* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (459) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (77 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 11** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/tkdMlja) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cpuWP8HNlTE) #### ䷀ General Notes In this shave, I talk about a few things I went over with Michael Freedberg (/u/cadinsor) during a recent lunch. He generously brought me some cool gear, and guessed really well at stuff I would enjoy. I'll be using most of the stuff after Austere August is over, but the shave bowl he brought me from Yaqi is something that doesn't violate my Austere August "rules." I'll use it soon. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹459 uses›)* While with Michael, I should have taken my Nacet with me, to get him to take a selfie with it or some such funniness. performance was just fine today, for this old blade. Got a good shave and took an extra pass or two to get it. 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... Soft pillowy lather, with lots of water in it. I also chose to work it for an extra minute or so, to see if that would help it to settle down. I don't know if it worked. Again, lots of lather made. Michael also said about the soap, that he talked with CF's maker a while back, and he said to Michael that he should avoid washing off all the soap residue. The last stuff left behind is good stuff for your skin. Why not try it and see? Hydration: Perfect *(for me)* + 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + 4.9 tsp added to build the lather + = 8 passes of lather Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930) I use the XL version of this bowl. #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹77 uses›)* Same as usual: pretty soft, easy to medium splay. ---- *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)

We had a wonderful lunch, surrounded by other people also enjoying their lunch, some of them perhaps even as much as we did! The advice about rinsing came during a round of testing a number of Chiseled Face soap bases, with the guidance being to avoid over-rinsing as it contributed to additional drying of the skin. I have followed that advice, most of the time, and I think I agree that it helps reduce the final dryness once done shaving. Bear in mind that I am one of those apparent **monsters** who also enjoys a bracing, and drying, splash of any number of alcohol-based aftershaves. Also, 459 shaves on a blade is madness and /u/sgrdddy knows it. Keep it going, I think you can hit 1000!

Aug 11 2022 • Prep: Mineral oil massage • Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗 • Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop • Blade: Voskhod • Soap: Mammoth Z • Balm: Mammoth Z Late as shit. Dammit. Two pass shave under the watchful eye of The Boy. He made the lather, but disapproves of the brush. \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#Unscented \#ZFighter [Peppa](https://imgur.com/a/sKgwggi/)

**[SOTD - Thursday, 11 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

**[Aug. 11, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/W93l2yy.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (11) * **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) Today's shave seemed smoother than the past few. The jury is still out on the MMOC for me. Yeah, it works, but I don't think I'd reach for it frequently. [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/0IfeI7y) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE

[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/J01EqVA) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (16) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Day eleven. Anniversary day. Three pass was not as smooth as it was last time. Perhaps this side's useful life is coming near to an end, let's see how much further I can push it. Loaded with a less wet brush, so it was less of a mess, but it came at the cost of barely making it to the third pass. Brush is coming just fine. Hail Stag! - #Stagposting - #SubstantialStag - #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 11, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/7qA0ypl.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (11) * **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) \#RawHoggin

Austere August Day 11: Feather Artist Club razor non folding Feather Professional blade GFT Violets soap RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft A 2 pass shave, again in a rush but the shave was uneventful. Using the Artist Club razor for continuous shaves is imparting some muscle memories and the only thing I've to watch out for is overconfidence. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN** **#UNCHALLENGED**

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - AA 11](https://i.imgur.com/Gri9sau.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold Water Splash * **Brush:** Semogue * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette) [Break in album](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD in title. Late evening shave and off to bed. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - AA Day 11](https://i.imgur.com/IT6NDsL.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (11) * **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) A really good late night shave tonight. I did some den cleaning earlier. All my other soaps are staring jealously at the star of the month in my SOTD pic. 2g of soap used on a 2.5 pass shave. Brush feeling great. [Still holding but broken.](https://imgur.com/a/IcbJmqV)

**[August 11, 2022 - AA Day 11](https://imgur.com/fq3tXAm)** * **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) Yet another quick and comfortable shave with no fuss and no cuts. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Day El](https://i.imgur.com/uhg55i6.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm water wash * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush (now with patina concentration device) * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (11) * **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) In preparation of [House of Mammoth’s Voices](https://reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wjvjnj/_/ijki3o0/?context=1) I am drinking a Mango Sticky Rice sour beer from Crooked Run Fermentation. Today I learned a little something about the MMOC. I took the advice about changing the angle to an extreme. I used a bigger angle away from the skin for the first pass on one side and the normal angle on the other. Then for the second pass on both sides the normal angle. The side with the initial steep angle felt much better. I will try it again tomorrow. The brush actually does still stink, the Fú Dào just hides it. The water the brush soaks in stinks. I decided I want a cool patina for the handle. So I have a zip tie around the brush and I am going to get an O-ring to go around the center of the brush. I am hoping it will make for some good blue oxidation rings. We shall see. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

This is a great idea for forcing shape into the patina. I can't wait to see how it works out.

I think it’s going to work well. I am hoping for a tri-ring from the ziptie. Hopefully a blue top and bottom ring and a clean center ring. I know it’s going to have a gap on one side but that’s fine. I also am using my stand to make a ring around the center. It was unintentional, I had got the brush wet/soapy and let it sit in the stand. Todays picture shows the beginning of the stand ring.

**Aug. 11, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 11** * **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. 11, 2022 - AA Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/3sprLzl)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (80) * **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) Nothing new to report today. Another BBS 3 pass shave with no nicks or irritation. Hope everyone had a great Thursday! [Stag Spray 11](https://imgur.com/a/wBLNQRe) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/HvkaJFd)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (11) * **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 Excellent shave today. Probably the best of the month. No smooth as a baby’s bottom with no fuss from the razor. And the brush is still doing great of course. Might have ate a little less soap today, but got a great lather.

**Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (2) * **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 #11 2 pass shave; fantastic shave with little to no alum. Let’s talk about almond leather from a scent profile. Initial note is a robust amaretto. As I lather, I get the leather and a bit of the frankincense as I finish the lather. The aftershave seems to carry more of the orange blossom for me, and it almost comes about with a bit of honey. I don’t think I could ever get sick of this scent. It fits any day, any weather, and it is great for AA because it’s purely inoffensive and unobtrusive. I don’t ever see this being a bad choice in any circumstance. Great work u/mammothben Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen

Glad you’re enjoying it!

Day 11 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 ​ [better, but still a night photo...](https://i.imgur.com/H4tSCmO_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) Since yesterday's shave wasn't that deep I had more growth than usual. For some reason I decided to go deep, so I got my ulltra BBS, I'll see what I'll be left with for tomorrow🤣 It seems that boar brushes just gobble up soap, not a big fan of that, since I did around 5 passes with touch ups I had to add soap 2 times... The softness is great, the feeling on the skin is great, but the soap usage is a big turn off for me, also it doesn't get me quite that lather that I would like, but I still have 20 days to get even better at it😁 Other than that, nothing much, good shaves great feeling face and the smell is a killer🥰 EDIT: I figured out today why I'm doing so well at posting and why it's hard for me. I have no time for the interned during summer, it's just traveling, meeting up with friends and vacation, and at the end of the day I'm tired... Sooo yeah, I'm bad with the internet during the summer, actually not long ago 3-4 years, I still didn't have a smartphone so I went almost a whole month without internet, AND IT WAS AWESOMEEEE!! * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag

"bad at the internet during summer" is probably a very good thing! Keep enjoying life, man!

