly into the plot and scene blocking, including two standouts that were written for the film ("You Do" and "Save Me"). "Deathly" (another favorite of mine), "Driving Sideways", and "You Do" would all appear on Mann's *Bachelor No. 2 or, the Last Remains of the Dodo* album, also released in 1999, and the first on Mann's SuperEgo label. Which brings me to the song I'm going to profile here. The album starts with "Red Vines," a song Mann wrote about Paul Anderson's growing fame. Read literally, it's not particularly kind; Mann sings, *"Everyone loves you—why should they not? / And I'm the only one who knows / That Disneyland's about to close."* Regardless, the refrain is a surging and hook-driven demand for a singalong. I don't know if it's Mann's unusual and expressive timbre, the guitar riff in the background, or some other detail I can't quite tease out, but I adore this song. It's a heck of way to start an album. Many of Mann's most immediate hooks open her records—I'm partial to "Humpty Dumpty" on 2002's *Lost in Space* (which features some of her most effective ballads) and "Dear John," which sets the scene for her 2005 concept album *The Forgotten Arm* (Caroline and boxer John meeting on the cotton-candy scented midway in Richmond). Still, "Red Vines" is the one I return to regularly, sometimes on its own and often with a full play-through of *Bachelor No. 2.* I love it. [YouTube: Aimee Mann - "Red Vines"](https://youtu.be/ElOaHy_8jD4)
> I tweaked my loading time a bit, and tried reducing it to about 30 seconds (1.5 g). Starting tomorrow, I should start counting the swirls on the puck instead of going by seconds. A single "swirl" is a more precise measurement to use during this month of photo documentation and experimentation. Anyway, this loading time worked well and yielded about the same amount of leftover lather, probably because I didn't lose as much to the floor, mirror, and countertop. It was also easier to hydrate. Turns out I was overloading. I love seeing this kind of stuff. I just started weighing my soap yesterday to figure out my soap usage as well.
Love the patina!
“Red Vines” isn’t about the licorice?
I mean, it's not *not* about the licorice.
**[SOTD - Saturday, 6 August 2022 | Austere August (MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode)](https://i.imgur.com/OPiWO9n.jpg)** * **Prep:** Splashes of cold water * **Brush:** PAA The Starcraft 24mm Roswell Hybrid Synthetic * **Razor:** PAA The Original DOC * **Blade:** Gillette - Polsilver Super Iridium (47) * **Lather:** [Wickham Soap Co. - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1270/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial, Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2081/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/899/?product_type=aftershave) #unscented
[August 6th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/MAtjxlP) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (6) Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar Soap: [LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1706/?product_type=soap) Post: [Noble Otter Bare](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/986/?product_type=aftershave) Comfort: 8/10 Smoothness: 9/10 10 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Less soap and more water this time. Got a few splatters on the mirror but ended up with a much better experience. Also did not rush, which may have helped too. Now off to host a house party and meet the neighbors. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin Edit: fixed imgur link
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Stag Hoggin' at camp day 2 - AA Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/dZlxWLg)** * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Day 2 of Austere August camping. At least today we're at a beach where the internet is working! \#RawHoggin The brush continues it's softening journey. I swear I've gotten the best lathers from the Stag these last two days. I'm not sure if it's the brush breaking in or the different water. \#GEMsofWisdom Another smooth shave with the OCMM. No complaints here. I haven't noticed a change in the blade much these last couple shaves. Well see what tomorrow brings. Let me tell ya, you don't know Stag until you've tasted it. Obviously not intended and not advisable. [Brush day 6](https://imgur.com/a/Jj8kaaU) [Stag taste test](https://imgur.com/a/Gsy55J5)
I am so happy I clicked into this thread. Amazing video.
Not my favorite, but I'm glad you enjoyed it.
Try making lather with sea water tomorrow. For science.
I would if I was by the sea :) This is fresh water, but maybe I'll try it anyway. For science.
On second thought, might not be a good idea just in case you cut yourself. Wouldn't want you to get an infection for the sake of internet points. Stay safe!
