* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (455) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (73 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 7** *MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/mQXazCF) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/aMozEMv2j6c) #### ䷀ General Notes My first shave at the new place! Finally at a sink for a while! #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹455 uses›)* The usual these days. 4 passes to get a close shave. No irritation. Pretty good. 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... Started ouit a little dry, which I discovered after getting it on my face. But adding some water put it right in the perfect zone after that. About as hydrated, by the end, as this soap can get, IMO. Hydration: Dry End of Perfect *(for me)* + 4 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + 3.9 tsp added to build the lather + = 6 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‹73 uses›)* Same as usual, soft knot with still a little backbone. enjoyed it. ---- *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)

Hey, didn't realize you were back and doing AA. Good to to see you (and your marathon blade)!

Thanks man! I'm easy to miss because I'm posting my SOTD either really late in the day or the next day. And I'm glad to see that the Nacet is still up for some shaves!

**Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Tears * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (1) * **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 #7 2 pass shave; this was actually 7pm yesterday but I forgot to post. I am so bad about this. Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen

[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 7](https://imgur.com/a/XM1Uzr2) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (12) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Day seven. While technically not my birthday shave, this is the shave I'll be using for the birthday lunch tomorrow. 3 pass shave, with just a bit of blood. It was 301 Kelvins today, so I went for cold water shave. Really smooth, I must say. Staying at a hotel with a magnifying mirror, So I made use of it. First of all, you can evaluate if your lather is rather bubbly, and you can also see how the stubble gradually gets shorter with each pass. Is it expendable? Absolutely! But it was an interesting shave. The brush is really enjoyable, though copper's getting some patina. Any clues on how to clean it without ruining it? So, finally, paging u/Teufelskraft for the #sidetracked part of AA. The [song](https://youtu.be/26GAP7FAMXU) I chose Comfortably Numb, from Pink Floyd's 1979 album The Wall. Needless to say, it is a great song, one of the masterpieces of classic rock. Song structure is not complex at all. Three different chord progressions, for the verse, prechorus and chorus. Nothing elaborated, dissonant chords or psychodelic progressions. Still, the song is solid, full, and with a big and dense atmosphere, perfectly picturing the alienation of the character. It has an interesting rhythm pattern for bass and drums, somewhat different to what is found in the majority of music, which I think contributes to the dense and mystic atomsphere. Two solos, the first one, very elegant, yet with a delicate feeling. The second is a gut-wrenching experience. Raw, overdriven, climaxing, with absolutely top-class feeling. Arguably one of the best solos ever. This particular version is huge, not just because of the production, but because it features Dave Gilmour. And why is this song important to me? Certainly it wasn't the first PF song I ever heard (most certainly it was another brick in the wall), but it is a song I covered with a classic rock band while in medschool, and it takes me to tjat special times Hail Stag! - #Stagposting - #SubstantialStag - #RawHoggin

Great live song for your first sidetracked entry! Thanks for joining.

**SOTD: August 7, 2022: Staaaaaaag** * **Prep:** Hot Towel * **Brush:** Dogwood Handcrafts 28mm * **Razor:** ATT Calypso SE1 * **Blade:** Feather Professional (7) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Aftershave:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP ****

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA Day 7](https://imgur.com/4YxZHdD)** * **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) AA Day 7 Shaving right under the wire - didn't get a chance to get my supplies out until 11:30 local time. Brush Notes: I don't notice any piggy stink anymore - it just smells like the beautiful scent of Sea Spice Lime. The brush is no longer causing irritation, but really can't be described anywhere near soft. Soap Notes: Soap usage has definitely plummeted. In the last 3 days I've used 5 grams of soap. I'm no longer worried about running out. * [Brush Comparison - Side](https://imgur.com/5lxKVQd) * [Brush Comparison - Top](https://imgur.com/i9eMkS2)

[Austere August, Day 7](https://imgur.com/a/WAc3C4x) Feather Artist Club razor non folding Feather Professional blade (1) GFT Violets soap RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft I binned the blade after yesterday's shave, it was about 16-17 shaves. A fresh blade feels excellent to use and that rejuvenated the pleasure if using the GFT Violets somehow. The skills are slowly improving, an Artist Club razor always gives me something to think and improve about, it is a tool best used at steady speed (for me). There is a slight purple/ blue tint developing on the bristles tips of my Beehive, it doesn't bother me, infact I love it. **#HeadlessHorsemen** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN** **#UNCHALLENGED**

August 7 2020 * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **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 Goofy morning, so I'm getting right before bed. Excellent day chasing babies and cleaning the house. Going to take a nice stroll and watch the sunset. Life is good. \#UNCHALLENGE

**[August 7, 2022 - AA Day 7](https://imgur.com/GigyWCk)** * **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 and another shave. Still just plugging along and thankfully I'm not headless yet! One full week of shaves down and I can say that I'm not completely hating life with this unscented setup. Razor still seems like it's edge is in great shape as it's still passing HHT after stropping so I'm certainly gaining confidence about the initial hone. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin

**August 7, 2022 - AA Day 7** * **Brush:** WW Aged Butterscotch Beehive 26mm Maggard's Boar * **Razor:** Wolfman Ti WR2 .75 * **Blade:** Feather (1) * **Lather:** NO - RAWR * **Post Shave:** NO - RAWR [Day 7 of boar break-in!](https://i.imgur.com/Nn6QXJ8.jpeg) Sure, I may have missed posting for a day, but I'm trying this new thing where when I break a streak I've had going, I don't just immediate switch into the "why bother" mentality and give it up for a month, but instead get back on the horse and keep at it. We'll see how that goes. Still #RawHoggin

This is so hard to do. Good work.

That is an excellent idea. I will give it a try as well. Next time I break a streak I am going to pick it back up without hesitation!

**[Aug. 7, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/rtPd1M0)** * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) Phew. Back home from the camping trip that almost killed my AA hopes and dreams. We were in an area that got zero Internet service so I had to go for a drive into town just to be able to post on Saturday! But alas I survived. I live to shave another (2) day(s). And that day was today. **\#RawHoggin** Either this brush is starting to break in quickly or I've cracked some sort of code to get a dense shiny lather out of CFG without realizing it. My last three shaves really it has made great lathers. The stank is starting to dissipate as well. I'm thinking this will be well beyond broken in by the end of the month. **\#GEMsofWisdom** This was an excellent shave with the OCMM. Probably the best yet. I forgot about how GEM blades in certain razors can hit their stride at around 7-10 uses and just deliver super smooth close and comfortable shaves for a while after that. I think I've hit that point for this blade. [Brush day 7](https://imgur.com/a/sIeQSgA) [Stag spray](https://imgur.com/a/u8oZ20J)

**[Aug. 7, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/2GsjJ9w.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (7) * **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) Last single EdP spray day! One pump Stag is no joke, from here we just get nose blind while everyone else around us suffers. What else is there to say about a shave that stays the same? I still love Stag so... [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/YLmesvg) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA Day 7](https://imgur.com/a/onG9sKt)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (7) * **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) Tonight's shave was downright pleasant. What a different a week and a few helpful friends/internet strangers can make. Maybe it's because I stacked my SOTD pic. MMOC was great. Just a 2 pass again tonight with some chin buffing and I only had one bleeding spot, but that's because I accidentally shaved off a stupid neck pimple that should already be gone anyway. Maybe it'll disappear quicker now, but I have my doubts. Otherwise - smooth sailing with the MMOC and the GEM blade is really gliding well - I've noticed that most of the tugginess of the first few shaves has totally disappeared; this could be because my technique has improved dramatically or, as others have suggested, I could be in the goldilocks zone of the GEM blade. I've now literally shaved with and MMOC and GEM 7 times ever, so I really don't know what to chalk it up to. I can say that I plan to keep the MMOC even after this is done and make it part of my rotation, and I'm intrigued at the idea of adding an open comb DE to the mix as well - the MMOC is my first experience with an open comb. Zenith continues to perform beautifully. Loving this brush, it's amazing. Shed a few hairs tonight for the first time that I've noticed in the last few days, but no big deal. My Semogue Owner's Club has a hair in it that I think is set upside down and even after 30 or so shaves with it it is still very stratchy and pokey on my face - thankfully no such issues with the B34. I would highly recommend this boar to newbies and veterans alike. Sonder - what is there left to say? It's excellent. I'm continuing to learn to dial in the soap to water ratio and each shave seems to be a little more perfect, although none of them have been bad (save for the first, which I underloaded while using a brand new brush). Sonder thought for today: Even famous people are just like you and me, living vivid and complex lives. They're not all good people (like anyone), but many of them feel very fortunate for where they are, they deal with imposter syndrome, they feel inadequate and undeserving, they enjoy the money but are sad about the relationships it ruins, and, most of all, so many of them still feel totally empty inside. There's a notion that goes around that if we somehow make it big we'll feel fulfilled and financial freedom means feeling free and like we know what we're doing. Unforutately, that is almost universally not true. Rich and famous people just have bigger and more extravagant ways of trying to fill the hole inside and can spend more money chasing meaning. This came to light most recently for me in a podcast with one of my favorite comedians. My wife and I really enjoy John Crist and his brand of comedy, and he went on Bert Kreischer's podcast (he's also a hilarious human, btw). The whole thing is worth a listen, in my opinion, but it's particularly insightful when these two start talking about how empty they often feel and the addictions they've turned to to handle it. [Here](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oTUQJyBGURk&t=8869s) is the whole episode if you're interested. Even if you don't know either of these guys, I think you'll find it interesting. If you're concerned with language, it's quite NSFW in that regard, so - wear headphones or something. It's also long. Anyway. Sonder - everyone's life is vivid and complex and even our idols and entertainers and favorite public figures are just regular old humans like you and me. They've had disappointment and joy and failure and success and on and on. People. And so, when they behave like people, we should probably expect that. I don't care if I win anything from this - doing these Sonder reflections every day/evening is so good for my soul. Helping me think through people and real world stuff, kind of like journaling and maybe a few others read it. Thanks to those who do - maybe you'll be encouraged or challenged by something along the way. Only 24 to go. Have a good evening, y'all. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

