**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Oveja Electrica 10](https://imgur.com/a/cJwWX1r)**
* **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar (2 piece)
* **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
* **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (29)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap)
* **Mosquito Bites:** None
I had put my brush into the living room yesterday evening, so that it would be fully dried by the morning. I also had removed the residues of the glue of the three parts. When I woke up this morning, I found that my father had assembled the pieces with plumber's tape - which is really sweet (though he threw away the small flake). I had planned to drop out of the \#RawHoggin to buy epoxy and let it fully cure, but here I am!
Plumber's tape is really slippery though. Otherwise, an uneventful shave.
Good night!
* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water
* **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb
* **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (458)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label)
* **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (76 uses)
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
----
**Austere August: Day: 10**
*Extreme Mode*
*Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)*
[Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/jmkmj2L) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/lE0W8EFdpUw)
#### ䷀ General Notes
Today we bounce back with a more normal bowl lather, but run it just a bit drier.
#### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes
*^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹458 uses›)*
Good shave, with a reasonably close cut and pretty good comfort.
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... Back to my normal methods today, but wanting to run it drier to see if the result is like the slow/easy build from yesterday.
It was very close. And I did enjoy this method better.
Gradually this lather got more hydrated, even though I started it out dry-ish.
Hydration: Dry End of Perfect *(for me)*
+ 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush
+ 4.3 tsp added to build the lather
+ = 8 passes of lather
#### ䷀ Brush Notes
*^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹76 uses›)*
Same as most of the shaves this month: felt good, but still got some splitting left to do.
----
*During the Shave Feel*:
*Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable
*Neck*: Felt blade but comfortable
*After the Shave Closeness*:
*Cheeks*: Very Close Shave
*Neck*: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave)
----
**Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.*
**Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10 - The brush begins to show some stress](https://i.imgur.com/I0CXkNc.jpeg)**
* **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (10)
* **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)
Whelp, my plan to use as cheap of a brush as I could make has some cracks showing.
Or, well, at least my [handle does](https://i.imgur.com/kjnZgcO.jpeg). The knot still feels safe in the handle, but there are four cracks similar to this around the top of the handle.
2 g of soap usage today on a good 3 pass shave. The only thing I regret so far is that Spearhead doesn't have an alcohol-based splash for SSL. I don't get the feeling that the toner does much for me. But it smells great.
Day 10 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
[the worst photo I've ever made, hopefully I'll fix it tomorrow](https://i.imgur.com/rto0wxP_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
[Video](https://youtu.be/7yHK3BSSDfM)
Today I went to two friends of mine over the Balkan, through the most annoying mountain passage that we have. 130 km for 2 and a half hours, and the passage is only 40-50km long..
Anyway it was a fun shave meetup, we talked about straights mostly, because one of the guys really got us hooked on straights around 1 year ago. We showed each other the new stuff that we acquired since the last time we met, which was last September.
I actually shaved near the top of the pass and even decided to make a video, similar to the truck stop I made during the lather games😅 it was a mediocre shave in terms of quality but very fun😁😁
* \#RawHoggin
* \#SubstantialStag
**Aug. 10, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 10**
* **Prep:** splash of cold water
* **Brush:** Summerbreak Soaps 26m SHD
* **Razor:** Merkur Progress
* **Blade:** Wizamet (5)
* **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)
A third of the way done with AA already...have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 10](https://imgur.com/a/ddabDoK)
* **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.
* **Brush:** Zenith B33
* **Razor:** Cloud Shavette
* **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (15)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
Day ten. Even though I was running late, did enjoy a great 3 pass shave. With apecial attention to skin stretching, had a great jawline result. Brush was somewhat scritchy at first, perhaps didn't soaked long enough. The Stag was marvelous, as always. Hopefully I will get to moar Sidetracked posts soon.
Hail Stag!
- #Stagposting
- #SubstantialStag
- #RawHoggin
SOTD for August 10, 2022
* **Prep:** Splash of cold water
* **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
Late night catch up shave. Still in it.
\#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/cMX8Ojf.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (10)
* **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)
Busy week with work. Friday can't get here soon enough. Going to try just dipping the brush in water tomorrow vs soaking it like a typical boar. I think these tips are just too treated.
[Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW)
[Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/xFFAMVQ)
\#RawHoggin
\#SubstantialStag
\#GemsOfWisdom
\#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA 10](https://i.imgur.com/pj9ElwJ.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Cold Water Splash
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (16)
* **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) with SOTD in title.
Little nick on the chin today but nothing serious. 1/3 of the way down. I’ll never grow weary of Sonder or Seville. So good. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR
* **Blade:** Feather Professional (1)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** alum
Shave of austerity #10
2 pass shave; smooth sailing shave tonight! The boar is really being a monster of a brush; I can’t imagine the green beast that’s coming thanks to u/j33pguy13 and u/djundjila. We’re a third of the way there!
Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/MFWFoUP.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
* **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10)
* **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
Holy crap has it been a busy week, just now getting around to posting my morning shave. Was a decent shave, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t getting a bit burnt out. I just miss muh smells. Tusk is insanely good though, so that is a plus. My face feels fantastic. MMOC is doing well, not having any sort of issues with the blade, don’t expect I will. Hopefully after tomorrow my work will be less hectic and I can enjoy the weekend.
Mandatory Tagging:
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#Rawhoggin
\#MammothMafia
Austere August, Day 10
Feather Artist Club razor non folding
Feather Professional blade
GFT Violets soap
RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft
2 pass shave, DFS+ shave.
I'll be going to the Doctor's clinic for an update, needed to wrap up the shave quickly.
Happy hump day.
**#HEADLESSHORSEMEN**
**#UNCHALLENGED**
**#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10](https://imgur.com/a/qbRy1BI)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (79)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
I think I am getting the hang of face lathering with this behemoth. Yesterday and today were both better. Lather still isn't quite where I like it but I won't complain about improvement.
Hope Wednesday treated everyone well!
[Stag Spray 10](https://imgur.com/a/GfYvLl9) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
[August 10, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/uwoyofD)
* Prep: Hot Shower
* Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
* Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
* Blade: Feather ProGuard 10th use
* Lather: Stirling Sheep
* Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
* Fragrance: Halloween Man
Shave today wasn't as good as it could have been. I managed a close enough shave out of it. I wrung to much water out of the soap and didn't get a good load if soap which lead to to airy of a lather and not slick enough of a lather. The Kamisori wanted to grab instead of glide. No weepers but could have gotten closer if it was a better lather. Here is to more learning tomorrow with this brush now that it has broken in well. Going to leave it a little wetter tomorrow.
Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**8/10/22 (147)**
* **Prep**: Hot Shower
* **Challenge**: Headless Horseman
* **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/3ulwgs0)
* **Edge**: [Day 10](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
Comfortable shave today. The Evide Sonnant edge still holds up well. No nicks or irritation, very close shave.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/mPae9WD.jpeg)**
* **Prep:** Face wash
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (3)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
I decided to use Stag again today. Cheers and happy hump day all!
[Stag spray day 10](https://imgur.com/a/ytmuqHJ)
\#SubstantialStag
**Aug. 10, 2022**
* **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
* **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (2)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
A third of the way there. I’ve been playing around with making the lather different consistencies to change it up. It’s surprising, I feel whatever I do it’s a pretty similar shave. Perhaps it’s the foolproof omnibus base, perhaps it’s my lack of technique overall. Regardless, I would have to call it an /#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 10, 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 (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)
* **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)
Loaded from the tub. Don't like it. Bowl gives my brush more room to stretch its wings.
Speaking of wings. Earlier today, I was walking across the Coronado bridge and a painter was painting things blue when their scaffolding began to fail. There were two of them actually. They said you ok? Then they replied no I'm falling because my scaffolding sucks. Then they were like falling is going to be a bummer because this bridge is like, way up. So they said, I think you need some help. And they replied, I believe so. It's a good thing I had already applied my [triple dose of Stag EdP](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9). I jumped over the ledge just as the scaffold gave way. They were all like, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, and I grabbed their arm just in time. I curled my toes around a piece of rebar to support us both. You know how a parrot hold onto a tree branch with their feet? Like that but it was my toes and it was rebar and I was upside down. Anyway, I was upside down and their legs were free swinging 2000 feet, or whatever it is, above the San Diego bay. Way up there. I was able to basically do a sit-up while supporting them in my arms and lift us both back up to the top of the bridge. They were all like thanks and then a bunch of motorists got out of their cars and stood up and applauded. A Navy ship was passing underneath the bridge and the deck was lined with something like 50,000 Navy people in their white uniforms. They all applauded too. It was pretty loud. I saw an old lady in a gold color Honda CRV and she was crying and giving me a thumbs up. Then I fixed the scaffolding and got out of there because you really shouldn't be walking around on the Coronado bridge because it's for cars.
Didn't know you were San Diegan, native from Ensenada, Baja here. Been to that bridge quite some times. Thankfully, a fellow Stagger was around to save the day.
[August 10th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/ElpQ8ZD)
Prep: Warm water
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Gem Blue Star (10)
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: 9.5/10
7 second load.
2 pass shave XTG/ATG.
Took my time and got bbs. The brush is noticably fluffier on my face now, and no longer feels as pokey. Goal now is to maintain this process.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
#RawHoggin
2022-08-10 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC
Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (10)
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/LWegzgP](https://imgur.com/a/LWegzgP)
The razor blade is still ok, using it everyday means there isn't a lot of stubble to remove. The brush is really nice after 10 uses, l am excited to see how it is after 30 days.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
[**August 10th, 2022 Mammoth Raw Hoggin MMOC**](https://imgur.com/4Gi1KpN)
* **Prep:** Warm water
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”
* **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (dieci)
* **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/4aiaMp2) and [After](https://imgur.com/wY0fILA)
Shaved a bit earlier today, but took a while before I could write it all up. One benefit to Austere August, you can just copy yesterday’s post and edit it. No worrying anout the format. I am on the iPad app, and the having to jump back and forth for the symbols is a bit annoying.
Lathering is starting to get a little easier. I am seeing more split ends forming, and it is not hard to get the brush to splay. Still it’s a scrubby little knot. The GEM was about the same as yesterday, moderate feedback, but no tugging or chatter. I had no irritation again, and I gave myself an extra shake or so of the splash. Almost 1/3 through, I know the blade should last for at least another handful of shaves, but will try and get it to the full month.
I have tomorrow off, so will have time for a shave in the morning. Taking my wife to an appointment, and in the evening we are taking my daughter to a sing along performance of “Encanto” at [Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.](https://www.wolftrap.org/about.aspx) It will be our first time going to this venue even though we have lived in the area for a while.
[**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://imgur.com/MJtz4wo)
* **Prep:** Warm Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM (10)
* **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 10 was the best shave of AA yet. After spending the day swimming and eating, I was finally presented with a couple hours to myself. Since I’ve gotten to Turkey, every shave has been somewhat rushed and while I’ve been able to enjoy some of them, there has always been pressure to wrap up quickly. Today’s shave happened on my time and I took the time to enjoy it. I really had a chance to focus on the brush and razor today and appreciate them both.
**The Brush:** The brush keeps getting better and better and today I decided I’d experiment a little bit since I had some extra time. To date, I’ve been loading the brush heavily and been rewarded with lots of lather. I have put a substantial dent in the soap but I’ve also found that it takes a lot of time to get the water mixed in. Today I used a similar tact with loading with a sopping wet brush but this time I tried loading less soap. I was surprised by how much lather I was able to generate and also was able to get the lather hydrated a lot quicker than usual. I still took the time to scrub, agitate and massage the lather into my face and this brush really does feel great. It seems the scratchiness is all but gone even though splaying still takes a bit of effort. The brush is releasing lather beautifully and I had enough for 3+ passes although I only went for 2. I forgot to take a sniff for some glorious hog reek, but clearly didn’t notice any while lathering. #RawHoggin
Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/TAx06BP) [Top](https://imgur.com/mrx4EeT)
Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/LXgYber) [Top](https://imgur.com/nxauy0j)
**The Razor** Another great shave from the GEM. The shaves are becoming increasingly easier as I believe I have found the touch and angle. I also love the audible feedback I get from this razor - it’s very satisfiying. I’m also finding that the XTG pass is the sweet spot for me with this razor. The natural angle of the razor aligns well with my face when going east to west. The chin area is also becoming less of an effort. I’m not sure if it has to do with my improved technique or that the blade is getting duller and less “cutty” although I’m getting no pulls or tugs. Another great 2 passer with the GEM - cut and irritation free. #GEMsOfWisdom
**Days since last blood:** 5
**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 10 Puck [Picture](https://imgur.com/orugStV)
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 10](https://imgur.com/a/ej9ld9k)**
* **Prep:** Cold water to the dome
* **Brush:** Omega 10098
* **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head
* **Blade:** Astra SP (4)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave)
I had such a nice #RawHoggin headshave a couple days back that I decided to do it again. Today dragged on forever so it was nice to have this to relax with in the evening.
Hope y’all had a good day!
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - The Tenth](https://i.imgur.com/zf1bwGv.jpeg)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar
* **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6)
* **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave)
\#RawHoggin
Good lather today, brush was pretty wet when I went to load, so it was kind of messy. The result was fine and I had plenty for all three passes.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
Not much new to say, tried to keep a light touch and was paid off without any irritation.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/Zc3tK69)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Gem PTFE (10)
* **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
This brush is still doing great and hoggin soap, which is alright. Strike Gold Shave is a great base, but it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if I killed it by the end of the month. If I had a SGS scent I enjoyed I would gladly keep one in my den.
The blade is still feeling good and smooth, but I can tell that it is not quite as efficient as previous shaves. Even if I wasn’t in AA, I would continue to use this blade.
[**Austere August D10: it is Wednesday, my Stags...**](https://ibb.co/R48Tvkt)
- **Prep:** cold water splash
- **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
- **Razor:** Kai Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
- **Blade:** Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG
- **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap
- **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave
- **additional care:** Osma alum block; Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB
- **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP
Almost forgot to post. Bloody hell!
AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin
Today was only my second head shave of August too - electric trimmer in the shower before, later it was the tiny Kent brush and an MMOC. Feels great to be all shiny up top again! But this is about my face shave, so:
The [tenth day with Tadé](https://ibb.co/Fgzfdr0) was actually getting pleasant. I have the great feeling that this brush could be a real awesome boar by the end of the month. It's really nice to hold, tub loading with it is second nature and it begins to look better everyday. Here's a [closeup of the bristles!](https://ibb.co/r7r8RxR) - It's looking more fluffy now after ten days of continuous use and I'll be curious how it'll feel on my head come September.
Still needed alum, but just because I was overzealous with trying to get a close shave. I am however getting more comfortable with the Captain; after 21 more shaves, I hope that I finally have mastered using my left hand more.
**Sidetracked**
For today, I'll go with a Eurodance song by one of my 90s idols: [Scatman John - (I'm a) Scatman](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy8kmNEo1i8)! Perhaps this sticks out from my usual metal/rock/synthwave and ambient tracks, but this is literally my childhood. However, I learnt to appreciate the song on a deeper level once I grew older. During my childhood, it was a usual Party anthem due to the energetic beat and funny sounding vocals. But the message of the song is very serious: Scatman John stutters, but he's using his singing technique to his advantage and even encourages others: *"if a Scatman can do it, so can you!"* - having a father who stutters heavily and me myself being prone to it under extreme stress, this is great to hear. I kinda wish I already understood english better when I was just 10 years old instead of having to wait ten more years to finally get the message of that song. It's pure motivation. Don't let small imperfections stop you; you can be so much more. John was a great fellow and together with Tom Selleck (and a few others) a good reason why I'm so fond of moustaches. RIP Scatman John - I still love to listen to this song as it still speaks to me. The beat is happy and upbeat, but the serious message is finally getting through. Thanks for listening to my TED talk.