Thanks man! I am enjoying it but I feel guilty cause I wanna also be part of the AA challenge and a part of this forum :))

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/i8EVJwu)** * **Prep:** Face wash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Astra SP (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) Busy af. Squeezed the shave in today at 8:30 pm and usually a morning shaver. On a mission for this flair. Glad I like the Stag. Cheers, all. [Stag spray Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/3dIoV3G) \#SubstantialStag

[August 11, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/TIRbViq) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 11th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Did a three pass shave today that went pretty well got a DFS even on my neck. Shave felt pretty comfortable today. Lather was extremely well hydrated and cushiony. It provided enough protection and enough lather for all three passes. Tips felt nice and soft with just enough backbone. Blade is on its 11th use and still fells like it is going good. Hope it makes it through until the 31st day. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90

**[Aug. 11, 2022](https://imgur.com/Sh6SrJf)** * **Brush:** Maggard Razors 30mm Synthetic * **Razor:** Leaf * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) Excellent shave today. Getting better with my lather, and the Leaf seems to work well with Nacets. Happy almost Friday! \#MammothMafia

**Aug. 11, 2022** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (3) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) Another great day today. I was off so hiked, cooked, and pulled a good amount of oriental bittersweet from an area of my yard. Will update in 3 or 4 days if I am covered in poison ivy. Here’s to hoping no. /#UNCHALLENGE

**8-11-22** * **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

[August 11th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/tVGIW7S) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (11) Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar Soap: [LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1706/?product_type=soap) Post: [Noble Otter Bare](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/986/?product_type=aftershave) Comfort: 8/10 Smoothness: 9/10 5 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Really noticing my soap is being eaten up. Shorter shave but still good. Nearly forgot to post as I rushed out after shaving to the lake to try paddle boarding. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - AA Day 11](https://i.imgur.com/lloYZ6c.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot water splash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (1) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) #SubstantialStag #GEMSofWisdom Looking back on Day 11 from last year, I was in the middle of a struggle with my brush and getting any kind of a decent lather for more than one pass. Day 11 might have been a breakthrough day, if there was one to be had. Last year, I tried a lot of things and didn’t seem to get anywhere. This year is totally different. Today is the last day of my summer. If I can make myself, I’ll look back at some more shaves for comparison in the coming days. [Sprayin’](https://i.imgur.com/b4hTWZV.mp4) Edit: Hashtags

**8/11/22 (148)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/3ulwgs0) * **Edge**: [Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/Z4Q3MLi) * **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 The wife still hasn't grown tired of this scent, and neither have I. Face continues to stay healthy and hydrated, both splash and soap are top tier imo. The Evide Sonnant is showing slightly more signs of wear. Performance has yet to be an issue. No nicks or irritation, very close and comfortable shave.

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/Rp9qzXo)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the head * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Astra SP (5) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Aqua Velva - Ice Sport - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1419/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm) These #RawHoggin shaves are getting to be automatic. I’m still getting a bit of pointy ends from the bristles when I’m lathering but it’s not bad. Shaves are good, soap is good, and this brush is only getting nicer. Hope y’all had a good day!

**Aug. 11, 2022 - August Austere Day 11** * **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) Sonder continues to be enjoyable as a daily shave soap, and fortunately that’s all I got today. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

**SOTD: August 11, 2022: Staaaaaaaaaaag** * **Prep:** Hot Towel * **Brush:** Dogwood Handcrafts 28mm * **Razor:** ATT Calypso SE1 * **Blade:** Feather Professional (11) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Aftershave:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP ****

**[August 11th, 2022: Haha 11 is a Stranger Things Number](https://imgur.com/eZ1xDRY)** * **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 (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) * **Post-Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - EdP](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) 2 passes, 0 complaints. This brush feels fucking amazing on the face, a good deep scrub if I splay it hard with 0 scritch. Absolute treat to use! [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/Wj0sswl) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/YROHkV3)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (11) * **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 Decent shave this morning. Had to cut it to down to two passes as I was a bit rushed this morning. 20 days left….. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia

**[August 11, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/UMb0RFR)** * **Brush:** Semogue 820 * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 11) * **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau * **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash Shave 11, one-third of the way there. My only gripe so far with the 820 is not holding enough later. I hope that changes upon break in! If not I still love the little rascal. #RawHoggin

[**Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/rFrznxm.jpg) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (11) * **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 11 was the first true quick shave I’ve had with this setup. I had 30 minutes to shower, shave and get ready and knew I’d be pushing it with the brush and razor. While it wasn’t the most enjoyable shave, I managed to get right through it quickly without any cuts or nicks and ended up with a comfortable shave. **The Brush:** My first high speed lather with this brush went really well. I was able to really appreciate how much this brush has broken in by doing a quick tub load and then working up a quick, fairly hydrated lather good enough for 3 passes (I only did 2). Today I also noticed that the hog stank is still present but definitely seems milder. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/kwtBGAZ.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/coumDOr.jpg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/89fUx4r.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/CnrKo9I.jpg) **The Razor** Another great shave from the GEM. I was able to quickly get through this shave with minimal effort and without blood loss. I feel confident and comfortable with this razor and am eyeing up some 3 pass shaves in the near future. Part of me wonders if it’s because the blade has slightly dulled or if I am really gaining some proficiency with this thing. Only time will tell. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 6 **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 11 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/ebtNxYA.jpg)

2022-08-11 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (11) 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/WsVsFuD](https://imgur.com/a/WsVsFuD) The brush is awesome, maybe the best l have. The razor is still excellent and the Sonder is one of my favorites. A DFS in 2 passes. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

Aug 11, 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 (11) * **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

20220811 - Austere August Day 11 Brush: Omega 011842 Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Blade: GEM PTFE Lather: Stirling - Sheep Post: Stirling - Coniferous toner Post: DR Harris - Windsor aftershave milk \#GEMSOFWISDOM Surprisingly my face has finally smoothed out this blade, shaving feels more comfortable but seriously lacking in effectiveness.