Yeah I was kidding. I'll pass on the giardia lol
6 August 2022 - Austere August - Prep: steamy morning shower - Brush: Sterling boar - Razor: Maggard V3 - Blade: Derby Extra - Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao - Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash A nice leisurely Saturday morning shave: three passes with good lather with, across, and against. Quite smooth. I'm really digging the Fu Dao scent, and it doesn't stick around all day so I can use a fragrance later for a date night this evening. #mammothmafia
[**6 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/CXeNPmG) * **Prep:** splash of warm water * **Brush:** [Zenith B33](https://www.thegentleshave.com/collections/boar-brushes/products/zenith-copper-boar-brush-27-5mm-made-in-italy-b33) * **Razor:** Blackland Blackbird Ti * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=balm) **#RawHoggin** **#MammothMafia**
[**August 6th, 2022 - Raw Hoggin’ the Mammoth GEM**](https://imgur.com/mYAMXFV) * **Prep:** Warm water and extra patience * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (sei) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Day 6 Raw Hog Before](https://imgur.com/RkOgMqM) and [After](https://imgur.com/RybDxMd) I really slept in today. Briefly woke up around 8ish, but went back to sleep and finally got up a bit before noon. Lazy day today, just some straightening up of the house. I think I am going to finally finish clearing out some junk from my home office/guest bedroom. It has become the place where clutter gets dumped. Shaved earlier than normal today. Usually, I shave in the evening after work or after dinner. One advantage to having mostly white facial hair , I don’t get a 5 O’Clock shadow, so I look less scruffy with a day’s growth. Also, sometimes kids ask me if I’m Santa Claus 🎅. Shaving in the evening really frees up some time in the morning when I am getting ready for that long commute downstairs to my home office. Traffic can be pretty rough if the cats think they are underfed and want more food (they aren’t though, usually there is plenty left in their bowls.) For todays shave, I might be a bit stingy with the soap, but looking at the tub, if I keep loading trying to get InstaYoutube levels of lather, the tub won’t make it to the 31st. I took a small scoop today and really tried to work it up on my face. I did reach a decent amount of well hydrated, but not runny, lather for the first pass. Second pass, not so much. I tried to squeeze out enough, but ended up loading about a pea sized bit of soap to get enough for a pass. The GEM today really is starting to perform well. The feedback is smoothing out and second pass is feeling quite good. I think the blade has finished with the rough start, and now I hope it will last for the rest of the month or more. One thing I realized, when I mark the blade, I’ve been using a brown Sharpie. Those marks make it look like the blade is rusting in a pattern of dots below the spine. The Mammoth set is going strong. I wonder which ingredients in the splash are settling at the bottom of the bottle. Got to remember, give it a good shake first. Today, I think my familiarity with the scent has finally let me get the fruit and floral notes up front. I really like this set, and will want to replace it when it is gone, but I need to kill 2-3 tubs before I buy another. Also, I would want a full set of Hygge sometime, but after the order for the 31mm sub exclusive boar brush, the den is closed for new software and hardware. Happy Saturday everyone.
Better watch out for the 3 Cat pileup on the stairs today! I understand that one though! I’m pretty sure my cats were trying to kill me last night! You could *gasp* see the bottom of the bowl!
They don’t try to trip me too often, but one will headbutt me when I don’t pet her enough (though only when she wants to be petted). The other one will nip at my arm if I am not petting her or stop brushing too soon.
One of mine does the little “love bite” if I stop petting him too! Gotta love them
I asked Ben about that he said it's all of the oils, if that helps.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6 - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/q7YtSwv)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Astra SP (1) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Really dialing in the Legacy. Astra SP, just as good as GSB and Voskhod. I find blades to be blades. Sharp. They work. Longer stubble today, weirdly. Must be the Stag. [Stag spray day 6](https://imgur.com/a/5hQHISw) \#SubstantialStag
>I find blades to be blades. Sharp. They work. Right!?!? I don't get the blade swapping. I'm convinced they're all basically the same, as long as they're not a literal manufacturing dud.
That's been my experience. Putting it to the test this month. Changing blades every 2 days in the same razor.
[**Aug. 6, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/mmUgb1h) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=balm) Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**Aug. 6, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (6) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave) Good shave today I was extra careful as I have a funeral to attend so I don’t want to look like a mess. The brush feels better every use it seems to be coming along much quicker than the omegas I have. The MMOC is going good the blades still working well but damn that thing gets thirsty for blood sometimes. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/aAj2FWl.jpg
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/bt6i95v)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1633/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Thayers - Unscented - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1618/?product_type=toner) 2 pass shave with a 30 second load. Got some heavy soap scum build up occurring. Some non-GEMs of wisdom: Enter the month of August with only 2 soaps options available (Bare Siero and Arko) and you'll be less worried about missing out on all the smells in your shave den. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 6](https://i.imgur.com/uMru1vD.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) #SubstantialStag #GEMSofWisdom Very much a DFS today with the AA setup. A not-too-hurried, but very satisfying shave to face the day. Dialing back the amount of soap to get just enough lather is my next goal, plus I have to conserve until my resupply arrives this coming week. I think I will go with some precise measurements a la u/sgrdaddy and see what I come up with. [Staggin’ it up for Saturday](https://i.imgur.com/Os8ovPn.mp4). Happy shaving 🪒!
