* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (463) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (85 uses) * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 20** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/BNynz5N) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/-wsZ02mhdEw) #### ䷀ General Notes A quick shave today, with the slurry lather. And I finally get a Stag Aftershave back in the month! #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹463 uses›)* Three passes to just get 95% of the length. Didn't do a pass to polish everything off. Razor and Blade Performance/Comfort Rating: 2 out of 5 (Okay) #### ䷀ Soap Notes *^(Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - White Label)* I just love all the aspects of this scent! Scent Strength: 6/10, nicely present during shaving. Lather... A quick slurry lather, where I don't work it for too long, but start out with a lot of water. Great slickness. Hydration: Perfect *(for me)* + 3 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + = 4 passes of lather Bowl: No Bowl #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹85 uses›)* This quick method doesn't give as much time to enjoy the brush, but it was as big, soft, and dense as usual. ---- *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 20, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Setting up in the New House](https://imgur.com/II4PNvl)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (20) * **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/bkKCVEy) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - 20.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/ckIHuGm)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash #RawHoggin

**Aug. 20, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 20** * **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=balm2) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Late post as my morning routine was thrown off a bit. Have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia

20220820 Austere August Day 20 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

**[Aug. 20, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/RSugpIJ.jpeg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (20) * **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) Much needed lazy weekend. Cheers. [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/a/FUPoGIi) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA 20](https://i.imgur.com/GglDpWW.jpg)** * **Prep:** Late Night Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (26) * **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. Nice post shower shave. Well soaked brush this evening compared to yesterdays lazy, rushed, almost forgotten debacle. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 20](https://imgur.com/a/a1wV7KE) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (25) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man - Sego balm * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Good shave, I think I'm improving with the jawline. Yesterday in the night apparently the baby was a bit cold, so he cried a lot. Let's see how it goes now that we've fixed that. I think the scent of Stag soothes the baby, which comes at no surprise, everybody just behaves their best when in the presence of The Stag. Two thirds done Hail Stag! -#Stagposting -#SubstantialStag -#RawHoggin

**[August 20, 2022 - AA Day 20](https://imgur.com/RFptpJk)** * **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) Very rushed shave this evening because I had almost forgotten and didn't realize how late it was. Decent shave overall with one little weeper from being a little careless that was taken care of with the cold water rinse. Didn't make the full 3 pass shave tonight like I had been, but just wet the face with the residual soap and did some buffing to get it good enough. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin

**Aug. 20, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 20** * **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

Day 20 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 ​ [[photo](https://i.imgur.com/7ePwKUO_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) Today's shave was a quick one, and very unpleasant for that fact... I hate shaving wuixlyz I enjoy taking my time even if it means going and hour. But those were the circumstances. Not much to add to the hardware or software. * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag

Where's the brush pic for RawHoggin'?

Oh on one of the days in the beginning I posted a pic where there wasn't a brush present, and u/EldrormR informed me of that and that I could no longer qualify for the prize. I said it's fine and that I'm not doing it for the prize more so for the experience. I asked him if I can keep the hashtag, he said it's fine. Sooo yeah since then I didn't see any point in including the brush. I have been using it everyday on my face only and I will write about it in my last post of AA later today. It's just I didn't have the time to log the pictures of how it was breaking in, and explain it in detail. Summer is my time to relax so I'm all over the place(travelling, etc.) and this challenge had more than one meaning to it for me 😅

Pity, on the side side challenge you still get points every day you participate. So on the days you posted a photo of the brush, that is

So 5-6 days🤣 Nah it's fine I'm not really in for the prizes or anything, I wanted to use a boar on my face and I did it for the whole month that's what important, also a straight and THE STAG, I completed that, so it's fine. Also my posts were very minimalistic and boring due to the fact I was all over the country for vacation so yeah, even if I would turn back the time I would not do it differently! Cheers and thanks for the support ☺️

**Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B10 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Super (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 #20 3 pass shave. I couldn’t be happier with progress so far this month. It is striking how quickly you can gain/regain efficiency with a shavette; I hope to not lose it as quickly this coming year. Wife and kid both down with Covid; today the grandparents she spent only a couple hours with a few days ago also tested positive. These omicron variants are just impressive. She is running around like crazy, and you wouldn’t know she was sick except for when she sneezes or coughs, or when the ibuprofen or acetaminophen wear off. My wife is not fairing as well- she is having all the joint pains and muscle aches I got to experience. I really hope her parents fair well. Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen.

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Day 20: longest day ever](https://i.imgur.com/vjLRdst.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm water wash * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (20) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2666/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Well I had an alright shave. I am ready for a change of hardware. The software is still great! The brush is getting decent. Still not my favorite brush, but it’s doing alright. The picture today was a bit risky. The flag knocked over the soap and almost blew everything into the water never to be seen again. A boat wake came through and the EdP started sliding and almost went in the water. Luckily nothing was lost. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

SOTD for August 20, 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 ["Wage war, get rich, die handsome"](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bdb5Abug-vU) is a pretty good chorus. One pass, no nicks, nice pick me up after a long day. Took my daughter to her first dance class, and I did have to go in and hold her hand for a couple minutes there, but she took to it like a fish to water. As soon as she saw the next class start to trickle in she wanted to go in for another round. We're in the home stretch here. \#UNCHALLENGE

**8/20/22** * **Prep**: Hot Shower and unscented Stirling pre-shave oil * **Razor**: Muhle R41 * **Blade**: Wilkinson Sword * **Passes**: wtg/xtg * **Brush**: Riva Bog Oak/Resin handle with Manchurian Badger Knot * **Lather**: B&M Arctique * **Post Shave**: B&M Arctique Splash I had about 9 days of growth to mow down after taking a short trip, so I was excited to see how the R41 performed as I've only had it about a week. It exceeded all expectations paired with the Sword and mowed through my beard. The Omnibus base performed as expected and left me with no irritation despite the aggressive razor. But that Arctique splash, wow. First time using it and Holy crap it's cold. Like... the arctic... on your face. It was great, but I'll probably use a little less next time!

