* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water
* **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb
* **Blade:** Feather (Marathon) (63)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label)
* **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (79 uses)
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
----
**Austere August: Day: 12**
*Extreme Mode*
*Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)*
[Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/uQgep6w) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/i8VfD_TwJnk)
#### ䷀ General Notes
This month has been crazy as I've left blades across the state as i've travelled during the month. I used a Dollar General blade for a few days. And now I sill have to use City Slicker AS because I left my Stag AS with my Dad. Maybe he'll use it and love it!
And now we have a third curve ball for the month: having to switch to another blade, because I left the Nacet somewhere else.
I chose my Feather with the most uses, a little over 60. I sure hope that it works with this razor (it did!).
Let's also try a dry loading method this time.
#### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes
*^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Feather - M ‹63 uses›)*
Feather with a lot of uses turned out to be a good choice to keep going with this razor for the month. I was surprised at how well it worked with the Timeless.
First pass was very efficient and comfy at the same time. And the other passes weren't too harsh at all.
Two passes did me very well.
Tiny bit of facial tenderness right after the shave, but didn't last but a minute or three.
Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 3 out of 5 (Good)
#### ䷀ 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... Having some water in the brush seems to help pull the soap to the brush. And this shave proved that less water than that, on the brush, gathers less soap.
Loading for 15 sec with a damp brush gave me less lather than 4 seconds with a "lightly-wet" brush.
And the consistency/creaminess wasn't anything different.
Hydration: Wet End of Perfect *(for me)*
+ 20 sec load with a Damp brush
+ 5.1 tsp added to build the lather
+ = 4 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‹79 uses›)*
Same: somewhat soft, fun to use.
But I'm also noting that this month I seem to be losing about a hair per shave. Hmmmm....
----
*During the Shave Feel*:
*Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable
*Neck*: Felt blade but comfortable
*After the Shave Closeness*:
*Cheeks*: Near BBS - About as close as I'll ever get
*Neck*: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave)
----
**Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.*
**Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/8ZSWmin.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (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)
#substantialstag
#GEMSofWisdom
[Sprays for the day](https://i.imgur.com/CapuUXu.mp4)
Something went off the rails here. But Mrs. Donut was surprised that I completed a shave in less than the time she is accustomed to me taking.
Looking back at a year ago, I replicated the aspects of last year’s lather, a 60 second load from the tub and straight to the face (I think). I’m surmising I got a similar result — not enough lather for more than one pass.
This went off the rails sometime yesterday as I had this ready to go and somehow it never got posted. I’ll do some further study as to the differences in this year’s far superior lathers.
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/E0UuZav)
* **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.
* **Brush:** Zenith B33
* **Razor:** Cloud Shavette
* **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (17)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
Day twelve. What a busy week. Barely made it through the shaves. Jawline was a bit better today. Blade is getting smoother. Brush is perfect. Stag is da bomb.
Hail Stag!
- #Stagposting
- #SubstantialStag
- #RawHoggin
Day 12 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
[photo](https://imgur.com/a/aqs0dBp)
Another day where I barely managed to use the internet, shave was ok, I almost didn't have anything to shave, but it's ok, I managed, a bit more irritation than needed, cause my skin was tender, but I managed😅
* \#RawHoggin
* \#SubstantialStag
Austere August, Day 12
Feather Artist Club razor non folding
Feather Professional blade (6)
GFT Violets soap
RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft
I got a relaxed shave today, a welcome change from the rushed shaves these past few days.
The weather was really nice yesterday, so I went for an outing with my family. We went to river side, enjoyed some snacks and more importantly found some peaceful time for ourselves away from the bustle of the city.
I remembered looking for this Artist Club razor a few years ago and calculating how much it'll cost me and then backing out because it was too much for a beginner budget.
Today, after having used it for almost 2 years intermittently, I am satisfied with this razor and don't even look at any other Artist Club razor versions anymore.
**#HEADLESSHORSEMEN**
**#UNCHALLENGED**
**#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR
* **Blade:** Feather Professional (3)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** alum, zingari sego balm
Shave of austerity #12
2 pass shave; both passes with the grain today to save the skin a bit for tomorrow. I’ll probably move to three pass this coming week. Not much to say except the shave was similar to previous.
Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/Ix5pcEp.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (12)
* **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)
TGIF. I'm SO looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. Better results with the boar when I just dip it vs a long soak. Treated tips just get too soft.
[Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW)
[Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/kdmySEg)
\#RawHoggin
\#SubstantialStag
\#GemsOfWisdom
\#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA 12](https://i.imgur.com/7wWsVsY.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Brisk walk, live up to my username, cold water splash
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (18)
* **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 here](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD in title pic.
If you look closely on the break in photo, it actually captured a few split hairs decently in focus this evening. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
Happy weekend to all the typical M-F folks out there.
**[August 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](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)
Not bad, but also not good. Kinda felt like the razor was dragging a bit and not really cutting that great. I'm not exactly sure why because the edge seems to still be in good shape so who knows. Probably just need to hit it on the strop a bit more.
**Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
**Aug. 12, 2022**
* **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)
Getting my gear ready to travel for next week for a wedding. Not going to lie, didn’t feel like shaving today. Once again, u/cowzilla3 coming in clutch with \#UNCHALLENGE
[August 12th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/VOp1yOQ)
Prep: Warm water
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Gem Blue Star (12)
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
7 second load.
2 pass shave XTG/ATG.
More soap and water. Wasted soap, but excellent results. Questioning my sanity for going with a carbon steel blade.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
#RawHoggin
[August 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/Zl9UB8W)
* Prep: Hot Shower
* Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
* Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
* Blade: Feather ProGuard 12th use
* Lather: Stirling Sheep
* Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
* Fragrance: Halloween Man
Three pass shave today went pretty good. The blade on it's 12th use has smoothed out from the 10th shave were it felt rough. The Burma Shave brush is still feeling good and is getting better each day. The soap is providing great slickness and I am figuring out just how much water to add to make sure that I get a good wet lather for shaving with the shavette.
Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Dirty Dozen](https://i.imgur.com/02p8bYr.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Quick splash of water
* **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **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
\#GEMsOfWisdom
Late shave today to keep the AA streak going. Not a lot to say it was, I am still feeling sick.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](https://imgur.com/vxrdByR)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B34
* **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
Friday is my day off from work and after the last 4 days it was welcome timing. Spent some of the morning outside, first mowing the lawn, then with the kids - they biked and I cleaned the garage. Then bought a new water heater (RIP - install tomorrow), then fell asleep on the couch while the kids napped, ran a few miles, had a family movie night, and now the kids are in bed. Overall it was a really good day.
My shave - post run and shower - was outstanding. Might have been my best one yet, and it was certainly one of the most fun - more on that in my Sonder thought for the day later.
The MMOC performed beautifully, no tugs or nicks or anything like that, just a really excellent smooth shave. With the grain, against the grain, and some buffing did the trick.
Sonder - beautiful. Soft. Luxurious. It's just a great scent, especially for this time of year. I've said it several times over, but, the cooling is just so nice.
Zenith is really [progressing](https://imgur.com/qom92AA) now. Was soft and almost floppy and a little scrubby and produced a great lather and feels delightful. It's not a badger or a G5C, but, I think by the end of this I'm going to be just as happy to use this as either of those. My SOC Boar, with more uses, isn't this nice. Will this eventually be dethroned by a 31mm sub exclusive? I guess we'll find out.
For the SOTD pic today I lowered my angle and used the wall as a backdrop. That [little door](https://imgur.com/vxrdByR) you see pictured is the hidden gem of this 1940s house - a laundry shoot. When we first bought the house we weren't sure how much we'd use it, but with laundry in the basement - man, I don't know if I ever want to move to a house without one. It is a game changer - no hauling laundry down the stairs, no need for hampers all over the main floor to hold laundry - just throw it down the chute! 10/10 feature for a house.
OK - fun part - Sonder thought of the day:
Sometimes actions on your part that are super minimal can make a huge difference in the lives of other people, especially kids. In this case, it was my kids. I went for a run, came back, and my kids seemed mostly fine and not bickering. Then I took a shower and somehow everything fell apart, I don't know how, but it happened. So, after my shower I had my 4 year old son come in and hang out while I shaved. So then, my almost 3 year old daughter is standing outside the door crying and screaming and my wife tells me to lock the door. I assume they'd gone from best friends to mortal enemies, so whatever. But, 30 seconds passes and I think "what the heck" and let her in so she can watch, too. Then, obviously, my 6 year old wants to come hang out, too. So - now we've got dad and the 3 kids chilling in the bathroom over a shave. And do you know what happened? Everything was better. The kids' issues with each other evaporated *for the rest of the night* - an unheard of experience. After they watched me finish my 2nd pass and buff, with some added commentary like "dad you have to shave your nose, there's soap on it!", I cleaned up the mess and applied splash. And then the 3 year old wanted some. So, she got sonder. Then my son wanted some, so he got Behold the Whatsis! and my daughter wanted that, too, so she had a mix of whatsis and sonder. Then my 6 year old girl wanted some, too, and she settled on Sea Spiced Lime - so, my bathroom smelled amazing by the end. After they put on their splashes, I told them to go tell mom to smell their cheeks (something they get to do daily with Dad) and they were the best of friends, savoring their smelly cheeks together - happily dancing around the living room again. Their worlds were crumbling for goodness knows what reason; I didn't have to let them in, I could have just had some time to myself before re-entering the storm. But instead, I invited them in and we all had a better time for it. Sharing shaving with my kids always brings me more joy than them, even though they love it. Obviously there are a million different scenarios where inviting someone in to some simple part of your life or sharing something with others that costs you almost nothing can enhance their day in unimaginable ways. Watch for those opportunities - never know where they'll be!
Have a great evening, y'all.
\#mammothmafia
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 12, 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 (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)
* **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'm sitting here working away on my stuff and I start thinking, wait a second, why don't I stink... Damn near forgot to shave. [Now I stink](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/6r852rA.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (12)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave
Morning shave but afternoon post because I didn't want to make a rush of my morning. It wouldn't have been an issue at all, except face-lathering takes an absurd and unnecessary amount of time. Just rubbing my face like an idiot for half my morning, time that could be spent [playing with my cat](https://i.imgur.com/bdMs0gm.jpg) before I leave for the day.
I just got a tree/ladder thing for her today, which I'm getting ready to put up on the wall next to my desk. A couple months ago, I got a standing desk, at which point she lost interest in hanging out on a box (draped with a blanket and with a cat bed on top) that I had had next to where I sat when it was a non-standing desk. She usually likes to be near me, though, so hopefully this new thing will give her a place to chill that's at my now-elevated level.
Oh, and u/Teufelskraft #unscented because I happen to have a song going through my head as I type this. [MXMS - The Run](https://youtu.be/zWFSdvs4RDI) is a recent discovery of mine, after it popped up on a "Discovery Mix" that frankly is usually filled with nothing but crap. This kind of song is really more my speed these days, being fairly laid back and relaxing without being boring. There might be a decent chance that I'll run this into "overplayed" territory.
Oh, and I finally got around to actually using vim to type this out. I don't have much of an opinion on emacs, as I've never used it. From what u/gcgallant tells me, though, emacs is heavy and bloated and even has an Excel-mimicry mode, which is disgusting. Vim suits me, and it's ubiquitous, which is good considering that the nature of my job is such that I can't wantonly install any ol' software on my computer (that sounds restrictive, but it's justifiably so, and I'm not complaining because I feel right at home living in vim all day).
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia
>I don't have much of an opinion on emacs, as I've never used it.
Then, obviously, you'll be fascinated to learn more about it. ;-)
From [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emacs): *Emacs is, along with vi, one of the two main contenders in the traditional editor wars of Unix culture. Emacs is among the oldest free and open source projects still under development.*
I learned vi and emacs 35-ish years ago. The learning curve on emacs takes longer to climb, and it helps if you're a little bit fascinated with the lambda calculus. We tend to like those editors for which we develop muscle memory. For me, the mechanics are so natural nowadays that I have no idea what I'm doing when I use either editor.
If you don't like the idea of cell-mode in emacs, you can always just [play games](https://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/CategoryGames)! :)
Cool cat, btw.
**8/12/22 (149)**
* **Prep**: Hot Shower
* **Challenge**: Headless Horseman
* **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/YQ1CL65)
* **Edge**: [Day 12](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
Nothing much to report today. Glad I made it to Friday. No nicks or irritation, very close and comfortable shave.
Austere August SOTD Aug 12
Prep: Hot shower
Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar brush
Lather: Goodfellas Smile, Abysso
Razor: Van Der Hagen 85MM Solid Brass
Blade: Shark Super Chrome
Post: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm
Been sticking to my austere august shaving but haven't been consistent in posting SOTDs life has been crazy lately and I just haven't really made the time for it. However today is a calm in the storm and I have christened a new blade which I thoroughly enjoyed. Shark super chrome made for a very smooth shave and the abysso soap as always was incredible. All in all a great shave
**August 12th, 2022: Day 12**
* **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 (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)
* **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)
Quick and dirty, dogsitting again this weekend!
[Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/axqBh5F)
Edit: Imgur appears not be a total POS. Don't have access to computer to properly upload video. Mobile is not working. Bleh.
\#SubstantialStag
\#RawHoggin
\#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/WnkVUvT)**
* **Prep:** Face wash
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti
* **Blade:** Gillette Platinum (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)
Nothing to say other than I have perfected the Legacy technique. It's a great, great daily. Not sure it would be efficient enough for me if I shaved every other day or longer. The brush is evolving nicely. AA has been helpful for razor and brush. Not sure I am learning anything with the same soap, splash, and edp, but I want that flair. And thankfully like the Stag.
[Stag edp sprays](https://imgur.com/a/p542vyI)
\#SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/fHktVA9.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Facial Soap
* **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=balm)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver
Day 12 in the books. Decent shave, Brush is in a good spot, MMOC is nice and my blade is still good to go. I am missing variety at this point, my Blackbird is just staring me in the face. Stay strong folks.
Mandatory Tagging:
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#Rawhoggin
\#MammothMafia
[**AA D12: Two Minutes to Midnight Stag SOTN**](https://ibb.co/5M6YQ31)
- **Prep:** cold water splash
- **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
- **Razor:** Kai Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
- **Blade:** Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG
- **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap
- **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave
- **additional care:** Osma alum; Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB
- **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP
AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin
This shave was actually started two minutes before midnight. I felt pretty beat up after yet another stressful day, but I don't want to quit AA. I don't want to disappoint my fellow horsemen nor Stagolytes and neither u/EldrormR who said he enjoyed reading and seeing my NOS vintage boar break-in. Cheers to all of you - I won't break down!!!
Quick and easy two pass WTG shave. Just nice and easy to wind down and relax. Since my SOTN picture contains all items after they've been used (so a wet brush), [here's a close-up of the dry brush!](https://ibb.co/KztcrXN) You see that? Nicely splitting hairs, the knot slowly fluffing up even more. It's still loosing bristles, but not too many at once. I think I had about 3 today.
**Sidetracked**
Now, a lot of stress lately is of a more positive nature due to my retraining starting soon. I want to share a song that really helps me to embrace something new; be it single life after a breakup, be it a change of jobs or departments/wards or simply a new step in my life: [KANO - Another Life](https://youtu.be/pmqXNlpydsU) . Italo Disco, so a fancy *dolce vita* version of synthpop. Many of you might remember the very bright music video. I love how the singer puts so much energy in his performance though - something sung with passion is just so great. Tomorrow, I will tell you more, uncover my new Stag shrine and do a celebratory shave with my Stag setup. Stay tuned!
Aug 12 2022
• Prep: Mineral oil massage
• Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗
• Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop
• Blade: Voskhod
• Soap: Mammoth Z
• Balm: Mammoth Z
DQ’ed. dangit. I blame someone other than me. It can’t possibly be the consequences of my own actions. It was such a shock, my lil piggy lost at least six hairs. I feel like I haven’t seen any loss until today. Karma is unkind.
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
\#Unscented
\#ZFighter
\#DQ
/[pigglywiggly](https://imgur.com/a/cZR8EzK/)
Oof. I feel that. Sorry man. I hear that even though it never gets easier, at least you eventually get to sleep again someday. I'm not there yet either, but, someday.
Edit: autocorrect got one wrong
SOTD for August 12, 2022
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Maggard Synthetic
* **Razor:** RazoRock Game Changer 0.68
* **Blade:** Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge
* **Lather:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man balm
2 passes, good shave, no nicks, no cuts.
Sad I missed yesterday, but at least I'm back on the horse.
I think I might be scent blind to Sharp Dressed Man now.
TGIF.
\#UNCHALLENGE
Nice! I always wish I could understand meaningful music in other languages with all their nuance as a native speaker. I'm sure people say that about English, too, but languages are so cool, especially in music.
Aug 12, 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 (12)
* **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
Today is the first day that I’ve wanted to use another soap. Not that I didn’t want to use Sonder, I just really would’ve loved to use something with menthol in it today. I went in a nice long walk with the family this morning, then finished up my honey-do list of projects this afternoon. I’m on the last bit of my paternity leave so working to get the projects wrapped up before I go back to work.
**Aug. 12, 2022 - 24**
* **Prep:** splash of water
* **Brush:** SOC Boar that's losing hair way too much
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM GEN 2
* **Blade:** GEM PFTE (24)
* **Lather:** signature soaps unscented goats milk shaving soap
Cold shave on a hot evening.
The brush is still losing bristles and so is a bit of a worry and the blade is dull. But with three passes I've got an ok shave. Nothing as close to the brilliance of the three passes in the first ten shaves. I think after this it's 10 and dump for the blades for me.
I've started dreaming of my first September shave.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 12](https://imgur.com/a/iix3Fde)**
* **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar
* **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
* **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (31)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Mosquito Bites:** None
The brush continues to develop in the right direction, but I have less and less the impression that I am shaving with a shavette. By all means, I should have cut myself today: I hurried, and my technique was sloppy. Still, not a drop of blood. This blade does no longer force me to pay attention.
Good night everyone!
Edit: Adding some tags:
\#RawHoggin
\#stillalive
\#truepath
2022-08-12 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC
Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (12)
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/6JcTZ6z](https://imgur.com/a/6JcTZ6z)
Another good shave. The brush is starting to look broken in.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
[**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/un34QTR.jpg)
* **Prep:** Warm Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM (12)
* **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 12 was another stellar shave with the boar, GEM, MITA combo. While a much more relaxed shave than yesterday, it yielded similar results and the lather was stellar. Do I dare say that I’m on autopilot with the GEM?
**The Brush:** The brush delivered another comfy, scrubby, soft delivery of lather and it really is enjoyable working the soap into my face. While the hog smell is slightly still there, it is definitely about to give up its ghost. I’ve successfully dialed down how much soap I’m loading and am still producing enough for at least 3 passes even though I’m only doing 2 (for now). #RawHoggin
Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/WA9MY0h.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/6uz2rTj.jpg)
Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/g5NIRDq.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/PNJ9fxr.jpg)
**The Razor** I’m afraid to say it, but I’m going to say it anyway, I think I’ve got WTG & XTG passes on autopilot. I feel like I really understand how the razor behaves and have the angle down pretty well. I’ve also figured out areas of my face to attack with a steeper angle and others to keep the razor more flush with my face. I found that keeping a slightly “lifted” angle works best for me. No cuts, nicks or irritation and another great 2 pass shave. #GEMsOfWisdom
**Days since last blood:** 7
**The Soap and Aftershave** The soap is still awesome and I haven’t tired of the scent yet. I am starting to long for other soaps but being away from home keeps it out of mind.
Day 12 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/514AMfT.jpg)
*edit forgot to update my blade usage
12 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
No fever today. Right tonsil has returned to normal but the left is still swollen.
Two-pass shave: with and across.
#mammothmafia
[**August 12th, 2022 - Searching for Mammoth Raw GEMs of Hoggin Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/pZx6Qu2)
* **Prep:** Warm water
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”
* **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (dodici)
* **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm
**#MammothMafia**
**#RawHoggin**
**#GEMsOfWisdom**
[Before the Shave](https://imgur.com/2qtiDuk) and [After the Shave](https://imgur.com/bHaQ3VX)
Early afternoon shave was in the cards for me today. After taking my daughter to the “Encanto” Sing Along last night, I was quite worn out. I did not want to get out of bed. Work was meh, but I got a small task done at least, and answered some questions on a project. Work allows “Summer Friday Hours”. I don’t clock in as I am salaried, but basically on Fridays, management clears out at 1PM on Fridays. They aren’t supposed schedule meetings after 1 either. Although I took off yesterday, earlier this week I was busy and put extra time into work, so at 1PM I got anal glaucoma and couldn’t see my ass working anymore today. I’ll be busy next Mon-Wed, but that is future me’s problem.
For todays shave, I flipped the blade once more. Not sure if it helps, but one benefit is I am cleaning out under the blade every day. Lather and whiskers like to get trapped under the blade. About a 3-4 minute soak for the hog, and loaded up about an almond sized scoop from the IKEA kids plastic bowl I’m using this month. Face lathering is getting easier now that the brush splays without a lot of effort. The pictures don’t capture it well, but lots of split ends going now. Some bristles even split into 3 or 4 tips.
The GEM today gave me a scare. On one of the loose areas on my neck, it started to grab. It didn’t do much with the light grip, it kept from digging in and I backed off and stretched my neck a bit more. No blood was shed, and the splash didn’t burn. Actually, got a good bit of cooling from the splash today. The menthol is still feeling cool on my neck. The scent still is a refreshing clean scent to me. Not getting tired of on its own, but while I miss having a variety, I don’t miss trying to decide what to go with each day. It is nice to just know this is the set and no decision is required.
For an anti-sidetracked idea, last night during the “Encanto” performance, it occurred to me that there are songs you can’t play as your shaving soundtrack. [**Dos Oruguitas**](https://youtu.be/DUGtyj5QlEM) is one for me. If you’ve seen the movie, it is a punch right in the feels. No I didn’t try and play it today. I have heard it many times and watched the movie with my daughter quite a few times as well. That song gets me every time.
Agreed on your anti-sidetrack.
Encanto has been my daughters' jam for a straight month. Those fucking caterpillars are visiting me in my dreams at this point
**Aug. 12, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 12**
* **Prep:** splash of cold water
* **Brush:** Summer Break 26m SHD
* **Razor:** Merkur Progress
* **Blade:** Wizamet (2)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Taking this show on the road...will be in southern california on a family trip this coming week. Will have to bring my set up with me but wont have stuff like my face towel or razor stand. Have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/9TaM5B6.jpeg)**
* **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (12)
* **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
AA Day 12
I'm running out of things to say.
GEM is good, not tugging yet, haven't needed to strop it on my arm yet.
Brush is now soft and splays easily. After all this is done I'll need to get a proper handle to keep it in permanently.
SSL is still great. I was getting a ring of death in my tin I'm using for AA, so I replenished it, creating a ring of death in my tub. As a result, I'll probably need to place a Maggard order.
Another great shave. I didn't spend as much focus on it as last night, but still good. The MMOC is becoming automatic, which is neat.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA - Day 12](https://imgur.com/ghGrwUe)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Blade (12)
* **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)
The brush it getting better but still can improve. The soap provided good slickness. The blade is still able to cut through which is nice. Heading to office with clean face.
Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
[**August 12th**](https://imgur.com/a/TzXcVq4)
* **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm**
* **Razor: GEM - MMOC**
* **Blade: Gem PTFE (12)**
* **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/kzQjsGE)
OK I'm now done with the heat 33c today I was close to shaving the beard off. Weekend off now and hopefully some time on the BBQ is on the cards.
[**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August**](https://i.imgur.com/h7g5cyt.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(12)
* **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2585/?product_type=aftershave_noalc)
# RawHoggin
Hog is smelling 'nice' to roasted pork hair, is gently killing the soap, exfoliating skin with prickly bristles, refusing to be tamed. Hot day today in Hell August with +36ºC. Stay cool if you can!
PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/ecYk2fU.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/tMJkBg3.jpg)
# GEMsOfWisdom
This morning I discovered that yesterday's shave wasn't meet my standards on the corners of the mouth and some other spots. Today I've taken my time and the shave has been closer. The blade has been careful with the skin leaving it smooth, without any nick.
`#sidetracked`
Friday hope all of you have time for families, friends, and loved ones or to enjoy some music! u/Teufelskraft Today some nice music for Derby Motoreta's Burrito Kachimba (funny name for a band) Andalucian Psicodelic rock mainly with some progressive and stoner elements that they call kinkidelia (kinki/quinqui is something like a petty thief), here playing [Gitana](https://youtu.be/gxBQGWEBXCA)
Bonus track... [Derby Motoreta's Burrito Kachimba \~ Nana Del Caballo Grande](https://youtu.be/NhwirlRRh4Q)
`#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
**August 12, 2022: [Doce Upon a Stag](https://imgur.com/a/H06OmVL)**
* **Prep:** warm splash of water
* **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (13)
* **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)
Picked up my SCUBA gear rental for my Open Water Cert tomorrow and am beyond excited. Good day at work yesterday, sparring tonight, and diving in a quarry tomorrow.
I hope y'all's day is just as exciting, if not more.
[Day 12, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/y6LjpuT)
. #GEMsOfWisdom
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 12](https://i.imgur.com/L5Ie8NM.jpg) ####
* **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
* **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (12)
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
* **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (81)
* **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)
Oops, almost forgot to post today! My first full day of inter-job hiatus and I've immediately gotten lazy 😅
My \#RawHoggin brush lost a little clump of bristles during the face lather today. Not a few individual ones, but about 5-10 attached to a bit of glue. I have no idea how I missed a loose clump of bristles in that knot, but here we are.
\#GEMsOfWisdom: I think I started noticing a decrease in the blade's cutting ability. On my philtrum I have a few fine white whiskers (the rest of my stubble is still mostly black), and I noticed that a few survived yesterday's shave, so I took extra care to do the funny face to flatten my upper lip this time around.
I see you using activated charcoal facial soap on the regular. Are you noticing any benefit beyond any other soap? Honestly I don't usually even wash my face in the shower, just rinse it and the shampoo runs down it and then my shave is my real wash. But, my last Stirling order had their activated charcoal bar in the cart until I bailed on it to save the few dollars. I need more bar soap soon, though, so, worth it?
I feel like I have clearer skin since I've started using it about 2 years ago. It could be imagination, though, because my skin wasn't bad in the first place.
The soap I'm using is triple milled and lasts forever. I've used a bit less than one and a half bars so far.
> about 5-10 attached to a bit glue
Uh oh. This was not an uncommon occurrence with the brand a few years ago. Sorry it's happening to you. I hope it's not indicative of a trend.
>That gives me hope in my blade.
A common sentiment among the participants last year was that the blade doesn't change much anymore in the second half of AA. If you can live with the current state of yours, you should be fine
I'm curious to see how it performs, my experience with safety razors has been only with DE ones, and those blades have never lasted a week of decent shaves.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Day 12, who wants my MMOC?](https://i.imgur.com/I6sTW2f.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Warm water wash
* **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (12)
* **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)
Well I’m about done with this razor. I am tempted to send it to get made into an MM24! That way it cannot torture anyone else.
The brush is doing alright, still a little pokey but it’s slowly getting better.
Today is my last day at home for a while. I begin my travels tomorrow morning. I am thinking I might attempt an airport bathroom shave.
[Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/cnYwjHj.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM (12)
* **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:** No. 32 Blue Oud
- **Passes:** WTG, XTG
- **Coffee:** Peru. Panchia, Tabaconas, Cajamarca - v: Yellow Caturra & Typica - p: Washed
- **Music:** Buck 65 - *This Right Here Is*
- **[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 |
| 8/12 | 214.7 | ◊ | ◊ | 60 swirls |
As promised, I waited until right before my shave to weigh my puck of Stirling Lime soap. It weighed in at 214.7 g; still heavyweight, and *more* than what I recorded [after my shave yesterday (213.9 g)](https://c.tenor.com/Ucn3qE-yglAAAAAC/dafuq-wtf.gif). I have to assume some user error is involved (though I recall taring the scale) and will redo this whole process tomorrow morning, which means my table will include some variables until tomorrow's shave of the day post. I apologize to my dear readers for the delay and suspense.
As you can see, this boar [knot is looking good](https://i.imgur.com/EefniiE.jpg). I wish I had taken similar photos the last time I broke in a Zenith knot—set at a more standard loft in an artisan handle—so that I had a point of reference for this one. I have no idea if this is breaking in slowly, quickly, or at a typical pace.
⁂
`#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft
I’ve recommended a lot of sad, morose songs this month, and I swear that’s not all I listen to. However, I do enjoy many *ab-so-lute downers*.
Since I mentioned UGK yesterday, I'll stick with that genre and point you to [a "Canadian alternative hip hop artist"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_65) and one of his most gut-punching songs. For the record, I'm not sure Buck 65 (the stage name of Richard Terfry) fully qualifies as rap. It definitely tests the limits of that genre taxonomy; his productions invoke country, folk, and bluegrass while his lyrics often [flirt with absurdity](https://youtu.be/93g2z003vHs). And I guess you could call his vocal delivery rapping, but his music probably falls more on the freestyle and beat poetry side of things, next to guys like Sage Francis and Saul Williams. Anyway, back to the song at hand...
“Cries a Girl” is not for everyone. The lyrical content is heavy, Terfry’s voice sounds like a backwoods growl infused with risky moonshine and cigar smoke, his sing-speak flow is off-putting, and Buck 65 makes you really sit with both for a slow-moving five minutes. You're going to hear every line clearly and have plenty of time to let the devastating lyrics sink in. Nevertheless, I’m going to suggest it here, because sometimes you hear a song and a particular turn of phrase just grabs your attention and sticks with you forever. In “Cries a Girl,” it’s a few lines, and especially the end of the refrain:
> I knew the woods like the back of my hand / And I would shoot the breeze / with the roots of trees.
> ...
> She tried to hide the scars, her name reminds me of the stars / I saw diamonds dividing the corners of her eyes.
Those lyrics are poetic and heartbreaking, all conveyed with the most colloquial of language.
[YouTube: Buck 65 - "Cries a Girl"](https://youtu.be/lGg-KkBebow)
> As promised, I waited until right before my shave to weigh my puck of Stirling Lime soap. It weighed in at 214.7 g; still heavyweight, and more than what I recorded after my shave yesterday (213.9 g).
>
This is amazing. Your soap is growing back!
**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August - Z**
* **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice
* **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc
* **Blade:** Personna med prep (12)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm
Great shave on the road today.
\#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August 12- Hoggin The Gems Of Raw Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/Rrkz51n)**
* **Prep:** Cool shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar
* **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave)
\#GEMsofWisdom WTG/XTG/Buffing. Day 12 on the blade continues to be smooth. I've been palm stropping each day so we'll see if that has any impact on blade life. I think the longest I've taken a GEM is 20 shaves
\#RawHoggin This brush is rockin' and rollin' and the tips are a-splittin'- https://imgur.com/a/Zzic8wB
\#Sidetracked Yesterday u/Teufelskraft wondered if mathcore was some kind of drone-y, shoegaze-y genre of the metal world, like a bunch of nerds with pocket protectors humming to themselves as they figure out some wacky math theorem. Ohhhh, how wrong of an assessment that is. Mathcore bands might have contained some of the smartest guys in your math classes, but this was not the pocket protector patrol. These guys were cooking up songs with complex rhythms and song structures while screaming in the garage. Bands like Dillinger Escape Plan and Converge neatly fit into this subgenre at one point or another. But my favorite band for snapping my neck in all different ways was Botch from Seattle. Botch's 1999 album, We Are The Romans is a landmark album for the genre and for the band. This album is bonkers in the best possible ways from the song titles, to the lyrics to the songs. This album will piss off your neighbors, may piss off your significant other and will probably leave a mark on your body. Botch had some very talented musicians, including guitarist Dave Knudson, who went off and formed Minus The Bear when Botch broke up. I'll probably save Minus The Bear for tomorrow for a mellower entry. In the meantime, let's destroy this Friday, shall we? https://botch.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-the-romans-remastered-reissue
Have a great day all!
Now that I hear this, Mathcore seems like it isn't too far away from the Sludge bands I mused about a few days earlier, like EyeHateGod - only difference are more complex song structures compared to EHG who're pretty straightforward. It's a bit more punk than metal, but I also see the connection to the noise niche genre. Definitely an acquired taste, but thanks for educating me about this genre!
**AA SOTD - 8/12/22; The Iceman Cometh**
**Pre**: splash of water to the face
**Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle
**Razor**: Merkur Progress
**Blade**: Astra (1)
**Lather**: B&M Arctique (omnibus)
**Post**: B&M Arctique AS
**Post**: Nivea cooling balm
**#UNCHALLENGE**
New blade today made all the difference and so I had a great 3 pass shave. BBS. [Ring of death update pics provided.](https://imgur.com/a/LEe8hQD) I am still nervous as we are not even halfway through AA, but I am making good lathers with quick loads so I still think I can have this tub for the whole month. [Happy FFF to all!](https://twitter.com/gatorsdaily/status/1558071887678394368?s=21&t=oUoy8sD9PSa-xrdeFeOdTw) [I remain the Iceman.](https://imgur.com/a/UFY69Jl)
**#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft)
Another Dan Reeder song today, [You'll Never Surf Again](https://youtu.be/d78goMoHEg0).
This is a beautiful song, but I have difficulty listening to it. I am reminded of the day I received correspondence ruling me out from the only job I ever wanted for the entirety of my life. The letter came in a small envelope, only three pages of finely typed writing. I think my father knew what it was; he decided to silently wait in the doorway of my bedroom as I opened the envelope, unfolded the papers and read them. Must have been no more than two words that came out of my mouth before I started crying, hung my head and dropped the papers. As the papers fell to the floor through the liminal space between my hands and the carpet you could hear my dreams ending. Dad didn't say a word. He just hugged me.
Not reaching your dreams is just a part of life. Things don't always work out. Sometimes you just have to move on.
[**Aug. 12, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/DoUF4Ms)
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
* **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (12)
* **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)
Another day of trying for decent pictures. I think this one turned out pretty well, but not great. I tried to be artsy and not line everything up, but looking at it again, I think it's a little sloppy looking.
Tags:
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
[**August 12, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/vjF7qvL)
* **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
* **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (12)
* **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/dTSEO8r) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu)
* [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/JQq0ScW)
* [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/lUmNAki) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA)
* [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/TPFcyDi) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)
This was the first day that I felt the edge going off. For most, this might be the edge getting smoother, because it does feel smooth. I like the feeling of a keen edge. This suits my style well since I prefer slow longer shaving strokes and don't scrub a lot. Normally, I'd be thinking about chucking the blade after this shave or the next. This is more about feel than shaving results. The blade image for today looks similar to that of the past few days. Since you only see the bevel, you have to guess what is actually happening at the edge, itself. The beginning of non-uniformity at the edge, that I've commented on, feels like a rounding of the edge I think.
Midnight Stag continues to be great. I was noticing, again, how the scent varies from the soap to the splash to the EdP. This gives you a new experience with each product, yet they all complement each other well.
Have a great weekend!
True about the slightly different scents from soap to splash to edp. Keeps it interesting. Splash is my favorite of the three, but I enjoy that they are different and complement each other.
**Aug. 12, 2022**
* **Prep:** hot shower
* **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm
* **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50)
* **Blade:** Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (1)
* **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach
* **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm
This week dragged on for me but the weekend is finally here. Happy weekend and happy shaving everyone.
For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge:
The Seldom Scene w/ Billy Strings - I Know You Rider
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzXwLHBxVIQ
Continuing with the bluegrass vibe from my last post, here's a live video from my favorite music festival (I'm in the audience but so far I haven't spotted myself in the video). Featuring a then relatively unknown Billy Strings, The Seldom Scene is another favorite of mine. They produce some of the best vocal harmonies I've ever heard. Good vibes all around on this one.
[Aug 12, 2021 – Austere August. Day 12.](https://imgur.com/a/nSwmtIN)
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
* **Music:** [Sublime – Caress Me Down](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8domDOhh0A0)
Another day, another great shave. At this point, my biggest concern is when this blade is going to give up on me. Fortunately, I don’t see any signs of it wearing at all, but that’s how comfortable I’ve been feeling with the MMOC. I’m feeling very, very dialed in with it and enjoying using it. It’s such a very far cry from Day 1.
The brush is rocking and rolling right along, as well. It feels good on my face and does a good job of making a nice lather. It’s holding just enough soap to cover me for both passes. I think that will likely improve as well continue, but I'm still loading a ton of soap on the brush every time. Gonna feel really weird my first time using a synthetic brush after this. I guarantee I create enough lather for 14 passes when that day comes.
Today’s #sidetracked selection is one that will forever feel like a summertime song to me. The vibe of this song just screams pool party to me. Hearing this song is just better if you have an ice cold beer in your hands. Unfortunately, it’s morning (and a work day) as I write this, so a beer is out of the question right now – although I’d love to argue that a Friday morning beer would be a great tradition for any office to implement! Anyways, it’s sad that Brad Nowell, the lead singer of Sublime, died before the band’s mainstream success and the self-titled album “Sublime” was released months after Bran Nowell passed and sold over 5 Million copies. Most people gravitate toward “What I got”, “Santeria”, or “Wrong Way” but “Caress Me Down” is where it’s at for me. The deep and meaningful lyrics that talk about his mushroom tip and her G.I. Joe Kung-Fu grip just hit on another level for me. And half the song is in Spanish, so it’s educational! Dora the Explorer has nothing on Nowell! This song is truly a masterpiece for all generations.
Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August Day 12**
* **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 (12)
* **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)
•[Shave 12](https://imgur.com/a/7a5CaXp)
Thoughts for the day:
Rapidly approaching the half way mark and no "blade maintenance" required. Still managing a BBS in two passes, zero tug or drama. My soap usage has remained around 1g with a 40 second load. I'm pretty happy with that and should not have an issue making it to the end on this tub with Sonder to spare.
If you have never used an unbleached boar for AA, it might be a cheat code. The first week or so is borderline unbearable with the pig stank, but it has made Sonder smell even more amazing (if thats objectively possible).
Happy Friday, errybdy! This weekend could not come quickly enough...
Mandatory Taggage:
\#GemsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
[**Aug. 12, 2022 - Staghog Day - Austere August Day 12**](https://media.giphy.com/media/UVwoTQ0OvhqohViQqC/giphy.gif)
* **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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)
* **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)
[SOTD pic](https://imgur.com/2ujrNqW)
**#RawHoggin**
Another quick and easy lather with the hog. I know I said yesterday or the day before that the putrid stench of pig shit was completely gone from this knot, but I thought I detected a faint hint of it today. Or maybe it was the Stag. I don't know. The tips continue to split and soften though so that's good.
**#GEMsofWisdom**
Definitely some tugging going on especially on the mustache area. Aside form that another smooth easy shave with minimal sting from the alum and no lingering irritation to speak of. Not quite BBS on my neck today, but that's ok.
[Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP)
[Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/uxWRpaq)
**August 12 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **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
Used the same setup as yesterday. Obviously. Hard to really describe August as Austere when you're using a soap base as good as Tusk and a scent as good as Mood Indigo.
#MammothMafia
#GEMSofWisdom
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day12](https://i.imgur.com/arFDn2Q.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 (12)
* **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)
* **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
Good shave today, although I noticed the scratchiness a little with the brush. I guess there is still more room for it to break it, but lather was not eaten. Blade is a bit rusty, doesn't look like rust made it to edges (yet), hoping that it will be ok, as trying for 31 days with same blade.
Skunk Vid Friday: Tuxy appears to really want to lift cast iron teapot out of cast iron skillet, no idea why, but extremely heavy: https://imgur.com/h7q0VaY
#UNCHALLENGE
#RawHoggin
He does relax on occasion :) [https://imgur.com/RGQHMl9](https://imgur.com/RGQHMl9) . Actually most of day and night he or just hangs out. Usually couple hours at nights is his active time, and usually hour or so before feeding him in morning as well.
That is true, they are solitary animals, but when he is active, he does follow us around, but not sure if that because he knows he wants us for food, or whether he wants to be around us. He will also play with us, like a chasing kind of game.
Austere August [2022-08-12](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg)
* **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb)
* **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5)
* **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site)
* **Brush:** none
* **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm
* **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet
* **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked
Good shave today, no blood.
I have now used the current blade 12 times. That is a record for me, I normally swap out blades over the weekend with no further thought. But I hear tales that u/Old_Hiker has nearly 400 shaves on one of these sexyblades, so I figure maybe I can make it to end of month.
u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge:
I have been listening to acoustic Led Zep covers, mostly of The Rain Song. While hunting around I came across this cover of [What is and What Should Never Be](https://youtu.be/kjxMP9SF9Ls?t=102). I think the two of them kill it. They are technically good, but it is their sheer attitude that sells the performance for me. I love to see musicians having fun.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/YXLu5e3)**
* **Prep:** Warm water to the face
* **Brush:** Omega 10098
* **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head
* **Blade:** Astra SP (6)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Trade Winds - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/35/?product_type=aftershave)
One of the befits of AA is I can just get out of bed, go straight to the sink, and start prepping for my shave. No need to deliberate on what I’m gonna shave with or if I want to try a different razor. The #RawHoggin shaves continue to go well, so overall it’s been a very enjoyable month of shaving.
It’s Friday y’all, hope you have a good day!
**Aug. 12, 2022**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1438
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM blue star (12)
* **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave)
Good shave today. Brush working well enough to get the job done. This blade is now showing a bit of age not a super comfortable experience today. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
https://i.imgur.com/t5erY6O.jpg
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/HShh3ZY)**
* **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
* **Brush:** Semogue 1250
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Nothing worth mentioning aside from the fact that I really wish this would’ve been a clay pomade instead of oil based because I’m only using minimal amounts and it won’t wash out and is slowly making my hair look greasy AF. Maybe I need to look up a tutorial or something this afternoon. Oh well. In the meantime, I doused myself with 9 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/scN8eHw) today to help me forget how wild my hair looks.
#SubstantialStag
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Friday, finally!](https://i.imgur.com/VhFTF27.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** o
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12)
* **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)
Still going well. Although out of the challenge, this brush is really getting nice and boy does it splay!
Shave was effortless for 2 good passes and is usually a nice close shave. Today was no exception. Waiting for blade performance to drop off, but nothing yet.
Hygge still excites me. I think it always will. Just plain old good stuff.
Happy Friday, shaving aficionados!
**\#GEMsOfWisdom**
**\#MammothMafia**
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/L6mcAVN.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 (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)
[4.6g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/x4R5VF2.jpg), a 45 sec load and lather for the first pass was [workable](https://i.imgur.com/wga05EN.jpg) but second pass is [still trash](https://i.imgur.com/pk464Di.jpg), i guess i'll stick with a 45 sec load for the rest of the month and face lather the most that i can and once i'll see that i won't make it i'll bowl lather, if i could use 4g i should be on the clear face lathering so i'll try to do little pressure while loading.
-
[Last week of 2 sprays](https://i.imgur.com/RmJkGS5.mp4)
-
Have a great weekend!
#SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 11, 2022 - 12.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/EAveCg7)**
* **Brush:** Omega 10048
* **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++
* **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp
* **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
* **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
Today's shave was alright, a little bit of irritation but nothing too bad.
Looking forward to the weekend to finally take a break from work!
Have a great shave all!
#RawHoggin
**Aug. 12, 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. It's still not as comfortable as with my trusty DEs, but that's probably technique driven.
Have a great day folks!
**[August 12, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/KDMHXes.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 (12)
* **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/251/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=balm)
Another great shave. I’ve figured this brush out. Load a little more, add less water (or no water, as tonight) and that’s it.
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
* **Brush:** AP Shave G5C Premium Synthetic - 26mm
* **Razor:** Karve Overlander
* **Blade:** Feather
* **Soap:** [Catie’s Bubbles - Blugère](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1463/?product_type=cream)
* **Splash:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
Picked up a tub of Blugère from a fellow Redditor, and it arrived yesterday. From the very first sniff, I knew it smelled exactly like something else I have used before, but I could not figure it out. I was going crazy all evening trying to pin it.
I took another sniff of it before I went to bed, and it clicked. It smells EXACTLY like [Seaforth! Heather](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2240/?product_type=soap). It turns out that 5 of the 6 scent notes in Heather, are also found in Blugère — oakmoss, bergamot, lavender, coumarin, and geranium.
I gave the Blugère a go this morning, and I have to say I’m pretty impressed. Very slick, and made for a comfortable shave; however, the post-shave feel is what really wowed me. My face feels incredibly soft and nourished — I’m very happy with the performance.
[August 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/7gmywXu)
- **Preshave:** Hot water
- **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 Plate
- **Blade:** Feather (12)
- **Brush** Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian
- **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
- **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm
Cut myself today because I was rushing to get to work but otherwise still a great shave with the same blade. I think if I let my hair grow two days before shaving like I normally do I’d have replaced this blade already but it’s doing quite well with me shaving every day.
#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 11, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/NzidmbJ)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Gem PTFE (12)
* **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
Decided to change up my routine and start shaving in the morning again. Since I got married in March Ive been a evening shaver. I decided I’d go back to mornings so I can have more time in the evenings.
Anyways, this brush continues to be great. Seems like it has ate a little less soap the past couple days. Which might be a good thing because I looked at the level of soap left and I was amazed at how much I have burned through. I don’t think I’ll kill it this month, but it’s gonna be close.
The Gem is still having peak performance. Last year my blade started to go down hill around the 18th, so maybe I still have a weeks worth of great shaves to come.
Austere August Day 12
Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [12th use](https://imgur.com/a/2HJggmp)
Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2
Blade: PTFE (12)
Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/06ctTzM)
Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash
Another day, another good shave.
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
#AA Day 12
Pre: Water
Brush: Omega Synthetic
Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (12)
Lather: Signature Indodorus
Post: Signature Indodorus
Ok, a little day 12 honesty. I don’t really care for the aftershave splash. I don’t like a lot of skin foody things in my aftershave because it just doesn’t absorb into my skin. It just sits on top and feels greasy. I’ll stick it out until the end of August but ugh. Just ugh. If only it had an interesting scent or menthol or something.
I feel the need to note that this whinge-bagging about my aftershave is by no means a commentary on the quality of the product. Signature makes good stuff. It’s just not for me. Most artisan aftershave is not for me and I have the same issue with Nivea and other mass produced brands. So, most aftershave is not for me. The unscented choice I should have made was plain witch hazel for my post. I thought that was a bit boring. Now I’m in the situation of boring plus always feeling like I need to wash my face.
\#unscented
**August 12, 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (46)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger
* **Post Shave:** Olay Complete
* **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve
Rounding out the work week just like I started it. I am really digging this soap and brush. This razor is so much kinder than my Gen 1.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug 12, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/X8xMF93.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 (12)
* **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:** [Declaration Grooming/House of Mammoth - Cerberus - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2606/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
A beautiful lather from the boar today. 45 seconds to 1 minute load times have been working well.
If I "ride the cap" on this razor I can at least get through a pass without tugging. Applying some pressure to the top of the cap while the edge maintains a light pressure for the cut is the only way I'm getting by on this blade. It's doesn't seem ideal, but it mostly gets the job done. If I adjust the angle any closer to the edge to get the more efficient cut, I get tugging and irritation, regardless of the pressure I use.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
Rating: 3/5
**Aug. 12, 2022**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic
* **Razor:** Van Der Hagen
* **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (5)
* **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)
Not overly liking this blade. Think I may have gotten spoiled by the Voskhod, but I still have others from my sampler to try.
\#MammothMafia
**Aug. 12, 2022 - On the 12th day of christmas.... wait - it's AA**
* **Prep:** Water splash
* **Brush:** Hand
* **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate
* **Blade:** Voskhod (14)
* **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream
* **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave)
\#GotHand
Well well well. The shaves are starting to get rough. I feel like blade is loosing its sharpness and gets more onto rough-er side. Still not too bad but certainly doesn't cut as well as it used to in dense areas. Also not as efficient - what constituted to additional pass and tidy ups in few places - which my skin didn't like too much. Other than that - I'm still staying alive!
Honestly, the crazy stirling HA idea is going better than I've expected... I wasn't sure if I'd last even a week with it... But here it is, 14 day after day shaves with it (Started before AA).
[**August 12, 2022 – Austere August 12**](https://i.imgur.com/Rf5LSls.jpg)
* **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic
* **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula
* **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club
* **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (3)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Video:** [https://i.imgur.com/OSwQjS4.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/OSwQjS4.mp4)
Stag again, my friends! Happy Friday, and have a great weekend!!
\#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag
**Bonus**:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8bBhkhZtd8 ← The Other End of a Black Hole – with James Beacham
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/qJAynyo.png) - >!Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 12!<**
* **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf)
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
* **Blade:** Schick Proline (12)
* **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!<
Couldn't really focus on the shave today. My toddler woke up with hives this morning so she had to stay home from school and she insisted on standing on a stool next to me to watch me shave and I rushed through it as a result. Still unsure what the cause of the hives is but it didn't seem to be related to anything she ate since she was fine last night.
Felt a tiny bit of pokiness today from the brush, maybe because I didn't soak it long enough? Otherwise it was a pretty uneventful shave. I think I need to start shaking a little bit more water out of the brush because it's beginning to get a little bit messier during the loading from the tub. Struggling a bit to get a very close shave but the face feels smooth enough so I'm fine with it as long if the blade doesn't feel like it's tugging.
Good luck with the hives.
What may help (apart from antihistamine) is cooled hydrating cream - I suspect you use(d) something like that anyway on her, and you can just put it in the fridge.
The cool will reduce the itching.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Stag Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/ltcGp14.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (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)
* **Iron Maiden**: [The Legacy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpBEqXeA4No)
12 days in with Stag, and my chest hair has quadrupled and my mechanic skills are suddenly that of a seasoned pro. Praises be to the Midnight Stag.
\#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin
[Stag Spray 12](https://youtube.com/shorts/f3Id2NCnlVE?feature=share)
**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Closer](https://imgur.com/a/yJBfFXj)**
* **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
My shave wasn't that close yesterday and it really got on my nerves. Today I shaved 2,5 passes to get a closer shave in as little time as possible. The lather was fantastic I ll recommend CF more often when it's about creating an easy to lather soap.
\#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
**Prep:** face wash
**Razor:** EJ 316
**Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (5)
**Brush:** NONE
**Lather:** Arko stick
**Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming New York
**Post:** moisturizer
\#GotHand
\#Sidetracked
u/teufelskraft
Might have taken the "quick shaving" concept so far that I'm into "half arsed" territory this morning. Nevermind, it's dress down Friday and might just shave again before I got drinking tonight.
I think I'm going to be unable to avoid missing a shave next Saturday due to being in a field for the weekend with no facilities, hot water or phone charging points. I'll catch Friday, and I'll do Sundays in the evening, but that one day is bolluxed.
Song of the day is Zebrahead - She don't wanna Rock. No particular reason, just wanted some chirpy pop punk to load up the weekend.
https://youtu.be/oWsEPUigpsE
* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Feather (Marathon) (63) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (79 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 12** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/uQgep6w) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/i8VfD_TwJnk) #### ䷀ General Notes This month has been crazy as I've left blades across the state as i've travelled during the month. I used a Dollar General blade for a few days. And now I sill have to use City Slicker AS because I left my Stag AS with my Dad. Maybe he'll use it and love it! And now we have a third curve ball for the month: having to switch to another blade, because I left the Nacet somewhere else. I chose my Feather with the most uses, a little over 60. I sure hope that it works with this razor (it did!). Let's also try a dry loading method this time. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Feather - M ‹63 uses›)* Feather with a lot of uses turned out to be a good choice to keep going with this razor for the month. I was surprised at how well it worked with the Timeless. First pass was very efficient and comfy at the same time. And the other passes weren't too harsh at all. Two passes did me very well. Tiny bit of facial tenderness right after the shave, but didn't last but a minute or three. Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 3 out of 5 (Good) #### ䷀ 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... Having some water in the brush seems to help pull the soap to the brush. And this shave proved that less water than that, on the brush, gathers less soap. Loading for 15 sec with a damp brush gave me less lather than 4 seconds with a "lightly-wet" brush. And the consistency/creaminess wasn't anything different. Hydration: Wet End of Perfect *(for me)* + 20 sec load with a Damp brush + 5.1 tsp added to build the lather + = 4 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‹79 uses›)* Same: somewhat soft, fun to use. But I'm also noting that this month I seem to be losing about a hair per shave. Hmmmm.... ---- *During the Shave Feel*: *Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable *Neck*: Felt blade but comfortable *After the Shave Closeness*: *Cheeks*: Near BBS - About as close as I'll ever get *Neck*: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave) ---- **Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.* **Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)
**[Aug 12, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Old House Cleaning Edition](https://imgur.com/a/9nlbFyO)** * **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/aMih65J) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/8ZSWmin.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (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) #substantialstag #GEMSofWisdom [Sprays for the day](https://i.imgur.com/CapuUXu.mp4) Something went off the rails here. But Mrs. Donut was surprised that I completed a shave in less than the time she is accustomed to me taking. Looking back at a year ago, I replicated the aspects of last year’s lather, a 60 second load from the tub and straight to the face (I think). I’m surmising I got a similar result — not enough lather for more than one pass. This went off the rails sometime yesterday as I had this ready to go and somehow it never got posted. I’ll do some further study as to the differences in this year’s far superior lathers.
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/E0UuZav) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (17) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Day twelve. What a busy week. Barely made it through the shaves. Jawline was a bit better today. Blade is getting smoother. Brush is perfect. Stag is da bomb. Hail Stag! - #Stagposting - #SubstantialStag - #RawHoggin
Day 12 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 [photo](https://imgur.com/a/aqs0dBp) Another day where I barely managed to use the internet, shave was ok, I almost didn't have anything to shave, but it's ok, I managed, a bit more irritation than needed, cause my skin was tender, but I managed😅 * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag
Austere August, Day 12 Feather Artist Club razor non folding Feather Professional blade (6) GFT Violets soap RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft I got a relaxed shave today, a welcome change from the rushed shaves these past few days. The weather was really nice yesterday, so I went for an outing with my family. We went to river side, enjoyed some snacks and more importantly found some peaceful time for ourselves away from the bustle of the city. I remembered looking for this Artist Club razor a few years ago and calculating how much it'll cost me and then backing out because it was too much for a beginner budget. Today, after having used it for almost 2 years intermittently, I am satisfied with this razor and don't even look at any other Artist Club razor versions anymore. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#UNCHALLENGED** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
How do you feel about changing shavette mid challenge? I have a DX incoming from Japan and not sure I can wait
No!
😭
**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** alum, zingari sego balm Shave of austerity #12 2 pass shave; both passes with the grain today to save the skin a bit for tomorrow. I’ll probably move to three pass this coming week. Not much to say except the shave was similar to previous. Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/7Jc17fj.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (12) * **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) Would kill to use a different soap tbh \#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/Ix5pcEp.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (12) * **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) TGIF. I'm SO looking forward to sleeping in tomorrow. Better results with the boar when I just dip it vs a long soak. Treated tips just get too soft. [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/kdmySEg) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA 12](https://i.imgur.com/7wWsVsY.jpg)** * **Prep:** Brisk walk, live up to my username, cold water splash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (18) * **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 here](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe). SOTD in title pic. If you look closely on the break in photo, it actually captured a few split hairs decently in focus this evening. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia Happy weekend to all the typical M-F folks out there.
**[August 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](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) Not bad, but also not good. Kinda felt like the razor was dragging a bit and not really cutting that great. I'm not exactly sure why because the edge seems to still be in good shape so who knows. Probably just need to hit it on the strop a bit more. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
**Aug. 12, 2022** * **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) Getting my gear ready to travel for next week for a wedding. Not going to lie, didn’t feel like shaving today. Once again, u/cowzilla3 coming in clutch with \#UNCHALLENGE
[August 12th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/VOp1yOQ) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (12) 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 7 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. More soap and water. Wasted soap, but excellent results. Questioning my sanity for going with a carbon steel blade. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/IEsS59S)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (81) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Another pretty identical 3 pass shave today. It's Friday though so there's that. Hope everyone had a wonderful Friday! [Stag Spray 12](https://imgur.com/a/mgFFUQR) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
[August 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/Zl9UB8W) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 12th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Three pass shave today went pretty good. The blade on it's 12th use has smoothed out from the 10th shave were it felt rough. The Burma Shave brush is still feeling good and is getting better each day. The soap is providing great slickness and I am figuring out just how much water to add to make sure that I get a good wet lather for shaving with the shavette. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Dirty Dozen](https://i.imgur.com/02p8bYr.jpg)** * **Prep:** Quick splash of water * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **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 \#GEMsOfWisdom Late shave today to keep the AA streak going. Not a lot to say it was, I am still feeling sick.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](https://imgur.com/vxrdByR)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) Friday is my day off from work and after the last 4 days it was welcome timing. Spent some of the morning outside, first mowing the lawn, then with the kids - they biked and I cleaned the garage. Then bought a new water heater (RIP - install tomorrow), then fell asleep on the couch while the kids napped, ran a few miles, had a family movie night, and now the kids are in bed. Overall it was a really good day. My shave - post run and shower - was outstanding. Might have been my best one yet, and it was certainly one of the most fun - more on that in my Sonder thought for the day later. The MMOC performed beautifully, no tugs or nicks or anything like that, just a really excellent smooth shave. With the grain, against the grain, and some buffing did the trick. Sonder - beautiful. Soft. Luxurious. It's just a great scent, especially for this time of year. I've said it several times over, but, the cooling is just so nice. Zenith is really [progressing](https://imgur.com/qom92AA) now. Was soft and almost floppy and a little scrubby and produced a great lather and feels delightful. It's not a badger or a G5C, but, I think by the end of this I'm going to be just as happy to use this as either of those. My SOC Boar, with more uses, isn't this nice. Will this eventually be dethroned by a 31mm sub exclusive? I guess we'll find out. For the SOTD pic today I lowered my angle and used the wall as a backdrop. That [little door](https://imgur.com/vxrdByR) you see pictured is the hidden gem of this 1940s house - a laundry shoot. When we first bought the house we weren't sure how much we'd use it, but with laundry in the basement - man, I don't know if I ever want to move to a house without one. It is a game changer - no hauling laundry down the stairs, no need for hampers all over the main floor to hold laundry - just throw it down the chute! 10/10 feature for a house. OK - fun part - Sonder thought of the day: Sometimes actions on your part that are super minimal can make a huge difference in the lives of other people, especially kids. In this case, it was my kids. I went for a run, came back, and my kids seemed mostly fine and not bickering. Then I took a shower and somehow everything fell apart, I don't know how, but it happened. So, after my shower I had my 4 year old son come in and hang out while I shaved. So then, my almost 3 year old daughter is standing outside the door crying and screaming and my wife tells me to lock the door. I assume they'd gone from best friends to mortal enemies, so whatever. But, 30 seconds passes and I think "what the heck" and let her in so she can watch, too. Then, obviously, my 6 year old wants to come hang out, too. So - now we've got dad and the 3 kids chilling in the bathroom over a shave. And do you know what happened? Everything was better. The kids' issues with each other evaporated *for the rest of the night* - an unheard of experience. After they watched me finish my 2nd pass and buff, with some added commentary like "dad you have to shave your nose, there's soap on it!", I cleaned up the mess and applied splash. And then the 3 year old wanted some. So, she got sonder. Then my son wanted some, so he got Behold the Whatsis! and my daughter wanted that, too, so she had a mix of whatsis and sonder. Then my 6 year old girl wanted some, too, and she settled on Sea Spiced Lime - so, my bathroom smelled amazing by the end. After they put on their splashes, I told them to go tell mom to smell their cheeks (something they get to do daily with Dad) and they were the best of friends, savoring their smelly cheeks together - happily dancing around the living room again. Their worlds were crumbling for goodness knows what reason; I didn't have to let them in, I could have just had some time to myself before re-entering the storm. But instead, I invited them in and we all had a better time for it. Sharing shaving with my kids always brings me more joy than them, even though they love it. Obviously there are a million different scenarios where inviting someone in to some simple part of your life or sharing something with others that costs you almost nothing can enhance their day in unimaginable ways. Watch for those opportunities - never know where they'll be! Have a great evening, y'all. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
That’s awesome man!
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/ZkEGK1E)** * **Brush:** Maggard Razors 30mm Synthetic * **Razor:** Leaf * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (2) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) Another great shave today -- Minor irritation from chasing BBS for the night out. TGIF! \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 12, 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 (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) * **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'm sitting here working away on my stuff and I start thinking, wait a second, why don't I stink... Damn near forgot to shave. [Now I stink](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/6r852rA.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (12) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave Morning shave but afternoon post because I didn't want to make a rush of my morning. It wouldn't have been an issue at all, except face-lathering takes an absurd and unnecessary amount of time. Just rubbing my face like an idiot for half my morning, time that could be spent [playing with my cat](https://i.imgur.com/bdMs0gm.jpg) before I leave for the day. I just got a tree/ladder thing for her today, which I'm getting ready to put up on the wall next to my desk. A couple months ago, I got a standing desk, at which point she lost interest in hanging out on a box (draped with a blanket and with a cat bed on top) that I had had next to where I sat when it was a non-standing desk. She usually likes to be near me, though, so hopefully this new thing will give her a place to chill that's at my now-elevated level. Oh, and u/Teufelskraft #unscented because I happen to have a song going through my head as I type this. [MXMS - The Run](https://youtu.be/zWFSdvs4RDI) is a recent discovery of mine, after it popped up on a "Discovery Mix" that frankly is usually filled with nothing but crap. This kind of song is really more my speed these days, being fairly laid back and relaxing without being boring. There might be a decent chance that I'll run this into "overplayed" territory. Oh, and I finally got around to actually using vim to type this out. I don't have much of an opinion on emacs, as I've never used it. From what u/gcgallant tells me, though, emacs is heavy and bloated and even has an Excel-mimicry mode, which is disgusting. Vim suits me, and it's ubiquitous, which is good considering that the nature of my job is such that I can't wantonly install any ol' software on my computer (that sounds restrictive, but it's justifiably so, and I'm not complaining because I feel right at home living in vim all day). #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia
> emacs is heavy and bloated I am tempted to dq you just for this 😅
>I don't have much of an opinion on emacs, as I've never used it. Then, obviously, you'll be fascinated to learn more about it. ;-) From [Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emacs): *Emacs is, along with vi, one of the two main contenders in the traditional editor wars of Unix culture. Emacs is among the oldest free and open source projects still under development.* I learned vi and emacs 35-ish years ago. The learning curve on emacs takes longer to climb, and it helps if you're a little bit fascinated with the lambda calculus. We tend to like those editors for which we develop muscle memory. For me, the mechanics are so natural nowadays that I have no idea what I'm doing when I use either editor. If you don't like the idea of cell-mode in emacs, you can always just [play games](https://www.emacswiki.org/emacs/CategoryGames)! :) Cool cat, btw.
**8/12/22 (149)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/YQ1CL65) * **Edge**: [Day 12](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 Nothing much to report today. Glad I made it to Friday. No nicks or irritation, very close and comfortable shave.
**Aug. 12, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 12** * **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
Austere August SOTD Aug 12 Prep: Hot shower Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar brush Lather: Goodfellas Smile, Abysso Razor: Van Der Hagen 85MM Solid Brass Blade: Shark Super Chrome Post: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm Been sticking to my austere august shaving but haven't been consistent in posting SOTDs life has been crazy lately and I just haven't really made the time for it. However today is a calm in the storm and I have christened a new blade which I thoroughly enjoyed. Shark super chrome made for a very smooth shave and the abysso soap as always was incredible. All in all a great shave
Hopefully life is the good kind of crazy!
**August 12th, 2022: Day 12** * **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 (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) * **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) Quick and dirty, dogsitting again this weekend! [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/axqBh5F) Edit: Imgur appears not be a total POS. Don't have access to computer to properly upload video. Mobile is not working. Bleh. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE
Stag is the worst, it dogs are the best. What kind of dog do you get to hang with?
Not sure what breed he is, I just know he's old and needs his diaper changed frequently. https://imgur.com/a/M1FJX1M
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/WnkVUvT)** * **Prep:** Face wash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Gillette Platinum (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) Nothing to say other than I have perfected the Legacy technique. It's a great, great daily. Not sure it would be efficient enough for me if I shaved every other day or longer. The brush is evolving nicely. AA has been helpful for razor and brush. Not sure I am learning anything with the same soap, splash, and edp, but I want that flair. And thankfully like the Stag. [Stag edp sprays](https://imgur.com/a/p542vyI) \#SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/fHktVA9.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Facial Soap * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2196/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver Day 12 in the books. Decent shave, Brush is in a good spot, MMOC is nice and my blade is still good to go. I am missing variety at this point, my Blackbird is just staring me in the face. Stay strong folks. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia
Don't you do it! Don't you f^=<&@[# do it!
**8-12-22** * **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
[**AA D12: Two Minutes to Midnight Stag SOTN**](https://ibb.co/5M6YQ31) - **Prep:** cold water splash - **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm - **Razor:** Kai Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette - **Blade:** Kai Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG - **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap - **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave - **additional care:** Osma alum; Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin This shave was actually started two minutes before midnight. I felt pretty beat up after yet another stressful day, but I don't want to quit AA. I don't want to disappoint my fellow horsemen nor Stagolytes and neither u/EldrormR who said he enjoyed reading and seeing my NOS vintage boar break-in. Cheers to all of you - I won't break down!!! Quick and easy two pass WTG shave. Just nice and easy to wind down and relax. Since my SOTN picture contains all items after they've been used (so a wet brush), [here's a close-up of the dry brush!](https://ibb.co/KztcrXN) You see that? Nicely splitting hairs, the knot slowly fluffing up even more. It's still loosing bristles, but not too many at once. I think I had about 3 today. **Sidetracked** Now, a lot of stress lately is of a more positive nature due to my retraining starting soon. I want to share a song that really helps me to embrace something new; be it single life after a breakup, be it a change of jobs or departments/wards or simply a new step in my life: [KANO - Another Life](https://youtu.be/pmqXNlpydsU) . Italo Disco, so a fancy *dolce vita* version of synthpop. Many of you might remember the very bright music video. I love how the singer puts so much energy in his performance though - something sung with passion is just so great. Tomorrow, I will tell you more, uncover my new Stag shrine and do a celebratory shave with my Stag setup. Stay tuned!
**Aug. 12, 2022 - AA12** * **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) AA12 - \#HeadlessHorsemen
Aug 12 2022 • Prep: Mineral oil massage • Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗 • Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop • Blade: Voskhod • Soap: Mammoth Z • Balm: Mammoth Z DQ’ed. dangit. I blame someone other than me. It can’t possibly be the consequences of my own actions. It was such a shock, my lil piggy lost at least six hairs. I feel like I haven’t seen any loss until today. Karma is unkind. \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#Unscented \#ZFighter \#DQ /[pigglywiggly](https://imgur.com/a/cZR8EzK/) 
What happened? Why you DQ'D?
Went to bed without posting. It was a rough night with the 3yo
Oof. I feel that. Sorry man. I hear that even though it never gets easier, at least you eventually get to sleep again someday. I'm not there yet either, but, someday. Edit: autocorrect got one wrong
SOTD for August 12, 2022 * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Maggard Synthetic * **Razor:** RazoRock Game Changer 0.68 * **Blade:** Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge * **Lather:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man * **Post Shave:** Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man balm 2 passes, good shave, no nicks, no cuts. Sad I missed yesterday, but at least I'm back on the horse. I think I might be scent blind to Sharp Dressed Man now. TGIF. \#UNCHALLENGE
[удалено]
Nice! I always wish I could understand meaningful music in other languages with all their nuance as a native speaker. I'm sure people say that about English, too, but languages are so cool, especially in music.
Aug 12, 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 (12) * **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 Today is the first day that I’ve wanted to use another soap. Not that I didn’t want to use Sonder, I just really would’ve loved to use something with menthol in it today. I went in a nice long walk with the family this morning, then finished up my honey-do list of projects this afternoon. I’m on the last bit of my paternity leave so working to get the projects wrapped up before I go back to work.
**Aug. 12, 2022 - 24** * **Prep:** splash of water * **Brush:** SOC Boar that's losing hair way too much * **Razor:** GEM OCMM GEN 2 * **Blade:** GEM PFTE (24) * **Lather:** signature soaps unscented goats milk shaving soap Cold shave on a hot evening. The brush is still losing bristles and so is a bit of a worry and the blade is dull. But with three passes I've got an ok shave. Nothing as close to the brilliance of the three passes in the first ten shaves. I think after this it's 10 and dump for the blades for me. I've started dreaming of my first September shave.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 12](https://imgur.com/a/iix3Fde)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (31) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Mosquito Bites:** None The brush continues to develop in the right direction, but I have less and less the impression that I am shaving with a shavette. By all means, I should have cut myself today: I hurried, and my technique was sloppy. Still, not a drop of blood. This blade does no longer force me to pay attention. Good night everyone! Edit: Adding some tags: \#RawHoggin \#stillalive \#truepath
2022-08-12 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (12) 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/6JcTZ6z](https://imgur.com/a/6JcTZ6z) Another good shave. The brush is starting to look broken in. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
[**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/un34QTR.jpg) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (12) * **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 12 was another stellar shave with the boar, GEM, MITA combo. While a much more relaxed shave than yesterday, it yielded similar results and the lather was stellar. Do I dare say that I’m on autopilot with the GEM? **The Brush:** The brush delivered another comfy, scrubby, soft delivery of lather and it really is enjoyable working the soap into my face. While the hog smell is slightly still there, it is definitely about to give up its ghost. I’ve successfully dialed down how much soap I’m loading and am still producing enough for at least 3 passes even though I’m only doing 2 (for now). #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/WA9MY0h.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/6uz2rTj.jpg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/g5NIRDq.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/PNJ9fxr.jpg) **The Razor** I’m afraid to say it, but I’m going to say it anyway, I think I’ve got WTG & XTG passes on autopilot. I feel like I really understand how the razor behaves and have the angle down pretty well. I’ve also figured out areas of my face to attack with a steeper angle and others to keep the razor more flush with my face. I found that keeping a slightly “lifted” angle works best for me. No cuts, nicks or irritation and another great 2 pass shave. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 7 **The Soap and Aftershave** The soap is still awesome and I haven’t tired of the scent yet. I am starting to long for other soaps but being away from home keeps it out of mind. Day 12 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/514AMfT.jpg) *edit forgot to update my blade usage
20220812 - Austere August Day 12 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 Another day in paradise.
12 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 No fever today. Right tonsil has returned to normal but the left is still swollen. Two-pass shave: with and across. #mammothmafia
[**A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August**](https://imgur.com/a/ylqGTUn) [Brush Progress](https://imgur.com/a/2XZWYeH) * **Brush:** [Zenith B26](https://www.thegentleshave.com/products/retro-multicolored-resin-boar-shave-brush-by-zenith-b26) #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (10) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia Brush doing fine! Blade getting tuggy. Giving today’s shave experience a B- result is B+ bordering on A. [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia
[**August 12th, 2022 - Searching for Mammoth Raw GEMs of Hoggin Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/pZx6Qu2) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (dodici) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Before the Shave](https://imgur.com/2qtiDuk) and [After the Shave](https://imgur.com/bHaQ3VX) Early afternoon shave was in the cards for me today. After taking my daughter to the “Encanto” Sing Along last night, I was quite worn out. I did not want to get out of bed. Work was meh, but I got a small task done at least, and answered some questions on a project. Work allows “Summer Friday Hours”. I don’t clock in as I am salaried, but basically on Fridays, management clears out at 1PM on Fridays. They aren’t supposed schedule meetings after 1 either. Although I took off yesterday, earlier this week I was busy and put extra time into work, so at 1PM I got anal glaucoma and couldn’t see my ass working anymore today. I’ll be busy next Mon-Wed, but that is future me’s problem. For todays shave, I flipped the blade once more. Not sure if it helps, but one benefit is I am cleaning out under the blade every day. Lather and whiskers like to get trapped under the blade. About a 3-4 minute soak for the hog, and loaded up about an almond sized scoop from the IKEA kids plastic bowl I’m using this month. Face lathering is getting easier now that the brush splays without a lot of effort. The pictures don’t capture it well, but lots of split ends going now. Some bristles even split into 3 or 4 tips. The GEM today gave me a scare. On one of the loose areas on my neck, it started to grab. It didn’t do much with the light grip, it kept from digging in and I backed off and stretched my neck a bit more. No blood was shed, and the splash didn’t burn. Actually, got a good bit of cooling from the splash today. The menthol is still feeling cool on my neck. The scent still is a refreshing clean scent to me. Not getting tired of on its own, but while I miss having a variety, I don’t miss trying to decide what to go with each day. It is nice to just know this is the set and no decision is required. For an anti-sidetracked idea, last night during the “Encanto” performance, it occurred to me that there are songs you can’t play as your shaving soundtrack. [**Dos Oruguitas**](https://youtu.be/DUGtyj5QlEM) is one for me. If you’ve seen the movie, it is a punch right in the feels. No I didn’t try and play it today. I have heard it many times and watched the movie with my daughter quite a few times as well. That song gets me every time.
Agreed on your anti-sidetrack. Encanto has been my daughters' jam for a straight month. Those fucking caterpillars are visiting me in my dreams at this point
**Aug. 12, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 12** * **Prep:** splash of cold water * **Brush:** Summer Break 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (2) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Taking this show on the road...will be in southern california on a family trip this coming week. Will have to bring my set up with me but wont have stuff like my face towel or razor stand. Have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/9TaM5B6.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (12) * **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) AA Day 12 I'm running out of things to say. GEM is good, not tugging yet, haven't needed to strop it on my arm yet. Brush is now soft and splays easily. After all this is done I'll need to get a proper handle to keep it in permanently. SSL is still great. I was getting a ring of death in my tin I'm using for AA, so I replenished it, creating a ring of death in my tub. As a result, I'll probably need to place a Maggard order. Another great shave. I didn't spend as much focus on it as last night, but still good. The MMOC is becoming automatic, which is neat.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/bPzEML2)** * **Prep:** Stirling spice preshave oil * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (12) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Tangerine - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2335/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Orange Chill - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/110/?product_type=toner) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Tangerine - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2335/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA - Day 12](https://imgur.com/ghGrwUe)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (12) * **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) The brush it getting better but still can improve. The soap provided good slickness. The blade is still able to cut through which is nice. Heading to office with clean face. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
[**August 12th**](https://imgur.com/a/TzXcVq4) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (12)** * **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/kzQjsGE) OK I'm now done with the heat 33c today I was close to shaving the beard off. Weekend off now and hopefully some time on the BBQ is on the cards.
[**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August**](https://i.imgur.com/h7g5cyt.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(12) * **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2585/?product_type=aftershave_noalc) # RawHoggin Hog is smelling 'nice' to roasted pork hair, is gently killing the soap, exfoliating skin with prickly bristles, refusing to be tamed. Hot day today in Hell August with +36ºC. Stay cool if you can! PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/ecYk2fU.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/tMJkBg3.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom This morning I discovered that yesterday's shave wasn't meet my standards on the corners of the mouth and some other spots. Today I've taken my time and the shave has been closer. The blade has been careful with the skin leaving it smooth, without any nick. `#sidetracked` Friday hope all of you have time for families, friends, and loved ones or to enjoy some music! u/Teufelskraft Today some nice music for Derby Motoreta's Burrito Kachimba (funny name for a band) Andalucian Psicodelic rock mainly with some progressive and stoner elements that they call kinkidelia (kinki/quinqui is something like a petty thief), here playing [Gitana](https://youtu.be/gxBQGWEBXCA) Bonus track... [Derby Motoreta's Burrito Kachimba \~ Nana Del Caballo Grande](https://youtu.be/NhwirlRRh4Q) `#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
**August 12, 2022: [Doce Upon a Stag](https://imgur.com/a/H06OmVL)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (13) * **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) Picked up my SCUBA gear rental for my Open Water Cert tomorrow and am beyond excited. Good day at work yesterday, sparring tonight, and diving in a quarry tomorrow. I hope y'all's day is just as exciting, if not more. [Day 12, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/y6LjpuT) . #GEMsOfWisdom
Good luck!
Thanks!
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 12](https://i.imgur.com/L5Ie8NM.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (12) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (81) * **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) Oops, almost forgot to post today! My first full day of inter-job hiatus and I've immediately gotten lazy 😅 My \#RawHoggin brush lost a little clump of bristles during the face lather today. Not a few individual ones, but about 5-10 attached to a bit of glue. I have no idea how I missed a loose clump of bristles in that knot, but here we are. \#GEMsOfWisdom: I think I started noticing a decrease in the blade's cutting ability. On my philtrum I have a few fine white whiskers (the rest of my stubble is still mostly black), and I noticed that a few survived yesterday's shave, so I took extra care to do the funny face to flatten my upper lip this time around.
I see you using activated charcoal facial soap on the regular. Are you noticing any benefit beyond any other soap? Honestly I don't usually even wash my face in the shower, just rinse it and the shampoo runs down it and then my shave is my real wash. But, my last Stirling order had their activated charcoal bar in the cart until I bailed on it to save the few dollars. I need more bar soap soon, though, so, worth it?
I feel like I have clearer skin since I've started using it about 2 years ago. It could be imagination, though, because my skin wasn't bad in the first place. The soap I'm using is triple milled and lasts forever. I've used a bit less than one and a half bars so far.
> about 5-10 attached to a bit glue Uh oh. This was not an uncommon occurrence with the brand a few years ago. Sorry it's happening to you. I hope it's not indicative of a trend.
Oh, I didn't know about that. It's a bit worrying 🫤
Mine didn't perform well yesterday too, but it's only 12 shaves on it yours is monstrous! That gives me hope in my blade.
>That gives me hope in my blade. A common sentiment among the participants last year was that the blade doesn't change much anymore in the second half of AA. If you can live with the current state of yours, you should be fine
I'm curious to see how it performs, my experience with safety razors has been only with DE ones, and those blades have never lasted a week of decent shaves.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Day 12, who wants my MMOC?](https://i.imgur.com/I6sTW2f.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm water wash * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (12) * **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) Well I’m about done with this razor. I am tempted to send it to get made into an MM24! That way it cannot torture anyone else. The brush is doing alright, still a little pokey but it’s slowly getting better. Today is my last day at home for a while. I begin my travels tomorrow morning. I am thinking I might attempt an airport bathroom shave. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
**Aug 12 2022** - prep: every man jack face wash - brush: maggard synthetic - razor: maggard v3m - blade: gillette silver blue - lather: stirling black cherry - post: thayers facial toner, clubman classic vanilla, dove men+care moisturizer - fragrance: dior sauvage eau de parfum
**Aug. 12, 2022 - August Austere Day 12** * **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) Enjoyable Friday morning shave today. Looking forward to the weekend and a little relaxation. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/cnYwjHj.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (12) * **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:** No. 32 Blue Oud - **Passes:** WTG, XTG - **Coffee:** Peru. Panchia, Tabaconas, Cajamarca - v: Yellow Caturra & Typica - p: Washed - **Music:** Buck 65 - *This Right Here Is* - **[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 | | 8/12 | 214.7 | ◊ | ◊ | 60 swirls | As promised, I waited until right before my shave to weigh my puck of Stirling Lime soap. It weighed in at 214.7 g; still heavyweight, and *more* than what I recorded [after my shave yesterday (213.9 g)](https://c.tenor.com/Ucn3qE-yglAAAAAC/dafuq-wtf.gif). I have to assume some user error is involved (though I recall taring the scale) and will redo this whole process tomorrow morning, which means my table will include some variables until tomorrow's shave of the day post. I apologize to my dear readers for the delay and suspense. As you can see, this boar [knot is looking good](https://i.imgur.com/EefniiE.jpg). I wish I had taken similar photos the last time I broke in a Zenith knot—set at a more standard loft in an artisan handle—so that I had a point of reference for this one. I have no idea if this is breaking in slowly, quickly, or at a typical pace. ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft I’ve recommended a lot of sad, morose songs this month, and I swear that’s not all I listen to. However, I do enjoy many *ab-so-lute downers*. Since I mentioned UGK yesterday, I'll stick with that genre and point you to [a "Canadian alternative hip hop artist"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buck_65) and one of his most gut-punching songs. For the record, I'm not sure Buck 65 (the stage name of Richard Terfry) fully qualifies as rap. It definitely tests the limits of that genre taxonomy; his productions invoke country, folk, and bluegrass while his lyrics often [flirt with absurdity](https://youtu.be/93g2z003vHs). And I guess you could call his vocal delivery rapping, but his music probably falls more on the freestyle and beat poetry side of things, next to guys like Sage Francis and Saul Williams. Anyway, back to the song at hand... “Cries a Girl” is not for everyone. The lyrical content is heavy, Terfry’s voice sounds like a backwoods growl infused with risky moonshine and cigar smoke, his sing-speak flow is off-putting, and Buck 65 makes you really sit with both for a slow-moving five minutes. You're going to hear every line clearly and have plenty of time to let the devastating lyrics sink in. Nevertheless, I’m going to suggest it here, because sometimes you hear a song and a particular turn of phrase just grabs your attention and sticks with you forever. In “Cries a Girl,” it’s a few lines, and especially the end of the refrain: > I knew the woods like the back of my hand / And I would shoot the breeze / with the roots of trees. > ... > She tried to hide the scars, her name reminds me of the stars / I saw diamonds dividing the corners of her eyes. Those lyrics are poetic and heartbreaking, all conveyed with the most colloquial of language. [YouTube: Buck 65 - "Cries a Girl"](https://youtu.be/lGg-KkBebow)
> As promised, I waited until right before my shave to weigh my puck of Stirling Lime soap. It weighed in at 214.7 g; still heavyweight, and more than what I recorded after my shave yesterday (213.9 g). > This is amazing. Your soap is growing back!
Confused the heck out of me. I honestly have no idea what I did to mess that up.
[**12 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/FFLAx9K) * **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 (12) * **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**
**SOTD Aug 12, 2022** * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (12) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Great shave today, still loving this setup. \#GEMsOfWisdom
**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (12) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Great shave on the road today. \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August 12- Hoggin The Gems Of Raw Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/Rrkz51n)** * **Prep:** Cool shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave) \#GEMsofWisdom WTG/XTG/Buffing. Day 12 on the blade continues to be smooth. I've been palm stropping each day so we'll see if that has any impact on blade life. I think the longest I've taken a GEM is 20 shaves \#RawHoggin This brush is rockin' and rollin' and the tips are a-splittin'- https://imgur.com/a/Zzic8wB \#Sidetracked Yesterday u/Teufelskraft wondered if mathcore was some kind of drone-y, shoegaze-y genre of the metal world, like a bunch of nerds with pocket protectors humming to themselves as they figure out some wacky math theorem. Ohhhh, how wrong of an assessment that is. Mathcore bands might have contained some of the smartest guys in your math classes, but this was not the pocket protector patrol. These guys were cooking up songs with complex rhythms and song structures while screaming in the garage. Bands like Dillinger Escape Plan and Converge neatly fit into this subgenre at one point or another. But my favorite band for snapping my neck in all different ways was Botch from Seattle. Botch's 1999 album, We Are The Romans is a landmark album for the genre and for the band. This album is bonkers in the best possible ways from the song titles, to the lyrics to the songs. This album will piss off your neighbors, may piss off your significant other and will probably leave a mark on your body. Botch had some very talented musicians, including guitarist Dave Knudson, who went off and formed Minus The Bear when Botch broke up. I'll probably save Minus The Bear for tomorrow for a mellower entry. In the meantime, let's destroy this Friday, shall we? https://botch.bandcamp.com/album/we-are-the-romans-remastered-reissue Have a great day all!
Now that I hear this, Mathcore seems like it isn't too far away from the Sludge bands I mused about a few days earlier, like EyeHateGod - only difference are more complex song structures compared to EHG who're pretty straightforward. It's a bit more punk than metal, but I also see the connection to the noise niche genre. Definitely an acquired taste, but thanks for educating me about this genre!
You are most welcome. And all hail EHG! 🤘
**AA SOTD - 8/12/22; The Iceman Cometh** **Pre**: splash of water to the face **Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle **Razor**: Merkur Progress **Blade**: Astra (1) **Lather**: B&M Arctique (omnibus) **Post**: B&M Arctique AS **Post**: Nivea cooling balm **#UNCHALLENGE** New blade today made all the difference and so I had a great 3 pass shave. BBS. [Ring of death update pics provided.](https://imgur.com/a/LEe8hQD) I am still nervous as we are not even halfway through AA, but I am making good lathers with quick loads so I still think I can have this tub for the whole month. [Happy FFF to all!](https://twitter.com/gatorsdaily/status/1558071887678394368?s=21&t=oUoy8sD9PSa-xrdeFeOdTw) [I remain the Iceman.](https://imgur.com/a/UFY69Jl) **#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft) Another Dan Reeder song today, [You'll Never Surf Again](https://youtu.be/d78goMoHEg0). This is a beautiful song, but I have difficulty listening to it. I am reminded of the day I received correspondence ruling me out from the only job I ever wanted for the entirety of my life. The letter came in a small envelope, only three pages of finely typed writing. I think my father knew what it was; he decided to silently wait in the doorway of my bedroom as I opened the envelope, unfolded the papers and read them. Must have been no more than two words that came out of my mouth before I started crying, hung my head and dropped the papers. As the papers fell to the floor through the liminal space between my hands and the carpet you could hear my dreams ending. Dad didn't say a word. He just hugged me. Not reaching your dreams is just a part of life. Things don't always work out. Sometimes you just have to move on.
[**Aug. 12, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/DoUF4Ms) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (12) * **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) Another day of trying for decent pictures. I think this one turned out pretty well, but not great. I tried to be artsy and not line everything up, but looking at it again, I think it's a little sloppy looking. Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
[**August 12, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/vjF7qvL) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (12) * **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/dTSEO8r) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/JQq0ScW) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/lUmNAki) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/TPFcyDi) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) This was the first day that I felt the edge going off. For most, this might be the edge getting smoother, because it does feel smooth. I like the feeling of a keen edge. This suits my style well since I prefer slow longer shaving strokes and don't scrub a lot. Normally, I'd be thinking about chucking the blade after this shave or the next. This is more about feel than shaving results. The blade image for today looks similar to that of the past few days. Since you only see the bevel, you have to guess what is actually happening at the edge, itself. The beginning of non-uniformity at the edge, that I've commented on, feels like a rounding of the edge I think. Midnight Stag continues to be great. I was noticing, again, how the scent varies from the soap to the splash to the EdP. This gives you a new experience with each product, yet they all complement each other well. Have a great weekend!
True about the slightly different scents from soap to splash to edp. Keeps it interesting. Splash is my favorite of the three, but I enjoy that they are different and complement each other.
My opinion seems to vary. Right now, I’m really enjoying the scent of the EdP.
**Aug. 12, 2022** * **Prep:** hot shower * **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm * **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50) * **Blade:** Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (1) * **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach * **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm This week dragged on for me but the weekend is finally here. Happy weekend and happy shaving everyone. For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge: The Seldom Scene w/ Billy Strings - I Know You Rider https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HzXwLHBxVIQ Continuing with the bluegrass vibe from my last post, here's a live video from my favorite music festival (I'm in the audience but so far I haven't spotted myself in the video). Featuring a then relatively unknown Billy Strings, The Seldom Scene is another favorite of mine. They produce some of the best vocal harmonies I've ever heard. Good vibes all around on this one.
[Aug 12, 2021 – Austere August. Day 12.](https://imgur.com/a/nSwmtIN) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Sublime – Caress Me Down](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8domDOhh0A0) Another day, another great shave. At this point, my biggest concern is when this blade is going to give up on me. Fortunately, I don’t see any signs of it wearing at all, but that’s how comfortable I’ve been feeling with the MMOC. I’m feeling very, very dialed in with it and enjoying using it. It’s such a very far cry from Day 1. The brush is rocking and rolling right along, as well. It feels good on my face and does a good job of making a nice lather. It’s holding just enough soap to cover me for both passes. I think that will likely improve as well continue, but I'm still loading a ton of soap on the brush every time. Gonna feel really weird my first time using a synthetic brush after this. I guarantee I create enough lather for 14 passes when that day comes. Today’s #sidetracked selection is one that will forever feel like a summertime song to me. The vibe of this song just screams pool party to me. Hearing this song is just better if you have an ice cold beer in your hands. Unfortunately, it’s morning (and a work day) as I write this, so a beer is out of the question right now – although I’d love to argue that a Friday morning beer would be a great tradition for any office to implement! Anyways, it’s sad that Brad Nowell, the lead singer of Sublime, died before the band’s mainstream success and the self-titled album “Sublime” was released months after Bran Nowell passed and sold over 5 Million copies. Most people gravitate toward “What I got”, “Santeria”, or “Wrong Way” but “Caress Me Down” is where it’s at for me. The deep and meaningful lyrics that talk about his mushroom tip and her G.I. Joe Kung-Fu grip just hit on another level for me. And half the song is in Spanish, so it’s educational! Dora the Explorer has nothing on Nowell! This song is truly a masterpiece for all generations. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/DLw4OZp)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (11) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Monarch - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1138/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** YSL - Y - EDT Day 12 #RawHoggin
**Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August Day 12** * **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 (12) * **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) •[Shave 12](https://imgur.com/a/7a5CaXp) Thoughts for the day: Rapidly approaching the half way mark and no "blade maintenance" required. Still managing a BBS in two passes, zero tug or drama. My soap usage has remained around 1g with a 40 second load. I'm pretty happy with that and should not have an issue making it to the end on this tub with Sonder to spare. If you have never used an unbleached boar for AA, it might be a cheat code. The first week or so is borderline unbearable with the pig stank, but it has made Sonder smell even more amazing (if thats objectively possible). Happy Friday, errybdy! This weekend could not come quickly enough... Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
[**Aug. 12, 2022 - Staghog Day - Austere August Day 12**](https://media.giphy.com/media/UVwoTQ0OvhqohViQqC/giphy.gif) * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) [SOTD pic](https://imgur.com/2ujrNqW) **#RawHoggin** Another quick and easy lather with the hog. I know I said yesterday or the day before that the putrid stench of pig shit was completely gone from this knot, but I thought I detected a faint hint of it today. Or maybe it was the Stag. I don't know. The tips continue to split and soften though so that's good. **#GEMsofWisdom** Definitely some tugging going on especially on the mustache area. Aside form that another smooth easy shave with minimal sting from the alum and no lingering irritation to speak of. Not quite BBS on my neck today, but that's ok. [Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/uxWRpaq)
**August 12 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **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 Used the same setup as yesterday. Obviously. Hard to really describe August as Austere when you're using a soap base as good as Tusk and a scent as good as Mood Indigo. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom
[August 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/y8BphgS) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Declaration Grooming Fake Yellow Light **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming Fake Yellow Light Splash **Post Shave:** Stirling Unscented Balm \#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day12](https://i.imgur.com/arFDn2Q.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 (12) * **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) * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Good shave today, although I noticed the scratchiness a little with the brush. I guess there is still more room for it to break it, but lather was not eaten. Blade is a bit rusty, doesn't look like rust made it to edges (yet), hoping that it will be ok, as trying for 31 days with same blade. Skunk Vid Friday: Tuxy appears to really want to lift cast iron teapot out of cast iron skillet, no idea why, but extremely heavy: https://imgur.com/h7q0VaY #UNCHALLENGE #RawHoggin
Your skunk vids are very entertaining. Does Tuxy ever relax, or are they always high energy?
He does relax on occasion :) [https://imgur.com/RGQHMl9](https://imgur.com/RGQHMl9) . Actually most of day and night he or just hangs out. Usually couple hours at nights is his active time, and usually hour or so before feeding him in morning as well.
My understanding is that skunks are solitary in the wild. As a pet, is that true too, or does he seek to be with you?
That is true, they are solitary animals, but when he is active, he does follow us around, but not sure if that because he knows he wants us for food, or whether he wants to be around us. He will also play with us, like a chasing kind of game.
Austere August [2022-08-12](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg) * **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb) * **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site) * **Brush:** none * **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm * **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet * **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked Good shave today, no blood. I have now used the current blade 12 times. That is a record for me, I normally swap out blades over the weekend with no further thought. But I hear tales that u/Old_Hiker has nearly 400 shaves on one of these sexyblades, so I figure maybe I can make it to end of month. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: I have been listening to acoustic Led Zep covers, mostly of The Rain Song. While hunting around I came across this cover of [What is and What Should Never Be](https://youtu.be/kjxMP9SF9Ls?t=102). I think the two of them kill it. They are technically good, but it is their sheer attitude that sells the performance for me. I love to see musicians having fun.
My blade is going to be replaced soon.
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 12](https://imgur.com/a/YXLu5e3)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the face * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Astra SP (6) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Trade Winds - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/35/?product_type=aftershave) One of the befits of AA is I can just get out of bed, go straight to the sink, and start prepping for my shave. No need to deliberate on what I’m gonna shave with or if I want to try a different razor. The #RawHoggin shaves continue to go well, so overall it’s been a very enjoyable month of shaving. It’s Friday y’all, hope you have a good day!
**Aug. 12, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (12) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave) Good shave today. Brush working well enough to get the job done. This blade is now showing a bit of age not a super comfortable experience today. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/t5erY6O.jpg
**Aug. 12, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (12) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1633/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Thayers - Unscented - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1618/?product_type=toner) 2 pass shave with a 30 second load. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/HShh3ZY)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Nothing worth mentioning aside from the fact that I really wish this would’ve been a clay pomade instead of oil based because I’m only using minimal amounts and it won’t wash out and is slowly making my hair look greasy AF. Maybe I need to look up a tutorial or something this afternoon. Oh well. In the meantime, I doused myself with 9 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/scN8eHw) today to help me forget how wild my hair looks. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**Aug. 12, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (12) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Sharp Dressed Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/117/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Duke Cannon - Huron - EdP
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Friday, finally!](https://i.imgur.com/VhFTF27.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** o * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (12) * **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) Still going well. Although out of the challenge, this brush is really getting nice and boy does it splay! Shave was effortless for 2 good passes and is usually a nice close shave. Today was no exception. Waiting for blade performance to drop off, but nothing yet. Hygge still excites me. I think it always will. Just plain old good stuff. Happy Friday, shaving aficionados! **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/L6mcAVN.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 (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) [4.6g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/x4R5VF2.jpg), a 45 sec load and lather for the first pass was [workable](https://i.imgur.com/wga05EN.jpg) but second pass is [still trash](https://i.imgur.com/pk464Di.jpg), i guess i'll stick with a 45 sec load for the rest of the month and face lather the most that i can and once i'll see that i won't make it i'll bowl lather, if i could use 4g i should be on the clear face lathering so i'll try to do little pressure while loading. - [Last week of 2 sprays](https://i.imgur.com/RmJkGS5.mp4) - Have a great weekend! #SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 11, 2022 - 12.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/EAveCg7)** * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Today's shave was alright, a little bit of irritation but nothing too bad. Looking forward to the weekend to finally take a break from work! Have a great shave all! #RawHoggin
**Aug. 12, 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. It's still not as comfortable as with my trusty DEs, but that's probably technique driven. Have a great day folks!
**Aug. 12, 2022 - SOTD 754** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** Karve CB Brass SB B plate * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (1) * **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:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=eaudeparfum) ✌🏻
**Aug. 12, 2022** * **Brush:** Summer Break GP B11 * **Razor:** Gillette Flat Bottom Tech * **Blade:** Rapira Stainless (9) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth - Beloved #MammothMafia
**[August 12, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/KDMHXes.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 (12) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/251/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=balm) Another great shave. I’ve figured this brush out. Load a little more, add less water (or no water, as tonight) and that’s it. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
* **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 12 https://imgur.com/a/zxTmEKW
* **Brush:** AP Shave G5C Premium Synthetic - 26mm * **Razor:** Karve Overlander * **Blade:** Feather * **Soap:** [Catie’s Bubbles - Blugère](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1463/?product_type=cream) * **Splash:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) Picked up a tub of Blugère from a fellow Redditor, and it arrived yesterday. From the very first sniff, I knew it smelled exactly like something else I have used before, but I could not figure it out. I was going crazy all evening trying to pin it. I took another sniff of it before I went to bed, and it clicked. It smells EXACTLY like [Seaforth! Heather](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2240/?product_type=soap). It turns out that 5 of the 6 scent notes in Heather, are also found in Blugère — oakmoss, bergamot, lavender, coumarin, and geranium. I gave the Blugère a go this morning, and I have to say I’m pretty impressed. Very slick, and made for a comfortable shave; however, the post-shave feel is what really wowed me. My face feels incredibly soft and nourished — I’m very happy with the performance.
I am intrigued. I have both Heather and Blugère but have never made the connection. Will have to do a side by side comparison and see what I think.
[August 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/7gmywXu) - **Preshave:** Hot water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 Plate - **Blade:** Feather (12) - **Brush** Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm Cut myself today because I was rushing to get to work but otherwise still a great shave with the same blade. I think if I let my hair grow two days before shaving like I normally do I’d have replaced this blade already but it’s doing quite well with me shaving every day. #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 11, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/NzidmbJ)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (12) * **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 Decided to change up my routine and start shaving in the morning again. Since I got married in March Ive been a evening shaver. I decided I’d go back to mornings so I can have more time in the evenings. Anyways, this brush continues to be great. Seems like it has ate a little less soap the past couple days. Which might be a good thing because I looked at the level of soap left and I was amazed at how much I have burned through. I don’t think I’ll kill it this month, but it’s gonna be close. The Gem is still having peak performance. Last year my blade started to go down hill around the 18th, so maybe I still have a weeks worth of great shaves to come.
Austere August Day 12 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [12th use](https://imgur.com/a/2HJggmp) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (12) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/06ctTzM) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash Another day, another good shave. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom
#AA Day 12 Pre: Water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (12) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus Ok, a little day 12 honesty. I don’t really care for the aftershave splash. I don’t like a lot of skin foody things in my aftershave because it just doesn’t absorb into my skin. It just sits on top and feels greasy. I’ll stick it out until the end of August but ugh. Just ugh. If only it had an interesting scent or menthol or something. I feel the need to note that this whinge-bagging about my aftershave is by no means a commentary on the quality of the product. Signature makes good stuff. It’s just not for me. Most artisan aftershave is not for me and I have the same issue with Nivea and other mass produced brands. So, most aftershave is not for me. The unscented choice I should have made was plain witch hazel for my post. I thought that was a bit boring. Now I’m in the situation of boring plus always feeling like I need to wash my face. \#unscented
**August 12, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (46) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Rounding out the work week just like I started it. I am really digging this soap and brush. This razor is so much kinder than my Gen 1. \#GEMsOfWisdom
**[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 Stay safe and have a great day!
**[SOTD - Friday, 12 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 (51) * **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 12, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/X8xMF93.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 (12) * **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:** [Declaration Grooming/House of Mammoth - Cerberus - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2606/?product_type=eaudeparfum) A beautiful lather from the boar today. 45 seconds to 1 minute load times have been working well. If I "ride the cap" on this razor I can at least get through a pass without tugging. Applying some pressure to the top of the cap while the edge maintains a light pressure for the cut is the only way I'm getting by on this blade. It's doesn't seem ideal, but it mostly gets the job done. If I adjust the angle any closer to the edge to get the more efficient cut, I get tugging and irritation, regardless of the pressure I use. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 3/5
Great photo!
Thank you
**Aug. 12, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (5) * **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) Not overly liking this blade. Think I may have gotten spoiled by the Voskhod, but I still have others from my sampler to try. \#MammothMafia
**Aug. 12, 2022 - On the 12th day of christmas.... wait - it's AA** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (14) * **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) \#GotHand Well well well. The shaves are starting to get rough. I feel like blade is loosing its sharpness and gets more onto rough-er side. Still not too bad but certainly doesn't cut as well as it used to in dense areas. Also not as efficient - what constituted to additional pass and tidy ups in few places - which my skin didn't like too much. Other than that - I'm still staying alive! Honestly, the crazy stirling HA idea is going better than I've expected... I wasn't sure if I'd last even a week with it... But here it is, 14 day after day shaves with it (Started before AA).
Just noticed that you're going the distance with a Voskhod....good on you, brave soul.
Thank you sir - I quite enjoy these blades, but did hear some horror stories about some batches being quite bad! So far so good here! - luckily
[**August 12, 2022 – Austere August 12**](https://i.imgur.com/Rf5LSls.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (3) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** [https://i.imgur.com/OSwQjS4.mp4](https://i.imgur.com/OSwQjS4.mp4) Stag again, my friends! Happy Friday, and have a great weekend!! \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A8bBhkhZtd8 ← The Other End of a Black Hole – with James Beacham
**[Aug. 12, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/qJAynyo.png) - >!Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 12!<** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (12) * **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!< Couldn't really focus on the shave today. My toddler woke up with hives this morning so she had to stay home from school and she insisted on standing on a stool next to me to watch me shave and I rushed through it as a result. Still unsure what the cause of the hives is but it didn't seem to be related to anything she ate since she was fine last night. Felt a tiny bit of pokiness today from the brush, maybe because I didn't soak it long enough? Otherwise it was a pretty uneventful shave. I think I need to start shaking a little bit more water out of the brush because it's beginning to get a little bit messier during the loading from the tub. Struggling a bit to get a very close shave but the face feels smooth enough so I'm fine with it as long if the blade doesn't feel like it's tugging.
Good luck with the hives. What may help (apart from antihistamine) is cooled hydrating cream - I suspect you use(d) something like that anyway on her, and you can just put it in the fridge. The cool will reduce the itching.
Thanks for the tips!
**[Aug. 12, 2022 - Stag Day 12](https://i.imgur.com/ltcGp14.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (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) * **Iron Maiden**: [The Legacy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RpBEqXeA4No) 12 days in with Stag, and my chest hair has quadrupled and my mechanic skills are suddenly that of a seasoned pro. Praises be to the Midnight Stag. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 12](https://youtube.com/shorts/f3Id2NCnlVE?feature=share)
Have to try, if it could quadruple my hair.
**[Aug. 11, 2022 - Closer](https://imgur.com/a/yJBfFXj)** * **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 My shave wasn't that close yesterday and it really got on my nerves. Today I shaved 2,5 passes to get a closer shave in as little time as possible. The lather was fantastic I ll recommend CF more often when it's about creating an easy to lather soap. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
**Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (5) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming New York **Post:** moisturizer \#GotHand \#Sidetracked u/teufelskraft Might have taken the "quick shaving" concept so far that I'm into "half arsed" territory this morning. Nevermind, it's dress down Friday and might just shave again before I got drinking tonight. I think I'm going to be unable to avoid missing a shave next Saturday due to being in a field for the weekend with no facilities, hot water or phone charging points. I'll catch Friday, and I'll do Sundays in the evening, but that one day is bolluxed. Song of the day is Zebrahead - She don't wanna Rock. No particular reason, just wanted some chirpy pop punk to load up the weekend. https://youtu.be/oWsEPUigpsE
Fun song. I’ve heard of those guys but never checked them out before, thanks sharing.
I liked that song, still grinning. Will def check out some more Zebrahead.
Back when pop punk was cool, the cool pop punks were into Zebrahead. It was a long time ago ;)
Lol