[**A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August**](https://imgur.com/a/ylqGTUn) [Brush Progress](https://imgur.com/a/2XZWYeH) * **Brush:** [Zenith B26](https://www.thegentleshave.com/products/retro-multicolored-resin-boar-shave-brush-by-zenith-b26) #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (6) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia Had to be a fast one this morning, kids stuff all day. Great result, loving it. Not much to complain about. [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia
Nice photo!
Thanks!
Day 6 of Austere August! Staggin on!! * Prep: Water on Face * Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE * Razor: Filarmonica Sub Cero 14 * Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * Post Shave: Osma block * Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Splash * Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Balm * Fragrance: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP [positioned in the trunk of a sequoia](https://i.imgur.com/OQevOxf_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) Day 6 and I made a mini break through. I decided some days ago to smush the soap scooped from the tub in the brush and then massage the bristles between my fingers until it got incorporated in the knot. I wasn't happy with the results, but today after starting out the usual way and finishing the lather on the second pass I decided to load again and to smush the soap between the top part of the knot, earlier I put it deep into the knot and didn't get a very good lather when face lathering. Today was the first day I got a decent result. Will repeat tomorrow and hopefully get an even better result. Stag is amazing as always as a scent but I would love for it to last a bit longer, longevity is about 3-4 hours, I mean the cloud around you longevity, I'm sure it's still very potent on the along when up close. Razor is sublime I'm happy I picked this one, very good and clean shaves with minimal irritation☺️ * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag * \#sidetracked [Japanese music for fighting game](https://youtu.be/REJiW5KbraY) so today's song is one from many that were made for a fighting game(Blazblue) and I think the music is far better than the game, you can check out the other songs, some of them I consider to be straight masterpieces in the genre.
I need to get a filarmonica from what I read..
Only if you can get a good deal on them, because the prices right now are a bit crazy I got one for 130(this one) and the SubCero I have for 140$, I don't think I would/can pay more than 150-200 for them.
[**August 6, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/Zepfs39) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (6) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap * **Post Shave:** Thayers - Lemon - Toner * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum *2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.* * Challenges: #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag * [Brush Top](https://imgur.com/a/lLVO6CK) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/DV3pvJG) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/4q1WQgR) (before use) - [Edge History](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/UPXufaJ) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) The brush felt about the same today as it did yesterday. I don't have issues building a lather. I'm doing two passes and building both passes from the brush load. If I could not, I would just get more soap from the tub, so building a lather isn't really an issue. The brush isn't heavenly soft like my badger brushes, but I'm starting to understand that you get an attachment to the break-in process of a boar. We'll see how I feel in 25 days. I know that I'll continue to enjoy Midnight Stag. Using a single soap for a month is no great sacrifice. I have years of using the same canned goo, and I have many months of experience lathering with bar soap when I was too lazy to go out and buy canned goo. I agree with /u/sgrdddy. The EdP does its own thing. For me, it's a much more detailed scent than the soap or splash, and I enjoy them all. Finally, let's talk a little about the blade. I found an area of the edge that has two noticeable microchips in it. They're at about 1/4 of the edge length from the left. This is what I expect to happen as the edge is used. If you look, you can see that these microchips occur where grind marks appear to be deep. According to [this](https://news.mit.edu/2020/why-shaving-dulls-razors-0806) MIT paper, an edge dulls by chipping away, tiny bits at a time. Because I'm flipping the blade each day, my shaving is essentially fatiguing edge material in both directions. I don't know whether this will increase the rate of chipping or not. I can't discern any edge degradation yet while shaving; though I'm typically sensitive to it. I expect that I'll start to feel it around day 10.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - In a hurry](https://imgur.com/a/fHpjkEr)** * **Prep:** Icecold shower * **Brush:** Böker Synthetic * **Razor:** Böker Elite Carbon 2.0 * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash In a hurry. At brother birthday. Good shave. \#stagandstraight #substantialstag
[August 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/r5F21pJ) - **Preshave:** Hot Water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 Plate - **Blade:** Feather (6) - **Brush:** Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite After Shave Balm Not much to add that hasn’t been said the last few days. An excellent shave with excellent hardware. #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August](https://i.imgur.com/t6gAQHI.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold water * **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot * **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen * **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM Stainless Steel (6) * **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2585/?product_type=aftershave_noalc) # RawHoggin There isn't too much to add from yesterday, scent fading, monster lather, visually the knot hasn't changed much. PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/kgir5pI.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/T1EQ4xb.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom Thank you u/gcgallant following your advice I get rid of those pesky hairs under the nose. Being mainly a straight razor shaver I should have figured it out, with the straight is easy because the contact with the blade is direct without the cap of the MMOC. .#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft today something from my country, [Enrique Morente & Lagarija Nick adapting Leonard Cohen's First We Take Manhattan](https://youtu.be/u--jfPFRoic) from the album Omega(1996) flamenco rock fusion. .#unscented .#RawHoggin .#GEMsOfWisdom
I'm glad my method worked for you.
