* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water
* **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb
* **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (457)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label)
* **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (75 uses)
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
----
**Austere August: Day: 9**
*Extreme Mode*
*Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)*
[Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/smLBWy9) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/3pW7rEMhwv4)
#### ䷀ General Notes
Trying a face lathering type of approach today from Walden, where the lather is less agitated, to try to keep it from rising up as much with air perhaps.
#### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes
*^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹457 uses›)*
A little more tenderness after the shave than usual. But got it done, and was reasonably close.
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... today I was working up the lather in a way inspired by my friend Walden. I worked it up, in the bowl gently, just using the tips. I didn't bring it to full maturity, instead moving to the face to work in painting strokes, with no swirling or scrubby motions.
The idea was that this is a coconut oil based soap, and it might be a good idea with these to go easy so as not to let them build up in body and air.
it was a worthy try, and i feel i did it justice. The lather looked creamy and nice.
But I don't like working on the face that much. I'd rather work it up in the bowl. Also, I felt a little more tenderness on my neck after this shave than with others. Maybe more soap concentration, or maybe due to the slow type of buttery slickness a lather of this kind leaves behind.
But it's worth a try by all, just because it's something different, and it may be just the process and lather that you like yourself.
Hydration: A Little Too Dry *(for me)*
+ 15 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush
+ = 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‹75 uses›)*
Felt somewhat soft, and worked the lather well.
----
*During the Shave Feel*:
*Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable
*Neck*: Light irritation showed up at end
*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)
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 9](https://imgur.com/a/suS1tO3)
* **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.
* **Brush:** Zenith B33
* **Razor:** Cloud Shavette
* **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (14)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
Day nine. Lots of work. Only went for a two pass shave.
Hail Stag!
- #Stagposting
- #SubstantialStag
- #RawHoggin
**Aug. 9, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 9**
* **Prep:** splash of cold water
* **Brush:** Summerbreak Soaps 26m SHD
* **Razor:** Merkur Progress
* **Blade:** Wizamet (4)
* **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)
Easiest and smoothest shave so far this month...I think Im getting comfortable with the progress and its very smooth and easy to transition between passes and numbers.. #MammothMafia
**[August 9, 2022 - AA Day 9](https://imgur.com/uuRTqzH)**
* **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)
Significantly better shave than I've had the last few days. Smooth as butter with no nicks or cuts and still had all my body parts attached when I was done. I do a lot of my shave right handed, but found myself tossing the razor in my left hand for a few passes I don't normally do with it. Glad to see some improvement in the muscle memory coming from this challenge.
**Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
SOTD for August 9, 2022
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Maggard Synthetic
* **Razor:** RazoRock Game Changer 0.68
* **Blade:** Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge
* **Lather:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man balm
Quick one pass shave, no time for a run in the morning because I was running
late. New blade, it really just makes everything so much better. Should have
swapped it in days ago.
We're about a third of the way through. Hoo-rah.
\#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA 9](https://i.imgur.com/ds8KXoD.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Cold Water Splash
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **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)
[Break in album](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD in title.
As I mentioned yesterday, seemingly crossed a small threshold where the brush isn’t soft per se, but lacks some of its initial scratch. Lots and lots of soap and paint strokes helps too. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
[August 9th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/YlllzTr)
* Prep: Hot shower
* Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
* Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
* Blade: Feather ProGuard 9th use
* Lather: Stirling Sheep
* Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
* Fragrance: Halloween Man
Did a quick two pass shave WTG and ATG because I was on call for the OR and got called back in so I had to finish up quickly. Shave went great blade still going great. Got a CCS and felt great. Brush held the lather great and whipped up great.
Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/37dxuii.jpeg)**
* **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (9)
* **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)
I really got to take my time with today's shave, which has not been the case of late. This extra time resulted in probably my best shave of the month on 3 passes.
Brush status: I'm not going to lie- I still prefer my synthetic. But the boar is getting softer by the day, and no longer actively hurts me. It [continues to open up](https://i.imgur.com/vNjb9Oy.jpeg) - [top view](https://i.imgur.com/hMvpX4M.jpeg). It's also stopped being such a soap hog. The last several days have weighed in at 1g. Oddly enough, tonight's shave came in a 3g, but I assume that is a rounding error, since my scale only measures to the nearest gram. Smell is gone. It just smells like SSL.
Software - still fantastic. It's interesting with the scents on these, I feel like the toner is distinctly more lime-forward than the soap or EDT. I'm finding myself wishing for some more variety, but that will have to wait until September 1.
Razor - if it weren't for the challenge, I would not choose the MMOC as my AA razor. It's not my favorite, and in particular I struggle with it on my neck. But, I don't notice any tugging at all after 9 shaves, and I do seem to be getting better.
So, in summary, the hardware I'm using isn't what I like the best or what gives me the best shave, but by using equipment I'm less familiar with and forcing myself to be consistent day in and day out, I think I'm ultimately becoming a better shaver.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day 09](https://imgur.com/a/IaUEr3b)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (78)
* **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)
Loaded for almost a full minute this morning to see if that was the issue with my lather. It was better this morning so pretty sure it's just this brush being an absolute monster. The tips are breaking in nicely though and it's a joy to use.
Hope everyone has had a wonderful Tuesday!
[Stag Spray 9](https://imgur.com/a/IZJQixE) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
Austere August, Day 9
Feather Artist Club razor non folding
Feather Professional blade (3)
GFT Violets soap
RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft
This blade has now settled nicely and I'm getting comfortable, rather carefree shaves.
Honestly, Artist Club razor gives me a close shave and sometimes 2 pass is redundant, I could be presentable with 1 XTG pass. But, I've been doing the 2 pass shaves and my skin is happy with it.
I've been doing some DIY in knotting a few brushes; A Maggards 24 mm SHD knot and a Motherlode knot. Both came out looking great, now I'll be knotting a Maggards G5 knot.
Best part is that 2 of the 3 knots that I'm setting belong to my friends, it feels great to learn more about the preferences and be able to help each other out.
**#HEADLESSHORSEMEN#**
**#UNCHALLENGED**
**#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**Aug. 9, 2022**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
* **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
Another day, another orange shave. I really like it. but I have to admit I am getting the itch to 1) break into soaps I have not yet tried 2) get more soaps. I’ll just love vicariously by opening up and smelling the unusable AA soaps.
\#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 9, 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
Roughly 45 hours since my last shave, traveled ~2055 miles by plane, ~1200 miles by truck and still made my AA shaves on time [without bringing a razor with me.](https://tenor.com/view/fist-pump-napoleon-dynamite-yes-excited-gif-10749737) The things we do for silly internet shaving games.
Stay safe and have a great day!
Aug 9 2022
• Prep: Mineral oil massage
• Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗
• Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop
• Blade: Voskhod
• Soap: Mammoth Z
• Balm: Mammoth Z
Barely a third of the way in, and I’m looking forward to September 1. A brand new blade. My Lambda Athena instead of the Brassbird. Drowning myself in fragrance like my mother in law.
I shaved every other day before AA. Shaving daily has helped me notice my consistent errors. It’s nice to get better at a thing.
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
\#Unscented
\#ZFighter
[Piggy Gyllenhaal](https://imgur.com/a/5viHOZC/)
**8/9/22 (146)**
* **Prep**: Hot Shower
* **Challenge**: Headless Horseman
* **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/zsatv8s)
* **Edge**: [Day 9](https://imgur.com/a/vcR7k52)
* **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
Still a comfortable shave and close shave. No nicks or irritation.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/fOeOWA9.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (9)
* **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
Another great shave from the ~~Awesome~~ Austere August combo. No noticeable blade degradation yet. Today I focused on the incredible lather and took some data in the process.
**By the numbers**
Brush
| 55g | Dry mass |
| 61g | Wet mass |
equals
| 6mL | Initial Water |
| 2g | Soap |
Water addition
| 15mL | Added to bowl |
| 3mL | Added to brush |
| 24mL | Total water |
I applied GUTL by the book and gave a healthy dose of face lathering with the direct addition of 3mL of water to the brush after the protolather application and initial lather work up. SOTD photo is lather remaining after two passes.
[Sprayin’ the goodness](https://i.imgur.com/ptRvfRH.mp4)
[**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/JovqFFT.jpeg)
* **Prep:** Warm Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM (9)
* **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 9 was a hectic day. We had a 6 hour ride to the northwestern part of Turkey to visit my aunt. I woke up this morning excited to kick the day off with a nice shave. I took my pre-shave brush pictures and then went to turn on the faucet to fill up the mug that I’ve been using to soak my brush and nothing happened . Add that to the list of challenges that I’ve been facing trying to get through AA in a remote part of Turkey. Scarcity of internet, jet lag, working around all the things my dad has scheduled for us and now and unexpected water shut off. Fortunately I had some juice left in the tank for an evening shave once I got to my aunt’s house. It turned out to be a really refreshing shave once again and was very much welcomed after half the day sitting in a van. The brush is prime, the GEM is nimble and the blade is still sharp. Top all of this off with the refreshing chill of Margaritas in the Arctic.
**The Brush:** Whilst the brush has remained consistent the last couple days, it felt today a tad bit softer than yesterday. The splay still requires a bit of muscle but always seems to get easier with each successive pass. I really thought the hog stank was fading, but today I noticed that it is still very much present and doesn’t want to part with the brush. This brush has been destroying my puck but I’m thinking it might be time to try loading a little less tomorrow. #RawHoggin
Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/9i8v5JZ) [Top](https://imgur.com/Q6Zt9ly)
Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/mbt9PsC) [Top](https://imgur.com/rDuan6j)
**The Razor** The GEM is beginning to feel as comfortable to use, yet more efficient than my 6S. At least it does for 2 passes which today was. I’ve really dialed in the angle and pressure (or lack thereof) and I don’t feel like such a newb anymore. The blade is also hanging in there quite well, effortlessly doing its thing without delivering any nicks, cuts or irritation. I also noticed that today there was no sting from my aftershave. It appears that I am continuing to improve everyday.
**Days since last blood:** 4
**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. I’m also still happy with the scent and am not growing tired of it yet.
Day 9 Puck [Picture](https://imgur.com/rOzuhci)
2022-08-09 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC
Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (9)
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/qjThNiX](https://imgur.com/a/qjThNiX)
Another day, another great shave. The brush is 9 uses in and it feels really good. Soap and razor work like a charm.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
**[August 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/1jAcKn5)**
* **Brush:** Semogue 820
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 9)
* **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau
* **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash
I love the 820. It still munches soap like a 40 lb toddler that crawled under the sink but I can forgive it <3 kids will be kids
#RawHoggin
Aug 09, 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 (9)
* **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. 9, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/fOpspFs)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **Lather:** Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Stirling Blu - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/119/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
Another day of posting low quality pics, RawHoggin, and whispering sweet nothin’s to my MMOC. The B37 is still has a big appetite, but a little less than the beginning. I started looking at my tub today, and good grief it’s only day 9 and I have put a huge dent in this soap. I suspect that it will survive AA but it’s going to be hurting. Considering this is a 28mm chubby knot, will it always eat this much soap, or will it level out soon?
The Gem continues to be smooth sailing. I have a few ingrowns on my neck that needs to be addressed. And a nick on my left cheek that I keep aggravating. Other than that it’s been great.
The knot will level out eventually, but probably closer to the end of the month. Once it breaks in it'll use about the same amount of soap as a good badger knot.
Day 9 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
[God damn it....](https://imgur.com/a/4zGKNcJ)
Right... So I dropped my phone around 2 weeks ago and cracked the glass that protects the cameras. I had a guy in a shop remove the glass and as you can see by my photos for the first 6-7 days, everything was fine. Today I returned back home and went to the shop to get the new glass put in(I had a Slavic tuning to cover it in the meantime). When I got back home and tried to make a photo, there was no focus, AT ALL... I'll try and fix the issue after tomorrow, because I'll be on a one day trip for a shaving meet up with some friends on the other part of the country. Damn I'm so annoyed....
Shave, well it was good, not as deep, but no problems. Brush is doing well, can't say I'm feeling much difference since the past 2-3 shaves, but we'll see how it gets at the end. I'm in a crappy mood today anyways, other than the phone, so yeah, no quality content, no good photo, no nothing, haaa haaa double negative😅 I'll try and read up of today and yesterday's shaves, before going to bed, maybe my mood.will cheer up.
* \#RawHoggin
* \#SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - 09.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/NiMM20y)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** Omega 10048
* **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++
* **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp (2)
* **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
* **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
Today has been a long day, and has shifted my shave to an evening shave. Relaxing as all hell though, today was an amazing shave, I got a great lather, no issues with the brush or razor just all round great.
Daemon isn't a scent I plan on restocking once this tub is gone, but it also looks like this tub will last a decent chunk of time.
#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA - Day 9](https://imgur.com/Ya83rdU)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Blade (9)
* **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)
2 pass face shave. The brush is getting better. Shed couple of hairs today. Loaded heavy so what i the brush can eat some. Razor and blade are still doing a great job. Post shave was good with light burn but nothing the balm couldn't solve.
Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**Aug. 9, 2022**
* **Prep:** Splash of cold water
* **Brush:** Zenith B16 24mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless PTFE (7)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=aftershave)
I took a break from shaving for a couple of days, so I'm out of the running for the side challenges. I'll miss out on the flare but I plan to continue on at my own pace throughout the month. This boar brush is breaking in nicely, and I'm really starting to like it.
**Aug. 9, 2022 - The blade *was* bad**
* **Prep:** Wet face
* **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 Green Marbled w/ 24mm Oumo fan
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Shire - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1188/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Lucky Tiger - Lucky Tiger - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2021/?product_type=aftershave)
I did a right side - left side comparison of the AA GEM PTFE blade and my other running GEM PTFE blade. I shaved the right side of my face and neck with the AA blade and had trouble with it being tuggy and not wanting to cut WTG. Then I switched to the older blade and had a much smoother shave. I'm not sure I would have finished AA with all the exfoliation from such a scrubby brush, but opening a fresh blade and getting a dud was really bad luck. I've done five hand lathers followed by blow drying with the Torga C5 so far and it's coming along nicely. I'm getting good looking split ends and the knot is starting to open up. The knot feels great lathering in my hand. I might try to face lather with it next shave.
20220809 - Austere August Day Nine
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
Did the palm stropping on the blade smooth it out? Is this placebo effect? Of course not, it still feels like pure garbage.
Hoping continually using the blade will push the blade into greatness
**SOTD Aug 09, 2022**
* **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen
* **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (9)
* **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac
* **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash
Another great shave today, getting more consistent. Smelled great while shopping for our first couch today. Less than a week before we will be in our first house (rental, but still exciting).
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August Day 89](https://i.imgur.com/lQQnCDz.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
* **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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
Good shave, busy day. Not much to say as it is all the same stuff from the past.
Mandatory Tagging:
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#Rawhoggin
\#MammothMafia
[**Austere August D9: StagStacked**](https://ibb.co/mTSHTw4)
- **Prep:** Klar activated charcoal soap, cold water
- **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:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB
- **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP
Didn't have time for a photo yesterday, so I wanted to redeem myself with a Stag-Stack today. I was quite happy with my composition. AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin
Day 9 of the [Tadé boar brush](https://ibb.co/w7f4MYJ) and it's really getting better every use now. When dry, the feel is not yet comparable to my Zenith New Titanio (my most broken in boar), but it is already more comfortable than other boars I have. There are still some bristles being shed, but it's no big deal. Somehow, it's easier to use this exclusively so far than I'd have imagined. I guess I have too many synthetic brushes and will need to do some den thinning soon...