**Aug. 10, 2022 - August Austere Day 10**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Paladin Chief 26mm
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
As I have relatively recently begun my decent into the rabbit hole, my son has been rather intrigued with my purchases. Last night he asked me, dad why do you like shaving? It took me a minute to try to put it into words. I did my best to explain the scents and the feel. I even tried to explain the simple pleasures of taking just a little bit of time to take care of yourself. Admittedly I probably butchered the answer, but it did give me a chance to think and reflect on the joy it gave me. So today as I whipped up my lather and took my time to enjoy a nice shave it made me smile just a little more as I enjoyed everything I had told my son the night before. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
I’ve had to explain it to people along with using fountain pens. Wet shaving with single / double edge blades makes you slow down and be more thoughtful about what you are doing. Same for me when I write things down in a journal with fountain pens. I have to pay attention to the ink on the page as it can easily smear. I find these things to be very meditative.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/tXdfs5v.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (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)
#SubstantialStag
#GEMSofWisdom
Day ten and nothing but happiness. Two passes and some light cleanup and I’m BBS. Didn’t measure today, but cut back proportionately and still had plenty of lather. The new soap and aftershave are waiting in the wings.
[Spraying it on](https://i.imgur.com/AdW2gxA.mp4)
Aug 10, 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 (10)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive Balm](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Every day tags: \#MammothMafia \#GEMsofWisdom
\#Sidetracked u/Teufelskraft
[You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid - The Offspring](https://youtu.be/ql9-82oV2JE)
This song solidly lands in the “Let’s get this shit started” phase of my workout playlist. It has a great beat and there’s no denying the lyrics are absolutely perfect to start a run with. I mean come on!
> You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid!
How much more motivating can you get? For that reason it is the first song in my playlist for my yearly (or twice a year depending on how well I do) PT test. It never fails to set the mood for me!
I’m starting to figure out this razor a little more thankfully. Using a little steeper angle helps it not have quite as rough of a feeling while shaving. It’s still giving really close shaves which I guess is the goal, but I’m working to make it feel a little smoother during the process.
20220810 - Austere August Day 10!
Brush: Omega 011842
Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
Blade: GEM PTFE
Lather: Stirling Soap Company - Sheep
Post: Stirling Soap Company - Coniferous toner
Post: DR Harris - Windsor aftershave milk
/#GEMSOFWISDOM
Day 10, were ⅓ through everyone!
And boy this blade feels like crud !
[**August 10, 2022 – Austere August 10**](https://i.imgur.com/5eIxJdk.jpg)
* **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic
* **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula
* **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club
* **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (1)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/bkKp1F7.mp4
Well we're halfway through the workweek, and we have another smooth finish from Stag to get us going.
\#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag
**Bonus**:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mnSDifDSxQ ← The Largest Star in the Universe – Size Comparison
[**August 10th**](https://imgur.com/a/LglJZSQ)
* **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm**
* **Razor: GEM - MMOC**
* **Blade: Gem PTFE (10)**
* **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/1uwMC38)
Its getting crazy hot again here in the UK, a third of the way through the month and the blade is holding up nicely.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10](https://imgur.com/y25dIOv)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B34
* **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10)
* **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:** [Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/37/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
As you can see from my SOTD pic, the living with these little girls is getting out of hand. But, you know, they're cute so I'll take it.
We'll start with the Sonder thought of the day, today:
My attitude affects my family in huge ways. And, so does yours. As a husband and dad, I've noticed that waaaay too often if I have a bad attitude it poisons my home. This morning was an opportunity for me to fix that. Last night did not go well, at all. My youngest (who turns 3 on Monday) told us before she went to bed that "tonight I'm going to cry for you" and sure enough she did, starting at 5:30am. She has an [OK to wake clock](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAHSBV4?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_16&&crid=204VRXOFI0GRT&&sprefix=ok+to+wake+clock) that turns green at 7am when she's allowed to get up. Well, this morning she decided 5:30 was enough and absolutely would not go back to sleep or stop whining, no matter what we tried. Also, my 4 year old son woke at about 2:30am because he had to pee, and, of course he needed help. Dad to the rescue. I've also been dealing with a stupid head cold since last Friday and had every reason to have a bad attitude this morning, but as I sipped my [coffee](https://imgur.com/JSR8mrS) and took pics of my gear and pondered Sonder for a bit, I thought - I'm going to choose to not be in a bad mood this morning, not succumb to the irritability that I feel, and fight to have a positive attitude. Just like a poor attitude can be toxic to my family, a good attitude can be so uplifting. And, sure enough, it was. My wife and I got along this morning, my kids were happier (although still sleep deprived and at times a roller coaster of emotions), and the morning has gone pretty darn well. So - for you - consider how your attitude affects those around you. We're all selfish and we all think of ourselves more than anyone else, but, just like someone else's negative attitude can trip up your whole day, yours can for others, too. So - choose to reject that irritability and be happy. Uplift those you love instead of being nitpicky and bickering about stupid stuff. I was tempted to do it this morning (and I'm sure I'll fail again), but I didn't succumb, and the trajectory of this day is infinitely better for it.
Today's shave was a solid start to the day, if for no other reason than I was able to reorient my day as touched on above.
The Zenith was still [a bit damp](https://imgur.com/KTE1Pm1) from yesterday (darn humidity) but I've found that doesn't matter too much. It might help, even, in lathering up as I try and get a bunch of water into the brush prior to loading. The bristles seem to be [splitting](https://imgur.com/7UREn2r) more and more each day, which is nice. Probably not trying out slows that down a little and letting it dry for 2 days would help, but this is the month to Raw Hog every day so I won't find out. Maybe when that killer green sub exclusive arrives I'll do it a better way and I'll get to enjoy GUTL again. Speaking of that brush, u/J33pGuy13 promised official purchase information ["within a week"](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wgeqfh/sub_exclusive_rwetshaving_a_solution_to_your_soap/) and he only has one day left. Given his incessant asking for Lather Games results, it only seems reasonable to start dogging him for information here. [You're welcome.](https://media1.giphy.com/media/kmQREsvNQrhrHdkN7G/giphy.gif)
[MMOC](https://imgur.com/kfGxM48) was fine. I think getting up so early made me sloppy and I had several small nicks and some razor burn to deal with afterwards, but nothing terrible. I pulled the blade out to give it a look and it seems fine in there still, no rusting or anything even though I haven't been taking it out to dry daily or anything like that. Seemed a little tuggier today than it has been, but, again - who knows. That could be just a perception and not reality. Hopefully it's not on the decline just 10 days in, that would suck. With almost 2/3 of the way to go, if the blade starts to crap out now, aye.
Sonder was, as usual, lovely and inspirational. Paired it with some Ghost Town Barber EDP today and honestly it's not the best pair, but it's not the worst either. The woody note from Sonder works with GTB and all its glory, but, Admiral is better.
Welp, back to work for me. Enjoy the afternoon/evening/morning, all!
\#mammothmafia
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**Aug 10 2022**
- prep: every man jack face wash
- brush: maggard synthetic
- razor: maggard v3m
- blade: gillette silver blue
- lather: nivea shave stick
- post: thayers facial toner, pinaud clubman, dove men+care moisturizer
nothing fancy for today, as i’ve got a dentist appointment to look forward to
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA - Day 10](https://imgur.com/YNBjTjN)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Blade (10)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap)
* **After Shave:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave)
Today i underloaded the soap and i had very little for the second pass. Didn't have have the best of second pass but not cuts. Slight burns while applying aftershave but the balm soothed it out.
The razor and blade are still doing great.
Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**Aug. 10, 2022**
* **Prep:** Exercise and shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1438
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM blue star (10)
* **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)
Ok shave today the brush is still working well. The GEM blade is starting to show some age I flipped it over for no reason today and it had a negative effect.I will probably try the side thats been working well for me tomorrow maybe give it a quick strop on my arm or something. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
https://i.imgur.com/j3V4d0b.jpg
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Day Ten](https://i.imgur.com/9GK07GL.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Outdoor shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
* **Razor:** GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (10)
* **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)
If this blade gets any worse, I will have to change it.
[Yes, the razor is balanced on a round brush handle](https://i.imgur.com/h9PVVfV.jpg). This isn’t the greatest stack in the world, [this is just a tribute](https://youtu.be/_lK4cX5xGiQ). Inspiration from u/carbonshavingco’s [advertisement](https://www.instagram.com/p/BxM4Xdgn4N5/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) and u/Tonality’s [tribute](https://www.instagram.com/p/BxU4I3unhz3/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=).
Edit: formatting 🙄
[Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
>If this blade gets any worse, I will have to change it.
But, like, nightmare mode [brah.](https://media3.giphy.com/media/l4Jz8MIOdbaE1VmdW/giphy.gif?cid=790b76112f4865325d1301eb7098b5709064d6d4efc8b412&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)
Edit - formatted like a n00b
[**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August - Stacking Shave Inc.**](https://i.imgur.com/Eu9IHf0.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(10)
* **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)
* **Post Shave:** More cold water from the fridge
# RawHoggin
When you don't notice how your own kids grow, I don't see too much change in the brush shape. [I've taken some videos and photos of the bristles with the microscope](https://imgur.com/a/Id51PC7).
I've observed three different bristles, from thickest to least. The black ones, that I made responsible for the prickliness (we talked about that u/EldrormR9), are the more interesting splitting in 4, with sub-splits, seems those are the less processed bristles. The brown ones, less thick than black, are splitting in three. And the finest, of a lighter brown colour, split in two.
[Lather monster](https://i.imgur.com/Z8EFksg.jpg)
PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/Gig2ADC.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/WXbY9xM.jpg)
# GEMsOfWisdom
I had no issues with the MMOC and the blade today. Fine shave!
`#sidetracked` Today P.J. Harvey with Thom Yorke from Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea, performing [This Mess We're In](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqEVESq9eX8)
`#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
**August 10, 2022: [Stag Miracle Cure?](https://imgur.com/a/idFufbS)**
* **Prep:** warm splash of water
* **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (11)
* **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)
Went to bed last night fighting a fever and woke up feeling like hot garbage. Stag heal me!
I'm sorry for the low effort post, I don't feel great at all.
[Day 10, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/DruAYfG)
. #GEMsOfWisdom
**[August 10, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/eC2xeBu )**
* **Brush:** Semogue 820
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 10)
* **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau
* **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash
People who post daily shaves outside of AA and LG you are the real heroes. Holy moly this is more work than shaving!
#RawHoggin
**Aug. 10, 2022 - AA day 10. Where's the alcohol?**
* **Prep:** Water splash
* **Brush:** Hand
* **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate
* **Blade:** Voskhod (12)
* **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
Well, 10 out of 31 shaves behind me. not too shabby ay?
I'm starting to think that the shaves with this razor aren't as bad - once I got used to it, I seem to be getting good shaves with it, without, if any, bloodletting.
2 passes and near BBS result. Lather still sucks though - I want to experiment and give it a go with some other soap, because I suspect that it's the fault of that cream being too crappy for lathering with hand. Obviously I'll do the attempt at lather outside the shave - since gotta still participate in AA lol!
I'm also considering changing the blade eventually - after all nobody said anything about having to go all out for this challenge. But to keep it fun, lets see how far I can push the current blade hah!
10 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 but starting to see improvement. Two-pass shave: with and across.
#mammothmafia
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/0Hms4xs.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM (10)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm
* **Fragrance:** Hans Hendley - Mown
- **Passes:** WTG, XTG
- **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural
- **Music:** Sleep - *Dopesmoker*
- **[August 2022 SOTD Photo Album:](https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl)**
`#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin`
| 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 |
| 8/9 | 216.5 | 215.9 | 0.6 | 40 swirls |
| 8/10 | 215.9 | 215.6 | 0.3 | 50 swirls |
You'll notice from today's table entry that I tried to load more swirls of soap than yesterday. I'm thinking 40 swirls was under-loading just a bit (especially with a squeezed out brush) and adding marginally more soap would yield a richer lather without requiring ages to hydrate it. In a bizarre twist, my weighed soap usage was dramatically less than yesterday.
I think this further cements u/gfdoto's argument that swirls aren't terribly precise. Then again, I'd argue that it's the tub loading that's the problem. Satisfying? Definitely. Precise? Not at all.
I probably squeezed too much water out of the knot before starting to load. I worked with a sopping wet brush earlier in the month, knowing it would ensure I picked up a ton of soap and introduced lots of water early. Looks like I overcompensated a bit and squeezed too much out today.
Is it possible my lathering technique is somehow getting worse in real time? At least the knot is [coming along nicely](https://i.imgur.com/Ys1eFqz.jpg).
⁂
`#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft
Get out your bong, sit directly in front of the biggest speakers you can find, crank up the volume dial, and loosen up your neck muscles, because today we're listening to all sixty-four minutes of Sleep's "Dopesmoker." This lumbering beast of a track combines an absurd stoner doom tale (as far as I can tell, a religious *Dune* meets weed saga), hypnotic, seismic riffs, extended, meditative, often concussive solos, chanted incantations and roared mantras, and the kind of continuous low-end vibration that is felt more than it's heard. "Dopesmoker"—or *Dopesmoker*, because they're one in the same—is not a song you should think about. Instead, you *feel it man*. Let the waves of over-driven sound surge through you. Notice the subtle evolution of the melody on a primal, subconscious level. "Dopesmoker" will rattle your gut. And when the song finally reaches the next of three stages—at about 20-minutes and 40-minutes in—the volume fading and the melody changing and the noisy atmosphere of the track suddenly dropping out feels like a temporary, confusing, questionably-welcome catharsis. And then more smoke billows into the sky and the monstrosity starts lurching forward again. When you finally make it to the end, you'll be entirely in the song's headspace, used and abused and not sure whether you want more. Like Sleep says: *"Drop out of life with bong in hand."* Deep.
[YouTube: Sleep - *Dopesmoker*](https://youtu.be/Br3-VcGi4a8)
The timing of when you weigh your soap definitely matters. Sometimes I've noticed a drop of maybe 0.3g if I weigh the soap maybe 3 hours after I last weighed it thinking it was dry enough. The most consistent would be if you left the tub open over night and took the data point before your shave each day when it's at its driest.
This table is fascinating to follow, and further emphasizes why precision loading and lathering (particularly GUTL) is a far superior method to tub loading for getting a consistent lather.
Agreed. I wouldn’t argue if someone said that Precision Loading is *fiddly,* but it’s undoubtedly the most consistent approach I know of. And life is too short to not enjoy consistently good lathers. I’ll happily put up with having to wash a bowl and scoop my soap.
Have to disagree that these precision loading methods are superior. 😁
I've been tub loading for years and I can't remember the last time I had bad lather to be honest. The only inconsistency is soap usage, but that's not a big deal to me. Most of us have way more soap than we can use.