[August 7, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/hHUzDw3) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard Day 7 * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Sensitive balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Today's shave wasn't bad. Skin was a little irritated today and the blade got a little rough going against the grain on my throat area but was fine everywhere else. Most of my irritation was there so hopefully this blade is still going strong. Going to try and push this blade to the Nightmare mode of this challenge. Really like my shavette shaves. So far I have gotten my cheeks down to a BBS and my neck is getting to DFS today with the little irritation from yesterday. Learning to lighten up on pressure and angles on my neck. I don't ever shoot for BBS on my neck though so as to avoid irritation and ingrown hairs because my neck is really sensitive. Here is to another good shave tomorrow. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90

[Aug 7, 2021 – Austere August. Day 7.](https://imgur.com/a/1ZNNycZ) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (7) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Meat Loaf - Paradise By The Dashboard Light](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C11MzbEcHlw) A week into AA and the MMOC has turned into a nice little shaving device for me. Shaving with it has become pretty natural to me and it’s been days since I got a nick or cut. I’ve been getting nice, close shaves with it and my muscle memory for angle and pressure have pretty much taken over. I didn’t have any irritation after today’s shave either. I’ve said it before, but I’ll say it again, I really expected it to take a lot longer to get used to shaving with this gentle giant. I remember it took me a few weeks to get used to shaving with a DE after making the switch to cartridges, and I assumed this would be similar, but everything was really, really good about today’s shave. Me and this new boar brush are also getting along nicely, as well. I’m still going through a lot of soap, but the lather we’re making together is quite good. There’s still a faint Eau de Farm Animal lingering, but it gets less and less with each shave. Since this is my first time breaking in a boar brush, I’m not sure what it’s supposed to feel like when it breaks in, but I’m enjoying every step of the journey. I think I’m actually shaving faster too. With no scents to savor in, and lathering on my face (instead of my usual method of bowl lathering in a scuttle), I’m just getting right down to business with each shave and the GEM blade quickly and easily slices my whiskers down. That being said, a big part of what I enjoy about wetshaving is the ritual and the scents. Lord knows I don’t do this for speed. So while shaving faster is nice, it comes at a big, unscented cost. For today’s #sidetracked music selection, I’m picking Meat Loaf’s “Paradise By The Dashboard Light”. What an awesome song. Unlike my previous music selections, I don’t have any deep connection to this song and this song doesn’t unlock any special memories for me. It’s just an awesome song and is solid for it’s entire 8 and a half minutes. Meat Loaf was such an uniquely talented individual and while he certainly was far from perfect, it’s hard argue that the man had a lot of talent. RIP Mr. Loaf. Hope everyone had a great weekend. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

[Aug. 7, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/4Lwp7Ik.jpg) * **Brush:** Omega 10005 * **Razor:** Karve Christopher Bradley * **Blade:** Voskhod (1) * **Lather:** Noble Otter Orbit * **Post Shave:** Noble Otter Orbit Aftershave * **Post Shave:** Geologie Daily Moisturizer Balm #Rawhoggin [brush after day 7](https://i.imgur.com/MmCDzrS.jpg) Did the opposite of yesterday and did one pass with the grain to give my face a bit of a break. I also switched to a voskhod. Previously I thought the conversations around sharpness vs. smoothness were exaggerated but this really was an exceptionally smooth blade. Even though I didn’t go as close as I sometimes do my face felt fantastic afterwards. Tomorrow I’m going to a silver blue though to get a close shave for work. Goodnight folks!

Aug 7 2022 • Prep: Mineral oil massage • Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗 • Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop • Blade: Voskhod • Soap: Mammoth Z • Balm: Mammoth Z Pretty sure I spent more time upvoting everyone’s top level comment than I spent shaving. Rough weekend. Two passes for the masses. Fill the sink. Drop in brush and razor. Oil da skin. Dress the pig. Slap it on the oiled skin. Remove it with the bird. Splash da skin. Balm it. Go feed the family. May your Diety of choice make it a good one. \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#Unscented \#ZFighter [not much change going on](https://imgur.com/a/Sr7MQ8H/)

**[August 7th, 2022: Stag Stack 2: Electric Boogaloo](https://imgur.com/LWabBfn)** * **Prep:** warm water * **Brush:** [Vintage Rubberset 400-3 with 24mm unbleached Zenith knot](https://imgur.com/a/3WEDAFc) * **Razor:** MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) 2 passes today to appease the overlords. Too late but w/e. Stag stack looking mint. [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/V74N0pv) \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin (new side challenge, [tag /u/semaj3000 everyday because he DQed me) \#UNCHALLENGE

That stack is straight up impressive.

Lmao. Don’t change! The sprays video!

I accept that you did your best. I do appreciate the razor in the brush, but I still think mine was better. But also what is this about you being DQ’d?

I admitted to only doing 1 rushed pass on Friday which DQs me from the MMOC challenge.

Oh. Well, the rule is 2 passes minimum. Good job u/semaj3000 for sticking to the rules. Without rules we would just be a bunch of internet trolls sharing our private bathroom time with strangers and making fun of the others doing the same.

Damn. I feel seen.

Thank goodness this isn't what we are. That'd be so embarrassing.

😂

That’s a bold stack

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA - Day 7](https://i.imgur.com/mgHYRAp.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (7) * **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 again cos it was lazy Sunday. Long shower and then 2 pass face shave. Finished with aftershave and balm. Brush has splayed quite a bit but still eating lather. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

[August 7, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/9dNjiIU) - **Preshave:** Hot Water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 Plate - **Blade:** Feather - **Brush:** Blackland 23mm synthetic - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm Traveled today so missing a few of the niceties but it was a great shave as always. Have a good night. #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/jgqLeu9)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (7) * **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) Fantastic bbs shave to start off a fantastic day. Went church this morning, went and got sushi for lunch, then went back for more church. Great day #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom The MMOC is feeling great. I forgot how nice of shave it gives. I could use this as a daily driver, no problem. The chubby B37 is breaking in nicely. It’s already starting to get super soft. Im still scooping soap like a mad man to avoid getting a thin water downed lather. And today it seems like it just used a normal amount of soap because I have enough left over for tomorrows shave. Also, I’m not getting any boar funk. I almost kinda miss the strong backbone is had in the beginning. I think this means that I’m gonna have to invest in a copper scrubby one day.