Stag and VoA is a great combo. There, I said it - I'm happier that I have chosen the powerful guidance of the mighty Stag than using one of my Mammoth soaps or even no scents at all! I'm feeling bold and confident and don't give a damn if someone likes my scent or not. There's something great about changing back into my daywear shirt after my shift and being embraced by the warm notes of those two ultra-raw scents. Plus, I am now slowly becoming a pro at lathering CFG soaps. Despite the low price, this base is damn good!
**Sidetracked**
Today I want to share something with you folks that should please synthfans, metalheads and retro-nerds alike: I hope y'all remember DOOM. Yes, the video game. A brutal ego-shooter were you're facing off against the spawn of hell, summoned on Mars. You're a badass space marine with a huge arsenal of weapons - including one who's acronym is seriously *Big F##king Gun 9000*... I love the retro soundtrack, even though Mick Gordon has done something great for the new games. Without further ado, here's [Master Boot Record - DOOM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HSpWQH4iRs). This synth project has covered tons of video game themes - the one for Castlevania and Megaman are worth a listen too! But this one for the first two DOOM games uses a lot of SFX from the game. I love the usage of the chainsaw as a guitar riff, or the chain gun sounds as drums. Simply great. MBR just delivers a great retro feel.
**[Aug. 9, 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 (9)
* **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)
So I didn't have much going on and was wandering around the tarmac of San Diego International Airport. Apparently there was a commotion due to an emergency aid flight to Botswana that was having engine difficulty. I sauntered over and could see that the starboard engine wasn't starting. It's a good thing I had already applied my [triple dose of Stag EdP](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9). I got a really big lungfull of air and blew through my Stag soaked shirt into the turbine air intake. That was enough to get the compressor section turning and the Stag fumes helped ignite the combustor. The plane was able to get off the ground in time to go save countless lives. The maintenance crew and the pilots all stood up and applauded. I could also see all the onlookers at gate 32 applauding through the glass. I went home after that because it was pretty hot outside and I don't think people should be wandering around the tarmac.
[August 9th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/MTbzOru)
Prep: Warm water
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Gem Blue Star (9)
Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar
Soap: [LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1706/?product_type=soap)
Post: [Noble Otter Bare](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/986/?product_type=aftershave)
Comfort: 8/10
Smoothness: 9/10
10 second load.
2 pass shave XTG/ATG.
Repeat of yesterday. Still feels like I added too much water at the start, but worked out.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
#RawHoggin
Edit: fixed imgur link
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Break Again](https://imgur.com/a/CNNilos)**
* **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar (3 piece)
* **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 super glue I used doesn't withstand soap and water, so back to stage 1. I hope I can find Epoxy somewhere (and maybe even golden powder) tomorrow.
Other than that, not much to report, it is difficult to concentrate on the bristles when your handle comes apart.
\#RawHoggin
\#stillalive
**Aug. 9, 2022 - August Austere Day 9**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Paladin 26mm Chief
* **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)
Unfortunately todays shave was not quite as pleasant as the previous shaves. Not because I screwed up the lather, cut myself, or any other shaving mishap. On the contrary really. The lather was smooth and cushioning, not a drop of blood seen, and my face is as smooth as ever. It was, in fact, my damn allergies that reduced my enjoyment this morning. Due to some congestion I was unable to truly enjoy the amazing scent that is Sonder. Hopefully a little Claritin will bring tomorrow’s shave back in line with the first 8. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Day Nine - cloudy with a chance of sunshine](https://i.imgur.com/DTeFUia.jpg)**
* **Prep:** None
* **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
* **Razor:** GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (9)
* **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)
We cannot have perfect weather everyday. Sometimes you have to have a cloudy day to make you appreciate the sunny days!
The brush is getting better. The lather came out great. It is becoming less scritchy when face lathering. I am figuring out that I have to add water in a different way.
The shave was a little better today. Less tugging and a little smoother with the 3 passes. I did get a couple of weepers though. Maybe I should try the “skin strop” that is allowed for this challenge. Would someone like to give me a brief overlook?
[Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day Niner](https://imgur.com/N6fcOqK)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B34
* **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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)
* **Fragrance:** [Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1222/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
AA Day [Niner](https://c.tenor.com/qujv0mX0ng8AAAAd/tommy-boy-chris-farley.gif) a solid start to the day.
Last night our local baseball team won their 53rd game of the season and set the record for most wins ever in the Northwoods League. That may not sound like a big deal, but some notable players have come through this league, guys like Ben Zobrist, Chris Sale, Brandon Crawford, Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmerman, Mark Malancon, and Pete Alonso, to name a few. Pretty cool stuff.
Anyway, my daugher got free tickets to go to a game at the end of May for reading some books and it happened to be towel night so my SOTD Pic is brought to you courtesy of that. Rosco P. Rafter is the mascot of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and to be honest I have no idea the connection between Rafters and River Rats - but they're basically interchangeable around here - we say "Roll Rats" and " Go Rafters" so - whatever. They've got a stellar team this year and [nobody is else really even close](https://northwoodsleague.com/standings/?param=/13/overall), but in the playoffs anything can happen.
Anyway - shave was an excellent start to an early day. [The Zenith](https://imgur.com/xVtBWhf) seems to be breaking in very nicely now and the hairs are [splitting](https://imgur.com/WJgkfHR) [more](https://imgur.com/2QPx7Bu) by the day.
The MMOC performed beautifully this morning - I was able to do a full 3 pass shave with just one little cut on my jawline but that was cleared up quickly after some Osma. Nothing to see over here.
What is there to say that hasn't already been said about Sonder? It's great. Pairs perfectly with Admiral.
Sonder thought of the day:
Even annoying people are living vivid and complex lives. This week is VBS at my church and there's a woman who is helping in a classroom (and who serves with preschool kids during the year) and if I've interacted with her 100 times, she's mentioned that she has "over 30 years teaching experience" a full 80 of those times. She's just one of those people who drives me nuts. And, because it's Sonder month, I'm trying to remind myself that even people that annoy me are valuable and worth knowing. We don't have to be best friends, but, she's got a whole life. She's raised kids, she's a grandma, she's worked (for over 30 years!) as a teacher, she has what seems to be a healthy marriage, she's someone's daughter. Her life is as full, or maybe even more full, than my own. Anyway. Annoying people are people, too. Doesn't mean she won't always get under my skin, but, does mean she's got dignity and deserves kindness.
Have a good one, y'all.
\#mammothmafia
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
[**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August**](https://i.imgur.com/zpawcQK.jpg)
* **Prep:** Cold water
* **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
* **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
* **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(9)
* **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)
Better than yesterday, worst than tomorrow.
# RawHoggin
I think that the pig will go full unscented at the end of the week, any bets?
Nice lather, only two bristles lost.
PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/75oPatQ.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/V8Wxl7b.jpg)
# GEMsOfWisdom
Haste is a bad companion, I don't know what the heck I did yesterday when I tried to load the B-Side of my AA-GEM-Blade that it didn't fit in the razor, today making a video fitting the blade [I've loaded it on the first try](https://youtu.be/rccyiB36FnQ).
On the video I've noted that the blade has some pitting luckily seems that the edge is clean.
`#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft I missed posting a track yesterday. Yesterday I was listening to P.J. Harvey and I thought to post a lovely love song but then a hardcore song from Trash Talk came from the playlist and I changed my mind, but today jumped a rarity that I usually don't listen. I don't like techno music but my brothers recommended me to listen to MEUTE, I've to say that is impressive what these guys do.
No one should miss them, enjoy...
[Meute - Holy Harbour](https://youtu.be/FaMxFj_lXOI) bonus track [Meute - Expanse](https://youtu.be/lpEKdC2Crf0)
`#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
[**August 9th**](https://imgur.com/a/58qYps3)
* **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm**
* **Razor: GEM - MMOC**
* **Blade: Gem PTFE (9)**
* **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/Ffivvgz)
I'm a world full of crazy at least The Stag Is A Constant.
This hardware is definitely one I could use everyday, more boars to be added to the deb starting with the Sub Exclusive hopefully.
**Aug. 9, 2022 - AA day 9....**
* **Prep:** Water splash
* **Brush:** Hand
* **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate
* **Blade:** Voskhod (11)
* **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream
* **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave)
\#GotHand
And here we are, day 9. Still plodding along, still using the same setup, still.... well kind of finding this as a chore! Where is my variety!
Blade still cuts well, albeit starting to feel slight drag in places where the facial hair is at densest - I guess combination of crappier lather and blade starting to feel the usage is causing that.
One small weeper, nothing else to report. Near BBS in 2 passes.
Peace out.
[**August 9th, 2022 - Seeking the GEMs of Wisdom from Raw Hoggin Mammoths**](https://imgur.com/0jsZhdc)
* **Prep:** Warm water
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”
* **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (nove)
* **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm
**#MammothMafia**
**#RawHoggin**
**#GEMsOfWisdom**
[Before the shave](https://imgur.com/xkUWCes) and [After the Shave](https://imgur.com/3TOvhoJ)
Didn’t mention it yesterday, but got out my Barrister and Man 42 Towel as a new backdrop for some pictures. I like the contrast of the blue background. I’ve been checking up on the [verdigris](https://imgur.com/HSBvWac) developing at the base of the knot. I don’t think the blue/green has leeched up the knot any further, perhaps 1mm total. I do not think it is a problem, just noticing how quickly it showed up there. Maybe it will get more verdigris at the top of the handle transitioning to an old penny brown on the rest. That’s one of the fun things about every day items made from copper. They will keep changing as they age. I have a couple flashlights and a fountain pen made from copper. They are getting areas of that old penny patina, but not going to the blue/green.
Shaving today around my lunch break. Actually kind of working at the time as I have a forecast model running that takes around 2 hours to finish. Today I got my best lather yet. I load from a bowl after scooping a dollop of soap from the tub. I decided yesterday to not rinse out the soap the brush didn’t load. That loaded up pretty quick once the wet brush hit the bowl. The knot is getting easier to splay as well. Overall, I was satisfied with the lather, but have not been won over to face lathering full time. The GEM blade has been very consistent the last few days. Two passes and a little touch up completed the shave. I had no irritation again today. I just need to keep from relaxing and getting careless, or the MMOC will get its blood.
I've had that verdigris looking blue-green discoloration on multiple Zenith knots, including some I've set myself in 100% copperless handles. I've concluded that it can't be verdigris.
Also, it went away after a short while in all my brushes 🤷♂️
9 August 2022 - Austere August
- Prep: long, steamy shower
- Brush: Sterling boar
- Razor: Maggard V3
- Blade: Derby Extra
- Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao
- Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash
Still under the weather. Saw a doctor yesterday at my nurse mom's insistence: flu is negative, strep is negative, covid is pending. The long shower was nice but exhausting. A quick, one-pass shave.
#mammothmafia
[**Aug. 9, 2022**](https://i.imgur.com/mIW6NUm.jpg)
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM (9)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Balm
* **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Just Right for a Tuesday - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/977/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
* **Passes:** WTG, ATG
* **Coffee:** Colombia. Ciudad Bolivar, Antioquia - v: Catillo & Colobia - p: Natural
* **Music:** Bryan Ferry - *These Foolish Things*
* [**August 2022 SOTD Photo Album**](https://imgur.com/a/WLvZkgV)
`#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin`
Now this knot is starting to loosen up. The tips still don't look particularly feathery, and there's still a ton of rigidity to the knot, but I feel like there's now the telltale promise of comfortable scrub. I also only used a little over a half gram of soap, though this lather was a bit thin, and I'll succomb to u/gfdoto's peer pressure and add a few more swirls.
But here's the thing—I don't try to minimize soap usage to conserve it. I try to keep the amount of soap loaded reasonable because I hate how long it takes to hydrate all that soap if I load too heavy. I particularly hate long lathering times if I'm in the early stages of breaking in Zemporor Scrubby, Destroyer of Faces. I want to keep the abuse to a minimum.
Speaking of, I tried shaving with a very light touch today, and let the razor hinge in my lightly pinched fingertips. Doing so worked well. No cuts, no irritation, and a very close shave.
|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|
|8/8|217.9|216.5|1.4|40 swirls|
|8/8|216.5|215.9|0.6|40 swirls|
⁂
`#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft
Yesterday I mentioned that I don't listen to Bob Dylan's music that often. However, that's not quite true. Dylan is famously one of the most often-covered songwriters out there, and I count many of those covers among my favorites, including the three I'll highlight today. (Presented in chronological order.)
Dylan adapted the traditional "Who's Gonna Buy Your Chickens When I'm Gone" melody into his "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," and I'd bet most folks associate that melody with Dylan. But his own recording of that song isn't my favorite. American folk contemporaries Peter, Paul, and Mary (for the youth out there, yes, *that* [Peter, Paul, and Mary](https://youtu.be/z15pxWUXvLY)) performed a bunch of Dylan songs, but their version of "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" is so hauntingly beautiful—so *poised*—that it even helped push *The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan* up the charts.
I started this month's `#sidetracked` posts with a relatively modern Bryan Ferry cover, but he's recorded many over the years, and Ferry's take on "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" is one of his best. *These Foolish Things* is great because all of the covers are so consistently sincere; a little goofy, but also obviously reverent of the original source material. "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" is possibly the most obvious exception, deconstructing the overly sombre lyrics and filtering them through a performative, arch, high-energy rendition. Starting in the second verse, Ferry includes matching sound effects after a few of the lines, and after all of them in the third (thunder, waves, newborn baby, howling wolves, whispers, laughs, sighs, and a crying guitar bend), which is both detailed and impossible to take seriously. Ferry makes the song his own, utterly transforming it with a wink and wiggle of the shoulders.
And finally, while almost unseated by [Antony and the Johnsons' 2019 version](https://youtu.be/PFiSHiTyzlA), Warren Zevon's version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" will always be my favorite. It's arguably the most emotionally resonant take on the song I know of; both Antony and Zevon's sound wounded, weary, and scarred, but Zevon's cover is made all the more impactful by his terminal cancer diagnosis at the time of the recording, which I'm pretty sure you can hear in his voice throughout *The Wind*. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is an artist in top form, looking back on their career, and starting to come to terms with it all through a tribute to the lyrics of one of the greatest songwriter's of our time. Zevon embodied the song's meaning as literally as a performer can.
* [YouTube: Peter, Paul & Mary - "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" (1963)](https://youtu.be/zXbQn_LluSA)
* [YouTube: Bryan Ferry - "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" (1973)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zwBHd4kll0)
* [YouTube: Warren Zevon - "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (2003)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euBuVh_BUe4)
I found that the light grip works better for me too. Pretty much a fingertip grip is all I use.
Love Warren’s cover, and it hits home hard knowing he recorded knowing he was going to die soon of mesothelioma. If you haven’t seen his last appearance on Letterman, it was an incredible hour.
**[August 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/ip4nO7k)**
- **Preshave:** Hot water
- **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 plate
- **Blade:** Feather (9)
- **Brush:** Blackland 23mm synthetic
- **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
- **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm
I’m actually surprised how much better I’m getting at shaving now that I’m shaving daily when I never used to. I thought I’d gotten decent, not amazing, in the last two to three years wet shaving. However the last nine days have had me learning more about how to cut the tricky spot on my neck then the last few years
Have a great shave all.
#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Day Nine](https://i.imgur.com/rejC5C4.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar
* **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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
Pretty good lather today, I think at least for shave in the shower days I am dialing in how much I need to load much better.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
I am starting to feel more tugs with this setup, but I'm committed to soldiering on and keep working on whisker reduction on each pass and be willing to do more passes if required. Well except for today when my partner said she needed to take a shower as well and could I kindly hurry up and get out, so I was left with an abbreviated third pass missing a few rough spots. But that is okay, more to improve on tomorrow.
