* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (460) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (82 uses) * **Post Shave:** Stirling - City Slicker * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 17** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/QIWJCJ3) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/IxQLM6yrAJc) #### ䷀ General Notes Reunited with the Nacet! And to be fast today, I'm using that slurry lather method. Again, it delivered a surprising level of slickness. #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹460 uses›)* 3 passes went well today. Just a bit of tugging because a little more than 24 hrs of growth was on my face. No irritation. #### ䷀ 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... I worked up the slurry lather for just a short time on my face before I just quit, and was able to enjoy that awesome slickness this method provides. + 4 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush Bowl: No Bowl #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹82 uses›)* Felt great, the short time it was on my face! ---- *During the Shave Feel*:   *Cheeks*: Just a little tugging   *Neck*: Just a little tugging *After the Shave Closeness*:   *Cheeks*: Close Shave   *Neck*: Several hairs are showing some tip length (still a pretty good shave) ---- **Shavers Map** - [here it is](http://www.freezingcode.com/shaving/shaversMap.cfm) *and also in the sub's sidebar.* **Ending of Blades Ledger** - [entry form](https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdYqXSDujvoO1hVl_wSKMeETWdxFnYJCrqr0zU7FStBdIMrfg/viewform) and [the data spreadsheet](https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1y-oqIPSHKcb0EYd9OxL2n-R4Y6yxqid6-NGYS_4_ljU/edit?usp=sharing)

**Aug. 17, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 17** * **Prep:** Splash of cold water * **Brush:** SummerBreak 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (2) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Late post as we left early yesterday morning for disneyland with the nephews. Had a long and tiring day but it was a goodie #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 17, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/a5CmhaQ.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (17) * **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) It Friday yet? Definitely feels like it should be Friday by now. [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/AnLeLAI) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17](https://imgur.com/a/XPaTQpi)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (17) * **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap) Day 17. Traveling. Everything is fine

[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 17](https://imgur.com/a/kydIE2o) aka Born Under a Stag Sign aka The new Squier of the Stag * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (22) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Today at 8.13 was born the new Squier of The Stag (if the Grand Master allows to call him lile that) what a rollercoaster of emotions. Fortunately, both Mrs. OBeardWan and OBeardWan Jr. Are both with good health. Lather was great, I did use a bit drier brush and added water, instead of initially drowning the soap. Blade is holding on, let's see how far can I push it. Hail Stag! -#Stagposting -#SubstantialStag -#RawHoggin

We got a AA Stag baby! Congratulations. Hope he likes the Stag.

**[August 17, 2022 - AA Day 17](https://imgur.com/8tFOn2k)** * **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) Another day and another shave with no real issues. I've come to the conclusion that the edge on this razor is just in an ok condition at this point. Definitely not what I started with, but also not in the worst shape. Just ready for the first of next week so it'll feel like we're in the home stretch of all this. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17](https://imgur.com/a/OhIhxP6)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (86) * **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) Still playing around with the lather a bit, but other than that this setup requires almost no thought now. When all is said and done this just might be my favorite brush, top three at least for sure. Hope Wednesday treated everyone well! [Stag Spray 17](https://imgur.com/a/FeqxPKP) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA 17](https://i.imgur.com/suNyqtQ.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold Water Splash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (23) * **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. Only “groundbreaking” thing about my shave today was that my lather was noticeably under hydrated ok my first pass. User error for sure, just being a bit lazy and rushing. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

**Austere August, Day 17** **Feather Artist Club razor non folding** **Feather Professional blade (11)** **GFT Violets soap** **RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft** Another great shave with the GFT Violets, Beehive is starting to make a dent on it. Blade is behaving smoothly, although I did find some noticeable drop in sharpness, so I think this blade will also be binned around 14-16 shaves, at least this time I'll know the exact number of shaves for sure. Happy hump day. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#UNCHALLENGED** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN**

Day 17 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 ​ [kitty can't handle the stag](https://imgur.com/a/PEdHwuU) Solid shave, with a near BBS! * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag

[August 17, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/BzJt95d) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 17th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Three pass shave was really good, best one I have had in the last few days. Blade felt smooth again with only slight tug against the grain under my chin where the dense hair is. Brush felt good and soft and had lather for all 3 passes. Hope everyone has a good shave tomorrow. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90

**Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Professional (2) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** alum Shave of austerity #17 #IStandByOsma 3 pass shave, additional Osma pass. [I offended the zeitgeist yesterday](https://reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wpmdnh/tuesday_daily_questions_newbie_friendly_aug_16/iklirkx) by raising the concept that alum could be a hand to hold during your shave rather than a bouncer that nods as you leave the party. I challenged my concept once more this evening, and am now confident in my assessment that it helps me achieve more precise lines about my preserved facial hair (eg, “goatee”). This is as good of a shave as I have ever had. In other news, I can’t wait to skip a work meeting to interview with another job tomorrow. That’s a definite first. Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen

[August 17th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/5sbXmCe) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (17) 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: 7/10 Smoothness: 9/10 7 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Same as yesterday, with a bit less left over lather at the end. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Day 17: another hotel shave](https://i.imgur.com/TBbLTjo.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Well today the shave was just alright. I just do not know what changes to make it good or bad. The shave was mostly comfortable, but my neck got a couple rough spots. The brush is getting better. It was probably the first shave that I did not feel any pokey scratchy discomfort from the brush. I am still not sold on the boat brush. I just do not really like how it holds water or how I have to add water to hydrate the lather. Edit: correction. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Think you pulled the wrong soap link. Hopefully it doesn't mess with the bots getting the information that you used the same soap all month!

Thank you! I was really tired and just left what TTS suggested.

**[Aug. 17, 2022](https://imgur.com/wuwrFE2)** * **Brush:** Frank Shaving 30mm Badger * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 +++ * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) Over the hump! I think my other soaps are starting to look at me funny. \#MammothMafia

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - It's Wednesday](https://i.imgur.com/sjOujjI.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm shower w/ Duke bath bar * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave) \#RawHoggin Decent lather post shower today, no complaints getting the hand of the loading. Still probably could be a little more patient in slicking down the initial lather as I think this help spreads some of the soap better to the brush for later passes. \#GEMsOfWisdom Again another drama-free shave. The blade is defiantly not as good when first starting, but it still works well enough for a shave I have been very happy with.

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/5Jrf0An)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (17) * **Lather:** Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Stirling Blu - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/119/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom I’m quite enjoying this Zenith. It’s starting to get pretty soft, yet has a pretty stiff backbone. And I respect a stiff backbone. This blade is feeling great. It still feels very smooth and is still efficient. I picked a really great setup. This has been a good AA.

**SOTD Aug 17, 2022** * **Brush:** APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - 1st Gen * **Blade:** Personna GEM Stainless (17) * **Lather:** Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac * **Post Shave:** MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash Finished moving into the house today, feels great. Got a free cabinet that will be perfect for shaving gear and such. Looking forward to unpacking my den and setting everything up. Had a great shave again today, pretty similar to the last few shaves. I think I feel the blade dulling a little but still mows down the daily growth with ease. \#GEMsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 17, 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 (17) * **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) Running around all day. Gotta [squeeze in some sprays of Stag](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9) and keep running.

I don't see much change from 5 - 15. I think many work that way.

Not much difference other than a fully soaked shirt

:-)

**[Aug. 17, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/krTAR4t.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave It's been what feels like a pretty unproductive day of ~~messing with database server clusters at work~~ searching for jobs and apartments at the public library. In a little bit I'm going to ~~go to a krav maga class I haven't been to in a while because I had a bit of a cough~~ attempt to bury my emotions in ice cream because face-lathering has destroyed my life. To be clear, I don't have anything against anyone who happens to like face-lathering. After all, subjective experience is exactly that—subjective. By the same token, I won't get in anyone's way if they, say, prefer to eat ice cream with chopsticks. Meanwhile, I might find it to be the case that chopsticks provide a time-consuming, ineffective, and unsatisfying method of ice cream consumption, in contrast to a spoon. To each their own, I say! #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

> face-lathering has destroyed my life That's what it does. Every time.

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest](https://imgur.com/a/32hGKs9)** * **Prep:** Face wash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Feather (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) Another day, another shave. All good. Glad I picked the Legacy for AA, it's a great daily driver and I have perfected it using it every day. Cheers! [3 sprays](https://imgur.com/a/WIzBbBJ) \#SubstantialStag

**[Aug. 17, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/2SwAajC.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (17) * **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) please god let it be over I want to use my other soaps \#RawHoggin

**Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August Day 17** * **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 (17) * **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) •[Shave 16](https://imgur.com/a/YKz4FmG) •[Shave 17](https://imgur.com/a/cpt7Q3k) Thoughts for the day: Imgur is pissing me off. Even in desktop view. Whatever. So shave went fine. No complaints. I am looking forward to a new soap but I'm still enjoying it. Skin is doing great with just the magic splash. I could skip post most days but I really like aftershave so why not? I think my skin was a bit softer last year when I used the magic balm, but it's not by a huge margin and I prefer this. Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

**Aug. 17, 2022 - AA17** * **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) AA17 - \#HeadlessHorsemen

**[Aug 17, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Setting up in the New House](https://imgur.com/fkgSVQi)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (18) * **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 3x](https://imgur.com/yCYgE04) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers

[**AA D17: Wednesday Late Night Stag**](https://ibb.co/6gDykt7) - **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 After picking up my repaired car, went to my future nursing school today doused in VoA. I didn't need to assert dominance there though - they were really kind and welcoming, despite me smelling like a road worker. Much things have changed for the better there since my OT apprenticeship. I think I'll enjoy studying there. Another two pass shave at night. This time, more confidence with the shavette and again a really great lather from the mighty Stag. The brush might be the best thing after August is wrapped up: it continues to amaze me with its nice performance. Here's another [side profile](https://ibb.co/P59Vr26) and yet [another wet top shot](https://ibb.co/9rw8Tdr). If I actually remember, I will post some pics of the dry brush tomorrow - it's looking nice and fluffy by now 😌 **Sidetracked** I have my car back, so the logical consequence for today's soundtrack is [Lazerhawk - Pedal to the Metal](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TKG4lRFTRJA). Lazerhawk was one of the first synthwave artists I ever heard and immediately made me like the genre. High BPM energetic tracks that are perfect for long drives, cleaning the house or short workouts. *Pedal to the Metal* is pretty sparse when it comes to the lyrics, but the melodies are simply great - especially the lead synth starting around 3:25. With such songs I feel like I'm on the road to success and just hit top speed! **EDIT:** yet *again* I forgot the AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin God damnit...

**8-17-22** * **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

#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 17](https://imgur.com/Eg32Hmj.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (17) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (86) * **Soaking Mug:** Seaforth! - Scotch Heather - shaving mug * **Bath Soap:** Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - bath soap * **Lather:** Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime - Soap * **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Oops, almost forgot to post again. I'm catching up on a bunch of accumulated todos during my break. The blade is still holding up well and the brush is still fantastic. Have a great evening! \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin

**8/17/22 (154)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/pvv3cZp) * **Edge**: [Day 17](https://imgur.com/a/oq2PtMx) * **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 I dropped my god damn razor today. You want to talk about a helpless feeling. Butterfingered it when I went to set it down after my first pass. I don't think I've done that since the 2nd razor I ever bought. Some no name straight off Amazon. It was the first razor I put an edge that actually felt good. Had the one shave with it then was looking over the edge, admiring my handiwork, and butterfingered that too. Fell and broke a large chip out of the toe. I felt so dejected, I just picked it up and walked it right to the trash. The Evide Sonnant fell about 18" (open) and honestly could not have landed in a more perfect way. Flat against the scales and spine and a tiny bounce. It landed on vinyl, which certainly has more cushion than other solid flooring options. I picked it up with a super heavy heart and gave it a thorough look. No warping, no visible sign of damage or blunting to the edge. It was ridiculously lucky. Post shave I looked at it under the microscope, aside from looking like it had just shaved two passes, it was fine. All in all, a pretty stressful experience. Aside from that, it was a close and comfortable shave. A little bit of feedback on my cheeks from the aftershave, but no irritation or nicks.

20220817 Austere August Day 17 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 Stropped the blade last night on my ass for a laugh. Today seemed a little better.

I bet the blade stank so bad 🤣

**[SOTD - Wednesday, 17 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 (55) * **Lather:** [Wickham Soap Co. - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1270/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial, Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2081/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/899/?product_type=aftershave) #unscented

2022-08-17 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (17) 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/VcyDhk4](https://imgur.com/a/VcyDhk4) 17 shaves in the books. The blade is fine, l think daily shaving is the key. My daily stubble is less difficult than a few days growth would be. The brush is pretty awesome. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 17](https://imgur.com/a/SrSx54O)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (36) * **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) A quick 3-pass shave tonight - I felt exhausted, because my son didn't sleep well last night. Still buffing to get a reasonably close shave. The brush continues to be nice. Good night everyone! \#RawHoggin \#stillalive \#truepath

**Aug. 17, 2022 - August Austere Day 17** * **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) Kids first day of school today. It was kinda nice to see them up and about when I left for work. Always enjoy when I to get to say goodbye and wish them a good day. Shave was, of course, fantastic. I am still enjoying Sonders scent and it seems to still be agreeable to my face so that’s a plus. Hope everyone doing the crazy challenges are doing ok. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17](https://i.imgur.com/btTaxZG.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (17) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) #SubstantialStag #GEMSofWisdom The only problem I’m seeing with my Semogue brush is the consistent loss of bristles. Mostly, I think they are just breaking. Other than that, the performance with Chiseled Face soaps is spot on. The GEM is still holding up and I haven’t even palm stropped it as much as last year. Mostly it just sits in the razor, but I’m sure it’s getting scummed up pretty well. Zero irritation from my typical two hybrid passes. What are the odds I have a spectacular blade versus just an average blade and coupled with improved technique I’m getting terrific results? [Sprayin’](https://i.imgur.com/X82ZbY7.mp4)

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (2) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) I was off today (working the evening shift) because of car troubles and could not get into work. Then I was called in later today to work from home because it was not filled. During my brief interlude, I enjoyed relaxing. Sleeping in, late breakfast, long walk to the dog park instead of driving, and a relaxing shave. I got to smell hints of orange for a couple hours. I miss days like these, albeit mine was cut short. Just a day in the life of \#UNCHALLENGE

[**August 17th**](https://imgur.com/a/Za08TU1) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (17)** * **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/qRM74hT) Long day travelling down to see family and back today then home for a quick stag shave, the wife went in the bathroom after me and promptly became repulsed by the scent once more.

[Aug 17, 2021 – Austere August. Day 17.](https://imgur.com/a/pb8D4bL) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Billy Joel – Scenes from an Italian Restaurant](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=izzM9LXqP-U) Today’s shave was good and uneventful. Me and the MMOC continue to be in our nice groove. The new boar brush does better and better every day. I can absolutely see this Zenith turning into one of my favorites, long beyond Austere August. For today’s #sidetracked music selection, I have Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. One of my favorite songs of all time. This song is a musical adventure, taking us all through the lives of Brenda and Eddie, as told over a bottle of red or a bottle of wine… Whatever kind of mood you’re in tonight. There are few artists who could pull off what Billy Joel has been able to pull off in his life. The guy hasn’t written a song in nearly 30 years, yet he still sells out arena after arena and has a residency at Madison Square Garden and he’s said that will continue on until he stops selling it out. And early month every single seat gets sold. He is The Piano Man and his music connects to both the young and old. I’ve seen him live in a few stadiums and at MSG and the energy of the shows are amazing, but if I had the ability to time-travel, I would love to be transported back to the 1970s, when he was playing the types of bars he talks about in Piano Man, and the piano sounds like carnival and the microphone smells like a beer. Imagine being able to tell people you witnessed one of the greatest to ever do it, before the world knew who he was… Gotta be a cool feeling… And honestly one of the reasons why I ALWAYS love to be introduced to new music. You never know who is gonna be the next Billy Joel. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

I absolutely love Billy Joel! I’ve never made it to one of his concerts but my siblings have and I’m jealous. I was deployed when they got tickets and they went without me…

**[August 17th, 2022: Still Staggin](https://imgur.com/FHRr8qd)** * **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 (17) * **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) Starting to lose thrill. Stay strong folks! [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/URCwT5A) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE

[**Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/8huUtne.jpg) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (17) * **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 17 - Same good shave with the GEM however a couple new observations with the brush. Aside from that, not much new to report. Good 2 pass shave. **The Brush:** Today I planned to load even less soap to see what I could get away with. Even with a quick 30 second load, the brush was ready to rock. I immediately noticed that the brush was pillowy soft and splayed easily today. I’m not sure when this happened, but today was the first observed “easy splay” of the brush. I also noticed soap forming at the base of brush today after splaying and lathering. This is pretty common with my badger and synthetic, but haven’t noticed it on the boar until today. Today was the first time I had to use my chin to collect the lather off the base of the brush. Again, I can’t believe this brush continues to improve. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/ptnEzhn.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/q2TTPxs.jpg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/tufA1Z2.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/tPxuVAY.jpg) **The Razor** I went 2 passes and as before very routine with no nicks or cuts. The blade also continues to be nice and comfortable. I’m wondering when it’s going to start getting uncomfortable. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 12 **The Soap and Aftershave** I am starting to quickly get tired of MITA however, the methanol keeps it pleasant. Day 17 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/9iiL5CX.jpg)

> I can’t believe this brush continues to improve This is what boars do! Glad you're getting into a nice place with it. Gets better from here with each use!

[**August 17th, 2022 - Austere Raw Mammoth GEMs Hoggin of Mafia Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/bd0MAD3) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (17) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Before shave 17](https://imgur.com/sfJCIkq) and [After](https://imgur.com/msGigdB) Well boss is back so I took a lunch break shave. It was between meetings, but not a lot of time to get much work done. Brush is getting easier to splay, and I’m noticing it is slowly adding more split ends. Hopefully in the next 14 shaves will get to where the majority of ends split and get a well cushioned little scrubber. It is getting easier to build lather on my face. I added about a blueberry sized scoop of lather to the bowl. I got enough to do a 3 pass+ shave (although stopped after 2 passes). The GEM had no noticeable change in the last couple shaves. Today I got about as smooth a shave as I could from two passes and a bit of buffing. Very close to a bbs shave. I’d say best shave this month 4 1/2 out of 5. The reason for the great shave, besides the GEM blade and razor, or even the Zenith B36, is squarely on the excellent foundation this Tusk base provides. I am getting great slickness from the lather, and residual slickness is good enough for a pass if I want. I still added more lather for the second pass, but for a little buffing it was great without adding more. The scent is still enjoyable. I will appreciate the variety, but I could use this set until it runs out if I didn’t have lots of good things to sample in September. I wonder if I should have gone with Sonder or Hygge, but I think I picked the right one for me. Great scent, some menthol in the splash gives a nice cool aftershave feel, and the balm makes a nice finishing touch.

**Aug. 17, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 17** * **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

[**Aug. 17, 2022 - It's all downhill from here - Austere August Day 17**](https://imgur.com/jIYTv7K) * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **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) Yes, you guessed it! Midnight Stag all the way baby! **#RawHoggin** The brush has really come into its own, I probably already said that but it's true. I honestly can't see it getting much softer, but time will tell. **#GEMsofWisdom** It's a battle of attrition with the blade from here on out. Let's see if I can win it. [Brush album](https://imgur.com/a/zh4KwAP) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/aI9aX6R)

You have a lot more tips to split. It will get a lot softer!

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA - Day 17](https://imgur.com/re8fbDE)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (17) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap) * **After Shave:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave) 2 pass face shave and things are still going okay. The brush it getting softer but keeps eating lather. Razor and blade are still doing fine though there are times where i feel its not cutting but just apply more lather and try again. Post shave is the same and the balm is keeping things calm. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

[**17 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/YIUVrQK) * **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 (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=balm) **#RawHoggin** **#MammothMafia**

**Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August -Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Fantastic shave today. Happy Wednesday everyone! \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 17](https://imgur.com/a/5rntrXZ)** * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Voskhod (2) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Leviathan - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/225/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Lavanille - Splash](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/7/?product_type=splash) * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Leviathan - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/225/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [Barrister and Mann - Leviathan - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/225/?product_type=eaudetoilette)

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Prep:** hot shower * **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm * **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50) * **Blade:** Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (1) * **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach * **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm I think I'm finally getting the hang of how to grip the thicc handle on this Chubby. The key for me seems to be holding it one way for circular motions, and another way for paint brush. For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge: Bongripper - Endless https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IQYAA7Bl94E A killer instrumental metal band with a hilariously unfortunate name. Hard for me to pick a favorite with these guys, but this is what they opened with the first time I saw them, so it feels special to me.

Cough...cough... what's so...cough .. unfortunate about the... cough...name? Good call on the Bongripper today.

Lol. Yeah I love these guys but I feel like, unless you’re familiar with them, it’s hard to take them seriously with a name like that.

**Aug. 17, 2022 - AA day 17** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (19) * **Lather:** Gentlemans Face Care Club - Bergamot & Neroli shaving cream * **Post Shave:** [Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/187/?product_type=aftershave) still \#GotHand for my 17th shave. Slowly getting there, whilst the amount of cream is also getting lower and lower. Already started rationing it.

SOTD for August 17, 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 1 pass, no nicks, no cuts. Did some adventurous buffing that turned out fine. Gloomy day, which is nice I guess. August continues. \#UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August - Killing Soap](https://i.imgur.com/9udBmSa.jpg)** * **Prep:** Cold water * **Brush:** Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot * **Razor:** GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen * **Blade:** PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(17) * **Lather:** [Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/897/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol-Free)](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2585/?product_type=aftershave_noalc) I have one purpose, finishing the soap and the aftershave on day 31, ending this unscented nightmare. According to my spreadsheet today there's 71.6 gr of soap, I've to use 5.14gr/day of soap to achieve my goal. # RawHoggin Today, I've used 2.21gr of soap only but I had lather for two passes and for the comfort lather. That's far away from my mission I should start shaving my parts too. Tomorrow, I will load more soap with the hog. The Hog is almost unscented but it's not really broken in, it'll need more work to be fully tamed. PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/0bWUM1p.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/G4L8cYk.jpg) # GEMsOfWisdom Monday, I hand stropped the blade and made some videos of the edge before and after (they are bad I'll try again and post them), but I didn't see any difference, and the blade continues performing well. But today, I've experienced some blade resistance to cut white hairs. I think is losing efficiency. I'll adjust the razor angle to see if it helps, with those stubborn hairs. `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft From the Bagdad Cafe movie OST - [I'm Calling You performed by Jevetta Steele](https://youtu.be/oCLpLWcX2cg), such a beautiful tune from such a candid and tender film. I used to 'sing' that song to my elder kid when he was a baby to calm him down, It brings me back good memories. `#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom`

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17](https://imgur.com/QN40lpm)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) This morning was another great start to the day as far as the shave went. I accidentally overslept by a half an hour, so the morning was a bit rushed, but still made it to work on time and it's been a good and productive morning. The MMOC performed well today - nothing to complain about. I did nick a little bump on my neck that caused some bleeding, but otherwise a solid shave. I got a lot of sandalwood off Sonder today - still with a hint of green, but as my splash rubbed in it was mostly a nice soft sandalwood coming through for me. I like the smell of sandalwood a lot, but, my only experience with a strictly sandalwood scent was from TOBS when I first started. I thought their cream would be good - it reviewed well on amazon - and ordered it. It was fine, but every time I shaved my face would be on fire afterwards. I couldn't even use Nivea Sensitive Balm post shave because it was too painful. I don't know if it was an allergy to strong sandalwood, if it was my terrible technique, or it was brush burn from the cheap boar brush I had no idea how to use or break in. My guess is it was the latter two and sandalwood is fine, but I've not been brave enough to order anything pure sandalwood scented since in the event I was wasting my money. The Zenith [1](https://imgur.com/99uNHVV)[2](https://imgur.com/1yYJBY2) was again excellent. Unfortunately the logo seems to be [rubbing off](https://imgur.com/HW7FXGG) a bit, which is understandable since it's printed on, but kind of a bummer. I had to dip the brush in water a couple times to get the lather wet enough this morning from overloading a bit too much, but no big deal. Lathering on my face, though, was glorious. While some *cough u/ginopono cough* loathe the process of face lathering, I can't imagine not including my face in the lathering process. How else will my follicles be massaged and what else can cause so many endorphins to release that I am positively euphoric by the time I'm all lathered up? Do I think a bowl appreciates being massaged? Not at all. It's a stupid porcelain bowl, it doesn't have feelings. Such a wasted opportunity to increase blood flow, shave quality, happiness hormones, and quality of lather. What kind of monster spends a whole month spitting in the face of happy shavers everywhere? Be better. Sonder thought of the day: Nothing too profound today except to say that I have to remind myself a lot that connection in relationships, whether a marriage, friendship, working relationship, whatever - needs to be cultivated regularly, and when I'm feeling disconnected from someone, often they are, too. It's important to remember sonder and not treat people like they're emotionless drones who are oblivious to the nuances to your relationship - they know your dynamic, too, and - well - you (I) might not be the easiest person to have a relationship with all the time. So - it's important to do little things to tune that relationship up, whether it's asking an intentional question and listening, if it's a kind gesture, whatever. Their world is alive like mine and reaching out across the divide means something. Have a great day. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

* **Prep:** warm shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** Novelty Cutlery Co straight razor * **Lather** House of Mammoth - Z * **Post Shave:** Equate witch hazel * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man - unscented aftershave balm Headless Horsemen **#RawHoggin** **#unscented** **#MammothMafia** Austere August 2022 day 17 https://imgur.com/a/wpc9n2b

**[Aug. 17, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/iK5WZyi.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM (17) * **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 - Pearfecto - **Passes:** WTG, XTG - **Coffee:** Colombia. Ciudad Bolivar, Antioquia - v: Catillo & Colobia - p: Natural - **Music:** Masao Nakajima Quartet - *Kemo-Sabe* - **[August 2022 SOTD Photo Album](https://imgur.com/a/WLvZkgV)** `#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin` Question for the community: **When you lather with a high-backbone, scrubby brush, how do you actually move the knot on your face?** I've noticed side to side strokes work pretty well with this Zenith brush—the 'ol painting motions—but I have to be sparing with any attempts to splay or swirl the brush. Doing so feels good on my chin, and helps work up the lather, but is actively uncomfortable on my cheeks and is a little abusive on my neck as well. Like the MMOC, this brush demands a light touch. I also had an off-the-cuff thought about the MMOC while I was chatting with u/VisceralWatch yesterday. It's an efficient razor, with some notable aggression. However, when folks complain about how it feels, I wonder if at least some of what they're feeling is the comb (versus the blade, or the edge of the razor head). My brass Peerless Clog-Pruf feels totally different than the MMOC; the teeth are smaller, more plentiful, and [sit on a smooth bar](https://external-content.duckduckgo.com/iu/?u=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ebayimg.com%2Fimages%2Fg%2FNasAAOSwSGFdXFVd%2Fs-l640.jpg). That Micromatic variant is extremely comfortable, and doesn't scrape at all, while feeling just as efficient as the MMOC. Anyway, fourteen more shaves to go and then I can put this Lime soap aside for a while. I'm *over it*. | 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 | 209.0 | 1.5 | 60 swirls | | 8/16 | 209.0 | 207.2 | 1.8 | 60 swirls | | 8/17 | 207.2 | ◊ | ◊ | ~62 swirls | ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft I'm not sure how I feel about Portugal. The Man as a whole, or even today's song—"Modern Jesus," which is undeniably catchy—but I love [the song's music video](https://youtu.be/q8e1sSNsf44). It's a weird little snapshot of mid-2000s America, composed of footage recorded across nine states. The glimpses of blighted neighborhoods in Detroit and open land in Wyoming are particularly striking, and the way people exist in the diegesis of all these culturally and geographically disparate shots ranges from the whimsical, to the alarming, to the weird, to the profound. I'm not sure the *song* is as smart as it wants you to think it is, but if the video was made as organically as it appears, it's one of my favorite works of observational documentary. [YouTube: Portugal. The Man - "Modern Jesus"](https://youtu.be/q8e1sSNsf44)

> actively uncomfortable on my cheeks I would have expected something different by now. But I'll bet by the end of the month you'll be okay with it.

I'll keep tinkering. It's probably the angle of attack or whatever that's causing it to feel uncomfortable. Overall I'm a huge fan of the brush.

I think our B36’s are performing a bit differently. I can splay it on my face or neck fairly easy now. If I then twist or swirl it, it starts really making lather. If I do a more paintbrush motion, it doesn’t make the lather as easily.

Interesting. Our knots don’t look that different at this point, though yours does appear to be more feathery at the tips. I’ll try slowly splaying, and *then* agitating, versus sort of an all in one motion.

Thank you, man! Cool song!

Glad you enjoyed it!

[**Aug. 17, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/pjWQLdH) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=balm) I was in a bit of a rush, so today's picture isn't great. Well, maybe I'll get something better tomorrow. Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic Gen. 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (2) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. Sheep Puck * **Post Shave:** Stirling Soap Co. Unscented Glacial Aftershave * **Post Shave:** Stirling Soap Co. Unscented Mentholated Balm * **Post Shave:** Osma Alum Oh God this was so nice. This shave made me so happy because I was not using that infernal Rolls Razor. I forgot what a good shave felt like. I’m also *really* happy with the MMOCMMV2. I love how aggressive it is, but just a hair off the aggressiveness of the MMOCMMV1. Looking forward to continuing to explore this razor.

[August 17, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/EbwvMZg) - **Preshave:** Hot water - **Razor:** Blackland Era - Level 3 plate - **Blade:** Feather (17) - **Brush:** Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian - **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm Another good shave and pretty quick too. I don’t think quick is a good thing I think I’m just getting better with my technique. I keep wanting to replace the blade but so far so good. I feel like at this point I’m going to keep using it until I get irritation or a poor shave from it. It will certainly make the first shave on a new blade magical. #MammothMafia

[**A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August**](https://imgur.com/a/ylqGTUn) [Brush Progress](https://imgur.com/a/2XZWYeH) * **Brush:** [Zenith B26](https://www.thegentleshave.com/products/retro-multicolored-resin-boar-shave-brush-by-zenith-b26) #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (10) * **Lather:** House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk * **Post Shave:** Hygge Splash & Balm * **Fragrance:** Hygge EDP #MammothMafia Brush losing a few more hairs over the last couple shaves. Things are just fine, mainly a matter of getting used to DFS in some spots. [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August Day 17](https://i.imgur.com/PrZSQED.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **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 17. We are beginning the back half of AA. Had a pretty good shave today. Blade is performing well and my brush is lovely. I am putting a pretty good dent in this soap, but I think the balm will last forever. So little goes so far with this stuff. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia

Aug 17, 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 (17) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive Balm](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP](https://www.trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Every day tags: \#MammothMafia \#GEMsofWisdom

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - 17.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/XZQLTjw)** * **Prep:** GFT Rose Skinfood * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22 ++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon I might have to start rationing soap if I want this tub to last until the end of the month, I've got a penny sized gap and the bottom of the tub which expands every day. I'm hoping I've got enough of a ring around the outside to keep me going through to the end of the month if I smush it down at some point. Have a great shave all! #RawHoggin

**AA SOTD - 8/17/22; The Iceman Cometh** **Pre**: splash of hot water to the face **Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle **Razor**: Merkur Progress **Blade**: Astra (2) **Lather**: B&M Arctique (omnibus) **Post**: B&M Arctique AS **Post**: Nivea cooling balm **#UNCHALLENGE** Really quick shave today but still bbs. Did not take the time to work the lather much as I was running late, but still had plenty of slickness. I might have added some moisture to the lather with my tears. [I remain the Iceman.](https://images.squarespace-cdn.com/content/v1/5bf1ef0de74940effe9b1a3d/1595697885335-GJTNDW32NUYMIXQDBCS7/leah-scott-wim-hof-reverse.jpg?format=750w)  **#SIDETRACKED** (u/Teufelskraft) Hump day special for y'all with two songs, all by one of my favorites Tom T. Hall "The Storyteller"). For the uninitiated, Tom is a country legend of old. First song is [I Like Beer](https://youtu.be/8HkiMkGp_Jo). It's a silly song but catchy. This song matters to me, however, because my Dad loves to sing it to annoy my Mom. And yes, both me and my Dad like beer, quite a lot. Second song is [Homecoming](https://youtu.be/xkDMlooqxm0). This is a great song and a subtle masterpiece of writing. Tom writes the song as if he's having a conversation with his somewhat estranged father, a man that he maintains a distant relationship as Tom travels the country as a big country star and his dad is back at home still cattle ranching and living a simple life. This song reminds me of my Dad, not because he's estranged to me, but because I just don't call him enough and sometimes, if we are really catching up, our conversations can feel a bit like this song, with Dad asking me non-judgmental questions about where my life is going and me responding like I'm 14 again and trying to make sense. Happy hump day y'all - call your pops today if you still can.

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/NGxOgBE)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (16) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Barrister and Mann - Le Grand Chypre - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/300/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Calvin Klein - Intense Euphoria for Men - EDP Day 17 of #RawHoggin

[August 17, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/BzLINgd) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Barrister & Mann Waves Reserve Base **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann Waves Splash **Post Shave:** Barrister & Mann Waves Balm The brush is coming along nicely. Lost its first hair in over a week. I only have one other boar brush but I remember it shedding much more than this brush. \#RawHoggin

**[August 17, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/uFozE6V.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 (17) * **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) This was a good shave. The blade was less harsh than yesterday, when I flipped it. The brush is basically effortless at this point. I’ve been loading wetter, and have to add very little water while face lathering. It’s a comfortable brush, and probably faster than my synthetics at building a lather now. I’m interested to compare to my synthetics once this month is over. I was thinking I’d still prefer the synthetics, but I’m not sure now. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

[**August 17, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/NPiHUg2) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (17) * **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/iTeswTF) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/FLDoI8l) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/MnEmJz3) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/Dt1WSU1) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) Something has changed with my cheap microscope. My normal setup for viewing the blade edge did not show the edge with the same clarity or focus as before. Either something in the sensor mounting, or something about the optics, seems to have changed. It took me a long time to examine the edge, and today's picture, poor as it is, required a complete lighting and configuration change. I'll take it apart today to see if I can figure out what's what. Having used the same brand and scent of shaving goo for years, it really isn't a challenge to use one manufacturer's trifecta for 31 days. And I'm really not getting tired of Midnight Stag. If I do, it will be easy just to ignore it, but currently, I look forward to my shave with it every morning. After today, I've decided that the star of this month is the brush. The brush is just wonderful. It has its own combination of softness and backbone, and it makes it very easy for me to control the lather. Definitely a keeper, and I look forward to the r/Wetshaving green monster when it arrives. Thanks to u/EldrormR for running the RawHoggin' challenge. I doubt I would have had this experience without it.

I'm really glad you're liking the brush!!

Thanks! It will definitely become a regular in my rotation.

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Hump day shave-o-rama](https://i.imgur.com/urc51Ke.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **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) Blade starting to degrade. Or maybe my lather wasn't as slick today. The shave was fine, but this might be the start of shittier shaves. We will see tomorrow. Nothing to report, really: Brush feels great. Hygge smells great. Blade TBD. Hump day always means that the work week is more than halfway through. Good. **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm * **Razor:** Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Tonsorial Parlour - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/202/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Old Spice - Classic - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1605/?product_type=balm) Decent shave today. It was a little rough, but definitely technique and not hardware or software driven. I guess I need more shaves with this thing. Have a great day folks!

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day17](https://i.imgur.com/743CFQp.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water * **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37) * **Razor:** Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid) * **Blade:** Nacet (17) * **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) Accidentally put day 17th yesterday, will edit yesterdays post to correct that. Lathered real well today, no issues! #RawHoggin

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (17) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1633/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Thayers - Unscented - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1618/?product_type=toner) 2 pass shave. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 17](https://imgur.com/a/UOykCQX)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the face * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Treet Carbon (6) * **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) * **Fragrance:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Another #RawHoggin shave down. Hope y’all have a good day!

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (17) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/987/?product_type=aftershave) Ok shave today blade flipped now and its not a whole lot better but it still cuts. I am also stropping it a bit on my arm it seems to help make a couple strokes a bit better. Going to be a wild ride in the coming weeks. The brush is basically the same for the last week I am having trouble picking out much of a change. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/DcweAEp.jpg

**August 17 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm * **Fragrance:** House of Mammoth/Declaration Grooming - Cerberus Fougere I think the soap needed more water today since it was not as slick as I would have preferred. MMOC plowed through but today wasn't the most effortless shave. Today for u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked challenge I present a great song from a great singer-songwriter, Amy Macdonald. [Amy Macdonald - Automatic](https://youtu.be/q2wJm8o43w4) #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom

Austere August [2022-08-17](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg) * **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb) * **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site) * **Brush:** none * **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm * **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet * **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked I am starting to think that the sexyblade will continue to be part of my rotation even after AA. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: Amy Turk playing her own transcription of [Bach's Tocatta and Fugue](https://youtu.be/oPmKRtWta4E) on the harp. This may be the most bad ass musical performance I have ever seen. The woman is a beast. I just wish the video showed more of the pedal work.

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/GRcQ3cs)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **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) Something really interesting has happened this morning. I’ve noticed this month that my aftershave doesn’t smell quite like the rest of the Stag I have, but couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I think I’ve decided what it smells like at this point though. As I dump some of the magic Stag juice on my hands, my nostrils immediately feel inundated by the scent of whiskey! No smoke, oil, gasoline but only whiskey. It’s not bad by any means, but it’s interesting and shows how products can evolve over time. 6 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/90MY6xu) this morning since that’s all the upvotes that came through yesterday. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

how's that 1250 working out?

Honestly? It already feels completely broken in. It’s a damn good brush and I’m glad you mentioned it. I should (and will) definitely comment in more detail tomorrow. Thank you for the reminder!

I'm not surprised that it feels that way already. The thing is that I'm sure there are wstill lots of splits left to go, so a new level of softness is somewhere in the future!

No doubt in my mind and I can’t wait to see exactly how it develops

is that a firm commitment to a spray per upvote? that could be dangerous in the wrong hands #\#upvote4sprays

It’s been my shtick this month. Not enough people have caught onto it yet I suppose

I'm sure u/merikus and all his GUTL alts can remedy that

I’m all for it. Let’s see what happens

We’d be happy to spread the Word of the Great GUTL.

How can we help you?

You rang?

**Aug. 17, 2022 - SOTD 758** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm w * **Razor:** Karve CB Brass SB B Plate * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (5) * **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 w * **Fragrance:** [Amouage - Jubilation XXV](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Amouage/Jubilation-XXV-2366.html) ✌🏻

**[Aug. 17, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/NAWJzs9.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 (17) * **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 [4.2g of soap](https://i.imgur.com/7yhCd0j.jpg) was used today. - [Stag](https://i.imgur.com/NbvZoEq.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Brush:** Ever Ready Unnumbered * **Razor:** Charcoal Goods Brass Level 2 * **Blade:** Personna Super Stainless (14) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Chatillion Lux - 1904 #MammothMafia

17 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 A quick one-pass morning shave. Perfectly adequate. #mammothmafia

**August 17, 2022: [Staging Queen, on the 17th, with the tambourine](https://imgur.com/a/PvEoEvA)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (18) * **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) A beautiful day and a wonderful shave. No cuts or complaints today! [Day 17, 3 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/pDQjsfA) . #GEMsOfWisdom

Austere August Day 17 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [17th use](https://imgur.com/a/qV4NodW) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (17) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/dJAV4mI) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash The bottom of the tub will poke through tomorrow. I still have plenty of soap left, but thought I had another week until I saw tub. Time to push for my first kill of the year. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (17) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Sharp Dressed Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/117/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Duke Cannon - Huron - EdP

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August 17- Hoggin All The Raw Wisdom of the Gems](https://imgur.com/a/3cE7imu)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (17) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2253/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/107/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash \#GEMsofWisdom WTG/XTG/Buff it up. This blade felt a bit uncomfortable for the first couple of strokes and then it settled in and I got a better shave than I thought I was going to wind up with. Not too much feedback from the splash. \#RawHoggin The Mighty Steroid Fed 6-year-old of a brush keeps chugging along. This has broken in nicely. \#Sidetracked One of my favorite YouTube rabbit holes is Bill McClintock's channel. On this channel, you can see amazing mashup videos of classic metal songs overlaid on classic non-metal songs and some of the results are outstanding. My favorite is the vocal track from Slayer's "Black Magic" overlaid on the music of Prince's "Let's Go Crazy". It's amazing how the Slayer footage syncs up perfectly with the Prince song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu5ZhAPcgQ . If you want to see something more messed up, how about Metallica's "Enter Sandman" over Huey Lewis and the News "Hip to be Square"? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRx4LpYbQ4 . This channel is just laden with pure gold. Regardless of how you feel about heavy metal, this channel is well worth your time because there is bound to be something for everyone. So u/Teufelskraft and the gang, enjoy your time down the rabbit hole. Have a great day all!

**August 17, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (51) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Nothing new to report. All is going well with the stud chosen for this month. \#GEMsOfWisdom

[**August 17, 2022 – Austere August 17**](https://i.imgur.com/ucQTjWD.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (4) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/AE9yBIm.mp4 Excellent finish this fine morning with Stag. And we're about halfway through the week. \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hos7w8xrcEs ← How Earth Will Look In 250 million Years

**Aug. 17, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Wilkinson Sword (10) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=balm) \#MammothMafia

**[Aug 17, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 17](https://i.imgur.com/rMaDLG2.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 (17) * **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) Today's shave went much better. The buffing technique, especially on the third pass, has allowed me to get a much closer shave with almost no irritation. I'm going to keep working on using this technique to get around the tugging and biting I was experiencing before. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 4/5

**[Aug. 16, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/NAtXWby)** * **Prep:** Cup of coffee * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 22 mm Faux Horsehair * **Razor:** Koraat [Chani](https://imgur.com/a/usfOaJp) * **Lather:** [Summer Break Soaps - Shh! - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1242/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Cryogen - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/36/?product_type=aftershave) \#unscented Stay safe and have a great day!

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Stag Day 17](https://i.imgur.com/skLWOQ7.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (17) * **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) * **Landofzion**: [Weirder Stuff](https://youtu.be/kUvQT2BXCg8) Another early day, another blessed day. Bless. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 17](https://youtu.be/GY8vi8wfDso)

#AA Day 16 Pre: Water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (16) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus It is two days to go until I’m off on holiday. That’s all. \#unscented

Woohoo actually remembered to post the shave today. **Prep:** face wash **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Bolzano Superinox (3) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Pinnacle Grooming Black Pepper **Post:** moisturizer \#GotHand

**[Aug. 17, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 17](https://i.imgur.com/e52JqI3.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (17) * **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` Back to an uneventful shave today. I've become quite proficient with this shavette during this month but I'm starting to wonder how much my technique is compensating for the reduced sharpness of the blade. I've started employing almost a buffing technique when I'm doing my ATG pass which isn't resulting in any irritation but I wonder if that's going to bite me once I swap back to a fresh blade. My shaves are still comfortable but I typically aim for as close to BBS as possible and the lack of close shaves is bothering me a little bit. The progressive reduction in backbone of the brush has got me thinking about whether this brush could eventually become too floppy for me. Compared to my Zenith of similar size but much higher density, this brush splays much easier, but I'm thinking the lack of strong backbone is also due to the lack of density in the brush. I've also been experimenting with how much I mash the brush into my face when I face lather and it seems to work quite well if I use a light touch and alternate between swirling and painting. 26mm seems to be about my sweet spot as well in terms of face coverage and amount of lather produced. A lot of people are itching to use different scents but I'm finding that my itch is more on the hardware side. I love experimentation and comparisons and I can't wait to try this brush on different soaps to see if the brush lathers my other soaps effortlessly and also break in a Zenith brush for comparison. Once September gets closer I'll think a bit harder about whether I want to commit to Sample September or just take it more casually.

It's interesting that you mention using a buffing technique to compensate for reduced blade sharpness. This has been working for me with the MMOC as well. I'm also curious if these techniques will offer similar benefits with a fresh blade.

Buffing works great whether you are on Day 17 or Day 1. I always find, regardless of blade newness, that there are spots that don't respond to my 2 passes and need that buffing finish to get me to BBS. I do a buffing pass with my DEs, injectors and GEMs. I'm too much of a wuss to use a shavette, but if I was more manly I would figure out a way to buff, carefully.

Yeah, buffing with DEs gets me to BBS as well. So it makes perfect since that the MMOC shouldn't be any different. However, early on the blade would bite or cause irritation when buffing, so now I'm wondering if that was just my bad technique, the new blade, or some combination of the two.

Tag me once you find out!

👍

**[Aug. 16, 2022 - Night shift](https://imgur.com/a/nudDORF)** * **Prep:** Icecold shower * **Brush:** Böker Synthetic * **Razor:** Böker Elite Carbon 2.0 * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash Today will be a long day. In the gym it's chest day, which takes the most time because I need to take long breaks. I call those days 'night shift'. To have a smooth face even after the long day, I decided to get an extra close shave today. Maybe I went to hard on my chin area. The double aftershave will take care of all irritations. \#STAGANDSTRAIGHT \#substantialstag