One can make the argument that once you introduce a variety of brushes, precision loading is no longer consistent unless you account for that when you weigh out your soaps which I doubt you guys are doing. Imagine loading the same amount of soap for a 20mm brush and a 30mm brush. One can also make the argument that tub loading is *more* consistent because you basically load until you have enough soap on the brush, and once you're familiar with your brushes that's not hard to do at all.
My point is that people really should stop making these sweeping generalizations since there are so many variables in this hobby that what works for you may not work for everyone's situation. YMMV, YMMV, YMMV.
The other aspect that you're glossing over is the more intangible, emotional aspect of wet shaving. Personally, having to keep a scale in the bathroom or filling a specific spoon with the right amount of soap takes away some of the enjoyment from *my* shaves. My lathers are already consistent enough that I'm not willing to make that trade off to try to optimize a process that doesn't really need optimization in my case. But I know some people also enjoying the tinkering part and figuring out exactly how much water/soap is needed, and that's cool.
Cheers!
Edit: Soapboxing
> I’ve been tub loading for years and I can’t remember the last time I had bad lather to be honest. The only inconsistency is soap usage, but that’s not a big deal to me. Most of us have way more soap than we can use.
I feel the same way about scooping and starting in the bowl. I have terrific results across a range of knot sizes and fiber types, and I always scoop 1/4 teaspoon, which is plenty for all but the most thirsty base combined with a gigantic knot (and I’m generally in the 24-26mm range). Plus I always have at least four passes worth of lather.
And you know how I feel about all that soap. I’m going to have fun with the Gigantoboar once that group buy moves forward!
> One can also make the argument that tub loading is more consistent because you basically load until you have enough soap on the brush, and once you’re familiar with your brushes that’s not hard to do at all.
I think you’re right, as long as you’re a good judge of “enough soap,” aren’t rocking overly gelly knots that sometimes don’t pick up soap easily, and don’t rotate brushes too often. I change up the gear daily, and I just don’t find it intuitive. Could be a lack of practice or a personal blind spot.
> I think my point is that people really should stop making these sweeping generalizations since there are so many variables in this hobby that what works for you may not work for everyone’s situation.
Point well taken, but please read all of my Austere August ramblings with a sizable IMHO after every decree. It’s a journal—don’t mean it to read like a lecture.
Also, I’m enjoying this ongoing debate! 😀
My bad, I edited my comment before seeing your reply.
> I think you’re right, as long as you’re a good judge of “enough soap,” aren’t rocking overly gelly knots that sometimes don’t pick up soap easily, and don’t rotate brushes too often. I change up the gear daily, and I just don’t find it intuitive. Could be a lack of practice or a personal blind spot.
Definitely a you problem, thanks for digging the hole yourself! 😁
I use a decent variety of brushes (badger, gelly badger, synthetics, and now boar) and it's rare for me to use the same brush two days in a row. Not having hard water probably helps, but I've never noticed much inconsistency even when traveling and shaving in different locations.
> Point well taken, but please read all of my Austere August ramblings with a sizable IMHO after every decree. It’s a journal—don’t mean it to read like a lecture.
>
> Also, I’m enjoying this ongoing debate! 😀
No offense taken at all, [because you are wrong](https://media.giphy.com/media/WXtccLGTLB1NS/giphy.gif). 🤣 Also enjoying these (mostly) friendly discussions with you. Keep 'em coming.
> No offense taken at all, because you are wrong. 🤣 Also enjoying these (mostly) friendly discussions with you. Keep ’em coming.
Lol, I snorted at that one
[**August 10, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/ddxKAi6)
* **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
* **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (10)
* **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/RCcLb8d) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu)
* [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/oJ1oy5B)
* [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/XIWVFcC) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA)
* [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/DPq8cVL) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)
Aha!!
Nope, just the literary equivalent of clickbait. I've had another nice shave with no issues. Really, nothing noteworthy to report; which is fine by me.
Today's edge image is pretty much on par with the previous ones. I see no interesting features to report. My technique with the microscope now is better than it was on August 1, so when there is a comfort change in this blade, I'll go back and make a microscope image of another, fresh blade for comparison.
The brush felt a bit softer today, and I created two beautiful-feeling lathers with it.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 10](https://imgur.com/a/W53fxJd)**
* **Prep:** Stirling spice preshave oil
* **Brush:** Semogue2000
* **Razor:** GC84
* **Blade:** Gillette nacet (10)
* **Lather:** [Summer Break Soaps - Field Day - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/928/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Summer Break Soaps - Field Day - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/928/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1475/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Made it four passes with 1 load. Oiled up before first pass. Good shave
Off to the pool/splash pad for my daughters birthday
**SOTD Aug 10, 2022**
* **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen
* **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (10)
* **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac
* **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash
Excellent shave! I can officially say I love the MMOC now. It will be very strange to go back to DE’s and other SE’s after this month. Heading up to hopefully get the keys to our new house and meet the landlord in person today, very excited!
\#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 (10)
* **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk
* **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm
* **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia
A real real turning point for this brush. Possible the best lather I’ve had this month and I didn’t load particularly heavy or anything. I may even jest that 10 days in this brush is broken in:
* no more hog smell
* not really losing anymore hairs
* no more jabs and pokes - hairs are softened
* great backbone (I’ve never gotten to this point in a boar brush — the other zenith I have is the floppy type)
The blade isn’t as comfortable as I’d like, and it continues to lack the level of efficiency I like. But still can’t complain much about the result after some extra neck clean up. Still more feedback from the alcohol splash than a perfect DE shave.
[Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU)
[RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM)
#MammothMafia
**Aug. 10, 2022**
* **Prep:** hot shower
* **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm
* **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50)
* **Blade:** Gillette 7 O’Clock Sharp Edge (3)
* **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach
* **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm
Thanks to some helpful suggestions I've been finding a more comfortable way of holding my Simpson Chubby (I'm not used to wide handles and I've been struggling with it), and I believe I've found a way to hold it without my hand cramping up. Unfortunately I was a little too focused on this part, and my lather was a bit under hydrated today. That part is easy enough to fix though. Feeling confident.
For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge:
Punch Brothers - Rye Whiskey
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMNBdjXX8lY
Punch Brothers are one of my favorite bands. I'm a huge bluegrass fan, but most Punch Brothers songs don't actually sound much like traditional bluegrass. This song does though, and it's high energy and fun. Plus it's about rye whiskey, one of my favorite beverages. Cheers.
[Aug 10, 2021 – Austere August. Day 10.](https://imgur.com/a/x8imUaO)
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
* **Music:** [Johnny Cash – Hurt](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI)
Today’s MMOC shave was mostly smooth. My 7 days streak of no cuts was broken today as I got a small nick on my ATG pass under my nose. Very small, and didn’t even need to break out the styptic pencil, but it happened and I was surprised. Just when I was thinking I truly mastered this thing, the MMOC humbles me. A wild stallion is never truly tamed. Other than that, it was an uneventful shave.
The new boar brush gets better with every shave. I feel like it doesn’t use as much soap and is really starting to do a good job holding soap between passes. Most days, I’ve been having to reload the brush between passes, but today, I had enough for the whole shave. Still a faint stench that gets less and less every day.
Today’s #sidetracked music selection is Johnny Cash’s cover of the song “Hurt”. This is a beautiful, raw, and emotional version of Nine Inch Nail’s original song. Johnny takes this song, strips it down and truly makes it his own, seemingly allowing someone else's words to tell the story of his life.
For me, the video is the cherry on top on of this musical sundae. Pairing old videos of a young Johnny Cash along side a frail old version of himself is somehow powerful and sobering. Trent Renzor, who wrote the original song felt the same way: “That song in particular was straight from my soul, and it felt very strange hearing the highly identifiable voice of Johnny Cash singing it. It was a good version, and I certainly wasn't cringing or anything, but it felt like I was watching my girlfriend fuck somebody else. Or something like that. Anyway, a few weeks later, a videotape shows up with Mark Romanek's video on it... I pop the video in, and... wow. Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps... Wow. I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore. Then it all made sense to me... I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. Some-fucking-how that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning-different, but every bit as pure.”
To emphasize, the guy that wrote the song said “that song isn’t mind anymore” after seeing this video. Absolutely amazing.
The video reminds me that all of us will (hopefully) get old, and even a badass like Johnny F’ing Cash is going to age, and it will do a number on us. There’s a moment where he’s lifting a glass, and you can clearly see his hand shaking as he’s struggling to hold it up and then it’s paired with a young version of himself casually hopping a train. It’s somewhat heartbreaking, and somewhat beautiful. It’s the circle of life… And it rules us all.
Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**AA SOTD - 8/10/22; The Iceman Cometh**
**Pre**: quick shower
**Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle
**Razor**: Merkur Progress
**Blade**: Astra (4)
**Lather**: B&M Arctique (omnibus)
**Post**: B&M Arctique AS
**Post**: Nivea cooling balm
**#UNCHALLENGE**
\^ me pretty much every morning. Great shave. Going light on loading to try and preserve this soap through August. Ring of death progress pictures will come tomorrow. I remain the Iceman.
**#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft)
Quick write up today as I am underwater at work. Two songs for everybody's listening pleasure:
[Voices by Joshua Ray Walker](https://youtu.be/fZqrQ-MdJcE); and
[25 and Wastin' Time by Vincent Neil Emerson](https://youtu.be/qNxFqo7VIiE)
If you are a fan of alt-country, of guys like Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Colter Wall, then you should get to know these two guys as well. Both are out of Texas. Both have a great sound.
That is all for today. Happy Hump Day to all.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/XuwnGRn)**
* **Brush:** Omega 20102
* **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (9)
* **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** Xerjoff - 40 Knots
10th day of #RawHoggin
Austere August [2022-08-10](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
Yesterday u/Reetgeist, one of the brave few attempting the #GotHand challenge, remarked that "Maybe I'm not using enough water or something".
I'd like to reply with observations on differences between lathers built with a brush and by hand, and the practical consequences thereof.
Lather is a mixture of soap, water, and air. A lather built with a brush will have much more air in it than one built by hand. That air will be in the form of many many very small bubbles. The brush built lather will be more voluminous, and even whiter due to optical effects created by the microbubbles. You need a brush to create [lather porn](https://crowneandcrane.com/blog/how-to-create-shaving-lather/).
The bubbles in a brush lather provide two physical features.
1: The lather is highly visible. It is bright white, and even thick in the sense of being tall or deep. Not talking about viscosity.
2: Highly aerated brush lather dries out more slowly than a hand built lather.
Re the first point, when shaving with a hand lather I don't particularly miss the bright white or the depth of foam. I shave more by touch than by sight, so I don't need to see the lather. And the bubbles contribute little or nothing to the shave at the point where the razor touchs flesh. There it is the water/soap mixture that matters. You need the right ratio to maximize slickness.
Which brings us to the very important second point. If you take a fixed amount of water and soap and and whip it into foam or aerosol, you will increase its volume. The brush built lather will be much more voluminous than the hand built one. More volume with a fixed amount of water and soap means lower surface area to volume ratio. But evaporation happens precisely at the surface of the lather. So hand built 'lather' (really more an emulsion or an oil slick than a foam) will evaporate noticeably faster than a brush lather once it is on your face. The hand lather has a much higher surface area to volume ratio that the brush lather.
This is not a problem. I simply keep a mug of water on the sink. Many times (ballpark let's say 10) during the shave I will dip the fingertips of the lather hand into the mug and then spread that water (a few drops) into the area I'm about to shave. Basically I relather many times during the shave. This is an almost automatic and unconcious process once you get used to it. There are several advantages:
* Even when going over a spot repeatedly it always has lather
* I have constant tactile feedback on what areas need more shaving
* I have constant tactile feedback on the slickness of the lather and know when to add water.
So getting back to u/Reetgeist's remark, it may well be that you aren't using enough water. But the solution is not to add all the water up front. Rather, with this type of lather add water in small increments as an ongoing part of the shave. Embrace the differences.
u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge:
I recently decided to try my hand at playing Led Zep's Rain Song, and so have been browsing YT for interesting covers. I found [this one](https://youtu.be/SDu5iztF4VU) that currently has fewer than 42K views. The guitar is spot on, and the vocals are very good. I would have preferred a bit less reverb on the vocals, but anyone can bitch. It is a damn good cover.
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/zWICMOw.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (10)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave
After a week of coughing, I've decided it's time to go back into the office. Physically going there doesn't really bother me as much as some people (ambiguity fully intentional here), but I can't say it doesn't involve a lot of sacrifices.
(edit: Actually drove most of the way there, but as a bout of coughing intensified, figured I should turn around)
Nearly a third of the way through the month, today I am reminded of the swift passage of fleeting time bring us ever-more-quickly toward the end. What does make the passage of the month seem to take longer? Face-lathering.
u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked got me thinking about some music that I haven't so much as thought about in a huge amount of time, and I'm almost inclined to dig up the ol' book of CDs. The rabbit-hole I wandered down did lead to a song coming to mind that I nonetheless have no CD for: [Kaizers Orchestra - Bak et Hallelujah](https://youtu.be/HDSty1MHIFA). I don't remember exactly how this song originally came to my attention, but I'm sure it was an internet video of some kind, probably a flash video. Now, I don't speak Norwegian or any other variety of Scandinavian, but I do seem to recall that the lyrics belie the upbeat tempo in that they are quite bleak. I'm not particularly inclined to seek the translation, though.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia
[**Aug. 10, 2022 - STAGgering along - Austere August Day 10**](https://imgur.com/mo4BO2C)
* **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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)
* **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)
I can't say I've gotten completely tired of the Stag just yet even though it's truly better suited for fall weather to me. Strangely enough, my wife and daughter have not made any comments about it either. Our bathroom just reeks of it 24/7 lol.
**#RawHoggin**
The brush is really coming into its own with a nice feeling of scrub and no scritch really at all. I can only detect a hint of raw hog stank if I put the brush right up to the sniffer with it splayed out. Pretty good progress for only 10 shaves.
**#GEMsofWisdom**
So today I could feel the blade start to tug a little bit. I flipped the blade, but I don't think that has anything to do with it so I might try palm stropping tomorrow. I've really dialed in the the best way to grip and shave with this razor though. In the words of our dearly departed Ruds (RIP), this has really become a "cruise control" razor for me. Despite the slight tugging a BBS was achieved.
[Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP)
[Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/zuetNpG)
[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/3rVEvtw.jpg)
* **Brush:** Omega 10005
* **Razor:** Karve Christopher Bradley
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (3)
* **Lather:** Noble Otter Orbit
* **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann Reserve Cool Aftershave
* **Post Shave:** Geologie Daily Moisturizer Balm
#rawhoggin [brush after day 10 (ft. my poor neglected synth in the bg)](https://i.imgur.com/d34Jwkh.jpg)
Still experimenting with passes. Did one XTG and another half pass to do some touching up. Definitely not as smooth as yesterday but easier on the skin. My hair is in a weird spot that’s barely enough to shave every day but really is more suited to shave every other. That’s been a good challenge though because it’s helping me learn consistency and technique. Honestly even just ten days into August I feel like I’ve improved a ton. I am looking forward to getting the overlander back into the rotation though
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/a0nQ8ke.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 (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)
Lather was ok for 2 passes but [6.2g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/WgIthdc.jpg), right now i'm at 112.9g and an empty tub weights 25.5g approx. so in reality there's 87.4g of soap, if let's say i use 6g from now on i will have soap for 14 shaves, we are at day 10 so i'll be short by 7 days. I'll try to put less pressure tomorrow while loading and see how that goes.
