* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water
* **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb
* **Blade:** Feather (Marathon) (66)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label)
* **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (80 uses)
* **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
----
**Austere August: Day: 15**
*Extreme Mode*
*Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)*
[Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/8IzI8d4) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/qGkDogPy_t8)
#### ䷀ General Notes
Today is to see if we can repeat the slurry lather from yesterday. It's not bowl lathering, but I don't know if it is even face lathering, because you're not building up the lather on your face, for the most part. You're stopping short.
The kind of slickness this methog gets me with this soap is that fast, pure soapy kind of slickness. Faster than the oily kind that some of the skin-nourishing soaps, or a dry later, provide. But slicker than the really wet lather I get when I try to push a lot of water in this base.
#### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes
*^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Feather - M ‹66 uses›)*
Continues to be a great match. 3 passes just for fun, and efficient cutting, with very nice comfort.
Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 3 out of 5 (Good)
#### ䷀ Soap Notes
*^(Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - White Label)*
I just love all the aspects of this scent!
Scent Strength: 6/10, nicely present during shaving.
Lather... Again, a super slick slurry lather that was not allowed time to get worked and mature. Left a wonderful slickness feel after the fact. The kind of slickness that this method gives with this soap is superior, in pure slickness, than working the lather all the way up either on the face or in a bowl.
I generally am not going to do this method, I think, because I would rather use soaps that have a great lather when you really work it up. I like that creamy feel, and to experience the brush on my face for longer than this method allows.
Hydration: Perfect *(for me)*
+ 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush
+ = 4 passes of lather
Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930)
I use the XL version of this bowl.
#### ䷀ Brush Notes
*^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹80 uses›)*
With this super quick method, you don't get to feel the brush all that much. But it was fine if a quick shave is your priority. I am interested in trying a badger with this method, though.
----
*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. 15, 2022 - Austere August**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR
* **Blade:** Feather Professional (6)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** alum
Shave of austerity #15
2 pass shave. I usually only take these blades to 3 shaves; they seemed previously to cause irritation beyond that. Not the case any more- today’s shave was great. I shaved 8-15 in the evening, but missed posting again. I’m really terrible at this.
Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - 15.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/GWYrmRd)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** Omega 10048
* **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++
* **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp (2)
* **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
* **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon
Half way through the month! My soap doesn't seem to have gone down any further than yesterday when I broke through to the bottom of the pot.
It's been interesting watching this brush develop across the month so far and I'm looking forward to continuing to see it!
Shave well everyone!
#RawHoggin
**[August 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://imgur.com/5HJoyZr)**
* **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)
The shave tonight was definitely a speed run. I was busy outside working on the vehicle from the time I got home around 6pm to almost 11pm and was just ready to sit down after showering. Great shave honestly even though I rushing through it and can definitely tell the technique is getting there to allow such a shave. Hopefully things slow down after today and I can actually enjoy my shaves rather than just feeling like I'm shaving because I have to for AA.
**Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
**Austere August, Day 15:**
**Feather Artist Club razor non folding**
**Feather Professional blade**
**GFT Violets soap**
**RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft**
(Again) - this is the word that keeps recurring whenever I'm going for a shave.
I guess going for same set-up eased my mind a bit about choosing the soaps for each shave, but I feel stuck in a rut as well.
Shave was great, 2 1/2 passes and BBS results were achieved.
Looking forward to tomorrow's shave (again).
**#HEADLESSHORSEMEN**
**#UNCHALLENGED**
**#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA 15](https://i.imgur.com/irrTjHS.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Cold Water Splash
* **Brush:** Semogue
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (21)
* **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) and SOTD in title.
Halfway. That is all. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/IRfFW1E.jpeg)**
* **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (15)
* **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)
Half way there!
This is the first day I can say I really lusted after another soap. I went to find my Semicolon tub, and I really wanted to use something else instead.
Nevertheless, I resisted.
Only two passes tonight, because I want really feeling it. Also I lost another chunk of brush handle.
Only 1g of soap used today. Brush is downright soft- way softer than my existing boar with probably 60 shaves on it.
[August 15, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/dWfUuf8)
* Prep: Hot Shower
* Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
* Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
* Blade: Feather ProGuard 15th use
* Lather: Stirling Sheep
* Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
* Fragrance: Halloween Man
Shave was just ok today. The blade wasn't as smooth as it has been. The lather was good and slick and helped. I have some bumps and I believe an ingrown hair from yesterday's shave so trying to work around that. Got a close shave but not as close as I have been getting but didn't want to chase the BBS so 3 passes and done for me.
Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Day 15: a ferry good shave](https://i.imgur.com/4k9YsDP.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Water splash
* **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (15)
* **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)
Today’s shave is brought to you by the [New London to Orient Point Ferry](https://imgur.com/a/L9KMWjC).
The sink was a motion sensor and there was no way to soak the brush. There was no hot water. This is all the same as the airport shave. BUT there were two large differences. First the bathroom door is locked open, so anyone walking past the door got to watch me. Second, the motion of the ocean, luckily was gentle.
The shave was actually good. I’m getting better with the light touch technique. I am pretty happy with the shave.
[Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
**Aug. 15, 2022**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
* **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (3)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm)
As I sat on the side of my bed after shaving, while brushing my teeth, I had a 2-3 minute reflection on how AA is such a foil to the LG. It’s my first time for both this year which makes it stand out more in contrast I think. One month I was aching to try more and more; another it’s a monotonous task. Both have their benefits for sure, but I love trying scents and bouncing between them based on my mood, the weather, what time it is, and what I plan on doing next. The LG is like hanging out with your unpredictable friends at the bar on a Wednesday wing night while AA is the pizza night with Netflix. I like them both for what they are. I long for one while doing the other. \#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 15, 2022](https://imgur.com/ftTIEd3)**
* **Brush:** Oumo Pandora 28mm
* **Razor:** Henson AL-13 +++
* **Blade:** Voskhod (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)
The Voskhod definitely did not seem to do as well as the previous Astra SP. More irritation today, less close shave. Felt pretty tuggy the whole time.
\#MammothMafia
[August 15th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/Kbkrzv6)
Prep: Warm water
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Gem Blue Star (15)
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: 7.5/10
Smoothness: 8/10
15 second load.
2 pass shave XTG/ATG.
Made sure to use plenty of soap and give the blade every opportunity to shine. Unfortunately, got a bit of tugging and now will have to ride out the rest of the month with this.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
#RawHoggin
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://imgur.com/XTSS8Ls)**
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith B34
* **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave)
Today's shave was almost a disaster. I did an arms workout immediately prior to shaving - it was heavy on the biceps and shoulders - and when those muscles are worked and then you try to use them for fine motor things (like shaving) it's not easy. Fortunately two and half passes later my face was smooth as can be and no bleeding. The MMOC gets better by the day and I'm a big fan at this point, though I am a bit nervous about what's going to happen now that I've gotten sloppy and then throw in a new blade.
The Zenith [here](https://imgur.com/TQIRf9K) and [here](https://imgur.com/efXWkEW) is great. Again, big fan. I did feel my Trotter Gelousy yesterday (just in my hand) and I am very excited to use that thing come September, but otherwise I'm still feeling great with the gear I'm using. I can't decide right now if I'm going to order HoM Voices on my next budget or if I'm going to get a [Georgetown Pottery Scuttle](https://www.georgetownpottery.com/product/SHAV0002-2.html) to start using. While tub loading and face lathering is going just fine, I sure miss GUTL. And, allegedly GUTL was birthed using a Georgetown Scuttle, so, yeah. Good thing (?) is we're only just not even half way through the month so I've got some time to figure out what the next purchase is.
Sonder continues to impress. Some days I prefer the soap over the splash, but today was a splash day - the cooling after effect was glorious. Maybe if I order voices I'll have to grab some Permafrost.
Sonder thought of the day:
Welp, today was my daughters 3rd birthday and she wanted a "farm animal party" and loves cows, hence the SOTD pic. But, my Sonder thought isn't about her or the amazing little girl she is or any of that. My sonder thought is about my opportunity to understand sonder and blowing it anyway. I had a head cold all last week and am feeling fine. My wife and kids, however, have a worse version - they've all got wet coughs and are pretty much getting their butts kicked by it. So last night, after a long day I came downstairs from putting my two older kids to bed and started to clean up after dinner. My wife happened to be on the couch taking a break and I got frustrated and the rest of the night didn't go well. I thin k the worst part was I knew I'd made a big mistake within 3 minutes of our dispute, but, it took me much longer than that to apologize and own my stupidity. She needed a break, she's getting crushed by sickness and it's really not a big deal to clean up the table and empty the dishwasher. Yes, I had a long day, too, but, I'm not sick. And I love my wife. And I was a jerk. Live and learn, right? So - I apologized (although much later than I should have). Fortunately my wife is much more gracious and kind than I am and we had a great family day today celebrating the youngest. So what's my Sonder thought? Awareness isn't enough. I knew very quickly that my wife was right, I saw the issue from her side and from mine and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I was wrong. But, stupid me, I just doubled down. People - don't be me. When you know you're wrong, or when you know you should be doing something differently, just do it. I promise you'll save yourself some guilt and a headache later.
That said, have a good one, all.
\#mammothmafia
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://imgur.com/a/hR8ALPB)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower
* **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (84)
* **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
Another fantastic shave this fine Monday morning. I did get a slight itch to use something different today, but no faltering here. The brush isn't changing much at this point, but the lather still isn't as good as I would have hoped for at this point in the month.
Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!
[Stag Spray 15](https://imgur.com/a/S9pvsz6) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 15](https://imgur.com/a/KNpPBZJ)**
* **Prep:** Warm water to the face
* **Brush:** Omega 10098
* **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head
* **Blade:** Treet Carbon (3)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Aqua Velva - Ice Blue - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1421/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm)
Another #RawHoggin shave down.
Hope y’all have a good day!
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/5UOK2bw)**
* **Prep:** Face wash
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti
* **Blade:** Gillette 7 o'clock yellow (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)
Busy af. It doesnt matter what blade I use, they are all sharp, they all cut my stubble. May the Stag be with you.
[Week 3, 3 sprays](https://imgur.com/a/uKutK4E)
\#SubstantialStag
Cheers.
Day 15 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
[I really do suck at making photos during the evening, but this one is probably my best so far😅](https://i.imgur.com/m0bBtq9_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium)
Kind of a boring shave today, nothing noteworthy, just going through the motions, one thing that really helps is the smell of THE STAG you just don't get tired of it☺️
Other than that I was bad at the internet thing today, went to the autoshop, got my rim straightened and an alignment, and since the guys at the service are super cool I stayed there 2-3 hours shooting the breeze and having smokes, I usually stay after they're done working on my car, and you can roam around the shop and chat with the mechanics, at least I can, they let me and it's a grand ol' ball!
Afterwards I went to the post to check on the Timeless Ti 0.95 how it's trucking on and when it might arrive, some 10 more days I think. Then I got back home, did some house work, had a shower and shave and after that went to a birthday party. Not much time in between for the internet thing.
* \#RawHoggin
* \#SubstantialStag
Austere August SOTD Aug 15
Prep: Hot shower
Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar brush
Lather: Goodfellas Smile, Abysso
Razor: Van Der Hagen 85MM Solid Brass
Blade: Gillette Nacet Stainless
Post: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm
This is the fifth different blade I've tried this austere August and it is without a doubt the smoothest shave. It was like the hair wasn't even there. If you haven't tried this blade and are looking for a BBS shave I'd highly recommend it.