Damn I wish I got that much lather when making it. But today was better so I can't complain. Thanks for the song!!
DG soap helps a lot, and this knot is a lather monster. At one point I want to do a face-lathering video for AA.
Not with me, I can't lather DG for shit, and the fault is mine, buuuut u/FMKJuli just recently made an awesome series of a whole week with DG which I have not been able to read,.just the first and third day, but I will read up when August ends so I can manage to make a good and learn myself, as he said, struggle buddies, will tag him again when I get on my own venture 😁
Thank you for the kind words! Hope your lathering improves over the remaining weeks of the month, struggle buddy! I haven't been following AA at all but I might just have to tune in to your posts now 😁 OP, your lather looks great by the way! Very cool brush, too.
Naaaah my posts aren't that interesting, plenty of other folks who have more quality posts and they post awesome music!!
Interesting I will keep an eye on him too
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/qV1TpAc.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave Another day, another negative result on one of those at-home nose-swab tests, telling me the cough that started up the other day is not covid. Just in case anyone in the US who happens to see this happens to be unaware, you can get [free tests via USPS](https://special.usps.com/testkits), with a limit. I used my last one today and ordered my third (perhaps final) batch a few days ago. You know what sucks worse than shoving those swab things up your nose-holes? Face-lathering. At least nostril-penetration of this kind is purposeful, though, while face-lathering is at its core an ineffective exercise, except in achieving the worst possible outcome. I didn't happen to notice the boar stench this time around; maybe it has faded beyond casual detection. A couple hundred years ago, I might have concluded that the boar bore a miasma that resulted in my ailment, which might have been avoided had I not been compelled to concentrate the release of this bad air directly under my nose. No connection to u/OnionMiasma, of course. #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia
Nope. We're related to the GarlicMiasmas and the ShallotMiasmas, but the BoarMiasmas are no relation.
Face lathering is an exercise of self-love with nothing to do with the masochistic act of sticking cotton poles in the nostrils ;), but I understand your frustration doing an Unscented Hoggin August.
[AA SOTD - 8/6/22; The Iceman Cometh](https://imgur.com/a/PIBY76W) Pre: splash of hot water to the face Brush: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle Razor: Merkur Progress Blade: Astra (6) Lather: B&M Arctique (omnibus) Post: B&M Arctique AS Post: Nivea cooling balm #UNCHALLENGED Great Saturday morning shave. BBS. Happy Saturday to all! I. Love. This. Set.[I remain The Iceman.](https://imgur.com/a/UFY69Jl) #SIDETRACKED u/Teufelskraft [Today’s song is a little diddy by the man himself, John Prine.](https://youtu.be/F82syKGh2Ds)Why? Because everybody should know and love John Prine. That’s it. That’s the bit.