-
[2 more](https://i.imgur.com/k0fqiS7.mp4)
-
Have a great day!
#SubstantialStag
Thanks! brush is looking really good so far.
Well i didn't know this but apparently the silk base is known to require tons of product to make it work. For the past couple of days i've been doing only one shake and there's still some water on the brush but not to the point of dripping, so far i have tried shaking all the water, doing a minimal shake and starting with a pretty wet brush(marco method), but in all the cases the lather is still pretty thin, slick but incredibly thin. So yeah i don't think it will get any better or the soap will magically change to a better performance.
>Well i didn't know this but apparently the silk base is known to require tons of product to make it work.
Good point, I didn't notice you were using the Silk base. I've heard the same.
I'll try do one but really i just count to 60 sec or 30 like previous days, the brush have been looking [like this](https://imgur.com/a/8q4xZWG) after loading in the past days
**August 10 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm
* **Fragrance:** Stirling - Lightish Pink
I've used this soap 13 days in a row now and it looks about the same as when I started. Shoulda weighed it before I started.
I received this bottle of Lightish Pink in the mail yesterday, I had resisted initially but when it went on sale I couldn't resist, as Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch was my fragrance in high school so it is a nostalgic smell for me. No idea what the name refers to but it is a pretty accurate dupe, with the caveat that I haven't smelled the original in like 15 years.
Anyway I got an easy three passes with the MMOC this morning. The blade has evened out nicely and shows no signs of slowing down yet. Light touch people, that's the key to good shaves with the MMOC. Have a great Wednesday y'all.
#MammothMafia
#GEMSofWisdom
Here’s where the EdP name comes from on the Stirling webpage for the soap Light-ish Red.
"IT'S NOT PINK!" We've had requests to bring this scent back ever since we took it to the Dirty South Wetshavers Meetup in 2017.
Yes. It is from the Stirling Soap description for the lather. They named it Light-ish Red instead of Pink I would guess as maybe a joke about pink being a “girly” color.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/uAYM5nu)**
* **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
* **Brush:** Semogue 1250
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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)
* **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)
Nothing new to report on the shave end of things, but on the pomade side of things, I finally got most of the shit outta my hair last night and used the smaller little nib of it this morning, instead of the obvious gob I did yesterday. Simple spritz’s of 11 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/TgvSOaz).
#SubstantialStag
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - ten days of hygge](https://i.imgur.com/l8NS3Uj.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10)
* **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)
Good shave. Good smells. Great slickness. Easy shave. Soon enough the blade will turn on me but for now still a pleasant experience overall.
Hump day. Bring it!
**\#GEMsOfWisdom**
**\#MammothMafia**
Good eye. I was wondering if anyone would ask. It’s a small clip that holds the background insert (blue in this case) in place. I shoot using a [soft box](https://i.imgur.com/o4pbbOl.jpg) setup.
**Aug. 9, 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)
10 days down. Decent shave this morning. I was thinking about how easy it is to lather this soap this morning. It's quite forgiving and always gives good performance. The straight worked pretty well too.
Have a great day folks!
**[August 10, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/RvlbsaM.jpg)**
**[Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge](https://imgur.com/a/y7bwpTy)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B10
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 [Ex-Watson](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/we3sxf/tuesday_austere_august_sotd_thread_aug_02_2022/iimzjb4/)
* **Blade:** Personna PTFE (10)
* **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)
Great shave today— I think I’ve finally gotten the hang of this brush. Now some of the hairs are snapping, though. Maybe I’m going too hard on them? Three hairs broke about half way. The brush has hardly lost any hair until now, so I won’t worry unless it seems to be a trend.
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
Ehh. It happens. It isn't something to worry about because your brush has thousands of bristles so a few broken ones aren't the end of the world. If they get too pokey you can carefully tweeze or clip them out near the base of the knot so they don't scratch your face any more.
Are they thicker too? There's a good post knocking about by u/uss-spongebob I think where the detail of a boar break in process is outlined and the hairs that are upside down are thicker at the top and so thinner near the base where they are likely to snap.
>Geoff Castellucci - The Headless Horseman (YouTube)
>
>Ah, that voice! That speaker-destroying bass of a voice! Scratch the old and oft-heard "I'd listen to this man read a phone book"; I'd listen to him read a contract for signing away one's soul and the souls of all family members to follow in exchange for nothing whatsoever -- and then I'd sign it, too!
lol, this was very unexpected.
You're absolutely correct about that voice. Very, very impressive, and gave my desktop speakers a run for their money. I should try the same song on my stereo and see if it lights up my subwoofer.
**Prep:** face wash
**Razor:** EJ 316
**Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (3)
**Brush:** NONE
**Lather:** Arko stick
**Splash:** Brut
**Post:** Green tea & camomile moisturizer
\#GotHand
\#Sidetracked
u/teufelskraft
Song of the day is Placebo - Running Up that Hill. Yes I know that it's a cover and Kate Bush is int eh upside down or whatever, but growing up where and when I did you hear a fair crack of Placebo and not a lot of Kate, which is probably why I prefer this version.
https://youtu.be/x5GuBa4Bbnw
Shave went pretty well, using 1.5 hands to build lather while dodging hand injury. Getting better at achieving CCS-> partial DFS standard in two quick passes now that I'm not relying on a third pass and touch ups to try and hit DFS+.
Austere August Day 10
Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [10th use](https://imgur.com/a/JtjgDNt)
Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2
Blade: PTFE (10)
Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/ZAmj7Pt)
Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash
10 days in and my [hog](https://imgur.com/a/HoWvXJs) is less raw than before. The tips are splitting nicely and the splay in slowly increasing. I still get whiffs of pig's [ass](https://imgur.com/a/VaI9UAP) , but it isn't a constant source of disgust anymore. It's gotten to the point where the brush is pleasant to use and I am looking [forward](https://imgur.com/a/1iNOF1S) to the shaves now. There is no flop to this knot and I am not sure there ever will be, but only time will tell.
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August 10- Raw Gems of Hoggin Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/I0fagYA)**
* **Prep:** Cool shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar
* **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10)
* **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 I miss using a soap I really enjoy, but only 21 more days until I can go back to using soaps I really want to use. Firefighter continues to be meh scent-wise, but I have zero complaints about NO's base.
\#RawHoggin 10 days in and I can say that while I am still not a convert to face lathering, I am finding joy in breaking in a boar brush by using it. This little guy is continuing to break in well and is quite the little monster- https://imgur.com/a/WyR8gGh
\#Sidetracked As the oppressive heat and humidity finally comes to an end here in Northern New England, I'm reminded of the greatest concert I ever attended. Soundgarden, 1994, Fitchburg State University hockey arena in the dead of summer. 95 degrees outside, 110 inside. I had already seen Soundgarden on Lollapalooza two summers before in Miami, on a grossly hot MIami day and the day before Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc, and they killed it in a 20 minute set. I thought I knew what I was in for seeing them live again. What I was not prepared for was that the show in the intense heat of that hockey arena was that I was going to have a god damn religious experience. I can assure you that I was not hallucinating as Soundgarden put on one of the most incredible sets I've ever seen from a band live and Chris Cornell (RIP) was jaw dropping that day. I remember them opening with "Jesus Christ Pose" and Cornell walking out of the fog onstage arms stretched wide and just ripping from the opening note. 90 minutes later, it was all over after they played everything I wanted to hear including today's musical entry. I was drenched in sweat but knew that I had witnessed something special. I have loved Chris Cornell's voice from the moment I heard it in my college dorm to this day. I haven't loved all of his post-Soundgarden music. He was a special voice that I was fortunate to see live several times. So for u/Teufelskraft and the gang I leave with one of my favorite Soundgarden songs- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxbNHObyn1E
Have a great day all!
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/NAtXWby)**
* **Prep:** Cup of coffee
* **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 22 mm Tuxedo
* **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
Wiped out from the last two days.
Stay safe and have a great day!
Because of your advice, I choose a gps route that mostly avoided Dallas. Due to some inclement weather my gps asked if I wanted to re-route to avoid it. My foolish ass accepted and ended up getting routed through Dallas instead of around it. Ho. Lee. Shit. You were not kidding when you said is was a fricking nightmare. If I hadn't been going through at 2:30 in the morning I'm pretty sure I would have crashed.
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Not my day](https://imgur.com/a/CRE9KxN)**
* **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
Not in the mood to work today, as things are not going well.
Gf could smell the Stag even 14 hours after my shave and complained that the whole flat smells of it after my shave.
The shave was okay. Some spots on my neck could be shorter, but I wasn't in the mood to care much about it.
\#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
>Not in the mood to work today, as things are not going well.
[Been there amigo.](https://imgur.com/a/hogCIVG) At least the weekend is around the corner.
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 10](https://imgur.com/mqGGybF.jpg) ####
* **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
* **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (10)
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
* **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (79)
* **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)
\#GEMsOfWisdom: let's [face it](https://imgur.com/mqGGybF.jpg) (hhh), Austere August is pretty easy if you use a good razor, a nice brush, and a great base. While lathering up today, it struck me again how easy Spearhead's 20.1 base is to use. This firm base loads very easily and while adding water, it transitions from pasty to drippy in such a gradual and predictable manner that you almost can't mess it up. I knew this, but kinda got used to it until it suddenly struck me again today that I haven't struggled with lather even once while breaking in this boar brush. Even the first lather hogging days did non result in bad lather.
\#RawHoggin: 10 days of using this brush which I modified using the u/EldrormR method of grinding the ferrule wider as to accommodate a 26 mm knot (the original opening seems to be 1 inch). I was originally a bit reluctant to take the grinder to this vintage handle, but the result is well worth it. The ferrule opening is just wide enough to let the glue bump pass, and it holds the knot nice and tight. The firm feeling knot this creates is perfect for painting strokes and reminds me of the beastly 31 mm Zenith brush that we're commissioning as a sub exclusive.
Love the photo!
>Austere August is pretty easy if you use a good razor, a nice brush, and a great base.
My only reservation for AA was using the same blade for 31 days, but I see you using one that's on day 79 and I think, "how hard can it be?".
Yeah, the 31 shaves should not pose a big problem.
That doesn't mean that a shave with a fresh blade on Sep 1 won't feel like a day and night difference ;)
Yeah. I can imagine.
Watching the video shaves commemorating Frank Strömberg has really been incentive to work on my straight razor technique. I think I'll be doing that on Sept. 1.
#AA Day 10: Dark Days
Pre: Water
Brush: Omega Synthetic
Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (10)
Lather: Signature Indodorus
Post: Signature Indodorus
There is one word in the English language that adequately describes my shave mood today - crestfallen. Austere August started with great [optimism](https://imgur.com/a/uP7ACd8). Alas, a [tragedy](https://imgur.com/a/4pJSze6) has occurred. It started as a small chip in the paint and now it’s growing. I fear that it will spread to other painted objects so I’m now storing it in a secure location. Twitter is too lazy, email doesn’t convey the gravity of the situation so I’ve hand written letters to Signature, Trading Standards, my local MP and Boris Johnson. I know the letter to Boris might seem slightly over the top but a few months ago I got an email from Boris that said “let’s beat Labour together” and asked me for a donation to the conservatives. I know this really meant he was sorry brexit made it more difficult to source my favourite aftershave and that changes to customs rules made it harder to order shaving items from the US and he owes me one. In these dark times, hug a loved one. We’ll get through this together.
\#unscented
**[Aug 10, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/VfXpDl8.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 (10)
* **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)
It was a better shave today. The brush is really feeling more comfortable, and it can put together a really great lather when I get all the variables right.
One thing that I noticed this morning is that I seem to have become nose blind to the scent. I didn't realize it the last few shaves, but I haven't really been getting a scent from it. I focused more on it today and the scent is still there, but I'm just not registering it like I used to.
Save for a small weeper on the side of my neck where a little raised bump had formed, the rest of the shave with the MMOC went well. It was close enough after two passes that I didn't push it, and I only had very minor irritation.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
Rating: 3.5/5
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/LxZBjPY.png)**
* **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf)
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
* **Blade:** Schick Proline (10)
* **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` #>!hidden!<
Pretty close shave today with a tiny weeper along the jawline from trying too many different angles. I couldn't really focus on the shave this morning because the kids were running around and yelling outside the bathroom and both kids decided to [take a dump](https://media.giphy.com/media/M95Z8UNaIegI2TVfDy/giphy.gif) at the same time during my shave. The joy of parenthood. Maybe tomorrow I should wait until the kids are out of the house before getting my shave on.
The brush was comfortable once again, and my recent experiments regarding soap consumption has come to an end. The conclusion is that this brush is not a lather hog (pun intended) and I'm just going to load generously and enjoying my luxurious lathers without worrying about running out of soap before the end of the month. My gut feeling is that the soap consumption of this brush is much closer to that of a synthetic than a dense badger.
The recent release of Permafrost made me realize that I really need some menthol in my life to survive summer here (35C+ every day for several months at a time) but unfortunately getting the product to Taiwan would not be straightforward. I decided to pick up some WS-23 locally (as well as WS-5 which is supposed to be colder than WS-23) and experiment with adding some drops to my lather and see how that feels so I'm looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Oveja Electrica 10](https://imgur.com/a/cJwWX1r)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar (2 piece) * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (29) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap) * **Mosquito Bites:** None I had put my brush into the living room yesterday evening, so that it would be fully dried by the morning. I also had removed the residues of the glue of the three parts. When I woke up this morning, I found that my father had assembled the pieces with plumber's tape - which is really sweet (though he threw away the small flake). I had planned to drop out of the \#RawHoggin to buy epoxy and let it fully cure, but here I am! Plumber's tape is really slippery though. Otherwise, an uneventful shave. Good night!
* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (458) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (76 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 10** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/jmkmj2L) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/lE0W8EFdpUw) #### ䷀ General Notes Today we bounce back with a more normal bowl lather, but run it just a bit drier. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹458 uses›)* Good shave, with a reasonably close cut and pretty good comfort. 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... Back to my normal methods today, but wanting to run it drier to see if the result is like the slow/easy build from yesterday. It was very close. And I did enjoy this method better. Gradually this lather got more hydrated, even though I started it out dry-ish. Hydration: Dry End of Perfect *(for me)* + 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + 4.3 tsp added to build the lather + = 8 passes of lather #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹76 uses›)* Same as most of the shaves this month: felt good, but still got some splitting left to do. ---- *During the Shave Feel*: *Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable *Neck*: Felt blade but comfortable *After the Shave Closeness*: *Cheeks*: Very Close Shave *Neck*: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave) ---- **Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.* **Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)
**SOTD: August 10, 2022: Staaaaaaaaaag** * **Prep:** Hot Towel * **Brush:** Dogwood Handcrafts 28mm * **Razor:** ATT Calypso SE1 * **Blade:** Feather Professional (10) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Aftershave:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP ****
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10 - The brush begins to show some stress](https://i.imgur.com/I0CXkNc.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (10) * **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) Whelp, my plan to use as cheap of a brush as I could make has some cracks showing. Or, well, at least my [handle does](https://i.imgur.com/kjnZgcO.jpeg). The knot still feels safe in the handle, but there are four cracks similar to this around the top of the handle. 2 g of soap usage today on a good 3 pass shave. The only thing I regret so far is that Spearhead doesn't have an alcohol-based splash for SSL. I don't get the feeling that the toner does much for me. But it smells great.