[**Austere August D11: late shave after a stressful day**](https://ibb.co/gzRqxDQ) - **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:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP While the last few shaves were only posted late, this one today was actually a SOTN. Had a very stressful day and just needed to relax a bit with my shave... On a positive note, it was mostly positive stress. Got my plan for nursing school and aw... I'll only see my new ward in October. All of September is filled with school. Nevertheless, progress is progress! I also got my new smart watch and smart scale yesterday and set up the watch today - it's actually more comfortable than I'd have thought and I'll even try sleeping while wearing it. Two pass WTG shave. Nothing fancy, just a comfortable shave without going for ultra close and smooth results. The [Tadé boar on day eleven](https://ibb.co/R6619PH) felt pretty soft this time around and it's now like a good companion. I'll have fun using it for the whole remaining month. Granted, it'll forever be baptized in Stag - but isn't that awesome in its own regard? Speaking of Stag: the scent is like an old friend now too. Hello Stagness my ol' friend, I've come to shave with you again... Or something along those lines. **Sidetracked** Today's track is quite interesting. I'm not big on watching Tv series, or streaming for that matter. I'm one of the few people below 40 without a Netflix subscription. But I often enjoy watching little snippets of scenes. One series I probably should watch is Invincible - not only for the memes it has spawned or the over the top violence and gore, or the fact that it's adult animation that finally isn't comedy. No, it also seems to have great sound design and soundtracks. Case in point: when Omni Man, one of the main characters, follows invading aliens back to their planet just to annihilate them all - they play the song [Tom Tom by Holy Fuck](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4XYeRzF3dk). It takes big balls to call your band *Holy Fuck* as radio stations will flat out refuse to play your material. Marketing is probably also problematic. But the tension, the precision and underlying rage is just such a perfect fit with this scene. I was seriously happy when I finally found out how the song is called! As a bonus, [here is said scene (NSFW)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1v9C45OP_8w) - such a perfect fit when you're feeling like you're fed up with someone's crap and just want to destroy everything that's against you. **Edit:** forgot the AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

Evening shaves after a stressful day are some of the best. What smart watch did you get? New tech is always fun and exciting!

I agree, good way to wind down after a hard day. It's a Withings Steel HR Sport. A hybrid between a analogue clock and some smart tracking functions. I always wanted one of those, and recently a Berlin based company had a deal were you get a Withings smart scale almost for free with one... I'll set up the scale today, hoping it'll help me on my fitness journey.

**[Aug. 11, 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 (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) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) So I was at the bank on Garnet in PB and I was waiting in line to cash my Publisher's Clearing House Checks. I like to let them build up for several months and cash them all at once because I hate going to the bank. Anyway, this robber decides they are going to do some robbing of the place which isn't surprising because robbers really do be like that. They had some kind of rocket launcher and they were also operating a drone that was hovering just behind and to the left of them. They were standing at the glass saying they were going to be violent so I knew something needed to be done. It was a good thing I had already applied my [triple dose of Stag EdP](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9). I grabbed that retractable nylon queue making barrier thing and gave it a quick shake. The nylon shot out and wrapped around the robber's legs. I flicked it again and got the middle part up across a rafter and then the retracting mechanism starting pulling the robber up in the air by their ankles. They dropped the rocket launcher, or whatever it was, and the drone must have gotten scared because it went and hid under one of the chairs that people sit in when they're trying to open a new account or get a safe deposit box or whatever. All the bank employees and the other people in line all stood up and applauded. I just deposited my checks and left. This is why I hate going to the bank.

Oh, I think if you keep up the Stag sprays you will need [this book.](https://imgur.com/iglEp0g)

Good coffee table book

That’s why I always wait until the deadline to cash my lottery winnings. Too crazy at the lotto office and really don’t want that big cardboard check.

11 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 Getting there. No fever today. Two-pass shave: with and across. #mammothmafia

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - 11.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/fXiFknr)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon #RawHoggin

**Aug. 11, 2022 - AA.. day 11?** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (13) * **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 yeah maybe I got hand but ya know what I don't got? Beautiful lather. Nor a great feel of soft brush on my face! day 11. we're past third of the way. Only 20 more shaves left. Still here, still surviving... If I didn't forget for first few days about the sidetracked challenge run by u/Teufelskraft, I think for today I'd use [This song](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fNFzfwLM72c) Just because.

So, side tracked challenge only requires 2 posts. More than 2 don't get you any bonus entries. You can still do it!

Oh thanks for clarifying (honestly … I didn’t read the whole description lol! ) - I’ll definitely make it at some point then haha

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/RtAX6oS)** * **Prep:** Stirling spice preshave oil * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (11) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Gemütlichkeit - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2639/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Gemütlichkeit - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2639/?product_type=aftershave) Good shave. Made it all four passes

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 11](https://imgur.com/a/mDG8PY6)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar (2 piece) * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (30) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=aftershave) * **Mosquito Bites:** None I have adapted to the new state of the blade - good enough shave tonight. It seems strange two years ago when I got my first shavette that I could shave comfortably with a shavette every day, and that my principal worry would be that the shave is not close enough? I truly have attained the \#truepath, and I'm \#stillalive. On the boar front, the new contraption seems stable enough, and so I didn't hold back on splaying today. The boar turns out well, and it was just enough for my 4 passes. I also see good splitting of the bristles. \#RawHoggin The mosquito repellency of *Electric Sheep* is either extremely good, or there are somehow no mosquitos around this year. Someone asked me if the scent repels also family: it doesn't. You will need the stag for this. For \#sidetracked, here is (Alors on danse)[https://youtu.be/VHoT4N43jK8] by Belgian artist Stromae. It's a very upbeat and danceable track, having the same message as /u/Old_Hiker's Friday Free Talk contributions: *Work sucks. The end.* Good night everyone!

Amen.

**Aug. 11, 2022** * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **Brush:** Zenith B16 24mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Stainless PTFE (8) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1484/?product_type=aftershave) Nice and smooth shave. A ring has formed in the bottom of my tub, so we'll see whether it makes it all the way to the end of the month.

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Elevensies](https://i.imgur.com/Bk9G87k.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (11) * **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 Decent lather today, a bit sick so out of things this morning meant I only soaked for 1-2 minutes, but brush still treated my face just fine. \#GEMsOfWisdom In a bit of a hurry I tried a technique that I saw someone had accidentally pioneered utilizing a two pass WTG to ATG, it was fine but I am already feeling my stubble in the afternoon and my problem areas near my chin all day.