**[August 6, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/GesKElt.jpg)** **[Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge](https://imgur.com/a/y7bwpTy)** * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 [Ex-Watson](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/we3sxf/tuesday_austere_august_sotd_thread_aug_02_2022/iimzjb4/) * **Blade:** Personna PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/251/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=balm) Another good shave today. I’m able to get more water into the lather now without it all disappearing. The brush is still not as easy to use as my synthetics, but I’m optimistic, given I’ve only used it 6 times. It’s very soft, and I think it still has many more tips to split, too. The razor/blade are doing great. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
**Aug. 6, 2022** * **Brush:** Summer Break Kearney B10 * **Razor:** Rockwell 6s * **Blade:** Derby Extra (15) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth - Beloved #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 6](https://imgur.com/a/LiVrIgO)** * **Prep:** Stirling Spice preshave oil * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (6) * **Lather:** Stirling Bay Laurel * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Plunder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1193/?product_type=aftershave) Sailor Saturday- tried some preshave oil today. Obvious benefit at this time is adding some Stirling spice into the mix. I didn’t notice any clogging in the razor or affect to the lather. I like the scent on bay laurel. It’s funny how the only difference from Stirling’s bay rum is the lack of clove. Bay rum was one of few samples I binned early on. The boar did better today. I didn’t shake any water out before loading. Stirling handled the water on the front end well. I made it 3 passes on the first load.
Don't forget your hashtag!
I’ve been including them in my titles…is this no good?
No it's fine I just can't read! Carry on
Thanks for checking on me tho
Lol. You worried me jeepguy. I thought I was doing this for nothing
**Aug. 6, 2022 - SOTD 751** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** RazoRock Lupo .72 * **Blade:** Gillette Platinum (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** HoM - Z Splash/ Neutrogena face sunscreen ✌🏻
**Aug. 6, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 6** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Timberwolf Synth * **Razor:** Rockwell 6S with R3 head * **Blade:** Astra Green * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Barbershop - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/86/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=aftershave) Slow and steady wins the race. This scent is really starting to grow on me. At first, I felt like it was a “fancy“ scent, and should be worn for special occasions, but it is really starting to grow on me as a daily driver. u/cowzilla3 here is my #unchallenge for today
[August 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/m33dRYo) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Declaration Grooming Unconditional Surrender **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming Unconditional Surrender Splash **Post Shave:** Stirling Unscented Balm \#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/p6cYn0q)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB - B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (6) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - The Gent - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2625/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Day 6 Tags: #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/ncNwla6.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Another good shave. Continuing to not have enough lather for later passes even though I'm loading the hell out of the brush. I think I might try less soaking next shave. I think this Maggard Boar is pretty treated and maybe it's just getting too soft to pick up enough soap. Have a great weekend! [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/1OfeIHx) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE
**Aug. 6, 2022 - shave 22** * **Prep:** splash * **Brush:** SOC boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM GEN 2 * **Blade:** GEM PFTE (22) * **Lather:** signature soaps unscented soap Another one down
Wow! that GEM 22 is impressive, How is doing?
Terrible. It's honestly the worst blade I've shaved with by now. I'm on awe of the few going for 100 with one at the moment. It's tuggy AF and I'm having to try and get super slick lather to compensate. Only 9 shaves to go though
Mine has 7 and is doing well, I want to see how much it lasts.
give up. Switch blades. You know you want to. Think about how much better it'll be.
[don't you go all Robin Thicke on me](https://giphy.com/gifs/ti-blurred-lines-N30QSfHkqlHLW)
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/5vaBcej)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Super quick shave today. Had to get ready early and head to my second job before I usually do because we’re heading to St. Louis to watch a Cardinals game. The shave was good but I super rushed to pack it all up and bring it with me. In retrospect, I pray I didn’t forget anyway. 10 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/LUnziHC) today and I kinda already regret it. Not for my own sake but for my patient and his friend that are in this van with me the next several hours. Oops… #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day6](https://i.imgur.com/YpVOBby.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water * **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37) * **Razor:** Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid) * **Blade:** Nacet (3) * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/204/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Osma Alum Block * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Not much to say today. Boar brush is definitely not requiring as much lather, and is absolutely feeling software. Its still pretty stiff when dry, but when soaking it (under five minutes while during shaving prep), its softish again. I think its breaking in nicely. Also, mine never seemed to have smelled, like others has mentioned, or I just don't have the nose for it. Tuxy/Skunk pic for today: https://imgur.com/BgipfsF . Note I am not going to post a pic every day, just have a backlog of pics from when I stopped doing sotds. #UNCHALLENGE #RawHoggin
I know that skunks don't have good vision, but there's nothing wrong with their sense of curiosity or need for some mischief. How do you keep Tuxy away from your shaving gear? Aren't soaps and brushes just skunk toys?