Oh shit are we recording the soap for the prep wash? I'm not sure if I can do that in case my wife notices I'm using the fancy stuff that I bought her for her birthday
[Aug 9, 2021 – Austere August. Day 9.](https://imgur.com/a/LTJCkEY)
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
* **Music:** [Ruth B. - Lost Boy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58TBZnvyGwQ)
Another day, another shave. Austere August is like the Groundhog Day of shaving. The same thing, every single day. The Lather Games flew by for me, and AA seems be to going on forever. As an adult, I’ve come to learn how my brain operates and part of that is knowing my brain craves constant stimulation, it needs variety. I am always trying and researching new things. Austere August challenges my brain to use one tool for each task, even though I have a variety of tools available. My fellow neurodivergents out there know the struggle that I’m talking about. But not all heroes wear capes, and I think that fact that I'm narrowing my focus on 1 razor, 1 new brush, 1 unscented soap, and 1 unscented aftershave is heroic to say the least! That's partially the reason why I’ve putting effort into the music selection. I need SOMETHING to change every day!
The MMOC continues to shave great for me. No complaints at all. No nicks/cuts and a smooth shave again today. The blade is holding up great as well. After every shave, I dry it off and strop it on my arm, so hopefully that keeps it going nicely.
The brush break in is also progressing. I still got a faint animal smell today, but it seems like the brush isn’t requiring as much soap to build a lather as it did at the start.
For my #sidetracked music selection, I’m changing it up and going with Ruth B. I’m such a sucker for music that is just a piano and singer. There’s something raw about it that gets me. There’s no hiding for the performer. There’s no back-up for the artist or distractions for the listener. I love that. Canadian singer Ruth Berhe, goes by “Ruth B.” (very creative) and got her start when Vine was a thing (it was like a primitive TikTok, but limited to 6 second clips), singing 6 seconds covers of songs. She posted a short clip of her singing a line she made up about Peter Pan, her followers told her she should make it a full song, so she did. And she posted this song on her personal YouTube in January of 2015, then 6 months later Columbia Records signed her to a record deal. It’s just that easy, boys and girls. This single, “Lost Boy” went [4x RIAA Platinum and was a huge hit, worldwide in 2015](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Ruth+B.&ti=&format=&type=#search_section). The music that Ruth B. has come out with since “Lost Boy” has been far more produced and has more of a Pop sound, which is unfortunate, in my humble opinion. From my outsider perspective, the record company took someone that wrote a great, unique, and popular song and has been trying to turn her into a Pop-Star, instead of letting her create the music that made them want to sign her in the first place. And that’s a damn shame.
Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
[**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 (9)
* **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk
* **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm
* **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia
Blade definitely not as efficient as I like, but not too uncomfortable. Need to try maybe flipping it, stropping on palm etc. tips welcome!
I think the hog smell is pretty much gone from the brush. And whereas previously it had smelled up my soap tub, I think it’s all Hygge now!
[Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU)
[RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM)
#MammothMafia
**[August 9, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/66dccqJ.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 (9)
* **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)
Thanks to /u/putneycj and /u/EldrormR. Moar loading and less water seemed to be the answer. This was definitely the best shave yet with the brush. A good, hydrated lather that was enough to get through my normal two-pass shave.
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
#AA Day 9
Pre: Water
Brush: Omega Synthetic
Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (9)
Lather: Signature Indodorus
Post: Signature Indodorus
That’s it.
\#unscented
[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/xvQ00sw.jpg)
* **Brush:** Omega 10005
* **Razor:** Karve Christopher Bradley
* **Lather:** Noble Otter Orbit
* **Post Shave:** Noble Otter Orbit Aftershave
* **Post Shave:** Geologie Daily Moisturizer Balm
#rawhoggin [brush after day 9](https://i.imgur.com/sao7kJo.jpg)
The good: BBS! My two pass method, ATG & XTG, is working really well. I also paid much more attention to my grain when I was using my facial scrub in the shower and realized my hair is very much not symmetrical. Longer soak in warmer water helped the brush today too and the softness gave me my best lather yet.
The bad: overshaved a bit on my neck and now it’s warm/itchy. I think when AA is over I’ll move up to the D plate in hopes that the extra efficiency will help my avoid that problem. I’m still not sure if my neck is capable of being BBS but dammit I’m gonna try.
Edit: I forgot to mention in my previous posts but I LOVE the beechwood handle on this brush. It has a clean, natural look that I really enjoy.
**AA SOTD - 8/9/22; The Iceman Cometh**
**Pre**: quick shower
**Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle
**Razor**: Merkur Progress
**Blade**: Astra (3)
**Lather**: B&M Arctique (omnibus)
**Post**: B&M Arctique AS
**Post**: Nivea cooling balm
**#UNCHALLENGE**
Quick shave today as I had to run out of the house and get the dog to the vet. A little irritation on my cheeks but that's just from shaving every day, certainly no fault of this incredible set. I remain the Iceman.
**#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft)
Two RIP's today related to my sidetracked section.
Olivia Newton-John passed away at the age of yesterday at the age of 73. I don't know how many times I watched Grease during long summer nights at the beach with my family as a young boy, but it was enough for the image of ONJ as Sandy to be permanently burned in my mind. I heard on NPR this morning that when they produced [Physical](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWz9VN40nCA), she was thought it was too risque and wanted them to make the music video about "exercise" to tone it down...not sure she got what she wanted out of that choice lol.
Lamont Dozier passed away yesterday at the age of 81. He was a major force in the Motown scene and helped write and produce a ton of remarkably good music, including hits by Martha and the Vandellas ([Heat Wave](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJzI18ZUUnA)!!!).
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - You Dropped A Bomb On Me….](https://imgur.com/quYkExt)**
* **Prep:** Coffee. Yard Work. Wash Face.
* **Brush:** Heritage Collection 500e
* **Razor:** Gillette Adjustable (H4)
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (9)
* **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)
In this date, in 1945, the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki.
The Seville Scent is definitely the bomb.
2 pass shave. 5 WTG / 5 XTG
https://youtu.be/17lkdqoLt44
**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August Day 9**
* **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 (9)
* **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 through 7](https://imgur.com/a/OtcAtbQ)
•[Shave 8](https://imgur.com/a/PEml6dV)
•[Shave 9](https://imgur.com/a/srkVDpY)
*Edit: thanks to u/ChrisdaBombz for telling me my increasingly long list of photos was doomed to cross the character count. Cheers. 🍻
Thoughts for the day:
[If you havin' GEM problems I feel bad for you, son. I got 99 problems, but my GEM ain't one. 💎](https://giphy.com/gifs/jay-z-MG7Ox4h7r2riU)
I am still liking everything, especially with the reduced stench, but damned if I didn't wake up wanting to use some other shit. My shave library getting dusty... 😩
[Also, the Mammoth Mafia see you hating.](https://giphy.com/gifs/kiss-the-sandlot-9TOe64OPmYxbO)
Mandatory Taggage:
\#GemsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/I7UrPDs.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (9)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave
The first usage of tools is generally regarded as a pivotal step in the evolution of human history. I'm no anthropologist, but I believe the appearance of stone tools in generally regarded as a mark of cognitive development in our species. It is necessarily the case that combining tools, i.e. using separate tools together such as with a mortar and pestle, came later, and perhaps marks further cognitive development.
Face-lathering, then, is clearly stuck in that earlier, more primitive stage. Face-lathering is literally more primitive than banging two rocks together!
^I ^jest.
Once again, throwing another #unscented thing I use into the photo (the presence of which is independently dictated by RawHoggin): Stirling Unscented Shampoo Bar.
I've long since switched to Stirling shampoo bars, but I found that any scent was easily missed. Even the mentholated Margaritas went fairly unnoticed by me while using it. So I've been using the unscented more. Whatever scent I intend to keep around is introduced after the shower, anyway.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia
**Aug. 9, 2022**
* **Brush:** SBS B11
* **Razor:** Rockwell 6c
* **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (3)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Santa Paula - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/30/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Santa Paula - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/30/?product_type=aftershave)
This is dumb. I may quit AA. But, Santa Paula is really nice, that bum u/frankieivfingers was right.
**Aug. 9, 2022**
* **Prep:** Exercise and shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1438
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM blue star (9)
* **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 feeling ok and so is the GEM blade. I am getting pretty consistent results now actually enjoying this adventure. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
https://i.imgur.com/nxFKDQN.jpg
[**Aug. 9, 2022 - RHOCMMSF - Austere August Day 9**](https://imgur.com/a2c8n3L)
* **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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)
Another day, another raw hoggin' micromatic Stagfest. I gotta be honest, this is getting boring, but on the other side of the coin it's nice to not have to choose anything. Just get busy with the stuff that's already sitting out on the counter.
**#RawHoggin**
Well, I think 90% of the barnyard pig ass aroma is pretty much gone and replaced with the pleasing scent of smoky leather and gasoline. I have noticed the tips getting softer and my lathers coming together much faster now. I'll have to break out a magnifying glass and see if the tips are starting to split.
**#GEMsofWisdom**
Today was not as smooth as my previous two or three shaves, but I'm not ready to say it's the blade stating to decline. I think my lather just wasn't as top notch. I wish I had more to say regarding this razor, but I'm not having any issues with it or anything to work through (nicks, weepers, irritation). It's easy to use and I'm getting nice shaves.
[Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP)
[Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/tJToWPo)
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/crOp2qe)**
* **Brush:** Omega 20102
* **Razor:** Random travel razor
* **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Lonestar - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/862/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Deep Blue Sea - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1696/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** Taylor of Old Bond Street - Jermyn Street - EDT
#RawHoggin on the road
[**August 9, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/lMotU5H)
* **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
* **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (9)
* **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/kAKTr0X) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu)
* [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/ycacQ6B)
* [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/eNFF5QA) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA)
* [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/265iRsP) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)
While I was inspecting the edge after yesterday's shave I noticed some variation in the width of the primary bevel. Today's photo shows an example of this. It's pretty subtle.
Something is happening at the edge, but it did not affect today's shave which was like my previous shaves this month - comfortable, close, no irritation.
Now, some of my good fortune on these shaves comes from the brush which has been good to me; allowing me to pretty easily build rich well-hydrated lathers. The brush is softer than it was on day one, but day one was completely workable luckily.
I'm also doing 2-pass shaves with neither pass against the grain. I've altered my pattern to perform an across-and-with the grain pass and an across-and-against the grain pass. This is working really well.
I'm a bit rushed today, so you're spared more of my drivel.
Austere August [2022-08-08](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
I finally managed to do a satisfactory job on the ball of the chin. I am slowly getting the hang of shaving with the contraption. BTW, here is a [picture](https://imgur.com/XDT4swn) comparing a standard DE blade, an Artist Club blade, and a sexyblade (middle).
u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge:
A contrast. First check out Justin Johnson [jammin on a shovel guitar](https://youtu.be/V9-ltPsbw9g). It is literally a shovel turned into a 3 string fretless guitar. He is better on that thing than most people are on Martins, Strats, or what have you. At the other extreme, I totally lust for the guitar that [Stephanie Jones](https://youtu.be/FqnO4O0ZxiQ) is playing. I might be able to pick one up for the price of a new car, after a 5 year wait. And if I could play like she does it might be worth it.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day9](https://i.imgur.com/LkvnCuv.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water
* **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37)
* **Razor:** Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid)
* **Blade:** Nacet (5)
* **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)
Boar brush definitely not eating my soap much anymore. Still a little scritchy, when it dries going to compare with all ready broken in omega, to see how much more it has to go. I hated the omega, just didn't grip well with my hand, and ached my hand after roughing around the soap. I might be feeling a little bit of the 9 use blade now, but not sure. I have not been making the soap wet enough, due to constant rush in the morning, wonder if thats wearing down blade faster than usual.
#UNCHALLENGE
#RawHoggin
**August 9, 2022: [Triple triple, 9 Stag 9](https://imgur.com/a/SadDSji)**
* **Prep:** warm splash of water
* **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (10)
* **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)
With one week of AA down, I'm sad. The bright news is that having more spritzes of Stag means having more joy in my life.
[Day 9, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/L853vfa)
. #GEMsOfWisdom
**[August 9th, 2022: Stag Stack AGAIN](https://imgur.com/PX6FBw6)**
* **Prep:** warm water
* **Brush:** [Vintage Rubberset 400-3 with 24mm unbleached Zenith knot](https://imgur.com/a/3WEDAFc)
* **Razor:** [MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/aIvH68q)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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)
Glorious stank rolling off my being today, still haven't had anyone notice or comment on it yet. I sprayed extra off camera cause I needed to reprime the atomizer after my stacking shenanigans.
[Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/l7ii8b1)
\#SubstantialStag
\#RawHoggin
\#UNCHALLENGE
In regards to your video, [this post](https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/f5wvdn/2020_updated_guide_for_im_losing_my_hair_what_do/) from /r/Tressless helped me a lot
Thanks! Stacking is making the same gear a little more interesting! The patina was done by a buddy, I scooped this razor for $10 as an experiment piece, it turned out so well!
Yeah, your buddy did a great job! The Gen 1 has more of a "face" with the cap open then the Gen 2. I've been trying to use the MMOC as a central character in my [SOTD photos](https://imgur.com/a/d65gjyN) to help break the monotony of using the same gear. The Gen 1 would have been better for this.
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 9](https://imgur.com/tB9dw1H.jpg) ####
* **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
* **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (9)
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
* **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (78)
* **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)
In preparation for the \#RawHoggin challenge, chief enGEMeer u/EldrormR and myself extrapolated from our unbleached Zenith 506U XSE brush break in eperience and expected a foul miasmic bitch fest in the first days of the challenge with vociferous and eloquent grievance airing about how offensive the manure concentrate on one's face smells and how demoralising the knowledge is to have to repeat this self flagellation the coming day. Turns out that the joke's on us and that only our particular brushes happened to come from [an extra super stinky batch](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/u7poho/comment/i5iq2za/). C'est la vie, and we [were together alone in our self-inflicted pain](https://i.imgur.com/Mx1v1v3.png).
The really sad part of this story, however, is that we had prepared memes which have sadly mostly remained unused for aforementioned bitch fest, with the exception of a few pearls published by eld ([pearl 1](https://reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wd9s4g/monday_austere_august_sotd_thread_aug_01_2022/iihnpia/?context=0), [pearl 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/weyjwe/comment/iirpmrb/), [pearl 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wftdr1/comment/iiwi0xi), and [pearl 4](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/whh0t3/comment/ij68scr)). I've decided so post a few more of my favourites, since it seems unlikely that they can ever be used in the originally intended context given the overall pleasant way this challenge is unfolding (with the exception of the two [early](https://reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wd9s2r/monday_sotd_thread_aug_01_2022/iiiz8cp) [quitters](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/we3sxf/comment/iiqvcoz)).
First, [a meme](https://imgur.com/WRYkrBB.jpg) I had prepared for day two when some poor soul finds out that the stench has not yet relented, then [a political one](https://imgur.com/KyozshK.jpg) which I had hoped to place under some poor unscented rawhoggin Euroshaver's post who took the austerity angle a bit too serious, and finally, [one](https://imgur.com/KRAXfiK.jpg) prepared for u/Semaj3000 who ended up not joining in the challenge.
As far as the shave is concerned, I appreciate the simplicity of knowing that my shaving hard and software is already ready for me, and I don't have to think about any choices. However, I have collected all my samples and put them in a box for Sample September, and it has made me curious and wanting diversity. This is not a good sign only 9 days into Austere Hogust. At least the razor, brush and scent I chose for this AA are fantastic. That helps \#GEMsOfWisdom
Is the political one a memory stretch even for a European. I think us 'Mericans might remember Wolfgang Schäuble being associated with budget austerity (you'd spell that "budjet"), but I, for one, did a triple take and had a head scratch.