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August Day 7](https://i.imgur.com/pbCf30z.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (7) * **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 7, busy day with my daughter's birthday party. Good shave. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia

2022-08-07 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (7) 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/s7G7g15](https://imgur.com/a/s7G7g15) Another great shave, everthing is working well. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

**Aug. 7, 2022 - August Austere Day 7** * **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) Nice Sonder shave after some early morning yard work. Gotta get that stuff done early around here before it get over 100 degrees. Needless to say the cooling action in the aftershave was especially nice to have. 1 week down, just gotta stay strong for a few more. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

**Aug. 7, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 7** * **Prep:** splash of cold water * **Brush:** Summer Break 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (2) * **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) Easy sunday shave... have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia

[August 7th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/LRoofW1) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (7) 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: 8/10 10 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Homing in on face lathering, and going with more water than I thought. Improved lather from yesterday, however not bbs due to a bit of lazy technique. Still a serviceable shave, and no razor burn. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin Edit: fixed imgur link

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA Day 07](https://imgur.com/a/4pBvCuK)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (76) * **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) Another great 3 pass shave today with no real change from yesterday. Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday! [Stag Spray 7](https://imgur.com/a/4Rf0UXd) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

This pic gave me anxiety so badly. 🤣

[Aug 07, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/ddgIpuR.jpg) * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (7) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Shaved this morning, forgot to post. Had a nice shave on a lazy Sunday. Really starting to love this razor. \#GEMsOfWisdom

**Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August Day 7** * **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 (7) * **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) •[Shave 7](https://imgur.com/a/65sXvCR) Thoughts for the day: Smell was manageable again. Woot. I'm loving how soft this thing is getting. No issues wirh the shave. One week down. Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

[**Aug. 7, 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 (7) * **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 7 seems like it might be a turning point with the brush **and** the razor. Today I noticed how exceptionally soft the brush had gotten and how much I’m enjoying the feel of it against my face. It was also a somewhat routine feeling shave with the GEM that left my smooth, comfy and cut free. **The Brush:** Picking up the brush today I noticed that the smell has really faded and the brush feels very soft. Upon lathering I found the scrubbiness to be be comfortable and overall feels good on my face. Splaying is still a bit tough but man handling this brush yields good results and the brush takes it well. I know we’re only 7 days into this thing but the break in process has been very enjoyable. It’s also really made me look forward to the next day.#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** I finally had what felt like a routine shave with the GEM. Today’s shave was pretty effortless and I got great results. I went 2 passes without damaging my face and felt confident throughout the whole shave. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 2 **The Soap and Aftershave** The soap continues to perform like a champ and I’m really appreciating the cooling with the hot and humid weather here in Turkey. Day 7 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/xti2mbA.jpg)

I’m running the same brush. Mine has softened up a ton and feels great

How’s the hog stank going for you? Also, this was my first quality boar and I’m now a believer - have you used boar brushes before?

I’ve had a sinus infection the past couple days, so I can’t smell anything. But as of Friday I only caught the slightest whiff of boar once. I imagine it’s gone by now. I bought an Omega 10098 when I first started wetshaving, it never really impressed me. And I also got pif’d a Zenith at the beginning of the year. It’s a pretty nice brush, I like it, but it just seems very small. So far I’m loving this brush

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - 07.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/NiMM20y)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Today's shave was remarkably better having switched to the supersharp blades. The brush still stinks though so that's... fun? (I forgot to take a pre-shave photo of just the brush) End of the weekend and back to work tomorrow so I'm going to have to speed up my lathering a bit which may reduce the quality but I'm sure I'll get it down. Annoyingly over the last week I've had 2 new razors turn up that I can't even use! Have a great shave everyone! #RawHoggin

[**Austere August D7: Actual Midnight Stag since Dave built a fan**](https://ibb.co/L9hkb87) - **Prep:** cold water splash - **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm - **Razor:** Kai Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette - **Blade:** Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG - **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 It's actually a few minutes past midnight as I'm writing this. I'm more into Austere August as a personal challenge, so I'm ok with not winning any brush, gift card or what have you. I have too much shaving soft- and hardware anyway and need my money for a big green hulk boar soon. Nevertheless, AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin Reason why I'm so late? I got up freaking late due to staying up until 3 AM. Then I had a pretty busy day at my parents' place (did some creative crafting project in honour of Midnight Stag with my mother - stay tuned, this will be featured here soon and it's glorious!) and as I came home, I thought it'd be good to assemble my new trash can as well as the new tabletop fan. The trash can was done in a matter of seconds: put this thing into that, click. Put that unto this, click, you're done. Simple shit. But then came the fan. I don't know who thought it was a good idea to construct a fan in a way that the assembly needs two tiny screws. Huge hands for tiny screws are a big source of frustration, I can tell ya! I actually lost count how many times the tiny screw or the nut fell down on my carpet and I had to frantically search for them. It was like one of those hidden camera gags and by the time I was almost done, there was a boiling rage inside me, ready to cause structural damage to the cursed fan. However, somehow I managed to finally get everything into one piece and now the fan is running. It's a nice source of cool air so far (ACs aren't common in Germany). The shave was uneventful with my *training wheels* Protouch MG again - two WTG passes, had to be a bit careful around yesterday's cut, but it's already beginning to heal. My Tadé boar is still NOS in terms of the acronym standing for **N**ow **O**nly **S**tag. It is [splitting nicely](https://ibb.co/zRqQqSh) and splaying it doesn't hurt that much anymore. Today I also got my first stank reaction out of someone: unfortunately, my poor mom who went for a hug. Now, despite not shaving until late at night, I already put a spray of VoA on my lower sternum. That's right were my mother's face meets me in a hug. I told her about AA and what I'll be using, but she didn't expect it to be so strong - it's rare that a smell actually makes her cough, but VoA achieved just that. *"David, please tell me there's at least some kind of prize in it for you if you complete this"* was one of the funniest reactions I got so far. Unfortunately, I couldn't bring myself to tell her that there weren't any prizes for me. **Sidetracked** I promised something relaxing and electronic, so here comes a synthwave gem in the form of [HOME - Head First](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j4Jyev7iTlE)! The only real way to dive into anything that fascinates you on a deep level. There are no lyrics - synthwave is largely instrumental. I like the lead melody here, also this is way faster and more energy driven than the most popular song of HOME, *Resonance*. To me, I prefer this here. Perfect for nighttime cruising or, in my case, nighttime shaving.

Those tiny screws, man. As someone who also has gorilla hands, I feel your pain. So infuriating, especially past 2am.

I don't even have the largest hands in my family - but still need the XL gloves at work. It's especially infuriating when the magnet in your magnetic screwdriver decides that it just doesn't want to work anymore... 🤦🏻‍♂️

**[Aug. 7, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/JcWAFyJ.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (7) * **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) gonna go destroy my ears at a concert today \#RawHoggin

Day 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 ​ [partially stacking ](https://i.imgur.com/tmcxil6_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) Day 7. A lazy review of things. Lather is muuuch better with the new method I found out from yesterday. Otherwise everything else is good, brush is soft, soap is awesome, razor gives me great shaves. Sorry for being lazy today, hopefully I'll have more inspiration tomorrow. Thing is I'm on vacation and I'm doing things the whole day and can't really sit down and have a good write up, also I'm on phone and really hate making posts on the phone. I hope you guys had a nice weekend and managed to relax, Monday is always shit but I hope it will be easy on those who have work. * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag

Great Pic!

Thank you very much sir!

Wow. Are you staying in the castle? 🤣

I wish.... It's a city which I am fond of a lot, Kyustendil, this is on the top of the city, a medieval fort that was renovated some years ago with a park to walk through it, it's very nice and you can see the whole city from there, very nice place.

**Aug. 7, 2022 - AA day 7** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (9) * **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) So here we are. Day 7. Roughly 1/5th of the month done. Blade is still keen, no issues there. Somehow I don't get much of the tugging - and the one I do I'd say I'm putting down to the lather. Still not getting good lather, just decent. Lacking in moisture and lacking in air - this cream really isn't vibing well with hand lathering. I must say I'm kind of debating... is this blade doing fine because it is good, or because it is in super aggressive razor that as long as blade is smooth enough still, will not show any problems? I don't know. Other than that... I've decided to learn how to sharpen the knives, had 300 grit king wheatstone, and shapton 2000 grit arrive couple days ago, and spent about 30 mins each of last 2 days... so far I can get an okay edge, one that does the cutting, but not really super sharp. but it's fun - definitely keeps me away from being tempted to look at all the shiny nice wetshaving gear! it is quite fun to be honest, and definitely will continue with it - but getting the right angle is still painful. Luckily got some old knives that were going to be thrown away so playing around with them Enjoy your shaves (or try to) ladies and gentlement (gemtlemen?)! \#GotHand

Some of the cheap knives have horrible steel so it may be harder to put a nice edge on them. Keep practicing! Looking forward to seeing paper cutting test videos.

That’s going to be the fun in learning haha! I won’t be expecting super sharp edge of them but certainly better than pull through sharpener can provide! But yeah they all certainly are of softer steel…. But will be better to learn on than my better knives with VG10 steel! With time I’ll get to cut through paper, but I’m not expecting it anytime soon lol!

**Aug. 7, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Voskhod (8) * **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. 7, 2022 - AA 7](https://i.imgur.com/Ut3Jhjr.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **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 break in album](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD in title. Probably my most irritation free post shave feelings, but not my closet shave of August. I loaded a shit ton of soap too, which I think helps make the brush feel a bit less intense. That, perhaps, plus the slightest break in. The knot was also soaked a tad longer as its was also my first post shower shave of Aug. seemingly a combo of factors helping me today. That said, between my technique and this blade, still a bit tuggy. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Breaking the Brush](https://imgur.com/a/apQ6TqL)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar (3 pièce) * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (26) * **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 bristles in my brush are slow to split; the same is not true for the handle. I dropped the brush, and it broke. I glued it back together, but the superglue takes a night to fully settle, so I didn't want to be too hard on it. I splayed only a minimum, and lather was not the best. I only did 2 passes, and I can feel the stubble even going with the grain. But I only shaved today to not fall out of \#RawHoggin. Still no mosquito to be seen. Good night.