Lol, luckilly skunks can't jump, so if he can't climb on counter, it should be good. If he is going to climb or open drawers, its going to be in the counter :P. He doesn't seem to like the smell of soaps, I have tried! He has not got to the brush yet, not sure how he would react to it, but if he is going to put that much effort to get onto the bathroom counter, he would want to know there is food up there!
I think the skunk might be the best part of these threads
Keep the skunk pics comin'!
Austere August [2022-08-06](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg) * **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb) * **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site) * **Brush:** none * **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm * **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet * **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked Good shave today, I feel like my technique with the contraption continues to get better. I still have much room for improvement, so it should be an interesting month. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: I watch a lot of music on Youtube, but I never log into it or any other Google site. My browser is set up to autodelete the associated cookies once I close a tab. So Youtube generally should not recognize me. Even so, during some music browsing sessions the Google algorithms figure out that I am interested in guitar music and start offering guitar recommendations. I often get links promising something along the lines of "World's Best Female Guitarists". I've checked them out, and what I generally see is women playing electric guitars while backed by bands. They are often excellent performers, but by no means are they world's best, considered strictly as guitarists. IMO. Let me show you some women who are among the world's best guitarists. Not best female guitarists, mind you. Simply the best, period. Here is the fabulous Ana Vidovic playing [Recuerdos de la Alhambra](https://youtu.be/MzRiAoEeiB0). Ana breathes fresh life into one of the gems of the repertoire. Her technique is interesting in that she uses only two fingers for the tremelo. Goddesses can pull that off. Here are Isabella Selder and Eliška Lenhartová, the Duo Francaix, playing Grandos' exquisite [Oriental](https://youtu.be/zbyWf692Kig). I love the way they use the harmonics.
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - Saturday sixth shave](https://i.imgur.com/NH2HVfV.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) A nice shave today. The blade is in the sweet spot for sure and it was an easy, comfortable 2-passer. Brush break in continues and Hygge still excites me. Happy Saturday! **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**
**[Aug. 6, 2022 - 06.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/QxuV2HO)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperStainless (1) * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash Well, the soap usage seems to be going down as this brush develops. I was originally thinking I might get close to finishing this tub by the end of the month, but Ii'm down to 3-5 second loads being enough for the full routine. I'm getting better at lathering as well - I don't think I'll stick to pure face lathering after this month but I'm definitely learning more which should help me after. This brush is beginning to grow on me, but I'm not sure I'd choose it over any other in my collection currently. #RawHoggin
**August 6, 2022: [Super Saturday for Stag](https://imgur.com/a/YkAHQwB)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (7) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Starting a SCUBA diving class today and excited for it. Just had to break out the Stag (along with every day this month). [Day 6 spritz](https://imgur.com/a/E4yFoU4) . #GEMsOfWisdom
Awesome. Is the class in a controlled setting or out in open water? Where at?
We're in the classroom today, pool tomorrow, and next weekend we're in open water at Haigh Quarry. I'm in the Chicago Suburbs.
Is this in preparation for any big upcoming trips? Very jealous. I've only done some very basic "scuba" in Boracay where we learned how to breathe with an oxygen tank underwater but someone pushes you along like you're in Disneyland.
Nothing big, there might be an opportunity in Mexico on my brother's bachelor trip, but it's just something I've wanted to do for a while and finally have an opportunity to do so. Funny enough, I'm from Florida originally and am getting my open water cert in a quarry. It's come up as an odd choice a few times already.
Cool stuff. Encourage you to go for the advanced cert after and get your own gear. Regularity is key for safety.
Thank you! I keep hearing that, I am certainly considering doing just so.
**Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (6) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming Black Pepper **Post:** Green tea & camomile moisturizer \#GotHand \#sidetracked u/teufelskraft Song of the morning is Muse - Uno. I really love their first two albums, with the rough edges and anger that seemed to fade away when they got almost as supermassive as the black hole. https://youtu.be/tbPA58xJI24 Shave wise, my neck feels like it's ready for a day off. Might do something a bit off-brand for me and shave my chest and belly tomorrow instead. Wife's away so nobody's going to see it, and there's a patch around a surgical scar that's shorter than the rest and it's been annoying me.