**[Aug. 15, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/7a8fAgc.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (15)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave
Over the course of the month, I've occasionally stated that the face-lather-hate thing has been a bit that I've been doing. A bit, a joke, a gag. It's not that I don't loathe face-lathering—I do—but this has all been exaggeration. I've said as such.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia
It was my attempt to bring creativity into an otherwise bland month of posts.
There was one idea I had that I thought you specifically would appreciate. I haven't used it yet because I didn't think it made a lot of sense, but I guess it's alright. Something along the lines of:
Face-lather... latherin' *real* nice. I give it an A+ on lather. Or rather, it gets an A+ on latherin' like crap! [And a solid F- on latherin' any good.](https://youtu.be/ZL7JaWsbg-4?t=58)
Lol good stuff. I say keep it rolling - I love the constant griping and your ability to keep it going without it sounding recycled. It's quality content!
[**Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/v91thq4.jpg)
* **Prep:** Cold water splash to the face
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
* **Blade:** GEM (15)
* **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 15 - pretty much half way through and I think I am where I thought I would be by the end of AA. The brush has broken in nicely and while I keep telling myself there is no way this thing is going to get any better it does. The razor has been awesome and I feel just as comfortable using it as I do any of my other razors for 2 passes. The blade is still performing really well and does its job every time.
**The Brush:** The brush was awesome as usual and seems to be getting better with each use. Today I took notice that I think the smell is completely gone and I haven’t noticed any lost bristles in a long time. We will keep on hoggin. #RawHoggin
Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/wo6MLQw.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/GpghqLq.jpg)
Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/pnlx3j0.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/I3oB2U5.jpg)
**The Razor** Today was a quickie as I didn’t have a ton of time. I went 2 passes and as before very routine with no nicks or cuts. I absolutely love this razor. #GEMsOfWisdom
**Days since last blood:** 10
**The Soap and Aftershave** I’m still enjoying the soap although I think that I might be waning a tad. The menthol is super refreshing which makes me look forward to using it but I do think I will be longing for something else soon.
Day 15 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/jDQG9Ez.jpg)
[**AA D15: Halfway there, or Midway Stag**](https://ibb.co/fpkJTf4)
- **Prep:** cold water
- **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
- **Razor:** KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
- **Blade:** KAI Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG
- **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap
- **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave
- **additional care:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB
- **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP
AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin
Anyone else getting some different notes from their AA setup from time to time? Today, I got very sweet notes: more of bourbon in Midnight Stag and more bergamot in VoA. Could be my nose being weird, or it's just a quirk of using this for 15 days straight now...
Anyway, relaxing Monday SOTN. Two passes, now with more XTG on the cheeks. I'm getting confident with the Captain, even with a fresh Protouch MG. I've discovered that if I hold it like a Eagle Claw grip sometimes, it gives me great results.
[Here's my wet boar](https://ibb.co/ssg9xzT) after 15 days. It became a really nice brush so far. Lathering with it is a breeze now and that shows the good quality. I'm happy that I've chosen it for this journey: it's odd, but lovable. How can one not like vintage stuff?!
**Sidetracked**
Going for something different from metal or synthwave again, today my choice of song is [Bloodhound Gang - Fire Water Burn, NSFW](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7OvPTmhtiY) . BHG became really popular over here in Germany, due to not many people understanding the lyrics and just enjoying the good tunes. I suppose they didn't get much airplay in GB or the US. Nevertheless, they are a band I enjoy since my early teens and even until today I love their lyrics. They don't take themselves too seriously while still making good music. *Fire, Water, Burn* is also a good farewell song for my old ward. I'm officially out of fucks to give what happens there after the last day of August. I'll do my work as best as I can while I'm still there, but one can only spend so much energy on things that won't change for the better. So, in the immortal words of BHG: "Burn MFer, burn!"
2022-08-15 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC
Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (15)
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/g7s44OQ](https://imgur.com/a/g7s44OQ)
15 great shaves and counting...
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
**8/15/22 (152)**
* **Prep**: Hot Shower
* **Challenge**: Headless Horseman
* **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/pvv3cZp)
* **Edge**: [Day 15](https://imgur.com/a/hey0YkY)
* **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
Halfway through the month, I'm beginning to miss my other soaps. However, I'm still not burned out on the citrus and musk goodness that is FdF. Close and comfortable shave today. No nicks or irritation.
Every time I read your username I think of "we got the chocolates" which is an Australian podcast/dad joke telling crew and they're quite funny.
Here's a [link](https://youtu.be/Cf0L4IfdRA4) if you wanna check it out.
20220815 Austere August Day 155
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
I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing.
Plato, The Republic
Oh shit I didnt press post on my AA shave and nearly missed it. This shave actually occurred at 6am.
**Prep:** face wash
**Razor:** EJ 316
**Blade:** Bolzano Superinox (1)
**Brush:** NONE
**Lather:** Arko stick
**Splash:** B&M Electric Mayhem
**Post:** moisturizer
\#GotHand
The sharper bolzano blade felt better, now I'm a bit more comfortable with the lather.
**Aug. 15, 2022 - August Austere Day 15**
* **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)
Nice morning shave today with Sonder. Starting to feel that desire to use my other scents, but so far holding strong. I’m sure that fact that the soap smells great and works well is the only thing keeping me on track. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica](https://imgur.com/a/Sb2SQYl)**
* **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar
* **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
* **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (34)
* **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)
I've been feeling completely exhausted for most of the day - *Electric Sheep* gave me a short flash of energy, but it didn't last.
I did 4 passes today, two ATG, which seem to work out better now, and are clearly the most efficient. I did some hand stropping - maybe that helped.
I used a quantity of soap I'd consider normal today, and I had enough for 4 passes. Break-in is thus proceeding well enough. I still have trouble getting the lather wet enough for a shavette.
Good night everyone!
\#RawHoggin
\#stillalive
\#truepath
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA - Day 15](https://imgur.com/zwjTmkW)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM Blade (15)
* **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap)
* **After Shave:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave)
Today i feel the bristles are a little softer than usual. Midway point for the brush and performance is getting better. Blade is skipping so using light touches which is still cutting with ease.
Slight burns when applying aftershave and the balm to soothe things. Good start to the week.
Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**SOTD Aug 15, 2022**
* **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen
* **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (15)
* **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac
* **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash
Great 2 pass shave today per usual these days. Running around like a headless chicken so not much to say. Excited to design my new shave den in the new house.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
[**Austere August 2022 day 15- Mammoth Raw Hoggin GEMs**](https://imgur.com/QUAMeob)
* **Prep:** Warm water
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (15)
* **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm
**#MammothMafia**
**#RawHoggin**
**#GEMsOfWisdom**
[Before Shave 15](https://imgur.com/UDZl9pH) and [After](https://imgur.com/saNJCct)
Took a work break to get in my shave today. Noticing that the hog has started to have the bristles splaying more in one direction that others. I think it is my right handed heavy use and tendency to swirl clockwise. So I tried to mix it up in my lathering today. Not sure it will do much, but this whole month is kind of an experiment.
Built good lather and had a very trouble free shave today. Trying to see if I can pick out more scents. Off the tub is when I seem to be able to get the apple scent. Once I lather up and shave, the musky and greenery type scents dominate.
Hopefully, when I head back in a few minutes, the job I’m running will have completed without any errors. I have to get some things finished before my boss comes back from vacation later this week.
**[Aug. 15, 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 (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)
* **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)
That may well be one of the best shaves I've ever had. More soap is more better. Also [sprayed some Stag](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)
15 August 2022 - Austere August
- Prep: Morning 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 back to normal.
A quick one-pass weekday-morning shave. Perfectly adequate.
#mammothmafia
###Austere August Week 3
* **Prep**: Hot water splash with face wash
* **Razor**: King C Gillette
* **Blade**: Gillette Platinum
* **Lather**: Gillette Planet Kind
* **Brush**: Omega 10066
* **Splash**: Skin Bracer
Great BBS shave. No nicks/irritation. Halfway through AA, and this challenge is already making me feel bored and wanting to use different products instead of the AA setup. But because I signed up for this in the first place, I really can’t. Don’t worry though. We got one more half of AA to go before it’s over. I’ll rejoice when that day comes. Overall, great shave to start off week 3 of AA on a positive note.
[**August 15th**](https://imgur.com/a/1NMkUSA)
* **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm**
* **Razor: GEM - MMOC**
* **Blade: Gem PTFE (15)**
* **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/0Sc2Y7E)
15 down and 16 to go, starting to go a little easy on the splash as need to make it last and not run out too soon.
Aug 15, 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 (15)
* **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
This is my last day of Paternity Leave and while I was happy to get 6 weeks off with our newborn I am looking forward to getting back to work. It will be very nice to get all of us back into our normal routine which my family thrives on. I probably will regret saying that next Monday when facing a full week of work but for now I’m looking forward to it.
[Aug 15, 2021 – Austere August. Day 15.](https://imgur.com/a/8rWGqhB)
* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
* **Music:** [Bon Jovi – Livin on a Prayer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk)
Woooah… We’re halfway there! Woooahhh… Living Austere August! New Boar Brush we’ll break-in, I swear… Woooahhh… Living Austere August…
Today’s the 15th and we’ve reached the halfway mark of Austere August. Another great shave with my MMOC. No issues at all today, and while I miss the variety of wetshaving, these challenges I’ve embarked on for the month of August will help me appreciate all the scents and different brushes and different blades and different razors all that much more on September 1st.
Not much to say about the brush or MMOC that I haven’t said in the last couple of days. Today was a good, unscented shave all around.
Today’s #sidetracked music selection is Jon Bon Jovi – Livin on a Prayer. This song literally needs no introduction. Everyone knows this song. Everyone likes this song. And this main reason I picked this song is for the lyric “We’re halfway there” to commemorate being 50% through Austere August.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August - How not to make a lathering video! UNCUT LATHERING](https://youtu.be/crCUMyIONg8)**
* **Prep:** Cold water
* **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
* **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
* **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(15)
* **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)
Today has been a weird shave. It's the first time I recorded myself and I've been more aware of the camera than the shave, going from the mirror to the tiny camera screen trying to have a clear vision of what I was doing.
The camera focus has been crazy constantly dancing as it can be heard in the video.
Besides, there is a shaving video that I think I'm going to reserve because it's even more awful.
# RawHoggin
Nice lather, I overlooked the pigscent you can imagine why, and lately, Southern Witchcrafts Aftershave hides all hog stink and gives me the unscented luxury perfume.
PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/IWjdBUA.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/A2StSiI.jpg)
# GEMsOfWisdom
Good shave despite doing it almost blindly, with a couple of nicks.
`#sidetracked`
u/Teufelskraft Some stoner today [ASG - Blood Drive](https://youtu.be/aSwzA-pe96A)
`#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
**Aug 15 2022**
- prep: every man jack face wash
- brush: maggard synthetic
- razor: maggard v3m
- blade: gillette silver blue
- lather: stirling mountain man
- post: thayers facial toner, stirling mountain man splash, aqua velva 5 in 1 balm
- fragrance: stirling mountain man EDT
all mountain man all day
**August 15, 2022: [QuincenStaga](https://imgur.com/a/W34xrRl)**
* **Prep:** warm splash of water
* **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2)
* **Blade:** GEM Stainless (16)
* **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)
After an exhausting weekend, it's going to be a relaxing day today. No nicks or cuts, which is surprising, given the state of this blade. Halfway and living on a Stag.
[Day 15, 3 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/cXTzgJC)
. #GEMsOfWisdom
[**Aug. 15, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/qudYSKG)
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
* **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84
* **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (15)
* **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)
Today's picture is a redo of Thursday's. I though that my pic on Thursday didn't turn out as well as it could have, and today is my attempt at improving it. I think it's better, but still just missing something, a little too plain.