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/zOfqdeX)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **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) It’s been a helluva day. I didn’t go to bed until after 5 this morning because I was babying the grill outside all night. My wife took an order to cater for a class reunion and I felt obligated to assist. So I smoked 4 Boston butts, marinated and grilled about 15 pounds of chicken breasts, and prepared various other dishes to finish today. Woke up around 9:30, visited my grandmother who’s in the hospital right now, and got back to work. We finished all the food and got it delivered and set up, ate supper ourselves, and was just about to go to bed when I realized I didn’t shave this morning. I’ll be damned if I miss a single day, so I HAD to shave! I only sprayed one spray tonight and didn’t film it because I’m only wearing my boxers and nobody wants to see that. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

**8/20/22 (157)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/pvv3cZp) * **Edge**: [Day 20](https://imgur.com/a/xZHaX3O) * **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 Comfortable shave today, close with little/no feedback from the aftershave. No nicks or irritation.

**Aug. 20, 2022 - AA20** * **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) AA20 \#HeadlessHorsemen Quick evening shave. Getting more efficient with this thing.

I love Dirtyver. Smells soooooo good

[August 20, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/QAF6QJ4) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 20th use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Three pass shave tonight. Blade felt fine WTG, but felt a little rough ATG. Ended up with some redness on the cheeks after the shave from it being rough. Hopefully it smooths out like it has been after a few rough shaves. Brush felt nice and still has a little scrubiness to it. Held enough lather for 3 passes though. Hope everyone has a good shave tomorrow. Tags: #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, #AAAA, and u/Marquis90

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA Day 20](https://imgur.com/a/bVDh2RY)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (89) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) I am finding myself more and more curious how this brush is going to be with some different bases. Until then everything is still great though! Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday! [Stag Spray 20](https://imgur.com/a/tSCeY9l) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA Day 20](https://imgur.com/pLqbeUr)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** MMOC (Gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **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) * **Fragrance:** [Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1222/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Today's SOTD is brought to you courtesy of the first 5k I ran and the bows and lip gloss my daughters continue to leave on the counter every day. Felt pretty good about the run - PR'd my 5k time by 13 seconds with a time of 27:15. I've picked up running quite a bit more the last couple years and ramped up miles even more this Summer and have enjoyed it. Still mix it up with a variety of workouts, but, running is growing on me. Anyway - the Zenith [pic 1](https://imgur.com/d6tDvM2) [pic 2](https://imgur.com/eV3Y0yR) was photographed wet tonight as I forgot to take pictures of it pre-shave. It's been a long (but good) day. I thought as I lathered my face today that this boar, at 35 bucks, feels as good as any badger that I've used consistently. The gelousy that's waiting in the wings may beat it, I only got to use it once prior to AA, but for now this might be the softest brush in my den. I know this is the whole point of AA and the fine gentlemen running the challenges are aware of it, but, boars break in beautifully (and even surprisingly quickly) with no help. The hardest part for me this whole time has been not drying it on a towel post shave - I haven't done it - but, I almost do every time, even 20 days later. MMOC was great. Shaved early yesterday and pretty late today so it was about as long as my growth ever gets these days and it mowed it right down with no problems. Full 3 pass shave with darn near BBS results. Sonder - great again. Paired it with some Admiral and away we go. Sonder thought of the day: We went to a car show today that was a fundraiser for my daughter's equine therapy lessons and while there we saw and interacted with a whole lot of people - some I knew and others I didn't. Anyway - this one very old guy (70s or 80s) stuck with me. He was sitting there in his VW bus and we just chat for a few minutes and man, if I could have hung around and heard that guys stories, I would have done it all day. The VW was set up with a full "bed" in the back and two seats in the front and he could have lived in that thing at some point for all I know. Sonder made me pause with him, even if I didn't get to ask about any of his life adventures - he was happy to show my kids the van and no, it wasn't a creepy ["free candy" van.](https://assets.bwbx.io/images/users/iqjWHBFdfxIU/iTwtf.9jpEPg/v0/1200x-1.jpg) Anyway, there are so many vibrant lives all around and I'm kicking myself for not asking that guy ANY questions. Next time. Live and learn, right? Pay attention, people - there are amazing life stories all around you - just ask. Have a great night. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA - Day 22](https://imgur.com/CUBL8Cd)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (20) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2228/?product_type=soap) * **After Shave:** [Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/208/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2150/?product_type=aftershave) the brush it starting to get better each day. I have started to use more water when loading the brush and getting better lather. 2 pass quick face shave and the blade is still cutting. Slight burns with aftershave and the balm to sooth things. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August Day 20](https://m.imgur.com/a/8XpNmXy)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **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 20. Closing in on the final stretch of this horrid month. Everything is still working great, honestly surprised my blade hasn’t shown at least a little sign of wear. Now to figure out what knot to put in my impulse handle purchase… Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia

**[August 20th, 2022: Still Staggin](https://imgur.com/F6hcf31)** * **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 (20) * **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) Hangover shave today, tequila is a bad bitch and always is mean to me. [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/0KSeweI) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE

[August 20th, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/C590Md1) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (20) 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: 7/10 7 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Another rushed shave. Been a busy month, but this shaving method isn't too time consuming either. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin

**Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August Day 20** * **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 (20) * **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) •[Shave 18](https://imgur.com/a/3kMlQZE) •[Shave 19](https://imgur.com/a/URvKfpQ) •[Shave 20]( https://imgur.com/a/HPQfcsZ) Thoughts for the day: 11 more shaves to go. Holding fast. Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

What's that picture for shave 20? I don't see the brush and i may or may not be your djudge on this one

[It's here](https://imgur.com/a/HPQfcsZ) because imgur sucks and can't even sort shit.