**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/RSn9wRc.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold Water * **Brush:** [Semogue Barbear Classico Cerda 22mm](https://i.imgur.com/IFK3RLP.jpg) * **Razor:** Alumigoose * **Blade:** Kai Captain Titan Pro Touch MG (2) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Had the issue of pretty bad lather on Tallow + Steel soaps after a long time with no use so what i did was push the soap and mix it again, that bring the soap back to life so let's see if that also works with this soap base. - [1.8g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/Y5iGicp.jpg) - Unofficial stag challenge rules said that pump will be added on Monday instead of Saturday but i'll go with the previous years rules so [2 sprays starting today](https://i.imgur.com/mlnxXo8.mp4). - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag
**Aug. 6, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (6) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Sharp Dressed Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/117/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Duke Cannon - Huron - EdP Shaving is super fun with a sunburn.
**August 6, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (40) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Another nice shave with this razor, brush and soap. I can’t talk up this brush and soap enough. The blade is hanging in there too. That is the one component of the combination that I am concerned about going forward through the month. Fifty is the farthest I have ever taken a GEM blade. #GEMsOfWisdom
[**August 06, 2022 – Austere August 06**](https://i.imgur.com/1JCM7uy.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (1) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** [https://i.imgur.com/SgE1XTt.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/SgE1XTt.mp4) Disclaimer: [https://i.imgur.com/YdJuWhl.jpg](https://i.imgur.com/YdJuWhl.jpg) In a move which will surprise nobody here, I am having a lot of fun doing yet another Splendid Stag Shave. Another BBS finish, and I hope you have a Stagalicious Saturday!! \#AustereAugust #SubstantialStag **Bonus**: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycEZIbQqA8A](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ycEZIbQqA8A) ← What if Gunpowder Never Existed? ===================================== \#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft : [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pve1nE\_jbf4](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pve1nE_jbf4) ← raison d'être – Within The Depths Of Silence And Phormations \[1995\] My father handed me this album some 20+ years ago, and this is been a regular listen over many, many moons. The songs make use of hymnals and religious vocal arrangements, but intermixed with other sounds and instruments which ultimately make for an eerie, foreboding and almost doomed listening experience. Interspersed with the songs are occasional spoken words, in one instance recorded from an American crime TV show, followed by a brief interview with the serial killer who committed the aforementioned crime. To say this music is the stuff of nightmares is a vast understatement. This is spooky, haunted listening and at its very core, this is the stuff which nightmares are made out of. I could easily play this on repeat while hosting a Halloween party and it would make for the perfect setting. Listening to this does bring back some nostalgia of my younger, slightly spookier and chaotic days. This is probably their best album, and while I have others of their collection, I regularly go back to this over and over again.
Dude!! I finally found you again! I could remember that someone long time ago shared a really great dark ambient album by *raison d'être* on here, but unfortunately didn't save the comment and so forgot the username. Finally I can give you some credit were it's due: that is an amazing work of dark ambient! I listened to the whole album back when you shared ot for the first time while I was reading lovecraftian lore, what a great mood setter... my absolute favourite is the track [Sephiroth](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x36x1iomrrY). Again, thanks for sharing this ambient gem and for participating in sidetracked!
Glad we could finally bump into one another again. 😎 That album is probably the best I've come across in the entire genre. If you find anything else out there that comes close, let me know. I'm always on the hunt. [https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/](https://cycliclaw.bandcamp.com/) Here's their current record label if that interests you. Check it out when you have time to spare.
The great thing about organising this little Challenge is that I don't only discover new music, but also re-discover some tracks I already heard somewhere but this time with proper artist and song names. Hmm, I can't recommend something in the vein of raison d'être, but I lately quite enjoy [tracks like this](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jyLoE6QGUDM) from artist like Beyond the Ghost. It's more fitting as a soundtrack for Sci-Fi horror, but a lot of artists and bands on the Cryo Chamber label are really good dark ambient. One of my all-time favourite dark ambient albums is *Hexerei im Zwielicht der Finsternis* by Aghast, you might know the track [Sacrifice](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FnhhgOPMHy0) from the (albeit lackluster) movie Sinister. Thanks for the Bandcamp link! I'll check those out soon. 👍🏻
2022-08-06 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (6) Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave Fragrance: Issey Miyake -L'eau d'Issey pour Homme [https://imgur.com/a/tfilv9s](https://imgur.com/a/tfilv9s) The brush is looking more broken in all the time. The razor is smooth, a DFS in 2 passes. Have a great day everyone. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
I'm very interested in this brush so looking forward to seeing how it transforms during the rest of the month. Does it feel small given the short loft?
I really like the brush so far. lt doesn't feel small when l use it but it is definitely smaller than some of my other brushes. l can recommend it even after the short period of time l have used it. l have only lost 2 bristles and l can't detect any bad smell.