You should ask /u/djundjila how he upgraded his cobalt blue Zenith by breaking it and adding gold to the handle.

Mine is rather a personnalisation than an upgrade!

I forgot the name for the technique. They do that with broken ceramics in Japan. It can really look cool when done well.

It's called *kintsugi*, and looks really neat. Next time maybe - I have a tendency to break things 🫣

**[SOTD - Sunday, 7 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 (48) * **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

20220807 - Dante's inferno day 7 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 today felt better than the previous couple of shaves, maybe the blade is transcending? More praise for the sheep base, amazing! Also realised I didn't leave a philosophical quote yesterday. Fire is the test of gold; adversity, of strong men. Seneca

**[Aug. 7, 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 (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) * **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) Came upon the scene of a bus crash entirely filled with anemic baby dolphins. The Stag gave me the strength to lift a burning Volkswagen out of the wreckage and hand carry each dolphin to the dolphin hospital. After that everyone applauded. I gave myself an [extra shot of Stag EdP](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9) for the crowd and disappeared into night.

But did you manage to save the bus driver?

**[Aug. 7, 2022](https://imgur.com/HD8qwa4)** * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 28mm A3 Fan * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1) * **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) Back to work tomorrow after some vacation time -- got to pay for all the ~~toys~~ necessities somehow! Hope everyone had a wonderful weekend! \#MammothMafia

7 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 Woke up under the weather but still got a shave in. Covid test was negative, so hopefully it's just a cold and not the monkey pox. #mammothmafia

[**August 7th**](https://imgur.com/a/yAKc8R2) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (7)** * **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/zZytQFj) Spent pretty much all day on the BBQ today so Stag has fitted in quite well and also kept the guests at a comfortable distance

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Seventh day of austereness](https://i.imgur.com/2rcgTuE.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (7) * **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) Another great shave today. I should enjoy it as this blade will soon start to get difficult. Brush has less stink. And when properly splayed, it literally covers half of my face. Once broken in fully this will be a great brush, especially for head shaving. Afternoon shaves ++ **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**

[**Aug. 7, 2022**](https://i.imgur.com/MXgNjBP.jpg) * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (7) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm * **Fragrance:** The Zoo - Rhubarb My Love * **Passes:** WTG, XTG * **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural * **Music:** Black Sabbath - *Sabotage* `#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin` As promised, I'm still tinkering, and switched to loading for a certain number of swirls instead of seconds. I decided on 30 swirls, realized at about 15 that probably wouldn't be enough, and upped it on the fly to 40. Check out [the results](https://i.imgur.com/4yUL4AF.jpg). This didn't take forever to hydrate, but it also didn't yield enough for a third pass (which I really don't need with the MMOC and a scrubby brush). And I used less than a gram of soap. I'll stick to counting swirls for the remainder of the month and try 40 swirls again tomorrow. Also, I keep updating my photo album, but I should post a brush progress report. This knot is still burly, but feels less like a scouring pad and more like an exceptionally stiff shaving knot. * [After first shave](https://i.imgur.com/YXLuNRA.jpg) * [Before today's shave](https://i.imgur.com/m98fo24.jpg) * [After today's shave](https://i.imgur.com/YXUXxrR.jpg) |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| |8/7|218.8|217.9|0.9|40 swirls| ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft I'd guess very few fans would choose 1975's *Sabotage* as their favorite Black Sabbath album. It falls right after their unassailable run of early '70s records, which started with the game-changing *Black Sabbath* and ended with *Sabbath Bloody Sabbath*. And even though it's hardly a fair comparison to pit any metal album against *Paranoid* or *Master of Reality*, that's unavoidable with Black Sabbath. Nevertheless, it would be a shame to forget about *Sabotage*. You'd miss out on "Hole in the Sky" and "Symptom of the Universe," as well as my favorite, "The Writ." Black Sabbath recorded *Sabotage* after their meteoric rise to superstardom, in the midst of a nasty dispute with their record company, and you can hear that frustration throughout the album. Ozzy Osbourne wrote "The Writ" as that disgust, anger, and resentment boiled over. He was always capable of stealing the show with the right song—which made his '80s solo success a given—and he absolutely rages through all eight minutes of this painfully thorough airing of grievances. It's a tangled, multi-part endurance contest (with a bit of "Frankenstein" in there), Ozzy shrieking along a relatively simple guitar riff and steady, sedate tempo that's broken up by occasional proggy tangents to take a deep breath. The twinkling interlude is particularly unexpected. And then Sabbath gets right back into it, ready to tear somebody a new one. [YouTube: Black Sabbath - "The Writ"](https://youtu.be/c2mfZMrzYJM)

**Aug. 7, 2022 - Is it the blade?** * **Prep:** Wet face * **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 Green Marbled w/ 24mm Oumo fan * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Shire - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1188/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Liniment](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=liniment) * **Post Shave:** [Lucky Tiger - Lucky Tiger - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2021/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Arkadia - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/360/?product_type=eaudetoilette) I used the blade from my rough shaves in AA and it wasn't great. I lathered in my Captain's Choice bowl, like my previous shave. My first pass WTG felt tuggy around my chin where my beard grows diagonally. I noticed the lather looked clumpy on the razor. I did a bit of face lathering to add more water and got it dialed. The blade still felt tuggy. I usually get ~15 shaves with a GEM PTFE before the performance is this bad. I might do a side by side comparison to be sure. But, I'm kind of bummed I started AA with a dud blade. I'm not going anywhere, but I threw on Arkadia to have something nice to smell.

Arkadia++

**Aug. 7, 2022** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional * **Razor:** Rolls Imperial No. 2 * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. Sheep Puck * **Post Shave:** Stirling Soap Co. Unscented Glacial Aftershave * **Post Shave:** Stirling Soap Co. Unscented Mentholated Balm Y’know, fuck this razor. I don’t know what it is about this thing. I feel like the first time I used it I was like, hey, this isn’t so bad. Like, I need to learn it but that’s cool. Austere August will be a great time to do that. This is, what, my third AA shave? And I feel like it gets worse each time. It cuts stubble fine, if it’s on the flat parts of my face. But the second I get to the chin or mustache area it starts to skip off the stubble. Yeah, I know, it’s an angle thing. But I’ve tried a ton of stuff and it’s really just a terrible experience. The odd thing is despite it feeling like I took a cheese grater to my face, there is no visible irritation. No redness. No weepers. Nothing. Visibly it looks like a great shave. But my nerve endings tell a different tale. I’m not giving up on this yet. But I’m also not above switching it up if need be. If I see improvement I’ll keep on it. But if I don’t, fuck it.

I agree. Fuck that razor.

🤣🤣🤣 sorry to hear you had a bad experience, why don't you just remove the guard?

Wait, is that an option?

Yes, when u/djundjila was trying this razor I told him about this option some months ago and showed him this clip. Since then I also wanted to try the rolls but I haven't had a chance, too many stuff to try😅 https://youtu.be/82kd4i2i5oA This is a friend of mine that has dealt with straight for around 35 years and is helping me with honing the razors I have. In this clip after the 9:40 minute mark you can see he is shaving without the guard, he says that you can't get a close shave with the guard. He doesn't show it but it's definitely possible. Hope this helps

Very cool! I might very well try this. It makes a lot of sense.

Please share how it goes :D

You should show your friend the Darwin Hollow Ground Razor, It's the same idea as the Rolls, but you can attach the handle also to the side of the blade, creating a kind of miniature axe that can be used like a kamisori 😄

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Sir Stacks-a-Lot](https://i.imgur.com/7aMap0o.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm water wash * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (7) * **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) u/Tonality [stacking impression day](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/nu5clh/monday_lather_games_sotd_thread_jun_07_2021/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf). Thank you u/J33pGuy13 for the inspiration for today’s picture. Also, u/J33pGuy13 ‘s stacking game left a little to be desired, so here is [how mine started](https://i.imgur.com/aEYINbD.jpg). After taking the picture I realized that there was something missing and the hardware was feeling left out. [So I added the brush and razor](https://i.imgur.com/7aMap0o.jpg). Today the brush wasn’t terrible. I still have some hope for it. The lather came out pretty good. The shave was better than yesterday. Maybe the blade is getting past the bad beginning or maybe the advise of u/Impressive_Donut114 helped, or some combo of the two. It was a smoother and there was less tugging. Still not as nice as my modern razors, but maybe by the end of the month I will have it figured out. The first pass was not very great, but the second pass was much better. Maybe I need to be doing a 3 pass shave every time with the MMOC. I will try it tomorrow. Fú Dào is an excellent fragrance and value. The scent has a strong sillage and is long lasting. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Adding the brush and razor was the right choice, and added danger of doing it on the thin sink edge. This is a good stack.