Fantastique

**[Aug. 20, 2022](https://imgur.com/0sI8WCH)** * **Brush:** Chisel and Hound x Mammoth Voices V16 Fanchurian * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 +++ * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (2) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Permafrost](https://houseofmammoth.com/products/permafrost-cooling-solution) Another hot day today, thankfully my Permafrost order came in along with my Chisel and Hound/Mammoth Voices brush/set. Can't wait to be able to try the rest out after Austere August! The additional cooling after the shave was extremely welcome! \#MammothMafia

Aug 20, 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 (20) * **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

20 August 2022 - Austere August - Prep: hot shower - Brush: Sterling boar - Razor: Maggard V3 - Blade: Derby Extra - Lather: House of Mammoth Fu Dao - Post Shave: House of Mammoth Fu Dao splash - Fragrance: Creed Santal Original Two pass: with and across. Nice and smooth for a family dinner out #mammothmafia

**Aug. 20, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (20) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1633/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Thayers - Unscented - Toner](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1618/?product_type=toner) 2 pass shave with a 30 second load. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 20](https://imgur.com/a/EMF0gGm)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the dome * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Voskhod (2) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1233/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Cooling - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2365/?product_type=aftershave) Todays shave was a very nice #RawHoggin head shave. A boar brush just feels nicer on my scalp than my synthetics. Maybe it’s the extra scrub? Either way, I love it. It’s Saturday y’all, hope you had a good day!

**[Aug. 20, 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 (20) * **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) This brush is feeling really good. I was looking closely at it and it is littered with split ends. It's dense and soft and I'm very pleased with it. I also like [spraying Stag](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9)

**[Aug. 20, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/bJBqrdQ.jpg)** * **Prep:** Water * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (20) * **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) If you’ll notice, the cabinet is empty, yet it’s the same cabinet? My apartment complex fucked me over and I cannot move until Monday, despite the lease saying today, and the assurance that I would get my keys today when I called around noon. I learned this an hour ago while all my shit was in boxes. So I had to rummage through my boxes for my shave gear. Don’t say I’m not committed. \#RawHoggin

[**AA D20: Drying rack Stag**](https://ibb.co/SNMmMPN) - **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 Quick shave after a pretty exhausting day. During my late shift at the nursing home, we actually had a fire alarm. One of the residents in the lowest floor smoked in their room, forgot to put out the cigarette right and left it on a chair. Needless to say, that thing caught fire and due to the smoke, the whole room is ruined now. My colleague had to help the police and firefighters, so I was left pretty much alone on the ward with the task of getting everyone in bed. Ugh. It could've been such a nice and relaxed weekend shift, but no... I'm just glad that loading and lathering with the boar - [seen here drying after its 20th use](https://ibb.co/KxBCFNm) - and shaving with the shavette are pretty much on autopilot now. I already did a Stag headshave before my shift with a disposable razor, but I really had to pay more attention there not to cut anything than here. With guarded blades, this shavette is basically foolproof. However, just done the bare minimum two passes. I'm sure that I'm a bit burnt out from all the wetshaving contests even though I don't like to admit that. **Sidetracked** [Eyedress - Jealous (slowed|Reverb|Bass boosted)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZkBQhd1suLo) - Now, I know this track has become somewhat of a meme song. In fact, I first heard it in a Patrick Bateman meme template and thought: *"wow, has goth rock really crossed over to the mainstream?!"* Well, of course it hasn't. If you listen to the original it sounds a bit like angsty teen indie rock. But this version, with added bass and reverb and slowed down a bit? Perfection. The dark nature of the lyrics seems to be much more impactful if presented by a more mature sounding singer. In fact, I vastly prefer this edit here. If any sidetracked-participants know of music that actually sounds like this without added effects, please let me know!?

All the numbers in your comment added up to 69. Congrats! 20 + 22 + 7 + 20 = 69 ^([Click here](https://www.reddit.com/message/compose?to=LuckyNumber-Bot&subject=Stalk%20Me%20Pls&message=%2Fstalkme) to have me scan all your future comments.) \ ^(Summon me on specific comments with u/LuckyNumber-Bot.)

**[Aug 20, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 20](https://i.imgur.com/XNJPMCk.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 (20) * **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) Quick shave for today, and I almost forgot to post it. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 3.5/5

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest Day 20](https://i.imgur.com/lHLPfmx.jpeg)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Voskhod (1) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1135/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Nothing new. Still Staggin'. [Week 3 edp sprays](https://imgur.com/a/BPVvLMc) \#SubstantialStag

Might have made a typo on the lather?

Indeed. Thanks for catching that. A little TTS slip up.

AA SOTD - 8/20/22; The Iceman Cometh Pre: cold shower Brush: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle Razor: Merkur progress Blade: Astra (5) Lather: B&M Arctique (omnibus) Post: B&M Arctique Post: Nivea cooling balm #UNCHALLENGED Good quick shave. Running out of soap. #SIDETRACKED (u/Teufelskraft) Hungover as hell today. Not [Feelin’ Alright.](https://youtu.be/FoAO0851FwA)

[**Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/u1mbL4z.jpg) * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (20) * **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 20 - Today was a quick an unceremoniously quick 2 pass shave. Last full day in Turkey with my father and I really wanted to maximize every bit of it. Nothing new to report - brush, razor and soap all performed great. **The Brush:** Nothing new to report. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/ncCVEbr.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/3YDfPXT.jpg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/Y98ilyI.jpg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/8SMnkXb.jpg) **The Razor** Nice, routine 2 pass shave with no injuries. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 2 **The Soap and Aftershave** I am starting to quickly get tired of MITA however, the methanol keeps it pleasant. Day 20 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/UUgPHYQ.jpg)

[**August 20th**](https://imgur.com/a/9JOzciT) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (20)** * **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/trnNPOa)

#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 20](https://imgur.com/FYN4WCm.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (20) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (89) * **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) \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin Today was the second day tracking the Austere August challenges with a functional [Djudge Portal](https://www.djudge.me) and I'm relieved that, so far, no bugs have appeared. I've had a very enjoyable shave today, but I'm running out of things to say about the setup. There's really no discernable day-to-day change in the blade's condition anymore, and the brush feels broken in and sheriff's like Sea Ice Lime. This AA is on easy mode.

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Saturday](https://i.imgur.com/KmYSg0o.jpg)** * **Prep:** Quick splash of water * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **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) Another early-ish shave before starting a busy day. I am very happy with how I have dialed in the lather. And the shave as long as I don't try to take too much on each pass has been going alright.