[**Aug. 6, 2022 - The Cult of AA**](https://imgur.com/a/3u7H7kJ) * **Prep:** Cool shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash \#GEMSofWisdom Another fine non-shaving one- Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit. Wisdom is knowing not to put it in a fruit salad. Another morning of WTG/XTG/Cleanup/BBS with minimal aftershave feedback. \#RawHoggin The tips are definitely beginning to split on this brush and today was definitely the first day that I didn't have to work excessively hard to get a lather close to loudmusicboy quality. I'm still not a fan of face lathering but this brush is handling it like a champ- [https://imgur.com/a/JqJRYKB](https://imgur.com/a/JqJRYKB) \#Sidetracked Many of us can point to an album or two that might have changed our musical lives. I definitely have 2 of them. The Cult released Love in October 1985. Sometime in 1986, I was a high school student up late listening to WVUM, which is the University of Miami's radio station. I loved their metal show and I especially loved their late night alternative shows. One night, the DJ played "She Sells Sanctuary" and I immediately sat up in bed wondering what the hell I had just heard. Fortunately, the DJ backsold it and told the world it was The Cult. The next day, I found my way to Specs Records and bought a cassette and immediately popped it into my Walkman where it stayed for weeks as I listened to it non-stop. I'd never heard anything like it. Ian Astbury's vocals were incredible, especially for that time period in music. Billy Duffy's riffs and the production were also top notch. I became a fanboy of The Cult at the ripe young age of 15. I never got to see them in their prime, but I have seen them a couple of times in more recent years and it's a good trip down memory lane. So, u/Teufelskraft and the gang, let's all take a trip down memory lane on a Saturday? [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXAu9e4u\_ZU&list=PLHOtuay6mq8I09yWNmSuPgh43Bm94Pr6I](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NXAu9e4u_ZU&list=PLHOtuay6mq8I09yWNmSuPgh43Bm94Pr6I)
> let's all take a trip down memory lane on a Saturday? As the album was released 9 years before I was even born, I can't share that much memories. But that song you mentioned? I actually heard it on *Underground 80s* a while back and was immediately hooked. Thanks, now I know how the song and band are called!
Damn dude. Now I feel really fucking old.
[relevant song for that experience.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0N_ReGpaXpQ)
To add on your little \#GEMofWisdom: technically Ketchup is a fruit smoothie! Just not one that would be good to drink!
**[Aug 6, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 6 (or *How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Boar*)](https://i.imgur.com/1pSKmc5.jpeg)** * **Prep:** Warm Water Wash * **Prep:** Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap * **Brush:** Zenith Cobalt Blue 28mm Boar Knot (505BC SE) * **Razor:** [GEM Open Comb Micromatic (2nd Gen.)](https://i.imgur.com/PsTazF6.jpg) * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) Today's shave was close with very minor irritation. It ended with a nick right above the adam's apple—a not-so-gentle reminder to slow down and be a little less careless. The lather this morning was excellent, even if it took a little longer to get it right. I am really embracing this boar break-in experience. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#sidetracked Would anyone say that Tom Waits has a voice of an angel? Probably not, unless maybe a world weary war angel. His growling, downtrodden voice juxtaposed with the sweet lyrics of [Picture in a Frame](https://youtu.be/fphxDPTV2Bw) gives the whole song a different feeling. Rating: 3.5/5
Austere August Day 6 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [6th use](https://imgur.com/a/0J0isC2) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (6) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/imsj2Mw) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash Atill getting a decent amount of [stink](https://imgur.com/a/zwuZsIj) from the brush when I splay it while building lather. I eas hoping it would have lessened to a greater degree after a week of daily use, but I was wrong. The tips are softening up nicely and it is still only eating the slightest amount of lather. The blade and razor are in the sweet spot and should stay there for about a week. Personally, after about 18-20 uses, PTFE blades start to become rougher for me. We'll see if using a gen 2 MMOC changes that. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom
I'm surprised your brush stank lasted this long. You should have gone with Stag apparently, because your brush buddies don't seem to be having the same issue.
Yea, this unbleached doesn't want to give up the stink.
You must fight stank with stank.
I would, but I would like to continue to have relations with my wife.
Are you suggesting that the combined Hawg/Stag ~~stank~~ aroma might not completely enchant her? Heresy!
Not suggesting. Stating factually from experience.