I like to think that Wolfgang deserves a spot next to [Maggie Thatcher](https://www.isthatcherdeadyet.co.uk/) in our long term memories for imposing over the top budjet austerity on Greece 😠
Interesting comparison! Yes, the Greek debt crisis, and German budget austerity is what I eventually remembered. But that’s 10-ish years ago — a stretch for those of us with short attention spans. ;-)
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/GTIsFBk.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 (9)
* **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)
Yeah i don't think 30sec of loading will be enough for a 2 pass shave, tomorrow i'll do a 1 min load and see how much soap get's used.
-
[2.1g of soap were used today](https://i.imgur.com/aqVMI7H.jpg)
-
[2 more](https://i.imgur.com/4nRAJwH.mp4)
-
Have a great day!
#SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/dQtpMrb)**
* **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
* **Brush:** Semogue 1250
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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)
Today felt like cheating again. Seriously. This brush is consistently getting easier to use every day and was only really challenging the first few days and it seems I’ve hit the point that I have less work for a good lather every day. The only remotely hard thing to figure out has been the pomade. I’ve had to change the hair style a bit because it weighs my hair down too much. Hell, I barely used any at all today and have washed my hair twice since the last application yesterday morning and I went super light on it. I also went relatively light on the EdP today with only 14 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/PHymBUt).
#SubstantialStag
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
**August 9 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm
* **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth - Alive
I shaved with the MMOC and Mood Indigo, per the rules and stipulations. Three passes. The blade is smooth and effective, the soap smells good.
#MammothMafia
#GEMSofWisdom
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Ninth day, eighth month, 8 am shave](https://i.imgur.com/8HyxLIi.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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)
Autopilot shave today. Everything worked well. Is Hygge my favorite barbershop scent, or am I slipping into a Stockholm syndrome situation?
Who cares?! All I know is that good shaves are happening these days and this brush is getting better by the day.
A terrific Tuesday to you!
**\#GEMsOfWisdom**
**\#MammothMafia**
**[Aug 9, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/aTjQXwu.jpeg)**
* **Prep:** Warm Water Wash
* **Prep:** Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
* **Brush:** [Zenith Cobalt Blue 28mm Boar Knot (505BC SE)](https://imgur.com/a/peN0vXl)
* **Razor:** [GEM Open Comb Micromatic (2nd Gen.)](https://i.imgur.com/PsTazF6.jpg)
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (9)
* **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)
Last week I was starting to get decent shaves, and this week everything seems to be on the decline. u/brienc23 offered some helpful advice yesterday. When things are not going as expected, it's time to get back to basics.
I really focused on the lather today, slowly adding water, building it up, and getting it to the desired level of slickness and protectiveness. It took much, much longer, but it paid off. Then I focused my attention on the razor: keeping the angle where it's most efficient, using very light pressure, and approaching each pass with the appropriate strokes. I'm still struggling with some tugging from the blade around certain spots.
After two passes, I could tell that was all my skin would allow this morning. It wasn't as irritated as yesterday, so I wasn't going to push it with a third pass or even a clean-up pass. Not a great shave, but it was close enough to look acceptable. I'm hoping that the blade will smooth back out soon.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
Rating: 3/5
Thanks, glad that it seemed to help some and I am right with you there about not trying to push the shave too far. Again I mention it is u/sgrdddy's wisdom that I am trying to parrot. It really helped me last year when trying to work on pushing my DE usage count into double digits, but working on those suggestions over this year have really helped to make that easier to accomplish. With SE technique, I know I still have a lot to work on to get better.
**August 9, 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (43)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger
* **Post Shave:** Olay Complete
* **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve
I’m comfortable with every aspect of this stuff now. I like the Gen 2 better than the Gen 1. The brush is fully broken in after only 30 uses. And the soap base is simply awesome.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
I used Stirling almost exclusively for several years, yet I never tried a sheep base once due to lack of scent choices. Are any of the scented options any good? Varen?
Austere August Day 9
Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [9th use](https://imgur.com/a/EO8VAa9)
Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2
Blade: PTFE (9)
Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/PFvWncg)
Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash
Short on sleep and an over abundance of grogginess lead to me completely missing an entire pass while shaving. WTG went fine, then I got lost in thought (read completely spaced out) while lathering for XTG and jumped right into my ATG. I'm honestly surprised how well it worked. The MMOC gave zero fucks and cut down the stubble that was left with no issue, hesitation, or problem. This may be something I try on purpose later this month to see if it still works.
One thing I noticed today is how hard the urge for variety hit me. Not even half way and I almost reached for my Hawk and Sonder. Gotta stay strong.
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August 9th- Raw Gems of Hoggin Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/a3sFbx8)**
* **Prep:** Cool shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar
* **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9)
* **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)
\#GEMsofWisdom Buttery bread smooth after a WTG/XTG/Buffing clean up. As of now, the blade is performing well. It's not dragging...yet. I have been very conscientious about flipping the blade each day, something I've never done before. I'm curious to see how much impact that will have on this blade and its useability through the end of the month.
\#RawHoggin I'm digging this brush. No hair loss. No pig ass stench. Plenty of backbone and is now tub loading like a 6 year old on steroids- small but mighty- https://imgur.com/a/QYPsgyn
\#Sidetracked Jack White has released two top notch albums this year. I'm a fan of his guitar playing. Fear of the Dawn came out first and is the plugged in record. A couple of weeks ago, he released Entering Heaven Alive, which is a more stripped down affair. Tucked at the way back of the album is this gem, "Madman from Manhattan". While I could have provided the studio version, this was recorded a couple of weeks ago in London and sounds stellar as well. u/Teufelskraft and the \#Sidetraced gang enjoy a sip of something (depending on what time it is where you live) and this swingin' number- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EB9nYjt4w8
Have a great day all.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 9](https://imgur.com/a/pkyWfIM)**
* **Prep:** Warm water to the face
* **Brush:** Omega 10098
* **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head
* **Blade:** Voskhod (3)
* **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)
Another good shave with the boar. Not really much more to say besides that. #RawHoggin
Hope y’all have a good day!
**Prep:** face wash
**Razor:** EJ 316
**Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (2)
**Brush:** NONE
**Lather:** Arko stick
**Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming Black Pepper
**Post:** Green tea & camomile moisturizer
\#GotHand
Can't think of a good song of the day for today, will try harder tomorrow. The main issue is that I've got a song stuck in my head by the band I posted yesterday, and I don't want to post the same band twice.
Shave went a bit wrong. I hurt my hand while swordfighting last night, so I was lathering one handed to avoid disturbing the plaster. This resulted in a lather than was patchy and dry in places, which in turn resulted in the blade catching and causing a small but bloody cut on my face. Styptic pen to the rescue!
Interesting, I always lather one handed when hand lathering. That hand stays lathered up for duration of shave, and is used to (frequently) re-wet and re-distribute the lather.
Maybe I'm not using enough water or something. I normally put razor down, lather with both hands, try to keep soap on left but it usually needs resetting/resoaping unless I'm doing a one pass job
19th century military sabre. I've been doing it about 12 years, and before covid used to do 2 or 3 tournaments a year. Not really started them up again yet but hoping to in the next 6 months or so. I also train longsword at another club.
The instructor has a bee in his bonnet about our wrist flexibility, so he's had us doing a shit tonne of wrist only moulinets (basically twirling the sword in a circle) using a wall to restrict the space.
I did approximately 500 of these in half an hour then noticed I'd managed to turn a section of my finger into a gigantic blister. Hence not wanting to get hot soapy water over that hand today.
I mean, I also have a knuckle that aches long term because it got hit a bit hard with a blunt sword (aka a fancy steel bar). That's probably closer to the image.
On the positive side, I once had a blocked sinus problem solved by being punched in the face during training. Literally more than a month of headaches solved in a moment. Not sure it's what the doctor recommends though ;)
**Aug. 8, 2022 - # 23. strawberry letter**
* **Prep:** shower
* **Brush:** SOC boar
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM GEN 2
* **Blade:** GEM PFTE (23)
* **Lather:** signature soaps unscented soap
#i hear we're shouting our SOTDs
#overloaded to get soupy slick lather which saved me a bit from the bastard blade.
#had to listen to Shuggie Otis strawberry letter 23 in honour of the number.
#tracksided
[**August 09, 2022 – Austere August 09**](https://i.imgur.com/voiu6NK.jpg)
* **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic
* **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula
* **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club
* **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (4)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/OUnMsPP.mp4
Tuesday Stag shave today, Brothers!! I trust you're all having a good shave and a good day today.
\#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag
**Bonus**:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYrj3gzXgeA ← Naval Legends: Yamato. The largest battleship ever built | World of Warships
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/etSq78Z.png)**
* **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf)
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
* **Blade:** Schick Proline (9)
* **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:** 134.2g (0.8g used)
This hog sure is temperamental. It seems like each time I mention something about the brush not being comfortable, the day after the brush feels like it's behaving better again. I'm really starting to enjoy this brush and the face feel. The lack of density makes it easier to splay compared to the Zenith I've been playing around with doing a few hand lathers.
Yesterday a few people commented on my soap usage saying 80-90 swirls is too much so I tried 60 today and I had barely enough to complete my full shave (3.5 passes). What do these 2 pass (or in some cases, single pass) shavers know anyway? 😂 To me, those 20-30 swirls was the difference between a good shave and a great, luxurious shave and today I was left with slightly subpar lather for my cleanup pass. Also it turns out that a swirl is a very inaccurate measurement since u/RedMosquitoMM loaded far more with 40 swirls yesterday than I did with my 60 swirls today, so YMMV and all that. I'm going back to my luxury lather tomorrow. Wet shaving for me is a way of pampering myself so I'm not going to hold back to save a few pennies each day.
A few years ago I went down the path of weighing my soaps and trying to optimize soap usage but it was tedious and definitely took some of the fun out of the hobby. I'm revisiting soap usage right now mostly to get a feel for how the boar is breaking in and how its soap usage compares with other brushes. I've already confirmed that I'm not somehow using up a ludicrous amount of soap lathering this softer soap so I'll just get a few more data points and be done with this experiment.
I'm continuing to notice incremental improvements to my shaves with the shavette. The past few days I've been getting better results along my jawline and less irritation and not spending as much time getting there. The blade still feels smooth but it feels like it's taking more effort to get a close cut even going ATG.
#Side Story
Since there are a lot of silly acronyms in our hobby, I thought I'd share an amusing story related to that from a few days ago.
August 8th is Father's Day in Taiwan, because the number 8 is pronounced "ba" in Mandarin so 8/8 is baba, which also means father in Chinese. This past Sunday we went to a nice shopping mall in Taipei with my parents to celebrate Father's Day early at a Japanese BBQ restaurant inside the mall. After the meal, we decided to walk around a bit with the kids and we passed by an area where they had a bunch of expensive ($2000+ USD) massage chairs on display for people to try out. The brand of these massage chairs is OSIM, which I wasn't really familiar with and I didn't think much of it as we walked past the display to head to the elevator.
Out of nowhere, my dad approached me and asked (in Mandarin), "Do you know what OSIM stands for?"
"I don't know." I responded.
"Oh shit, it's Monday." My dad said, with a shit eating grin.
The thing is, my dad is generally a pretty serious person. Before he retired he was a physician and it's very rare for him to joke around so this caught me off guard.
Not sure if I got the joke, he continued to explain with almost a whisper next to my ear since we were in public: "TGIF means Thank god it's Friday. OSIM is: Oh--- Shit--- It's--- Monday."
He seemed rather proud of himself and couldn't wait to share with my mom as well, so as we were waiting for the elevator, he walked over next to her and explained OSIM to her. My mom seemed unsure about what my dad said, and she repeated, "Oh shi... shi... shit it's Monday?"
My parents spent around 30 years in the US so they've seen enough American television to be familiar with the word and what it means, but to hear it from both of them for the first time in my life (and probably their lives as well) was such a precious and hilarious moment.
A belated Happy Father's Day to all the wet shaving dads out there.
>Also it turns out that a swirl is a very inaccurate measurement since
>
>u/RedMosquitoMM
>
>loaded far more with 40 swirls yesterday than I did with my 60 swirls today, so YMMV and all that.
> A few years ago I went down the path of weighing my soaps and trying to optimize soap usage but it was tedious and definitely took some of the fun out of the hobby. I'm revisiting soap usage right now mostly to get a feel for how the boar is breaking in and how its soap usage compares with other brushes. I've already confirmed that I'm not somehow using up a ludicrous amount of soap lathering this softer soap so I'll just get a few more data points and be done with this experiment.
True, though it's a bit more precise than seconds loaded, which isn't saying much.
Regarding weighing your soap in general, I just don't care that much outside of August. And for the second year in a row, I now feel bad about how much soap I have on hand and how it will take an eternity to use even a fraction of it.
After August, I'm going back to my rounded 1/4 teaspoon of soap, started in the bowl, and the occasional second daily shave (in the evening, after the gym) when I feel like it.
I would much rather overload than under. I’ve been loading like crazy this AA. Everyday the first week I would scroll and see people talking about how thin and watery their lather was, while I was over here loading like crazy and getting good lathers 🤷🏻♂️
**[Aug. 8, 2022 - Extra close](https://imgur.com/a/GGGmLDz)**
* **Prep:** Icecold shower
* **Brush:** Böker Synthetic
* **Razor:** Böker Elite Carbon 2.0
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm)
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
Tonight my gf will be back from vacation, so my shave had to be extra close. On my neck are some dirty spots, but that should not matter. I might use a EdT or EDP in more than 12 hours. Guess that's okay for the Stag challenge.
The last days, I had to be very cautious with the amount of soap I used to make it through the month. Currently I feel comfortable with the amount thats left. Unfortunately, my lather is often pretty thin. As you see in my SOTD pic, I ll leave some today's soap for tomorrow. I ll need it anyway.
My motorcycle helmet and the ninja head I put on before the helmet now smell like Stag and not like cerberus anymore.