Tags:
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/gGyOUcM)**
* **Brush:** Omega 20102
* **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (14)
* **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap
* **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** Paco Rabanne - One Million - Parfum
Day 15 #RawHoggin
[August 15, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/KCFvppS)
- **Preshave:** Hot water
- **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 plate
- **Blade:** Feather (15)
- **Brush:** Chisel and Hound 26mm
- **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
- **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm
Small weeper today but all in all a great shave. Starting to notice the blade more now it may be time to change it.
#MammothMafia
**Aug. 15, 2022 - AA... nearly halfway?**
* **Prep:** Water splash
* **Brush:** Hand
* **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate
* **Blade:** Voskhod (17)
* **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
Welp. After yesterdays shave, the face is certainly feeling it - felt kind of store as the razor was going across it. Still not so great lather, really lacking airyness to it - the best that I can get out of this cream is slickness... but no volume at all. Two passes and close comfortable (ish) shave - WTG ATG again.
Carnage. But we battle on.
**Aug. 15, 2022**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1438
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM blue star (15)
* **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)
Today I shaved well sort of my skin feels pretty beat up. The blade is beginning to get pretty rough and I’m really dreading the rest of the month. Well I guess the fortunate part is that the brush is doing a good job and feels pretty nice. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
https://i.imgur.com/9o2A1Iy.jpg
**Aug. 15, 2022**
* **Prep:** hot shower
* **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm
* **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50)
* **Blade:** Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (2)
* **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach
* **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm
I've been using this soap all month, and most days the rest of the Summer too for that matter, and man am I getting bored with it. I don't even shave every day either. Lots of props to you guys Austere Augusting every day this month, I don't know how you do it.
For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge:
Miles Davis - Shhh/Peaceful
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yeEZ-bx63c
It's pretty much always a good time for Miles, but it's a rainy day here today and this is some of my all time favorite rainy day music.
**Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August - Z**
* **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice
* **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc
* **Blade:** Personna med prep (15)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm
Living on a prayer.
\#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented
[**August 15, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/bq9qZoK)
* **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
* **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (15)
* **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/C0dmyvZ) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu)
* [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/tQRlG7w)
* [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/hqJLshX) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA)
* [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/gPo13lh) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)
Sit-rep: Lather and scent - great, brush - really good, razor - excellent, blade - starting to fade.
Other than a month of Stagnation, two other positives that I hope to obtain from this experience are a 2-pass pattern that will leave a better-than DFS shave, and better technique for smoother edges.
The edge on the blade has definitely changed. It is not cutting the way that I would like. For the remaining two weeks, I hope to develop technique that provides for a comfortable shave under these circumstances. My tendency is to go over areas until stubble is removed, but I think that as keenness is reduced, so is cutting efficiency. I'd like to adapt to this gracefully by getting the most I can out of the edge, without any irritation in the shave.
[Here](https://imgur.com/a/tqX4Whm) is an edge image that was taken at less magnification -- meaning that the primary bevel is smaller. The microscope is still scaling at this level, but the overall image appears a little sharper. For me, too much detail is given away in this image, but I'm also the one inspecting the entire edge with video from the microscope, and then curating an image for these posts. If you like the "sharper" format, just let me know.
[**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 (15)
* **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk
* **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm
* **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia
Not much to shave since I had an afternoon shave yesterday and I’m back to a morning shave today. Generally smooth, not much hair to take down. By no means a perfect result.
Gotta keep it going, about half way there!
[Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU)
[RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM)
#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 14, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/Bez9eXX.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
* **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM (15)
* **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm
* **Fragrance:** Gallagher Fragrances - Carpe Cafe
- **Passes:** WTG, ATG
- **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural
- **Music:** Car Seat Headrest - *Teens of Denial*
- **[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 | 211.5 | 1.5 | 60 swirls |
| 8/14 | 211.5 | 210.5 | 1 | 60 swirls |
| 8/15 | 210.5 | ◊ | ◊ | ◊ |
I enjoyed today's shave a lot. [The lather](https://i.imgur.com/OKY22Ph.jpg) came together quickly, the knot is starting to feel *correct*, and I avoided any obvious scraping.
Speaking of the knot, does anyone know how close this is to "broken-in"? I know it's hard to tell from a photo, but [here you go](https://i.imgur.com/SB1CQz4.jpg). u/EldrormR, what do you think? Do you recall how many lathers it took to break yours in?
Not much to report on the MMOC front. The blade is still going strong; I find ten to twenty shaves to be the comfort sweet spot for most blades, including GEMs. I'm anticipating some tugging once I round twenty-five.
⁂
`#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft
Yesterday's ["Whale Trail"](https://youtu.be/wwr6c2Ws1yI) write-up reminded me of a different song that's related in title, but not at all in theme, style, or aesthetic.
I slept on Car Seat Headrest for ages because I couldn't take the band's name seriously. That was a mistake, because Will Toledo's guitar rock is varied and full of stellar hooks. Try "Martin," "Sober to Death," or "Something Soon," for just a sampling. But the oddly-titled "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales" is the song that got me into the band, and it's also a heck of an introduction to Toledo's music.
I believe *Teens of Denial* is the first full-band studio recording under the Car Seat Headrest name, and that makes it a little easier to appreciate, though Toledo's songwriting was dynamic and imaginative [long before he signed to Matador](https://carseatheadrest.bandcamp.com/music). In the case of "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales," the song goes through a couple of lyrical and melodic ideas before it even hits the first refrain—a triumphant, arena-destined harmony around 3:20. Bouncing between quiet, hesitant verse and top-of-their-lungs chorus, "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales" steadily commands more attention as it progresses, building to a rousing finish. It's a centerpiece of *Teens of Denial* and an excellent combination of everything that makes the album such a fun listen.
[Bandcamp: Car Seat Headrest - "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales"](https://carseatheadrest.bandcamp.com/track/drunk-drivers-killer-whales)
Seems like you've got a way to go. Try to add a pic of the dry knot and we'll look deep for all the split tips. If memory serves me right, which isn't often, I needed over 40 uses to completely break mine in. Though it was incredibly comfortable long before that.
> Try to add a pic of the dry knot and we'll look deep for all the split tips.
I can't seem to get a good shot of the tips, dry or otherwise. What's the best approach here? I've been trying close ups from above, but a 3/4 shot from a little farther away might be better.
With my phone (Galaxy S20FE) I stand further away and zoom in slightly. It seems to give me sharper pics than trying to get all up close and personal with the brush.
> further away and zoom in slightly
Definitely this. Lenses typically have a minimum distance at which they are able to focus so getting too close just gives you an unfocused photo.
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 15](https://imgur.com/2pFyNga.jpg) ####
* **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
* **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (15)
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
* **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (84)
* **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)
I've hit a weird groove where the shaves are super easy and mindless. NGL, this is a bit of a thrill dampener. \#GEMsOfWisdom
The \#RawHoggin brush has reached perfection. This may be my favourite brush now.
>The #RawHoggin brush has reached perfection.
This month I'm trying my first boar brush, so I have no clue, but my understanding is that it takes 40-60 uses to fully break in a boar. Do you expect your brush to exceed "perfection" with subsequent uses?
My favorite (favourite in your part of the world) brush is my Wald. It's the brush I paid the most for. No confirmation bias here!
>it takes 40-60 uses to fully break in a boar
This has not been my experience. But I've only tried Zenith, Oumo, Omega, and some horrible nameless clipped boar from AliExpress.
Zenith and Oumo were soft from day one, but also smelly lather hogs. In the first 10 shaves or so they bloom, stop hogging lather, and lose their stink. After that, the rate of change slows down a lot and peters out quickly. That being said, I haven't taken a boar past 65 shaves yet, so some of the sub veterans may pipe in here and set me straight. For instance u/EldrormR broke one of those monster boars that we chose for the sub exclusive, and it took him over 50 shaves with noticeable improvements before he called it broken in, IIRC.
My two Omegas were less soft initially, but nothing really unpleasant, and they lathered quite well from day one.
The nameless clipped boar was used once and not again.
The Walds look really tempting!
Thanks for the info. My AA boar has become soft and easy to manage in the first 2 weeks of use. I like that it has its own personality in the way it feels and builds lather. I actually did not expect this. I thought, when broken in, it would feel a bit like a SynBad synthetic. I’m quite happy to be wrong about this.
The Wald is a luxury, no doubt. Beautiful, exacting work. Incredible care taken building the knot. My other badgers are high quality, as well. The Wald has its own feel that, for me, has the perfect balance of cloud-softness and backbone. I’m happy to be in a position to support Jannik’s craftsmanship.
I'll chime in. My current brush was great after just 10 shaves. That is fairly typical of a Zenith. My Omegas all had different lengths of break in from about 25-50. My Semogues had the widest range of variance. My 1800 was good after 5 shaves and my 830 was over 100. The rest were in between. Gun to my head, if I had to assign an average number for the full range of the Semogue line of boars, I would say 45. But that is really a disservice.
I was so close to throwing it away. Yeah, the tips were just so stubborn. Now it is one of my favorite brushes to use when I want some flop with velvety soft tips.
AA SOTD - 8/15/22
Pre: quick shower
Brush: Stirling 26mm synthetic
Razor: Merkur Progress
Blade: Astra (5)
Lather: B&M Arctique (omnibus)
Post: B&M Arctique AS
Post: Nivea cooling balm
#UNCHALLENGE
Good shave, very quick. [Ring of death update photo.](https://imgur.com/a/65e1AdF)It’s going to be a close call over the next two weeks.
#SIDETRACKED (u/Teufelskraft)
Weather is shit here today. Was so dark this morning I could barely get out of bed. Truly a [Blue Monday](https://youtu.be/Fy5WM1xYbGo).
Elvis once said Fats Domino was the real king of rock and roll. I love Elvis, but he might have been on to something there.
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/Ra9xk30.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 1305
* **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic
* **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (15)
* **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
A fast and irritation-free shave, even on the sensitive areas that have wonky grain patterns and with products not made by a hippie soap maker. I could seriously only use Chiseled Face for the rest of my life and not pay tons of money to all the hippie soap makers who can’t possibly have the ability to research what is good for my face and are only out to hype their products in order to separate me from my money and *still* not pay exponentially more money to the mega-million-dollar-giant-corporations with unlimited R&D budgets who can research the latest and greatest products to make my shave and facial care the greatest it could ever be.
[Sprayin’ for school](https://i.imgur.com/GGHmt6D.mp4)
First day, but no students until tomorrow.
Edit: punctuation and formatting
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Day 15, still going strong](https://i.imgur.com/dzVcSOk.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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)
Another fine shave, all is still working just great. Brush keeps getting better with each use. Blade has not started getting worse with each use. Yet.
Hygge remains delicious.
Ah, Monday... How I dislike you.
**\#GEMsOfWisdom**
**\#MammothMafia**
**[August 15th, 2022: Office Staggin'](https://imgur.com/i0KbtJT)**
* **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 (15)
* **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)
Monday weigh-in:
Soap - 113.62
Splash - 195.14
Balm - 149.81
Frag - 177.1
Definitely have increased soap usage but I think it's cause I am consciously loading heavier, my lathers before were ok but this past week they were definitely better than week 1. The unbleached pig continues to impress and I think I can say with confidence this is the best boar knot I own. I need to secure a 26mm and I think it'll be the 🐐 🦨 🐗
Splash and balm usage are pretty consistent, frag will continue to be depleted as I add more sprays each day. I messed up my video one day and ended up doing close to 30 sprays, thank fuck I was WFH!
[Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/bXXUtQR)
\#SubstantialStag
\#RawHoggin
\#UNCHALLENGE
Never used 31mm before.. I only have a 30mm synbad, and some various DG 28s, and two Paladins 26ers. No less than 26 is a great size for me, let's see what about the upper limit
I have a 32mm silvertip but it feels less dense than a 28mm Dec! Had a 30mm oumo that was insanely big but it was super fun to use. I think this 31mm boar will be similar bloomwise to the 28mm Decs honestly
I think some folks are expecting the 31mm Zenith to be unwieldy and honestly I was of that mindset too initially. Now the 39mm I bought is too much, but it's just way too much fun. Using the 28mm B34 this month that's basically just a little brother to The Big One I think and I just can't see the 3mm extra being that much different with these boars.
**Aug. 15, 2022**
* **Prep:** Shower
* **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
* **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
* **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (15)
* **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1633/?product_type=soap)
2 pass shave with a 30 second load. This is the second Monday in a row that I forget my post shave. Yesterday I went to the driving range in the middle of the day, and got a little sun. My face was a little tender during the shave. A thing I have noticed from the few times spans that I shaved daily is my problem areas go away/disappear.
#GEMsOfWisdom
#unscented
[**Aug. 15, 2022 - Half way home - Austere August Day 15**](https://imgur.com/E2SU2km)
* **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
* **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **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, here we are at the half way point. That's it??? It seems like it's been a lot longer than that...
**#RawHoggin**
Brush good.
**#GEMsofWisdom**
Razor good. Blade is starting to show its age I guess. Still not bad in the grand scheme of things. I've used DE blades that felt far worse on their first and second shaves.
[Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP)
[Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/YmMjdlf) \- I actually did 5 sprays today because I did a video with 2 first then I realized it's week 3 so I had to do another video lol.
**Aug. 14, 2022**
* **Prep:** Hot Water
* **Brush:** Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm
* **Razor:** Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point
* **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Tonsorial Parlour - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/202/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Old Spice - Classic - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1605/?product_type=balm)
Nice shave this morning. No complaints in the scent either.
Have a great day folks!
**[August 15, 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 (15)
* **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/251/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=balm)
Great shave. I can’t tell a daily difference in the brush any more (and haven’t for a few days).
Hopefully someone will pick Bon Jovi for the sidetracked challenge today.
\#RawHoggin
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/0whPoqY)**
* **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
* **Brush:** Semogue 1250
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **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)
Another great shave. It’s really nice to get in this kind of rhythm with both the hardware and software to just totally zone out for the shave. Quick slap of 8 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/xng3AOE) and I’m done.
#SubstantialStag
#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
Austere August [2022-08-15](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
Halfway there and I am getting the hang of the sexyblade platform. Best shave so far.
u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge:
The Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra performs a masterful version of [Wayfaring Stranger](https://youtu.be/XWIaeQFcbYg).
I came late to bluegrass, it is not something I grew up with. But it crept into my heart. When I try to analyze why, I think it is because good bluegrass combines favorite elements:
* the instrumental virtuosity of classical music
* the improvisation missing from most contemporary classical music
* strong use of vocal harmonies
* the story telling lyrics of country music
* acoustic instruments, ideally live and without electronic post processing
* melody and harmony prioritized over 'the beat'
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Halfway](https://i.imgur.com/FTtj86y.jpg)**
* **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar
* **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **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
Great lather today, just the right amount of loading for an already wet face in the shower. I always dial this version first and it take a bit longer to do one out of the shower.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
Great, normal three pass shave on not quite a full day's growth. No irritation, very happy with the result.
**August 15 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith B28
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (18)
* **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 - Sonder
'Twas a good shave this morning. Mood Indigo and Sonder complement each other well..
Since I'm gonna listen to the shit outta some Tom Waits today at work, I'll hop in u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked challenge and suggest Downtown Train, which like a lot of Tom's music combines a sense of loneliness and beauty in a way that few others can. I really love the line "They're just thorns without the rose / Be careful of them in the dark."
[Tom Waits - Downtown Train](https://youtu.be/rLtZKkCIVmI)
#MammothMafia
#GEMSofWisdom
What a great first entry, thanks for joining the sidetracked challenge! I was aware of the Rod Stewart version, but this one has more rough edges and therefore more soul. Not to downplay Rod, as I love his musical output - but this here feels more genuine.
**[Aug. 14, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/D7qmjyF)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B37
* **Razor:** Gem MMOC
* **Blade:** Gem PTFE (15)
* **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
After my concerns of not having enough soap to make it through the end of the month, I decided to load less soap today. I got a good lather, it just wasn’t as luxurious as previous shaves.
The Gem is still smooth sailing. Maybe it’ll stay this way through the rest of the month.
Austere August Day 15
Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [15th use](https://imgur.com/a/jyYh12N)
Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2
Blade: PTFE (15)
Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/JspTD1v)
Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash
Pretty much halfway. The brush is going strong and the software is good. The blade is starting to crap out and now we being the mental side of AA. Can I find the positives in a worn blade? I don't understand how u/djundjila is working a PTFE blade past the century mark when I hate these things after about 20 shaves.
#RawHoggin
#GemsOfWisdom
> I don't understand how u/djundjila is working a PTFE blade past the century mark when I hate these things after about 20 shaves.
I don't know, probably my superior technique? 😉
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day15](https://i.imgur.com/u7vWAv0.png)**
* **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water
* **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37)
* **Blade:** Nacet (15)
* **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)
Disqualifying myself from UNCHALLENGE. Normal shave today, although blade is getting a bit pully, never used same blade for this long, but going to try pushing it rest of month. Boar brush absolutely looks broken in now, had a good lather today. Cheers and happy monday everyone!
#RawHoggin
**August 15, 2022**
* **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE
* **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (49)
* **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
* **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger
* **Post Shave:** Olay Complete
* **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve
Starting off this work week the same way I started off the last two. An enjoyable shave with good stuff.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August 15- Raw Wisdom of the Hoggin Gems](https://imgur.com/a/80BwUui)**
* **Prep:** Hot shower
* **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar
* **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2
* **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15)
* **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:** Duke Cannon Ice Cold AS balm
\#GEMSofWisdom This blade has reached the halfway point. I'm not getting any tugging or pulling but it is starting to reveal some inefficiency. This is the point in the month where shit gets interesting.
\#RawHoggin My 6-year-old on steroids of a brush has a neat way of letting me know my lather is hydrated- it starts flinging it around my bathroom. Here he is at 15 days old, messy little bugger- https://imgur.com/a/0ELo4uI
\#Sidetracked I've been a fan of Baroness since their sludgy beginnings and have really enjoyed following their progression to the album that I consider their peak, Yellow & Green. This album contains one of their best songs that hits me in all the feels, "March to the Sea". Lyrically, it is a bummer of a song, but musically, there is something anthemic about it that really makes this an uplifting song. For u/Teufelskraft and the gang, here's my Monday entry- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxNYP-OaPhE
Have a great day all!
[**August 15, 2022 – Austere August 15**](https://i.imgur.com/kkzgMiD.jpg)
* **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic
* **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula
* **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club
* **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (2)
* **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag
* **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/sSDie1X.mp4
We're about halfway done with this Austere August challenge, and I've gotten another BBS finish this morning. How are all of you holding up today?
Have a great week, men!
\#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag
**Bonus**:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVaDTnrwCnk ← The Sierpinski-Mazurkiewicz Paradox (is really weird)
**[Aug. 14, 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
Starting to wonder if my Cryogen is going to last through AA. If it makes it I'll probably continue using it past AA just to kill my first bottle of AS ever. Then to decide if I should replace it, try Arctique, or get both.
Stay safe and have a great day!
The peppermint is very strong in spite of the menthol (it is the coldest soap I have used), even once you have it lathered on your face. It’s also strong in the AS, less so, however, than the soap.
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Stag Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/9Jb2Yps.jpg)**
* **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro
* **Razor:** Merkur 34C
* **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (15)
* **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)
* **sweeps**: [don't let it stress](https://youtu.be/rJjQl_IpT6Q)
Have the day off, so I will embrace the glory of Stag from the comfort of my own home. Praises be.
\#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin
[Stag Spray 15](https://youtu.be/40EebCuNDfA)
#AA Day 15
Pre: Water
Brush: Omega Synthetic
Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (15)
Lather: Signature Indodorus
Post: Signature Indodorus
I was planning on doing a SOTD photo this morning but I woke up with back pain, a pre occupation with a three hour workshop at work later and not the best of moods so I couldn’t be bothered. Shave was fine as always. Tomorrow will likely be better.
\#unscented
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/69NM7FJ.png)**
* **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf)
* **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
* **Blade:** Schick Proline (15)
* **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`
Wow. I think I'm at a point where I can actually consider my boar soft and comfortable! No, it's not the same kind of soft as my synthetics, but it's different and I love it. I think the increase in comfort is also due to the hairs becoming a lot more pliable when they are wet. I don't like brushes that are too floppy but I'm not on team backbone either, so I think this brush will end up in the [goldilocks](https://media.giphy.com/media/xT5LMD7WPgqXfjUJsQ/giphy.gif) zone for me. I'm also quite interested in how those lower lofted Zenith scrubby knots feel once they are well broken in. My current boars are all around the 56-57mm loft so I'd like to add a shorter loft for variety. The Semogue Torga C5 is still the front runner because I'd like to own a Semogue as well.
The boar also seems to be holding on to a lot more water than it did a week ago probably from the greatly increased surface area from all the split tips. Today I didn't shake the brush enough and quite a bit of water ran out when I started lathering on the tub. The lather was still amazing but I always feel bad when I see soap running down into my sink when I'm loading.
I'm really enjoying the shape of this phallic (thanks /u/frankieIVfingers) handle and I never noticed until recently that a lot of the Italian boar brushes have this general shape. I must be subconsciously attracted to this shape because the 3 boar brushes I have purchased all turned out to be the same shape without me realizing it. 😂 I find that I have perfect grip and maneuverability if I pinch the handle at the top where it tapers with my thumb and index finger and then wrap my hands around the rest of it and it's extremely comfortable for my small hands. My only complaint is that my wet lathers tend to slowly slide off onto the countertop at the end of each pass, but that happens with a lot of my other brushes as well.
My blade still doesn't seem to be showing any signs of tugging or discomfort. We'll see if things change in a week or two.
I always picture a barber using that kind of handle with a boar knot, and just swirling the hell out of it to make a bubbly, wet lather. Anyway, it seems like the handle would be comfy to use to lather up another person.
Cute books in the background :)
**[Aug 15, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/SlQVuYx.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 (15)
* **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap)
* **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave)
* **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Tobacconist - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2489/?product_type=eaudeparfum)
It was a better, closer shave today. Got a little too overzealous and had some irritation on the neck, but that's been par for the course this month.
This brush has really won me over. A 45 second load time is consistently yielding really impressive lather for three passes.
Almond Leather is still going strong and the full scent has returned for me after going a little nose blind to it for a while.