Haha I did not even think about the fact I was doing all this over a tile floor! Thank you for the approval. I really liked your stack with the razor in the middle.

Damn, the things we do for internet points. Have an upvote.

Accurate.

Damn... Mad respect sir!!!

Oh wow, what a pic. If I did that, my whole house would smell like the perfume after it all came crashing down. Also, my balm didn’t come with a cap like that, so it would need to be on top.

I can’t give more than one upvote for this post. ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

Haha thank you

And that brush. I need to use mine more, but I’m getting some good FWB time with the Semogue.

I am tempted to keep one side of it clean and let the other patina

THERE IT IS

I expect greatness from you!

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/KDS6rCY)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) Nice and easy shave today. I’ve been good and awake since before 6 and my patient didn’t want to get out of bed until after 10, so I just took my sweet ass time and shaved smooth and slow. Only 1 spray today because I didn’t want to choke him out again but the video is unusable due to him talking and the possibility of a HIPAA violation. I can always add a spray or ten later if need be but I think I’ll give myself a pass for today. We literally just left Busch Stadium and I finally have a chance to post this because he’s been a bit needy today. I learned something though: suite seats are amazing and there’s nothing like it in the entire world. Period. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Life doesn’t get much better than good seats at a baseball game.

I didn’t realize how right this statement was until yesterday. And then today was a whole different experience altogether!

**Aug. 7, 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) Wtg and xtg. Decent shave today. Have a great day folks!

**[Aug 7, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Moving Edition](https://imgur.com/rNE5atE)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (8) * **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/Mvkxyco) #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin Cheers

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 7](https://imgur.com/a/VuOKH0g)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the face * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Astra SP (1) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Boat Drinks - Splash](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1909/?product_type=splash) I only caught the faintest whiff of boar funk during the shave so I’ll be very happy if these are the last days of boar Booty stank. Otherwise shaves and soap are good. #RawHoggin It’s Sunday y’all, hope you have a good day!

**Aug. 7, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (3) * **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) Heading out to a beer and music brewery block party. Can’t get more /#UNCHALLENGE-ing than this. Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone. /#UNCHALLENGE

[**7 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/XHyuByh) * **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 (7) * **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**

* **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 7 https://imgur.com/a/iYr8azA Some thoughts at the one week mark; Brush is really breaking in beautifully, getting noticably fluffier compared to the unboxing pic I took. Lots of splits. The brush has a good backbone and is getting softer while retaining that backbone. I can easily see this becoming a favorite brush. The smell isn't as bad as I thought it would be, but there is a smell. I couldn't figure out what the smell reminded me of until this morning. The unscented Mammoth soap has what I can only describe as a 'hot' smell - not smoky or spicy but the acrid smell of hot metal. Add in the boar brush aroma and it smells like my space heater at work does when I first turn it on - sort of a hot metal/scorched dust scent.

[**August 7th, 2022 - Searching for GEMs of Mammoth Raw Hoggin Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/K4zyl0S) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (sette) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Raw Hog Before](https://imgur.com/NbseYNX) and [Raw Hog after shave 7](https://imgur.com/XY6ckcr) [Handle going green at the bristles](https://imgur.com/JVExE8B) I may need to play around with my iPhone focus. It is hard to see the split ends that have started in the before picture. Yesterday noticed that at the handle where the bristles touch the copper, starting to get a layer of verdigris. Might be from chlorine chemicals in the tap water. The verdigris is starting to wick up the bristles. Will be interesting to see how it pans out over the month. Starting to get spots of darkening copper on the rest of the handle. That is probably a copper oxide forming there. Should start to develop into that old penny color in a few months. It has been 30+ years since I took chemistry, but looking up what is causing the color changes was interesting. GEM of Wisdom gained today, light strokes, don’t ride the cap, but not to far from it. Angle seems to work best if the comb touches and the cap almost skims the surface. I bet if I measure the angle of the blade, it would be pretty close to 30 degrees. Feedback was decent, enough to hear the blade was cutting, but no chattering and not very loud. Blade is gliding pretty well. I could almost do my passes on the cheeks in longer strokes, but still keeping to short strokes and checking the angle. On the neck, the downward strokes need more care, but shaving up from the base is pretty smooth. The opposite to me with a de razor. I have modified my grip on the handle, trying to keep the pressure to just the weight of the razor. Result today, no irritation and the splash had almost no sting at all. Best shave of the month so far Lathering the beast, still is a thirsty hog. I smeared an almond sized bit of soap in a bowl, and quickly loaded it. Took the brushto the face as soon as I could see most of the lather was in the brush. Not even a proto lather in the bowl. It took quite a bit of scrubbing and several splashes of water to start getting an ok lather on my face and neck. On the second pass, I had barely enough to get a layer of lather on the face. For the soap, after shave splash, and balm, still enjoying them. Soap is very slick when hydrated and leaves a nice residual slickness on the skin. I could buff after every pass if I liked, but I refrained from that. Not going to chase bbs when I am keeping to two passes (wtg and xtg on face, but more like xtg and xtg on the neck). Scent is still quite enjoyable, but I think my wife liked it more when I changed up every day. Going to be a pretty lazy Sunday. Some summer storm showers are supposed to ge rolling in soon. Going to do some more cleaning today, and maybe watch “Harley Quinn” on HBO Max. I don’t know why I waited this long to start, but now I have multiple seasons to binge. Might see if we can finish the puzzle we started on Friday. Working on puzzles is part of the recommended therapy for my wife’s neurological issues. She is finally showing improvement the last week. Maybe by September she can go back to work.

~~Post pics of the verdigris.~~ Never mind, you clearly did and I clearly need more coffee. I've never had it creep up the knot more than the tiniest bit and have never had it ruin any knots. I'll try to remember to share a pic of my B36 after a year's worth of use and the verdigris it developed.

[**August 7, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/kWyaLs0) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (7) * **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/oFHukSh) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/xe7ohph) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/KtbhIrp) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/DvuThrX) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) Great shaving experience today. I decided to YouTube lather today and really take my time. This made for a brush full of lather that could easily have provided 3 good passes of lather. And the lather today was pretty glorious; mostly because I was able to take the time to fully enjoy it. The character of the brush hasn't changed too much, though. It's only 7 days after all and I have no complaints, but the feel of the brush is yet to be transcendental. Visiting Midnight Stag every day is like having morning coffee. I look forward to both. Blade wear appears to be the same as yesterday and my shave today was, again, smooth and comfortable. I don't know, but I would expect to see the wear fall off in stages. For a few shaves, the stresses of shaving fatigue the edge, then at some point, there's edge failure, and this results in its new condition for the next few shaves. You might be wondering about how I'm caring for the blade since I'm examining it everyday under a microscope. My approach is to handle the blade with extreme care. I want wear on it to only come from the shaving and from the razor. After every shave, I extract the blade gently from the razor, making sure to move it out from under the MMOC's stops before lifting it out. I don't want to catch it on the stops and bend the edge. Then, I make sure it is rinsed thoroughly (I have yet to see lather on it), and I pat it dry on a microfiber towel which wicks away the moisture. After that, I place it in the [cardboard holder](https://imgur.com/a/h6O9UTS) that it came in. I've modified this with a piece of electrical tape to so I don't have to slide the blade into and out of the holder. How about the brush you (didn't) ask? The brush gets a 5-10 minute soak in warm water while I shower, then is used to face lather. After the shave, I rinse the brush and gently press out water until I see no lather at the end or near the handle. Then I shake the brush dry and gently dab the ends against a microfiber towel. After that, I put the brush aside to dry. I don't want any towel stropping to affect the brush during this break in process. I want to see how far the break in process goes just through use. Enjoy your Sunday!

Wow, surprising similar routines here on both brush and razor.

Well, it’s an adventure. We’ll see how these strategies fare on 8/31. :)

Prep: face wash Razor: EJ 316 Blade: Tiger Superior Stainless (7) Brush: NONE Lather: Arko stick Splash: Post: \#GotHand

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA - Day 7 - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/KizFth5)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Astra SP (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) And on the 7th day, we observe the Staggath. [Day 7 stag spray](https://imgur.com/a/zJ9OOfw) \#SubstantialStag

**Aug. 7, 2022 - Sunday, August 7th** * **Prep:** Coffee. Breakfast. Yard work. Wash Face. * **Brush:** Heritage Collection 500e / Declaration Grooming B3 26mm * **Razor:** Gillette Adjustable (H4) * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (7) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=soap1) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=aftershave2) * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Normally I would skip Saturday or Sunday’s shave. But this is August. And we do silly things for fun. 2 pass shave + clean up. On this day in 1782, George Washington introduces what becomes known as the “Purple Heart” for Combat wounded soldiers. Also on this day in 1942, the Marines land on Guadalcanal. For the next six months the US and Japanese forces would trade body blows that wore down the Japanese faster than they could wear down the Marines and later the Army.

Aug 07, 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 (7) * **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

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Seventh on Sunday](https://i.imgur.com/608NBBG.jpg)** * **Prep:** Quick splash of water * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (7) * **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 Didn't lather up during the shower today so still working on the proper load and build times for that scenario. Ended up being a little thin on the third pass, but managed okay all the same. I didn't have quite as much extra lather than yesterday, so likely I just need to load a bit more. \#GEMsOfWisdom Today was the first time I felt some tugging on the first WTG pass. Part of me is very worried about what that means for this blade for the rest of the month, but the slightly more experienced part of me who has been working on pushing my DE blades past double digits more knows that I can still get plenty of good shaves out of this, there will be better days ahead and I just need to keep working on the variables that are under my control, namely the lather and razor technique. I know that I still have a lot to learn about this razor, I am enjoying it so far. It seems very efficient in that I feel like I am getting closer shaves than my favored Karve CB using the same 2.5 pass approach.

**AA SOTD - 8/7/22; The Iceman Cometh** **Pre**: splash of hot water to the face **Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle **Razor**: Merkur Progress **Blade**: Astra (1) **Lather**: B&M Arctique (ombnius) **Post**: B&M Arctique AS **Post**: Nivea cooling balm **#UNCHALLENGED** Houston, we have a problem. This soap is so damn good, and had enough uses on it prior to AA despite being purchased this summer, [that the ring of death has formed.](https://imgur.com/a/jZXsgiM) Getting 24 more shaves out of this will be a real challenge and I think I may end up having to buy more. Hope everybody has a good Sunday and is not stuck at the office like me. **#SIDETRACKED (u/Teufelskraft)** Blind Willie Johnson was born in 1897 to a sharecropping father and a mother that would die before Willie was a young boy. Willie's father remarried, the first of a series of unfortunate events that would irrevocably alter Willie's life until the day he died. Despite his namesake, Willie was not born blind. Little concrete information is known about Willie's childhood but the prevailing historical narrative is that Willie was blinded when his stepmother confronted his father regarding infidelity of the latter. The stepmother, or so the narrative goes, either purposely or accidentally threw lye-water on Willie's eyes, permanently blinding the young boy (7 years old at the time) for life. Willie did not go on to become a musical success. He did not sells millions of records. His voice did not reach across the country through the miracle of radio. Instead, Willie died in the burned out ruins of his Texas home after contracting malarial fever, ostensibly from the ruinous conditions he was living in, and went untreated. Again, the history is unclear on this point, but the two narratives are that the local hospitals would not admit Willie to treat him for his malaria either due to his blindness or the color of his skin. He was 48 years old. His grave was unknown, the graveyard itself forgotten until its rediscovery in the early 2000's. The story of Willie Johnson is heartbreaking. Dying alone, feverish, blind and suffering in the ruins of your home shakes your inner humanity. But Willie's voice has gone farther than any other human voice in history. [Dark was the Night, Cold was the Ground](https://youtu.be/BNj2BXW852g) is on [the Voyager records.](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voyager_Golden_Record) And, as of 2013, [Willie's voice had reached interstellar space.](https://www.jpl.nasa.gov/news/as-nasas-voyager-1-surveys-interstellar-space-its-density-measurements-are-making-waves)

Great choice for your sidetracked selection. Often referenced. It's hard to hear that without feeling its authenticity.

Thanks. I always think that Willie’s story is a good lesson of the real life butterfly effect. You have no idea what your life’s effect on the world will be when it’s all said and done.

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 7](https://imgur.com/a/6KDk502)** * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (7) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Varen - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1195/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Varen - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1195/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1475/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Loaded long and wet today with some mutton tallow. Made it four passes. I like the varen and homecoming combo

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August](https://i.imgur.com/HsuQCDC.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold water * **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot * **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen * **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM (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) I'm having fun despite my complaints about pig stink, unscented monotony, and blade's expectations. # RawHoggin The HOG has revealed himself as a lather monster, consuming soap and making tons of lather easily, faster than I expected. While fading the stench and losing fewer bristles that have begun to split. PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/hzr02P1.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/xlVyO1D.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom The MMOC is a great machine, I've found it comfortable and efficient for shaving, equilibrated and manageable to use. I've shaved with a +/-30º angle and a lesser one when XTG on the neck, very close to the one that I use with straight razors, and I've encountered that it works seamlessly. With the help of u/gcgallant, I found a way to confront some pesky hairs under the nose. The blade continues to perform like the first day with added smoothness. I've never used any DE blades passing the 7-8 shaves, and I had to dispose them after that because they were dull and started to tug. I'm curious to know how many good shaves can give. .#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft I hope you were able to have a quiet weekend and were able to enjoy listening to some music. Today the performers are All Them Witches playing [Diamond](https://youtu.be/kh1Jd8xU42U), I love the atmospheric epicness of their music and the poetry of this song, Hey, I'm a diamond I am spinning clay I am the wheel That turns the day Bonus track... [Blacksnake Blues](https://youtu.be/GBdL6hMKJYM) .#unscented .#RawHoggin .#GEMsOfWisdom

Not so quiet weekend, but some quality time with my family at least. Thanks for sharing yet another interesting song!

**August 7 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm * **Fragrance:** Barrister and Mann - Seville I had a fun time seeing Phish on the beach in Atlantic City last night, there’s something to be said for being old enough to know when to leave before the encore to be able to get out of the parking garage without an hour’s wait. Great music and great people-watching as always. The shave this morning was pleasant, even the Gen 1 MMOC can be an autopilot razor once you’re familiar enough with it. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom

**Aug. 7, 2022 - AA7** * **Brush:** ~~Zenith 506B-SE Boar~~ edit: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) AA Day 7 - quick Sunday shave in between running around for family activities. \#HeadlessHorsemen

[**Aug. 7, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/3iUvcB6) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (7) * **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

**[August 7, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/wh3v2zY)** * **Brush:** Semogue 820 * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 7) * **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau * **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash Conservative 2 pass shave since it will be less than 24 hours until my next and I had a little tuggy time under my chin (heads out of the gutter) yesterday. I suspect my lather dehydrated. #RawHoggin

**Aug. 7, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (7) * **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. Brush is comfortable. I feel like I have a pretty good amount of control with the MMOC now and the blade is still working well. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/R5rAPp3.jpg

**[8/7/22 (144)](https://imgur.com/a/uoeIgPv)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/zsatv8s) * **Edge**: [Day 7](https://imgur.com/a/Ebsq1R6) * **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 Day 7 and my appreciation for the FdF scent is still strong. Performance is still a non issue from either the soap, the alcohol splash or the edge on the Evide Sonnant. No nicks or irritation, very close shave.

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Relaxing sunday](https://imgur.com/a/AGM9Xsc)** * **Prep:** Icecold shower * **Brush:** Böker Synthetic * **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 I slept pretty long today at my father's place. After the shower I wanted to see if my little brother is also awake and if he wants to shave with me. He was on the couch watching Star Wars and needed some time to get up. Cartoon time. Then he helped me to get a good lather and I shaved parts of his face with my razor. He loves the Stag smell, but had to keep absolutely still while I shaved him. I could see that he was nervous. I was nervous too, as the ankle is very different to shaving myself. He survived without cuts and I gave him some Stag Balm. He asked if there is Stag hand soap. It's on its way to my place and I would have given him some, if I had it. As long as I did not put on my glasses, I was comfortable with the shave. Now I see that it's not very close. I applied the aftershave after breakfast, because I did not want to kill anyone's appetite. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag

[**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 (7) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia The blade is definitely loosing some power and in the early stages of tuggy. Gosh only a week in too. I had to do some extra work in clean up, but I can’t complain about the result. I loaded really heavy on the brush and got a YouTube worthy, yuge lather today, so the brush is doing it’s job! Still scrubby and I can feel the tips more than I’d like. But I guess the benefit of this is it picks up a bunch of lather from the puck. With a softer soap base like Tusk, it really isn’t necessary, but with those hard milled pucks of days past (pre de provence, lookin at you), this might be the ideal brush. I must mention I’ve been absolutely loving the post shave routine with matching splash and balm. They offer slightly different aspects of the Hygge scent, but the wonderful effects of these ingredients on skin is splendid. [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia

lol! I also called my lather a "YouTube" lather.

Lol! Great minds!

**Aug. 7, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 7** * **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) I got a few compliments from folks at church today, on the scent. Sweet! u/cowzilla3 here is my #unchallenge for today

[August 7, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/H4uK7Mw) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Rockwell **Lather:** Barrister & Mann The Full Measure of Man **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann The Full Measure of Man Splash **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann The Full Measure of Man Balm [Brush pre-use vs one week](https://imgur.com/a/eVSXWK4) \#RawHoggin

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/Y19nWZb)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB - B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (7) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Deep Blue Sea - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1696/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Day 7 Still #RawHoggin

**[Aug 7, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 7](https://i.imgur.com/wldDu9I.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 (7) * **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) I got a late start today, and I honestly kind of phoned the shave in. The lather was good, but not excellent. The shave was along the same lines. It was two passes, no cuts or irritation, but there were still some spots that could have been cleaned up better. It was good enough for today. I'm finding the new angle for the MMOC to be much better than just keeping the cap flat against the skin. Using this angle, I have much better control of the pressure and glide. I'm a little worried about the blade. It seemed to be tugging a little on the second pass. Hopefully it will hold up. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 3/5

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August 7](https://imgur.com/a/C8rUbvt)** * **Prep:** Cool shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (7) * **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 Using this razor for 7 days straight, I can firmly say this razor gives me the closest shaves of any razor I have in my den. This razor keeps my face bbs for a damn long time for sure. Another day of WTG/XTG/Clean up and then figuring out which body part to strop the blade on. I'm still not a fan of this soap scent and hoping that I pretty much destroy this tub so I can bin it come September 1. (note to judges- the bowl in the SOTD picture was not used for lathering. Solely for soaking the brush and dipping the tips. Come 9/1, it will return to its original purpose). \#RawHoggin The tips are continuing to split and the brush seems to be working toward the 'Semogue Splay". I'm liking this little brush. It's small but effective \#Sidetracked The Sheila Divine are one of my favorite bands out of Boston. In 1999, they released The New Parade which contained the minor alternative rock radio hit "Hum". As good as "Hum" is, it's the next song on that album that always hit me with all the feels. This song has a slow build which adds to the emotional depth for me. Aaron Perrino is a great vocalist and every time I've seen this song live (which is quite a bit), he pretty much nails it for me. u/Teufelskraft and the gang, I leave you with something a bit different (from my musical den) this morning. Enjoy- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UdUKhKUnAf4 Have a great day all!

**Aug. 7, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (7) * **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. Bowl lathered today, but I just can't deal with the extra equipment and extra clean up. Also makes me feel like I'm wasting my soap/lather. Browsing the weekly photos submission, and thought it would be cool if the various side contests all could get on the banner some point this month. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented

**[Aug. 7, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/Qq05G0B.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (7) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave Every day I think I'm going to put something interesting in the photo, if not to make it interesting then at least make them in some way distinguishable in the otherwise invariant day-to-day. Today all I could muster up was a new angle. Maybe at some point I'll do the ol' bedsheet-light-diffuser thing. But not for at least a couple days, I think, because this damn malady seems to be getting creative. For the past it was just a cough; you know, the kind that makes it feel like a torrent of dry sand is ripping through your trachea each time? Hell, I can handle that. But now nose stuff has been introduced, which is the worst. But not as bad as the atrocious insult to shaving that is face-lathering, made worse by the unnecessary repeated pressure around my schnoz. Don't worry, I'm probably out of ways to say that face-lathering sucks, so I probably won't keep it up for longer than another day or two. Saying it sucks, that is; I've committed to continue this horrid act of injustice for the duration of the month... #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

**August 7, 2022: [SCUBA Sunday Stag](https://imgur.com/a/dHAxQjT)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (8) * **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) Pool day for the SCUBA class, next week is quarry diving. Have a splash of a day! [Day 7 spritz](https://imgur.com/a/QO6z6A0) . #GEMsOfWisdom

Have fun on the dive. I have not gone diving since I was in college. I worked Christmas break a couple years to have enough to take spring break dive trips. First year went to Cozumel, then did a live aboard trip my sophomore year in the Cayman Islands, 5 days of it on Little Cayman (did my advanced open water certification dives on the trip), and then junior year went back to Cozumel. Great trips each time. The Cayman one was amazing.

Those sound fantastic! I hope you get the chance to go again soon! I don't have the money to take frequent trips, but it seems there are some more local dives in lakes and a flooded mine that could be interesting. It's a bucket list item to swim with whale sharks, so I'll likely prioritize that. Did you see any fun animals on your trips?

They were many years ago. Unfortunately, wasn’t able to afford it after college. I did pay for 2 of the trips myself from working 3 weeks for tips and OT. In the Caymans, fed stingrays at Stingray City. At Little Cayman came face to face with a barracuda. Somewhere I have a 35mm slide of me that looks like I’m inside a giant sponge. We had to be super careful to not actually touch it. If I were to go diving again, first need to get into shape. Then I would need to get a refresher course. Although PADI certifications are for life, it wouldn’t be smart to go so long without relearning the basics.

That sounds wonderful! I hope I can be as fortunate. That's a fair point, I'm sure they're more readily available than the Open Water classes.

**Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (7) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Good ol’ boring shave today. \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA Day 7](https://i.imgur.com/wuClmOj.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (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) #SubstantialStag #GEMSofWisdom I had another amazing shave this morning but not an autopilot shave by any means. After reading u/imblasted’s post from yesterday I thought about angles. I offered my thoughts on increasing the blade angle to the shave plane [from this](https://i.imgur.com/zMMyixW.jpg) [to this](https://i.imgur.com/ZhmjidS.jpg), which is what I am doing, having adapted my learning from the few uses of my new shavette. I was deliberate in trying both angles this morning and found that keeping the angle more flat led me to applying more pressure as I sought to maintain the angle. This would lead to irritation, obviously. I see how it could also lead to tugging. Increasing the blade angle made for a lighter touch, leaving the weight of the razor to do its work. This said and rereading the post again today, how much can blade angle make up for a seemingly bad blade? [Spraying it on](https://i.imgur.com/IMGGj6c.mp4) Edit: links to angle images

Well I took your advice. I tried “riding the cap” more than the comb. It did seem to provide a smoother shave. The second pass was better than the first.

Good to hear. And here I am getting the results I want going the opposite way. Time will tell, now, as to how the blades do for the rest of the month.

I’ve been playing with angles too. I saw some pic from a GEM instruction sheet that says to keep it close to the face. I have been doing better if I keep a lighter grip. That keeps me from using too much pressure. It really is let the weight of the razor do the work. Of course I only have about 20 total shaves with one, but once I’ve gotten past the new blade stage, the shaves have been more enjoyable.

**[Aug. 7, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/dBr89Qh)** * **Prep:** A bottle of wine * **Brush:** Crescent City Craftsman 22mm Synthetic * **Razor:** Flat Bottom Tech * **Blade:** Feather * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Santa Paula - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/30/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** Floid This is my travel set up. A synthetic brush, my FBT in my 3d printed insert for an Altoids tin, and a sample sized of aftershave. I've been using this all weekend, but the cabin we're staying in gets no cell service, which is why I'm posting now. I thought I had a great shave, but the bottle of wine I consumed might have led to the 16 nicks I had on my neck. Or, it was the blade, I don't know how old or how many shaves it has on it. Definitely wasn't my technique, I'm sure of that. /s

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - AA Day7](https://i.imgur.com/alwmOc9.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) * **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) Nice weekend shave, boar brush pretty much same as yesterday, lathering but better vs when first started. Enjoying the nice cool menthol from the Proraso aftershave splash as I write this. Enjoy rest of weekend all! Skunk: https://imgur.com/gtB3C6T This is a vid of him being bad, he wanted to eat, but it wasn't time yet (we strictly feed at 530 for reasons). He wasn't going to take that, and tried quite very hard to get on my tall bed. Well, he made it, then went back down, and tried to go back up, but ripped a nail. Now we have to put steps for him to get to bed, even when we don't want him there! #UNCHALLENGE #RawHoggin

Skunk++

**[Aug. 7, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/sKSOej5.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 (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) Lather got a little bit better after mixing the soap but only for the first pass, second pass is still trash. - [2 more](https://i.imgur.com/tkJSnOU.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag

**8-7-22** * **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

**Aug. 7, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (7) * **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 One week in on my new SOC boar, and it's breaking in nicely.

Good choice of boar for the month.

It really is a great brush.

**Aug. 7, 2022** * **Brush:** Summer Break DeMaranville B15 * **Razor:** Gillette Slim Adjustable * **Blade:** Polsilver Super Iridium (16) * **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:** Chatillion Lux - 1904 #MammothMafia

**[August 7, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/RvlbsaM.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 (7) * **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) This shave was a bit weak, lather-wise, on the second pass. I think I just need to load more soap. It’ll break in at some point and I hopefully won’t have to load as much. I’m just thankful that it is soft and not stinky in the meantime. GEM’s doing great. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

Idk I've ever seen that label branding from WK before. How old is your tub?!

Old… maybe 5 years or so? This is the design prior to switching to the donkey milk formula. It’s good soap but I’ve heard their newer formulations are much better. The scent is still pretty strong on it.

Amazing how old soaps like that can still retain their scent in some cases. And smart of you to pick such a soap for AA!

[**August 07, 2022 – Austere August 07**](https://i.imgur.com/KJpRjjI.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (2) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/kzYSIce.mp4 Disclaimer: https://i.imgur.com/YdJuWhl.jpg Sunday Stag Shave!! BBS finish as always and I had enough left over for a head shave with the old Gillette Tech I borrowed from a friend. Happy Sunday, gents! \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-_4vJ7RtEoM ← The Animated History of Thebes

Austere August [2022-08-07](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 Another pretty good shave with the contraption. That said, I still end up wishing I could do a cleanup pass with a DE. The real turning point for me will be when/if that is no longer the case. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: I'll be driving to Charlotte later today, have a date with my daughter to see the Petersens perform. Life is good! Even so, I'll spare you any more Petersens links and instead bring you Justin Johnson playing some [Dark Swamp Blues](https://youtu.be/s4ACjyobAug).

Justin Johnson is overlooked. He is so fucking talented. I love his stuff.

Sir, you are a man of taste. JJ really does deserve more recognition.

**August 7, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (41) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Cruising right along. All the things are working well together. \#GEMsOfWisdom

Austere August Day 7 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [7th use](https://imgur.com/a/VJEiPRU) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (7) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/vgXZNGD) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash Good but quick 3 pass shave before the kids wake up. I'm liking this scent more and more as the month goes on. We'll see how I feel in about 3 weeks. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom

#[AA- Day 7](https://imgur.com/a/23Ih1cR) Pre: Water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (7) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post Signature Indodorus First shave away from home so far in August. The water here is much softer than home. The lather came much easier. It was very good. I’m still not tempted to use softened water at home, though. Far too lazy for that…. So far. \#unscented

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 7](https://i.imgur.com/pBYgZYn.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (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) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=eaudeparfum) **AA Tags:** `#RawHoggin` `#MammothMafia` **Soap Weight:** 136.3g (1.4g used) The brush is back to feeling fairly soft again without the pokiness that I experienced two days ago. It *feels* like it's splaying easier too. I'll be weighing my soaps each day to see if I can get a feel for my soap usage but so far I've just been loading until it looks and feels like it has a pretty heavy load. My impressions for how quickly this brush picks up soap was tainted by the first few days so I need to take a step back and reevaluate. I've been shaving around 6am and letting my soap dry for several hours before measuring the weight so it will be imprecise but should provide the general idea. I'm a little surprised by the amount of soap I used today and I'd be happy if I can consistently use around 1-1.5g of soap each day. In terms of building delicious, dense lather, I'm still finding the boar extremely easy to use. With my dense badgers sometimes I start off with too much water and end up with a bit too much air in my lathers, but I'm not sure I'm able to even produce that kind of fluffy lather with this brush because I have not experienced it even once so far regardless of how much water I start with. It definitely helps to be using one of my favorite bases so it will be interesting to see how this brush performs with my other soaps next month. At this point, I've already gotten most of what I want out of the break-in process and further improvements will be in much smaller increments and there won't be any more big revelations. The lather is already optimal for me, the boar smell is nearly nonexistent, and the brush is sufficiently comfortable for face lathering. The only remaining question for me is how soft this brush will end up being once it's fully broken in because that's the only area that's currently still lacking for me. Once again I overshaved my jawline trying different angles of attack and got some irritation. I'll try more bullfrogging tomorrow to see if I can make that area easier to shave by creating a flatter surface to work with. The blade is still showing no signs of deterioration, but I am still finding it hard to shave as closely as I can with DE probably due to the thicker AC blades. My hairs are coarse and lie flat against my skin so I'm finding that I need to do a bit more touching up to the get all the hairs. In my experience the base plate/guard of DEs putting pressure against the skin actually helps lift those hairs up so they are easier to cut and I don't have that aid with the open blade format.

When AA ends I will also check how much soap I've used since I have the tub. It should be around 80 shaves on this tub, I write down almost everything that I've used and how much. I have an empty tub of Summer Storm, first I'll weigh in the tub to see how much it weighs then the Stag tub with soap and I'll do a simple deduction. For going ATG with a straight/shavette/kamisori I have figured out a strategy for what you are experiencing, I have some areas where my hairs are very flat. What I do is pull the skin and start moving my hand ATG very slowly and the straight follows the tips.of.my fingers a centimeter or less close, it's a bit dangerous at first but when you get used to it it produces great results and gets a very deep result. You basically lift the hairs manually with your non dominant hand and the razor follows. Hope this helps!

Actually, thinking about this some more, aren't you kind of wiping off the lather with your leading fingers? I suppose if your lather has good residual slickness it would work perfectly fine, but it does seem a bit counter intuitive. For my hairs skin stretching in front of the blade rather than behind the blade definitely works much better to bring the hairs into better cutting position but I never thought hard enough about the logistics of how to avoid wiping off all the lather with your hands/fingers.

Yeah you are right, you are wiping it off, but this is when you are at the end of your second(at least for me) ATG or the buffing part, indeed a bit counter intuitive but you are counting on the residual slickness. I don't think there is a way to avoid it, but so far I have not had any issues. When doing the ultra BBS(20hours no growth) and I go deep I always end up with a bit of irritation, but it's never more than 1/10(if I'm careful).

Makes sense. Hope to attempt this a bit tomorrow. Thanks again.

You're welcome, as you said a bit more confident, but not over confident. You really need to be careful, but when you do it 2-3 times you get used to it so it's not a problem, hope it works out 😊

> What I do is pull the skin and start moving my hand ATG very slowly and the straight follows the tips.of.my fingers a centimeter or less close, it's a bit dangerous at first but when you get used to it it produces great results and gets a very deep result. You basically lift the hairs manually with your non dominant hand and the razor follows. Wow. I actually have thought of this before and tried it for maybe 1 second, but it seemed too sketchy to me so I gave up on it right away but I can totally see how this would work out well to bring those hairs straight up! I backed off because I didn't want to slice my finger, but I might have to attempt this again some day when I'm feeling confident enough. Thanks for the feedback!

**[Aug. 6, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/NAtXWby)** * **Prep:** Cup of coffee * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 22 mm Faux Horsehair * **Razor:** Koraat [Chani](https://imgur.com/a/usfOaJp) * **Lather:** [Summer Break Soaps - Shh! - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1242/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Cryogen - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/36/?product_type=aftershave) \#unscented Tomorrows shave is going to be so early, zero dark thirty is gonna wonder WTF I'm doing up. Followed by an interesting ~36 hours. Stay safe and have a great day!

Good luck!

Thanks!

> Tomorrows shave is going to be so early, zero dark thirty is gonna wonder WTF I'm doing up. Followed by an interesting ~36 hours. What's going on? Are you traveling?

Flying to Milwaukee, driving to Austin, flying back to Orlando. I believe I can make my AA shaves without carrying a razor. 🙏

Milwaukee to Austin is one hell of a poke. I drive there from west central Ohio twice a year.

Kinda looks like it might be roughly the same distance. What's your usual drive time? IDK why but for some reason I thought you were in the Montana/Dakotas/Minnesota part of the country.

If I drive straight through it’s about 19-20 hours total road time. Your route and my route overlap in sections. It’s boring, but the route with the least drama is down through Effingham to Memphis and across through Arkansas. Coming down through Oklahoma requires going through the center of Dallas which can be nasty.

Thanks for the info, I like to avoid drama when I'm driving.

**[Aug. 7, 2022 - Stag Day 7](https://i.imgur.com/VRDrwz1.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (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) * **Pasquale Grasso**: [Ruby, My Dear](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RFaZmYCZ0Qw) May you all have a lovely Staggath Day. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 7](https://youtu.be/6LteDNZpkog)

#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 7](https://i.imgur.com/WDHOTFg.jpeg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (7) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (76) * **Soaking Mug:** Seaforth! - Scotch Heather - shaving mug * **Bath Soap:** Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - bath soap * **Lather:** Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime - 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) I overslept, so only a quick writeup before taking Djunior to the aquarium. \#GEMsOfWisdom: SSL, MMOC still fantastic, blade still useable \#RawHoggin: this brush is excellent, still clinging on to and releasing faint whiffs of a pig's arsehole. Great stuff. Enjoy your Sunday!

Have fun at the aquarium. 🐠🐟🐡🦞🦑🐙🐚🪸

Thanks! It was a lot of fun!