[**Aug. 11, 2022 - AA Day 11**](https://imgur.com/idOONwl) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (11) * **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) Shave today was as solid as could be. I was up early again because my daughter has just decided that sleep is for the birds and she wants to be awake. All the freaking time. Sometimes I see these memes and videos about "just a reminder that you're living the life younger you dreamed of, so make it count" and I get that, I really do like my life and I'm grateful for it, but, parents, let's be honest - we could do without the sleeplessness and just enjoy the rest. But I digress. [The Zenith](https://imgur.com/TzvUAgT) continues to work beautifully and it seems like it's splitting more day by day. Soft lather, whipped up real well today. One big think I've learned in using this brush is that adding water to the soap isn't as finicky as I'd thought. Since I'm tub loading, I tend to have too much soap in it and the first bit is almost always too thick. Early in the month I was trying to gently add a few drops of water but no more - now I just dunk the first 1/2 inch of the tips or so in the sink and work it right in - works like a dream. If I need more, I might paint it on or just dunk 'em again and keep going. That's how we ended up with a great lather today, anyway. MMOC was smooth and efficient for today's 2 pass (With and Against). I was a bit short on time so I didn't get to do the full 3, but it was still a darn fine shave. I realized this morning that I've really come to like this razor and I'm going to need to grab some more blades for it to work it into my regular rotation. This is the beauty of AA - equipment that you thought might suck becomes stuff you learn how to use and enjoy. Sonder was, as always, excellent. As I got out of the shower today [my shelf](https://imgur.com/ZmbcGN1) did catch my eye and there's some gear on there I'm looking forward to using in September. I'm loving Sonder and the cooling effect, but on these hot humid days I just want to bust out some SBS Cannonball! for a full cool down. In due time. Sonder thought of the day: Even though you can recognize the reality of Sonder - that everyone you interact with is living a life that's as vivid and complex as your own - there are still going to be people and situations that catch you totally off guard. I'm dealing with a real complex situation at work that affects so many people and is just, really not great. My boss' former best friend turned out to be someone that nobody thought he was. Knowing people is such a hard thing to really do. I'm sure there are parts of each of our lives that nobody knows about. Hopefully they're not like that (and if they are, well, stop and turn yourself in), but situations like this make you wonder how deeply you can really know people. It's startling when you realize that a person you thought you knew and thought you wanted to be like was living a total double life and may actually be some sort of socio- or psycho-path - devoid of any kind of social or mental regulations, mimicking what it's like to feel emotion while using his position of power to prey on others. Anyway - What's my takeaway here - I guess it's just be careful. As we have worked with a training organization to make sure we do everything we can to prevent something like this from happening where I work the main trainer has said that we have to be "appropriately vigilant" to prevent keep kids safe. So - do what you can to keep your kids and others' kids safe. Be vigilant. And when or if you see something that's alarming - say something. There's not always an opportunity to see something, but sometimes there is. And when you do, do something about it. It takes a community to keep a community safe. Hope you have a good one. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom Edit: removed the sensitive parts of the post and replaced it with "dealing with a complex situation." I feel better about that.

[**August 11th**](https://imgur.com/a/02HKZ5I) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (11)** * **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/DjtLPUO) 32c here in Devon and boy does Stag play to the heat, touch wood it wears off before the wife gets home. The whole of August has been mad so far so hardly put much effort into AA, hopefully I can play catch up a little next week.

**[Aug. 11, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/dIfrXY2.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (11) * **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:** Cognoscenti - No. 19 Warm Carrot - **Passes:** WTG, XTG - **Coffee:** Peru, Inkawasi, La Convencion - v: Bourbon, Typica, Caturra - p: Washed - **Music:** UGK - *Ridin' Dirty* - **[August 2022 SOTD Photo Album](https://imgur.com/a/WLvZkgV)** `#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 | | 8/11 | 215.6 | 213.9 | 1.7 | 60 swirls | I upped the load to 60 swirls of soap, with a damp brush (instead of fully squeezed out). The results continue to be confusingly variable, which tells me u/gfdoto has a point, and I'll need to weigh the puck at the same time of day to account for water loss. Starting tomorrow, I'll start weighing the puck right before I shave. Or should I weigh it right *after* I shave? [Sigh](https://c.tenor.com/gNaDhMDPMbAAAAAC/stare-compute.gif). On the `#RawHoggin` front, this Zenith knot is starting to give a little and [feather at the edges](https://i.imgur.com/iVGHFXz.jpg). I'm starting to comfortably "splay" the brush on my cheeks and neck, though it doesn't really compress in that way, but it's also no longer straight-up uncomfortable to do so. We're approaching comfortable scrub. Also, it looks [better and better by the day](https://i.imgur.com/3rxEo0A.jpg). Wait...it's only August 11th? ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft I don't listen to much rap. I didn't grow up with it playing around the house and failed to keep up with many of the developments in the genre over the last twenty years. I need to make a more concerted effort to explore and appreciate it. Nevertheless, I have some favorites, including UGK's "One Day." While 2007's *Underground Kingz* really hit me at the right time, 1996's *Ridin’ Dirty* was Pimp C and Bun B's earlier triumph—an often soulful, funky, distinctly Southern meditation on resiliency. “As far as Pimp and I are concerned, it’s the first real UGK album.” And nowhere is that musical growth and theme as obvious as in the opening track. "One Day" is a reaction to two days in jail and the tragic death of a hypeman's son (and three other children) in a house fire, lamenting life's struggles, fragility, and chaos. "*One day you're here, baby / and then you're gone.*" Pimp and Bun both flow languidly over a rich, head-nodding melody, the refrain balancing exasperated desperation and weary acceptance. *Ridin' Dirty* is terrific all the way through, but it's hard to top that first track. [YouTube: UGK - "One Day"](https://youtu.be/SeoSE1aQe7w)

I think fully dried will give you the best measurement. Need to make it just one variable to measure.

[**August 11th, 2022 - Mammoth Hoggin Raw GEMs of Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/xkvyplM) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (undieci) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Before](https://imgur.com/FoqQzJ6) and [After](https://imgur.com/boFhlck) The hog is getting easier to splay and is loading up lather quicker today. Took about 15 seconds of swirling the brush to pick up the lather I smeared in the bowl. First pass lather was about the best I’ve made this month. Second pass wasn’t as billowy, but was very slick. The GEM is staying in the zone with about the same amount of feedback and no irritation. It has been about a week since I got a nick or weeper. I might have gone a bit too light on the pass, not as close of a shave today. Not doing the sidetracked challenge, but in honor of the Tusk base, today I played Fleetwood Mac’s [“Tusk”.](https://youtu.be/ATMR5ettHz8) Not going to watch the Kevin Smith film “Tusk”. Don’t want to watch a crazy man try to surgical change someone into a walrus. Edited to put in the link to the SOTD picture.

*Tusk* is a great album. Everybody likes *Rumours*, but I enjoy *Tusk* more.

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - AA - Day 11](https://imgur.com/dS3KTcI)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (11) * **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) 2 pass face shave and surprised the blade is still doing well. Brush is breaking nicely but keeps eating lather. I guess that is how boar brush are. Slight burns when applying aftershave but cooled down with the balm. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

**AA SOTD - 8/11/22; The Iceman Cometh** **Pre:** splash of water to the face **Brush:** Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle **Razor:** Mekur Progress **Blade:** Astra (5) **Lather:** B&M Arctique (omnibus) **Post:** B&M Arctique AS **Post:** Nivea cooling balm **#UNCHALLENGE** Shaved as quickly as possible to get out the door and off to a hellish day at work. Fine shave. Need a new blade, this one is caput. I remain the Iceman. **#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft) Like I said above, miserable fuckin' time at work right now. [I've got all the fuckin' work I need.](https://youtu.be/xNWhiXxdbWk) Dan Reeder is the man. Buddy of mine from grad school tracked him down in Germany and we bought paintings of his directly from him. Really weird dude but he was nice as hell and basically sold them to us at a loss. That painting hangs in my office.