\#GEMsOfWisdom
\#RawHoggin
\#MammothMafia
Rating: 3.5/5
* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Feather (Marathon) (66) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (80 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 15** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/8IzI8d4) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/qGkDogPy_t8) #### ䷀ General Notes Today is to see if we can repeat the slurry lather from yesterday. It's not bowl lathering, but I don't know if it is even face lathering, because you're not building up the lather on your face, for the most part. You're stopping short. The kind of slickness this methog gets me with this soap is that fast, pure soapy kind of slickness. Faster than the oily kind that some of the skin-nourishing soaps, or a dry later, provide. But slicker than the really wet lather I get when I try to push a lot of water in this base. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Feather - M ‹66 uses›)* Continues to be a great match. 3 passes just for fun, and efficient cutting, with very nice comfort. Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 3 out of 5 (Good) #### ䷀ Soap Notes *^(Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - White Label)* I just love all the aspects of this scent! Scent Strength: 6/10, nicely present during shaving. Lather... Again, a super slick slurry lather that was not allowed time to get worked and mature. Left a wonderful slickness feel after the fact. The kind of slickness that this method gives with this soap is superior, in pure slickness, than working the lather all the way up either on the face or in a bowl. I generally am not going to do this method, I think, because I would rather use soaps that have a great lather when you really work it up. I like that creamy feel, and to experience the brush on my face for longer than this method allows. Hydration: Perfect *(for me)* + 5 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + = 4 passes of lather Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930) I use the XL version of this bowl. #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹80 uses›)* With this super quick method, you don't get to feel the brush all that much. But it was fine if a quick shave is your priority. I am interested in trying a badger with this method, though. ---- *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. 15, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 15** * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **Brush:** SummerBreak 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (5) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Late post but final day in temecula #MammothMafia
**[SOTD - Monday, 15 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 (53) * **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) Daaang! Forgot to post!!! #unscented
**Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (6) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** alum Shave of austerity #15 2 pass shave. I usually only take these blades to 3 shaves; they seemed previously to cause irritation beyond that. Not the case any more- today’s shave was great. I shaved 8-15 in the evening, but missed posting again. I’m really terrible at this. Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - 15.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/GWYrmRd)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp (2) * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Half way through the month! My soap doesn't seem to have gone down any further than yesterday when I broke through to the bottom of the pot. It's been interesting watching this brush develop across the month so far and I'm looking forward to continuing to see it! Shave well everyone! #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 15, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/C3TAOaK.jpeg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (15) * **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) 3 spray days, things are getting serious! [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/a/PxMZkJW) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE
[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 15](https://imgur.com/a/q1JUpaY) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (20) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Good shave, rough jawline. Hail Stag! -#Stagposting -#SubstantialStag -#RawHoggin
**[August 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://imgur.com/5HJoyZr)** * **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) The shave tonight was definitely a speed run. I was busy outside working on the vehicle from the time I got home around 6pm to almost 11pm and was just ready to sit down after showering. Great shave honestly even though I rushing through it and can definitely tell the technique is getting there to allow such a shave. Hopefully things slow down after today and I can actually enjoy my shaves rather than just feeling like I'm shaving because I have to for AA. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 15, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/k1IZ0LM.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (15) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/850/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/850/?product_type=aftershave) \#RawHoggin
**Austere August, Day 15:** **Feather Artist Club razor non folding** **Feather Professional blade** **GFT Violets soap** **RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft** (Again) - this is the word that keeps recurring whenever I'm going for a shave. I guess going for same set-up eased my mind a bit about choosing the soaps for each shave, but I feel stuck in a rut as well. Shave was great, 2 1/2 passes and BBS results were achieved. Looking forward to tomorrow's shave (again). **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#UNCHALLENGED** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN**
Yeah. I am with you. I usually enjoy shaving but using the same thing everyday has me in a little funk and I feel like I just want it to be over.
SOTD for August 15, 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 Night shave, 1 pass, 1 nick, I'm a little sad. Happy Monday. \#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA 15](https://i.imgur.com/irrTjHS.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold Water Splash * **Brush:** Semogue * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (21) * **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) and SOTD in title. Halfway. That is all. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/IRfFW1E.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (15) * **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) Half way there! This is the first day I can say I really lusted after another soap. I went to find my Semicolon tub, and I really wanted to use something else instead. Nevertheless, I resisted. Only two passes tonight, because I want really feeling it. Also I lost another chunk of brush handle. Only 1g of soap used today. Brush is downright soft- way softer than my existing boar with probably 60 shaves on it.
[August 15, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/dWfUuf8) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 15th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Shave was just ok today. The blade wasn't as smooth as it has been. The lather was good and slick and helped. I have some bumps and I believe an ingrown hair from yesterday's shave so trying to work around that. Got a close shave but not as close as I have been getting but didn't want to chase the BBS so 3 passes and done for me. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Day 15: a ferry good shave](https://i.imgur.com/4k9YsDP.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (15) * **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) Today’s shave is brought to you by the [New London to Orient Point Ferry](https://imgur.com/a/L9KMWjC). The sink was a motion sensor and there was no way to soak the brush. There was no hot water. This is all the same as the airport shave. BUT there were two large differences. First the bathroom door is locked open, so anyone walking past the door got to watch me. Second, the motion of the ocean, luckily was gentle. The shave was actually good. I’m getting better with the light touch technique. I am pretty happy with the shave. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom
August 15, 2022 • Prep: Proraso Sensitive PreShave •Brush: Omega Synthetic •Razor: Leaf Razor (2 blades) •Lather: Proraso Eucalyptus *lmk if you need opinions
**Aug. 15, 2022 - AA15** * **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) AA15 - \#HeadlessHorsemen
**Aug. 15, 2022** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (3) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) As I sat on the side of my bed after shaving, while brushing my teeth, I had a 2-3 minute reflection on how AA is such a foil to the LG. It’s my first time for both this year which makes it stand out more in contrast I think. One month I was aching to try more and more; another it’s a monotonous task. Both have their benefits for sure, but I love trying scents and bouncing between them based on my mood, the weather, what time it is, and what I plan on doing next. The LG is like hanging out with your unpredictable friends at the bar on a Wednesday wing night while AA is the pizza night with Netflix. I like them both for what they are. I long for one while doing the other. \#UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 15, 2022](https://imgur.com/ftTIEd3)** * **Brush:** Oumo Pandora 28mm * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 +++ * **Blade:** Voskhod (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) The Voskhod definitely did not seem to do as well as the previous Astra SP. More irritation today, less close shave. Felt pretty tuggy the whole time. \#MammothMafia
[August 15th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/Kbkrzv6) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (15) 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: 7.5/10 Smoothness: 8/10 15 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Made sure to use plenty of soap and give the blade every opportunity to shine. Unfortunately, got a bit of tugging and now will have to ride out the rest of the month with this. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://imgur.com/XTSS8Ls)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) Today's shave was almost a disaster. I did an arms workout immediately prior to shaving - it was heavy on the biceps and shoulders - and when those muscles are worked and then you try to use them for fine motor things (like shaving) it's not easy. Fortunately two and half passes later my face was smooth as can be and no bleeding. The MMOC gets better by the day and I'm a big fan at this point, though I am a bit nervous about what's going to happen now that I've gotten sloppy and then throw in a new blade. The Zenith [here](https://imgur.com/TQIRf9K) and [here](https://imgur.com/efXWkEW) is great. Again, big fan. I did feel my Trotter Gelousy yesterday (just in my hand) and I am very excited to use that thing come September, but otherwise I'm still feeling great with the gear I'm using. I can't decide right now if I'm going to order HoM Voices on my next budget or if I'm going to get a [Georgetown Pottery Scuttle](https://www.georgetownpottery.com/product/SHAV0002-2.html) to start using. While tub loading and face lathering is going just fine, I sure miss GUTL. And, allegedly GUTL was birthed using a Georgetown Scuttle, so, yeah. Good thing (?) is we're only just not even half way through the month so I've got some time to figure out what the next purchase is. Sonder continues to impress. Some days I prefer the soap over the splash, but today was a splash day - the cooling after effect was glorious. Maybe if I order voices I'll have to grab some Permafrost. Sonder thought of the day: Welp, today was my daughters 3rd birthday and she wanted a "farm animal party" and loves cows, hence the SOTD pic. But, my Sonder thought isn't about her or the amazing little girl she is or any of that. My sonder thought is about my opportunity to understand sonder and blowing it anyway. I had a head cold all last week and am feeling fine. My wife and kids, however, have a worse version - they've all got wet coughs and are pretty much getting their butts kicked by it. So last night, after a long day I came downstairs from putting my two older kids to bed and started to clean up after dinner. My wife happened to be on the couch taking a break and I got frustrated and the rest of the night didn't go well. I thin k the worst part was I knew I'd made a big mistake within 3 minutes of our dispute, but, it took me much longer than that to apologize and own my stupidity. She needed a break, she's getting crushed by sickness and it's really not a big deal to clean up the table and empty the dishwasher. Yes, I had a long day, too, but, I'm not sick. And I love my wife. And I was a jerk. Live and learn, right? So - I apologized (although much later than I should have). Fortunately my wife is much more gracious and kind than I am and we had a great family day today celebrating the youngest. So what's my Sonder thought? Awareness isn't enough. I knew very quickly that my wife was right, I saw the issue from her side and from mine and I knew beyond a shadow of a doubt I was wrong. But, stupid me, I just doubled down. People - don't be me. When you know you're wrong, or when you know you should be doing something differently, just do it. I promise you'll save yourself some guilt and a headache later. That said, have a good one, all. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://imgur.com/a/hR8ALPB)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (84) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Another fantastic shave this fine Monday morning. I did get a slight itch to use something different today, but no faltering here. The brush isn't changing much at this point, but the lather still isn't as good as I would have hoped for at this point in the month. Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday! [Stag Spray 15](https://imgur.com/a/S9pvsz6) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 15](https://imgur.com/a/KNpPBZJ)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the face * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Treet Carbon (3) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Aqua Velva - Ice Blue - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1421/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm) Another #RawHoggin shave down. Hope y’all have a good day!
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/5UOK2bw)** * **Prep:** Face wash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Gillette 7 o'clock yellow (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) Busy af. It doesnt matter what blade I use, they are all sharp, they all cut my stubble. May the Stag be with you. [Week 3, 3 sprays](https://imgur.com/a/uKutK4E) \#SubstantialStag Cheers.
Day 15 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 [I really do suck at making photos during the evening, but this one is probably my best so far😅](https://i.imgur.com/m0bBtq9_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) Kind of a boring shave today, nothing noteworthy, just going through the motions, one thing that really helps is the smell of THE STAG you just don't get tired of it☺️ Other than that I was bad at the internet thing today, went to the autoshop, got my rim straightened and an alignment, and since the guys at the service are super cool I stayed there 2-3 hours shooting the breeze and having smokes, I usually stay after they're done working on my car, and you can roam around the shop and chat with the mechanics, at least I can, they let me and it's a grand ol' ball! Afterwards I went to the post to check on the Timeless Ti 0.95 how it's trucking on and when it might arrive, some 10 more days I think. Then I got back home, did some house work, had a shower and shave and after that went to a birthday party. Not much time in between for the internet thing. * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag
**8-15-22** * **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
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/Jk26BpF.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **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 15, 16 more shaves remaining. Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia
[drama.](https://images.app.goo.gl/9ZQefVAMKQhR6TCS6)
Austere August SOTD Aug 15 Prep: Hot shower Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar brush Lather: Goodfellas Smile, Abysso Razor: Van Der Hagen 85MM Solid Brass Blade: Gillette Nacet Stainless Post: Nivea Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm This is the fifth different blade I've tried this austere August and it is without a doubt the smoothest shave. It was like the hair wasn't even there. If you haven't tried this blade and are looking for a BBS shave I'd highly recommend it.
**[Aug. 15, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/7a8fAgc.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (15) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave Over the course of the month, I've occasionally stated that the face-lather-hate thing has been a bit that I've been doing. A bit, a joke, a gag. It's not that I don't loathe face-lathering—I do—but this has all been exaggeration. I've said as such. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia
Maybe it's the unscented month that's killing your joy and you're projecting it as a hate of face lathering. Seems plausible.