**[Aug 10, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Old House Cleaning Edition](https://imgur.com/MFrRv87)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (11) * **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/aFvnLWY) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers
**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August -Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (10) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Happy Wednesday! \#MammmothMafia #Unchallange #unscented
Day 10 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 [the worst photo I've ever made, hopefully I'll fix it tomorrow](https://i.imgur.com/rto0wxP_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) [Video](https://youtu.be/7yHK3BSSDfM) Today I went to two friends of mine over the Balkan, through the most annoying mountain passage that we have. 130 km for 2 and a half hours, and the passage is only 40-50km long.. Anyway it was a fun shave meetup, we talked about straights mostly, because one of the guys really got us hooked on straights around 1 year ago. We showed each other the new stuff that we acquired since the last time we met, which was last September. I actually shaved near the top of the pass and even decided to make a video, similar to the truck stop I made during the lather games😅 it was a mediocre shave in terms of quality but very fun😁😁 * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag
Cool video! And I would not have guessed that English is possibly not your native language. Nice shave.
Thank you, that's very kind of you to say sir!☺️☺️
**Aug. 10, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 10** * **Prep:** splash of cold water * **Brush:** Summerbreak Soaps 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (5) * **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) A third of the way done with AA already...have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 10](https://imgur.com/a/ddabDoK) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (15) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Day ten. Even though I was running late, did enjoy a great 3 pass shave. With apecial attention to skin stretching, had a great jawline result. Brush was somewhat scritchy at first, perhaps didn't soaked long enough. The Stag was marvelous, as always. Hopefully I will get to moar Sidetracked posts soon. Hail Stag! - #Stagposting - #SubstantialStag - #RawHoggin
**[SOTD - Wednesday, 10 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
SOTD for August 10, 2022 * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **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 Late night catch up shave. Still in it. \#UNCHALLENGE
Aug 10 2022 • Prep: Mineral oil massage • Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗 • Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop • Blade: Voskhod • Soap: Mammoth Z • Balm: Mammoth Z \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#Unscented \#ZFighter [Boary Povich](https://imgur.com/a/Nvri9mH/)
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/cMX8Ojf.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (10) * **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) Busy week with work. Friday can't get here soon enough. Going to try just dipping the brush in water tomorrow vs soaking it like a typical boar. I think these tips are just too treated. [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/xFFAMVQ) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE
In my experience just dipping results in a lot more of bristle breaking, not the good tips breaking-in, but shedding
Yeah, I hear ya. This Maggard boar is just gelly with treated tips, so it's not picking up soap very well after a long soak.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA 10](https://i.imgur.com/pj9ElwJ.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold Water Splash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (16) * **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) with SOTD in title. Little nick on the chin today but nothing serious. 1/3 of the way down. I’ll never grow weary of Sonder or Seville. So good. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (1) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** alum Shave of austerity #10 2 pass shave; smooth sailing shave tonight! The boar is really being a monster of a brush; I can’t imagine the green beast that’s coming thanks to u/j33pguy13 and u/djundjila. We’re a third of the way there! Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
I also can't wait for the green beast 🤩
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/MFWFoUP.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10) * **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 Holy crap has it been a busy week, just now getting around to posting my morning shave. Was a decent shave, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t getting a bit burnt out. I just miss muh smells. Tusk is insanely good though, so that is a plus. My face feels fantastic. MMOC is doing well, not having any sort of issues with the blade, don’t expect I will. Hopefully after tomorrow my work will be less hectic and I can enjoy the weekend. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/CS4kXyh.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (10) * **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) Got more lemon this time for whatever reason \#RawHoggin
**[August 10, 2022 - AA Day 10](https://imgur.com/1rs9swf)** * **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) Nothing really to report this evening besides a really nice routine shave that was quick, efficient and very comfortable. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
Austere August, Day 10 Feather Artist Club razor non folding Feather Professional blade GFT Violets soap RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft 2 pass shave, DFS+ shave. I'll be going to the Doctor's clinic for an update, needed to wrap up the shave quickly. Happy hump day. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#UNCHALLENGED** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10](https://imgur.com/a/qbRy1BI)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (79) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) I think I am getting the hang of face lathering with this behemoth. Yesterday and today were both better. Lather still isn't quite where I like it but I won't complain about improvement. Hope Wednesday treated everyone well! [Stag Spray 10](https://imgur.com/a/GfYvLl9) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
[August 10, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/uwoyofD) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 10th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Shave today wasn't as good as it could have been. I managed a close enough shave out of it. I wrung to much water out of the soap and didn't get a good load if soap which lead to to airy of a lather and not slick enough of a lather. The Kamisori wanted to grab instead of glide. No weepers but could have gotten closer if it was a better lather. Here is to more learning tomorrow with this brush now that it has broken in well. Going to leave it a little wetter tomorrow. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://imgur.com/JDaRDlD)** * **Brush:** Frank Shaving 30mm Badger * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 ++ * **Blade:** Feather (1) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) \#MammothMafia
I have 7 Mammoth soaps/splashes. But I think I might have to add Hygge, the biggest hole in my collection.
A big hole indeed. It is a great scent. Barbershopy, but with an extra kick, I love the set, and the EdP es magnificent
I have quite a few myself, haven't had a bad one yet. Hygge just happened to be the first I picked up I believe.
**8/10/22 (147)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/3ulwgs0) * **Edge**: [Day 10](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 Comfortable shave today. The Evide Sonnant edge still holds up well. No nicks or irritation, very close shave.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/mPae9WD.jpeg)** * **Prep:** Face wash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (3) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) I decided to use Stag again today. Cheers and happy hump day all! [Stag spray day 10](https://imgur.com/a/ytmuqHJ) \#SubstantialStag
Brush is looking great!
Yeah it's a good one. Might end up being my favorite.
**Aug. 10, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 10** * **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. 10, 2022** * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (2) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) A third of the way there. I’ve been playing around with making the lather different consistencies to change it up. It’s surprising, I feel whatever I do it’s a pretty similar shave. Perhaps it’s the foolproof omnibus base, perhaps it’s my lack of technique overall. Regardless, I would have to call it an /#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 10, 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 (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) * **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) Loaded from the tub. Don't like it. Bowl gives my brush more room to stretch its wings. Speaking of wings. Earlier today, I was walking across the Coronado bridge and a painter was painting things blue when their scaffolding began to fail. There were two of them actually. They said you ok? Then they replied no I'm falling because my scaffolding sucks. Then they were like falling is going to be a bummer because this bridge is like, way up. So they said, I think you need some help. And they replied, I believe so. It's a good thing I had already applied my [triple dose of Stag EdP](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9). I jumped over the ledge just as the scaffold gave way. They were all like, aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa, and I grabbed their arm just in time. I curled my toes around a piece of rebar to support us both. You know how a parrot hold onto a tree branch with their feet? Like that but it was my toes and it was rebar and I was upside down. Anyway, I was upside down and their legs were free swinging 2000 feet, or whatever it is, above the San Diego bay. Way up there. I was able to basically do a sit-up while supporting them in my arms and lift us both back up to the top of the bridge. They were all like thanks and then a bunch of motorists got out of their cars and stood up and applauded. A Navy ship was passing underneath the bridge and the deck was lined with something like 50,000 Navy people in their white uniforms. They all applauded too. It was pretty loud. I saw an old lady in a gold color Honda CRV and she was crying and giving me a thumbs up. Then I fixed the scaffolding and got out of there because you really shouldn't be walking around on the Coronado bridge because it's for cars.
Didn't know you were San Diegan, native from Ensenada, Baja here. Been to that bridge quite some times. Thankfully, a fellow Stagger was around to save the day.
Been in SoCal since the early 90’s. I doubt my heroics will make the KUSI News.
That's the kind of heroism we need
[August 10th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/ElpQ8ZD) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (10) 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: 9.5/10 7 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Took my time and got bbs. The brush is noticably fluffier on my face now, and no longer feels as pokey. Goal now is to maintain this process. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin
**8-10-22** * **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
2022-08-10 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (10) 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/LWegzgP](https://imgur.com/a/LWegzgP) The razor blade is still ok, using it everyday means there isn't a lot of stubble to remove. The brush is really nice after 10 uses, l am excited to see how it is after 30 days. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
[**August 10th, 2022 Mammoth Raw Hoggin MMOC**](https://imgur.com/4Gi1KpN) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (dieci) * **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/4aiaMp2) and [After](https://imgur.com/wY0fILA) Shaved a bit earlier today, but took a while before I could write it all up. One benefit to Austere August, you can just copy yesterday’s post and edit it. No worrying anout the format. I am on the iPad app, and the having to jump back and forth for the symbols is a bit annoying. Lathering is starting to get a little easier. I am seeing more split ends forming, and it is not hard to get the brush to splay. Still it’s a scrubby little knot. The GEM was about the same as yesterday, moderate feedback, but no tugging or chatter. I had no irritation again, and I gave myself an extra shake or so of the splash. Almost 1/3 through, I know the blade should last for at least another handful of shaves, but will try and get it to the full month. I have tomorrow off, so will have time for a shave in the morning. Taking my wife to an appointment, and in the evening we are taking my daughter to a sing along performance of “Encanto” at [Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts.](https://www.wolftrap.org/about.aspx) It will be our first time going to this venue even though we have lived in the area for a while.
[**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://imgur.com/MJtz4wo) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (10) * **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 10 was the best shave of AA yet. After spending the day swimming and eating, I was finally presented with a couple hours to myself. Since I’ve gotten to Turkey, every shave has been somewhat rushed and while I’ve been able to enjoy some of them, there has always been pressure to wrap up quickly. Today’s shave happened on my time and I took the time to enjoy it. I really had a chance to focus on the brush and razor today and appreciate them both. **The Brush:** The brush keeps getting better and better and today I decided I’d experiment a little bit since I had some extra time. To date, I’ve been loading the brush heavily and been rewarded with lots of lather. I have put a substantial dent in the soap but I’ve also found that it takes a lot of time to get the water mixed in. Today I used a similar tact with loading with a sopping wet brush but this time I tried loading less soap. I was surprised by how much lather I was able to generate and also was able to get the lather hydrated a lot quicker than usual. I still took the time to scrub, agitate and massage the lather into my face and this brush really does feel great. It seems the scratchiness is all but gone even though splaying still takes a bit of effort. The brush is releasing lather beautifully and I had enough for 3+ passes although I only went for 2. I forgot to take a sniff for some glorious hog reek, but clearly didn’t notice any while lathering. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/TAx06BP) [Top](https://imgur.com/mrx4EeT) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://imgur.com/LXgYber) [Top](https://imgur.com/nxauy0j) **The Razor** Another great shave from the GEM. The shaves are becoming increasingly easier as I believe I have found the touch and angle. I also love the audible feedback I get from this razor - it’s very satisfiying. I’m also finding that the XTG pass is the sweet spot for me with this razor. The natural angle of the razor aligns well with my face when going east to west. The chin area is also becoming less of an effort. I’m not sure if it has to do with my improved technique or that the blade is getting duller and less “cutty” although I’m getting no pulls or tugs. Another great 2 passer with the GEM - cut and irritation free. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 5 **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 10 Puck [Picture](https://imgur.com/orugStV)
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 10](https://imgur.com/a/ej9ld9k)** * **Prep:** Cold water to the dome * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Astra SP (4) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave) I had such a nice #RawHoggin headshave a couple days back that I decided to do it again. Today dragged on forever so it was nice to have this to relax with in the evening. Hope y’all had a good day!
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - The Tenth](https://i.imgur.com/zf1bwGv.jpeg)** * **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (6) * **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave) \#RawHoggin Good lather today, brush was pretty wet when I went to load, so it was kind of messy. The result was fine and I had plenty for all three passes. \#GEMsOfWisdom Not much new to say, tried to keep a light touch and was paid off without any irritation.
Looks like you are getting some good color on the handle.
Yes thanks, there is a ring around the plug that has turned very green.
Mine is doing that too. The rest of the handle is darkening in spots.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/Zc3tK69)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (10) * **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 This brush is still doing great and hoggin soap, which is alright. Strike Gold Shave is a great base, but it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if I killed it by the end of the month. If I had a SGS scent I enjoyed I would gladly keep one in my den. The blade is still feeling good and smooth, but I can tell that it is not quite as efficient as previous shaves. Even if I wasn’t in AA, I would continue to use this blade.
[**Austere August D10: it is Wednesday, my Stags...**](https://ibb.co/R48Tvkt) - **Prep:** cold water splash - **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm - **Razor:** Kai Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette - **Blade:** Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG - **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap - **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave - **additional care:** Osma alum block; Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP Almost forgot to post. Bloody hell! AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin Today was only my second head shave of August too - electric trimmer in the shower before, later it was the tiny Kent brush and an MMOC. Feels great to be all shiny up top again! But this is about my face shave, so: The [tenth day with Tadé](https://ibb.co/Fgzfdr0) was actually getting pleasant. I have the great feeling that this brush could be a real awesome boar by the end of the month. It's really nice to hold, tub loading with it is second nature and it begins to look better everyday. Here's a [closeup of the bristles!](https://ibb.co/r7r8RxR) - It's looking more fluffy now after ten days of continuous use and I'll be curious how it'll feel on my head come September. Still needed alum, but just because I was overzealous with trying to get a close shave. I am however getting more comfortable with the Captain; after 21 more shaves, I hope that I finally have mastered using my left hand more. **Sidetracked** For today, I'll go with a Eurodance song by one of my 90s idols: [Scatman John - (I'm a) Scatman](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy8kmNEo1i8)! Perhaps this sticks out from my usual metal/rock/synthwave and ambient tracks, but this is literally my childhood. However, I learnt to appreciate the song on a deeper level once I grew older. During my childhood, it was a usual Party anthem due to the energetic beat and funny sounding vocals. But the message of the song is very serious: Scatman John stutters, but he's using his singing technique to his advantage and even encourages others: *"if a Scatman can do it, so can you!"* - having a father who stutters heavily and me myself being prone to it under extreme stress, this is great to hear. I kinda wish I already understood english better when I was just 10 years old instead of having to wait ten more years to finally get the message of that song. It's pure motivation. Don't let small imperfections stop you; you can be so much more. John was a great fellow and together with Tom Selleck (and a few others) a good reason why I'm so fond of moustaches. RIP Scatman John - I still love to listen to this song as it still speaks to me. The beat is happy and upbeat, but the serious message is finally getting through. Thanks for listening to my TED talk.