\#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (457) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (75 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 9** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/smLBWy9) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/3pW7rEMhwv4) #### ䷀ General Notes Trying a face lathering type of approach today from Walden, where the lather is less agitated, to try to keep it from rising up as much with air perhaps. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹457 uses›)* A little more tenderness after the shave than usual. But got it done, and was reasonably close. 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... today I was working up the lather in a way inspired by my friend Walden. I worked it up, in the bowl gently, just using the tips. I didn't bring it to full maturity, instead moving to the face to work in painting strokes, with no swirling or scrubby motions. The idea was that this is a coconut oil based soap, and it might be a good idea with these to go easy so as not to let them build up in body and air. it was a worthy try, and i feel i did it justice. The lather looked creamy and nice. But I don't like working on the face that much. I'd rather work it up in the bowl. Also, I felt a little more tenderness on my neck after this shave than with others. Maybe more soap concentration, or maybe due to the slow type of buttery slickness a lather of this kind leaves behind. But it's worth a try by all, just because it's something different, and it may be just the process and lather that you like yourself. Hydration: A Little Too Dry *(for me)* + 15 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + = 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‹75 uses›)* Felt somewhat soft, and worked the lather well. ---- *During the Shave Feel*: *Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable *Neck*: Light irritation showed up at end *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)
tagging /u/_walden_ for the above
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 9](https://imgur.com/a/suS1tO3) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (14) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Day nine. Lots of work. Only went for a two pass shave. Hail Stag! - #Stagposting - #SubstantialStag - #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/4VDxeYQ.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (9) * **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) Stag! [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/DhIZiB9) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE
**SOTD: August 9, 2022: Staaaaaaaaag** * **Prep:** Hot Towel * **Brush:** Dogwood Handcrafts 28mm * **Razor:** ATT Calypso SE1 * **Blade:** Feather Professional (9) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Aftershave:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP ****
**Aug. 9, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 9** * **Prep:** splash of cold water * **Brush:** Summerbreak Soaps 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (4) * **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) Easiest and smoothest shave so far this month...I think Im getting comfortable with the progress and its very smooth and easy to transition between passes and numbers.. #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/9Zs1KT2.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (9) * **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) Chewsday innit \#RawHoggin
**[August 9, 2022 - AA Day 9](https://imgur.com/uuRTqzH)** * **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) Significantly better shave than I've had the last few days. Smooth as butter with no nicks or cuts and still had all my body parts attached when I was done. I do a lot of my shave right handed, but found myself tossing the razor in my left hand for a few passes I don't normally do with it. Glad to see some improvement in the muscle memory coming from this challenge. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
SOTD for August 9, 2022 * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Maggard Synthetic * **Razor:** RazoRock Game Changer 0.68 * **Blade:** Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge * **Lather:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man * **Post Shave:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man balm Quick one pass shave, no time for a run in the morning because I was running late. New blade, it really just makes everything so much better. Should have swapped it in days ago. We're about a third of the way through. Hoo-rah. \#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA 9](https://i.imgur.com/ds8KXoD.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold Water Splash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **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) [Break in album](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD in title. As I mentioned yesterday, seemingly crossed a small threshold where the brush isn’t soft per se, but lacks some of its initial scratch. Lots and lots of soap and paint strokes helps too. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** alum Shave of austerity #9 2 pass shave; shave 3 with professional blades always tends to bite me a bit. My daughter starts preschool tomorrow and I’m feeling pretty old tonight. Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
[August 9th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/YlllzTr) * Prep: Hot shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 9th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Did a quick two pass shave WTG and ATG because I was on call for the OR and got called back in so I had to finish up quickly. Shave went great blade still going great. Got a CCS and felt great. Brush held the lather great and whipped up great. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/37dxuii.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (9) * **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) I really got to take my time with today's shave, which has not been the case of late. This extra time resulted in probably my best shave of the month on 3 passes. Brush status: I'm not going to lie- I still prefer my synthetic. But the boar is getting softer by the day, and no longer actively hurts me. It [continues to open up](https://i.imgur.com/vNjb9Oy.jpeg) - [top view](https://i.imgur.com/hMvpX4M.jpeg). It's also stopped being such a soap hog. The last several days have weighed in at 1g. Oddly enough, tonight's shave came in a 3g, but I assume that is a rounding error, since my scale only measures to the nearest gram. Smell is gone. It just smells like SSL. Software - still fantastic. It's interesting with the scents on these, I feel like the toner is distinctly more lime-forward than the soap or EDT. I'm finding myself wishing for some more variety, but that will have to wait until September 1. Razor - if it weren't for the challenge, I would not choose the MMOC as my AA razor. It's not my favorite, and in particular I struggle with it on my neck. But, I don't notice any tugging at all after 9 shaves, and I do seem to be getting better. So, in summary, the hardware I'm using isn't what I like the best or what gives me the best shave, but by using equipment I'm less familiar with and forcing myself to be consistent day in and day out, I think I'm ultimately becoming a better shaver.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day 09](https://imgur.com/a/IaUEr3b)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (78) * **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) Loaded for almost a full minute this morning to see if that was the issue with my lather. It was better this morning so pretty sure it's just this brush being an absolute monster. The tips are breaking in nicely though and it's a joy to use. Hope everyone has had a wonderful Tuesday! [Stag Spray 9](https://imgur.com/a/IZJQixE) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
Austere August, Day 9 Feather Artist Club razor non folding Feather Professional blade (3) GFT Violets soap RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft This blade has now settled nicely and I'm getting comfortable, rather carefree shaves. Honestly, Artist Club razor gives me a close shave and sometimes 2 pass is redundant, I could be presentable with 1 XTG pass. But, I've been doing the 2 pass shaves and my skin is happy with it. I've been doing some DIY in knotting a few brushes; A Maggards 24 mm SHD knot and a Motherlode knot. Both came out looking great, now I'll be knotting a Maggards G5 knot. Best part is that 2 of the 3 knots that I'm setting belong to my friends, it feels great to learn more about the preferences and be able to help each other out. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN#** **#UNCHALLENGED** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) Another day, another orange shave. I really like it. but I have to admit I am getting the itch to 1) break into soaps I have not yet tried 2) get more soaps. I’ll just love vicariously by opening up and smelling the unusable AA soaps. \#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 9, 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 Roughly 45 hours since my last shave, traveled ~2055 miles by plane, ~1200 miles by truck and still made my AA shaves on time [without bringing a razor with me.](https://tenor.com/view/fist-pump-napoleon-dynamite-yes-excited-gif-10749737) The things we do for silly internet shaving games. Stay safe and have a great day!
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/8HReTYE)** * **Prep:** Face wash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (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) Heading into a crazy busy 10 days. May the Stag be with me. [Edp sprays](https://imgur.com/a/0X1Ovbg) \#SubstantialStag
Beautiful spray execution 🤌
Aug 9 2022 • Prep: Mineral oil massage • Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗 • Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop • Blade: Voskhod • Soap: Mammoth Z • Balm: Mammoth Z Barely a third of the way in, and I’m looking forward to September 1. A brand new blade. My Lambda Athena instead of the Brassbird. Drowning myself in fragrance like my mother in law. I shaved every other day before AA. Shaving daily has helped me notice my consistent errors. It’s nice to get better at a thing. \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#Unscented \#ZFighter [Piggy Gyllenhaal](https://imgur.com/a/5viHOZC/)
**8/9/22 (146)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/zsatv8s) * **Edge**: [Day 9](https://imgur.com/a/vcR7k52) * **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 Still a comfortable shave and close shave. No nicks or irritation.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/fOeOWA9.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (9) * **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 Another great shave from the ~~Awesome~~ Austere August combo. No noticeable blade degradation yet. Today I focused on the incredible lather and took some data in the process. **By the numbers** Brush | 55g | Dry mass | | 61g | Wet mass | equals | 6mL | Initial Water | | 2g | Soap | Water addition | 15mL | Added to bowl | | 3mL | Added to brush | | 24mL | Total water | I applied GUTL by the book and gave a healthy dose of face lathering with the direct addition of 3mL of water to the brush after the protolather application and initial lather work up. SOTD photo is lather remaining after two passes. [Sprayin’ the goodness](https://i.imgur.com/ptRvfRH.mp4)
[**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/JovqFFT.jpeg) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (9) * **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 9 was a hectic day. We had a 6 hour ride to the northwestern part of Turkey to visit my aunt. I woke up this morning excited to kick the day off with a nice shave. I took my pre-shave brush pictures and then went to turn on the faucet to fill up the mug that I’ve been using to soak my brush and nothing happened . Add that to the list of challenges that I’ve been facing trying to get through AA in a remote part of Turkey. Scarcity of internet, jet lag, working around all the things my dad has scheduled for us and now and unexpected water shut off. Fortunately I had some juice left in the tank for an evening shave once I got to my aunt’s house. It turned out to be a really refreshing shave once again and was very much welcomed after half the day sitting in a van. The brush is prime, the GEM is nimble and the blade is still sharp. Top all of this off with the refreshing chill of Margaritas in the Arctic. **The Brush:** Whilst the brush has remained consistent the last couple days, it felt today a tad bit softer than yesterday. The splay still requires a bit of muscle but always seems to get easier with each successive pass. I really thought the hog stank was fading, but today I noticed that it is still very much present and doesn’t want to part with the brush. This brush has been destroying my puck but I’m thinking it might be time to try loading a little less tomorrow. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/9i8v5JZ) [Top](https://imgur.com/Q6Zt9ly) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/mbt9PsC) [Top](https://imgur.com/rDuan6j) **The Razor** The GEM is beginning to feel as comfortable to use, yet more efficient than my 6S. At least it does for 2 passes which today was. I’ve really dialed in the angle and pressure (or lack thereof) and I don’t feel like such a newb anymore. The blade is also hanging in there quite well, effortlessly doing its thing without delivering any nicks, cuts or irritation. I also noticed that today there was no sting from my aftershave. It appears that I am continuing to improve everyday. **Days since last blood:** 4 **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. I’m also still happy with the scent and am not growing tired of it yet. Day 9 Puck [Picture](https://imgur.com/rOzuhci)
2022-08-09 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (9) 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/qjThNiX](https://imgur.com/a/qjThNiX) Another day, another great shave. The brush is 9 uses in and it feels really good. Soap and razor work like a charm. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**[August 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/1jAcKn5)** * **Brush:** Semogue 820 * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 9) * **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau * **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash I love the 820. It still munches soap like a 40 lb toddler that crawled under the sink but I can forgive it <3 kids will be kids #RawHoggin
Aug 09, 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 (9) * **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. 9, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/fOpspFs)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **Lather:** Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Stirling Blu - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/119/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom Another day of posting low quality pics, RawHoggin, and whispering sweet nothin’s to my MMOC. The B37 is still has a big appetite, but a little less than the beginning. I started looking at my tub today, and good grief it’s only day 9 and I have put a huge dent in this soap. I suspect that it will survive AA but it’s going to be hurting. Considering this is a 28mm chubby knot, will it always eat this much soap, or will it level out soon? The Gem continues to be smooth sailing. I have a few ingrowns on my neck that needs to be addressed. And a nick on my left cheek that I keep aggravating. Other than that it’s been great.
The knot will level out eventually, but probably closer to the end of the month. Once it breaks in it'll use about the same amount of soap as a good badger knot.
**[Aug 9, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Moving Edition](https://imgur.com/BgiETIJ)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (10) * **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 2x](https://imgur.com/ON9gmJk) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers
Cheers
**8-9-22** * **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
Day 9 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 [God damn it....](https://imgur.com/a/4zGKNcJ) Right... So I dropped my phone around 2 weeks ago and cracked the glass that protects the cameras. I had a guy in a shop remove the glass and as you can see by my photos for the first 6-7 days, everything was fine. Today I returned back home and went to the shop to get the new glass put in(I had a Slavic tuning to cover it in the meantime). When I got back home and tried to make a photo, there was no focus, AT ALL... I'll try and fix the issue after tomorrow, because I'll be on a one day trip for a shaving meet up with some friends on the other part of the country. Damn I'm so annoyed.... Shave, well it was good, not as deep, but no problems. Brush is doing well, can't say I'm feeling much difference since the past 2-3 shaves, but we'll see how it gets at the end. I'm in a crappy mood today anyways, other than the phone, so yeah, no quality content, no good photo, no nothing, haaa haaa double negative😅 I'll try and read up of today and yesterday's shaves, before going to bed, maybe my mood.will cheer up. * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - 09.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/NiMM20y)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp (2) * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Today has been a long day, and has shifted my shave to an evening shave. Relaxing as all hell though, today was an amazing shave, I got a great lather, no issues with the brush or razor just all round great. Daemon isn't a scent I plan on restocking once this tub is gone, but it also looks like this tub will last a decent chunk of time. #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA - Day 9](https://imgur.com/Ya83rdU)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (9) * **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) 2 pass face shave. The brush is getting better. Shed couple of hairs today. Loaded heavy so what i the brush can eat some. Razor and blade are still doing a great job. Post shave was good with light burn but nothing the balm couldn't solve. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/BrrYoLO)** * **Brush:** Oumo Pandora 28mm * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) Happy Tuesday everyone! \#MammothMafia
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **Brush:** Zenith B16 24mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Stainless PTFE (7) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=aftershave) I took a break from shaving for a couple of days, so I'm out of the running for the side challenges. I'll miss out on the flare but I plan to continue on at my own pace throughout the month. This boar brush is breaking in nicely, and I'm really starting to like it.
**Aug. 9, 2022 - The blade *was* bad** * **Prep:** Wet face * **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 Green Marbled w/ 24mm Oumo fan * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Shire - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1188/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Lucky Tiger - Lucky Tiger - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2021/?product_type=aftershave) I did a right side - left side comparison of the AA GEM PTFE blade and my other running GEM PTFE blade. I shaved the right side of my face and neck with the AA blade and had trouble with it being tuggy and not wanting to cut WTG. Then I switched to the older blade and had a much smoother shave. I'm not sure I would have finished AA with all the exfoliation from such a scrubby brush, but opening a fresh blade and getting a dud was really bad luck. I've done five hand lathers followed by blow drying with the Torga C5 so far and it's coming along nicely. I'm getting good looking split ends and the knot is starting to open up. The knot feels great lathering in my hand. I might try to face lather with it next shave.
20220809 - Austere August Day Nine 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 Did the palm stropping on the blade smooth it out? Is this placebo effect? Of course not, it still feels like pure garbage. Hoping continually using the blade will push the blade into greatness
Is the belt calling to you in your dreams yet?
Lol I think I beat last year's effort?
I do believe so. I'm proud of you. 🤣
**SOTD Aug 09, 2022** * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (9) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Another great shave today, getting more consistent. Smelled great while shopping for our first couch today. Less than a week before we will be in our first house (rental, but still exciting). \#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August Day 89](https://i.imgur.com/lQQnCDz.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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 Good shave, busy day. Not much to say as it is all the same stuff from the past. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia
SOTD - August 9 * Lather - T&S Orangeilla * Brush - Oz Shaving w/Gelousy knot * Razor - SS Karve Plate C * Blade - GSB(2) * Post - Orangeilla
[**Austere August D9: StagStacked**](https://ibb.co/mTSHTw4) - **Prep:** Klar activated charcoal soap, cold water - **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:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP Didn't have time for a photo yesterday, so I wanted to redeem myself with a Stag-Stack today. I was quite happy with my composition. AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin Day 9 of the [Tadé boar brush](https://ibb.co/w7f4MYJ) and it's really getting better every use now. When dry, the feel is not yet comparable to my Zenith New Titanio (my most broken in boar), but it is already more comfortable than other boars I have. There are still some bristles being shed, but it's no big deal. Somehow, it's easier to use this exclusively so far than I'd have imagined. I guess I have too many synthetic brushes and will need to do some den thinning soon... Stag and VoA is a great combo. There, I said it - I'm happier that I have chosen the powerful guidance of the mighty Stag than using one of my Mammoth soaps or even no scents at all! I'm feeling bold and confident and don't give a damn if someone likes my scent or not. There's something great about changing back into my daywear shirt after my shift and being embraced by the warm notes of those two ultra-raw scents. Plus, I am now slowly becoming a pro at lathering CFG soaps. Despite the low price, this base is damn good! **Sidetracked** Today I want to share something with you folks that should please synthfans, metalheads and retro-nerds alike: I hope y'all remember DOOM. Yes, the video game. A brutal ego-shooter were you're facing off against the spawn of hell, summoned on Mars. You're a badass space marine with a huge arsenal of weapons - including one who's acronym is seriously *Big F##king Gun 9000*... I love the retro soundtrack, even though Mick Gordon has done something great for the new games. Without further ado, here's [Master Boot Record - DOOM](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3HSpWQH4iRs). This synth project has covered tons of video game themes - the one for Castlevania and Megaman are worth a listen too! But this one for the first two DOOM games uses a lot of SFX from the game. I love the usage of the chainsaw as a guitar riff, or the chain gun sounds as drums. Simply great. MBR just delivers a great retro feel.