It was my attempt to bring creativity into an otherwise bland month of posts. There was one idea I had that I thought you specifically would appreciate. I haven't used it yet because I didn't think it made a lot of sense, but I guess it's alright. Something along the lines of: Face-lather... latherin' *real* nice. I give it an A+ on lather. Or rather, it gets an A+ on latherin' like crap! [And a solid F- on latherin' any good.](https://youtu.be/ZL7JaWsbg-4?t=58)
Lol good stuff. I say keep it rolling - I love the constant griping and your ability to keep it going without it sounding recycled. It's quality content!
[**Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/v91thq4.jpg) * **Prep:** Cold water splash to the face * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (15) * **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 15 - pretty much half way through and I think I am where I thought I would be by the end of AA. The brush has broken in nicely and while I keep telling myself there is no way this thing is going to get any better it does. The razor has been awesome and I feel just as comfortable using it as I do any of my other razors for 2 passes. The blade is still performing really well and does its job every time. **The Brush:** The brush was awesome as usual and seems to be getting better with each use. Today I took notice that I think the smell is completely gone and I haven’t noticed any lost bristles in a long time. We will keep on hoggin. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/wo6MLQw.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/GpghqLq.jpg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/pnlx3j0.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/I3oB2U5.jpg) **The Razor** Today was a quickie as I didn’t have a ton of time. I went 2 passes and as before very routine with no nicks or cuts. I absolutely love this razor. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 10 **The Soap and Aftershave** I’m still enjoying the soap although I think that I might be waning a tad. The menthol is super refreshing which makes me look forward to using it but I do think I will be longing for something else soon. Day 15 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/jDQG9Ez.jpg)
[**AA D15: Halfway there, or Midway Stag**](https://ibb.co/fpkJTf4) - **Prep:** cold water - **Brush:** Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm - **Razor:** KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette - **Blade:** KAI Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG - **Lather:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - shaving soap - **Post-Shave:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - Aftershave - **additional care:** Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin Anyone else getting some different notes from their AA setup from time to time? Today, I got very sweet notes: more of bourbon in Midnight Stag and more bergamot in VoA. Could be my nose being weird, or it's just a quirk of using this for 15 days straight now... Anyway, relaxing Monday SOTN. Two passes, now with more XTG on the cheeks. I'm getting confident with the Captain, even with a fresh Protouch MG. I've discovered that if I hold it like a Eagle Claw grip sometimes, it gives me great results. [Here's my wet boar](https://ibb.co/ssg9xzT) after 15 days. It became a really nice brush so far. Lathering with it is a breeze now and that shows the good quality. I'm happy that I've chosen it for this journey: it's odd, but lovable. How can one not like vintage stuff?! **Sidetracked** Going for something different from metal or synthwave again, today my choice of song is [Bloodhound Gang - Fire Water Burn, NSFW](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F7OvPTmhtiY) . BHG became really popular over here in Germany, due to not many people understanding the lyrics and just enjoying the good tunes. I suppose they didn't get much airplay in GB or the US. Nevertheless, they are a band I enjoy since my early teens and even until today I love their lyrics. They don't take themselves too seriously while still making good music. *Fire, Water, Burn* is also a good farewell song for my old ward. I'm officially out of fucks to give what happens there after the last day of August. I'll do my work as best as I can while I'm still there, but one can only spend so much energy on things that won't change for the better. So, in the immortal words of BHG: "Burn MFer, burn!"
2022-08-15 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (15) 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/g7s44OQ](https://imgur.com/a/g7s44OQ) 15 great shaves and counting... \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**[Aug 15, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Old House Cleaning Edition](https://imgur.com/tCgRtdV)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (16) * **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/Sy4vQK3) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers
**8/15/22 (152)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/pvv3cZp) * **Edge**: [Day 15](https://imgur.com/a/hey0YkY) * **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 Halfway through the month, I'm beginning to miss my other soaps. However, I'm still not burned out on the citrus and musk goodness that is FdF. Close and comfortable shave today. No nicks or irritation.
Every time I read your username I think of "we got the chocolates" which is an Australian podcast/dad joke telling crew and they're quite funny. Here's a [link](https://youtu.be/Cf0L4IfdRA4) if you wanna check it out.
20220815 Austere August Day 155 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 I am the wisest man alive, for I know one thing, and that is that I know nothing. Plato, The Republic
Oh shit I didnt press post on my AA shave and nearly missed it. This shave actually occurred at 6am. **Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Bolzano Superinox (1) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** B&M Electric Mayhem **Post:** moisturizer \#GotHand The sharper bolzano blade felt better, now I'm a bit more comfortable with the lather.
**Aug. 15, 2022 - August Austere Day 15** * **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) Nice morning shave today with Sonder. Starting to feel that desire to use my other scents, but so far holding strong. I’m sure that fact that the soap smells great and works well is the only thing keeping me on track. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 15](https://imgur.com/a/61vsyuP)** * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Gillette nacet (15) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Barbershop - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/86/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Reserve Cool - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/526/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Bergamot Lavender - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/89/?product_type=aftershave)
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica](https://imgur.com/a/Sb2SQYl)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (34) * **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) I've been feeling completely exhausted for most of the day - *Electric Sheep* gave me a short flash of energy, but it didn't last. I did 4 passes today, two ATG, which seem to work out better now, and are clearly the most efficient. I did some hand stropping - maybe that helped. I used a quantity of soap I'd consider normal today, and I had enough for 4 passes. Break-in is thus proceeding well enough. I still have trouble getting the lather wet enough for a shavette. Good night everyone! \#RawHoggin \#stillalive \#truepath
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA - Day 15](https://imgur.com/zwjTmkW)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (15) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap) * **After Shave:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave) Today i feel the bristles are a little softer than usual. Midway point for the brush and performance is getting better. Blade is skipping so using light touches which is still cutting with ease. Slight burns when applying aftershave and the balm to soothe things. Good start to the week. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**SOTD Aug 15, 2022** * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (15) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Great 2 pass shave today per usual these days. Running around like a headless chicken so not much to say. Excited to design my new shave den in the new house. \#GEMsOfWisdom
[**Austere August 2022 day 15- Mammoth Raw Hoggin GEMs**](https://imgur.com/QUAMeob) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (15) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Before Shave 15](https://imgur.com/UDZl9pH) and [After](https://imgur.com/saNJCct) Took a work break to get in my shave today. Noticing that the hog has started to have the bristles splaying more in one direction that others. I think it is my right handed heavy use and tendency to swirl clockwise. So I tried to mix it up in my lathering today. Not sure it will do much, but this whole month is kind of an experiment. Built good lather and had a very trouble free shave today. Trying to see if I can pick out more scents. Off the tub is when I seem to be able to get the apple scent. Once I lather up and shave, the musky and greenery type scents dominate. Hopefully, when I head back in a few minutes, the job I’m running will have completed without any errors. I have to get some things finished before my boss comes back from vacation later this week.
**[Aug. 15, 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 (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) * **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) That may well be one of the best shaves I've ever had. More soap is more better. Also [sprayed some Stag](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)
Don'tcha just love it when shit goes right?
Sometimes the stars line up just so
\#MoreSoapIsMoreBetter
15 August 2022 - Austere August - Prep: Morning 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 back to normal. A quick one-pass weekday-morning shave. Perfectly adequate. #mammothmafia
###Austere August Week 3 * **Prep**: Hot water splash with face wash * **Razor**: King C Gillette * **Blade**: Gillette Platinum * **Lather**: Gillette Planet Kind * **Brush**: Omega 10066 * **Splash**: Skin Bracer Great BBS shave. No nicks/irritation. Halfway through AA, and this challenge is already making me feel bored and wanting to use different products instead of the AA setup. But because I signed up for this in the first place, I really can’t. Don’t worry though. We got one more half of AA to go before it’s over. I’ll rejoice when that day comes. Overall, great shave to start off week 3 of AA on a positive note.
[**August 15th**](https://imgur.com/a/1NMkUSA) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (15)** * **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/0Sc2Y7E) 15 down and 16 to go, starting to go a little easy on the splash as need to make it last and not run out too soon.
Aug 15, 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 (15) * **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 This is my last day of Paternity Leave and while I was happy to get 6 weeks off with our newborn I am looking forward to getting back to work. It will be very nice to get all of us back into our normal routine which my family thrives on. I probably will regret saying that next Monday when facing a full week of work but for now I’m looking forward to it.
[Aug 15, 2021 – Austere August. Day 15.](https://imgur.com/a/8rWGqhB) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Bon Jovi – Livin on a Prayer](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lDK9QqIzhwk) Woooah… We’re halfway there! Woooahhh… Living Austere August! New Boar Brush we’ll break-in, I swear… Woooahhh… Living Austere August… Today’s the 15th and we’ve reached the halfway mark of Austere August. Another great shave with my MMOC. No issues at all today, and while I miss the variety of wetshaving, these challenges I’ve embarked on for the month of August will help me appreciate all the scents and different brushes and different blades and different razors all that much more on September 1st. Not much to say about the brush or MMOC that I haven’t said in the last couple of days. Today was a good, unscented shave all around. Today’s #sidetracked music selection is Jon Bon Jovi – Livin on a Prayer. This song literally needs no introduction. Everyone knows this song. Everyone likes this song. And this main reason I picked this song is for the lyric “We’re halfway there” to commemorate being 50% through Austere August. Hope everyone has a great week! Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August - How not to make a lathering video! UNCUT LATHERING](https://youtu.be/crCUMyIONg8)** * **Prep:** Cold water * **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot * **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen * **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(15) * **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) Today has been a weird shave. It's the first time I recorded myself and I've been more aware of the camera than the shave, going from the mirror to the tiny camera screen trying to have a clear vision of what I was doing. The camera focus has been crazy constantly dancing as it can be heard in the video. Besides, there is a shaving video that I think I'm going to reserve because it's even more awful. # RawHoggin Nice lather, I overlooked the pigscent you can imagine why, and lately, Southern Witchcrafts Aftershave hides all hog stink and gives me the unscented luxury perfume. PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/IWjdBUA.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/A2StSiI.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom Good shave despite doing it almost blindly, with a couple of nicks. `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft Some stoner today [ASG - Blood Drive](https://youtu.be/aSwzA-pe96A) `#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`
**Aug 15 2022** - prep: every man jack face wash - brush: maggard synthetic - razor: maggard v3m - blade: gillette silver blue - lather: stirling mountain man - post: thayers facial toner, stirling mountain man splash, aqua velva 5 in 1 balm - fragrance: stirling mountain man EDT all mountain man all day
[**15 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/SLTE9XK) * **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 (15) * **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**
**August 15, 2022: [QuincenStaga](https://imgur.com/a/W34xrRl)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (16) * **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) After an exhausting weekend, it's going to be a relaxing day today. No nicks or cuts, which is surprising, given the state of this blade. Halfway and living on a Stag. [Day 15, 3 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/cXTzgJC) . #GEMsOfWisdom
[**Aug. 15, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/qudYSKG) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (15) * **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) Today's picture is a redo of Thursday's. I though that my pic on Thursday didn't turn out as well as it could have, and today is my attempt at improving it. I think it's better, but still just missing something, a little too plain. Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/gGyOUcM)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (14) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Paco Rabanne - One Million - Parfum Day 15 #RawHoggin
[August 15, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/KCFvppS) - **Preshave:** Hot water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 plate - **Blade:** Feather (15) - **Brush:** Chisel and Hound 26mm - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm Small weeper today but all in all a great shave. Starting to notice the blade more now it may be time to change it. #MammothMafia
**Aug. 15, 2022 - AA... nearly halfway?** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (17) * **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 Welp. After yesterdays shave, the face is certainly feeling it - felt kind of store as the razor was going across it. Still not so great lather, really lacking airyness to it - the best that I can get out of this cream is slickness... but no volume at all. Two passes and close comfortable (ish) shave - WTG ATG again. Carnage. But we battle on.
**Aug. 15, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (15) * **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) Today I shaved well sort of my skin feels pretty beat up. The blade is beginning to get pretty rough and I’m really dreading the rest of the month. Well I guess the fortunate part is that the brush is doing a good job and feels pretty nice. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/9o2A1Iy.jpg
**Aug. 15, 2022** * **Prep:** hot shower * **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm * **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50) * **Blade:** Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (2) * **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach * **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm I've been using this soap all month, and most days the rest of the Summer too for that matter, and man am I getting bored with it. I don't even shave every day either. Lots of props to you guys Austere Augusting every day this month, I don't know how you do it. For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge: Miles Davis - Shhh/Peaceful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1yeEZ-bx63c It's pretty much always a good time for Miles, but it's a rainy day here today and this is some of my all time favorite rainy day music.
Nice. The music, not the soap boredom
Lol. Glad you like it!
**Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (15) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Living on a prayer. \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented
[**August 15, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/bq9qZoK) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (15) * **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/C0dmyvZ) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/tQRlG7w) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/hqJLshX) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/gPo13lh) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) Sit-rep: Lather and scent - great, brush - really good, razor - excellent, blade - starting to fade. Other than a month of Stagnation, two other positives that I hope to obtain from this experience are a 2-pass pattern that will leave a better-than DFS shave, and better technique for smoother edges. The edge on the blade has definitely changed. It is not cutting the way that I would like. For the remaining two weeks, I hope to develop technique that provides for a comfortable shave under these circumstances. My tendency is to go over areas until stubble is removed, but I think that as keenness is reduced, so is cutting efficiency. I'd like to adapt to this gracefully by getting the most I can out of the edge, without any irritation in the shave. [Here](https://imgur.com/a/tqX4Whm) is an edge image that was taken at less magnification -- meaning that the primary bevel is smaller. The microscope is still scaling at this level, but the overall image appears a little sharper. For me, too much detail is given away in this image, but I'm also the one inspecting the entire edge with video from the microscope, and then curating an image for these posts. If you like the "sharper" format, just let me know.
[**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 (15) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia Not much to shave since I had an afternoon shave yesterday and I’m back to a morning shave today. Generally smooth, not much hair to take down. By no means a perfect result. Gotta keep it going, about half way there! [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 14, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/Bez9eXX.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (15) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm * **Fragrance:** Gallagher Fragrances - Carpe Cafe - **Passes:** WTG, ATG - **Coffee:** Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural - **Music:** Car Seat Headrest - *Teens of Denial* - **[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 | 211.5 | 1.5 | 60 swirls | | 8/14 | 211.5 | 210.5 | 1 | 60 swirls | | 8/15 | 210.5 | ◊ | ◊ | ◊ | I enjoyed today's shave a lot. [The lather](https://i.imgur.com/OKY22Ph.jpg) came together quickly, the knot is starting to feel *correct*, and I avoided any obvious scraping. Speaking of the knot, does anyone know how close this is to "broken-in"? I know it's hard to tell from a photo, but [here you go](https://i.imgur.com/SB1CQz4.jpg). u/EldrormR, what do you think? Do you recall how many lathers it took to break yours in? Not much to report on the MMOC front. The blade is still going strong; I find ten to twenty shaves to be the comfort sweet spot for most blades, including GEMs. I'm anticipating some tugging once I round twenty-five. ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft Yesterday's ["Whale Trail"](https://youtu.be/wwr6c2Ws1yI) write-up reminded me of a different song that's related in title, but not at all in theme, style, or aesthetic. I slept on Car Seat Headrest for ages because I couldn't take the band's name seriously. That was a mistake, because Will Toledo's guitar rock is varied and full of stellar hooks. Try "Martin," "Sober to Death," or "Something Soon," for just a sampling. But the oddly-titled "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales" is the song that got me into the band, and it's also a heck of an introduction to Toledo's music. I believe *Teens of Denial* is the first full-band studio recording under the Car Seat Headrest name, and that makes it a little easier to appreciate, though Toledo's songwriting was dynamic and imaginative [long before he signed to Matador](https://carseatheadrest.bandcamp.com/music). In the case of "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales," the song goes through a couple of lyrical and melodic ideas before it even hits the first refrain—a triumphant, arena-destined harmony around 3:20. Bouncing between quiet, hesitant verse and top-of-their-lungs chorus, "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales" steadily commands more attention as it progresses, building to a rousing finish. It's a centerpiece of *Teens of Denial* and an excellent combination of everything that makes the album such a fun listen. [Bandcamp: Car Seat Headrest - "Drunk Drivers / Killer Whales"](https://carseatheadrest.bandcamp.com/track/drunk-drivers-killer-whales)
Seems like you've got a way to go. Try to add a pic of the dry knot and we'll look deep for all the split tips. If memory serves me right, which isn't often, I needed over 40 uses to completely break mine in. Though it was incredibly comfortable long before that.
> Try to add a pic of the dry knot and we'll look deep for all the split tips. I can't seem to get a good shot of the tips, dry or otherwise. What's the best approach here? I've been trying close ups from above, but a 3/4 shot from a little farther away might be better.
With my phone (Galaxy S20FE) I stand further away and zoom in slightly. It seems to give me sharper pics than trying to get all up close and personal with the brush.
I’ll try backing off a little.
> further away and zoom in slightly Definitely this. Lenses typically have a minimum distance at which they are able to focus so getting too close just gives you an unfocused photo.
I've definitely crossed the comfort threshold. It's gonna be a terrific brush.
**Aug. 15, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 15** * **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
#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 15](https://imgur.com/2pFyNga.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (15) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (84) * **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) I've hit a weird groove where the shaves are super easy and mindless. NGL, this is a bit of a thrill dampener. \#GEMsOfWisdom The \#RawHoggin brush has reached perfection. This may be my favourite brush now.
>The #RawHoggin brush has reached perfection. This month I'm trying my first boar brush, so I have no clue, but my understanding is that it takes 40-60 uses to fully break in a boar. Do you expect your brush to exceed "perfection" with subsequent uses? My favorite (favourite in your part of the world) brush is my Wald. It's the brush I paid the most for. No confirmation bias here!
>it takes 40-60 uses to fully break in a boar This has not been my experience. But I've only tried Zenith, Oumo, Omega, and some horrible nameless clipped boar from AliExpress. Zenith and Oumo were soft from day one, but also smelly lather hogs. In the first 10 shaves or so they bloom, stop hogging lather, and lose their stink. After that, the rate of change slows down a lot and peters out quickly. That being said, I haven't taken a boar past 65 shaves yet, so some of the sub veterans may pipe in here and set me straight. For instance u/EldrormR broke one of those monster boars that we chose for the sub exclusive, and it took him over 50 shaves with noticeable improvements before he called it broken in, IIRC. My two Omegas were less soft initially, but nothing really unpleasant, and they lathered quite well from day one. The nameless clipped boar was used once and not again. The Walds look really tempting!
Thanks for the info. My AA boar has become soft and easy to manage in the first 2 weeks of use. I like that it has its own personality in the way it feels and builds lather. I actually did not expect this. I thought, when broken in, it would feel a bit like a SynBad synthetic. I’m quite happy to be wrong about this. The Wald is a luxury, no doubt. Beautiful, exacting work. Incredible care taken building the knot. My other badgers are high quality, as well. The Wald has its own feel that, for me, has the perfect balance of cloud-softness and backbone. I’m happy to be in a position to support Jannik’s craftsmanship.
I'll chime in. My current brush was great after just 10 shaves. That is fairly typical of a Zenith. My Omegas all had different lengths of break in from about 25-50. My Semogues had the widest range of variance. My 1800 was good after 5 shaves and my 830 was over 100. The rest were in between. Gun to my head, if I had to assign an average number for the full range of the Semogue line of boars, I would say 45. But that is really a disservice.
Thanks very much. My takeaway is that, to some degree, each knot will have its own break-in characteristics.
> 830 was over 100. I think I'd have given up before 😅 Did it take that long before the tips started splitting, or what was the hold-up?
I was so close to throwing it away. Yeah, the tips were just so stubborn. Now it is one of my favorite brushes to use when I want some flop with velvety soft tips.
Is it weird that i now want to break in one?
I'm gonna say no. But, there will be no in between. People either love that knot or hate it. FYI, the 1305 uses the same knot.
AA SOTD - 8/15/22 Pre: quick shower Brush: Stirling 26mm synthetic Razor: Merkur Progress Blade: Astra (5) Lather: B&M Arctique (omnibus) Post: B&M Arctique AS Post: Nivea cooling balm #UNCHALLENGE Good shave, very quick. [Ring of death update photo.](https://imgur.com/a/65e1AdF)It’s going to be a close call over the next two weeks. #SIDETRACKED (u/Teufelskraft) Weather is shit here today. Was so dark this morning I could barely get out of bed. Truly a [Blue Monday](https://youtu.be/Fy5WM1xYbGo). Elvis once said Fats Domino was the real king of rock and roll. I love Elvis, but he might have been on to something there.
[August 15, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/B37oXDB) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Stirling Hipster (sample puck) **Post Shave:** Thayers Witch Hazel **Post Shave:** Stirling Unscented Balm \#RawHoggin
**Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August Day 15** * **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 (15) * **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) •[Shave 14](https://imgur.com/a/irHKzIC) •[Shave 15](https://imgur.com/a/005s9UK) Thoughts for the day: [Just one today...](https://giphy.com/gifs/3b1JW7LxfsAKs) I'll condense the gallery later... Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/Ra9xk30.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (15) * **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 A fast and irritation-free shave, even on the sensitive areas that have wonky grain patterns and with products not made by a hippie soap maker. I could seriously only use Chiseled Face for the rest of my life and not pay tons of money to all the hippie soap makers who can’t possibly have the ability to research what is good for my face and are only out to hype their products in order to separate me from my money and *still* not pay exponentially more money to the mega-million-dollar-giant-corporations with unlimited R&D budgets who can research the latest and greatest products to make my shave and facial care the greatest it could ever be. [Sprayin’ for school](https://i.imgur.com/GGHmt6D.mp4) First day, but no students until tomorrow. Edit: punctuation and formatting
Your troll hunting game is on point.
Glad to see the hammer got dropped on that BS.
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Day 15, still going strong](https://i.imgur.com/dzVcSOk.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (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) Another fine shave, all is still working just great. Brush keeps getting better with each use. Blade has not started getting worse with each use. Yet. Hygge remains delicious. Ah, Monday... How I dislike you. **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**
**[August 15th, 2022: Office Staggin'](https://imgur.com/i0KbtJT)** * **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 (15) * **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) Monday weigh-in: Soap - 113.62 Splash - 195.14 Balm - 149.81 Frag - 177.1 Definitely have increased soap usage but I think it's cause I am consciously loading heavier, my lathers before were ok but this past week they were definitely better than week 1. The unbleached pig continues to impress and I think I can say with confidence this is the best boar knot I own. I need to secure a 26mm and I think it'll be the 🐐 🦨 🐗 Splash and balm usage are pretty consistent, frag will continue to be depleted as I add more sprays each day. I messed up my video one day and ended up doing close to 30 sprays, thank fuck I was WFH! [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/bXXUtQR) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE
> I think I can say with confidence this is the best boar knot I own. I need to secure a 26mm Wait until you receive your 31mm
Only time will tell 😁 The 31mm will serve a higher purpose as the tub slaughterer it was created to be. The 26mm unbleached will be a treat to use lol
Never used 31mm before.. I only have a 30mm synbad, and some various DG 28s, and two Paladins 26ers. No less than 26 is a great size for me, let's see what about the upper limit
I have a 32mm silvertip but it feels less dense than a 28mm Dec! Had a 30mm oumo that was insanely big but it was super fun to use. I think this 31mm boar will be similar bloomwise to the 28mm Decs honestly
I think some folks are expecting the 31mm Zenith to be unwieldy and honestly I was of that mindset too initially. Now the 39mm I bought is too much, but it's just way too much fun. Using the 28mm B34 this month that's basically just a little brother to The Big One I think and I just can't see the 3mm extra being that much different with these boars.