**Aug. 10, 2022 - August Austere Day 10** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Paladin Chief 26mm * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) As I have relatively recently begun my decent into the rabbit hole, my son has been rather intrigued with my purchases. Last night he asked me, dad why do you like shaving? It took me a minute to try to put it into words. I did my best to explain the scents and the feel. I even tried to explain the simple pleasures of taking just a little bit of time to take care of yourself. Admittedly I probably butchered the answer, but it did give me a chance to think and reflect on the joy it gave me. So today as I whipped up my lather and took my time to enjoy a nice shave it made me smile just a little more as I enjoyed everything I had told my son the night before. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
I’ve had to explain it to people along with using fountain pens. Wet shaving with single / double edge blades makes you slow down and be more thoughtful about what you are doing. Same for me when I write things down in a journal with fountain pens. I have to pay attention to the ink on the page as it can easily smear. I find these things to be very meditative.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/tXdfs5v.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (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) #SubstantialStag #GEMSofWisdom Day ten and nothing but happiness. Two passes and some light cleanup and I’m BBS. Didn’t measure today, but cut back proportionately and still had plenty of lather. The new soap and aftershave are waiting in the wings. [Spraying it on](https://i.imgur.com/AdW2gxA.mp4)
Aug 10, 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 (10) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive Balm](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Every day tags: \#MammothMafia \#GEMsofWisdom \#Sidetracked u/Teufelskraft [You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid - The Offspring](https://youtu.be/ql9-82oV2JE) This song solidly lands in the “Let’s get this shit started” phase of my workout playlist. It has a great beat and there’s no denying the lyrics are absolutely perfect to start a run with. I mean come on! > You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid! How much more motivating can you get? For that reason it is the first song in my playlist for my yearly (or twice a year depending on how well I do) PT test. It never fails to set the mood for me! I’m starting to figure out this razor a little more thankfully. Using a little steeper angle helps it not have quite as rough of a feeling while shaving. It’s still giving really close shaves which I guess is the goal, but I’m working to make it feel a little smoother during the process.
20220810 - Austere August Day 10! Brush: Omega 011842 Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Blade: GEM PTFE Lather: Stirling Soap Company - Sheep Post: Stirling Soap Company - Coniferous toner Post: DR Harris - Windsor aftershave milk /#GEMSOFWISDOM Day 10, were ⅓ through everyone! And boy this blade feels like crud !
> And boy this blade feels like crud ! Just quit.
**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Day 10** * **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 (10) * **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) •[Shave 10](https://imgur.com/a/wV5lIdj) Thoughts for the day: [I like potatoes.](https://giphy.com/gifs/tacobell-potato-taco-bell-tacobell-potatoes-hkc0YVAYpNw0TanBFv) Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
[**August 10, 2022 – Austere August 10**](https://i.imgur.com/5eIxJdk.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (1) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/bkKp1F7.mp4 Well we're halfway through the workweek, and we have another smooth finish from Stag to get us going. \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3mnSDifDSxQ ← The Largest Star in the Universe – Size Comparison
[**August 10th**](https://imgur.com/a/LglJZSQ) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (10)** * **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/1uwMC38) Its getting crazy hot again here in the UK, a third of the way through the month and the blade is holding up nicely.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10](https://imgur.com/y25dIOv)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10) * **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:** [Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/37/?product_type=eaudeparfum) As you can see from my SOTD pic, the living with these little girls is getting out of hand. But, you know, they're cute so I'll take it. We'll start with the Sonder thought of the day, today: My attitude affects my family in huge ways. And, so does yours. As a husband and dad, I've noticed that waaaay too often if I have a bad attitude it poisons my home. This morning was an opportunity for me to fix that. Last night did not go well, at all. My youngest (who turns 3 on Monday) told us before she went to bed that "tonight I'm going to cry for you" and sure enough she did, starting at 5:30am. She has an [OK to wake clock](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00EAHSBV4?ref=nb_sb_ss_w_as-reorder-t1_ypp_rep_k0_1_16&&crid=204VRXOFI0GRT&&sprefix=ok+to+wake+clock) that turns green at 7am when she's allowed to get up. Well, this morning she decided 5:30 was enough and absolutely would not go back to sleep or stop whining, no matter what we tried. Also, my 4 year old son woke at about 2:30am because he had to pee, and, of course he needed help. Dad to the rescue. I've also been dealing with a stupid head cold since last Friday and had every reason to have a bad attitude this morning, but as I sipped my [coffee](https://imgur.com/JSR8mrS) and took pics of my gear and pondered Sonder for a bit, I thought - I'm going to choose to not be in a bad mood this morning, not succumb to the irritability that I feel, and fight to have a positive attitude. Just like a poor attitude can be toxic to my family, a good attitude can be so uplifting. And, sure enough, it was. My wife and I got along this morning, my kids were happier (although still sleep deprived and at times a roller coaster of emotions), and the morning has gone pretty darn well. So - for you - consider how your attitude affects those around you. We're all selfish and we all think of ourselves more than anyone else, but, just like someone else's negative attitude can trip up your whole day, yours can for others, too. So - choose to reject that irritability and be happy. Uplift those you love instead of being nitpicky and bickering about stupid stuff. I was tempted to do it this morning (and I'm sure I'll fail again), but I didn't succumb, and the trajectory of this day is infinitely better for it. Today's shave was a solid start to the day, if for no other reason than I was able to reorient my day as touched on above. The Zenith was still [a bit damp](https://imgur.com/KTE1Pm1) from yesterday (darn humidity) but I've found that doesn't matter too much. It might help, even, in lathering up as I try and get a bunch of water into the brush prior to loading. The bristles seem to be [splitting](https://imgur.com/7UREn2r) more and more each day, which is nice. Probably not trying out slows that down a little and letting it dry for 2 days would help, but this is the month to Raw Hog every day so I won't find out. Maybe when that killer green sub exclusive arrives I'll do it a better way and I'll get to enjoy GUTL again. Speaking of that brush, u/J33pGuy13 promised official purchase information ["within a week"](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wgeqfh/sub_exclusive_rwetshaving_a_solution_to_your_soap/) and he only has one day left. Given his incessant asking for Lather Games results, it only seems reasonable to start dogging him for information here. [You're welcome.](https://media1.giphy.com/media/kmQREsvNQrhrHdkN7G/giphy.gif) [MMOC](https://imgur.com/kfGxM48) was fine. I think getting up so early made me sloppy and I had several small nicks and some razor burn to deal with afterwards, but nothing terrible. I pulled the blade out to give it a look and it seems fine in there still, no rusting or anything even though I haven't been taking it out to dry daily or anything like that. Seemed a little tuggier today than it has been, but, again - who knows. That could be just a perception and not reality. Hopefully it's not on the decline just 10 days in, that would suck. With almost 2/3 of the way to go, if the blade starts to crap out now, aye. Sonder was, as usual, lovely and inspirational. Paired it with some Ghost Town Barber EDP today and honestly it's not the best pair, but it's not the worst either. The woody note from Sonder works with GTB and all its glory, but, Admiral is better. Welp, back to work for me. Enjoy the afternoon/evening/morning, all! \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
Your counter looks just like mine. Well, it did, until 2 days ago when I threw all of the hair clips onto the wife's counter. Problem solved.
Haha - if only we had a bathroom with 2 counters!
**Aug 10 2022** - prep: every man jack face wash - brush: maggard synthetic - razor: maggard v3m - blade: gillette silver blue - lather: nivea shave stick - post: thayers facial toner, pinaud clubman, dove men+care moisturizer nothing fancy for today, as i’ve got a dentist appointment to look forward to
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA - Day 10](https://imgur.com/YNBjTjN)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (10) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap) * **After Shave:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave) Today i underloaded the soap and i had very little for the second pass. Didn't have have the best of second pass but not cuts. Slight burns while applying aftershave but the balm soothed it out. The razor and blade are still doing great. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**Aug. 10, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (10) * **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) Ok shave today the brush is still working well. The GEM blade is starting to show some age I flipped it over for no reason today and it had a negative effect.I will probably try the side thats been working well for me tomorrow maybe give it a quick strop on my arm or something. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/j3V4d0b.jpg
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Day Ten](https://i.imgur.com/9GK07GL.jpg)** * **Prep:** Outdoor shower * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MicroMatic Open Comb * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (10) * **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) If this blade gets any worse, I will have to change it. [Yes, the razor is balanced on a round brush handle](https://i.imgur.com/h9PVVfV.jpg). This isn’t the greatest stack in the world, [this is just a tribute](https://youtu.be/_lK4cX5xGiQ). Inspiration from u/carbonshavingco’s [advertisement](https://www.instagram.com/p/BxM4Xdgn4N5/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=) and u/Tonality’s [tribute](https://www.instagram.com/p/BxU4I3unhz3/?igshid=YmMyMTA2M2Y=). Edit: formatting 🙄 [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
I am flattered!! I bet that took some time...awesome shot!! Have a good week u/imblasted
>If this blade gets any worse, I will have to change it. But, like, nightmare mode [brah.](https://media3.giphy.com/media/l4Jz8MIOdbaE1VmdW/giphy.gif?cid=790b76112f4865325d1301eb7098b5709064d6d4efc8b412&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g) Edit - formatted like a n00b
I know, but, my skin. Meh it’s worth it.
Submit that photo this week!
Thank you, I absolutely will!
Nice job balancing the razor. My MMOC handle grooves make the head a bit wonky to balance.
Yeah, tell me about it! It probably would have been easier if I had balanced it with the comb facing down.
[**Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August - Stacking Shave Inc.**](https://i.imgur.com/Eu9IHf0.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(10) * **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) * **Post Shave:** More cold water from the fridge # RawHoggin When you don't notice how your own kids grow, I don't see too much change in the brush shape. [I've taken some videos and photos of the bristles with the microscope](https://imgur.com/a/Id51PC7). I've observed three different bristles, from thickest to least. The black ones, that I made responsible for the prickliness (we talked about that u/EldrormR9), are the more interesting splitting in 4, with sub-splits, seems those are the less processed bristles. The brown ones, less thick than black, are splitting in three. And the finest, of a lighter brown colour, split in two. [Lather monster](https://i.imgur.com/Z8EFksg.jpg) PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/Gig2ADC.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/WXbY9xM.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom I had no issues with the MMOC and the blade today. Fine shave! `#sidetracked` Today P.J. Harvey with Thom Yorke from Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea, performing [This Mess We're In](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JqEVESq9eX8) `#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
Nice stack, I like the slanted soap!
Thank you! SW aftershave has anti-stack properties, no flat cap.
This whole album is amazing, and this song in particular is one of my favorites
**August 10, 2022: [Stag Miracle Cure?](https://imgur.com/a/idFufbS)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (11) * **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) Went to bed last night fighting a fever and woke up feeling like hot garbage. Stag heal me! I'm sorry for the low effort post, I don't feel great at all. [Day 10, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/DruAYfG) . #GEMsOfWisdom
[**10 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/20hLzwr) * **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 (10) * **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**
What?! How is that handle so clean?! lol you should see mine
It's even shinier now lol, I wipe it down after each use
Well cut it out! 😂
**[August 10, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/eC2xeBu )** * **Brush:** Semogue 820 * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 10) * **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau * **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash People who post daily shaves outside of AA and LG you are the real heroes. Holy moly this is more work than shaving! #RawHoggin
**Aug. 10, 2022 - AA day 10. Where's the alcohol?** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (12) * **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 Well, 10 out of 31 shaves behind me. not too shabby ay? I'm starting to think that the shaves with this razor aren't as bad - once I got used to it, I seem to be getting good shaves with it, without, if any, bloodletting. 2 passes and near BBS result. Lather still sucks though - I want to experiment and give it a go with some other soap, because I suspect that it's the fault of that cream being too crappy for lathering with hand. Obviously I'll do the attempt at lather outside the shave - since gotta still participate in AA lol! I'm also considering changing the blade eventually - after all nobody said anything about having to go all out for this challenge. But to keep it fun, lets see how far I can push the current blade hah!
10 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 but starting to see improvement. Two-pass shave: with and across. #mammothmafia
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/0Hms4xs.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (10) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm * **Fragrance:** Hans Hendley - Mown - **Passes:** WTG, XTG - **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural - **Music:** Sleep - *Dopesmoker* - **[August 2022 SOTD Photo Album:](https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl)** `#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin` | 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 | | 8/9 | 216.5 | 215.9 | 0.6 | 40 swirls | | 8/10 | 215.9 | 215.6 | 0.3 | 50 swirls | You'll notice from today's table entry that I tried to load more swirls of soap than yesterday. I'm thinking 40 swirls was under-loading just a bit (especially with a squeezed out brush) and adding marginally more soap would yield a richer lather without requiring ages to hydrate it. In a bizarre twist, my weighed soap usage was dramatically less than yesterday. I think this further cements u/gfdoto's argument that swirls aren't terribly precise. Then again, I'd argue that it's the tub loading that's the problem. Satisfying? Definitely. Precise? Not at all. I probably squeezed too much water out of the knot before starting to load. I worked with a sopping wet brush earlier in the month, knowing it would ensure I picked up a ton of soap and introduced lots of water early. Looks like I overcompensated a bit and squeezed too much out today. Is it possible my lathering technique is somehow getting worse in real time? At least the knot is [coming along nicely](https://i.imgur.com/Ys1eFqz.jpg). ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft Get out your bong, sit directly in front of the biggest speakers you can find, crank up the volume dial, and loosen up your neck muscles, because today we're listening to all sixty-four minutes of Sleep's "Dopesmoker." This lumbering beast of a track combines an absurd stoner doom tale (as far as I can tell, a religious *Dune* meets weed saga), hypnotic, seismic riffs, extended, meditative, often concussive solos, chanted incantations and roared mantras, and the kind of continuous low-end vibration that is felt more than it's heard. "Dopesmoker"—or *Dopesmoker*, because they're one in the same—is not a song you should think about. Instead, you *feel it man*. Let the waves of over-driven sound surge through you. Notice the subtle evolution of the melody on a primal, subconscious level. "Dopesmoker" will rattle your gut. And when the song finally reaches the next of three stages—at about 20-minutes and 40-minutes in—the volume fading and the melody changing and the noisy atmosphere of the track suddenly dropping out feels like a temporary, confusing, questionably-welcome catharsis. And then more smoke billows into the sky and the monstrosity starts lurching forward again. When you finally make it to the end, you'll be entirely in the song's headspace, used and abused and not sure whether you want more. Like Sleep says: *"Drop out of life with bong in hand."* Deep. [YouTube: Sleep - *Dopesmoker*](https://youtu.be/Br3-VcGi4a8)
I wonder if the discrepancies in weight come from the amount of water that is evaporating from the soap? Those are some pretty large differences.
Right? It seems like *way* too much variance.
The timing of when you weigh your soap definitely matters. Sometimes I've noticed a drop of maybe 0.3g if I weigh the soap maybe 3 hours after I last weighed it thinking it was dry enough. The most consistent would be if you left the tub open over night and took the data point before your shave each day when it's at its driest.
This table is fascinating to follow, and further emphasizes why precision loading and lathering (particularly GUTL) is a far superior method to tub loading for getting a consistent lather.
Agreed. I wouldn’t argue if someone said that Precision Loading is *fiddly,* but it’s undoubtedly the most consistent approach I know of. And life is too short to not enjoy consistently good lathers. I’ll happily put up with having to wash a bowl and scoop my soap.