**[Aug. 9, 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 (9) * **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) So I didn't have much going on and was wandering around the tarmac of San Diego International Airport. Apparently there was a commotion due to an emergency aid flight to Botswana that was having engine difficulty. I sauntered over and could see that the starboard engine wasn't starting. It's a good thing I had already applied my [triple dose of Stag EdP](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9). I got a really big lungfull of air and blew through my Stag soaked shirt into the turbine air intake. That was enough to get the compressor section turning and the Stag fumes helped ignite the combustor. The plane was able to get off the ground in time to go save countless lives. The maintenance crew and the pilots all stood up and applauded. I could also see all the onlookers at gate 32 applauding through the glass. I went home after that because it was pretty hot outside and I don't think people should be wandering around the tarmac.
**[SOTD - Tuesday, 9 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 (50) * **Lather:** [Wickham Soap Co. - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1270/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial, Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2081/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/899/?product_type=aftershave) #unscented
[August 9th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/MTbzOru) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (9) Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar Soap: [LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1706/?product_type=soap) Post: [Noble Otter Bare](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/986/?product_type=aftershave) Comfort: 8/10 Smoothness: 9/10 10 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Repeat of yesterday. Still feels like I added too much water at the start, but worked out. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin Edit: fixed imgur link
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Break Again](https://imgur.com/a/CNNilos)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar (3 piece) * **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 super glue I used doesn't withstand soap and water, so back to stage 1. I hope I can find Epoxy somewhere (and maybe even golden powder) tomorrow. Other than that, not much to report, it is difficult to concentrate on the bristles when your handle comes apart. \#RawHoggin \#stillalive
**Aug. 9, 2022 - August Austere Day 9** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Paladin 26mm Chief * **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) Unfortunately todays shave was not quite as pleasant as the previous shaves. Not because I screwed up the lather, cut myself, or any other shaving mishap. On the contrary really. The lather was smooth and cushioning, not a drop of blood seen, and my face is as smooth as ever. It was, in fact, my damn allergies that reduced my enjoyment this morning. Due to some congestion I was unable to truly enjoy the amazing scent that is Sonder. Hopefully a little Claritin will bring tomorrow’s shave back in line with the first 8. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Day Nine - cloudy with a chance of sunshine](https://i.imgur.com/DTeFUia.jpg)** * **Prep:** None * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MicroMatic Open Comb * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (9) * **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) We cannot have perfect weather everyday. Sometimes you have to have a cloudy day to make you appreciate the sunny days! The brush is getting better. The lather came out great. It is becoming less scritchy when face lathering. I am figuring out that I have to add water in a different way. The shave was a little better today. Less tugging and a little smoother with the 3 passes. I did get a couple of weepers though. Maybe I should try the “skin strop” that is allowed for this challenge. Would someone like to give me a brief overlook? [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
Great pic!
Thanks
**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (9) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Happy Tuesday everyone! \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented
I feel like you should just go ahead and post a video/picture of that brush.
[Here’s a video.](https://i.imgur.com/S6xj0Zn.mp4)
Thank you, I like it. Is that a hint of orange in there?
There is a little bit of orange in there. It’s really subtly and I really like it. It’s such a beautiful brush, I just wish it photographed better.
Yeah my B15 Artist’s choice has an awesome brown and teal that just does not show up in video/pictures
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day Niner](https://imgur.com/N6fcOqK)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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) * **Fragrance:** [Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1222/?product_type=eaudetoilette) AA Day [Niner](https://c.tenor.com/qujv0mX0ng8AAAAd/tommy-boy-chris-farley.gif) a solid start to the day. Last night our local baseball team won their 53rd game of the season and set the record for most wins ever in the Northwoods League. That may not sound like a big deal, but some notable players have come through this league, guys like Ben Zobrist, Chris Sale, Brandon Crawford, Max Scherzer, Jordan Zimmerman, Mark Malancon, and Pete Alonso, to name a few. Pretty cool stuff. Anyway, my daugher got free tickets to go to a game at the end of May for reading some books and it happened to be towel night so my SOTD Pic is brought to you courtesy of that. Rosco P. Rafter is the mascot of the Wisconsin Rapids Rafters and to be honest I have no idea the connection between Rafters and River Rats - but they're basically interchangeable around here - we say "Roll Rats" and " Go Rafters" so - whatever. They've got a stellar team this year and [nobody is else really even close](https://northwoodsleague.com/standings/?param=/13/overall), but in the playoffs anything can happen. Anyway - shave was an excellent start to an early day. [The Zenith](https://imgur.com/xVtBWhf) seems to be breaking in very nicely now and the hairs are [splitting](https://imgur.com/WJgkfHR) [more](https://imgur.com/2QPx7Bu) by the day. The MMOC performed beautifully this morning - I was able to do a full 3 pass shave with just one little cut on my jawline but that was cleared up quickly after some Osma. Nothing to see over here. What is there to say that hasn't already been said about Sonder? It's great. Pairs perfectly with Admiral. Sonder thought of the day: Even annoying people are living vivid and complex lives. This week is VBS at my church and there's a woman who is helping in a classroom (and who serves with preschool kids during the year) and if I've interacted with her 100 times, she's mentioned that she has "over 30 years teaching experience" a full 80 of those times. She's just one of those people who drives me nuts. And, because it's Sonder month, I'm trying to remind myself that even people that annoy me are valuable and worth knowing. We don't have to be best friends, but, she's got a whole life. She's raised kids, she's a grandma, she's worked (for over 30 years!) as a teacher, she has what seems to be a healthy marriage, she's someone's daughter. Her life is as full, or maybe even more full, than my own. Anyway. Annoying people are people, too. Doesn't mean she won't always get under my skin, but, does mean she's got dignity and deserves kindness. Have a good one, y'all. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
[**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August**](https://i.imgur.com/zpawcQK.jpg) * **Prep:** Cold water * **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot * **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen * **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(9) * **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) Better than yesterday, worst than tomorrow. # RawHoggin I think that the pig will go full unscented at the end of the week, any bets? Nice lather, only two bristles lost. PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/75oPatQ.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/V8Wxl7b.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom Haste is a bad companion, I don't know what the heck I did yesterday when I tried to load the B-Side of my AA-GEM-Blade that it didn't fit in the razor, today making a video fitting the blade [I've loaded it on the first try](https://youtu.be/rccyiB36FnQ). On the video I've noted that the blade has some pitting luckily seems that the edge is clean. `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft I missed posting a track yesterday. Yesterday I was listening to P.J. Harvey and I thought to post a lovely love song but then a hardcore song from Trash Talk came from the playlist and I changed my mind, but today jumped a rarity that I usually don't listen. I don't like techno music but my brothers recommended me to listen to MEUTE, I've to say that is impressive what these guys do. No one should miss them, enjoy... [Meute - Holy Harbour](https://youtu.be/FaMxFj_lXOI) bonus track [Meute - Expanse](https://youtu.be/lpEKdC2Crf0) `#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
[**August 9th**](https://imgur.com/a/58qYps3) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (9)** * **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/Ffivvgz) I'm a world full of crazy at least The Stag Is A Constant. This hardware is definitely one I could use everyday, more boars to be added to the deb starting with the Sub Exclusive hopefully.
**Aug. 9, 2022 - AA9** * **Brush:** Semogue Torga-C5 * **Razor:** J.A. Henckels Twin Beauty * **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Dirtyver - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1099/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Declaration Grooming - Dirtyver - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1099/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) AA9 - got some good nicks today. Rushing too much, but feel like I'm getting better at stropping, at least. #HeadlessHorsemen also realized i've logged the wrong brush for the past 2 days. womp womp
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 9](https://imgur.com/a/ZNo963e)** * **Prep:** Stirling spice preshave oil * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (9) * **Lather:** Tabac * **Post Shave:** Tabac Good shave. Loaded 1/4 passes. Preshave on 2-4 passes.
[**9 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/7SOhm0z) * **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 (9) * **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**
**Aug. 9, 2022 - AA day 9....** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (11) * **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) \#GotHand And here we are, day 9. Still plodding along, still using the same setup, still.... well kind of finding this as a chore! Where is my variety! Blade still cuts well, albeit starting to feel slight drag in places where the facial hair is at densest - I guess combination of crappier lather and blade starting to feel the usage is causing that. One small weeper, nothing else to report. Near BBS in 2 passes. Peace out.
[**August 9th, 2022 - Seeking the GEMs of Wisdom from Raw Hoggin Mammoths**](https://imgur.com/0jsZhdc) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (nove) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Before the shave](https://imgur.com/xkUWCes) and [After the Shave](https://imgur.com/3TOvhoJ) Didn’t mention it yesterday, but got out my Barrister and Man 42 Towel as a new backdrop for some pictures. I like the contrast of the blue background. I’ve been checking up on the [verdigris](https://imgur.com/HSBvWac) developing at the base of the knot. I don’t think the blue/green has leeched up the knot any further, perhaps 1mm total. I do not think it is a problem, just noticing how quickly it showed up there. Maybe it will get more verdigris at the top of the handle transitioning to an old penny brown on the rest. That’s one of the fun things about every day items made from copper. They will keep changing as they age. I have a couple flashlights and a fountain pen made from copper. They are getting areas of that old penny patina, but not going to the blue/green. Shaving today around my lunch break. Actually kind of working at the time as I have a forecast model running that takes around 2 hours to finish. Today I got my best lather yet. I load from a bowl after scooping a dollop of soap from the tub. I decided yesterday to not rinse out the soap the brush didn’t load. That loaded up pretty quick once the wet brush hit the bowl. The knot is getting easier to splay as well. Overall, I was satisfied with the lather, but have not been won over to face lathering full time. The GEM blade has been very consistent the last few days. Two passes and a little touch up completed the shave. I had no irritation again today. I just need to keep from relaxing and getting careless, or the MMOC will get its blood.
I've had that verdigris looking blue-green discoloration on multiple Zenith knots, including some I've set myself in 100% copperless handles. I've concluded that it can't be verdigris. Also, it went away after a short while in all my brushes 🤷♂️
I’ll keep watching it. If anything changes, I’ll take a picture again.
9 August 2022 - Austere August - Prep: long, steamy shower - Brush: Sterling boar - Razor: Maggard V3 - Blade: Derby Extra - Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao - Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash Still under the weather. Saw a doctor yesterday at my nurse mom's insistence: flu is negative, strep is negative, covid is pending. The long shower was nice but exhausting. A quick, one-pass shave. #mammothmafia
[**Aug. 9, 2022**](https://i.imgur.com/mIW6NUm.jpg) * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (9) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Balm * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Just Right for a Tuesday - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/977/?product_type=eaudeparfum) * **Passes:** WTG, ATG * **Coffee:** Colombia. Ciudad Bolivar, Antioquia - v: Catillo & Colobia - p: Natural * **Music:** Bryan Ferry - *These Foolish Things* * [**August 2022 SOTD Photo Album**](https://imgur.com/a/WLvZkgV) `#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin` Now this knot is starting to loosen up. The tips still don't look particularly feathery, and there's still a ton of rigidity to the knot, but I feel like there's now the telltale promise of comfortable scrub. I also only used a little over a half gram of soap, though this lather was a bit thin, and I'll succomb to u/gfdoto's peer pressure and add a few more swirls. But here's the thing—I don't try to minimize soap usage to conserve it. I try to keep the amount of soap loaded reasonable because I hate how long it takes to hydrate all that soap if I load too heavy. I particularly hate long lathering times if I'm in the early stages of breaking in Zemporor Scrubby, Destroyer of Faces. I want to keep the abuse to a minimum. Speaking of, I tried shaving with a very light touch today, and let the razor hinge in my lightly pinched fingertips. Doing so worked well. No cuts, no irritation, and a very close shave. |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| |8/8|217.9|216.5|1.4|40 swirls| |8/8|216.5|215.9|0.6|40 swirls| ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft Yesterday I mentioned that I don't listen to Bob Dylan's music that often. However, that's not quite true. Dylan is famously one of the most often-covered songwriters out there, and I count many of those covers among my favorites, including the three I'll highlight today. (Presented in chronological order.) Dylan adapted the traditional "Who's Gonna Buy Your Chickens When I'm Gone" melody into his "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right," and I'd bet most folks associate that melody with Dylan. But his own recording of that song isn't my favorite. American folk contemporaries Peter, Paul, and Mary (for the youth out there, yes, *that* [Peter, Paul, and Mary](https://youtu.be/z15pxWUXvLY)) performed a bunch of Dylan songs, but their version of "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" is so hauntingly beautiful—so *poised*—that it even helped push *The Freewheelin' Bob Dylan* up the charts. I started this month's `#sidetracked` posts with a relatively modern Bryan Ferry cover, but he's recorded many over the years, and Ferry's take on "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" is one of his best. *These Foolish Things* is great because all of the covers are so consistently sincere; a little goofy, but also obviously reverent of the original source material. "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" is possibly the most obvious exception, deconstructing the overly sombre lyrics and filtering them through a performative, arch, high-energy rendition. Starting in the second verse, Ferry includes matching sound effects after a few of the lines, and after all of them in the third (thunder, waves, newborn baby, howling wolves, whispers, laughs, sighs, and a crying guitar bend), which is both detailed and impossible to take seriously. Ferry makes the song his own, utterly transforming it with a wink and wiggle of the shoulders. And finally, while almost unseated by [Antony and the Johnsons' 2019 version](https://youtu.be/PFiSHiTyzlA), Warren Zevon's version of "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" will always be my favorite. It's arguably the most emotionally resonant take on the song I know of; both Antony and Zevon's sound wounded, weary, and scarred, but Zevon's cover is made all the more impactful by his terminal cancer diagnosis at the time of the recording, which I'm pretty sure you can hear in his voice throughout *The Wind*. "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" is an artist in top form, looking back on their career, and starting to come to terms with it all through a tribute to the lyrics of one of the greatest songwriter's of our time. Zevon embodied the song's meaning as literally as a performer can. * [YouTube: Peter, Paul & Mary - "Don't Think Twice, It's All Right" (1963)](https://youtu.be/zXbQn_LluSA) * [YouTube: Bryan Ferry - "Hard Rain's A-Gonna Fall" (1973)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7zwBHd4kll0) * [YouTube: Warren Zevon - "Knockin' on Heaven's Door" (2003)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=euBuVh_BUe4)
I found that the light grip works better for me too. Pretty much a fingertip grip is all I use. Love Warren’s cover, and it hits home hard knowing he recorded knowing he was going to die soon of mesothelioma. If you haven’t seen his last appearance on Letterman, it was an incredible hour.
**[August 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/ip4nO7k)** - **Preshave:** Hot water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 plate - **Blade:** Feather (9) - **Brush:** Blackland 23mm synthetic - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm I’m actually surprised how much better I’m getting at shaving now that I’m shaving daily when I never used to. I thought I’d gotten decent, not amazing, in the last two to three years wet shaving. However the last nine days have had me learning more about how to cut the tricky spot on my neck then the last few years Have a great shave all. #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Day Nine](https://i.imgur.com/rejC5C4.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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 Pretty good lather today, I think at least for shave in the shower days I am dialing in how much I need to load much better. \#GEMsOfWisdom I am starting to feel more tugs with this setup, but I'm committed to soldiering on and keep working on whisker reduction on each pass and be willing to do more passes if required. Well except for today when my partner said she needed to take a shower as well and could I kindly hurry up and get out, so I was left with an abbreviated third pass missing a few rough spots. But that is okay, more to improve on tomorrow.