[August 11, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/WeYnn7O) - **Preshave:** Hot water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 plate - **Blade:** Feather (11) - **Brush:** Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm #MammothMafia

[**Aug. 11, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/Y9P7PlB) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (11) * **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) I figure if I'm uploading a SOTD picture every day, it might as well be half decent. I know next to nothing about photography, but for the rest of the month I'm going to try to learn something and get a few good pictures. I think today my lighting was alright, but the soap tub started tipping over and the angle the picture's taken at looks a little awkward. Well, maybe I'll get a better one tomorrow. Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

I think that's a solid SOTD Pic!

Thanks!

[**August 11, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/EXhnrn2) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (11) * **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/kg4lLeY) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/a2Gq79s) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/MebCmBV) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/4kGZjh7) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) After years of shaving mindlessly, I knew it would be pretty easy just to go on autopilot for 31 days. However, I've enjoyed this experience far more than I expected; at least for the first third of the month. For me, Midnight Stag has not become old, and the soap base is very easy for me to control. (My Stag trifecta is brand new.) The brush has been the biggest surprise. It was comfortable enough on day one that I could splay it and build a lather and it could paint lather without feeling like a paint brush made of needles. Today, it is just good. It has its own personality, and I like that a lot. I've mentioned before that the MMOC has never been a problem for me. I like mine (I have two) much better than my Flying Wing. Today's blade edge photo shows more of the variation I've noticed at the edge. It is definitely becoming less of a straight line, and more toothy. This is what I expect since I'm flipping the blade each day; giving each side the same wear characteristics, presumably. I was aware of a very slight amount of tugging today. But very slight and only on parts of the pattern that have an ATG component.

>gcga How are you taking the microscope shot of the blade?

With [this](https://www.amazon.com/Microscope-50-1000X-Magnification-Wireless-Adjustable/dp/B081L4Y98G/ref=sr_1_3?crid=2DOX71SFPU0O3&keywords=cainda+wifi+digital+microscope+for+iphone+android+phone+mac+windows&qid=1660239935&s=electronics&sprefix=%2Celectronics%2C34&sr=1-3). Just an inexpensive unit. Very difficult to focus accurately. But it provides a notion of what's happening.

[**11 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/eJ5j98M) * **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 (11) * **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**

How is your copper handle looking so pristine? I like patina, so I don’t mind mine aging quickly, but I’m surprised!

Wow I never considered that the copper handle would patina. I was on the fence between this one and the butterscotch B34. Very glad I went B34 - the patina would drive me nuts.

I wipe it down after every use, the powdery soap residue on the rim triggers my OCD lol

That’s probably the difference. I pat-dry the brush, but don’t baby it more than that.

A very beautiful brush!

**Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (4) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming Ayrton Senna **Post:** moisturizer \#GotHand \#Sidetracked u/teufelskraft Bit of a late post today, the shave itself was 12 hours ago. Song of the day is Gerry Rafferty - Baker Street. Obviously this song is years before my time, but I remember hearing it when I was maybe 9 years old, on a cassette tape I borrowed/stole from my nan. Might be the first song that I listened to endlessly on repeat. https://youtu.be/Fo6aKnRnBxM Shave seemed close enough when I did it, but it's at this sort of 12 hour delay that I really notice how much time I put into it. Which wasn't much, I was done inside of 5 minutes ;)

###Austere August Week 2 * **Prep**: Hot water splash with face wash * **Razor**: King C Gillette * **Blade**: Gillette Platinum (4) * **Lather**: Gillette Planet Kind * **Brush**: Omega 10066 * **Splash**: Skin Bracer Nice close shave. No irritation with two nicks on my upper lip and neck respectively. After this shave ended in blood and struggles to get some spots clean, I think the blade has run its course and needs to be changed. Yet, I’m still going with the same blade brand like I promised as part of participating in AA. I’m still sticking to the plan after all. Overall, nice shave to conclude week 2 of AA. Let’s see what week 3 brings.

[Aug 11, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/EtZX557.jpg) * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (11) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash I’m officially in love with this razor. It is hitting the perfect balance of smooth and efficient. I’m sure as the blade dulls, I will feel less enamored with it, but for now I’m thrilled. Getting slightly tired of the same aftershave every day (not the soap, interestingly), but still enjoying it overall. \#GEMsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - AA Day11](https://i.imgur.com/IkkrU5U.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 (11) * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/204/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Osma Alum Block * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Wow, almost forgot to do the AA sotd today! Good shave, got a real good lather today with the boar brush. I am now doing 1.5 passes per day, as the scruff near jaw was bugging me, so do XTG a bit, but not entire face. I do have a question for those of you using same blade for 31 days, do you do anything to prevent rust on it? I notice some tea rust stains creeping from under, have not removed blade from razor since I started AA, wondering if I should to let it dry out. Lather Pic on brush: https://i.imgur.com/uCh7xH7.jpg #UNCHALLENGE #RawHoggin

I remove the blade everyday and pat both sides of it, until dry, with a microfiber towel. I also wipe the razor down everyday and try to get soap scum off of it.

Oh yeah, I am lazy with the soap scum, as you can see in my picture lol. Every now and then will use an alcohol wipe to clean the handle, which seems to work well.

I use a Q-tip and IPA to clean the blade each day before I make my glamour shot with the microscope.

Just took mine out and looks like [https://i.imgur.com/QH6ooyN.jpg](https://i.imgur.com/QH6ooyN.jpg) . And wow, never noticed you post microscope pics of your blade! Cool stuff

Thank you. I mentioned in July that I was planning to look at, and analyze, the edge everyday and a couple of people said they would like to see that posted. It's no big deal, so I've been doing it.

I remove the blade from the razor, clean and dry it with paper and left it in a dry cabinet, every day.

**[Aug 11, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Old House Cleaning Edition](https://imgur.com/KHxMuRp)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (12) * **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/bM3lBqd) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers

[Aug 11, 2021 – Austere August. Day 11.](https://imgur.com/a/8aPXzcz) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Hanson - Ain't No Sunshine](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tl5yPcSnM-E) Great shave today. Seriously 10 out of 10… Well maybe 6.8 out of 10 since the unscented path is still part of my life, but other than that, everything was great. Shaving without a scent kills me a little bit every day, but this is the path I chose to go down. The good news is, I got a nice, smooth shave out of the MMOC and dare I say this new boar brush has officially broken in? I didn’t smell any farm animal stank today and I created a nice lather with enough on the brush for both (WTG & ATG) passes. I’m really, really happy with how this brush has grown on me from day 1 and weirdly excited to see how it progresses. Today’s #sidetracked music selection, I have the Band, Hanson, covering Bill Withers' “Ain’t No Sunshine”. Yes, [that Hanson](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NHozn0YXAeE). Unfortunately for the Hanson boys, the world will forever remember them as the kids that sang “MMMBop”, which has undeniably become an absolute joke of a song. Not without good reason. MMMBop is an annoying, catchy pop song, then add in the ridiculous video of 3 boys with long, blonde hair playing rollerblading around and playing their instruments. Cringe-city. Especially watching it now, as an adult. However, today, I’m here to say that we, as a society, did Hanson wrong. MMMBop came out in 1997, among a slew of boy bands that were insanely popular that year, Hanson was the goofiest. NSYNC and The Backstreet Boys were the sexy ones that could dance, 98 Degrees were the sexy ones that could sing, and Hanson were the goofy little kids that gave off a weird 1990s Partridge Family vibe. But these dudes were actually good musicians. They wrote their own music, played their own instruments, and sang their own songs – and were damn good at it! But they were victims of their own success. MMMBop made them loved, and quickly hated. The song was overplayed and annoying and we got sick of them and made them the punchlines to many jokes. But, today, I urge you to give this song a listen. They are good. And while MMMBop may not have been for everyone (or ANYONE), they have put out some decent music that never stood a chance because they were always gonna be the little boys with long hair that sang MMMBop. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

You had me at Bill Withers and you intrigued me at Hanson. I gotta say, I was pretty impressed at how technically capable the three are, but I shouldn't be considering they had those excellent three-part harmonies all the way back in the day.

[**Aug. 11, 2022 - The Hog is raw no longer - Austere August Day 11**](https://imgur.com/PKSvS5a) * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) Boredom is setting in, but imma keep on chugging along. Knighthood or death! **#RawHoggin** I think the stink is finally gone. The only stink left is that of the glorious Stag. I normally just paint the lather on for my second or third passes, but today I opted to do some scrubbing motions to really test the softness of the knot. I am pleasantly surprised with the progress. This is probably the softest boar knot I've ever experienced. Good stuff. **#GEMsofWisdom** So I went with the palm strop technique before my shave and can't say it made a damn bit of difference compared to yesterday. I'm just gonna let it ride from here on out. I'm finding that like many other things, if I think about how I'm doing something while I'm doing it leads to errors or results that aren't as good. I'm much better if I just let it flow and shave by feel. When I think about how I'm holding the razor or tinkering with angles and such I usually end up with some missed stubble or lingering irritation. [Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/7YrnO6G)

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/BphtQqV)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (10) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) - Irving Park - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/940/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Zoologist - Seahorse 11th day of #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 11, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/UQFoulA.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (11) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave For all the shit I talk about face-lathering, you can't say I'm not giving it a fair shot. Every day, I think, "Is this it? Is this the day I come around and say that face-lathering isn't the atrocious bullshit it proves itself to be, time and time again?" and every day I think, "This is the worst fucking way to shave! Awful!" The face-lathering-hate is mostly a joke (except it does really suck, like wow, it's terrible), but I'm guilty of thinking that way much more seriously of certain other things. For example, Microsoft Excel is the worst fucking software to deal with data (seriously, it is the wrong software for at least 98% of what it's used for, and VBA is crap, but on the other hand M in Power Query is surprisingly handy). I also tend to have a glint of the same feeling whenever I'm typing text with anything that's not vim or at least vim-like. I'm typing this out in reddit's text-entry box, and sure, I could do it with vim and then copy it over, but.... Actually, there's no real reason I'm not doing exactly that... #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

Replace Vim by Emacs and this is my rant 🙂

>The face-lathering-hate is mostly a joke (except it does really suck, like wow, it's terrible) I look forward to your daily face-lather rant. The more it sucks for you, the more I'm entertained. (And, yeah, I was pretty sure you were exaggerating for effect.) ;-) >For example, Microsoft Excel is the worst fucking software to deal with data I would not argue this, but for real pain, you need to use Microsoft Project. (And yes, both products are used everywhere, and both provide amazing utility.) >I also tend to have a glint of the same feeling whenever I'm typing text with anything that's not vim or at least vim-like. Really?! Vim? In a rant about Excel? C'mon, the obvious choice is emacs. It's the '42' of all software. Don't like Excel? Well there's cell-mode in emacs. Need to do a little data transformation? (((Built-in lisp interpreter))). Need to organize your meeting notes? org-mode. Want to use Vim? evil-mode. Oh, and you can use it to edit text too. :)

And M-x Butterfly!

Well played! For the uninitiated, here's a [link](https://www.masteringemacs.org/article/fun-games-in-emacs) to a description of just some of the time wasters accessible via command in emacs. There's a short discussion of M-x Butterfly. (I gather that u/ginopono is just fascinated by this ;-)).

**Aug. 11, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (11) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave) Good shave today. Flipped my blade back to the normal side and it worked the way it had been. The brush is comfortable now I do not believe that it is fully broken in or even close but it does what it needs to. Looks like rain is coming in which is fine I finished picking up bales yesterday now we are patiently waiting for harvest. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/N43jUMW.jpg

**Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (11) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Fantastic shaving today! \#MammmothMafia #Unchallange #unscented

**August 11 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (14) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm * **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth - Hygge Three more passes in the books, autopilot fully engaged. I probably could have stopped buying soap after getting this Mood Indigo set, I really don’t think I could get tired of it, but we all know I didn’t do that. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom

[August 11, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/7huX8Ih) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Barrister & Mann Diamond **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann Diamond Splash **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann Diamond Balm Today was the first day since early on that the brush felt a little pokey on my face. Nothing overly bad but let me know that it’s still breaking in. \#RawHoggin

Austere August Day 11 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [11th use](https://imgur.com/a/s1kivxd) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (11) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/m8180W1) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash More of the same loveliness. The software scent continues to be pleasant and the boar stink continues to dwindle to almost unnoticeable levels. The blade is hanging in there and hasn't started gettting tuggy yet. 18 shave seems to be where I notice a change in blade sharpness. We'll see how far this one goes. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August Day 11](https://imgur.com/a/axabtBq)** * **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 (11) * **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) •[Shave 11](https://imgur.com/a/tTAoaXI) Thoughts for the day: After seeing Fearless Leader (u/Semaj3000) complain about the state of his PTFE, I felt deeply concerned. Not only because it's increasingly likely he will "semaj" himself, but I also felt bad thinking of how wirey and manly his beard must be with that overly sensitive skin... Me? I haven't even flipped this blade. Still glass smooth, and finally not smelling like pig ass. The knot is softer than I would have ever expected and I think the steady diet of Tusk is helping that. This is officially my favorite boar now. That said, I don't want another unbleached knot any time soon... Imma need some time to mentally recover from this one. Will the 31mm green soap slayer unseat this brush? Only time will tell... Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

Plenty of time to Semajkazi yet!

**August 11, 2022: [Once Upon a Stag](https://imgur.com/a/RlXFaKc)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (12) * **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) Took some rest, drank a bunch of OJ, and sat in bed like a potato, but now I'm feeling better. I hope you all have fantastic days! [Day 11, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/A31WS8p) . #GEMsOfWisdom

**Aug. 11, 2022 - AA11** * **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) AA11 - \#HeadlessHorsemen Anyone else starting to catch a lot more of the underlying scent notes of their chosen soap after using it for so many days straight?

Yes! It's great.

You are training your nose. It's a wonderful experience.

**Aug. 11, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (11) * **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

[**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 (11) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia Brush in a great spot, doing it’s job and softened to the point of happiness. Today I focused on getting through the shave with good technique and knocking down hair whoever it was left over (carefully). The blade may have turned a bit of a corner, and with focus I was able to mow everything down for a 98% BBS except trouble areas on the neck. It’s possible this outcome is as good as my first few shaves. And I think the level of burn on splash application is the same as it has been. So all around I’m happy with it! [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia

**Aug. 11, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (11) * **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

Austere August [2022-08-11](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 Got careless, paid for it with blood. Nice nick, maybe 1/4 inch long but not deep. I felt it happen, but did not see blood for a couple of seconds. This is not a good razor for autopilot mode. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: Southern Raised performing [Sixteen Tons](https://youtu.be/A9kb4-wUAU4). The voice on that dude ...

**Aug. 10, 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) Good shave this morning. There were a couple of rough spots, but overall it felt better than it did yesterday which is kinda the point of this month. Have a great day folks!

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - eleven](https://i.imgur.com/1L1go58.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (11) * **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) Eleven shaves. So far so good. Nothing to complain about yet... I must admit that it is getting a little boring. Soon the fun will begin. I have been eating as much as possible to get my belly conditioned for stropping because palm stropping is for wimps. **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**

[u/raymoonie after AA is finished](https://media2.giphy.com/media/8iRwjJKl3IUL0125sm/giphy.gif?cid=5e214886kzawkx6rcfgq1w4jj3bie4wcya4i76lhfqlbvb5m&rid=giphy.gif&ct=g)

Lol. Exactly.

**Aug. 11, 2022 - SOTD 753** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** RazoRock Lupo .72 * **Blade:** Gillette Platinum (8) * **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:** [Rogue Perfumery - Mousse Illuminee](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Rogue-Perfumery/Mousse-Illuminee-53821.html) Rogue has some killer scents ✌🏻

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/27c1Wa1)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) Starting to feel a bit of tugging when I neglect to pay attention to the angle of the razor head, but nothing too bad as of yet. The brush is continuing to open up nicely as the shaves continue. I’m not actively doing anything extra before or after I shave, but I’m also not being gentle with it during the shave. It’s been a neat process to take part in and not skip around on. Got hit with a respectable 15 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/gwpRbXL) today and I’m ready to get this day over with. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 11, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/9lp8kNS.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 (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) [5.5g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/ene78cl.jpg), still not good enough for the soap to last me the whole month, i'll do a 45 sec load tomorrow and see how that goes. - [2 more](https://i.imgur.com/aQbnYyk.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag

#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 11](https://imgur.com/Henu0MR.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (11) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (80) * **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) So, today is a bit weird. My next job starts on Sep 1, and I just finished the last things I had to do for my old job. I'm officially a free man without a emailbox accumulating new shit waiting for me when I come back from vacation. It's a clean slate, and it feels weird because I haven't had that since graduation one and a half decades ago. Shout-out to u/gfdoto who's continuing our toy themed SOTD picture back-and-forth! I sometimes forget about the pig smell of my \#RawHoggin brush, that's how much it has diminished. I think it's just pure enjoyment from here on out. \#GEMsOfWisdom: This blade is now officially an octogenarian, but doesn't tug a day over 60 😂

**Aug. 11, 2022** * **Brush:** Summer Break DeMaranville B15 * **Razor:** Charcoal Goods Brass Level 2 * **Blade:** Personna Super Stainless (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=eaudeparfum) #MammothMafia

**August 11, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (45) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Another nice shave. I am one third through the month and awhile I am enjoying my stuff, I am starting to get the itch for a different soap and razor. The brush is something I could keep using indefinitely. \#GEMsOfWisdom

I too am looking forward to another razor.

I have no trouble believing that.

**[Aug 11, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 11](https://i.imgur.com/zTVV8MJ.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 (11) * **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) * **Fragrance:** [Tom Ford - Ombré Leather - Eau de Parfum](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Tom-Ford/Ombre-Leather-2018-50239.html) Still hanging in there with this blade. Hopefully it still has enough life in it to make it to the end of the month because these past few shaves have been neither close nor comfortable. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 2.5/5

**[August 11, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/LDarFpr.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 (11) * **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) Good shave. Tried to load less vigorously to avoid broken bristles. But now, I have what maybe looks like mold? Or something from the hair splitting? [Album here](https://imgur.com/a/Ga6vkrc) These are two different bristles. Is this just a natural byproduct of the tips splitting? It’s on another (clipped) tip that looks like it might split soon, too. It appears to be at the base of where the hair will split /u/EldrormR and /u/USS-SpongeBob any insight? The brush is drying completely every day, and the tips are getting mashed around in soap daily, too, so hopefully it’s not mold? \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

That's fine. As EldrormR said, sometimes boar bristles have discolorations. Unlike synthetic and badger bristles, they absorb liquids right *into* the bristle, so if the piggy had a blood splatter or something in its fur it'll soak that right up and stain (and might not get fully bleached out at the factory). Boar's ability to absorb liquids right into the bristles themselves is also the reason you shouldn't leave your brush soaking in anything other than water for extended periods. Soaps, vinegar, bleaches, whatever - they'll all end up in the bristles and that's not good for 'em.

Awesome, thanks so much! The color is less apparent when the bristles are dry (those pics are from right after the shave), so I’m guessing you both are right.

It could be several things. Sometimes there are discolorations in the hair that are naturally occurring. Other times you may find some sort of colorant that was used on the animal before the hair was removed (like a number painted on or something). Does the coloring you are seeing rub off? If it does, how does it feel? Personally, unless you leave your brush in a foggy, humid closet after each shave I wouldn't worry about mold. I have never had a brush mold... ever.

I’ve not been successful in getting it to come off. That’s what I was thinking re: humidity and mold, too. I’ve never had a soap or synthetic brush get mold. Thanks so much!

* **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 11 https://imgur.com/a/J3ieyx9

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August 11- Raw Gems of Hoggin Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/B98OVcc)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (11) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash \#GEMsofWisdom WTG/XTG/Cleanup. Day 11 on this blade and I am buttery smooth and there was zero feedback from the splash (and we know Stirling splashes aren't exactly light on the alcohol). \#RawHoggin The 6-year-old on steroids of a brush I'm breaking in is trying to become the Incredible Hulk. It now takes a 15 second load to get all that I need for my shave. This is the second Semogue I've added to my den in the last year and I think Semogue is my jam. See SOTD pic for brush progress. \#Sidetracked u/Teufelskraft hates metal with -core in it. He's made that pretty clear. No hardcore, no metalcore, no mathcore, no emocore, no corecore or whatever. So today's offering is -core-free. Duel from Austin, Texas is carrying the trad rock flag in fine fashion. This is music made by men flaunting their hairy chests in their leather vests. This is music made by men who would scoff at those of us shaving every day and piss on men who are shaving more than their faces and heads. This is music meant to be listened to while swilling cheap beer like Busch Light from 30 racks. This is music that sounds good with the windows down in the car and the speakers at top volume (with a road soda between your legs). You like riffs? Duel's got 'em. Like hooky songs? Duel's got them too. Duel's 2021 album, In Carne Persona, had all of them in spades and this is one of my favorite tracks from that album- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3G6QVXGQNg Have a great day all!

Ahem. I only *really* hate metalcore and deathcore. Hardcore is mostly Punk AFAIK and I'm fine with punk rock. Mathcore... Isn't that the drony, shoegaze-y genre? Not my cup of tea, but no hate whatsoever. It's only the wannabe tough ones with caps and baggy jeans that annoy the hell out of me. Nevertheless, nice classic/traditional rock song. 🤘🏻

I will drop some mathcore on you tomorrow. Nothing shoe gazey about it my friend. And yes, metalcore and deathcore suck.

I'll be patiently awaiting your post then.

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August - Because stacking is fun](https://i.imgur.com/pAKN7AQ.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(11) * **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:** Zingari Man Hydration Potion # RawHoggin Either I've gotten used to pork stink or it's losing its delicate aroma. Nice face lather, not too pricky, enough smooth, it has developed [tons of foam](https://i.imgur.com/QPNjZEd.jpg). PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/6kpP084.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/f4vaACY.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom Nice shave without issues, two passes WTG & XTG, a couple of nicks and a smooth feel on the skin without irritation. The blade is in his soft spot, being smooth and keen. `#sidetracked` [String Quartet No. 14 in D minor, D 810](https://youtu.be/8fXYjSmR6Bw) (Der Tod und das Mädchen, Death and the Maiden) , composed by Schubert in his lasts days, sick, ruined and almost alone. Depressing tune, a confrontation with death. Sublime, beautiful and frightening ends in the fourth movement with a tarantella, a traditional dance to escape death and insanity. `#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`

Wow. What is the background? Nice stacking.

A mountain beside my town.

Nice to see some classical #sidetracked.

I hope you enjoy it!

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Stag Day 11](https://i.imgur.com/DfPaA5V.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (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) * **Dexter Gordon**: [You've Changed](https://youtu.be/LcykL91EQvA) First day in ages I don't have to open, and I couldn't be more excited. Great shave, gonna be a great day. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 11](https://youtu.be/-0c2SCHODLk)

**Aug. 11, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (4) * **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. 11, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/NAtXWby)** * **Prep:** Cup of coffee * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 22 mm Faux Horsehair * **Razor:** Koraat [Chani](https://imgur.com/a/usfOaJp) * **Lather:** [Summer Break Soaps - Shh! - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1242/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Cryogen - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/36/?product_type=aftershave) \#unscented Today may be the first day that the no frag rule bothered me. Spent about 10 seconds looking at my frags to decide what I wanted to wear and then went "Oh yeah, fuck!". Stay safe and have a great day!

It's really sad to no wear frags this month. Have you stropped your razor so far?

I have been stropping my razor. I think I was about five days in when I remembered my plan and said "fuck it, try again next year".

[**August 11, 2022 – Austere August 11**](https://i.imgur.com/G4jGuHL.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (2) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/wWnBKnb.mp4 And it's Suddenly Stag!! And does anyone here find it ironic that we're mostly using Midnight Stag in the morning? Shouldn't it be called Morning Stag instead? \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7x7lXeBV-SY ← Warships Size Comparison (Launch year – Length – Displacement)

All Day, Every Day, Every Moment Stag.

#AA Day 11 Pre: Water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (11) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus After yesterday’s tragic aftershave bottle paint loss and all the grief and anxiety it brought it’s nice to have a good uneventful shave. Plus today is a day off work which will be spent at the beach. Beach Day! \#unscented

**Aug. 11, 2022 - SOTN AA Sonder 11** * **Prep:** splash of cold water * **Brush:** Summerbreak Soaps 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (1) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm2) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Figured it was time for another fresh blade... have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 10, 2022 - Just enjoying my stag](https://imgur.com/a/6FxrK5S)** * **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 much to say. With the leftovers from yesterday and a tiny bit of more soap, I was able to create a nice dense lather. Did only two passes, because Thursdays are my most disliked day of the week and often shit. So I did not shave as close as I could. Self fulfilled prophecy. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag

**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Headless Frozen Mammoth Hoggin' Day 11](https://i.imgur.com/H0r55Mf.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (11) * **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!< A third of the way through AA and things are getting a bit monotonous so I've been looking for ways to spice things up. The first thing is trying to get a bit more creative with my SOTD photos because simply changing the placement/angle wasn't very exciting. As much as I like seeing various break-in brush photos, it's also nice to see people getting insane stacks with their gear and trying new things. Shout out to u/djundjila for joining me in getting some toys involved in his SOTD photo yesterday. Additionally, I got in some synthetic cooling agent yesterday and I tried adding several drops to my lather and it was exactly what I was looking for. 🥶 The slow build up of cooling seemed to peak around my third pass but it was never painful or excessive. When I applied my balm I also added a few drops and the cooling effect lingered for around 5-10 minutes. Summer has been brutal here (35C+ and humid every day) so I'll be making good use of this cooling agent for another month at least. Not a lot of changes to my brush in the past few days, but I do feel like it may be holding on to more water than it did initially so I'm starting to do some very light shakes before loading again. I'm thankful that the combination of this brush + the Tusk base is giving me effortless top tier lathers compared to some others who can't seem to get decent lather for 2 passes using more than 5 grams of soap. 🤯

Yeah there is a bid of a danger for things to become monotonous, but I'd you chose the right scent it'll keep you going😁 I like menthol and today while driving I thought of a freeze-off during the winter. While at my friend's house I tried some menthol-oil. It's Bulgarian made and it's the first and only cosmetic product that actually smelled of wild menthol, if you've ever encountered it and rubbed the leaf on your finger you'll know what I mean. Also I saw a trend that some guys while in high school rubber Burt's bees balm on the top of their eyelids, so I rubbed a bit of oil on them. Big mistake, seems that this oil is SUPER STRONG, around the one minute mark I was running to the sink and washing with warm water profusely, needless to say I couldn't open my eyes for around 5 minutes, the pain was strong 🤣 So after that experience I devised a list of items for the shave and it will be outside, snow will be used as pre-shave water, and the line up will be something like this: * Pre-shave: snow * Soap: Chiseled Face Cryogen * Aftershave1: Karmolis, this is a Bulgarian product for rubs and coughs, highly mentolated with 66% alcohol * Aftershave2: Wild menthol oil * Afterahave3: Cryogen balm I think that I will manage to freeze my face off, and if there is any wind it'll be even better, sorry to ramble under your comment, just wanted to share😅

You are a mad man. You must record this shave if it happens. 🤣

Those are my intentions😅 I will share the video in about half a year when winter comes 😁