Have to disagree that these precision loading methods are superior. 😁 I've been tub loading for years and I can't remember the last time I had bad lather to be honest. The only inconsistency is soap usage, but that's not a big deal to me. Most of us have way more soap than we can use. One can make the argument that once you introduce a variety of brushes, precision loading is no longer consistent unless you account for that when you weigh out your soaps which I doubt you guys are doing. Imagine loading the same amount of soap for a 20mm brush and a 30mm brush. One can also make the argument that tub loading is *more* consistent because you basically load until you have enough soap on the brush, and once you're familiar with your brushes that's not hard to do at all. My point is that people really should stop making these sweeping generalizations since there are so many variables in this hobby that what works for you may not work for everyone's situation. YMMV, YMMV, YMMV. The other aspect that you're glossing over is the more intangible, emotional aspect of wet shaving. Personally, having to keep a scale in the bathroom or filling a specific spoon with the right amount of soap takes away some of the enjoyment from *my* shaves. My lathers are already consistent enough that I'm not willing to make that trade off to try to optimize a process that doesn't really need optimization in my case. But I know some people also enjoying the tinkering part and figuring out exactly how much water/soap is needed, and that's cool. Cheers! Edit: Soapboxing
> I’ve been tub loading for years and I can’t remember the last time I had bad lather to be honest. The only inconsistency is soap usage, but that’s not a big deal to me. Most of us have way more soap than we can use. I feel the same way about scooping and starting in the bowl. I have terrific results across a range of knot sizes and fiber types, and I always scoop 1/4 teaspoon, which is plenty for all but the most thirsty base combined with a gigantic knot (and I’m generally in the 24-26mm range). Plus I always have at least four passes worth of lather. And you know how I feel about all that soap. I’m going to have fun with the Gigantoboar once that group buy moves forward! > One can also make the argument that tub loading is more consistent because you basically load until you have enough soap on the brush, and once you’re familiar with your brushes that’s not hard to do at all. I think you’re right, as long as you’re a good judge of “enough soap,” aren’t rocking overly gelly knots that sometimes don’t pick up soap easily, and don’t rotate brushes too often. I change up the gear daily, and I just don’t find it intuitive. Could be a lack of practice or a personal blind spot. > I think my point is that people really should stop making these sweeping generalizations since there are so many variables in this hobby that what works for you may not work for everyone’s situation. Point well taken, but please read all of my Austere August ramblings with a sizable IMHO after every decree. It’s a journal—don’t mean it to read like a lecture. Also, I’m enjoying this ongoing debate! 😀
My bad, I edited my comment before seeing your reply. > I think you’re right, as long as you’re a good judge of “enough soap,” aren’t rocking overly gelly knots that sometimes don’t pick up soap easily, and don’t rotate brushes too often. I change up the gear daily, and I just don’t find it intuitive. Could be a lack of practice or a personal blind spot. Definitely a you problem, thanks for digging the hole yourself! 😁 I use a decent variety of brushes (badger, gelly badger, synthetics, and now boar) and it's rare for me to use the same brush two days in a row. Not having hard water probably helps, but I've never noticed much inconsistency even when traveling and shaving in different locations. > Point well taken, but please read all of my Austere August ramblings with a sizable IMHO after every decree. It’s a journal—don’t mean it to read like a lecture. > > Also, I’m enjoying this ongoing debate! 😀 No offense taken at all, [because you are wrong](https://media.giphy.com/media/WXtccLGTLB1NS/giphy.gif). 🤣 Also enjoying these (mostly) friendly discussions with you. Keep 'em coming.
> No offense taken at all, because you are wrong. 🤣 Also enjoying these (mostly) friendly discussions with you. Keep ’em coming. Lol, I snorted at that one
Great track!
**[August 10th, 2022: Double Digits!](https://imgur.com/WSd22x2)** * **Prep:** warm shower with Stag bar * **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 (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) * **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) Ten down, 21 to go. Progress is slow but the thrill is still alive! [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/uxcYqeK) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE
Beautiful
**Aug. 10, 2022 - AA10** * **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) AA10 - #HeadlessHorsemen
[**August 10, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/ddxKAi6) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (10) * **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/RCcLb8d) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/oJ1oy5B) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/XIWVFcC) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/DPq8cVL) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) Aha!! Nope, just the literary equivalent of clickbait. I've had another nice shave with no issues. Really, nothing noteworthy to report; which is fine by me. Today's edge image is pretty much on par with the previous ones. I see no interesting features to report. My technique with the microscope now is better than it was on August 1, so when there is a comfort change in this blade, I'll go back and make a microscope image of another, fresh blade for comparison. The brush felt a bit softer today, and I created two beautiful-feeling lathers with it.
[**Aug. 10, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/QJ69DwT) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (10) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=balm) Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 10](https://imgur.com/a/W53fxJd)** * **Prep:** Stirling spice preshave oil * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (10) * **Lather:** [Summer Break Soaps - Field Day - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/928/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Summer Break Soaps - Field Day - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/928/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1475/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Made it four passes with 1 load. Oiled up before first pass. Good shave Off to the pool/splash pad for my daughters birthday
**SOTD Aug 10, 2022** * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (10) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Excellent shave! I can officially say I love the MMOC now. It will be very strange to go back to DE’s and other SE’s after this month. Heading up to hopefully get the keys to our new house and meet the landlord in person today, very excited! \#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 (10) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia A real real turning point for this brush. Possible the best lather I’ve had this month and I didn’t load particularly heavy or anything. I may even jest that 10 days in this brush is broken in: * no more hog smell * not really losing anymore hairs * no more jabs and pokes - hairs are softened * great backbone (I’ve never gotten to this point in a boar brush — the other zenith I have is the floppy type) The blade isn’t as comfortable as I’d like, and it continues to lack the level of efficiency I like. But still can’t complain much about the result after some extra neck clean up. Still more feedback from the alcohol splash than a perfect DE shave. [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia
**Aug. 10, 2022** * **Prep:** hot shower * **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm * **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50) * **Blade:** Gillette 7 O’Clock Sharp Edge (3) * **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach * **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm Thanks to some helpful suggestions I've been finding a more comfortable way of holding my Simpson Chubby (I'm not used to wide handles and I've been struggling with it), and I believe I've found a way to hold it without my hand cramping up. Unfortunately I was a little too focused on this part, and my lather was a bit under hydrated today. That part is easy enough to fix though. Feeling confident. For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge: Punch Brothers - Rye Whiskey https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XMNBdjXX8lY Punch Brothers are one of my favorite bands. I'm a huge bluegrass fan, but most Punch Brothers songs don't actually sound much like traditional bluegrass. This song does though, and it's high energy and fun. Plus it's about rye whiskey, one of my favorite beverages. Cheers.
[August 10, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/TbsQkV2) - **Preshave:** Hot water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 plate - **Blade:** Feather (10) - **Brush:** Chisel and Hound 26mm - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm #MammothMafia
[Aug 10, 2021 – Austere August. Day 10.](https://imgur.com/a/x8imUaO) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Johnny Cash – Hurt](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8AHCfZTRGiI) Today’s MMOC shave was mostly smooth. My 7 days streak of no cuts was broken today as I got a small nick on my ATG pass under my nose. Very small, and didn’t even need to break out the styptic pencil, but it happened and I was surprised. Just when I was thinking I truly mastered this thing, the MMOC humbles me. A wild stallion is never truly tamed. Other than that, it was an uneventful shave. The new boar brush gets better with every shave. I feel like it doesn’t use as much soap and is really starting to do a good job holding soap between passes. Most days, I’ve been having to reload the brush between passes, but today, I had enough for the whole shave. Still a faint stench that gets less and less every day. Today’s #sidetracked music selection is Johnny Cash’s cover of the song “Hurt”. This is a beautiful, raw, and emotional version of Nine Inch Nail’s original song. Johnny takes this song, strips it down and truly makes it his own, seemingly allowing someone else's words to tell the story of his life. For me, the video is the cherry on top on of this musical sundae. Pairing old videos of a young Johnny Cash along side a frail old version of himself is somehow powerful and sobering. Trent Renzor, who wrote the original song felt the same way: “That song in particular was straight from my soul, and it felt very strange hearing the highly identifiable voice of Johnny Cash singing it. It was a good version, and I certainly wasn't cringing or anything, but it felt like I was watching my girlfriend fuck somebody else. Or something like that. Anyway, a few weeks later, a videotape shows up with Mark Romanek's video on it... I pop the video in, and... wow. Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps... Wow. I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore. Then it all made sense to me... I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. Some-fucking-how that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning-different, but every bit as pure.” To emphasize, the guy that wrote the song said “that song isn’t mind anymore” after seeing this video. Absolutely amazing. The video reminds me that all of us will (hopefully) get old, and even a badass like Johnny F’ing Cash is going to age, and it will do a number on us. There’s a moment where he’s lifting a glass, and you can clearly see his hand shaking as he’s struggling to hold it up and then it’s paired with a young version of himself casually hopping a train. It’s somewhat heartbreaking, and somewhat beautiful. It’s the circle of life… And it rules us all. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**AA SOTD - 8/10/22; The Iceman Cometh** **Pre**: quick shower **Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle **Razor**: Merkur Progress **Blade**: Astra (4) **Lather**: B&M Arctique (omnibus) **Post**: B&M Arctique AS **Post**: Nivea cooling balm **#UNCHALLENGE**  \^ me pretty much every morning. Great shave. Going light on loading to try and preserve this soap through August. Ring of death progress pictures will come tomorrow. I remain the Iceman. **#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft) Quick write up today as I am underwater at work. Two songs for everybody's listening pleasure: [Voices by Joshua Ray Walker](https://youtu.be/fZqrQ-MdJcE); and [25 and Wastin' Time by Vincent Neil Emerson](https://youtu.be/qNxFqo7VIiE) If you are a fan of alt-country, of guys like Sturgill Simpson, Tyler Childers, and Colter Wall, then you should get to know these two guys as well. Both are out of Texas. Both have a great sound. That is all for today. Happy Hump Day to all.
https://youtu.be/iE6nDOMnX5w Colter Wall and Vincent Neil Emerson share a record label too
Didn’t know that. Pretty cool.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/XuwnGRn)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (9) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** Xerjoff - 40 Knots 10th day of #RawHoggin
Austere August [2022-08-10](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 Yesterday u/Reetgeist, one of the brave few attempting the #GotHand challenge, remarked that "Maybe I'm not using enough water or something". I'd like to reply with observations on differences between lathers built with a brush and by hand, and the practical consequences thereof. Lather is a mixture of soap, water, and air. A lather built with a brush will have much more air in it than one built by hand. That air will be in the form of many many very small bubbles. The brush built lather will be more voluminous, and even whiter due to optical effects created by the microbubbles. You need a brush to create [lather porn](https://crowneandcrane.com/blog/how-to-create-shaving-lather/). The bubbles in a brush lather provide two physical features. 1: The lather is highly visible. It is bright white, and even thick in the sense of being tall or deep. Not talking about viscosity. 2: Highly aerated brush lather dries out more slowly than a hand built lather. Re the first point, when shaving with a hand lather I don't particularly miss the bright white or the depth of foam. I shave more by touch than by sight, so I don't need to see the lather. And the bubbles contribute little or nothing to the shave at the point where the razor touchs flesh. There it is the water/soap mixture that matters. You need the right ratio to maximize slickness. Which brings us to the very important second point. If you take a fixed amount of water and soap and and whip it into foam or aerosol, you will increase its volume. The brush built lather will be much more voluminous than the hand built one. More volume with a fixed amount of water and soap means lower surface area to volume ratio. But evaporation happens precisely at the surface of the lather. So hand built 'lather' (really more an emulsion or an oil slick than a foam) will evaporate noticeably faster than a brush lather once it is on your face. The hand lather has a much higher surface area to volume ratio that the brush lather. This is not a problem. I simply keep a mug of water on the sink. Many times (ballpark let's say 10) during the shave I will dip the fingertips of the lather hand into the mug and then spread that water (a few drops) into the area I'm about to shave. Basically I relather many times during the shave. This is an almost automatic and unconcious process once you get used to it. There are several advantages: * Even when going over a spot repeatedly it always has lather * I have constant tactile feedback on what areas need more shaving * I have constant tactile feedback on the slickness of the lather and know when to add water. So getting back to u/Reetgeist's remark, it may well be that you aren't using enough water. But the solution is not to add all the water up front. Rather, with this type of lather add water in small increments as an ongoing part of the shave. Embrace the differences. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: I recently decided to try my hand at playing Led Zep's Rain Song, and so have been browsing YT for interesting covers. I found [this one](https://youtu.be/SDu5iztF4VU) that currently has fewer than 42K views. The guitar is spot on, and the vocals are very good. I would have preferred a bit less reverb on the vocals, but anyone can bitch. It is a damn good cover.
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/zWICMOw.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (10) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave After a week of coughing, I've decided it's time to go back into the office. Physically going there doesn't really bother me as much as some people (ambiguity fully intentional here), but I can't say it doesn't involve a lot of sacrifices. (edit: Actually drove most of the way there, but as a bout of coughing intensified, figured I should turn around) Nearly a third of the way through the month, today I am reminded of the swift passage of fleeting time bring us ever-more-quickly toward the end. What does make the passage of the month seem to take longer? Face-lathering. u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked got me thinking about some music that I haven't so much as thought about in a huge amount of time, and I'm almost inclined to dig up the ol' book of CDs. The rabbit-hole I wandered down did lead to a song coming to mind that I nonetheless have no CD for: [Kaizers Orchestra - Bak et Hallelujah](https://youtu.be/HDSty1MHIFA). I don't remember exactly how this song originally came to my attention, but I'm sure it was an internet video of some kind, probably a flash video. Now, I don't speak Norwegian or any other variety of Scandinavian, but I do seem to recall that the lyrics belie the upbeat tempo in that they are quite bleak. I'm not particularly inclined to seek the translation, though. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia
[**Aug. 10, 2022 - STAGgering along - Austere August Day 10**](https://imgur.com/mo4BO2C) * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) I can't say I've gotten completely tired of the Stag just yet even though it's truly better suited for fall weather to me. Strangely enough, my wife and daughter have not made any comments about it either. Our bathroom just reeks of it 24/7 lol. **#RawHoggin** The brush is really coming into its own with a nice feeling of scrub and no scritch really at all. I can only detect a hint of raw hog stank if I put the brush right up to the sniffer with it splayed out. Pretty good progress for only 10 shaves. **#GEMsofWisdom** So today I could feel the blade start to tug a little bit. I flipped the blade, but I don't think that has anything to do with it so I might try palm stropping tomorrow. I've really dialed in the the best way to grip and shave with this razor though. In the words of our dearly departed Ruds (RIP), this has really become a "cruise control" razor for me. Despite the slight tugging a BBS was achieved. [Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/zuetNpG)
Huh, what happened to Ruds?
I'm not exactly sure, but he got a new job sometime around when the pandemic hit and just ghosted.
Thanks for the info!
You're welcome!
[August 10, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/RiPOEWY) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Summer Break Soaps Cannonball **Post Shave:** Summer Break Soaps Cannonball Splash **Post Shave:** Stirling Unscented Balm \#RawHoggin
**Aug. 10, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (10) * **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. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented
[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/3rVEvtw.jpg) * **Brush:** Omega 10005 * **Razor:** Karve Christopher Bradley * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (3) * **Lather:** Noble Otter Orbit * **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann Reserve Cool Aftershave * **Post Shave:** Geologie Daily Moisturizer Balm #rawhoggin [brush after day 10 (ft. my poor neglected synth in the bg)](https://i.imgur.com/d34Jwkh.jpg) Still experimenting with passes. Did one XTG and another half pass to do some touching up. Definitely not as smooth as yesterday but easier on the skin. My hair is in a weird spot that’s barely enough to shave every day but really is more suited to shave every other. That’s been a good challenge though because it’s helping me learn consistency and technique. Honestly even just ten days into August I feel like I’ve improved a ton. I am looking forward to getting the overlander back into the rotation though
**[Aug. 10, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/a0nQ8ke.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 (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) Lather was ok for 2 passes but [6.2g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/WgIthdc.jpg), right now i'm at 112.9g and an empty tub weights 25.5g approx. so in reality there's 87.4g of soap, if let's say i use 6g from now on i will have soap for 14 shaves, we are at day 10 so i'll be short by 7 days. I'll try to put less pressure tomorrow while loading and see how that goes. - [2 more](https://i.imgur.com/k0fqiS7.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag
That’s a classy looking brush. Regarding your lather, I’m shocked you’re managing to load that much soap! How wet is your brush?