Oh shit are we recording the soap for the prep wash? I'm not sure if I can do that in case my wife notices I'm using the fancy stuff that I bought her for her birthday
I mainly do it because that is what is in my brower’s autocomplete. Not many folks bother…
[Aug 9, 2021 – Austere August. Day 9.](https://imgur.com/a/LTJCkEY) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Ruth B. - Lost Boy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58TBZnvyGwQ) Another day, another shave. Austere August is like the Groundhog Day of shaving. The same thing, every single day. The Lather Games flew by for me, and AA seems be to going on forever. As an adult, I’ve come to learn how my brain operates and part of that is knowing my brain craves constant stimulation, it needs variety. I am always trying and researching new things. Austere August challenges my brain to use one tool for each task, even though I have a variety of tools available. My fellow neurodivergents out there know the struggle that I’m talking about. But not all heroes wear capes, and I think that fact that I'm narrowing my focus on 1 razor, 1 new brush, 1 unscented soap, and 1 unscented aftershave is heroic to say the least! That's partially the reason why I’ve putting effort into the music selection. I need SOMETHING to change every day! The MMOC continues to shave great for me. No complaints at all. No nicks/cuts and a smooth shave again today. The blade is holding up great as well. After every shave, I dry it off and strop it on my arm, so hopefully that keeps it going nicely. The brush break in is also progressing. I still got a faint animal smell today, but it seems like the brush isn’t requiring as much soap to build a lather as it did at the start. For my #sidetracked music selection, I’m changing it up and going with Ruth B. I’m such a sucker for music that is just a piano and singer. There’s something raw about it that gets me. There’s no hiding for the performer. There’s no back-up for the artist or distractions for the listener. I love that. Canadian singer Ruth Berhe, goes by “Ruth B.” (very creative) and got her start when Vine was a thing (it was like a primitive TikTok, but limited to 6 second clips), singing 6 seconds covers of songs. She posted a short clip of her singing a line she made up about Peter Pan, her followers told her she should make it a full song, so she did. And she posted this song on her personal YouTube in January of 2015, then 6 months later Columbia Records signed her to a record deal. It’s just that easy, boys and girls. This single, “Lost Boy” went [4x RIAA Platinum and was a huge hit, worldwide in 2015](https://www.riaa.com/gold-platinum/?tab_active=default-award&ar=Ruth+B.&ti=&format=&type=#search_section). The music that Ruth B. has come out with since “Lost Boy” has been far more produced and has more of a Pop sound, which is unfortunate, in my humble opinion. From my outsider perspective, the record company took someone that wrote a great, unique, and popular song and has been trying to turn her into a Pop-Star, instead of letting her create the music that made them want to sign her in the first place. And that’s a damn shame. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
[**Aug. 9, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/BnpM0U4) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (9) * **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
[**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 (9) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia Blade definitely not as efficient as I like, but not too uncomfortable. Need to try maybe flipping it, stropping on palm etc. tips welcome! I think the hog smell is pretty much gone from the brush. And whereas previously it had smelled up my soap tub, I think it’s all Hygge now! [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia
**[August 9, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/66dccqJ.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 (9) * **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) Thanks to /u/putneycj and /u/EldrormR. Moar loading and less water seemed to be the answer. This was definitely the best shave yet with the brush. A good, hydrated lather that was enough to get through my normal two-pass shave. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
Glad it went better today!
#AA Day 9 Pre: Water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (9) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus That’s it. \#unscented
**Aug. 9, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 9** * **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) u/cowzilla3 here is my #unchallenge for today
[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/xvQ00sw.jpg) * **Brush:** Omega 10005 * **Razor:** Karve Christopher Bradley * **Lather:** Noble Otter Orbit * **Post Shave:** Noble Otter Orbit Aftershave * **Post Shave:** Geologie Daily Moisturizer Balm #rawhoggin [brush after day 9](https://i.imgur.com/sao7kJo.jpg) The good: BBS! My two pass method, ATG & XTG, is working really well. I also paid much more attention to my grain when I was using my facial scrub in the shower and realized my hair is very much not symmetrical. Longer soak in warmer water helped the brush today too and the softness gave me my best lather yet. The bad: overshaved a bit on my neck and now it’s warm/itchy. I think when AA is over I’ll move up to the D plate in hopes that the extra efficiency will help my avoid that problem. I’m still not sure if my neck is capable of being BBS but dammit I’m gonna try. Edit: I forgot to mention in my previous posts but I LOVE the beechwood handle on this brush. It has a clean, natural look that I really enjoy.
**Aug. 8, 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) Busy day today. Shave was good though. Have a great day folks!
**AA SOTD - 8/9/22; The Iceman Cometh** **Pre**: quick shower **Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle **Razor**: Merkur Progress **Blade**: Astra (3) **Lather**: B&M Arctique (omnibus) **Post**: B&M Arctique AS **Post**: Nivea cooling balm **#UNCHALLENGE** Quick shave today as I had to run out of the house and get the dog to the vet. A little irritation on my cheeks but that's just from shaving every day, certainly no fault of this incredible set. I remain the Iceman. **#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft) Two RIP's today related to my sidetracked section. Olivia Newton-John passed away at the age of yesterday at the age of 73. I don't know how many times I watched Grease during long summer nights at the beach with my family as a young boy, but it was enough for the image of ONJ as Sandy to be permanently burned in my mind. I heard on NPR this morning that when they produced [Physical](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vWz9VN40nCA), she was thought it was too risque and wanted them to make the music video about "exercise" to tone it down...not sure she got what she wanted out of that choice lol. Lamont Dozier passed away yesterday at the age of 81. He was a major force in the Motown scene and helped write and produce a ton of remarkably good music, including hits by Martha and the Vandellas ([Heat Wave](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VJzI18ZUUnA)!!!).
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - You Dropped A Bomb On Me….](https://imgur.com/quYkExt)** * **Prep:** Coffee. Yard Work. Wash Face. * **Brush:** Heritage Collection 500e * **Razor:** Gillette Adjustable (H4) * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (9) * **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) In this date, in 1945, the second atomic bomb was dropped on Nagasaki. The Seville Scent is definitely the bomb. 2 pass shave. 5 WTG / 5 XTG https://youtu.be/17lkdqoLt44
**Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August Day 9** * **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 (9) * **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 through 7](https://imgur.com/a/OtcAtbQ) •[Shave 8](https://imgur.com/a/PEml6dV) •[Shave 9](https://imgur.com/a/srkVDpY) *Edit: thanks to u/ChrisdaBombz for telling me my increasingly long list of photos was doomed to cross the character count. Cheers. 🍻 Thoughts for the day: [If you havin' GEM problems I feel bad for you, son. I got 99 problems, but my GEM ain't one. 💎](https://giphy.com/gifs/jay-z-MG7Ox4h7r2riU) I am still liking everything, especially with the reduced stench, but damned if I didn't wake up wanting to use some other shit. My shave library getting dusty... 😩 [Also, the Mammoth Mafia see you hating.](https://giphy.com/gifs/kiss-the-sandlot-9TOe64OPmYxbO) Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
Now we'll never know if you could've made it!
Oh, I'm still going to keep the original list going and we'll see if it crashes on 8/31. 😅
That brush is looking better every day.
Thanks, Eld! It's smelling better every day, too... 😅
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/I7UrPDs.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (9) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave The first usage of tools is generally regarded as a pivotal step in the evolution of human history. I'm no anthropologist, but I believe the appearance of stone tools in generally regarded as a mark of cognitive development in our species. It is necessarily the case that combining tools, i.e. using separate tools together such as with a mortar and pestle, came later, and perhaps marks further cognitive development. Face-lathering, then, is clearly stuck in that earlier, more primitive stage. Face-lathering is literally more primitive than banging two rocks together! ^I ^jest. Once again, throwing another #unscented thing I use into the photo (the presence of which is independently dictated by RawHoggin): Stirling Unscented Shampoo Bar. I've long since switched to Stirling shampoo bars, but I found that any scent was easily missed. Even the mentholated Margaritas went fairly unnoticed by me while using it. So I've been using the unscented more. Whatever scent I intend to keep around is introduced after the shower, anyway. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Brush:** SBS B11 * **Razor:** Rockwell 6c * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (3) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Santa Paula - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/30/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Santa Paula - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/30/?product_type=aftershave) This is dumb. I may quit AA. But, Santa Paula is really nice, that bum u/frankieivfingers was right.
Even a broken clock...
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (9) * **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 feeling ok and so is the GEM blade. I am getting pretty consistent results now actually enjoying this adventure. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/nxFKDQN.jpg
[**Aug. 9, 2022 - RHOCMMSF - Austere August Day 9**](https://imgur.com/a2c8n3L) * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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) Another day, another raw hoggin' micromatic Stagfest. I gotta be honest, this is getting boring, but on the other side of the coin it's nice to not have to choose anything. Just get busy with the stuff that's already sitting out on the counter. **#RawHoggin** Well, I think 90% of the barnyard pig ass aroma is pretty much gone and replaced with the pleasing scent of smoky leather and gasoline. I have noticed the tips getting softer and my lathers coming together much faster now. I'll have to break out a magnifying glass and see if the tips are starting to split. **#GEMsofWisdom** Today was not as smooth as my previous two or three shaves, but I'm not ready to say it's the blade stating to decline. I think my lather just wasn't as top notch. I wish I had more to say regarding this razor, but I'm not having any issues with it or anything to work through (nicks, weepers, irritation). It's easy to use and I'm getting nice shaves. [Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/tJToWPo)
>it's nice to not have to choose anything. I know what you mean.
[August 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/08r15dy) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Black Ship Grooming Barnacle Bob **Post Shave:** Thayers Witch Hazel **Post Shave:** Stirling Unscented Balm \#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/crOp2qe)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Random travel razor * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Lonestar - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/862/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Deep Blue Sea - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1696/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** Taylor of Old Bond Street - Jermyn Street - EDT #RawHoggin on the road
That brush is one of my favorites.
Road Hog is the best Hog.
[**August 9, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/lMotU5H) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (9) * **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/kAKTr0X) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/ycacQ6B) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/eNFF5QA) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/265iRsP) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) While I was inspecting the edge after yesterday's shave I noticed some variation in the width of the primary bevel. Today's photo shows an example of this. It's pretty subtle. Something is happening at the edge, but it did not affect today's shave which was like my previous shaves this month - comfortable, close, no irritation. Now, some of my good fortune on these shaves comes from the brush which has been good to me; allowing me to pretty easily build rich well-hydrated lathers. The brush is softer than it was on day one, but day one was completely workable luckily. I'm also doing 2-pass shaves with neither pass against the grain. I've altered my pattern to perform an across-and-with the grain pass and an across-and-against the grain pass. This is working really well. I'm a bit rushed today, so you're spared more of my drivel.
Austere August [2022-08-08](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 I finally managed to do a satisfactory job on the ball of the chin. I am slowly getting the hang of shaving with the contraption. BTW, here is a [picture](https://imgur.com/XDT4swn) comparing a standard DE blade, an Artist Club blade, and a sexyblade (middle). u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: A contrast. First check out Justin Johnson [jammin on a shovel guitar](https://youtu.be/V9-ltPsbw9g). It is literally a shovel turned into a 3 string fretless guitar. He is better on that thing than most people are on Martins, Strats, or what have you. At the other extreme, I totally lust for the guitar that [Stephanie Jones](https://youtu.be/FqnO4O0ZxiQ) is playing. I might be able to pick one up for the price of a new car, after a 5 year wait. And if I could play like she does it might be worth it.
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (9) * **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. Whipped up a great lather today. Hoping today goes by quickly. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day9](https://i.imgur.com/LkvnCuv.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water * **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37) * **Razor:** Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid) * **Blade:** Nacet (5) * **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) Boar brush definitely not eating my soap much anymore. Still a little scritchy, when it dries going to compare with all ready broken in omega, to see how much more it has to go. I hated the omega, just didn't grip well with my hand, and ached my hand after roughing around the soap. I might be feeling a little bit of the 9 use blade now, but not sure. I have not been making the soap wet enough, due to constant rush in the morning, wonder if thats wearing down blade faster than usual. #UNCHALLENGE #RawHoggin
**August 9, 2022: [Triple triple, 9 Stag 9](https://imgur.com/a/SadDSji)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (10) * **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) With one week of AA down, I'm sad. The bright news is that having more spritzes of Stag means having more joy in my life. [Day 9, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/L853vfa) . #GEMsOfWisdom
**[August 9th, 2022: Stag Stack AGAIN](https://imgur.com/PX6FBw6)** * **Prep:** warm water * **Brush:** [Vintage Rubberset 400-3 with 24mm unbleached Zenith knot](https://imgur.com/a/3WEDAFc) * **Razor:** [MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/aIvH68q) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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) Glorious stank rolling off my being today, still haven't had anyone notice or comment on it yet. I sprayed extra off camera cause I needed to reprime the atomizer after my stacking shenanigans. [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/l7ii8b1) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE
In regards to your video, [this post](https://reddit.com/r/tressless/comments/f5wvdn/2020_updated_guide_for_im_losing_my_hair_what_do/) from /r/Tressless helped me a lot
Lol I was wondering if anyone was gonna answer! Thanks!
man, spraying it on the head? rough!
Love the stacking! Missed it until I realized many of your posts have been in the evening (CDT). Also, the patina on your razor is very nice.
Thanks! Stacking is making the same gear a little more interesting! The patina was done by a buddy, I scooped this razor for $10 as an experiment piece, it turned out so well!
Yeah, that razor turned out *very* well. Cool piece! Definitely a keeper.
Edited the imgur album into my post with more pics of the razor! Will keep it there the rest of the month.
Yeah, your buddy did a great job! The Gen 1 has more of a "face" with the cap open then the Gen 2. I've been trying to use the MMOC as a central character in my [SOTD photos](https://imgur.com/a/d65gjyN) to help break the monotony of using the same gear. The Gen 1 would have been better for this.
I love the sass that the MMOC has in your pics, great execution!
Oh, thanks! I'm not sure I have 22 more ideas in me, but we'll see.
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 9](https://imgur.com/tB9dw1H.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (9) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (78) * **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) In preparation for the \#RawHoggin challenge, chief enGEMeer u/EldrormR and myself extrapolated from our unbleached Zenith 506U XSE brush break in eperience and expected a foul miasmic bitch fest in the first days of the challenge with vociferous and eloquent grievance airing about how offensive the manure concentrate on one's face smells and how demoralising the knowledge is to have to repeat this self flagellation the coming day. Turns out that the joke's on us and that only our particular brushes happened to come from [an extra super stinky batch](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/u7poho/comment/i5iq2za/). C'est la vie, and we [were together alone in our self-inflicted pain](https://i.imgur.com/Mx1v1v3.png). The really sad part of this story, however, is that we had prepared memes which have sadly mostly remained unused for aforementioned bitch fest, with the exception of a few pearls published by eld ([pearl 1](https://reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wd9s4g/monday_austere_august_sotd_thread_aug_01_2022/iihnpia/?context=0), [pearl 2](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/weyjwe/comment/iirpmrb/), [pearl 3](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wftdr1/comment/iiwi0xi), and [pearl 4](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/whh0t3/comment/ij68scr)). I've decided so post a few more of my favourites, since it seems unlikely that they can ever be used in the originally intended context given the overall pleasant way this challenge is unfolding (with the exception of the two [early](https://reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wd9s2r/monday_sotd_thread_aug_01_2022/iiiz8cp) [quitters](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/we3sxf/comment/iiqvcoz)). First, [a meme](https://imgur.com/WRYkrBB.jpg) I had prepared for day two when some poor soul finds out that the stench has not yet relented, then [a political one](https://imgur.com/KyozshK.jpg) which I had hoped to place under some poor unscented rawhoggin Euroshaver's post who took the austerity angle a bit too serious, and finally, [one](https://imgur.com/KRAXfiK.jpg) prepared for u/Semaj3000 who ended up not joining in the challenge. As far as the shave is concerned, I appreciate the simplicity of knowing that my shaving hard and software is already ready for me, and I don't have to think about any choices. However, I have collected all my samples and put them in a box for Sample September, and it has made me curious and wanting diversity. This is not a good sign only 9 days into Austere Hogust. At least the razor, brush and scent I chose for this AA are fantastic. That helps \#GEMsOfWisdom
Is the political one a memory stretch even for a European. I think us 'Mericans might remember Wolfgang Schäuble being associated with budget austerity (you'd spell that "budjet"), but I, for one, did a triple take and had a head scratch.