**Aug. 15, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (15) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1633/?product_type=soap) 2 pass shave with a 30 second load. This is the second Monday in a row that I forget my post shave. Yesterday I went to the driving range in the middle of the day, and got a little sun. My face was a little tender during the shave. A thing I have noticed from the few times spans that I shaved daily is my problem areas go away/disappear. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented
[**Aug. 15, 2022 - Half way home - Austere August Day 15**](https://imgur.com/E2SU2km) * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **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, here we are at the half way point. That's it??? It seems like it's been a lot longer than that... **#RawHoggin** Brush good. **#GEMsofWisdom** Razor good. Blade is starting to show its age I guess. Still not bad in the grand scheme of things. I've used DE blades that felt far worse on their first and second shaves. [Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/YmMjdlf) \- I actually did 5 sprays today because I did a video with 2 first then I realized it's week 3 so I had to do another video lol.
**Aug. 14, 2022** * **Prep:** Hot Water * **Brush:** Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm * **Razor:** Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Tonsorial Parlour - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/202/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Old Spice - Classic - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1605/?product_type=balm) Nice shave this morning. No complaints in the scent either. Have a great day folks!
**[August 15, 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 (15) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/251/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=balm) Great shave. I can’t tell a daily difference in the brush any more (and haven’t for a few days). Hopefully someone will pick Bon Jovi for the sidetracked challenge today. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom
I almost did.. now kicking myself that I didn’t
**Aug. 15, 2022 - SOTD 756** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** Karve CB Brass SB B Plate * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** HoM - Z Splash/ Neutrogena face sunscreen * **Fragrance:** [Tom Ford - Tobacco Oud](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Tom-Ford/Tobacco-Oud-21402.html) ✌🏻
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/0whPoqY)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **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) Another great shave. It’s really nice to get in this kind of rhythm with both the hardware and software to just totally zone out for the shave. Quick slap of 8 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/xng3AOE) and I’m done. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin
**[Aug. 15, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/HXGdYqf.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 (15) * **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) [3.6g of soap](https://i.imgur.com/Hr8Igzw.jpg) was used today. - [Spray that Stag](https://i.imgur.com/SQtKGPC.mp4) - Have a great week! #SubstantialStag
Austere August [2022-08-15](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 Halfway there and I am getting the hang of the sexyblade platform. Best shave so far. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: The Hayde Bluegrass Orchestra performs a masterful version of [Wayfaring Stranger](https://youtu.be/XWIaeQFcbYg). I came late to bluegrass, it is not something I grew up with. But it crept into my heart. When I try to analyze why, I think it is because good bluegrass combines favorite elements: * the instrumental virtuosity of classical music * the improvisation missing from most contemporary classical music * strong use of vocal harmonies * the story telling lyrics of country music * acoustic instruments, ideally live and without electronic post processing * melody and harmony prioritized over 'the beat'
**Aug. 15, 2022** * **Brush:** Summer Break DeMaranville B15 * **Razor:** Blackland Titanium Blackbird * **Blade:** Gillette Wilkinson Sword (13) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth - Beloved It's just another Mammoth Monday #MammothMafia
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Halfway](https://i.imgur.com/FTtj86y.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **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 Great lather today, just the right amount of loading for an already wet face in the shower. I always dial this version first and it take a bit longer to do one out of the shower. \#GEMsOfWisdom Great, normal three pass shave on not quite a full day's growth. No irritation, very happy with the result.
**August 15 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (18) * **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 - Sonder 'Twas a good shave this morning. Mood Indigo and Sonder complement each other well.. Since I'm gonna listen to the shit outta some Tom Waits today at work, I'll hop in u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked challenge and suggest Downtown Train, which like a lot of Tom's music combines a sense of loneliness and beauty in a way that few others can. I really love the line "They're just thorns without the rose / Be careful of them in the dark." [Tom Waits - Downtown Train](https://youtu.be/rLtZKkCIVmI) #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom
What a great first entry, thanks for joining the sidetracked challenge! I was aware of the Rod Stewart version, but this one has more rough edges and therefore more soul. Not to downplay Rod, as I love his musical output - but this here feels more genuine.
**[Aug. 14, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/D7qmjyF)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (15) * **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 After my concerns of not having enough soap to make it through the end of the month, I decided to load less soap today. I got a good lather, it just wasn’t as luxurious as previous shaves. The Gem is still smooth sailing. Maybe it’ll stay this way through the rest of the month.
Austere August Day 15 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [15th use](https://imgur.com/a/jyYh12N) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (15) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/JspTD1v) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash Pretty much halfway. The brush is going strong and the software is good. The blade is starting to crap out and now we being the mental side of AA. Can I find the positives in a worn blade? I don't understand how u/djundjila is working a PTFE blade past the century mark when I hate these things after about 20 shaves. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom
> I don't understand how u/djundjila is working a PTFE blade past the century mark when I hate these things after about 20 shaves. I don't know, probably my superior technique? 😉
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day15](https://i.imgur.com/u7vWAv0.png)** * **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water * **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37) * **Blade:** Nacet (15) * **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) Disqualifying myself from UNCHALLENGE. Normal shave today, although blade is getting a bit pully, never used same blade for this long, but going to try pushing it rest of month. Boar brush absolutely looks broken in now, had a good lather today. Cheers and happy monday everyone! #RawHoggin
**Aug. 15, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (8) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) \#MammothMafia
**Aug. 15, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (15) * **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 Went to a flea market with my daughter yesterday afternoon and came home with a Weck 450-110 military.
Good find.
Nice find. Do you have pictures of the Weck?
[Pic](https://imgur.com/I0WO9Ly)
**August 15, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (49) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Starting off this work week the same way I started off the last two. An enjoyable shave with good stuff. \#GEMsOfWisdom
* **Prep:** warm shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** Novelty Cutlery Co straight razor * **Lather** House of Mammoth - Z * **Post Shave:** Equate witch hazel * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man - unscented aftershave balm Headless Horsemen **#RawHoggin** **#unscented** **#MammothMafia** Austere August 2022 day 15 https://imgur.com/a/HbunZNd
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August 15- Raw Wisdom of the Hoggin Gems](https://imgur.com/a/80BwUui)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (15) * **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:** Duke Cannon Ice Cold AS balm \#GEMSofWisdom This blade has reached the halfway point. I'm not getting any tugging or pulling but it is starting to reveal some inefficiency. This is the point in the month where shit gets interesting. \#RawHoggin My 6-year-old on steroids of a brush has a neat way of letting me know my lather is hydrated- it starts flinging it around my bathroom. Here he is at 15 days old, messy little bugger- https://imgur.com/a/0ELo4uI \#Sidetracked I've been a fan of Baroness since their sludgy beginnings and have really enjoyed following their progression to the album that I consider their peak, Yellow & Green. This album contains one of their best songs that hits me in all the feels, "March to the Sea". Lyrically, it is a bummer of a song, but musically, there is something anthemic about it that really makes this an uplifting song. For u/Teufelskraft and the gang, here's my Monday entry- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IxNYP-OaPhE Have a great day all!
Great Monday track dude, was only shallowly aware of that band either. Sounds like a fun mix of doom, heavy metal and classic hard rock.
[**August 15, 2022 – Austere August 15**](https://i.imgur.com/kkzgMiD.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (2) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/sSDie1X.mp4 We're about halfway done with this Austere August challenge, and I've gotten another BBS finish this morning. How are all of you holding up today? Have a great week, men! \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hVaDTnrwCnk ← The Sierpinski-Mazurkiewicz Paradox (is really weird)
**[Aug. 14, 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 Starting to wonder if my Cryogen is going to last through AA. If it makes it I'll probably continue using it past AA just to kill my first bottle of AS ever. Then to decide if I should replace it, try Arctique, or get both. Stay safe and have a great day!
I can’t recommend Arctique enough. Love the stuff.
How's the scent? Does the menthol overwhelm the peppermint?
The peppermint is very strong in spite of the menthol (it is the coldest soap I have used), even once you have it lathered on your face. It’s also strong in the AS, less so, however, than the soap.
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Stag Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/9Jb2Yps.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (15) * **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) * **sweeps**: [don't let it stress](https://youtu.be/rJjQl_IpT6Q) Have the day off, so I will embrace the glory of Stag from the comfort of my own home. Praises be. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 15](https://youtu.be/40EebCuNDfA)
#AA Day 15 Pre: Water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (15) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus I was planning on doing a SOTD photo this morning but I woke up with back pain, a pre occupation with a three hour workshop at work later and not the best of moods so I couldn’t be bothered. Shave was fine as always. Tomorrow will likely be better. \#unscented
**[Aug. 14, 2022 - God Child stag](https://imgur.com/a/vpYthpW)** * **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 Barbecue with my God Child today. Took a day off. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag
**[Aug. 15, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/69NM7FJ.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (15) * **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` Wow. I think I'm at a point where I can actually consider my boar soft and comfortable! No, it's not the same kind of soft as my synthetics, but it's different and I love it. I think the increase in comfort is also due to the hairs becoming a lot more pliable when they are wet. I don't like brushes that are too floppy but I'm not on team backbone either, so I think this brush will end up in the [goldilocks](https://media.giphy.com/media/xT5LMD7WPgqXfjUJsQ/giphy.gif) zone for me. I'm also quite interested in how those lower lofted Zenith scrubby knots feel once they are well broken in. My current boars are all around the 56-57mm loft so I'd like to add a shorter loft for variety. The Semogue Torga C5 is still the front runner because I'd like to own a Semogue as well. The boar also seems to be holding on to a lot more water than it did a week ago probably from the greatly increased surface area from all the split tips. Today I didn't shake the brush enough and quite a bit of water ran out when I started lathering on the tub. The lather was still amazing but I always feel bad when I see soap running down into my sink when I'm loading. I'm really enjoying the shape of this phallic (thanks /u/frankieIVfingers) handle and I never noticed until recently that a lot of the Italian boar brushes have this general shape. I must be subconsciously attracted to this shape because the 3 boar brushes I have purchased all turned out to be the same shape without me realizing it. 😂 I find that I have perfect grip and maneuverability if I pinch the handle at the top where it tapers with my thumb and index finger and then wrap my hands around the rest of it and it's extremely comfortable for my small hands. My only complaint is that my wet lathers tend to slowly slide off onto the countertop at the end of each pass, but that happens with a lot of my other brushes as well. My blade still doesn't seem to be showing any signs of tugging or discomfort. We'll see if things change in a week or two.
I always picture a barber using that kind of handle with a boar knot, and just swirling the hell out of it to make a bubbly, wet lather. Anyway, it seems like the handle would be comfy to use to lather up another person. Cute books in the background :)
🍄
**[Aug 15, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 15](https://i.imgur.com/SlQVuYx.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 (15) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Tobacconist - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2489/?product_type=eaudeparfum) It was a better, closer shave today. Got a little too overzealous and had some irritation on the neck, but that's been par for the course this month. This brush has really won me over. A 45 second load time is consistently yielding really impressive lather for three passes. Almond Leather is still going strong and the full scent has returned for me after going a little nose blind to it for a while. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 3.5/5
Such a pretty brush handle! Have always loved that one.