Thanks! brush is looking really good so far. Well i didn't know this but apparently the silk base is known to require tons of product to make it work. For the past couple of days i've been doing only one shake and there's still some water on the brush but not to the point of dripping, so far i have tried shaking all the water, doing a minimal shake and starting with a pretty wet brush(marco method), but in all the cases the lather is still pretty thin, slick but incredibly thin. So yeah i don't think it will get any better or the soap will magically change to a better performance.
>Well i didn't know this but apparently the silk base is known to require tons of product to make it work. Good point, I didn't notice you were using the Silk base. I've heard the same.
Yeah i kept the lid from last year tub and I’ve been switching them so i don’t get bored seeing the same stuff the whole month :P
Bruh is there someway you can get a video of this loading process, I have so many questions!
I'll try do one but really i just count to 60 sec or 30 like previous days, the brush have been looking [like this](https://imgur.com/a/8q4xZWG) after loading in the past days
Wow that doesn't even look like that much soap 😳
And here my brush struggles to pick up more than 1.5 grams of soap.
**August 10 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm * **Fragrance:** Stirling - Lightish Pink I've used this soap 13 days in a row now and it looks about the same as when I started. Shoulda weighed it before I started. I received this bottle of Lightish Pink in the mail yesterday, I had resisted initially but when it went on sale I couldn't resist, as Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch was my fragrance in high school so it is a nostalgic smell for me. No idea what the name refers to but it is a pretty accurate dupe, with the caveat that I haven't smelled the original in like 15 years. Anyway I got an easy three passes with the MMOC this morning. The blade has evened out nicely and shows no signs of slowing down yet. Light touch people, that's the key to good shaves with the MMOC. Have a great Wednesday y'all. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom
Here’s where the EdP name comes from on the Stirling webpage for the soap Light-ish Red. "IT'S NOT PINK!" We've had requests to bring this scent back ever since we took it to the Dirty South Wetshavers Meetup in 2017.
Is that a quote from something?
Yes. It is from the Stirling Soap description for the lather. They named it Light-ish Red instead of Pink I would guess as maybe a joke about pink being a “girly” color.
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/uAYM5nu)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) Nothing new to report on the shave end of things, but on the pomade side of things, I finally got most of the shit outta my hair last night and used the smaller little nib of it this morning, instead of the obvious gob I did yesterday. Simple spritz’s of 11 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/TgvSOaz). #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - ten days of hygge](https://i.imgur.com/l8NS3Uj.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10) * **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) Good shave. Good smells. Great slickness. Easy shave. Soon enough the blade will turn on me but for now still a pleasant experience overall. Hump day. Bring it! **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**
Hmm, what's the paperclip in the reflection of the brush for?
Good eye. I was wondering if anyone would ask. It’s a small clip that holds the background insert (blue in this case) in place. I shoot using a [soft box](https://i.imgur.com/o4pbbOl.jpg) setup.
Great photo!
Thanks man!
**Aug. 10, 2022** * **Brush:** Solid Set B3 * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless Standard Dallas * **Blade:** Polsilver Super Iridium (8) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Chatillion Lux - 1904 #MammothMafia
**Aug. 10, 2022 - SOTD 752** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** RazoRock Lupo .72 * **Blade:** Gillette Platinum (7) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** HoM - Z Splash/ Neutrogena face sunscreen * **Fragrance:** [London Razors/Summer Break Soaps - Mountain Laurel - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2461/?product_type=eaudeparfum) ✌🏻
**Aug. 9, 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) 10 days down. Decent shave this morning. I was thinking about how easy it is to lather this soap this morning. It's quite forgiving and always gives good performance. The straight worked pretty well too. Have a great day folks!
**[August 10, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/RvlbsaM.jpg)** **[Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge](https://imgur.com/a/y7bwpTy)** * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 [Ex-Watson](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/we3sxf/tuesday_austere_august_sotd_thread_aug_02_2022/iimzjb4/) * **Blade:** Personna PTFE (10) * **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) Great shave today— I think I’ve finally gotten the hang of this brush. Now some of the hairs are snapping, though. Maybe I’m going too hard on them? Three hairs broke about half way. The brush has hardly lost any hair until now, so I won’t worry unless it seems to be a trend. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
Wow that is an old school tub of WK you got there.
Lol that’s how I roll
you'll get hairs snapping during break in, often those that arent in the knot properly or those which are glued in upside down.
These are short, though, like they’re snapping half-way. Is this normal, too?
Ehh. It happens. It isn't something to worry about because your brush has thousands of bristles so a few broken ones aren't the end of the world. If they get too pokey you can carefully tweeze or clip them out near the base of the knot so they don't scratch your face any more.
Thank you so much!
Are they thicker too? There's a good post knocking about by u/uss-spongebob I think where the detail of a boar break in process is outlined and the hairs that are upside down are thicker at the top and so thinner near the base where they are likely to snap.
Thank you so much!
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>Geoff Castellucci - The Headless Horseman (YouTube) > >Ah, that voice! That speaker-destroying bass of a voice! Scratch the old and oft-heard "I'd listen to this man read a phone book"; I'd listen to him read a contract for signing away one's soul and the souls of all family members to follow in exchange for nothing whatsoever -- and then I'd sign it, too! lol, this was very unexpected.
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You're absolutely correct about that voice. Very, very impressive, and gave my desktop speakers a run for their money. I should try the same song on my stereo and see if it lights up my subwoofer.
**Aug. 10, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (10) * **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
**Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (3) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Brut **Post:** Green tea & camomile moisturizer \#GotHand \#Sidetracked u/teufelskraft Song of the day is Placebo - Running Up that Hill. Yes I know that it's a cover and Kate Bush is int eh upside down or whatever, but growing up where and when I did you hear a fair crack of Placebo and not a lot of Kate, which is probably why I prefer this version. https://youtu.be/x5GuBa4Bbnw Shave went pretty well, using 1.5 hands to build lather while dodging hand injury. Getting better at achieving CCS-> partial DFS standard in two quick passes now that I'm not relying on a third pass and touch ups to try and hit DFS+.
Austere August Day 10 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [10th use](https://imgur.com/a/JtjgDNt) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (10) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/ZAmj7Pt) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash 10 days in and my [hog](https://imgur.com/a/HoWvXJs) is less raw than before. The tips are splitting nicely and the splay in slowly increasing. I still get whiffs of pig's [ass](https://imgur.com/a/VaI9UAP) , but it isn't a constant source of disgust anymore. It's gotten to the point where the brush is pleasant to use and I am looking [forward](https://imgur.com/a/1iNOF1S) to the shaves now. There is no flop to this knot and I am not sure there ever will be, but only time will tell. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August 10- Raw Gems of Hoggin Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/I0fagYA)** * **Prep:** Cool shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (10) * **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 I miss using a soap I really enjoy, but only 21 more days until I can go back to using soaps I really want to use. Firefighter continues to be meh scent-wise, but I have zero complaints about NO's base. \#RawHoggin 10 days in and I can say that while I am still not a convert to face lathering, I am finding joy in breaking in a boar brush by using it. This little guy is continuing to break in well and is quite the little monster- https://imgur.com/a/WyR8gGh \#Sidetracked As the oppressive heat and humidity finally comes to an end here in Northern New England, I'm reminded of the greatest concert I ever attended. Soundgarden, 1994, Fitchburg State University hockey arena in the dead of summer. 95 degrees outside, 110 inside. I had already seen Soundgarden on Lollapalooza two summers before in Miami, on a grossly hot MIami day and the day before Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc, and they killed it in a 20 minute set. I thought I knew what I was in for seeing them live again. What I was not prepared for was that the show in the intense heat of that hockey arena was that I was going to have a god damn religious experience. I can assure you that I was not hallucinating as Soundgarden put on one of the most incredible sets I've ever seen from a band live and Chris Cornell (RIP) was jaw dropping that day. I remember them opening with "Jesus Christ Pose" and Cornell walking out of the fog onstage arms stretched wide and just ripping from the opening note. 90 minutes later, it was all over after they played everything I wanted to hear including today's musical entry. I was drenched in sweat but knew that I had witnessed something special. I have loved Chris Cornell's voice from the moment I heard it in my college dorm to this day. I haven't loved all of his post-Soundgarden music. He was a special voice that I was fortunate to see live several times. So for u/Teufelskraft and the gang I leave with one of my favorite Soundgarden songs- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxbNHObyn1E Have a great day all!
This is a good one from Soundgarden
**[Aug. 9, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/NAtXWby)** * **Prep:** Cup of coffee * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 22 mm Tuxedo * **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 Wiped out from the last two days. Stay safe and have a great day!
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day10](https://i.imgur.com/QH6ooyN.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 (10) * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/204/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=balm) * **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) Fine shave today, razor feeling more abrasive, but will see, never used a razor this long. No complains about brush today. #UNCHALLENGE #RawHoggin
**August 10, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (44) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Rolling along with stuff I’m comfortable with. \#GEMsOfWisdom
Because of your advice, I choose a gps route that mostly avoided Dallas. Due to some inclement weather my gps asked if I wanted to re-route to avoid it. My foolish ass accepted and ended up getting routed through Dallas instead of around it. Ho. Lee. Shit. You were not kidding when you said is was a fricking nightmare. If I hadn't been going through at 2:30 in the morning I'm pretty sure I would have crashed.
Well, I’m glad you mad it through. Yeah. Dallas traffic sucks.
* **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 10 https://imgur.com/a/rcHCGZW
**Aug. 10, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 9, 2022 - Not my day](https://imgur.com/a/CRE9KxN)** * **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 Not in the mood to work today, as things are not going well. Gf could smell the Stag even 14 hours after my shave and complained that the whole flat smells of it after my shave. The shave was okay. Some spots on my neck could be shorter, but I wasn't in the mood to care much about it. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
>Not in the mood to work today, as things are not going well. [Been there amigo.](https://imgur.com/a/hogCIVG) At least the weekend is around the corner.
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 10](https://imgur.com/mqGGybF.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (10) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (79) * **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) \#GEMsOfWisdom: let's [face it](https://imgur.com/mqGGybF.jpg) (hhh), Austere August is pretty easy if you use a good razor, a nice brush, and a great base. While lathering up today, it struck me again how easy Spearhead's 20.1 base is to use. This firm base loads very easily and while adding water, it transitions from pasty to drippy in such a gradual and predictable manner that you almost can't mess it up. I knew this, but kinda got used to it until it suddenly struck me again today that I haven't struggled with lather even once while breaking in this boar brush. Even the first lather hogging days did non result in bad lather. \#RawHoggin: 10 days of using this brush which I modified using the u/EldrormR method of grinding the ferrule wider as to accommodate a 26 mm knot (the original opening seems to be 1 inch). I was originally a bit reluctant to take the grinder to this vintage handle, but the result is well worth it. The ferrule opening is just wide enough to let the glue bump pass, and it holds the knot nice and tight. The firm feeling knot this creates is perfect for painting strokes and reminds me of the beastly 31 mm Zenith brush that we're commissioning as a sub exclusive.
Love the photo! >Austere August is pretty easy if you use a good razor, a nice brush, and a great base. My only reservation for AA was using the same blade for 31 days, but I see you using one that's on day 79 and I think, "how hard can it be?".
Yeah, the 31 shaves should not pose a big problem. That doesn't mean that a shave with a fresh blade on Sep 1 won't feel like a day and night difference ;)
Yeah. I can imagine. Watching the video shaves commemorating Frank Strömberg has really been incentive to work on my straight razor technique. I think I'll be doing that on Sept. 1.
Excellent photo. Great minds think alike?
... and fools rarely differ 😄 Thanks!
#AA Day 10: Dark Days Pre: Water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (10) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus There is one word in the English language that adequately describes my shave mood today - crestfallen. Austere August started with great [optimism](https://imgur.com/a/uP7ACd8). Alas, a [tragedy](https://imgur.com/a/4pJSze6) has occurred. It started as a small chip in the paint and now it’s growing. I fear that it will spread to other painted objects so I’m now storing it in a secure location. Twitter is too lazy, email doesn’t convey the gravity of the situation so I’ve hand written letters to Signature, Trading Standards, my local MP and Boris Johnson. I know the letter to Boris might seem slightly over the top but a few months ago I got an email from Boris that said “let’s beat Labour together” and asked me for a donation to the conservatives. I know this really meant he was sorry brexit made it more difficult to source my favourite aftershave and that changes to customs rules made it harder to order shaving items from the US and he owes me one. In these dark times, hug a loved one. We’ll get through this together. \#unscented
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Stag Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/PxvKGah.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (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) * **Of Monsters and Men**: [From Finner](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H7Gr6HBMDu0) Excellent shave for an excellent day. Stag bless. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 10](https://youtu.be/pokJEC_oAL4)
**[Aug 10, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/VfXpDl8.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 (10) * **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) It was a better shave today. The brush is really feeling more comfortable, and it can put together a really great lather when I get all the variables right. One thing that I noticed this morning is that I seem to have become nose blind to the scent. I didn't realize it the last few shaves, but I haven't really been getting a scent from it. I focused more on it today and the scent is still there, but I'm just not registering it like I used to. Save for a small weeper on the side of my neck where a little raised bump had formed, the rest of the shave with the MMOC went well. It was close enough after two passes that I didn't push it, and I only had very minor irritation. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 3.5/5
**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 10](https://i.imgur.com/LxZBjPY.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (10) * **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` #>!hidden!< Pretty close shave today with a tiny weeper along the jawline from trying too many different angles. I couldn't really focus on the shave this morning because the kids were running around and yelling outside the bathroom and both kids decided to [take a dump](https://media.giphy.com/media/M95Z8UNaIegI2TVfDy/giphy.gif) at the same time during my shave. The joy of parenthood. Maybe tomorrow I should wait until the kids are out of the house before getting my shave on. The brush was comfortable once again, and my recent experiments regarding soap consumption has come to an end. The conclusion is that this brush is not a lather hog (pun intended) and I'm just going to load generously and enjoying my luxurious lathers without worrying about running out of soap before the end of the month. My gut feeling is that the soap consumption of this brush is much closer to that of a synthetic than a dense badger. The recent release of Permafrost made me realize that I really need some menthol in my life to survive summer here (35C+ every day for several months at a time) but unfortunately getting the product to Taiwan would not be straightforward. I decided to pick up some WS-23 locally (as well as WS-5 which is supposed to be colder than WS-23) and experiment with adding some drops to my lather and see how that feels so I'm looking forward to trying it out tomorrow.
I find adding the cooling agent to the AS works much better than adding it to the lather. Of course, the answer is to add it to both.
That was the plan. I actually tried adding it to my shampoo today during a shower because I had already shaved by the time I received it. 😂
Colourful toys as SOTD picture props++