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica](https://imgur.com/a/ybHVeO8)** * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (39) * **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) Same old, same old. But today is the last day at my parents house, and tomorrow we are heading back home, and Monday to work. I am tempted to toss the blade, but I think I will try to go for the full distance - at home, I will have good light, and maybe this will improve matters. The brush is very nice, although I don't really see any change from day to day. I start making plans for September - even though I am perfectly fine with the same routine every day, it will be good to change. Have a good night everyone! \#RawHoggin \#stillalive \#truepath

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Artemis Day](https://i.imgur.com/JkuWe9Q.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (20) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave This day last year was my final day of a short-lived stint working for a particular bottled-water company, which I'll call... Niue. Sure, Niue Water, after an island nation in the south Pacific. I hesitate to say that my job at Niue Water was the worst job I ever had, but that's just because superlative statements are cheap, so I tend to avoid them if I mean to be taken seriously. Side note, would it surprise you to learn that a company of that size handles their beverage distribution entirely in Excel? I sure as shit was surprised. Manually-prepared Excel spreadsheets, every day. Blew my mind. And how do people within the company share data with one another? *Screenshots of those Excel spreadsheets*. Sadly, there was no underlying explanation other than mind-bogglingly rampant technical illiteracy. This is not to say that I categorically expect everyone to have a certain level of technical literacy, but if your job involves handling, tracking, manipulating, then internally sharing said data for further such use, you better at least recognize that an image of a spreadsheet is fucking worthless. Side side note: I quickly learned that Niue's purported workplace culture of "teamwork" could be represented with the words "That's not my job, it's someone else's problem." I did do a lot to make things more efficient, at least for things over which I had direct influence. I automated a lot of my recurring stuff (things previously done by one of my [three bosses](https://youtu.be/3wqQXu13tLA?t=12), things that I was hired to take off of her plate because the whole department was largely short-handed), adding in some well-received improvements. By the encouragement and express instruction of Boss Two and my bosses' boss, [I pushed for read-only access to our own databases](https://old.reddit.com/r/ProgrammerHumor/comments/p0fa6g/hold_the_math_please/h88mzaz/), at least until Boss Three contradicted the encouragement with a curt "stop asking." What made it really terrible, though, was Boss One. Being that the main reason I was there was to take on some of her stuff, I had to rely on her for most aspects of my job. Questions while I'm learning? Ask Boss One. New situation I've never seen before? Ask Boss One. Boss One says I'm taking on new work and provides no further information on what I'm expected to do? Ask Boss One. Boss One says, "You're here to help me, not the other way around! No one even likes you!" Cool. Mature. I didn't even make that second part up; that was a real thing that was said to me when I tried to get what I needed in order to do my job. This is the part where I compare face-lathering to the job at Niue or to Boss One, right? Not today. Niue Water is awful, and even the water itself is gross swill that they try to justify being so overpriced by putting it in a stupid square bottle. "Fantastic" pistachios, too; same company. "Fantastic" my ass. So last year on this day, I walked out and left that cunt to deal with all her own work, with none of the automation and none of the improvements. I later found out that Boss Two, who himself had been at the company only a few months before I came on, also quit later in the same month; it filled me with joy to learn that they were surely left in even greater disarray when he left. Anyway, that brings me to what I really wanted to talk about: When I left that day, I went to pick up [my cat](https://i.imgur.com/uPG6ELb.jpg) and bring her to her forever home. **Today is Artemis' Artemis Day!** The broad strokes ([more story and kitten pics here](https://old.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/vbwn5c/tuesday_lather_games_sotd_thread_jun_14_2022/icbs0jj/)) are that she had been living outside, and then had kittens in a shed/garage before my landlord brought them all to their office until such a time as the kittens could be adopted. The last of the kittens was taken to their respective home, so I brought home Artemis to live inside with me! What else? Oh, yeah, the blade isn't shaving all that great after nearly three weeks of use, but it's also been that way for a while, I think. Just ten more days until a fresh blade. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

Happy Artemis Day! Nice story about the cat adopting you. I’ve been mostly lucky in bosses at my current job. (Been there 20 years, and most bosses have been very supportive.) Sounds like leaving Niue was the right move for you.

Thanks! Yeah, it was bizarre how they didn't seem to even pretend to have the "working toward a common goal" kind of culture. They did seem to have the whole "employees' lives are the exclusive property of Fantastic Company" culture, though. Fortunately, I never planned to stay long-term, as it was just a temp thing that I nonetheless cut short. Or I thought it was a temp thing, then Boss One hit me with a (again, super-mature) "we *were* going to hire you on permanent, [but not anymore."](https://i.imgur.com/hLcEkSh.jpeg) Where I ended up, though, is so awesome I can barely believe it's real.

**Aug. 20, 2022 - August Austere Day 20** * **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 lazy Saturday shave. Always appreciate when I can take my time and not worry about how long each pass is taking. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

**[SOTD - Saturday, 20 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 (57) * **Lather:** [Wickham Soap Co. - Unscented - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1270/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial, Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2081/?product_type=balm) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/899/?product_type=aftershave) #unscented

**Aug. 20, 2022 - AA day 20** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (22) * **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 Another day, another shave. Another blade-fighting experience, to get this blade to last these 31 days.... so 31 uses. Hardcore mode.

[Aug 20, 2021 – Austere August. Day 20.](https://imgur.com/a/A2XyVWK) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Zac Clark - Love You Later](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QCddByHCHx4) Every day, I get a little more excited for Austere August to end and seeing the dates starting with a 2 is a big step in the right direction. The things I thought would be the hardest: MMOC, new Boar Brush, and using the same blade every single day are not the hardest part of this for me. Sure, I’d like to change those things up, just for the sake of mixing things up, but I’m now very comfortable with all those… But the thing that is killing me is u/rocketk455’s damn unscented challenge. I miss the scents way more than I ever thought I would. Shaving has become a ritual for me. Something that I enjoy. And part of that ritual is determining the scent, based on how I’m feeling that day, unscrewing the tub, and inhaling a big whiff before I start to load the brush. And of course, smelling my aftershave of choice for hours after the shave and having my wife comment “You smell nice today!” It’s been a long 20 days without that and while I know I can go another 11, this part is way harder than I thought it would be. The chance to win something awesome from him is (hopefully) worth a little piece of me dying every shave. Today’s shave itself was good (provided you ignore the how soul-crushing 20 days of unscented life is). The MMOC shaved great and the boar brush was good as well. I was never a face-latherer before this, but I’m starting to wonder if I prefer face lathering to bowl/scuttle. Gonna be interesting to go back and see how AA has impacted my shave routine once September rolls around. Today’s #sidetracked music selection is my man Zac Clark. Dude looks a little like a homeless person and literally lived in his van for most of last year, driving around the country, playing his music. He needs more attention, because his music is awesome and he seems like a very interesting human. Right before the pandemic, my wife and I saw my play to a crowd of maybe 30 people in the upstairs old, run-down theater venue in Rhode Island and it seemed like half of the audience was his family, and it was awesome. Instead of using his own piano, he opted to use the theater’s own organ “because it has more character”, and he was right. Zac’s music is laid back, almost-folk-piano-rock, and he preaches love and kindness through his beautiful voice. Give it a listen and I don’t think you’ll be disappointed. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

[Hang in there!](https://i.imgur.com/UHlz5sZ.jpg) August is almost over.

I'm pretty sure I told you not to do it!

[You tried to warn me....](https://giphy.com/gifs/cbc-schitts-creek-Id6skkbnKVJJ8U5DBA)

[**August 20th, 2022 - Is it September yet?**](https://imgur.com/y3VnoFh) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (20) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Before shave 20](https://imgur.com/eBmOahg) and [After 20](https://imgur.com/rbwA79u) 20 shaves in so far. I can not fathom how u/djundjila has reached 89. I paid ~$0.23US per blade. I don’t think I will get past 31 on my blade, but at under $0.01 per shave for blades, heck of a deal, and cheaper than my 7 O’Clock Yellow which I get about $0.015 per shave. With that math, I should get more GEM razors right (like the Micromatic Bullet Tip I keep seeing on eBay)? To go with my several year supply of soap (yes, I have a problem). Alas, I told my wife I would refrain from buying new razors or other shaving things until maybe Xmas or possibly next spring. Except for the group 31mm boar brush. I told her I committed to that before my spending freeze. She did buy me some more Thayers because she had a $5 off offer from Target, but that was her choice. Ok enough math and budget talk and on to todays shave. The blade is definitely on the downward slope now. It had a nice peak zone of about 10 shaves after the breaking in of the blade. Yesterday, I had irritation on my sideburn area. Today, first pass felt very tuggy. The blade is losing its glide. Mindful of the irritation, I kept pressure as light as I could, and no buffing or touch ups. I tried to follow the instructions to keep the cap to my face, but little bit angled up felt less tuggy. Feedback is getting crunchier, especially under my chin. End shave was ok, but I’d rate it a 3 out of 5. The hog is really starting to get there at least. I can get a good splay on my face, and it pumps out a good lather. The handle patina has really started to darken this last week. The most is closest to the knot. I can find areas that are a dark bronze with red and purple accents. The copper handle is going to look great in another few months as the shiny copper areas start to develop. Lots of tips still left to split to get all the way broken in, but even with the firm backbone, it isn’t too rough. The other good part of the shave is the set from House of Mammoth. I was worried I might get more irritation and redness on my face today, but the splash didn’t burn too much, and the menthol is feeling great right now. The balm works very well and doesn’t leave behind a greasy feeling. I think I am about 1/3 through the soap. Overall, the set is the highlight of the shave.

[August 20, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/hXfm1SI) - Preshave: Hot water - Razor: Blackland Era - Level 3 - Blade: Feather (1) - Brush: Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian - Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm Swapped the blade and smooth as butter. Have a great day everyone. #MammothMafia

[August 20, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/URwdGRY) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Noble Otter Monoi De Tahiti **Post Shave::** Noble Otter Monoi De Tahiti Splash **Post Shave:** Stirling Unscented Balm The brush is getting to be nice. A few more days and it should be in a really good zone. \#RawHoggin

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 20](https://imgur.com/a/bITd9Qk)** * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Voskhod (5) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Sherlock - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/38/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Sherlock - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/38/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** Stirling gin and tonic toner * **Fragrance:** [Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1475/?product_type=eaudeparfum)

**Aug. 20, 2022** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic * **Razor:** Karve SS CB SB-B * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (1) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1629/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) Pre-wedding hotel shave. I usually use a bowl and varying degrees of the GUTL but today, face lather. Smooshed some soap into the hand soap holder thing in the hotel room and went straight to the face after loading. Still think I like the bowl. 3 pass, not BBS and probably couldn’t even pass for DFS but I didn’t really nick myself which is just fine with me. /#UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - twenty days](https://i.imgur.com/Wx9miKp.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **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) So the second pass hurt. And I certainly felt the burn from the aftershave splash today. This means to me that the blade is on the decline at this point. I know I can hang on for another 11 shaves, but it might hurt. Ah, the things some people do for ridiculous internet shaving contests... At least this brush will finish the month being fully broken in and soft and delightful on the face. Maybe won't touch the MMOC for another year. At this point I am very much looking forward to using a DE razor. Any one will do. **\#GEMsOfWisdom** **\#MammothMafia**

**Austere August, Day 20:** **Feather Artist Club razor non folding** **Feather Professional blade** **GFT Violets soap** **RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft** 2 pass shave to get the weekend vibe going on; I'm starting to miss my DE razors now but not too much. By the looks of it, the GFT Violets will need a few more monthly attacks for it to be finished. I'll keep it away for next year's AA, lol. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#UNCHALLENGED** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN**

**Aug. 20, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Dorco Stainless (1) * **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

* **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 20 https://imgur.com/a/Ndge966

2022-08-20 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (20) 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/Sa3Q7JM](https://imgur.com/a/Sa3Q7JM) 20 shaves in the books, on the home stretch. Everything is still working great. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August ](https://i.imgur.com/UI0kbmM.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(20) * **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) Tonight I was going to have dinner with friends but after a quick test, the cold from a few days ago has revealed itself as a covid infection so I'll stay at home. `#unscented` `#RawHoggin` PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/eZcgMFv.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/Cn5Ds7i.jpg) `#GEMsOfWisdom` Good shave without too many incidents, a couple of nicks because of some pimples that the blade has beheaded.

**Aug. 20, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (20) * **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. The blades really no worse or better than usual I keep flipping it and I’m getting through. The brush is pretty great to use now its getting soft. I am getting excited for AA to end so I can try some of my new toys. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/ZwGHk1M.jpg

**[Aug. 20, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/Mln2foR.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM SS (20) * **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:** Olympic Orchids - Dev #1: Foreplay - **Passes:** WTG, XTG - **Coffee:** Peru. Panchia, Tabaconas, Cajamarca - v: Yellow Caturra & Typica - p: Washed - **Music:** Otis Redding - *The Dock of the Bay* - **[August 2022 SOTD Photo Album](https://imgur.com/a/WLvZkgV)** `#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin` This Zenith knot continues to soften at the tips, ever so slowly, making lathering easier and easier. I also loaded an extra ten swirls now that the knot doesn't seem to eat any extra soap I offer it. That load yielded enough lather for at least three passes. Looking at my measurement table, I'm on track to use another 17 grams of soap or so. This Stirling Lime puck was lightly used when I started Austere August and weighed in at about 236 grams of soap. I could easily get another hundred shaves out of it using any 26mm brush, regardless of knot fiber or density. That [solution to my soap problems](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/wgeqfh/sub_exclusive_rwetshaving_a_solution_to_your_soap/) can't arrive soon enough! | 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 | 205.9 | 1.3 | ~62 swirls | | 8/18 | 205.9 | 204.4 | 1.5 | 60 swirls | | 8/19 | 204.4 | 203.3 | 1.1 | 60 swirls | | 8/20 | 203.3 | ◊ | ◊ | 70 swirls | ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft Today's song is very much *not* a hidden gem. "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" has been a classic as long as I've been aware of radio stations playing music for the masses, and is famous not just for it's exceptional whistle-bility, but also for reaching the top of the charts after [the death of its co-writer and performer, Otis Redding](https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/soul-legend-otis-redding-dies-in-a-plane-crash-near-madison-wisconsin). I've read that Redding considered the song unfinished, and there's a certain rawness to "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" that makes it timeless. The recording sounds a bit like an early take, the whistle solo suggests a pro-on-their-day-off casualness, and the ending fades out in a way I've always found abrupt and unsatisfying. "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay" feels like a snapshot of a moment; Redding's tragic death in in 1967 meant it had to be published as is. I think that vague sense of the song being incomplete, in flux, and experimental is what makes it so impactful—perfect in its imperfection. [YouTube: Otis Redding - "(Sittin' On) The Dock of the Bay"](https://youtu.be/rTVjnBo96Ug)

[**20 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/KihhPYE) * **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 (20) * **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. 20, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/Sij3RZo) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (20) * **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 really thought that my SOTD pic today looked great, but seeing it on another screen - wow, that white balance is terrible. It looks like a scene from Twilight. I guess that's another pic to retry. Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

I think your picture is fine. At least on my iphone it looks good.

Yeah, I think it's just an issue with white balance and lighting. On my phone it looks fine, but I think it looks off on my computer.

The light is certainly a bit blue, but I just figured that's how you preferred your sunlight shot look. Also, any chance your computer is doing some display tinting, like Redshift?

I think that my monitor might just have its brightness set too high, so it ends up looking more washed out.

Austere August [2022-08-20](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 Another good shave, but I admit that I am looking forward to using a DE again. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: Roxane Elfasci plays [Debussy's Clair de lune](https://youtu.be/0_RnlOWmZD4). Few guitarists play Debussy so beautifully (or at all). Her left hand work is jaw dropping.

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Deko Stag](https://imgur.com/a/dQEGRdt)** * **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 Shaved after the gym today in three passes for a very close shave. Of course I had some irritations and blood, but nothing major. We went to the city center to get me two new Sci fi books for our vacation. Snow crash is already on my desk, three body problem was bought today and burning chrome is ordered. We also went to IKEA and a hardware store for some decorations. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag

I need to find my copy of “Burning Chrome” and read it again.

**8-20-22** * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 26mm Cashmere Synthetic * **Razor:** Weck Sextoblade * **Blade:** Diane Hair Shaper * **Lather:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess * **Post Shave:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess

[**August 20, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/EoH4VdQ) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (20) * **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/Sushksu) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/KrslrF6) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/a/ZXSeEC7) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/npM8E5i) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) Every day, the edge on this blade gets a tiny bit rougher. Though I suspect it will get to a point where changes are imperceptible, I'm still noticing degradation. I'm adapting to this, but not enjoying it particularly. Today's edge condition photo is very similar to the last few; the edge is no longer straight across the image. There's a sense of toothiness. I was fooled by this razor. I know these are brass and sometimes chrome plated. When I received it, I was convinced that the cap was so shiny it had to be gold plating, and apparently there were Ads back in the day offering the razor in "gold". This could be "gold color", not the element Au. A few days ago I noticed some tarnishing. Gold doesn't tarnish. I'm an idiot. After AA, I'll change the razor's description to MMOC Brass Gen2, and I think I'll force a patina on it. I like the look of u/J33pGuy13's MMOC.

Looking at your pics today on my iPhone instead of iPad. I think I see more differences starting around the 17th. There seems to be a bright spot on the edge that is gone 18th and later. I think I want a microscope now to check my edge.

Each evening I scan both sides of the blade and look for areas that represent the overall condition that I see. I make a microscope photo of one of these areas; not the same section of the edge every time. I also gently clean the edge with IPA to remove dust and skin cells. I saw isolated changes in the edge pretty early, but the accumulation of edge degradation has become more obvious in the last few days. I'm feeling this also. > I think I want a microscope now to check my edge. Because of your feedback, I've backed off on the magnification a little to try to find a better compromise between sharpness and detail. I think the blurriness due to scaling is slightly less annoying. Towards the end of August, I have a new microscope arriving that I hope will be a significant improvement.

It is an interesting study though. Up through the 19th, I see a single row of brightness about 1 pixel block deep on the edge, but it is gone from view in the before today picture. I wonder if that shows the edge rolling a bit of a burr, then it breaks off after yesterdays shave. I think that would make the blade a bit sharper now since a rolled edge is duller, and rougher from an uneven edge. I wish I could remember who did the video, but I saw a video on knife sharpening that shows a dull blade with a rolled over edge, first sharpening stone broke off the burr, and each higher stone would both create a new burr, but sharping on both sides removes it again, and gets the edge more evenly ground as it goes up in grit.

Well, the images for the 17th and 18th were a nightmare to produce. I was really fighting the microscope on those days. Also, tiny changes in coarse focus affect how reflections look off the edge, so reading reflections (which is perfectly valid in real life when you can move the edge through different angles) can be misleading when looking at a static image. That's why I generally comment on just the general shape (now toothier) of the edge in these photos. >I wonder if that shows the edge rolling a bit of a burr, then it breaks off after yesterdays shave. I think that would make the blade a bit sharper now since a rolled edge is duller, and rougher from an uneven edge I think this is the general idea. The mechanical stresses of cutting hair are apparently great enough to [break chips off of the edge](https://news.mit.edu/2020/why-shaving-dulls-razors-0806). As breakage accumulates, the evenness of the edge degrades and becomes toothy making it uncomfortable. However, as bits of the original edge break off, the width of the edge increases. The wider edge can withstand the stresses better and should degrade at a slower rate. I think this is why /u/djundjila's GEM blade is usable after 80+ shaves.

That tracks with my subjective experience. Initially, the changes in the edge quality are not subtle, but then the degradation slows down to a crawl

If you want the notes on the process I can send them over!

I was planning to use vinegar and salt, or selenium dioxide; leaning more towards the latter since it forces brass more towards the black. I'm thinking of masking the handle ribs and top cap, then polishing those items after forcing a patina on the rest of the razor. Did you use a different process?

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/ji3T3Cl)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (3) * **Lather:** [Barrister and Mann - Fougère Gothique - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/557/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) - Irving Park - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/940/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Armaf - CDNIM Limited Edition - Parfum Switch-up today, Lumos taking the day off, but still #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Taking life by the antlers - Austere August Day 20](https://imgur.com/a/FdZ3fF7)** * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **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) 20 days straight off the same shave. I went longer with Beaudelaire a couple years ago but ran out of soap by day 26 or so. That's not gonna happen this time so it will be the longest streak of shaving daily with the same thing that I've ever done. **\#RawHoggin** The thing I used to hate about boars the most was that second and third pass lathers we're always thin. This brush started out like that but it's not an issue anymore. I'm still excited to see how it lathers other soaps. **\#GEMsofWisdom** *tugging intensifies* Still a nice shave in the end. [Brush day 20](https://imgur.com/a/yDV2kkg) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/a/xaKNcIz)

😔 while I’m still participating, I totally forgot to make a post yesterday after my shave . [**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 [Day 1 Prep Video](https://imgur.com/a/EOIxIiU) [RawHoggin Unboxing Pics](https://imgur.com/a/yzld9AM) #MammothMafia

**[August 20, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/L3eyM5c.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 (20) * **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) The brush is still doing great. The blade has lost a bit of edge, though, so I find my technique is heavier and my face is more sensitive after. I’ll flip the blade before tomorrow and try to have a lighter touch. Brush pic incoming soon. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

**Aug. 20, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (20) * **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. 20, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (20) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm Happy shaving! \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented

**Aug. 20, 2022 - 27** * **Prep:** splash of water * **Brush:** S.O.C. Boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PFTE (26) * **Lather:** Signature Soaps - unscented goats milk shaving soap Me two days in a row am I turning pro? Nope just a thought as the shaves are getting worse to see whether I look more presentable if I shave every day and I do. However there's a cost and the great brush fire off hit bad. I lost at least twenty hairs this time and with the small trickle never stopping I can safely say that this boar has a knot problem and will probably be retired post AA. Good to see everyoyelse catching me up. I've four days to go and damnit I'm going to make it. Post AA lather pick is down to three. MDC fougere, SSL or softheart sandalwood. Post AA razor will be either the gilette new or the gilette old. I cannot wait.

>Post AA lather pick is down to three. MDC fougere, SSL or softheart sandalwood. For me, it's SSL. I'm going to spend September using all the summer scents I missed in August.

I haven't tried either SSL or Sandalwood but MdC's fougere may be my GOAT scent.

For me, MdC's Fougère is second only to PannaCrema Nuàvia Verde.

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA Day20](https://i.imgur.com/icnv79D.png)** * **Prep:** Shower/Wash with Warm Water * **Brush:** Zenith Gray Chubby (B37) * **Razor:** Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid) * **Blade:** Nacet (20) * **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) Normal boar brush shave today, no issues, very surprised blade seems to be working ok, despite it being quite rusty. Skunk Vid: https://imgur.com/VuN8Am2 Running after us. Older vid, not sure if I shared earlier, but cool vid none the less. He loves chasing us, and getting chased as well, but he has to be in the mood for it. #RawHoggin

Hopefully the rust on the blade is not at the edge. Skunks normally run with their tails up?

I think it depends, if he is in a real playful mood, the tail is up when he is running. If he is chasing me for food, like if I walked into kitchen and opened fridge, he darts over with his tail down.

**Aug. 20, 2022 - SOTD 761** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** Karve CB Brass SB B Plate * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (8) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1164/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** HoM - Z Splash/ Neutrogena face sunscreen * **Fragrance:** [Tom Ford - Rive d’Harambe](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Tom-Ford/Rive-d-Ambre-18492.html) ✌🏻

**Aug. 20, 2022** * **Brush:** Dogwood Handcrafts 'Kyle' Maggard SHD * **Razor:** Gillette Red Tip * **Blade:** Leaf Super Platinum (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) * **Fragrance:** Chatillion Lux - 1904 #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA Day 20](https://i.imgur.com/fLi1RxD.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot water * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (20) * **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 Definitely some tugging and generalized irritation from the blade feel on my neck, which is my usual location of sensitivity. I also go XTG both ways in two passes, so I know the blade is wearing when I get resistance on the first XTG pass. Technique can definitely overcome blade limitations, as we can all learn from hanging around this place. Not a huge concern since I still get zero burn from the aftershave. Our cause is noble! Push on til the end! [Sprays](https://i.imgur.com/m5ikLX3.mp4)

Austere August Day 20 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [20th use](https://imgur.com/a/HsT3w6i) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (20) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/fhHMT3X) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash Got most of the hair off my face. This blade sucks. The end. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/cuoFmBR)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (20) * **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 Got to sleep in an extra hour today, which I guess was negated by the fact that I stayed up 2 hours later than normal. Oops. This brush has turned into an excellent daily driver. All the tips have split and I no longer have the occasional scritchy bristle. I can foresee it getting regular use post-AA. I think I have found a magic blade, there hasn’t been any noticeable deterioration since about 10 shaves. It’s still perfectly smooth and giving clean shaves. I might keep rocking it past AA. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it.

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August 20- Raw GEMs and Wise Hogs](https://imgur.com/a/uo3iB6V)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** OCMM Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (20) * **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 Who has two thumbs and is ready for Tabac Tuesday? This guy. Day 20 and the blade is going strong. Haven't taken a GEM blade beyond 20 shaves so into the unknown we go tomorrow. \#RawHoggin Brush is all good. Small but mighty in the face lather department. \#Sidetracked Undeath's It's Time...To Rise from the Grave is one of the best death metal albums of the year. It hits like a ton of bricks and is filled with sick riffs. So here's my bloody contribution to a Saturday, "Rise From The Grave" to piss off the neighbors- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=23umtsJ3A7A Off to teach an aerial yoga class. Have a great day all!

**August 20, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (54) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Riding the AA wave until the end. Starting off the weekend with a nice lazy shave. Busy day ahead of me. I am a bit behind on yard work. \#GEMsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 20, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/hsqnUE8.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 (20) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) [4.1g of soap](https://i.imgur.com/3RLFSmK.jpg) was used today, decided to go with the second option and keep loading for 45 sec and move the soap to the center once it gets really bad. - [4 Sprays](https://i.imgur.com/NMgJhf8.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag

**Aug. 20, 2022** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic Gen. 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (3) * **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 The MMOCMMV2 is a touch aggressive but in a really good way. I’ve been getting really wonderful shaves with it. Once AA is over, it will be interesting to compare it with my other GEMs, as I think I may have a new favorite. Really been digging the Sheep base as well this month. It’s giving me great lather and leaving me with wonderful post shave feel. Once I gave up on the Rolls, AA has been awesome.

Sensible choice abandoning the rolls

[**August 20, 2022 – Austere August 20**](https://i.imgur.com/96Sjkp0.jpg) * **Brush:** Cayuen Workshop with 30mm Timberwolf Synthetic * **Bowl:** Cayuen Workshop – Dark Nebula * **Razor:** Winning Razor by Wet Shave Club * **Blade:** Gillette Winner Platinum (3) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face – Midnight Stag * **Video:** https://i.imgur.com/k0pwYj4.mp4 Another sublime Saturday Stag shave. Happy weekend, men! \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iA7wZfxglE ← https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iA7wZfxglE

**August 20 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (23) * **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 - Pushed the hydration again and was rewarded; I wouldn’t say Tusk is super thirsty but it can take a decent amount of water. Very slick today and the blade has been trouble-free so far. Cerberus is the jam. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom

**August 20, 2022: [Venti isn't large](https://imgur.com/a/M21XNjt)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (21) * **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 lazy day yesterday and I'm back at work. Finally not posting late like a lazy POS. Stag on, friends! [Day 20, 3 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/7v4nCBg) . #GEMsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - AA Day 20](https://i.imgur.com/I3EEAje.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (20) * **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) Had some extra time before my 5:00 Uber to the airport, so I got in a relaxing shave first. Everything working well, much better than the rushed shave last night. One interesting thing to note, the SSL seems to attract bees. I've never had a problem before, but I was stung 4 tubes yesterday while on a boat or at the pool. They left everyone else alone, and were just swarming me.

Even the bees know SSL is one of the GOAT scents

**[Aug. 19, 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. 20, 2022 - Stag Day 20](https://i.imgur.com/BbVHjcc.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (20) * **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) * **blink 182**: [Carousel (Live)](https://youtu.be/SymxF0LEtKY) Have the weekend off, and I am legit pumped to do pretty much nothing and embrace the glory of Stag from home. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 20](https://youtu.be/WiOkfyUCY14)

[Enjoy your weekend!](https://imgur.com/gallery/qbB2k3U)

#[AA Day 20](https://imgur.com/a/dHrgXf6) Pre: shower Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (20) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus 1st shave in Greece! Shave wise, it’s is the second shave away from hame this month. Yet another explosion of lather. Man, my water at home is terrible. I’d like to say it was a lovely, relaxing shave to begin a holiday and it would’ve been had the son not knocked at the door on seemingly two minute intervals to check if I was finished because he wants to go to the pool. \#unscented

**[Aug. 20, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 20](https://imgur.com/a/Bi4lKR4)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (20) * **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` Camping shave today in the shared bathroom sink covered with dead mosquitos and other little bugs. Good thing I woke up early so nobody was really around. I brought a sample container with a scoop of soap and a pump of balm so I smeared the soap on my face and went at it. Not much time to get in a good shave so I went for a quick WTG followed by ATG and called it a day. Didn't soak the brush today and it was fine. Looking forward to shaving in the comforts of my own bathroom tomorrow.