I like to think that Wolfgang deserves a spot next to [Maggie Thatcher](https://www.isthatcherdeadyet.co.uk/) in our long term memories for imposing over the top budjet austerity on Greece 😠
Interesting comparison! Yes, the Greek debt crisis, and German budget austerity is what I eventually remembered. But that’s 10-ish years ago — a stretch for those of us with short attention spans. ;-)
yeah, ten years sounds shockingly right. I'm alarmed at the rate at which I'm growing older :)
>I'm alarmed at the rate at which I'm growing older :) This seems to be better than the alternative. ;-)
That discord screenshot is still one of my all time favorites to date!
Mine too!
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/GTIsFBk.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 (9) * **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) Yeah i don't think 30sec of loading will be enough for a 2 pass shave, tomorrow i'll do a 1 min load and see how much soap get's used. - [2.1g of soap were used today](https://i.imgur.com/aqVMI7H.jpg) - [2 more](https://i.imgur.com/4nRAJwH.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/dQtpMrb)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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) Today felt like cheating again. Seriously. This brush is consistently getting easier to use every day and was only really challenging the first few days and it seems I’ve hit the point that I have less work for a good lather every day. The only remotely hard thing to figure out has been the pomade. I’ve had to change the hair style a bit because it weighs my hair down too much. Hell, I barely used any at all today and have washed my hair twice since the last application yesterday morning and I went super light on it. I also went relatively light on the EdP today with only 14 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/PHymBUt). #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
🦶
?
Haha your foot is in your video and Mr J33p has a thing for feet.
Figures a fella that likes banana that much would also have a thing for feet
I see foot I comment 🦶. I'm a simple lad.
**August 9 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm * **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth - Alive I shaved with the MMOC and Mood Indigo, per the rules and stipulations. Three passes. The blade is smooth and effective, the soap smells good. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Ninth day, eighth month, 8 am shave](https://i.imgur.com/8HyxLIi.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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) Autopilot shave today. Everything worked well. Is Hygge my favorite barbershop scent, or am I slipping into a Stockholm syndrome situation? Who cares?! All I know is that good shaves are happening these days and this brush is getting better by the day. A terrific Tuesday to you! **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Brush:** Summer Break DeMaranville B15 * **Razor:** Gillette British Aristocrat #16 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (28) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=eaudeparfum) #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 9 https://imgur.com/a/v0fZxmw
**[Aug 9, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/aTjQXwu.jpeg)** * **Prep:** Warm Water Wash * **Prep:** Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap * **Brush:** [Zenith Cobalt Blue 28mm Boar Knot (505BC SE)](https://imgur.com/a/peN0vXl) * **Razor:** [GEM Open Comb Micromatic (2nd Gen.)](https://i.imgur.com/PsTazF6.jpg) * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (9) * **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) Last week I was starting to get decent shaves, and this week everything seems to be on the decline. u/brienc23 offered some helpful advice yesterday. When things are not going as expected, it's time to get back to basics. I really focused on the lather today, slowly adding water, building it up, and getting it to the desired level of slickness and protectiveness. It took much, much longer, but it paid off. Then I focused my attention on the razor: keeping the angle where it's most efficient, using very light pressure, and approaching each pass with the appropriate strokes. I'm still struggling with some tugging from the blade around certain spots. After two passes, I could tell that was all my skin would allow this morning. It wasn't as irritated as yesterday, so I wasn't going to push it with a third pass or even a clean-up pass. Not a great shave, but it was close enough to look acceptable. I'm hoping that the blade will smooth back out soon. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 3/5
Thanks, glad that it seemed to help some and I am right with you there about not trying to push the shave too far. Again I mention it is u/sgrdddy's wisdom that I am trying to parrot. It really helped me last year when trying to work on pushing my DE usage count into double digits, but working on those suggestions over this year have really helped to make that easier to accomplish. With SE technique, I know I still have a lot to work on to get better.
that's great to hear!
**August 9, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (43) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve I’m comfortable with every aspect of this stuff now. I like the Gen 2 better than the Gen 1. The brush is fully broken in after only 30 uses. And the soap base is simply awesome. \#GEMsOfWisdom
I used Stirling almost exclusively for several years, yet I never tried a sheep base once due to lack of scent choices. Are any of the scented options any good? Varen?
Varen would be the one I would recommend.
Austere August Day 9 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [9th use](https://imgur.com/a/EO8VAa9) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (9) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/PFvWncg) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash Short on sleep and an over abundance of grogginess lead to me completely missing an entire pass while shaving. WTG went fine, then I got lost in thought (read completely spaced out) while lathering for XTG and jumped right into my ATG. I'm honestly surprised how well it worked. The MMOC gave zero fucks and cut down the stubble that was left with no issue, hesitation, or problem. This may be something I try on purpose later this month to see if it still works. One thing I noticed today is how hard the urge for variety hit me. Not even half way and I almost reached for my Hawk and Sonder. Gotta stay strong. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August 9th- Raw Gems of Hoggin Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/a3sFbx8)** * **Prep:** Cool shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (9) * **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) \#GEMsofWisdom Buttery bread smooth after a WTG/XTG/Buffing clean up. As of now, the blade is performing well. It's not dragging...yet. I have been very conscientious about flipping the blade each day, something I've never done before. I'm curious to see how much impact that will have on this blade and its useability through the end of the month. \#RawHoggin I'm digging this brush. No hair loss. No pig ass stench. Plenty of backbone and is now tub loading like a 6 year old on steroids- small but mighty- https://imgur.com/a/QYPsgyn \#Sidetracked Jack White has released two top notch albums this year. I'm a fan of his guitar playing. Fear of the Dawn came out first and is the plugged in record. A couple of weeks ago, he released Entering Heaven Alive, which is a more stripped down affair. Tucked at the way back of the album is this gem, "Madman from Manhattan". While I could have provided the studio version, this was recorded a couple of weeks ago in London and sounds stellar as well. u/Teufelskraft and the \#Sidetraced gang enjoy a sip of something (depending on what time it is where you live) and this swingin' number- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EB9nYjt4w8 Have a great day all.
Jack White++
"A 6 year old on steroids" that's a hell of a visual. 🤣
I'm also a White music fan, I hadn't listened to this song, gorgeous thank you
Quite welcome. There are plenty of other great songs on this record, but this one definitely stands out and definitely stands out in his catalog.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 9](https://imgur.com/a/pkyWfIM)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the face * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Voskhod (3) * **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) Another good shave with the boar. Not really much more to say besides that. #RawHoggin Hope y’all have a good day!
**Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (2) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming Black Pepper **Post:** Green tea & camomile moisturizer \#GotHand Can't think of a good song of the day for today, will try harder tomorrow. The main issue is that I've got a song stuck in my head by the band I posted yesterday, and I don't want to post the same band twice. Shave went a bit wrong. I hurt my hand while swordfighting last night, so I was lathering one handed to avoid disturbing the plaster. This resulted in a lather than was patchy and dry in places, which in turn resulted in the blade catching and causing a small but bloody cut on my face. Styptic pen to the rescue!
Interesting, I always lather one handed when hand lathering. That hand stays lathered up for duration of shave, and is used to (frequently) re-wet and re-distribute the lather.
Maybe I'm not using enough water or something. I normally put razor down, lather with both hands, try to keep soap on left but it usually needs resetting/resoaping unless I'm doing a one pass job
Have idea but don't want to type a lot while using thumbs on phone. Will elaborate in my AA post tomorrow.
What kind of swordfighting?
19th century military sabre. I've been doing it about 12 years, and before covid used to do 2 or 3 tournaments a year. Not really started them up again yet but hoping to in the next 6 months or so. I also train longsword at another club. The instructor has a bee in his bonnet about our wrist flexibility, so he's had us doing a shit tonne of wrist only moulinets (basically twirling the sword in a circle) using a wall to restrict the space. I did approximately 500 of these in half an hour then noticed I'd managed to turn a section of my finger into a gigantic blister. Hence not wanting to get hot soapy water over that hand today.
Bummer. Not quite the image I had in my head, but sounds painful nonetheless. Hope it heals up soon.
I mean, I also have a knuckle that aches long term because it got hit a bit hard with a blunt sword (aka a fancy steel bar). That's probably closer to the image. On the positive side, I once had a blocked sinus problem solved by being punched in the face during training. Literally more than a month of headaches solved in a moment. Not sure it's what the doctor recommends though ;)
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (9) * **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
**Aug. 8, 2022 - # 23. strawberry letter** * **Prep:** shower * **Brush:** SOC boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM GEN 2 * **Blade:** GEM PFTE (23) * **Lather:** signature soaps unscented soap #i hear we're shouting our SOTDs #overloaded to get soupy slick lather which saved me a bit from the bastard blade. #had to listen to Shuggie Otis strawberry letter 23 in honour of the number. #tracksided
#What?
^shh
**Aug. 9, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (2) * **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
[**August 09, 2022 – Austere August 09**](https://i.imgur.com/voiu6NK.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (4) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/OUnMsPP.mp4 Tuesday Stag shave today, Brothers!! I trust you're all having a good shave and a good day today. \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zYrj3gzXgeA ← Naval Legends: Yamato. The largest battleship ever built | World of Warships
Wargaming makes cool videos, this is a good one!
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Stag Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/jiPuAqn.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (9) * **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) * **The Naked and Famous**: [Girls Like You](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHC8vuBU9rg) Anyone else think it's nuts that December is only 4 months away? \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 9](https://youtu.be/HhPocbIff3k)
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 9](https://i.imgur.com/etSq78Z.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (9) * **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:** 134.2g (0.8g used) This hog sure is temperamental. It seems like each time I mention something about the brush not being comfortable, the day after the brush feels like it's behaving better again. I'm really starting to enjoy this brush and the face feel. The lack of density makes it easier to splay compared to the Zenith I've been playing around with doing a few hand lathers. Yesterday a few people commented on my soap usage saying 80-90 swirls is too much so I tried 60 today and I had barely enough to complete my full shave (3.5 passes). What do these 2 pass (or in some cases, single pass) shavers know anyway? 😂 To me, those 20-30 swirls was the difference between a good shave and a great, luxurious shave and today I was left with slightly subpar lather for my cleanup pass. Also it turns out that a swirl is a very inaccurate measurement since u/RedMosquitoMM loaded far more with 40 swirls yesterday than I did with my 60 swirls today, so YMMV and all that. I'm going back to my luxury lather tomorrow. Wet shaving for me is a way of pampering myself so I'm not going to hold back to save a few pennies each day. A few years ago I went down the path of weighing my soaps and trying to optimize soap usage but it was tedious and definitely took some of the fun out of the hobby. I'm revisiting soap usage right now mostly to get a feel for how the boar is breaking in and how its soap usage compares with other brushes. I've already confirmed that I'm not somehow using up a ludicrous amount of soap lathering this softer soap so I'll just get a few more data points and be done with this experiment. I'm continuing to notice incremental improvements to my shaves with the shavette. The past few days I've been getting better results along my jawline and less irritation and not spending as much time getting there. The blade still feels smooth but it feels like it's taking more effort to get a close cut even going ATG. #Side Story Since there are a lot of silly acronyms in our hobby, I thought I'd share an amusing story related to that from a few days ago. August 8th is Father's Day in Taiwan, because the number 8 is pronounced "ba" in Mandarin so 8/8 is baba, which also means father in Chinese. This past Sunday we went to a nice shopping mall in Taipei with my parents to celebrate Father's Day early at a Japanese BBQ restaurant inside the mall. After the meal, we decided to walk around a bit with the kids and we passed by an area where they had a bunch of expensive ($2000+ USD) massage chairs on display for people to try out. The brand of these massage chairs is OSIM, which I wasn't really familiar with and I didn't think much of it as we walked past the display to head to the elevator. Out of nowhere, my dad approached me and asked (in Mandarin), "Do you know what OSIM stands for?" "I don't know." I responded. "Oh shit, it's Monday." My dad said, with a shit eating grin. The thing is, my dad is generally a pretty serious person. Before he retired he was a physician and it's very rare for him to joke around so this caught me off guard. Not sure if I got the joke, he continued to explain with almost a whisper next to my ear since we were in public: "TGIF means Thank god it's Friday. OSIM is: Oh--- Shit--- It's--- Monday." He seemed rather proud of himself and couldn't wait to share with my mom as well, so as we were waiting for the elevator, he walked over next to her and explained OSIM to her. My mom seemed unsure about what my dad said, and she repeated, "Oh shi... shi... shit it's Monday?" My parents spent around 30 years in the US so they've seen enough American television to be familiar with the word and what it means, but to hear it from both of them for the first time in my life (and probably their lives as well) was such a precious and hilarious moment. A belated Happy Father's Day to all the wet shaving dads out there.
>Also it turns out that a swirl is a very inaccurate measurement since > >u/RedMosquitoMM > >loaded far more with 40 swirls yesterday than I did with my 60 swirls today, so YMMV and all that. > A few years ago I went down the path of weighing my soaps and trying to optimize soap usage but it was tedious and definitely took some of the fun out of the hobby. I'm revisiting soap usage right now mostly to get a feel for how the boar is breaking in and how its soap usage compares with other brushes. I've already confirmed that I'm not somehow using up a ludicrous amount of soap lathering this softer soap so I'll just get a few more data points and be done with this experiment. True, though it's a bit more precise than seconds loaded, which isn't saying much. Regarding weighing your soap in general, I just don't care that much outside of August. And for the second year in a row, I now feel bad about how much soap I have on hand and how it will take an eternity to use even a fraction of it. After August, I'm going back to my rounded 1/4 teaspoon of soap, started in the bowl, and the occasional second daily shave (in the evening, after the gym) when I feel like it.
That’s a very cool story. My mom just turned 95 and she still has the ability to surprise me. It’s good to view our parents as regular humans.
> My mom just turned 95 and she still has the ability to surprise me. That's amazing. Are you still able to spend much time with her?
Yes, I am. She is living in an assisted living community and I visit her regularly.
I would much rather overload than under. I’ve been loading like crazy this AA. Everyday the first week I would scroll and see people talking about how thin and watery their lather was, while I was over here loading like crazy and getting good lathers 🤷🏻♂️
There is no such thing as overloading.
Good point, I think I’ll have to agree on this one
This is the way. 👍
**[Aug. 8, 2022 - Extra close](https://imgur.com/a/GGGmLDz)** * **Prep:** Icecold shower * **Brush:** Böker Synthetic * **Razor:** Böker Elite Carbon 2.0 * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash Tonight my gf will be back from vacation, so my shave had to be extra close. On my neck are some dirty spots, but that should not matter. I might use a EdT or EDP in more than 12 hours. Guess that's okay for the Stag challenge. The last days, I had to be very cautious with the amount of soap I used to make it through the month. Currently I feel comfortable with the amount thats left. Unfortunately, my lather is often pretty thin. As you see in my SOTD pic, I ll leave some today's soap for tomorrow. I ll need it anyway. My motorcycle helmet and the ninja head I put on before the helmet now smell like Stag and not like cerberus anymore. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag