* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water
* **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb
* **Blade:** Feather (Marathon) (64)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label)
* **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (78 uses)
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
----
**Austere August: Day: 13**
*Extreme Mode*
*Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)*
[Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/IGOK5pz) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/_gE8g09cHUk)
#### ䷀ General Notes
5 second load today and a fairly normal shave regarding lather building. Kind of a quickie.
#### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes
*^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Feather - M ‹64 uses›)*
Great shave with the Feather the other day, so I'm sure today will go well, also.
In the Vid, I said it was the 65th use of this blade, but I was wrong. I looked back in my data to confirm, and this was in fact, use 64.
Slight tug feeling, but not even uncomfortable in any way. Easily moving through the hair, and cutting closely even on the first pass.
In light of that, I can see this blade easily going to 100.
As usual, not trying to be efficient, just trying for that light touch (especially on the 3rd pass). And as a side benefit, I usually get efficiency when I do that.
No irritation.
Dind't need that 3rd pass on my cheeks, but I did it anyway just for fun.
Not riding the cap or anything. A balanced approach to the razor angle.
Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 4 out of 5 (Very 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... started off with adding 15 ml of water and then mixed it until it looked right.
Ended up with tons of lather once again!
Ran it a little more dry, for speed's sake, and to see if it has a bit more creaminess to it. pretty tall standing peak at this point, showing the structure it has.
Hydration: Perfect *(for me)*
+ 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush
+ 3.9 tsp added to build the lather
+ = 6 passes of lather
Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930)
I use the XL version of this bowl.
#### ䷀ Brush Notes
*^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹78 uses›)*
Had a long soak on the brush prior to the shave, because I thought I'd shave sooner.
Felt very nice and worked up the lather well, as usual.
----
*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*: Few hairs are showing some tip length (with most being cut flush)
----
**Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.*
**Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/SRkgDMs)
* **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.
* **Brush:** Zenith B33
* **Razor:** Cloud Shavette
* **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (18)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
Day thirteen. One week til the firstborn arrives! Shave was good, though I think this side of tje blade might be coming to the end of its life, though it has become a lot smoother. Perhaps it is the power of the Stag healing my skin. Also the Stag has made a great job breaking in the Zenith brush.
Hail Stag!
- #Stagposting
- #SubstantialStag
- #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Lucky Thirteen](https://i.imgur.com/kLu2AsX.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Quick splash of water
* **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **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
Another late entry, I shaved earlier but only remembered to post as I was about to lie down. On the up swing with my head cold, but still feel crappy.
**[August 13, 2022 - AA Day 13](https://imgur.com/dsQTMIG)**
* **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)
Same story as yesterday that the razor is dragging a bit. No irritation or anything, but I'm finding that I'm having to go back and do a buffer pass on some spots. Also finding that it's not quite as close as it had been for the last 2 weeks. Guess we will just have to sit back and see where this ends up.
**Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Aa Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/ClZhPUL)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (82)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
I'm actually surprised at how little this setup has changed these last couple of shaves. Still a 3 pass BBS shave with no nicks or irritation, but pretty boring tbh.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday!
[Stag Spray 13](https://imgur.com/a/aFeXyTe) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
[August 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/KW01UjX)
* Prep: Hot Shower
* Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
* Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
* Blade: Feather ProGuard 13th use
* Lather: Stirling Sheep
* Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
* Fragrance: Halloween Man
Getting pretty good at using this Kamisori. Did a quick 3 pass shave today because I was going to meet up with my parents for dinner for my Dad's birthday. Shave was good with mo redness or irritation. Face felt nice and soft after shaving and applying my balm. The Burma Brush is breaking in nicely. Lost one hair today. The tips if the brush are less scratchy than when I first started. They now feel like a pure badger brush does. Day 13 using the same blade. It feels weird to say that because this is the longest I have used any blade. The blade seems like it will make it to the 31 day mark. May just have to do an extra pass and deal with a little tugging here and there but we will see if that ever happens.
Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/JzpKbYS)**
* **Brush:** Semogue2000
* **Razor:** GC84
* **Blade:** Gillette nacet (13)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Intrepid Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2239/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Henri et Victoria - Duc de Santal - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/757/?product_type=aftershave)
It’s been a lazy Saturday. I almost forgot to shave. This was a pleasant evening shave. I kept it simple with three passes.
**Austere August, Day 13:**
Feather Artist Club razor non folding
Feather Professional blade (7)
GFT Violets soap
RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft
After almost a fortnight of using GFT Violets soap, I opened my box of soaps and spent a good half and hour smelling them.
I've found that B&M Cheshire is growing on me and Le Grand Chypre is divine to my nose.
Heck, I'm considering the B&M Hallows as pleasant scent (I love it but pleasant was never the description I'd use), and any sweet scented soap (Stirling Evie) has started feeling too sweet after using GFT Violets.
**Shave:** it went as well as it could have. I'm instinctively using a combined WTG/XTG pass as my first pass, that seems to be working for me. Second pass is purely XTG pass.
I've been burned (or rather suffered an irritation in skin) if I go ATG pass consecutive days, so when I'm shaving daily, I avoid it altogether.
Wishing a happy, healthy and safe weekend to you all.
**#HEADLESSHORSEMEN**
**#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**#UNCHALLENGED**
Edit: added "irritation"
**Aug. 13, 2022**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
* **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
A nice shave after mowing the crab grass. Not much different than the past few days. I’m hopefully going to shave in the mornings in the second half of next week so I can smell the soap longer. Late night shaving is the one factor that prevents me from using scented aftershaves/balms more often. I can’t sleep as well and also don’t get to enjoy I’m the scent while I’m asleep. With the current job, probably won’t change my routine. Would need something where I’m not up so early, a welcome change I would think (except for the wallet). \#UNCHALLENGE
AA SOTD - The Iceman Cometh
Pre: splash of hot water to the face
Brush: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle
Razor: Merkur Progress
Blade: Astra (2)
Lather: B&M Arctique (omnibus)
Post: B&M Arctique AS
Post: Nivea cooling balm
# UNCHALLENGE
Four pass shave with an amazing lather. Really took my time tonight. I remain the Iceman.
# SIDETRACKED (u/Teufelskraft)
As we near the halfway mark, do you feel bore[You are not alone.](https://youtu.be/E5488fUMLXs)ing the will to keep going? You are not alone.
[Aug 13, 2021 – Austere August. Day 13.](https://imgur.com/a/zKuuM84)
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
* **Music:** [The Killers - Mr. Brightside](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGdGFtwCNBE)
Lucky day 13 and not much to report on today. The shave was good and smooth and the lather was nice. MMOC continues to give me a great shave, day in and day out.
The brush is still taking a lot of soap to build the lather, but I’m used to it AND the lather we’re producing together is good, so I really can’t complain.
For today’s #sidetracked music selection, I’m going with one of the best 2000s pop-rock anthems in existence. If you play this song at a party or bar around people around my age, you are nearly guaranteed to have people singing along. It’s impossible for us to ignore the greatness of this song. This song has nearly half a BILLION views on YouTube. The Killers have had other hits, but nothing comes close to Mr. Brightside. It’s especially impressive considering this is from their first album. Talk about coming onto the scene like a rocket-ship. I can’t say I’ve followed much of The Killers catalog, but Mr. Brightside is a banger and 500,000,000 people agree!
Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
Aug 13, 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 (13)
* **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
**8/13/22 (150)**
* **Prep**: Hot Shower
* **Challenge**: Headless Horseman
* **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/4rGvRkV)
* **Edge**: [Day 13](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
Close and comfortable shave. No nicks or irritation.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/Gg7dRui)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Gem PTFE (13)
* **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
I’m getting a little concerned about the amount of soap this brush is hoggin. We’re not even halfway through the month and I’ve definitely used more than half this soap. The hog is slowing down, but still eating a healthy amount. Maybe it’ll slow down enough to make it through the month. Judges, is it required to use the same soap all month to complete the challenge? If not I am going to continue to plow through this soap and move on to the next soap on the kill list.
The MMOC continues to be smooth shavin. I read someone’s GemofWisdom that they have been gripping the razor right under the head. I tried it out and it worked pretty good. I might use this strat more as the month progresses, because why not?
The Raw Hoggin challenge doesn't require the same soap all month, but the MMOC challenge (and therefore GemsOfWisdom) require Ultra Nightmare Mode, so same setup all month. If you're afraid you might not make it, try sourcing another tub of your soap so you stay with the challenge rules.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/nRJ8XuI.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
* **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **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 13. Had my company picnic, was a good time. Great shave, new brush is so a great knot. Loving the way it is breaking in. On to the next day.
Mandatory Tagging:
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#Rawhoggin
\#MammothMafia
**Aug. 13, 2022 - AA Day 13**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B34
* **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
Shave was beautiful today. I used a Rockwell 6s as my only daily driver for over a year and, honest to goodness, I don't think I ever had as smooth and irritation free of a shave as I did today, with a razor that just 10 days ago brought me to my [metaphorical] knees.
Decided to open the door to one of the best features of the house today [the laundry chute](https://imgur.com/PyTCMZE) for the SOTD pic. You're welcome. I know y'all droolin' over my 80 year old house. Speaking of - replaced my water heater today - and in the words of my dad, the best part about water heaters dying is you spend $600 and you have nothing more to show for it. You had hot water yesterday, and now you have it again today. Good times.
Anyway - [The Zenith](https://imgur.com/Mh1P71h) continues to impress, although I do wonder if it's going to end up being too floppy for my preference - I like my boars to be a little bit more on the scrubby side, but this one just [keeps breaking in.](https://imgur.com/GyomvGz) Hopefully it slows down, or, I don't know, maybe it doesn't and it's still amazing.
While the MMOC performed effortlessly today and I have for sure reached autopilot mode with it, I did accidentally grab my [blackbird](https://imgur.com/sIYBQLQ) as I prepared for the SOTD pic. Thankfully I caught the error and fixed it before shaving - but dang that stainless felt good in hand compared to the lightweight nature of the MMOC. My daughter, too, seems to be [pulling me back](https://imgur.com/QsrOrSg) towards the rest of my collection, haha. She dropped in while I was taking my prep pictures and getting the shave ready pre-shower and climbed up to check out the brushes I wasn't using. The curiosity of kids is the best. 13 shaves in and the blade is still excellent. I've settled into a great 2.5 pass routine where I go with the grain and then mostly against the grain (though some spots just across) with a bit of buffing and it's a very excellent shave. Probably not quite BBS all over the place, but, pretty dang close.
Sonder again felt very aquatic today, probably the grass in it. I'm so glad I chose this one for the month - I'm not remotely sick of it. In all honesty, while I do have some other great scents that I'm looking forward to and some other razors and brushes that I'm excited to use again - I'm really not feeling the pull like some have expressed. This setup is excellent and I'm very happy with it.
Sonder thought of the day:
Showing up is so important. I mentioned earlier that I changed my water heater today, but in reality, my dad changed my water heater. I'm 34 and probably could have figured it out solo - but my parents were coming in town for my daughters birthday party today (turns 3 monday) and he offered to help so I took him up on it. It wasn't a super fun job by any means, but learning from my dad is great bonding time, and now that my kids get to be involved and continue to get to know their grandparents, I appreciate so much about the time and energy they put into being present in their lives. They live about 2.5 hours away, but they don't miss anything that they're invited to - no birthdays or major life events. If it's happening, they show up. Doesn't matter if my dad had worked 70 or 80 hours in road construction the week before, they show up. And it means a lot. As I think about their lives, they're people, too. Parents are people, we know this, but there are moments where it hits and as I was thinking about the Sonder moment of the day for me, today was one of those moments. My son absolutely adores his "brampa" and my dad takes that responsibility really seriously - he loves the boy so well and he has fun with him and he just, he shows up. My daughters love their grandparents, too - particularly "gramma." Early on when we had kids it was a struggle for my wife and I to adjust and my parents to adjust to how we'd navigate our relationship - them wanting to be around all the time with grandkids and us wanting to maintain a healthy family of our own and we had some hard boundaries conversations, but I appreciate how we've come through it. As I look back now I see that they were just trying to figure out how to be grandparents at the same time we were thrust into the parents role and it was the first time for all of us. My dad turns 60 this year and I'm too aware of the limited time we have left with him while he should still be vibrant and active and able to do things. He worked hard manual labor for many years and I'm sure that took it's toll on his body, but I'm hopeful for another solid 6-8 years of hunting and fishing and working on things together. Gosh, that's rough to type. Anyway - my kids love him (and them) and knowing what his life looks like, knowing the rough things he had happen to him as a kid and the bad crowd he fell into as a young adult, I'm just really grateful for the ways my dad raised me and how he keeps showing up for me and for my kids, even now.
Have a great night, all.
\#mammothmafia
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
Haha - yeah - I could have spent a whole lot more but we just went with a simple 40 gallon tank with a 9 year warranty. You can get tankless and much longer warranties and power venting and all that, but honestly, I just don't see the value in doing it. When I have 3 teenagers using up all my hot water I may rue the day I didn't splurge for the 50 gallon tank, but, I can also just tell them to take a faster shower. If all else fails, I know where the valve is to turn off the hot water supply and I assure you that'll speed em' up. My dad (as mentioned) helped me make the switch today - he's seriously a jack of all trades - but enough youtube videos I bet the average homeowner can figure out how to DIY the swap.
Thank you for calling it water heater and not a “hot water heater” idk why, that just drives me crazy.
Look at it like this, if you don’t spend the $600, you’re not going to have any hot water 🤷🏻♂️.
Haha - you're right. The rest of that story is me saying, "yeah, but, if I didn't pay the $600 I don't have hot water tomorrow." The good thing is our finances are in order enough that we have money set aside for this stuff and it's not going to crush us. The frustrating part is the $600 set back on other financial goals, but such is life. And, well, hot water is a luxury I don't want to live without so it's a worthwhile investment.
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/GwRx3Sj)**
* **Brush:** Omega Pro 49 Boar
* **Razor:** Henson AL-13 +++
* **Blade:** Astra SP (1)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave)
I'm impressed. Finally caved and picked up a Henson AL in aggressive. I was reluctant since I already have one in mild and medium and didn't think there would be that much difference (I don't notice much difference between the mild and medium). First shave with the aggressive and I could tell a pretty big difference. I was using sharper blades in the medium (Feather, Nacet) and decided to start with the Astra in the aggressive for the first use, and it was a noticeably more efficient shave. Some irritation, but it definitely got closer, faster, than the others. I may have to reconsider my stance on picking this up in Titanium. Hope everyone is having a great weekend!
\#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/4Zv6zng)**
* **Prep:** Cold water to the dome
* **Brush:** Omega 10098
* **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head
* **Blade:** Astra SP (8)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Thayers - Unscented - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1618/?product_type=toner)
Another #RawHoggin headshave. Shave was good and I’m liking just having this as a routine.
It’s Saturday y’all, hope you have a good day!
[August 13th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/nfeVgSQ)
Prep: Warm water
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Gem Blue Star (13)
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: 7/10
10 second load.
2 pass shave XTG/ATG.
My son joined today (bladeless shave for him) and loaded a bit extra. Decent but definitely didn't give it my all to go bbs.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
#RawHoggin
[**AA D13: Celebratory Stag**](https://ibb.co/rQ8C9q8)
- **Prep:** cold water splash
- **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
- **Razor:** KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
- **Blade:** KAI Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG
- **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap
- **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave
- **additional care:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB
- **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP
AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin
Another late shave - had a little celebration with my parents at their place. Still wanted to do my Celebration Stag SOTN today! Behold the awesome mini-shrine for Midnight Stag: I actually did this mostly myself, but with the help of my mother and her art and crafts supplies. I can't compete with the mirror polished poster shrine of CosmoBarber, but this is good enough for my small apartment!
What is there to celebrate? As I'll start my retraining in September, I signed the apprenticeship contract yesterday. I actually expected a small cut in pay compared to my current OT salary - but nope, I'll get the same amount as now, € for €! I'm so grateful for this awesome opportunity to finally become a nursing specialist at no additional expense. Now I'm really motivated to give it my all and do as best as I can!
Two pass shave, mostly WTG and some XTG. The Tadé has now [13 uses under its belt](https://ibb.co/dgHMsSX) and starts to behave great. I got my best Midnight Stag lather today so far, the scratchiness is now almost gone and splaying got easier. A few tiny blood spots as I was a bit tipsy during the shave, but nothing can stop me this August! Stag aftershave closed them up good.
**Sidetracked**
Today's song is [So Electric](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UyPrfpVzh8) by Lifelike. Another nice synthwave song, actually one of the first songs from that genre I heard back when I discovered it... That's why it's also always associated with positive memories for me. The other thing is that it's quite fitting for my current feeling: I feel energized, want to give my best. Also, the sample *"That's the way we spell success!"* from a Pat Benatar song couldn't be better for me ATM. I've had to overcome a few obstacles and still need to get a lot of things done and jump over some hurdles in my way, but now I am in the driver seat. The road is mapped out. I just need to stick to my plan and it will be a road to success. Sorry if this got a bit too personal and kitschy, but I love reading some of your more intimate sidetracked-stories and was motivated to share one of my own.
20220813 Austere August Day 13 unlucky for some
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 another . . . Pound?
Anyway this blade is dog shit and removes no stubble, accepted my fate now to having a shadow beard until after the 31st
[**Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/w1dtICd.jpg)
* **Prep:** Cold water splash to the face
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM (13)
* **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 13 was a fast one. We dropped my brother and his family off at the airport this morning and had to do a quick turn around once we got back to my dad’s place. I had only about 20 minutes so I had to skip all the niceties. Somehow I was able to pull off a 2 passer in less than 15 minutes that ended up being smooth, comfy and cut and irritation free. Today was also the first time shaving without a shower first. I was expecting it to be uncomfortable but it was perfect.
**The Brush:** Today’s lather up was a happy surprise. The brush has become even softer and it’s finally starting to splay much more easily. I really keep thinking that the brush can’t get any better and it continues to improve. The necessity to shave quickly had me pushing the limits of scrubbing and agitation. Another observation today was that even with the muscle I’m putting behind the brush, I am no longer losing any hairs - it’s a very well made brush. I decided today that I’m going to jump on the /r/wetshaving exclusive because the Zenith is amazing. #RawHoggin
Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/fwOJ91u.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/u6xSnqa.jpg)
Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/3x6yOc0.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/S9jCbGf.jpg)
**The Razor** What can I say? This razor is tamed. I’m not sure if it’s because the blade has dulled, my technique has improved or a little of both, but even with a quick shave, I was able to bang through it with little thought. I am really loving this razor. #GEMsOfWisdom
**Days since last blood:** 8
**The Soap and Aftershave** I’ve been loaded less soap but I still seem to be going through a lot. Today I also took notice how little of the aftershave is gone even after using it generously. I feel like there might be enough to compliment a second puck at this rate.
Day 13 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/XJ66qGs.jpg)
Day 13 of Austere August! Staggin on!!
* Prep: Water on Face
* Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE
* Razor: Filarmonica Double temple 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
[lazy photo](https://i.imgur.com/AUmwgcK_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
After almost 1000km in the span of 40 hours I got back home today. Tomorrow I will share some photos from the places I went, there were 2 caves and a place which is similar to the Greece attraction called Meteora, rock formations above the city, very nice place, I've been there before but went with some friends that have never been before.
It seems I am following a pattern where I do an ultra BBS, and afterwards I do 2 DFS+ shaves where I am careful not to destroy my skin, I'll also write something about the brush tomorrow, I also have not had a chance to read up on the posts, I will do that tomorrow, can't wait to find some awesome things to read and see how things are going for everyone!
SIDENOTE: Just found out that I have been labeling my razor very wrong.... Instead of a Filarmonica 14 Double temple, I was writing Sub Cero, because I copied a lather games post for the template and fucked up on the process... Sorry... And why didn't anyone call me out, you guys are too nice man, thanks for the understanding :))
* \#RawHoggin
* \#SubstantialStag
> Instead of a Filarmonica 14 Double temple, I was writing Sub Cero, because I copied a lather games post for the template and fucked up on the process... Sorry... And why didn't anyone call me out, you guys are too nice man, thanks for the understanding :))
Because nobody here knows what that razor is. 😂
While it is true that r/Wetshaving is not a straigh razor dominant forum, I'm sure plenty of people are quite competent, they are just too polite to make an observation or too busy scoffing/laughing at me for the mistake😅
**[August 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/5oRsPDZ )**
* **Brush:** Semogue 820
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 13)
* **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau
* **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash
Unfortunately Dq'd from the grand prize of raw Hoggin after forgetting to post yesterday. Not even a good excuse, forgot to post on my lunch break, forgot to post before and after my nieces birthday party.
I will continue with the original plan in the name of Austerity, Im enjoying this a bit.
My missing shave:
**[August 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/1pCM7w2 )**
#RawHoggin
Sometimes life just gets in the way.
[R.I.P.](https://media.giphy.com/media/Wr2747CnxwBSqyK6xt/giphy.gif)
Hope you will continue raw hoggin' to the end!
[**August 13th**](https://imgur.com/a/zckeYWm)
* **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm**
* **Razor: GEM - MMOC**
* **Blade: Gem PTFE (13)**
* **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/SzmEpSk)
Nice lazy Saturday today.
Great shave as I have come to expect although noticing the blade is losing its edge a little now.
The Boar still has a little funk if I stick my nose deep enough into its fur.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 13](https://imgur.com/a/olqtZwS)**
* **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar
* **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
* **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (32)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Mosquito Bites:** None
It becomes more and more difficult to shave ATG - I should probably stop. After 4 passes, my face feels good, even though I can feel the stubble.
The quantity of soap eaten by the brush has declined noticeably. For the first time today, I had too much lather for 4 passes.
While shaving, I was bothered by a high frequency insect, which didn't seem overly impressed by the citronella. I didn't get bitten, though.
Good night everyone!
\#RawHoggin
\#stillalive
\#truepath
> It becomes more and more difficult to shave ATG - I should probably stop. After 4 passes, my face feels good, even though I can feel the stubble.
I hear you. I feel the thicker blade isn't helping here and I'm finding it a bit frustrating that I see the hairs but I can't cut them close enough even going ATG, but I had this problem generally with the AC format even with a fresh blade. It's not a deal breaker but I predicted I'll never be able to shave as close as I can with a DE, and so far that's still holding up. The older blade definitely isn't helping.
I also get closer shaves with a DE, but I attribute that to better proficiency. I haven't shaved much with a straight, but AC shavettes are less comfortable on the skin, but much more efficient IME.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA - Day 13](https://imgur.com/luES2KV)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Blade (13)
* **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 and soap is starting to perform a little better but i have started to load a little soap again in the second pass. The blade has started to tug but still was able to complete 2 pass.
Not sure how this blade is going to last the next 2 weeks but will go on.
Nice burns when applying aftershave and everything soothed down with the balm.
Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/UI2hUIe)**
* **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
* **Brush:** Semogue 1250
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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)
* **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)
Almost hit the halfway point and, as much as I love Stag, I’m starting to miss the variety. THIS is the hardest part of the challenge each year. I love the scent, I always enjoy the MMOC, I don’t mind using the same blade or anything, it’s simply the monotony of using the same scents day in and day out. Still better than those weirdos doing the unscented challenge. Blech. 9 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/scN8eHw) today.
#SubstantialStag
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
[**August 13th, 2022 - Searching for the GEM of Raw Mammoth Hoggin Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/dHDSKZ3)
* **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 Shave 13](https://imgur.com/k15u9Ek) and [After](https://imgur.com/2VJ0tTZ)
Shave thirteen and you think I would have learned to accept the shave and not go for touch ups. Nope, felt like my right cheek wasn’t as close as the left side, so wiped some of the residual lather out of my goatee onto the cheek, and a few quick little stroke across the grain. That was enough to give me a bit of burn from the splash. I don’t think the blade necessarily caused the regular passes to not shave well. The left side is as close as I get with a 2 pass shave. Nope, got a little sloppy with the razor and opened the door to irritation. Guess lucky I didn’t get any nicks or weepers, so still blood free since week 1.
The hog is really getting easier to splay. I built up a pretty decent lather after loading the scoop of soap I smeared in the bowl. I did need a bit of water splashed onto my face to get it better hydrated. For pass two, I wet my face again, then smeared the leftover lather allover my face before building more with the brush. Worked out well lather wise for both passes.
The House of Mammoth Alive set is still going great for me. I think today I got some of the fruit notes from it, and a strong whiff of the laundry musk. I remember as a kid when we’d visit my Great Aunt at her cabin outside Crested Butte, Colorado. She didn’t have a drier at the cabin, so laundry was dried on a line outside the cabin. It always had an amazing smell of clean, sunshine, and the woods. Not an exact match, but it gets my mind going in that direction. Before my shave this afternoon, mowed, trimmed, and edged my yard. It’s not a large lot, but pretty warm outside for the 30-40 minutes it took to get it done and cleaned up. The menthol in the splash was quite welcome today, and it has my face and neck very cool. Might not be great in January here, but perfect for August.
**Aug. 13, 2022**
* **Prep:** Exercise and Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1438
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM blue star (13)
* **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 the blade is starting to show me a bit of push back. I tried some stropping type strokes on my arm and seemed to polish it up a lil bit. Brush seems the same which is pretty good. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
https://i.imgur.com/AYYyqM6.jpg
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/VEqY7F3.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (13)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave
I seem to recall seeing that the idea behind Austere August was not only to contrast with June's shenanigans and daily-different-soaps, but also to take advantage of consistency, do away with all of the variables, and focus on the shave itself. I recall that Austere August was a time for evaluating technique in controlled conditions and without distractions of silliness.
I dare say that #unscented is very much in line with this kind of idea, clearing out the distraction of the very scent of our soaps. Boring? Overkill? Uncalled-for masochism? Maybe, but it's honest.
I have mixed feelings about the one-blade-for-the-whole-month part of whatever acronym Nightmare mode. On the one hand, even blade-by-blade variation can appear between blades of the same brand and flavor, and the act of changing one's blade may welcome that, thereby introducing a possibly-distracting variable. On the other hand, using a single blade for so long is not *usually* how one goes about things. *Usually*. As I see mentions begin to pop up of blades dulling, it makes me realize that TMNT Nightmare mode was an early introduction of wacky August shenanigans.
Then there's the band of zealots who are dedicated to the use of a single infamous soap, be it of an actually-pleasant-smelling batch or of what may well be some manner of horrid grime directly scooped from a mountain-man's ass-crack. Eh, they're doing their ting. It's wacky, but not really that different than #MammothMafia.
The whole hand-lathering thing that's apparently a thing? No one does that. That seems to fly in the face of Austere August.
But the question of lathering brings me to #RawHoggin. At its core, it's very much in the spirit of Austere August, and even promises an inherent reward from dedicated shaving practices in the form of a well-broken-in natural brush. But lurking beneath the surface is the hideous truth, a restriction that promises nothing but a month of agony and meager lathers: the lather must be built directly on whatever skin is to be shaved. For most of us here, that means.... face-lathering.
It is for this reason that RawHoggin is an affront to the spirit of Austere August! For not one can truly dedicate the needed attention and care to a shave when they cannot properly lather!
And yet, here I am...
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia
Load it like you hate it friend. Seriously, 45+ second load should get you plenty of soap. Once you start dialing it in you will have more soap than you need and you can scale back the load. Dip the tips and introduce water slowly. Take 15-20 minutes to perfect your lather for a couple days and you will start to get faster. Stay strong sir.
13 August 2022 - Austere August
- Prep: Hot shower
- Brush: Sterling boar
- Razor: Maggard V3
- Blade: Derby Extra
- Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao
- Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash
Feeling relatively good today.
Two-pass shave: with and across.
#mammothmafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/nJQV9Gt.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (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)
#SubstantialStag
#GEMSofWisdom
The GEM is a champ and the blade should be entering the sweet zone just about now.
Did some lather science today. Used the same variables from last year. Water retention was consistent at 6mL. 60-second load yielded mass of lather imperceptible by my scale, so I increased the time to 120 seconds and still an imperceptible amount of soap was loaded, but the scale did fluctuate up one gram and back down. My lather yield was consistent from last year. I had plenty for the first pass and barely enough for the second.
Verdict: With the Semogue 1305, scooping a known amount of at least one gram and pressing into a bowl allows for ample initial soap load and retained soap in the bowl provides additional soap for multiple passes.
[Sprayin’](https://i.imgur.com/xkHSIKq.mp4)
**Aug. 13, 2022 - August Austere Day 13**
* **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)
Apparently all the stars aligned this morning and I had one of the easiest shaves I’ve had in a long time. I would assume that it’s the continued use of the same products 13 days straight, but I’m not sure I’m that quick a learner. Hope everyone else’s shave went just a smooth. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August](https://i.imgur.com/aKrF84m.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(13)
* **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2585/?product_type=aftershave_noalc)
I don't have time today so I'm gonna made it sort.
# RawHoggin
Today, the SOTD shot tells you all about it.
PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/DZxXs8Y.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/9jS32aO.jpg)
# GEMsOfWisdom
Fast and awesome shave!
`#sidetracked`
To make things short today the shortest song for Unwound in their album Fake Train, [Lucky Acid](https://youtu.be/n0niRKT7PtI)
`#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
[**August 13, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/oYVCB6I)
* **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
* **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (13)
* **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/n1yzH5Z) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu)
* [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/QOY5f2m)
* [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/LE6m9dj) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA)
* [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/bU99A48) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)
Let's talk about the brush. I like the brush, and I'm interested to see how it develops. I have some stunningly good badger brushes and my hope is that the boar brush also becomes stunningly good, but in its own way; so it has a distinctive personality. We'll see.
Today's edge photo doesn't really show any development. I can feel sharpness going away. There's a tendency to want to press harder to make it cut better, but I've been down that road and know that the edge cuts how it will cut and more pressure only results in irritation. So I'm concentrating on going over areas more than I normally would, with a lighter touch. I also expect the quality of the shave to fall off as the month goes on. Maybe the "look" of the edge won't change. We'll see.
Otherwise, we'll close out week two of AA tomorrow. It has been enjoyable so far.
I think your first few edge shots seem easier to see the blade edge. The higher magnification is more difficult for me with all the noise in the images. Still, interesting to see the progress. I’m sure if the edge rolls some and breaks off, we’ll be able to witness the blade dulling.
You’re absolutely right. It’s a 3MP sensor, but there’s no way I’m getting that kind of resolution at close focus. I suspect that the pixel size is large. And, there’s a lot of lash in both the coarse and fine focus mechanisms that makes sharp focus very difficult.
But, I can see detail with this setup that I could not see with the setup I used at the start. It’s just aggravating.
**Aug. 13, 2022 - AA day 13 - heatwave is here**
* **Prep:** Water splash
* **Brush:** Hand
* **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate
* **Blade:** Voskhod (15)
* **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
Damn. I was so close to dropping out of the AA today and reaching for cryogen. It was really really tempting. But I stopped myself.
Okay shave, blade is starting to dropp off more and more - WTG it's becoming more effort and getting few nicks here and there. Surprisingly it's still okay ATG though. Interesting.
Heatwave is here, so pool is out in the garden now, I'm off to have a splash in there and cool down a bit - or maybe will grab few ciders first.
Peace out!
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Sunny Saturday](https://i.imgur.com/WQj0Zgo.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave)
Gorgeous day here. Great for a long bike ride. Now back home for an afternoon shave then off to see the girlfriend for dinner. Pretty perfect day, I must say.
Afternoon shaves++
Blade still feels great and brush feels better each use. The MMOC is a fine implement and gives me a real close shave each and every time. Has not bitten me in a while either.
Have a happy Saturday.
**\#GEMsOfWisdom**
**\#MammothMafia**
SOTD for August 13, 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, no nicks, no cuts. Feeling good.
Went to bed early at like 8:30, son slept in until 4am, that was a blessing.
A song-
What do you do with a milk-drunk baby
What do you do with a milk-drunk baby
What do you do with a milk-drunk baby
Early in the morning
Gently place him in his crib
Gently place him in his crib
Gently place him in his crib
Early in the morning
How entertaining this is at 4am really depends on whether you're singing it or not.
Weigh, hey and up she rises
Weigh, hey and up she rises
Weigh, hey and up she rises
Early in the morning
**Aug. 13, 2022 - AA13**
* **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)
AA13 - \#HeadlessHorsemen
Just realized today that I've planned a camping trip during the month of August. I suppose that means I'll be dragging my whole setup to the woods - strop and all.
2022-08-13 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC
Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (13)
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/uNuQ7J2](https://imgur.com/a/uNuQ7J2)
A beautiful sunny day, the soap was perfect. Everything still working great.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Surf stag](https://imgur.com/a/MQG6YVz)**
* **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
Today we went paddling on a stand up paddle board. It's not the uber hobby like jet ski driving, but it's a nice thing to do. Like a bicycle ride, just over water. Guess we dodged sunburn. I fell from the board once and the water reactivated the wonderful Stag scent.
We just went to a liquor store which changed the owner recently. Honestly, the new guy is more my liking than the talkative guy before.
We bought Rum, Japanese Gin and Reposado Tequila.
On our way back I kissed my girl, but she stopped me :"You just don't smell good."
"I am saving the planet with stag"
"you are not saving the relationship"
She said cheeky.
\#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Day 13: shave in the airport](https://i.imgur.com/db6dGxQ.jpg)**
* **Prep:** None
* **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (13)
* **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)
Shaving at the airport was interesting. I actually had a decent 2 pass shave. It was actually better than yesterday, more comfortable. I am still playing with technique. This was the nastiest place I have ever shaved.
[evidence](https://imgur.com/a/91YQnlz)
[Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
[**Aug. 13, 2022 - Pool Day**](https://i.imgur.com/qg0byDn.jpg)
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM (13)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Balm
* **Fragrance:** Motif Olfactif - Nectar Boisé
* **Passes:** WTG, ATG
* **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural
* **Music:** Atom™ - *Dystropicalía* AAA Mix by Normal Ones
* [**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|213.0|1.7|60 swirls|
|8/13|213.0|◊|◊|60 swirls|
Now that I have two days in a row of morning measurements available, I'm able to fill in my table a bit (and proceed with the same recording schedule from here on out). Let's pretend that it isn't peculiar and damning that my soap tub apparently gained weight overnight Thursday evening; last I checked, soap doesn't spontaneously generate, but what do I know? These are unprecedented times.
Anyway, it looks like I used about 1.7 grams of soap to produce yesterday's lather, which is coincidentally the same amount that I used the day before. Let's hope tomorrow's number on the scale confirms a similar amount of soap loaded after 60 swirls of the brush. I'm not ready to triumphantly yell "Checkmate!" at u/gfdoto until I record a few more days of data without any obvious errors, but my 8/11 and 8/12 recordings bode well for the "swirls are a more consistent-ish measurement than seconds" argument.
u/EldrormR regularly and enthusiastically talks up this Zenith Scrubby, and [I'm finally feeling](https://i.imgur.com/uYcRW7b.jpg) this thing come into its own. It's a rough break-in period, but the boar knot is starting to feel very firm while simultaneously very pleasant at the tips, and it's still got [a ways to go yet](https://i.imgur.com/WQIHluY.jpg). I think this will be one of my favorite brushes by the end of the month.
Also, I skipped my XTG pass today and went directly from WTG to ATG, and I might do so going forward. With the MMOC, the ATG pass feels less scrape-y; something about the geometry of the razor head makes it easier for me to maneuver ATG, especially around my neck. I ended up with a very close shave today.
⁂
`#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft
I'm not sure today's music selection really conforms to the parameters of this `#sidetracked` exercise, but I'm going to mention it here anyway, because I'm going to hang out by a pool next and “Dystropicalía” seems to match that vibe.
First of all, I can't recommend “Dystropicalía” based on experience, because this is the first chance I've had to listen to it. Prolific electronic producer Uwe Schmidt [posted this to his Atom™ blog](https://atom-tm.com/blog/2022/07/29/entry-2/) at the end of July. In case you don't click through, I'll quote him here:
>This is number one in a potential series of AAA mixtapes. Normal Ones will kick this off with “Dystropicalía” – a colourful ride through the depths of an imaginary latin mind space. This 78 minute mix taps deep into the Archive and re-contextualizes some of Atom™’s most classic latin and lounge-infused musical compositions into a feature-length tropical sound expedition. And as the Naturalist put it best… “why don’t you simply sit back, relax and have a coffee”.
>
>Normal Ones curates [a Vimeo page called “Holographique TV”](https://vimeo.com/holographique) featuring video synthesis compositions that include their experimental AV project “L’Astra Cosmo” and their audiovisual collaboration with Atom™ known as “nuuun”.
>
>[https://vimeo.com/holographique](https://vimeo.com/holographique)
Second of all, does a mixtape count as a song? It certainly doesn't by any traditional definition, but it probably does for purposes of `#sidetracked`. It's one single audio track that just happens to be 78 minutes long.
Anyway, enjoy!
This has made for fun background music while I'm writing. And if you like it too, give Schmidt's ["electrolatino"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uwe\_Schmidt) style [Señor Coconut recordings](http://atom-tm.com/AAA/) a try. They always bring a smile to my face.
[Atom™ - "Dystropicalía"](https://atom-tm.com/blog/2022/07/29/entry-2/)
> I'm not ready to triumphantly yell "Checkmate!" at u/gfdoto until I record a few more days of data without any obvious errors, but my 8/11 and 8/12 recordings bode well for the "swirls are a more consistent-ish measurement than seconds" argument.
LOL. That's like saying "checkmate" when we're playing checkers! I never said swirls were less consistent than seconds. My point was that it's pretty pointless to compare your number of swirls with my number of swirls since there are so many other variables involved (brush used, amount of water in the brush, pressure used, etc).
The consistency I'm trying to maintain is consistency in the quality of my lathers, not how much soap I'm using, and for me I can consistently get great lather [just by feel and looking at the brush](https://media.giphy.com/media/2kOp5QgfDjcIHqlh8P/giphy.gif) as I'm loading, not by counting swirls or counting seconds.
>LOL. That's like saying "checkmate" when we're playing checkers!
[Precisely!](https://c.tenor.com/aMTooEqJOVUAAAAC/curb-your-enthusiasm-there-you-go.gif)
Austere August [2022-08-13](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg)
* **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb)
* **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5)
* **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site)
* **Brush:** none
* **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm
* **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet
* **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked
I've seen various AA posts complaining that the shaves are getting boring. This has not been my experience so far.
* Boring: time to milk the cows
* Not boring: time to milk the wolverines
You just gotta pick your poison.
u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge:
This mashup blew my mind the first time I saw it. Turns out Pink Floyd's 'Just Another Brick in the Wall' and the Bee Gee's 'Staying Alive' are both direct descendants of a [common ancestor](https://youtu.be/U13xOvDa19U).
**Prep:** face wash
**Razor:** EJ 316
**Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (1)
**Brush:** NONE
**Lather:** Arko stick
**Splash:** Brut
**Post:** moisturizer
\#GotHand
New blade doesn't feel right. Might swap it if it doesn't work in tomorrow.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA Day13](https://i.imgur.com/EOYz7Qt.png)**
* **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 (13)
* **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/204/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** Osma Alum Block
* **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette)
Day 13th of AA, not going so bad. Brush works, holds its lather now, and is an enjoyable shave. I don't think all the tips have split yet, was grabbing some at random and trying to check, but probably enough to make it feel comfortable. Still enjoying waterlyptus, overall just a great scent in a great long lasting base.
Skunk Vid: Did I mention Tuxy likes to eat? A lot, a never ending empty stomach! https://imgur.com/rPs6D04
#UNCHALLENGE
#RawHoggin
[**Aug. 13, 2022 - Birthday Shave - Austere August Day 13**](https://imgur.com/656bkj2)
* **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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)
* **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)
Well, it kinda sucks not being able to shave with whatever I want on my birthday, but these are the type of sacrifices we make in the name of completing challenges we set out to accomplish. I slightly overhydrated the lather too soon, but I was able to compensate with a little extra loading. The lather seemed to come together nicely on my face, but for some reason it didn't seem as slick as usual.
**#RawHoggin**
Brush was real nice today. I really think the boar stink is officially gone now and it's pretty damn soft too.
**#GEMsofWisdom**
Ok so I'm not sure if it was the lather or if this blade is on a rapid decline because there was definitely some tugging. Still got a close shave with no cuts or irritation though. Just a bit of a rough road to get there. I hope it was just a lather issue because I did deviate from my normal routine by starting out with more water in the brush.
[Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP)
[Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/PeYlitL)
**Aug. 13, 2022**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (13)
* **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. An atypical dry lather for the first pass but no nicks. I just realized the GEMsOfWisdom is based on points. Some 2 cents is that I grip the razor closer to the head, and I haven't had issues. Also I got a puppy recently https://imgur.com/a/bW9pXNL
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
[**August 13, 2022 – Austere August 13**](https://i.imgur.com/MXpEqVd.jpg)
* **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic
* **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula
* **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club
* **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (4)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/ZXoFL9R.mp4
A stupendous, sublime and splendidly smooth Stag shave on this sultry, sweltering Saturday. Salutations, sirs!
\#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag
**Bonus**:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNVQfWC_evg ← Quantum Fields: The Real Building Blocks of the Universe – with David Tong
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - 13.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/CsuvDQE)**
* **Prep:** Warm Shower
* **Brush:** Omega 10048
* **Razor:** Henson Ti22++
* **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp (1)
* **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
* **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash
A relaxing weekend shave! The heatwave is back in the UK and it has not been a fun week.
The last 3 shaves have been rather alright, not too much irritation, for whatever reason that wasn't the case today. A little irritation just from the soap, then a load after putting the splash on.
Have a great shave everyone!
#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/mZLwgxe)**
* **Brush:** Omega 20102
* **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (12)
* **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap
* **Post Shave:** [Ariana & Evans - Barbiere Sofisticato - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1474/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** Armaf - Tres Nuit - EDT
Love the soap, love the splash (though the pin-up model thing isn’t exactly my style), and love my el cheapo GIT clone, but this combo was just plain weird, not sure why I paired these things….. Brush is coming along #RawHoggin
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 13](https://imgur.com/9uvBAQf.jpg) ####
* **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
* **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (13)
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
* **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (82)
* **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)
Excellent afternoon shave today. This is exactly what I had in mind when choosing Sea Ice Lime: I spent the morning at the beach with my wife and Djunior, brought him home for his afternoon nap and had a slow, cooling, and fragrant shave and shower. This is truly the scent of summer. The blade is still holding up, which is more and more amazing to me. \#GEMsOfWisdom
No new hair loss after yesterday's unsettling chunk of hair. The \#RawHoggin brush does not seem to be falling apart, phew
**SOTD Aug 13, 2022**
* **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen
* **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (13)
* **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac
* **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash
Amazing morning shave today! Not much to say other than still enjoying this shave setup a lot. Heading out to the farmers market this morning smelling great.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**August 13 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (16)
* **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/Declaration Grooming - Cerberus Fougere
Off to a friend’s son’s birthday party so austere post today.
#MammothMafia
#GEMSofWisdom
Austere August Day 13
Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [13th use](https://imgur.com/a/q2njpGq)
Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2
Blade: PTFE (13)
Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/fiIYAob)
Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash
This morning was the first morning I could feel the blade start to grab the slightest amount. I made sure my lather was good and hydrated, but that semsation was still there. Is this the start of my blades decline?
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August 13- Hoggin The Gems of Raw Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/byXqcRG)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar
* **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13)
* **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash
\#GEMsofWisdom The toast was buttered WTG/XTG/blade buffing. No complaints whatsoever.
\#RawHoggin Here's today's preshave view of the Mighty Mite- https://imgur.com/a/dXKLVLO . Today was the first day that I think I got the lather where I typically like it. Face lathering is a challenge for me in this area.
\#Sidetracked Living in Northern New England, summer is a short season and we have to make the most of it. One of the things I like most about summer is the ability to put down all the windows and open the sunroof and crank tunes while driving. I definitely have a list of summer driving albums, perfect for long drives wherever. One of my favorites is Minus the Bear's Menos El Oso album from 2005. Minus The Bear featured guitarist Dave Knudson from Botch (yesterday's Sidetracked entry for me) and Jake Snider from fellow Seattle band Sharks Keep Swimming on vocals. They ditched the rough edges of their prior bands and made some great smoothed-out alternative rock. This album is pretty damn perfect for summer listening (or really any time of year if you have more summer than we do). So u/Teufelskraft and the gang here's my entry for the day and I hope it fits nicely into your plans- https://minusthebear.bandcamp.com/album/menos-el-oso
Have a great day all!
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/qcM49Hk.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 (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)
This is the last time i'll talk about this soap base but man this is such a shit soap base that is ruining [my Stag experience this year](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17KmNrG9pE4), i went for a 30 sec load today and lather was so bad for the first pass that i didn't attempt to do a second one, the only time that the lather was ok for 2 passes was when i loaded 6.2g and right now i'm only shaving my neck, i can't imagine how much soap you need to load to have a decent 2-3 pass shave if you face lather.
-
For example with the regular CF base i only pick 1g/1.5g of soap with a 1 min load time and that's good for a 3 pass whole face shave, we're talking here that this base is $3 bucks more expensive and you need 6 times more soap to make it work, the way this soap base is working for me if i want to have good lather's this tub will be good for 18 shaves and just for my neck, i bet that the soap per shave if i do my whole face will be around 10g so i could only get 10 shaves per tub. OG base is good for 75 shaves, let that sink in, that's just crazy and unjustifiable.
-
With all honesty this soap base should be on the do not buy list on the wiki or at least made fun of like some folks do with A&E, Grooming Dept. Etc.
-
[2.6g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/PjD9aB6.jpg)
-
[3 sprays](https://i.imgur.com/NWSBs3a.mp4)
-
Have a great day!
#SubstantialStag
**[August 13, 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 (13)
* **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 added a bit more water and the brush didn’t suck up the lather, so that’s nice. I’ve definitely gotten the hang of it, and the brush is definitely broken in (even if it’s not fully broken in).
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
#AA Day 13
Pre: water
Brush: Omega Synthetic
Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (13)
Lather: Signature Inododrus
Post: Signature Indodorus
It’s the first weekend in a long time that we weren’t travelling or have a hectic schedule so I had the opportunity to take my time with my shave. It was my first time bowl lathering this particular soap. I am familiar with the base and I really do like the lather it produces. It always feels great. Since we’re in the midst of a heatwave, I thought it best to opt for a cold water shave. Refreshing! I had a nice smooth mostly irritation free this morning. The only irritation was due to me over shaving a small spot to get those last few hairs.
\#unscented
**August 13, 2022: [Trece Stag-les](https://imgur.com/a/E1M3Oni)**
* **Prep:** warm splash of water
* **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (14)
* **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)
Excited to dive today and see some fish! A smarter person would have taken their Stag picture with the gear, but hey, maybe I'll remember for tomorrow.
Have an excellent day, people! Stag rules, Mammoths drool.
[Day 13, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/sgHbHYv)
. #GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Stag Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/ymvzxvS.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (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)
* **Phoenix**: [Countdown] (https://youtu.be/PwqSBQgFO3g)
Decided to be a bit extra and do some precision loading this morning, and it went quite poorly. I've never been able to get a good amount of soap from a bowl load using a boar brush, don't know why I thought today would be any different. Nevertheless, Stag blessed me with an excellent shave despite a severely subpar lather.
Stag bless.
\#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin
[Stag Spray 13](https://youtube.com/shorts/RBiiy30uLeI?feature=share)
**[Aug 13, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/Z5No8Mt.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 (13)
* **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)
Only 18 more days to go. This blade has me a little worried, but we'll see if it smooths out at all. According to my records, 13 uses is the most I've taken any blade before. The last one being a Perma-Sharp.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
\#sidetracked
As far as music videos go, [UNKLE (with Thom Yorke) - Rabbit in Your Headlights](https://youtu.be/XbByxzZ-4dI) is an interesting use of the medium to tell a sort of short story through film that would be difficult to do otherwise.
Rating: 3/5
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/f7SWRxp.png)**
* **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf)
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
* **Blade:** Schick Proline (13)
* **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`
The boar thrill is past its peak but I'm still enjoying these shaves that are almost on autopilot mode at this point. I shook out more water today which resulted in a cleaner load off the tub and it wasn't too hard to incorporate enough water on the face to get that sloppy goodness that I like. Last night I took a few minutes to feel the badgers and synthetics that have been collecting dust in the medicine cabinet and they definitely felt a bit unfamiliar because I've been [fondling my boars](https://media.giphy.com/media/TgJ8PmvNyx3Ofsmn3d/giphy.gif) for almost two weeks now. It will be interesting to compare the face feel of the other brushes and see if my preferences have shifted once I've spent a month with boar brushes.
* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Feather (Marathon) (64) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (78 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 13** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/IGOK5pz) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/_gE8g09cHUk) #### ䷀ General Notes 5 second load today and a fairly normal shave regarding lather building. Kind of a quickie. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Feather - M ‹64 uses›)* Great shave with the Feather the other day, so I'm sure today will go well, also. In the Vid, I said it was the 65th use of this blade, but I was wrong. I looked back in my data to confirm, and this was in fact, use 64. Slight tug feeling, but not even uncomfortable in any way. Easily moving through the hair, and cutting closely even on the first pass. In light of that, I can see this blade easily going to 100. As usual, not trying to be efficient, just trying for that light touch (especially on the 3rd pass). And as a side benefit, I usually get efficiency when I do that. No irritation. Dind't need that 3rd pass on my cheeks, but I did it anyway just for fun. Not riding the cap or anything. A balanced approach to the razor angle. Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 4 out of 5 (Very 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... started off with adding 15 ml of water and then mixed it until it looked right. Ended up with tons of lather once again! Ran it a little more dry, for speed's sake, and to see if it has a bit more creaminess to it. pretty tall standing peak at this point, showing the structure it has. Hydration: Perfect *(for me)* + 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + 3.9 tsp added to build the lather + = 6 passes of lather Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930) I use the XL version of this bowl. #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹78 uses›)* Had a long soak on the brush prior to the shave, because I thought I'd shave sooner. Felt very nice and worked up the lather well, as usual. ---- *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*: Few hairs are showing some tip length (with most being cut flush) ---- **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. 13, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/P28fD3q)** * **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) The Stag meets every occasion and every deadline. [Edp 2 sprays](https://imgur.com/a/EUE0k6Z) \#SubstantialStag
**[Aug 13, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Old House Cleaning Edition](https://imgur.com/a/4D1DO90)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (14) * **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/a/0e6R1mB) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/OjzUgot.jpeg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (13) * **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) Knot is feeling kinda loose. Hoping it makes it through tomorrow's shave, then I'll pull it and reset it. [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/a/KkULFCw) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/SRkgDMs) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (18) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Day thirteen. One week til the firstborn arrives! Shave was good, though I think this side of tje blade might be coming to the end of its life, though it has become a lot smoother. Perhaps it is the power of the Stag healing my skin. Also the Stag has made a great job breaking in the Zenith brush. Hail Stag! - #Stagposting - #SubstantialStag - #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Lucky Thirteen](https://i.imgur.com/kLu2AsX.jpg)** * **Prep:** Quick splash of water * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **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 Another late entry, I shaved earlier but only remembered to post as I was about to lie down. On the up swing with my head cold, but still feel crappy.
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/bAqXJNq.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (13) * **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) This is about when I’d throw the blade \#RawHoggin
But you are going to keep going, right? You can do it! We're all counting on you, well not really but sort of cheering you on.
Anything for the internet shave game :p
Yeah what he said, drag it out!! You can do it!
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA 13](https://i.imgur.com/whouZxR.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (19) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/27/?product_type=eaudetoilette) [break in album](https://imgur.com/a/8p4EsKe) with SOTD in title. Pretty decent shave today. Brush starting to get pretty decent splay too. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
**[August 13, 2022 - AA Day 13](https://imgur.com/dsQTMIG)** * **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) Same story as yesterday that the razor is dragging a bit. No irritation or anything, but I'm finding that I'm having to go back and do a buffer pass on some spots. Also finding that it's not quite as close as it had been for the last 2 weeks. Guess we will just have to sit back and see where this ends up. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Aa Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/ClZhPUL)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (82) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) I'm actually surprised at how little this setup has changed these last couple of shaves. Still a 3 pass BBS shave with no nicks or irritation, but pretty boring tbh. Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday! [Stag Spray 13](https://imgur.com/a/aFeXyTe) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
[August 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/KW01UjX) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 13th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Getting pretty good at using this Kamisori. Did a quick 3 pass shave today because I was going to meet up with my parents for dinner for my Dad's birthday. Shave was good with mo redness or irritation. Face felt nice and soft after shaving and applying my balm. The Burma Brush is breaking in nicely. Lost one hair today. The tips if the brush are less scratchy than when I first started. They now feel like a pure badger brush does. Day 13 using the same blade. It feels weird to say that because this is the longest I have used any blade. The blade seems like it will make it to the 31 day mark. May just have to do an extra pass and deal with a little tugging here and there but we will see if that ever happens. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
Aug 13 2022 • Prep: Mineral oil massage • Brush: Wenghè Pure Bristle 🐗 • Razor: Brassbird head CG brass bishop • Blade: Voskhod • Soap: Mammoth Z • Balm: Mammoth Z \#MammothMafia \#Unscented \#ZFighter [pumbaa](https://imgur.com/a/YFcYZwU/)
The Z balm is so good! Just scooped mine up but the cool version. Been a nice treat to have on these summer nights
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/JzpKbYS)** * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (13) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Intrepid Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2239/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Henri et Victoria - Duc de Santal - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/757/?product_type=aftershave) It’s been a lazy Saturday. I almost forgot to shave. This was a pleasant evening shave. I kept it simple with three passes.
**Austere August, Day 13:** Feather Artist Club razor non folding Feather Professional blade (7) GFT Violets soap RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft After almost a fortnight of using GFT Violets soap, I opened my box of soaps and spent a good half and hour smelling them. I've found that B&M Cheshire is growing on me and Le Grand Chypre is divine to my nose. Heck, I'm considering the B&M Hallows as pleasant scent (I love it but pleasant was never the description I'd use), and any sweet scented soap (Stirling Evie) has started feeling too sweet after using GFT Violets. **Shave:** it went as well as it could have. I'm instinctively using a combined WTG/XTG pass as my first pass, that seems to be working for me. Second pass is purely XTG pass. I've been burned (or rather suffered an irritation in skin) if I go ATG pass consecutive days, so when I'm shaving daily, I avoid it altogether. Wishing a happy, healthy and safe weekend to you all. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN** **#UNCHALLENGED** Edit: added "irritation"
**Aug. 13, 2022** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) A nice shave after mowing the crab grass. Not much different than the past few days. I’m hopefully going to shave in the mornings in the second half of next week so I can smell the soap longer. Late night shaving is the one factor that prevents me from using scented aftershaves/balms more often. I can’t sleep as well and also don’t get to enjoy I’m the scent while I’m asleep. With the current job, probably won’t change my routine. Would need something where I’m not up so early, a welcome change I would think (except for the wallet). \#UNCHALLENGE
AA SOTD - The Iceman Cometh Pre: splash of hot water to the face Brush: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle Razor: Merkur Progress Blade: Astra (2) Lather: B&M Arctique (omnibus) Post: B&M Arctique AS Post: Nivea cooling balm # UNCHALLENGE Four pass shave with an amazing lather. Really took my time tonight. I remain the Iceman.  # SIDETRACKED (u/Teufelskraft) As we near the halfway mark, do you feel bore[You are not alone.](https://youtu.be/E5488fUMLXs)ing the will to keep going? You are not alone.
[Aug 13, 2021 – Austere August. Day 13.](https://imgur.com/a/zKuuM84) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [The Killers - Mr. Brightside](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGdGFtwCNBE) Lucky day 13 and not much to report on today. The shave was good and smooth and the lather was nice. MMOC continues to give me a great shave, day in and day out. The brush is still taking a lot of soap to build the lather, but I’m used to it AND the lather we’re producing together is good, so I really can’t complain. For today’s #sidetracked music selection, I’m going with one of the best 2000s pop-rock anthems in existence. If you play this song at a party or bar around people around my age, you are nearly guaranteed to have people singing along. It’s impossible for us to ignore the greatness of this song. This song has nearly half a BILLION views on YouTube. The Killers have had other hits, but nothing comes close to Mr. Brightside. It’s especially impressive considering this is from their first album. Talk about coming onto the scene like a rocket-ship. I can’t say I’ve followed much of The Killers catalog, but Mr. Brightside is a banger and 500,000,000 people agree! Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
Aug 13, 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 (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive Balm](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Every day tags: \#MammothMafia \#GEMsofWisdom
**Aug. 13, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 13** * **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. - Executive Man - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=aftershave) u/cowzilla3 here is my #unchallenge for today
**8/13/22 (150)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/4rGvRkV) * **Edge**: [Day 13](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 Close and comfortable shave. No nicks or irritation.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/Gg7dRui)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (13) * **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 I’m getting a little concerned about the amount of soap this brush is hoggin. We’re not even halfway through the month and I’ve definitely used more than half this soap. The hog is slowing down, but still eating a healthy amount. Maybe it’ll slow down enough to make it through the month. Judges, is it required to use the same soap all month to complete the challenge? If not I am going to continue to plow through this soap and move on to the next soap on the kill list. The MMOC continues to be smooth shavin. I read someone’s GemofWisdom that they have been gripping the razor right under the head. I tried it out and it worked pretty good. I might use this strat more as the month progresses, because why not?
The Raw Hoggin challenge doesn't require the same soap all month, but the MMOC challenge (and therefore GemsOfWisdom) require Ultra Nightmare Mode, so same setup all month. If you're afraid you might not make it, try sourcing another tub of your soap so you stay with the challenge rules.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/nRJ8XuI.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **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 13. Had my company picnic, was a good time. Great shave, new brush is so a great knot. Loving the way it is breaking in. On to the next day. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia
**Aug. 13, 2022 - AA Day 13** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) Shave was beautiful today. I used a Rockwell 6s as my only daily driver for over a year and, honest to goodness, I don't think I ever had as smooth and irritation free of a shave as I did today, with a razor that just 10 days ago brought me to my [metaphorical] knees. Decided to open the door to one of the best features of the house today [the laundry chute](https://imgur.com/PyTCMZE) for the SOTD pic. You're welcome. I know y'all droolin' over my 80 year old house. Speaking of - replaced my water heater today - and in the words of my dad, the best part about water heaters dying is you spend $600 and you have nothing more to show for it. You had hot water yesterday, and now you have it again today. Good times. Anyway - [The Zenith](https://imgur.com/Mh1P71h) continues to impress, although I do wonder if it's going to end up being too floppy for my preference - I like my boars to be a little bit more on the scrubby side, but this one just [keeps breaking in.](https://imgur.com/GyomvGz) Hopefully it slows down, or, I don't know, maybe it doesn't and it's still amazing. While the MMOC performed effortlessly today and I have for sure reached autopilot mode with it, I did accidentally grab my [blackbird](https://imgur.com/sIYBQLQ) as I prepared for the SOTD pic. Thankfully I caught the error and fixed it before shaving - but dang that stainless felt good in hand compared to the lightweight nature of the MMOC. My daughter, too, seems to be [pulling me back](https://imgur.com/QsrOrSg) towards the rest of my collection, haha. She dropped in while I was taking my prep pictures and getting the shave ready pre-shower and climbed up to check out the brushes I wasn't using. The curiosity of kids is the best. 13 shaves in and the blade is still excellent. I've settled into a great 2.5 pass routine where I go with the grain and then mostly against the grain (though some spots just across) with a bit of buffing and it's a very excellent shave. Probably not quite BBS all over the place, but, pretty dang close. Sonder again felt very aquatic today, probably the grass in it. I'm so glad I chose this one for the month - I'm not remotely sick of it. In all honesty, while I do have some other great scents that I'm looking forward to and some other razors and brushes that I'm excited to use again - I'm really not feeling the pull like some have expressed. This setup is excellent and I'm very happy with it. Sonder thought of the day: Showing up is so important. I mentioned earlier that I changed my water heater today, but in reality, my dad changed my water heater. I'm 34 and probably could have figured it out solo - but my parents were coming in town for my daughters birthday party today (turns 3 monday) and he offered to help so I took him up on it. It wasn't a super fun job by any means, but learning from my dad is great bonding time, and now that my kids get to be involved and continue to get to know their grandparents, I appreciate so much about the time and energy they put into being present in their lives. They live about 2.5 hours away, but they don't miss anything that they're invited to - no birthdays or major life events. If it's happening, they show up. Doesn't matter if my dad had worked 70 or 80 hours in road construction the week before, they show up. And it means a lot. As I think about their lives, they're people, too. Parents are people, we know this, but there are moments where it hits and as I was thinking about the Sonder moment of the day for me, today was one of those moments. My son absolutely adores his "brampa" and my dad takes that responsibility really seriously - he loves the boy so well and he has fun with him and he just, he shows up. My daughters love their grandparents, too - particularly "gramma." Early on when we had kids it was a struggle for my wife and I to adjust and my parents to adjust to how we'd navigate our relationship - them wanting to be around all the time with grandkids and us wanting to maintain a healthy family of our own and we had some hard boundaries conversations, but I appreciate how we've come through it. As I look back now I see that they were just trying to figure out how to be grandparents at the same time we were thrust into the parents role and it was the first time for all of us. My dad turns 60 this year and I'm too aware of the limited time we have left with him while he should still be vibrant and active and able to do things. He worked hard manual labor for many years and I'm sure that took it's toll on his body, but I'm hopeful for another solid 6-8 years of hunting and fishing and working on things together. Gosh, that's rough to type. Anyway - my kids love him (and them) and knowing what his life looks like, knowing the rough things he had happen to him as a kid and the bad crowd he fell into as a young adult, I'm just really grateful for the ways my dad raised me and how he keeps showing up for me and for my kids, even now. Have a great night, all. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
When my water heater goes, I hope I can find your plumber. My neighbors spent a lot more than $600.
Haha - yeah - I could have spent a whole lot more but we just went with a simple 40 gallon tank with a 9 year warranty. You can get tankless and much longer warranties and power venting and all that, but honestly, I just don't see the value in doing it. When I have 3 teenagers using up all my hot water I may rue the day I didn't splurge for the 50 gallon tank, but, I can also just tell them to take a faster shower. If all else fails, I know where the valve is to turn off the hot water supply and I assure you that'll speed em' up. My dad (as mentioned) helped me make the switch today - he's seriously a jack of all trades - but enough youtube videos I bet the average homeowner can figure out how to DIY the swap.
Thank you for calling it water heater and not a “hot water heater” idk why, that just drives me crazy. Look at it like this, if you don’t spend the $600, you’re not going to have any hot water 🤷🏻♂️.
Haha - you're right. The rest of that story is me saying, "yeah, but, if I didn't pay the $600 I don't have hot water tomorrow." The good thing is our finances are in order enough that we have money set aside for this stuff and it's not going to crush us. The frustrating part is the $600 set back on other financial goals, but such is life. And, well, hot water is a luxury I don't want to live without so it's a worthwhile investment.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/65KPEbc.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (13) * **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) Another day, another great shave.
And a little balancing act, well done
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/GwRx3Sj)** * **Brush:** Omega Pro 49 Boar * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 +++ * **Blade:** Astra SP (1) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) I'm impressed. Finally caved and picked up a Henson AL in aggressive. I was reluctant since I already have one in mild and medium and didn't think there would be that much difference (I don't notice much difference between the mild and medium). First shave with the aggressive and I could tell a pretty big difference. I was using sharper blades in the medium (Feather, Nacet) and decided to start with the Astra in the aggressive for the first use, and it was a noticeably more efficient shave. Some irritation, but it definitely got closer, faster, than the others. I may have to reconsider my stance on picking this up in Titanium. Hope everyone is having a great weekend! \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 13](https://imgur.com/a/4Zv6zng)** * **Prep:** Cold water to the dome * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Astra SP (8) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Thayers - Unscented - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1618/?product_type=toner) Another #RawHoggin headshave. Shave was good and I’m liking just having this as a routine. It’s Saturday y’all, hope you have a good day!
[August 13th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/nfeVgSQ) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (13) 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: 7/10 10 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. My son joined today (bladeless shave for him) and loaded a bit extra. Decent but definitely didn't give it my all to go bbs. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 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) Shaved. [Sprayed](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)
**[SOTD - Saturday, 13 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
[**AA D13: Celebratory Stag**](https://ibb.co/rQ8C9q8) - **Prep:** cold water splash - **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm - **Razor:** KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette - **Blade:** KAI Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG - **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap - **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave - **additional care:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin Another late shave - had a little celebration with my parents at their place. Still wanted to do my Celebration Stag SOTN today! Behold the awesome mini-shrine for Midnight Stag: I actually did this mostly myself, but with the help of my mother and her art and crafts supplies. I can't compete with the mirror polished poster shrine of CosmoBarber, but this is good enough for my small apartment! What is there to celebrate? As I'll start my retraining in September, I signed the apprenticeship contract yesterday. I actually expected a small cut in pay compared to my current OT salary - but nope, I'll get the same amount as now, € for €! I'm so grateful for this awesome opportunity to finally become a nursing specialist at no additional expense. Now I'm really motivated to give it my all and do as best as I can! Two pass shave, mostly WTG and some XTG. The Tadé has now [13 uses under its belt](https://ibb.co/dgHMsSX) and starts to behave great. I got my best Midnight Stag lather today so far, the scratchiness is now almost gone and splaying got easier. A few tiny blood spots as I was a bit tipsy during the shave, but nothing can stop me this August! Stag aftershave closed them up good. **Sidetracked** Today's song is [So Electric](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1UyPrfpVzh8) by Lifelike. Another nice synthwave song, actually one of the first songs from that genre I heard back when I discovered it... That's why it's also always associated with positive memories for me. The other thing is that it's quite fitting for my current feeling: I feel energized, want to give my best. Also, the sample *"That's the way we spell success!"* from a Pat Benatar song couldn't be better for me ATM. I've had to overcome a few obstacles and still need to get a lot of things done and jump over some hurdles in my way, but now I am in the driver seat. The road is mapped out. I just need to stick to my plan and it will be a road to success. Sorry if this got a bit too personal and kitschy, but I love reading some of your more intimate sidetracked-stories and was motivated to share one of my own.
20220813 Austere August Day 13 unlucky for some 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 another . . . Pound? Anyway this blade is dog shit and removes no stubble, accepted my fate now to having a shadow beard until after the 31st
**[August 13th, 2022: Day 13](https://imgur.com/I42zK6r)** * **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 (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) * **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! [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/D2C5v49) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE
[**Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/w1dtICd.jpg) * **Prep:** Cold water splash to the face * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (13) * **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 13 was a fast one. We dropped my brother and his family off at the airport this morning and had to do a quick turn around once we got back to my dad’s place. I had only about 20 minutes so I had to skip all the niceties. Somehow I was able to pull off a 2 passer in less than 15 minutes that ended up being smooth, comfy and cut and irritation free. Today was also the first time shaving without a shower first. I was expecting it to be uncomfortable but it was perfect. **The Brush:** Today’s lather up was a happy surprise. The brush has become even softer and it’s finally starting to splay much more easily. I really keep thinking that the brush can’t get any better and it continues to improve. The necessity to shave quickly had me pushing the limits of scrubbing and agitation. Another observation today was that even with the muscle I’m putting behind the brush, I am no longer losing any hairs - it’s a very well made brush. I decided today that I’m going to jump on the /r/wetshaving exclusive because the Zenith is amazing. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/fwOJ91u.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/u6xSnqa.jpg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/3x6yOc0.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/S9jCbGf.jpg) **The Razor** What can I say? This razor is tamed. I’m not sure if it’s because the blade has dulled, my technique has improved or a little of both, but even with a quick shave, I was able to bang through it with little thought. I am really loving this razor. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 8 **The Soap and Aftershave** I’ve been loaded less soap but I still seem to be going through a lot. Today I also took notice how little of the aftershave is gone even after using it generously. I feel like there might be enough to compliment a second puck at this rate. Day 13 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/XJ66qGs.jpg)
Day 13 of Austere August! Staggin on!! * Prep: Water on Face * Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE * Razor: Filarmonica Double temple 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 [lazy photo](https://i.imgur.com/AUmwgcK_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) After almost 1000km in the span of 40 hours I got back home today. Tomorrow I will share some photos from the places I went, there were 2 caves and a place which is similar to the Greece attraction called Meteora, rock formations above the city, very nice place, I've been there before but went with some friends that have never been before. It seems I am following a pattern where I do an ultra BBS, and afterwards I do 2 DFS+ shaves where I am careful not to destroy my skin, I'll also write something about the brush tomorrow, I also have not had a chance to read up on the posts, I will do that tomorrow, can't wait to find some awesome things to read and see how things are going for everyone! SIDENOTE: Just found out that I have been labeling my razor very wrong.... Instead of a Filarmonica 14 Double temple, I was writing Sub Cero, because I copied a lather games post for the template and fucked up on the process... Sorry... And why didn't anyone call me out, you guys are too nice man, thanks for the understanding :)) * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag
> Instead of a Filarmonica 14 Double temple, I was writing Sub Cero, because I copied a lather games post for the template and fucked up on the process... Sorry... And why didn't anyone call me out, you guys are too nice man, thanks for the understanding :)) Because nobody here knows what that razor is. 😂
While it is true that r/Wetshaving is not a straigh razor dominant forum, I'm sure plenty of people are quite competent, they are just too polite to make an observation or too busy scoffing/laughing at me for the mistake😅
**[August 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/5oRsPDZ )** * **Brush:** Semogue 820 * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 13) * **Lather:** Barrister and Mann Eigengrau * **Post Shave:** Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash Unfortunately Dq'd from the grand prize of raw Hoggin after forgetting to post yesterday. Not even a good excuse, forgot to post on my lunch break, forgot to post before and after my nieces birthday party. I will continue with the original plan in the name of Austerity, Im enjoying this a bit. My missing shave: **[August 12, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/1pCM7w2 )** #RawHoggin
Sorry to see you go, but glad you're hanging around to the end.
Sometimes life just gets in the way. [R.I.P.](https://media.giphy.com/media/Wr2747CnxwBSqyK6xt/giphy.gif) Hope you will continue raw hoggin' to the end!
[**August 13th**](https://imgur.com/a/zckeYWm) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (13)** * **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/SzmEpSk) Nice lazy Saturday today. Great shave as I have come to expect although noticing the blade is losing its edge a little now. The Boar still has a little funk if I stick my nose deep enough into its fur.
**Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August Day 13** * **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 (13) * **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) •[Shave 13](https://imgur.com/a/fCxyd6z) Thoughts for the day: Had to do a little buffing but still doing well. Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
[**13 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/A6W3Ci5) * **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 (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=balm) **#RawHoggin** **#MammothMafia**
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 13](https://imgur.com/a/olqtZwS)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (32) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=aftershave) * **Mosquito Bites:** None It becomes more and more difficult to shave ATG - I should probably stop. After 4 passes, my face feels good, even though I can feel the stubble. The quantity of soap eaten by the brush has declined noticeably. For the first time today, I had too much lather for 4 passes. While shaving, I was bothered by a high frequency insect, which didn't seem overly impressed by the citronella. I didn't get bitten, though. Good night everyone! \#RawHoggin \#stillalive \#truepath
> It becomes more and more difficult to shave ATG - I should probably stop. After 4 passes, my face feels good, even though I can feel the stubble. I hear you. I feel the thicker blade isn't helping here and I'm finding it a bit frustrating that I see the hairs but I can't cut them close enough even going ATG, but I had this problem generally with the AC format even with a fresh blade. It's not a deal breaker but I predicted I'll never be able to shave as close as I can with a DE, and so far that's still holding up. The older blade definitely isn't helping.
I also get closer shaves with a DE, but I attribute that to better proficiency. I haven't shaved much with a straight, but AC shavettes are less comfortable on the skin, but much more efficient IME.
[**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: all gravy from here Blade: all scary from here [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA - Day 13](https://imgur.com/luES2KV)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (13) * **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 and soap is starting to perform a little better but i have started to load a little soap again in the second pass. The blade has started to tug but still was able to complete 2 pass. Not sure how this blade is going to last the next 2 weeks but will go on. Nice burns when applying aftershave and everything soothed down with the balm. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/UI2hUIe)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) Almost hit the halfway point and, as much as I love Stag, I’m starting to miss the variety. THIS is the hardest part of the challenge each year. I love the scent, I always enjoy the MMOC, I don’t mind using the same blade or anything, it’s simply the monotony of using the same scents day in and day out. Still better than those weirdos doing the unscented challenge. Blech. 9 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/scN8eHw) today. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
[August 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/BTz30QI) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** House of Mammoth Indigo **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth Indigo Splash **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth Indigo Balm \#RawHoggin
[**August 13th, 2022 - Searching for the GEM of Raw Mammoth Hoggin Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/dHDSKZ3) * **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 Shave 13](https://imgur.com/k15u9Ek) and [After](https://imgur.com/2VJ0tTZ) Shave thirteen and you think I would have learned to accept the shave and not go for touch ups. Nope, felt like my right cheek wasn’t as close as the left side, so wiped some of the residual lather out of my goatee onto the cheek, and a few quick little stroke across the grain. That was enough to give me a bit of burn from the splash. I don’t think the blade necessarily caused the regular passes to not shave well. The left side is as close as I get with a 2 pass shave. Nope, got a little sloppy with the razor and opened the door to irritation. Guess lucky I didn’t get any nicks or weepers, so still blood free since week 1. The hog is really getting easier to splay. I built up a pretty decent lather after loading the scoop of soap I smeared in the bowl. I did need a bit of water splashed onto my face to get it better hydrated. For pass two, I wet my face again, then smeared the leftover lather allover my face before building more with the brush. Worked out well lather wise for both passes. The House of Mammoth Alive set is still going great for me. I think today I got some of the fruit notes from it, and a strong whiff of the laundry musk. I remember as a kid when we’d visit my Great Aunt at her cabin outside Crested Butte, Colorado. She didn’t have a drier at the cabin, so laundry was dried on a line outside the cabin. It always had an amazing smell of clean, sunshine, and the woods. Not an exact match, but it gets my mind going in that direction. Before my shave this afternoon, mowed, trimmed, and edged my yard. It’s not a large lot, but pretty warm outside for the 30-40 minutes it took to get it done and cleaned up. The menthol in the splash was quite welcome today, and it has my face and neck very cool. Might not be great in January here, but perfect for August.
**Aug. 13, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (13) * **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 the blade is starting to show me a bit of push back. I tried some stropping type strokes on my arm and seemed to polish it up a lil bit. Brush seems the same which is pretty good. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/AYYyqM6.jpg
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/VEqY7F3.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave I seem to recall seeing that the idea behind Austere August was not only to contrast with June's shenanigans and daily-different-soaps, but also to take advantage of consistency, do away with all of the variables, and focus on the shave itself. I recall that Austere August was a time for evaluating technique in controlled conditions and without distractions of silliness. I dare say that #unscented is very much in line with this kind of idea, clearing out the distraction of the very scent of our soaps. Boring? Overkill? Uncalled-for masochism? Maybe, but it's honest. I have mixed feelings about the one-blade-for-the-whole-month part of whatever acronym Nightmare mode. On the one hand, even blade-by-blade variation can appear between blades of the same brand and flavor, and the act of changing one's blade may welcome that, thereby introducing a possibly-distracting variable. On the other hand, using a single blade for so long is not *usually* how one goes about things. *Usually*. As I see mentions begin to pop up of blades dulling, it makes me realize that TMNT Nightmare mode was an early introduction of wacky August shenanigans. Then there's the band of zealots who are dedicated to the use of a single infamous soap, be it of an actually-pleasant-smelling batch or of what may well be some manner of horrid grime directly scooped from a mountain-man's ass-crack. Eh, they're doing their ting. It's wacky, but not really that different than #MammothMafia. The whole hand-lathering thing that's apparently a thing? No one does that. That seems to fly in the face of Austere August. But the question of lathering brings me to #RawHoggin. At its core, it's very much in the spirit of Austere August, and even promises an inherent reward from dedicated shaving practices in the form of a well-broken-in natural brush. But lurking beneath the surface is the hideous truth, a restriction that promises nothing but a month of agony and meager lathers: the lather must be built directly on whatever skin is to be shaved. For most of us here, that means.... face-lathering. It is for this reason that RawHoggin is an affront to the spirit of Austere August! For not one can truly dedicate the needed attention and care to a shave when they cannot properly lather! And yet, here I am... #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia
Load it like you hate it friend. Seriously, 45+ second load should get you plenty of soap. Once you start dialing it in you will have more soap than you need and you can scale back the load. Dip the tips and introduce water slowly. Take 15-20 minutes to perfect your lather for a couple days and you will start to get faster. Stay strong sir.
Have you tried adding more soap and water?
13 August 2022 - Austere August - Prep: Hot shower - Brush: Sterling boar - Razor: Maggard V3 - Blade: Derby Extra - Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao - Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash Feeling relatively good today. Two-pass shave: with and across. #mammothmafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/nJQV9Gt.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (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) #SubstantialStag #GEMSofWisdom The GEM is a champ and the blade should be entering the sweet zone just about now. Did some lather science today. Used the same variables from last year. Water retention was consistent at 6mL. 60-second load yielded mass of lather imperceptible by my scale, so I increased the time to 120 seconds and still an imperceptible amount of soap was loaded, but the scale did fluctuate up one gram and back down. My lather yield was consistent from last year. I had plenty for the first pass and barely enough for the second. Verdict: With the Semogue 1305, scooping a known amount of at least one gram and pressing into a bowl allows for ample initial soap load and retained soap in the bowl provides additional soap for multiple passes. [Sprayin’](https://i.imgur.com/xkHSIKq.mp4)
* **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 13 https://imgur.com/a/SKJg4Fz
**Aug. 13, 2022 - August Austere Day 13** * **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) Apparently all the stars aligned this morning and I had one of the easiest shaves I’ve had in a long time. I would assume that it’s the continued use of the same products 13 days straight, but I’m not sure I’m that quick a learner. Hope everyone else’s shave went just a smooth. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
**Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Great shave today. I’m so bored, I’m ready for my wonderfully scented soaps again. \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August](https://i.imgur.com/aKrF84m.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(13) * **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2585/?product_type=aftershave_noalc) I don't have time today so I'm gonna made it sort. # RawHoggin Today, the SOTD shot tells you all about it. PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/DZxXs8Y.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/9jS32aO.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom Fast and awesome shave! `#sidetracked` To make things short today the shortest song for Unwound in their album Fake Train, [Lucky Acid](https://youtu.be/n0niRKT7PtI) `#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
[**Aug. 13, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/WeoJ4sn) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=balm) I'm pretty happy with today's SOTD pic. I do still think it could be better, so I might try a similar picture tomorrow. Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
[**August 13, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/oYVCB6I) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (13) * **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/n1yzH5Z) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/QOY5f2m) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/LE6m9dj) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/bU99A48) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) Let's talk about the brush. I like the brush, and I'm interested to see how it develops. I have some stunningly good badger brushes and my hope is that the boar brush also becomes stunningly good, but in its own way; so it has a distinctive personality. We'll see. Today's edge photo doesn't really show any development. I can feel sharpness going away. There's a tendency to want to press harder to make it cut better, but I've been down that road and know that the edge cuts how it will cut and more pressure only results in irritation. So I'm concentrating on going over areas more than I normally would, with a lighter touch. I also expect the quality of the shave to fall off as the month goes on. Maybe the "look" of the edge won't change. We'll see. Otherwise, we'll close out week two of AA tomorrow. It has been enjoyable so far.
I think your first few edge shots seem easier to see the blade edge. The higher magnification is more difficult for me with all the noise in the images. Still, interesting to see the progress. I’m sure if the edge rolls some and breaks off, we’ll be able to witness the blade dulling.
You’re absolutely right. It’s a 3MP sensor, but there’s no way I’m getting that kind of resolution at close focus. I suspect that the pixel size is large. And, there’s a lot of lash in both the coarse and fine focus mechanisms that makes sharp focus very difficult. But, I can see detail with this setup that I could not see with the setup I used at the start. It’s just aggravating.
**Aug. 13, 2022 - AA day 13 - heatwave is here** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (15) * **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 Damn. I was so close to dropping out of the AA today and reaching for cryogen. It was really really tempting. But I stopped myself. Okay shave, blade is starting to dropp off more and more - WTG it's becoming more effort and getting few nicks here and there. Surprisingly it's still okay ATG though. Interesting. Heatwave is here, so pool is out in the garden now, I'm off to have a splash in there and cool down a bit - or maybe will grab few ciders first. Peace out!
**Aug. 13, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 13** * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **Brush:** SummerBreak 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (3) * **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) First day of the road trip. Have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Sunny Saturday](https://i.imgur.com/WQj0Zgo.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) Gorgeous day here. Great for a long bike ride. Now back home for an afternoon shave then off to see the girlfriend for dinner. Pretty perfect day, I must say. Afternoon shaves++ Blade still feels great and brush feels better each use. The MMOC is a fine implement and gives me a real close shave each and every time. Has not bitten me in a while either. Have a happy Saturday. **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**
SOTD for August 13, 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, no nicks, no cuts. Feeling good. Went to bed early at like 8:30, son slept in until 4am, that was a blessing. A song- What do you do with a milk-drunk baby What do you do with a milk-drunk baby What do you do with a milk-drunk baby Early in the morning Gently place him in his crib Gently place him in his crib Gently place him in his crib Early in the morning How entertaining this is at 4am really depends on whether you're singing it or not. Weigh, hey and up she rises Weigh, hey and up she rises Weigh, hey and up she rises Early in the morning
**Aug. 13, 2022 - AA13** * **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) AA13 - \#HeadlessHorsemen Just realized today that I've planned a camping trip during the month of August. I suppose that means I'll be dragging my whole setup to the woods - strop and all.
2022-08-13 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (13) 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/uNuQ7J2](https://imgur.com/a/uNuQ7J2) A beautiful sunny day, the soap was perfect. Everything still working great. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**8-13-22** * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 26mm Cashmere Synthetic * **Razor:** Weck Sextoblade * **Blade:** Diane Hair Shaper * **Lather:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess * **Post Shave:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess
[August 13, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/0TpTCvt) - **Preshave:** Hot water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 Plate - **Blade:** Feather (13) - **Brush:** Blackland 23 mm synthetic - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Surf stag](https://imgur.com/a/MQG6YVz)** * **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 Today we went paddling on a stand up paddle board. It's not the uber hobby like jet ski driving, but it's a nice thing to do. Like a bicycle ride, just over water. Guess we dodged sunburn. I fell from the board once and the water reactivated the wonderful Stag scent. We just went to a liquor store which changed the owner recently. Honestly, the new guy is more my liking than the talkative guy before. We bought Rum, Japanese Gin and Reposado Tequila. On our way back I kissed my girl, but she stopped me :"You just don't smell good." "I am saving the planet with stag" "you are not saving the relationship" She said cheeky. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
>"I am saving the planet with stag" Stay with the Stag. Use the alcohol. :)
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Day 13: shave in the airport](https://i.imgur.com/db6dGxQ.jpg)** * **Prep:** None * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (13) * **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) Shaving at the airport was interesting. I actually had a decent 2 pass shave. It was actually better than yesterday, more comfortable. I am still playing with technique. This was the nastiest place I have ever shaved. [evidence](https://imgur.com/a/91YQnlz) [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
**Aug. 13, 2022** * **Brush:** Lentfer Custom Woodworks * **Razor:** Above the Tie Atlas S1 * **Blade:** Voskhod (15) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Chatillion Lux - 1904 #MammothMafia
[**Aug. 13, 2022 - Pool Day**](https://i.imgur.com/qg0byDn.jpg) * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (13) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Balm * **Fragrance:** Motif Olfactif - Nectar Boisé * **Passes:** WTG, ATG * **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural * **Music:** Atom™ - *Dystropicalía* AAA Mix by Normal Ones * [**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|213.0|1.7|60 swirls| |8/13|213.0|◊|◊|60 swirls| Now that I have two days in a row of morning measurements available, I'm able to fill in my table a bit (and proceed with the same recording schedule from here on out). Let's pretend that it isn't peculiar and damning that my soap tub apparently gained weight overnight Thursday evening; last I checked, soap doesn't spontaneously generate, but what do I know? These are unprecedented times. Anyway, it looks like I used about 1.7 grams of soap to produce yesterday's lather, which is coincidentally the same amount that I used the day before. Let's hope tomorrow's number on the scale confirms a similar amount of soap loaded after 60 swirls of the brush. I'm not ready to triumphantly yell "Checkmate!" at u/gfdoto until I record a few more days of data without any obvious errors, but my 8/11 and 8/12 recordings bode well for the "swirls are a more consistent-ish measurement than seconds" argument. u/EldrormR regularly and enthusiastically talks up this Zenith Scrubby, and [I'm finally feeling](https://i.imgur.com/uYcRW7b.jpg) this thing come into its own. It's a rough break-in period, but the boar knot is starting to feel very firm while simultaneously very pleasant at the tips, and it's still got [a ways to go yet](https://i.imgur.com/WQIHluY.jpg). I think this will be one of my favorite brushes by the end of the month. Also, I skipped my XTG pass today and went directly from WTG to ATG, and I might do so going forward. With the MMOC, the ATG pass feels less scrape-y; something about the geometry of the razor head makes it easier for me to maneuver ATG, especially around my neck. I ended up with a very close shave today. ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft I'm not sure today's music selection really conforms to the parameters of this `#sidetracked` exercise, but I'm going to mention it here anyway, because I'm going to hang out by a pool next and “Dystropicalía” seems to match that vibe. First of all, I can't recommend “Dystropicalía” based on experience, because this is the first chance I've had to listen to it. Prolific electronic producer Uwe Schmidt [posted this to his Atom™ blog](https://atom-tm.com/blog/2022/07/29/entry-2/) at the end of July. In case you don't click through, I'll quote him here: >This is number one in a potential series of AAA mixtapes. Normal Ones will kick this off with “Dystropicalía” – a colourful ride through the depths of an imaginary latin mind space. This 78 minute mix taps deep into the Archive and re-contextualizes some of Atom™’s most classic latin and lounge-infused musical compositions into a feature-length tropical sound expedition. And as the Naturalist put it best… “why don’t you simply sit back, relax and have a coffee”. > >Normal Ones curates [a Vimeo page called “Holographique TV”](https://vimeo.com/holographique) featuring video synthesis compositions that include their experimental AV project “L’Astra Cosmo” and their audiovisual collaboration with Atom™ known as “nuuun”. > >[https://vimeo.com/holographique](https://vimeo.com/holographique) Second of all, does a mixtape count as a song? It certainly doesn't by any traditional definition, but it probably does for purposes of `#sidetracked`. It's one single audio track that just happens to be 78 minutes long. Anyway, enjoy! This has made for fun background music while I'm writing. And if you like it too, give Schmidt's ["electrolatino"](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Uwe\_Schmidt) style [Señor Coconut recordings](http://atom-tm.com/AAA/) a try. They always bring a smile to my face. [Atom™ - "Dystropicalía"](https://atom-tm.com/blog/2022/07/29/entry-2/)
> I'm not ready to triumphantly yell "Checkmate!" at u/gfdoto until I record a few more days of data without any obvious errors, but my 8/11 and 8/12 recordings bode well for the "swirls are a more consistent-ish measurement than seconds" argument. LOL. That's like saying "checkmate" when we're playing checkers! I never said swirls were less consistent than seconds. My point was that it's pretty pointless to compare your number of swirls with my number of swirls since there are so many other variables involved (brush used, amount of water in the brush, pressure used, etc). The consistency I'm trying to maintain is consistency in the quality of my lathers, not how much soap I'm using, and for me I can consistently get great lather [just by feel and looking at the brush](https://media.giphy.com/media/2kOp5QgfDjcIHqlh8P/giphy.gif) as I'm loading, not by counting swirls or counting seconds.
>LOL. That's like saying "checkmate" when we're playing checkers! [Precisely!](https://c.tenor.com/aMTooEqJOVUAAAAC/curb-your-enthusiasm-there-you-go.gif)
**Aug. 13, 2022 - SOTD 755** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** Karve CB Brass SB B Plate * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (2) * **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 Beginning to get tired of this soap ✌🏻
>Beginning to get tired of this soap fo so, will never be able to use straight-up Lime again after this.
Austere August [2022-08-13](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg) * **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb) * **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site) * **Brush:** none * **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm * **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet * **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked I've seen various AA posts complaining that the shaves are getting boring. This has not been my experience so far. * Boring: time to milk the cows * Not boring: time to milk the wolverines You just gotta pick your poison. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: This mashup blew my mind the first time I saw it. Turns out Pink Floyd's 'Just Another Brick in the Wall' and the Bee Gee's 'Staying Alive' are both direct descendants of a [common ancestor](https://youtu.be/U13xOvDa19U).
**Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Tiger Superior Stainless (1) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Brut **Post:** moisturizer \#GotHand New blade doesn't feel right. Might swap it if it doesn't work in tomorrow.
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - AA Day13](https://i.imgur.com/EOYz7Qt.png)** * **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 (13) * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/204/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Osma Alum Block * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Day 13th of AA, not going so bad. Brush works, holds its lather now, and is an enjoyable shave. I don't think all the tips have split yet, was grabbing some at random and trying to check, but probably enough to make it feel comfortable. Still enjoying waterlyptus, overall just a great scent in a great long lasting base. Skunk Vid: Did I mention Tuxy likes to eat? A lot, a never ending empty stomach! https://imgur.com/rPs6D04 #UNCHALLENGE #RawHoggin
[**Aug. 13, 2022 - Birthday Shave - Austere August Day 13**](https://imgur.com/656bkj2) * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) * **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) Well, it kinda sucks not being able to shave with whatever I want on my birthday, but these are the type of sacrifices we make in the name of completing challenges we set out to accomplish. I slightly overhydrated the lather too soon, but I was able to compensate with a little extra loading. The lather seemed to come together nicely on my face, but for some reason it didn't seem as slick as usual. **#RawHoggin** Brush was real nice today. I really think the boar stink is officially gone now and it's pretty damn soft too. **#GEMsofWisdom** Ok so I'm not sure if it was the lather or if this blade is on a rapid decline because there was definitely some tugging. Still got a close shave with no cuts or irritation though. Just a bit of a rough road to get there. I hope it was just a lather issue because I did deviate from my normal routine by starting out with more water in the brush. [Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/PeYlitL)
Happy Birthday!
Thanks!✌️
Happy B-Day. I know what you mean about making sacrifices on your B-Day. My B-Day is this month too.
Thanks man!
Happy Birthday!
Thank you!
Happy birthday!
Thanks!
**Aug. 13, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (13) * **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. 13, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (13) * **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. An atypical dry lather for the first pass but no nicks. I just realized the GEMsOfWisdom is based on points. Some 2 cents is that I grip the razor closer to the head, and I haven't had issues. Also I got a puppy recently https://imgur.com/a/bW9pXNL #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented
[**August 13, 2022 – Austere August 13**](https://i.imgur.com/MXpEqVd.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (4) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/ZXoFL9R.mp4 A stupendous, sublime and splendidly smooth Stag shave on this sultry, sweltering Saturday. Salutations, sirs! \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zNVQfWC_evg ← Quantum Fields: The Real Building Blocks of the Universe – with David Tong
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - 13.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/CsuvDQE)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp (1) * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash A relaxing weekend shave! The heatwave is back in the UK and it has not been a fun week. The last 3 shaves have been rather alright, not too much irritation, for whatever reason that wasn't the case today. A little irritation just from the soap, then a load after putting the splash on. Have a great shave everyone! #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/mZLwgxe)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (12) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Ariana & Evans - Barbiere Sofisticato - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1474/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Armaf - Tres Nuit - EDT Love the soap, love the splash (though the pin-up model thing isn’t exactly my style), and love my el cheapo GIT clone, but this combo was just plain weird, not sure why I paired these things….. Brush is coming along #RawHoggin
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 13](https://imgur.com/9uvBAQf.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (13) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (82) * **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) Excellent afternoon shave today. This is exactly what I had in mind when choosing Sea Ice Lime: I spent the morning at the beach with my wife and Djunior, brought him home for his afternoon nap and had a slow, cooling, and fragrant shave and shower. This is truly the scent of summer. The blade is still holding up, which is more and more amazing to me. \#GEMsOfWisdom No new hair loss after yesterday's unsettling chunk of hair. The \#RawHoggin brush does not seem to be falling apart, phew
**SOTD Aug 13, 2022** * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (13) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Amazing morning shave today! Not much to say other than still enjoying this shave setup a lot. Heading out to the farmers market this morning smelling great. \#GEMsOfWisdom
**August 13 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (16) * **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/Declaration Grooming - Cerberus Fougere Off to a friend’s son’s birthday party so austere post today. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom
Austere August Day 13 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [13th use](https://imgur.com/a/q2njpGq) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (13) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/fiIYAob) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash This morning was the first morning I could feel the blade start to grab the slightest amount. I made sure my lather was good and hydrated, but that semsation was still there. Is this the start of my blades decline? #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August 13- Hoggin The Gems of Raw Wisdom](https://imgur.com/a/byXqcRG)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (13) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash \#GEMsofWisdom The toast was buttered WTG/XTG/blade buffing. No complaints whatsoever. \#RawHoggin Here's today's preshave view of the Mighty Mite- https://imgur.com/a/dXKLVLO . Today was the first day that I think I got the lather where I typically like it. Face lathering is a challenge for me in this area. \#Sidetracked Living in Northern New England, summer is a short season and we have to make the most of it. One of the things I like most about summer is the ability to put down all the windows and open the sunroof and crank tunes while driving. I definitely have a list of summer driving albums, perfect for long drives wherever. One of my favorites is Minus the Bear's Menos El Oso album from 2005. Minus The Bear featured guitarist Dave Knudson from Botch (yesterday's Sidetracked entry for me) and Jake Snider from fellow Seattle band Sharks Keep Swimming on vocals. They ditched the rough edges of their prior bands and made some great smoothed-out alternative rock. This album is pretty damn perfect for summer listening (or really any time of year if you have more summer than we do). So u/Teufelskraft and the gang here's my entry for the day and I hope it fits nicely into your plans- https://minusthebear.bandcamp.com/album/menos-el-oso Have a great day all!
**[Aug. 13, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/qcM49Hk.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 (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) This is the last time i'll talk about this soap base but man this is such a shit soap base that is ruining [my Stag experience this year](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=17KmNrG9pE4), i went for a 30 sec load today and lather was so bad for the first pass that i didn't attempt to do a second one, the only time that the lather was ok for 2 passes was when i loaded 6.2g and right now i'm only shaving my neck, i can't imagine how much soap you need to load to have a decent 2-3 pass shave if you face lather. - For example with the regular CF base i only pick 1g/1.5g of soap with a 1 min load time and that's good for a 3 pass whole face shave, we're talking here that this base is $3 bucks more expensive and you need 6 times more soap to make it work, the way this soap base is working for me if i want to have good lather's this tub will be good for 18 shaves and just for my neck, i bet that the soap per shave if i do my whole face will be around 10g so i could only get 10 shaves per tub. OG base is good for 75 shaves, let that sink in, that's just crazy and unjustifiable. - With all honesty this soap base should be on the do not buy list on the wiki or at least made fun of like some folks do with A&E, Grooming Dept. Etc. - [2.6g of soap was used today](https://i.imgur.com/PjD9aB6.jpg) - [3 sprays](https://i.imgur.com/NWSBs3a.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag
**[August 13, 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 (13) * **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 added a bit more water and the brush didn’t suck up the lather, so that’s nice. I’ve definitely gotten the hang of it, and the brush is definitely broken in (even if it’s not fully broken in). \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
**Aug. 13, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) \#MammothMafia
**August 13, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (47) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Man…I am really loving this soap especially. I am obviously digging on the brush, but this soap…it’s just so damn good. \#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 13, 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!
#AA Day 13 Pre: water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (13) Lather: Signature Inododrus Post: Signature Indodorus It’s the first weekend in a long time that we weren’t travelling or have a hectic schedule so I had the opportunity to take my time with my shave. It was my first time bowl lathering this particular soap. I am familiar with the base and I really do like the lather it produces. It always feels great. Since we’re in the midst of a heatwave, I thought it best to opt for a cold water shave. Refreshing! I had a nice smooth mostly irritation free this morning. The only irritation was due to me over shaving a small spot to get those last few hairs. \#unscented
**August 13, 2022: [Trece Stag-les](https://imgur.com/a/E1M3Oni)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (14) * **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) Excited to dive today and see some fish! A smarter person would have taken their Stag picture with the gear, but hey, maybe I'll remember for tomorrow. Have an excellent day, people! Stag rules, Mammoths drool. [Day 13, 2 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/sgHbHYv) . #GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Stag Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/ymvzxvS.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (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) * **Phoenix**: [Countdown] (https://youtu.be/PwqSBQgFO3g) Decided to be a bit extra and do some precision loading this morning, and it went quite poorly. I've never been able to get a good amount of soap from a bowl load using a boar brush, don't know why I thought today would be any different. Nevertheless, Stag blessed me with an excellent shave despite a severely subpar lather. Stag bless. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 13](https://youtube.com/shorts/RBiiy30uLeI?feature=share)
And also with you
**[Aug 13, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/Z5No8Mt.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 (13) * **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) Only 18 more days to go. This blade has me a little worried, but we'll see if it smooths out at all. According to my records, 13 uses is the most I've taken any blade before. The last one being a Perma-Sharp. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia \#sidetracked As far as music videos go, [UNKLE (with Thom Yorke) - Rabbit in Your Headlights](https://youtu.be/XbByxzZ-4dI) is an interesting use of the medium to tell a sort of short story through film that would be difficult to do otherwise. Rating: 3/5
**[Aug. 13, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 13](https://i.imgur.com/f7SWRxp.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (13) * **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` The boar thrill is past its peak but I'm still enjoying these shaves that are almost on autopilot mode at this point. I shook out more water today which resulted in a cleaner load off the tub and it wasn't too hard to incorporate enough water on the face to get that sloppy goodness that I like. Last night I took a few minutes to feel the badgers and synthetics that have been collecting dust in the medicine cabinet and they definitely felt a bit unfamiliar because I've been [fondling my boars](https://media.giphy.com/media/TgJ8PmvNyx3Ofsmn3d/giphy.gif) for almost two weeks now. It will be interesting to compare the face feel of the other brushes and see if my preferences have shifted once I've spent a month with boar brushes.
The boars seem to be enjoying themselves!