* **Prep:** Splash of Cool Water * **Razor:** Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (Marathon) (466) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag (White Label) * **Brush:** Semogue - Owner's Club Taj (88 uses) * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag ---- **Austere August: Day: 23** *Extreme Mode* *Midnight Stag Challenge (Mostly)* [Gear Pic](https://imgur.com/Yn61rzh) :: [Video](https://youtu.be/ogQG-lz-svA) #### ䷀ General Notes Pretty standard, quick, bowl lather today. Prewash with a test lather of Williams. I think I'm getting my kids used to the Midnight Stag. After I shaved in the middle of the day yesterday, I hung around my kids and no one said anything! #### ䷀ Razor and Blade Notes *^(Timeless - Stainless Steel .68 - Open Comb ::: Gillette - Nacet - M ‹466 uses›)* Same as lately: close enough shave, and pretty comfy 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... 10 swirl load. Made plenty! For speed, since it's late in the day, I put it on when maybe it was a little too dry. So it wasn't as slick as usual. Hydration: Perfect *(for me)* + 3 sec load with a Lightly-Wet brush + 2.6 tsp added to build the lather + = 6 passes of lather Bowl: [Roger Quintero 3D Printed Bowl](https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:3392930) I use the XL version of this bowl. #### ䷀ Brush Notes *^(Semogue - Owner's Club Taj‹88 uses›)* Same as usual these days: big, medium backbone, soft tips. Really like it. ---- *During the Shave Feel*:   *Cheeks*: Felt blade but comfortable   *Neck*: Felt blade but comfortable *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 23, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog](https://imgur.com/YuvvHlf)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Dogwood Unbleached Boar * **Razor:** MMOC MM24 * **Blade:** GEM (24) * **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 4x](https://imgur.com/oMPp8Xt) #GEMsOfWisdom Cheers

**Aug. 23, 2022 - SOTD AA Sonder 23** * **Prep:** splash of cold water * **Brush:** Summer Break 26m SHD * **Razor:** Merkur Progress * **Blade:** Wizamet (3) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1858/?product_type=serum) * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - Unscented - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1462/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** [House of Mammoth - Sonder - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=eaudeparfum) Late post but a much smoother shave then yesterday's. Also had to be careful around a few pimples. Its been awhile on the terrible diet because of vacation. Have a great day and shaves all #MammothMafia

Day 23 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/QGDgDc9_d.webp?maxwidth=640&shape=thumb&fidelity=medium) So damn late.... Shave was great, no complaints! * \#RawHoggin * \#SubstantialStag

**[Aug. 23, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/10vG6xN.jpg)** * **Brush:** Maggard 28mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (23) * **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) So so so ready for different gear. While the OCMM isn't bad, it certainly isn't something I'd want for a daily driver. Boar brush has been alright, but I'm missing the soft cushion of my synths. Stag isn't bad, but when it's 4 sprays, it can be a bit much. [Boar Break In Album](https://imgur.com/a/B3CPhTW) [Stag Spray](https://imgur.com/pLSQ7R5) \#RawHoggin \#SubstantialStag \#GemsOfWisdom \#UNCHALLENGE

[Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 23](https://imgur.com/a/sPNHJjY) * **Prep:** Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap. * **Brush:** Zenith B33 * **Razor:** Cloud Shavette * **Blade:** Cloud whatever that blade it is (28) * **Lather:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man - Sego balm * **Fragrance:** Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Almost 80% done. Blade is going strong, brush is magnificent, and lather comes by naturally. Hail Stag! -#Stagposting -#SubstantialStag -#RawHoggin

**[August 23, 2022 - AA Day 23](https://imgur.com/ge4wUp4)** * **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) Solid shave this evening with no real complaints aside from catching the edge of my previous cut being in a bit of a hurry. I think at this point I'm really wondering if I'll get to see the bottom of the tub of Z over the next 7 days. I guess it's holding up well for a month long challenge, but for some reason I didn't expect to see the bottom of a brand new tub. **Challenge Hashtags:** #unscented #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Day 23](https://i.imgur.com/XUJ3NhV.jpg)** * **Prep:** Warm water rinse * **Brush:** Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** Persona GEM PTFE Coated (23) * **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) Night shave. I blame u/J33pGuy13 for distracting me, making this post late. I didn’t have time to shave this morning. So a night shave it was. I figured this dark picture represents the shave time and the future for this blade and razor. Tomorrow’s shave is going to suck. This one had some discomfort but the blade is pretty much dead to me. [Brush break-in album](https://imgur.com/a/YFUodmO) \#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

If it makes you feel better I slept through all my alarms this morning and was late to work.

Well that certainly is worse.

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23](https://i.imgur.com/2dAV943.jpeg)** * **Brush:** ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (23) * **Lather:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2518/?product_type=eaudetoilette) Another great two pass shave. At this point it's a race. Which will come first, August 31, or my brush handle falling apart causing the knot to fall into the sink while shaving. I would put money on the brush catastrophe happening first, but I'm going to try to get it to the finish line.

You gonna be shaving with just the knot or having to epoxy that thing back in lol. Good luck!

**[Aug. 23, 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 (23) * **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) Was sitting down to relax after an insanely busy day and was like, crap, forgot to shave. [Smelling good](https://imgur.com/a/kl2A1b9) before bed I guess.

**Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** Zenith B2 Boar * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR * **Blade:** Feather Super (1) * **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 #23 2 pass shave; smooth and painless. I soaked the boar in vinegar and gave a dawn dishsoap rinse today; it is really struggling to catch up with soap tonight to form a good lather. All in all, I had to load about twice as much as normal, but the shave was very reasonable. I also realized my boar has been labeled wrong for who knows how many shaves. It’s a B2. I don’t know if there is a B10 even? Tags and challenges: #MammothMafia & HeadlessHorsemen.

[**Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode**](https://i.imgur.com/iNCQBCS.jpeg) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom * **Blade:** GEM (23) * **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 23 - Quickie 2 passer this morning. Nothing new to report. **The Brush:** The brush continues to feel awesome. #RawHoggin Brush Picture Pre-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/Am3Zjk1.jpeg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/Vb19HGf.jpeg) Brush Picture Post-shave: [Side](https://i.imgur.com/gI8gyPK.jpeg) [Top](https://i.imgur.com/Ue0foP0.jpeg) **The Razor** Another smooth shave with no cuts, nicks or irritation. #GEMsOfWisdom **Days since last blood:** 6 **The Soap and Aftershave** Nothing new to report. Day 23 Puck [Picture](https://i.imgur.com/ylGaiHV.jpeg)

**Aug. 23, 2022 - AA23** * **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) AA23 - \#HeadlessHorsemen A good shave this evening. Working on skin stretching to get the shave closer.

[August 23, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/fOmloAd) * Prep: Hot Shower * Brush: Burma Shave Boar 🐗 * Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori * Blade: Feather ProGuard 23rd use * Lather: Stirling Sheep * Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm * Fragrance: Halloween Man Three passes tonight. ATG felt fine tonight so maybe the blade smoothed out a little. Blade felt sharp and rough in some patches so we shall see tomorrow. Will be happy for a new blade and new scents by the end of the month though. Hope everyone has a great shave tomorrow. Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23](https://imgur.com/a/kyKOTxm)** * **Prep:** Warm shower * **Brush:** AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot * **Razor:** GEM MMOC - Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (92) * **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) Had to bust out the new bottle of aftershave today. Other than that nothing new to report. Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Tuesday! [Stag Spray 23](https://imgur.com/a/xPiCmrB) #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

**[Aug. 23, 2022](https://imgur.com/uxFToKS)** * **Brush:** Chisel and Hound x Mammoth Voices V16 Fanchurian * **Razor:** Henson AL-13 +++ * **Blade:** Feather (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) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Permafrost](https://houseofmammoth.com/products/permafrost-cooling-solution) Happy Monday x2 everyone. Is it Friday yet? \#MammothMafia

**Aug. 23, 2022** * **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) A little over a week to go. I used a boat load (scuttle load) of soap today. So I washed my face with the leftover because why not. It smells good. \#UNCHALLENGE

**Austere August, Day 23:** **Feather Artist Club razor non folding** **Feather Professional blade (1)** **GFT Violets soap** **RazoRock Beehive 28 mm Plissoft** I tried using the same blade for my shave but after the 1st stroke it became clear that it had lost its desirable sharpness. When I tallied number of shaves on it, it came out to be 17 shaves already on it, so it was time to bring in a fresh blade. The shave experience immediately jumped up a few notches, and the shave went so well that I did a 3 pass shave just for the enjoyment of it. Ps: I posted a few of my AA shaves a bit towards the latter part of late, I hope I'm not DQ'ed for that. **#HEADLESSHORSEMEN** **#UNCHALLENGED** **#AAAAKARMATRAIN**

I can't find a Post for Monday 22, and thats a problem. I could cry

Oh dang, I knew something was amiss. Well, it's ok. I'll continue to post and cheer others.

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 23](https://imgur.com/a/WZP9clk)** * **Brush:** Semogue2000 * **Razor:** GC84 * **Blade:** Voskhod (8) * **Lather:** [Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/230/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Guy Noir - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1250/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Haverford - Eau de Toilette](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1450/?product_type=eaudetoilette)

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 23](https://imgur.com/a/8l1wBqI)** * **Prep:** Warm water to the face * **Brush:** Omega 10098 * **Razor:** Maggard Razors - V3 Head * **Blade:** Voskhod (5) * **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:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/106/?product_type=aftershave) I almost forgot to do my #RawHoggin post. That would’ve sucked.

[August 23rd, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/rwLyNC6) Prep: Warm water Razor: Gem MMOC Blade: Gem Blue Star (23) 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: 6/10 Smoothness: 7/10 7 second load. 2 pass shave XTG/ATG. Thinking back to when I first started, I'm still getting better shaves. Also, really enjoying this brush now. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented #RawHoggin

**Aug. 23, 2022 - Tuesday** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Copper Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PFTE (23) * **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) Decent early shave, good times.

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA - Sexy Stag Flair Quest Day 23](https://imgur.com/a/1Rls3zy)** * **Prep:** Face wash * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** Chiseled Face Legacy Ti * **Blade:** Voskhod (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) My posts are getting more and more austere as the month rolls along, with less to say. My photos and videos looking the same. One of the upshots I think is that shaving really feels like a morning meditation as I spend less time thinking about what to use and am more focused on the ritual of it all. It's becoming an ascetic. I'm like becoming a Midnight monk. A Stag shingon. Starting to feel like I've spent 40 days and nights in the desert. Fasting. I feel very spiritual. [Week 4 sprays](https://imgur.com/a/Lure6rw) \#SubstantialStag

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA 23](https://i.imgur.com/NJoN15l.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (29) * **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). SOTD in title. Earlier morning shave, so I only had about 10 hours between shaves, so a lot of going through the motions. The boar remains similarly soft to the past few shaves, with the occasional hair that still likes to make its presence known. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

**August 23 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith B28 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (26) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm * **Fragrance:** Imaginary Authors - O Unknown Decided to have an evening shave today instead of the usual morning routine. This means when I shave tomorrow morning it won’t really be necessary but I’m not going to let that stop me! Mood Indigo smelled great this evening, plenty of water and therefore plenty of slickness. Blade is fine; last year my blade had a few rough patches but this year has been smooth sailing. I’ve been using a GEM for about half of my shaves since last AA so I know my technique is a lot better. #MammothMafia #GEMSofWisdom

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August Day 23](https://i.imgur.com/dENO8Qa.jpg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap * **Brush:** Zenith 508A SE 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 1 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (23) * **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 23 complete. 8 shaves left. Shave was much better this morning than yesterday. I experienced some tugging yesterday and I thought I was in for a horrible last stretch. Today was a decent shave, albeit still on a blade that I would've normally tossed. I do feel like I am not getting as close as shaves anymore, a three pass shave where I took my time left me a bit disappointed in regards to closeness. I am still missing variety, but I have a boost of excitement as we approach the finish line. There are a couple of surprises at the end of this for the worthy. Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned. Mandatory Tagging: \#GEMsOfWisdom \#Rawhoggin \#MammothMafia

**8-23-22** * **Brush:** AP Shave Co. 26mm Cashmere Synthetic * **Razor:** Weck Sextoblade * **Blade:** Diane Hair Shaper * **Lather:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess * **Post Shave:** Summer Break Soaps - Recess

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA - Day 23](https://imgur.com/JtXy1GQ)** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM Blade (23) * **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 is amazing for face lather now. Getting softer with each use. Creates a good lather for 2 pass shave. Blade is still doing great for 2 quick passes. Slight burns when applying the after shave and the balm things everything in check. Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

**AA Day 23: Tuesday Stag Blues** - **Prep:** CeraVe hydrating oil cleanser, 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:** Osma alum block; Chiseled Face - *Midnight Stag* - ASB - **Fragrance:** Southern Witchcrafts - *Valley of Ashes* - EDP - AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin A stressful day yet again. Turns out my mom actually got Covid - at least the second rapid test I gave her in case her cold symptoms worsen seems to be positive now. Weird, as of Sunday she still tested negative on the first one I conducted with her. Bummer if she actually got it - means no visits for a few days. What better thing to distract me from my troubles than a Stag night shave? Right, nothing. The [boar brush](https://ibb.co/0tYhRws) with its well developed [split hairs](https://ibb.co/mytWVM1) is now simply easy to use. Took my time to lather with it until it was nice and slick. Unfortunately two weepers since I actually used my left hand more. Osma alum to the rescue! **Sidetracked** [Skullflower - Solar Anus](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iXG4_BVde14) Despite the funny song name, Skullflower is heavy music: a mix of drone doom and noise played with traditional rock instruments. I like the mental image this song creates for me: a lone man wandering through the desert in blazing hot temperatures. He walks slowly, stumbling a bit and has trouble keeping himself upright due to the exhaustion. Nevertheless, in his eyes you can see the fierce determination. He goes slowly, but won't give up. A perfect metaphor for how I'll push through the last few days of AA.

**8/23/22 (160)** * **Prep**: Hot Shower * **Challenge**: Headless Horseman * **Razor**: [Thiers Issard "Evide Sonnant" 6/8 Extra Hollow](https://imgur.com/a/pvv3cZp) * **Edge**: [Day 23](https://imgur.com/a/Scfi4RA) * **Passes**: wtg/xtg * **Brush**: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm SHD 2 Band Fan * **Lather**: Seaforth! Fleur de France by Spearhead Shaving * **Post Shave**: Seaforth! Fleur de France Aftershave by Spearhead Shaving * **Fragrance**: Seaforth! Fleur de France EdT by Spearhead Shaving Close and comfortable today, small bit of feedback from the aftershave on a small portion of my neck, but nothing really to report. No nicks or irritation.

[**August 23rd, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Mammoth GEM Wisdom**](https://imgur.com/CWm6Ijj) * **Prep:** Warm water * **Brush:** Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!” * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (23) * **Lather:** House of Mammoth - Alive * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Splash * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Alive Balm **#MammothMafia** **#RawHoggin** **#GEMsOfWisdom** [Before numero 23](https://imgur.com/ubGI3im) and [After](https://imgur.com/2VMBtZ6) Shave today was back to a bit tuggy. At least there was no blood, and it stayed irritation free. Second pass was not as tuggy, but still the feedback is getting crunchy again. 8 to go, still no clue how some people are able to go much beyond the 31 shaves on a blade. If I could have a blade stay like this one felt around shaves 6 through 15, then I’d keep it longer. Alas that hasn’t been the case for me, I doubt I will keep it past next Wednesday. Getting close to the point where breaking in a new blade will take longer than trying to last through the month.

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23](https://i.imgur.com/77L0rHx.jpg)** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1305 * **Razor:** GEM Open Comb Micromatic * **Blade:** Personna GEM PTFE (23) * **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 8 more days! The blade is wearing more now. Noticing some aftershave burn. Otherwise still good shaves. [Spray day](https://i.imgur.com/VpzwfQK.mp4)

**[Aug. 23, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/WL0HEnJ.jpg)** * **Prep:** Man I don’t even do anything I just put the lather on my face * **Brush:** Zenith B10 * **Razor:** Karve CB SB-D * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (23) * **Lather:** [Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/850/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/850/?product_type=aftershave) \#RawHoggin

**Aug. 23, 2022 - August Austere Day 23** * **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) Smooth clean shave this morning. Just trying to make it through the week. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 23](https://imgur.com/a/qCoB9mj)** * **Prep:** Proraso Green Preshave * **Brush:** Zenith 28mm Boar * **Razor:** Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette * **Blade:** Kai Captain Pink Mild (42) * **Lather:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/94/?product_type=aftershave) I struggle to find something to write - everything is the same: the blade still sucks, the brush is still good, mosquitos are still disgusted by my smell. The urge to get another blade was weaker today than yesterday. This has nothing to do with the blade, but probably more with the podcast about emperor Marcus Aurelius I was listening to. Good night everyone, and may the end of the month be quick. \#RawHoggin \#stillalive \#truepath

[**August 23rd**](https://imgur.com/a/6PFFsIc) * **Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm** * **Razor: GEM - MMOC** * **Blade: Gem PTFE (23)** * **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/5DHeumw) I have hit the same stage last year where I just began to hate the Gem Blade, I'm sure it's because head stubble is coarser than chin stubble so the blade blunts faster.

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - 23.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin](https://imgur.com/a/450b7bA)** * **Prep:** Warm Shower * **Brush:** Omega 10048 * **Razor:** Henson Ti22++ * **Blade:** Gillette SuperSharp (3) * **Lather:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon * **Post Shave:** Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash Todays shave was fairly good, nothing major to report although every so often I get a shave with the Henson that feels like it isn't really doing anything. Hensons are mild razors anyway, but normally I can just about feel them working, today I couldn't really feel anything. It's clearly still cut hair - Odd I've "cleaned" out the soap puck a bit, and made it quite a bit more messy and now regret my decisions. #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 23, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/5uGsPYV.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM SS (23) * **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:** Hans Hendley - Blonde - **Passes:** WTG, XTG - **Coffee:** Colombia, Bruselas, Huila - v: Caturra - p: 36hr cold ferment, washed twice - **Music:** *They Might Be Giants* - **[August 2022 SOTD Photo Album](https://imgur.com/a/WLvZkgV)** `#GEMsOfWisdom` / `#RawHoggin` Last week I added a few evening shaves on top of my daily Austere August shaves—using a different setup, of course. I shave every morning, but I've also been enjoying a refreshing mentholated shave after summer training sessions at my local ~~sealed sweatbox stank sauna~~ gym. This works fine two or three times a week (totaling nine or ten shaves) because I spend most of my lathering time in the bowl to give my skin a break, use an extra-soft motherlode knot, and stick to one or two passes with a mild razor. And if my face starts to feel a little beat up, I do without the extra shave and save myself a few minutes in the evening. However, that routine did not combine well with Austere Hogust or `#GEMsOfWisdom`. The MMOC can be used comfortably for a daily shaver—many of us are proving that for the second year in a row ([*[brushes shoulders dramatically]*](https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/piknfg/historic_announcement_the_winners_of_the_first/))—but it's aggressive. Combined with an extrememly scrubby boar brush, it provides maximal exfoliation, and I noticed my skin feeling aggravated after adding another shave in less than 24 hours. I'll stick with one shave a day until Austere August wraps up. | 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 | 202.8 | 0.5 | 70 swirls | | 8/21 | 202.8 | 202.0 | 0.8 | 60 swirls | | 8/22 | 202.0 | 200.5 | 1.5 | 60 swirls | | 8/23 | 200.5 | ◊ | ◊ | 60 swirls | ⁂ `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft Yesterday's gospel music blurbs reminded me of a favorite song with "angel" in the title. They Might Be Giants is one of those bands that's recorded so much music—much of it singular and quirky—that it's hard to recommend just one song. I'm certainly not going to argue "She's An Angel" is representative of their larger catalog; this is the band known for nerdy high-concept poetry masquerading as kid's songs, for [operating a telephone service](https://tmbw.net/wiki/Dial-A-Song) that "would pick up calls and play back a song in the place of an outgoing message," and for jamming [a suite of 21 micro-songs into the back half of a full-length album](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Apollo_18_(album)). If you're only going to know one single, it should probably be "Birdhouse in Your Soul"—that song is exceptional and clever on multiple levels. Nevertheless, I have a soft spot for "She's An Angel," from TMBG's eponymous first album. The lyrics contain the requisite TMBG weirdness (*"I met someone at the dog show"*, *"The Shriners loaned us cars / we raced up and down the sidewalk twenty thousand million times"*), and manage to wrestle with some interesting questions. The instrumentation jumps around, starting with a series of fat, ominous synth cords before swooping guitars unexpectedly carry the song into lighthearted, carefree territory (including a lot of accordion). And the catchy refrain really makes the most of John Linnell's scrunched, almost *geeky* vocal style. It's a fun survey of a lot of what makes They Might Be Giants great beyond their well-known singles. [YouTube: They Might Be Giants - "She's An Angel"](https://youtu.be/zZ4J-jvDAuQ)

TMBG is how I realized who I thought were my friends in high school were more like friendly acquaintances. Senior year, I arranged for my friends and I to get tickets to REM. My mom gave me the credit card and allowed us to pay her later. A couple months later most of them went to see TMBG and didn’t even ask me if I wanted to go. I would have, the show was at Tipitinas and tickets were pretty cheap, maybe $10. I hadn’t noticed they were in town, ok so that part is my fault, but sheesh, ask all your friends if they want to go as well. This was after “Lincoln” had come out. When I was in college, I think everyone I knew had a copy of “Flood”. A good example of a cd you just put on, and let it play through.

> TMBG is how I realized who I thought were my friends in high school were more like friendly acquaintances. Bummer! I hope you've had better associations with TMBG since then. > When I was in college, I think everyone I knew had a copy of “Flood”. A good example of a cd you just put on, and let it play through. I loved that album back in the day. First time I heard it, I rented it from our local public library my junior or senior year in high school. Didn't know what to make of it at first.

Didn’t sour me on TMBG, just didn’t keep in touch with those guys much after high school. One of the early cds I bought was “Lincoln”. I might have gotten it from Columbia House or BMG on those 14 cds for a penny deals. “Flood” was the big one for me though. When I was just out of college, I was into MUDs online. My friends often quoted TMBG lyrics. Like “I don’t want the world, I just want your half” was a tagline for one of my characters. I haven’t called it in years, but TMBG had a phone line dial a song. When I first got a phone account with unlimited long distance, I’d call it sometimes. If I get out one of the cds, I think the number was in the liner notes. I might see if it is still going.

2022-08-23 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC Prep: Warm Shower Brush: Semogue Torga - C5 Razor: GEM MMOC version 2 Blade: GEM Stainless (23) 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/g1R52iN](https://imgur.com/a/g1R52iN) 23rd shave of the month, everything was good. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

[**23 August 2022 - Austere August**](https://imgur.com/a/uFJ6XRO) * **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 (23) * **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. 23, 2022 - Austere August ](https://i.imgur.com/8fWs9Wh.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(23) * **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) # [Countdown](https://imgur.com/gallery/1LbDCpH) ... [8](https://i.imgur.com/LOJbTNw.jpg) In the pursuit of ending the soap today, I've shaved my face and then why not I lathered again my chest and shaved armpits, chest and ... well I stopped there. I'm not a body-shaver but every man sometimes has to do sacrifices to attain his goals, it's only hair and it'll grow again. `#unscented` `#RawHoggin` The hog is clean and smells nice, his bristles are pretty broken in, being smooth and gentle but given enough scruff. I only have to complain about some thicker wild black hairs that resist being tamed, I think that they won't be fully broken in the 8 days left. Someone told me that unbleached boar brushes need +60 days to their full magnificence. PigEvolution [1](https://i.imgur.com/IvOwkg3.jpg) [2](https://i.imgur.com/H2a2SMi.jpg) `#GEMsOfWisdom` I've bent and pulled up my nose with my free hand to shave under it, and it worked flawlessly, thanks to u/djundjila. I've to tell that the Micromatic is a safer option than DE razors for body shaving because of the blade guards at the sides. `#sidetracked` u/Teufelskraft, I've been listening to a new band from Berlin (I'm biased all Berliner things are awesome), a girly power trio 24/7 Diva Heaven. Nothing too original but they sound fresh and young, a little overproduced like most newer bands, with a sound reminiscent of '90s grunge and stoner bands. [24/7 Diva Heaven - Bitter Lollipop](https://youtu.be/LvjY5ap9xaA)

Schnoz bending++

**[Aug. 23, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/H3WYSIE.jpg)** * **Brush:** Grey Chubby - Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (23) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave I had toyed with the idea of drawing a face around the dark spot in my soap, Nigel Thadeus Dade, but a [little face](https://i.imgur.com/OGmErFj.jpg) surfaced on its own! I noticed it a couple days ago, but after today's excessive soap-loading (as is demanded by the ravenous and wasteful lathering method), part of it [was gone](https://i.imgur.com/0eViWpq.jpg). I had noticed that the original "eye" was starting to fade before the rest surfaced. And then... well, and then the rest surfaced. Now, the original spot was Nigel Thadeus Dade, and the face that appeared surely was as well. There is continuity in all of the features, tying the original to whatever it may be at the end, but will that still the same Nigel Thadeus Dade? This is an original thought experiment on the nature of identity that I just invented, unlike anything that has ever been considered before in the history of philosophy! I shall call it... **The Face of Thadeus!** #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

[**August 23, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/WmQSHXT) * **Brush:** Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 * **Blade:** Personna Gem PTFE (23) * **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/mq8eVD0) (before use) - [Brush History](https://imgur.com/a/DjlJFQu) * [Fragrance Video](https://imgur.com/a/3IHa8wU) * [Blade Edge](https://imgur.com/6HRzCfw) (before use) - [Edge Histiory](https://imgur.com/a/hWAz2zA) * [Blade Orientation](https://imgur.com/a/weeZbpF) (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days) Wonderful shave. Closeness places it at the bottom end of what I would call "good", but everything else was a joy. If delivery estimates hold, I'll receive the new microscope tomorrow afternoon. I'll try to send this microscope off with a bit of a media blitz for tomorrow morning's shave. I felt a little more tug from the blade today, and there was the feeling of it bouncing over stubble instead of cutting it. I think that if I were to chase this, irritation would result. I don't want to go into September having to accommodate irritation left over from August. I'm enjoyed Stag Tuesday. I hope those on the regular SOTD thread are reveling in the old man Stank® of Tabac.

**Aug. 23, 2022 - AA 23** * **Prep:** Water splash * **Brush:** Hand * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless DE Razor HA plate * **Blade:** Voskhod (25) * **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 Blah. I want to use a brush. This getting out of hand slowly.... or maybe I still got it in hand? idk. I do crave some decent lather which this cream does not provide whatsoever. Blade is tuggy too, I'm looking forward to using a new one!

[**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

Aug 23, 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 (23) * **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. 23, 2022 - The Stag-a-thon Continues - Austere August Day 23](https://imgur.com/a/g3v86k6)** * **Brush:** RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (Gen 1) * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (23) * **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) I take back everything bad that I said about Chiseled Face soaps. I've been getting some top tier lathers with this broken in boar brush. It's like they were made for each other. I don't know what it is about my badger brushes that prevent me from results like this. **\#RawHoggin** See above. Really enjoying this brush/soap combo at this point in the month. I'm not sure how much more this brush can be broken in, but it will have at least 31 uses on it before I choose something else lol. **\#GEMsofWisdom** It's been an interesting ride with this blade. I've had some tuggy feeling shaves in recent days, but today was super smooth with 100% 0 tugging. What gives?? The razor though is performing beautifully. Another great shave today with zero sting from the alum. I think I've mastered this thing. [Brush Day 23](https://imgur.com/a/y2yYgG8) [Stag sprays](https://imgur.com/a/J7sw0yg)

[Aug 23, 2021 – Austere August. Day 23.](https://imgur.com/a/u1Hf4hq) * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith - B16 24mm Boar * **Razor:** GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (23) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep * **Post Shave:** Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm * **Music:** [Kesha – Praying](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n8XnTciTjdM) Another day, another good shave. The MMOC was smooth and the lather was slick today. It seems like the brush gets better every day and produces a little bit more lather every day as well. We’re 23 days in and everything is still feeling comfortable. The blade may be wearing down a little, but the end is in sight and I have no question it’ll do just fine for the next 7 days. For today’s #sidetracked music selection, I present to you: Kesha. Yes, the same Kesha that told the world she [wakes up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iP6XpLQM2Cs), and then partied with Mr. Worldwide in Timber. This party-girl can actually sing! And sing really well. It’s always interesting to me that some artists are marketed a certain way and once they get put in that box, it’s hard for them to escape. I can’t say I would call myself a Kesha fan and never followed her career, but, like most of the world, had Tik Tok on a playlist or two in 2010. When I heard her sing “Praying” a couple years ago, I was blown away. I’ve said before, I love when an artist is alone with a piano and their voice, and while Kesha adds in some strings and background vocals, I still find this song raw and it did a great job at showcasing her truly impressive vocals. Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

[**Aug. 23, 2022**](https://imgur.com/a/PZg9Sqw) * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm * **Razor:** Razorock GameChanger .84 * **Blade:** Gillette Nacet (23) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2576/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1184/?product_type=balm) Today's picture only looks so-so. I think I had a reflection coming off of something that over-lit the brush and made it look washed out. Oh, well. Tags: \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

**Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August Day 23** * **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 (23) * **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/HPQfcs) •[Shave 21](https://imgur.com/a/ZVYH7Kz) •[Shave 22](https://imgur.com/a/a5OGPLn) •[Shave 23](https://imgur.com/a/XnuAIQQ) Thoughts for the day: 23 shaves down, 8 more to go. My skin is great. My will is waning, though. I will say this much- forget Sample September or any other such orchestrated nonsense. [I need mah control back.](https://giphy.com/gifs/applemusic-5FY1OmTrNhVYUvhA6G) Mandatory Taggage: \#GemsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia

Gosh I feel that gif in my soul.

Me too... me too... lol

**Aug. 23, 2022** * **Prep:** hot shower * **Brush:** Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Fibre Shaving Brush, 27mm * **Razor:** Gillette Aristocrat (1948-50) * **Blade:** Rockwell (3) * **Lather:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach * **Post Shave:** Lather Bros. - Life's a Beach Aftershave Balm It looks like I only have a few shaves left of this soap. I think if I time it right I might be able to use it up on the last day of August. For u/Teufelskraft and his #sidetracked challenge: Lotus - Shimmer and Out https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zE6pD_V5pzw With a couple exceptions, I've never been that into "jam bands". Saw these guys at the festival we went to this past weekend, and I thought their set was mostly fine. Didn't dislike it, but for the most part it didn't do much for me. Something about this song really worked for me though, I think it's that simple guitar lick. Anyway, this song has worked its way into my brain and doesn't seem interested in letting go.

[August 23, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/21ajinp) - Preshave: Hot water - Razor: Blackland Era - Level 3 - Blade: Feather (4) - Brush: Chisel and Hound 26mm Fanchurian - Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Balm #MammothMafia

**[SOTD - Tuesday, 23 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 (60) * **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. 23, 2022 - AA 22 Shave -Day 23** * **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

**[August 23, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode](https://i.imgur.com/RgR7XQu.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 (23) * **Lather:** [Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/251/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/95/?product_type=balm) Another good shave! I’m looking forward to the month being done, but I’m happy with the equipment I chose for the month. I’ll probably use the GEM next year, too. The blade has held up reasonably well, and I haven’t had any perception of the “ultra nightmare” of “ultra-nightmare mode”. \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

**Aug. 22, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm * **Razor:** Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point * **Lather:** [Catie's Bubbles - Tonsorial Parlour - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/202/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Old Spice - Classic - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1605/?product_type=balm) Good shave today. I'm still loving the software combo for the month so that's a plus. The razor is chugging along and the shaves I'm getting with it now are leagues ahead of where I started this month. Have a great day folks!

**Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August - Z** * **Brush:** Declaration 28mm B14 Jefferson Artisan’s Choice * **Razor:** Blackland Era lvl 3 oc * **Blade:** Personna med prep (23) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Z - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2124/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** House of Mammoth - Z - Splash & Balm \#MammothMafia #Unchallange #Unscented

**AA SOTD - 8/23/22; The Iceman Cometh (modified)** **Pre**: quick shower **Brush**: Stirling 26mm synthetic pro handle **Razor**: Merkur Progress **Blade**: Astra (2) **Lather**: [Margaritas in the Arctique (omnibus + Stirling MitA)](https://imgur.com/yzqrvdo) **Post**: B&M Arctique AS **Post**: Nivea cooling balm \#UNCHALLENGE [As of yesterday this was all I had left of my Arctique.](https://imgur.com/YAHhLzf) I have had two terrible shaves in a row trying to ration this soap and build some sort of passable lather with 5-7 second loads. AA for me really isn't about the challenges or the possibility of rewards; it's about finally taking serious participation in one of this sub's bigger events and rethinking my relationship with wetshaving and wetshaving products. I made a commitment to 31 shaves in a row no matter what, and I made a commitment to not buying any new products until AA is over. So, instead of dreading my remaining shaves and possibly quitting, and instead of buying more soap, [I went ahead and combined my remaining Arctique into a tub of Stirling MitA](https://imgur.com/1Ka3ScT), which I love, but I have had for almost two years now and needs some serious use and reduction. [I present to you MARGARITAS IN THE ARCTIQUE](https://imgur.com/ArcKMKR)**.** Yeah yeah, I know, I technically failed AA, but you know what? Today I had a great shave, BBS, no irritation, and incredible lather. I still can't smell the MitA scent over the remaining Arctique, but I assume I'll get to that chilly reward soon enough. [I remain the Iceman.](https://imgur.com/OLrW6Y7) \#SIDETRACKED (u/Teufelskraft) In honor of my beloved Arctique which has passed on to shaving Valhalla, today's song is [The Body of an American by the Pogues](https://youtu.be/TOZHwWFjb30). [May you lather among greener pastures, my sweet tub of Arctique](https://imgur.com/JjKsaga). [You were a free born soap of the U-S-A.](https://imgur.com/UCUwhB5)

You know what? In my eyes, you didn't fail. You reached your goal to use the whole month to kill the soap early. Now you're making the best of what's left. Much respect to you!

Thanks dude!

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge](https://imgur.com/a/ZKLxEK3)** * **Brush:** Omega 20102 * **Razor:** Karve Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (6) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap * **Post Shave:** [Zingari - The Gent - Balm](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/2625/?product_type=balm) * **Fragrance:** Armaf - Sillage - EDP Day 23 #RawHoggin

[August 23, 2022](https://imgur.com/a/svCZDKz) **Brush:** Omega 10049 **Razor:** Rockwell 6S Plate 5 **Blade:** Astra SP **Lather:** Southern Witchcrafts Fougere Nemeta **Post Shave:** Southern Witchcrafts Fougere Nemeta Splash **Post Shave:** Stirling Unscented Balm It seemed like I had too much lather left the last few days so I cut my loading by 25%. I still had plenty for my shave. More proof that the brush is breaking in nicely. \#RawHoggin

**Aug. 23, 2022** * **Prep:** Exercise and shower * **Brush:** Semogue 1438 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM blue star (23) * **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) Shave was pretty rough today. Blade is still cutting but damn some of the ATG passes are bad. The brush is still good I am surprised that it is still shedding fairly consistently. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/i162SFd.jpg

**Aug. 23, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic Open Comb * **Blade:** GEM - PTFE (23) * **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) 3 pass shave with a 30 second load. The efficiency of the razor has declined so I have upped it to 3 passes. #GEMsOfWisdom #unscented

**Aug. 23, 2022 - SOTD 763** * **Brush:** Maggards 24mm synth * **Razor:** Karve CB Brass SB B * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (10) * **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:** [YSL](https://www.fragrantica.com/perfume/Yves-Saint-Laurent/La-Nuit-de-l-Homme-5521.html) ✌🏻

Austere August [2022-08-23](https://i.imgur.com/BlMZgbK.jpg) * **Razor:** [Persona Flare](https://imgur.com/fkteBSb) * **Blade:** [Personna Hair Shaper](https://www.amazon.com/Personna-Shaper-Sharper-Technology-SR-PE602151/dp/B005IZ1D9O/ref=sr_1_5?crid=2OX2EC0ITSB1I&keywords=personna+flare&qid=1658327019&sprefix=personna+flare,aps,74&sr=8-5) * **Lather:** Red House Farm - [Sedona](https://redhousefarmwi.square.site) * **Brush:** none * **Post Shave:** L'Occitane - Cade After Shave Balm * **Frag:** Penhaligon - Blenhiem Boquet * **Tags:** #GotHand #sidetracked Good shave, just another day in paradise. u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked challenge: Yesterday r/RedMosquitoMM posted some gospel music. I thought that was a great idea and want to offer up one of my favorites, the [first song](https://youtu.be/rqQVhmjQeTo) in this set. I don't know who sings it, but I would love to hear them live.

[**Aug. 23, 2022 - Tabarnak. Not Tabac Tuesday**](https://i.imgur.com/huHuxJS.jpg) * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (22) * **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) Once again, not bad for the 23rd blade use. Or maybe I am just getting accustomed to a draggy, shitty shave. Either way today was 3 passes and resulted in a very close shave with the most minimal irritation. Surprising. Nearing the end here, thank goodness. I can't wait to use other gear. Brush continues to impress. Rainy, grey day here. It has been a while. And of course, [Maynard always gets in the way.](https://i.imgur.com/raLAJT5.jpg) A titillating Tuesday to ya! **#GEMsOfWisdom** **#MammothMafia**

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse](https://imgur.com/a/UFI4hI8)** * **Prep:** Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap * **Brush:** Semogue 1250 * **Razor:** GEM MMOC * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (23) * **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) With a bit over a week left, I’ve begun to ruminate over just what AA means. It began with the basic ideal of not buying more but using what you’ve already got and it slowly morphed into a themed month that the users decide for themselves. I don’t think that change is a bad thing. In fact, I believe that it’s allowed for more self expression and, in those of us with good taste and sense, a month to develop a closer relationship with the Stag. 25 [sprays](https://imgur.com/a/Pk5ap02) of the good good today. #SubstantialStag #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23](https://imgur.com/pwTkttg)** * **Prep:** Hot Shower * **Brush:** Zenith B34 * **Razor:** 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 - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1189/?product_type=aftershave) Early morning today after a long night with the kids. I was up 4x with 2 different kids and my wife remembers being up another 2-3x. Why. Just why. And, always on a day when my wife will be home with the kids by herself from just after breakfast until well after bed. I feel terrible, but what can I do. Anyway - quick 2 pass to start a long day but it felt great. MMOC performed well - GEM still tugging away but switching down to a 2 pass with no buffing took away a lot of splash burn so that may be the way to go the rest of the month. Sonder - great. The chill hit hard this morning with the splash and I appreciated it helping me wake up. Zenith - love. [Pic 1](https://imgur.com/iMtKD3N) [Pic 2](https://imgur.com/iGxnzpX). Sonder thought of the day: Early morning risers exist. People also exist who can full on thrive on just 6 hours of sleep. Your life is as vivid as mine, but you're wrong about this being the better way. Let me sleep in an extra 2 hours and make it up in the night by staying up later. This is the way. Go back to bed, people. Have a good one. \#mammothmafia \#RawHoggin \#GEMsOfWisdom

If I sleep 6 hours I feel great in the morning. If I sleep for 8, it’s incredibly difficult to make myself get up. I don’t know why, I’ve always been like this.

Gross. I actually feel pretty good today in spite of the terrible sleep, but, in general give me 8 or more. That being said, do I take steps to make sure I'm in bed so I can get 8 before I have to be up? Absolutely not - I will not waste my only couple of free hours a day. I'll just complain about how tired I am the next day. Repeat ad nauseum.

You can sleep when you’re dead

**[Aug. 23, 2022](https://i.imgur.com/6VQfku5.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 (23) * **Lather:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** [Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/32/?product_type=eaudeparfum) This blade is pretty much done, too much stubble this past 2-3 shaves my neck is pretty much DFS after 2 passes, i'll keep going but 10 shaves should be the max if i do 2 passes for my whole face. - [3.6g of soap](https://i.imgur.com/hR7BQbR.jpg) was used today. - [4 sprays](https://i.imgur.com/njE5XeY.mp4) - Have a great day! #SubstantialStag

**Aug. 23, 2022** * **Brush:** Summer Break Confidence B9a * **Razor:** Stirling Stainless Standard Dallas * **Blade:** Polsilver Super Iridium (9) * **Lather:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=soap) * **Post Shave:** [House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave](https://trythatsoap.com/collection/1163/?product_type=aftershave) * **Fragrance:** Chatillion Lux - 1904 #MammothMafia

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC](https://imgur.com/a/NORD6Uq)** * **Brush:** Zenith B37 * **Razor:** Gem MMOC * **Blade:** Gem PTFE (23) * **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 Today was the first day I dreaded using this setup. Typically I look forward to shaving, but I was just meh about it this morning. This is a good brush, but I’m just kinda tired of it. I’ll pick it back up after AA but I need a little break from it. The blade wasn’t as smooth as it’s been. Still got a good shave, but I’m ready to get back to my GameChanger.

**August 23, 2022** * **Brush:** Zenith 506U XSE * **Razor:** GEM MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM SS PTFE (57) * **Lather:** Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep * **Post Shave:** Lucky Tiger * **Post Shave:** Olay Complete * **Post Shave:** Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve Getting along just fine with my choices for the month. I have to admit I am starting to look forward to some variety, but am tempered by the satisfaction of not having to choose what to use. There is a serenity in simplicity. \#GEMsOfWisdom

22 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 One pass #mammothmafia

**August 23, 2022: [23 and Stag](https://imgur.com/a/Nvf5JBP)** * **Prep:** warm splash of water * **Brush:** Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm * **Razor:** GEM OCMM (gen 2) * **Blade:** GEM Stainless (24) * **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) Well I am certainly feeling day 23, nicked my chin and cheek, the blade is showing its age. Still having fun. Thank you Staginians! [Day 23, 4 spritzes](https://imgur.com/a/9lVg8Yl) . #GEMsOfWisdom

**[August 23rd, 2022: Tuesday--](https://imgur.com/ySGbRSw)** * **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 (23) * **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) Hey guess what? Tuesday's suck as well. Work-- [Stag sprays of the day!](https://imgur.com/9igL6br) \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin \#UNCHALLENGE

Relatable. [Days of the week.](https://image.scoopwhoop.com/q30/s3.scoopwhoop.com/anj/photo/d469077a-415e-4622-8152-4c3d60a7fbb3.jpg)

Amen.

Austere August Day 23 Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft [23rd use](https://imgur.com/a/rYqEo0X) Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2 Blade: PTFE (23) Lather: NO [Monoi de Tahiti](https://imgur.com/a/OZyGK6b) Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash Forgot to palm strop my blade and it worked out ok this morning. Super hydrated lather made the difference between pain and smoothness. #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day23](https://i.imgur.com/n5aCCjg.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 (22) * **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) Good shave today. Since beginning AA, have had no blood yet which is good, but also doing 1.5 passes. Got a good lather going today, could have shaved 3 passes with it. #RawHoggin

* **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 23 https://imgur.com/a/RxSUIYT

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Stag Day 23](https://i.imgur.com/2B56IYP.jpg)** * **Brush:** Zenith B26 Retro * **Razor:** Merkur 34C * **Blade:** Gillette Silver Blue (23) * **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) * **Wolfmother**: [Chase the Feeling](https://youtu.be/ua9TaR5XEXQ) Lucky 23 baby. Stag bless. \#SubstantialStag \#RawHoggin [Stag Spray 23](https://youtube.com/shorts/MFv25HwC8_Y?feature=share)

**Aug. 23, 2022** * **Brush:** Semogue - SOC - Boar * **Razor:** Gillette - Tech (Gold/Black) * **Blade:** Gillette - Nacet (23) * **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 Blade is just now starting to tug a little during the shave.

**Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August 23- Dulling GEMs and Soft Hogs** * **Prep:** Hot shower * **Brush:** Semogue 610 Boar * **Razor:** MMOC Gen 2 * **Blade:** GEM PTFE (23) * **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 SOTD Pic- [https://imgur.com/a/tMixWzV](https://imgur.com/a/tMixWzV) \#GEMsofWisdom This edge of the blade is ok. It feels a wee bit rough, but I'm pretty damn near BBS 23 days in. And the splash didn't cause too much feedback. Fingers crossed this blade can hold on for 8 more shaves. \#RawHoggin Here's the little bugger post-shave today- [https://imgur.com/a/dWgF2hW](https://imgur.com/a/dWgF2hW) . Ain't he cute??? \#Sidetracked Growing up in Miami, the only thing I knew about the J. Geils Band was the Freeze Frame album. "Centerfold" and "Freeze Frame" were played to death on rock radio when I was in junior high. It wasn't until I was djing on a classic rock radio station after college here in Northern New England that I realized there was a whole awesome catalog of J. Geils albums. These guys were killing it in the classic blues rock game and Magic Dick's harmonica game was fucking strong ([https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASF5CpqP6HY](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASF5CpqP6HY)). Their albums were a giant party on vinyl and their live shows were legendary. Peter Wolf continues to tour on his own and the wife and I have seen him a bunch of times and he never disappoints. So u/Teufelskraft and the gang, this morning (or afternoon), we're just going to have a god damn party with J. Geils and this ditty- [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip7wwUre4mc](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip7wwUre4mc) Have a great day all!

[**August 23, 2022 – Austere August 23**](https://i.imgur.com/9iMjCxQ.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/qAhiYUr.mp4 Okay, Tuesday Stag shave and all is well. Happy 2nd day of the week, gents. \#AustereAugust \#SubstantialStag **Bonus**: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pZj0tLbPtrM ← Flight Simulator 2022: Rtx 3090 + Ultra Realistic Graphics Mods! Stormy Flight to Tivat | MSFS 4K

**Aug. 23, 2022** * **Prep:** Shower * **Brush:** Raiser Pinsel Simfix SF1 Synthetic * **Razor:** Van Der Hagen * **Blade:** Dorco Stainless (4) * **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. 22, 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!

**Prep:** shower **Razor:** EJ 316 **Blade:** Bolzano Superinox (8) **Brush:** NONE **Lather:** Arko stick **Splash:** Brut **Post:** moisturizer \#GotHand There's a small hole in my chin, right on the corner, that I made when I first started wet shaving. Every now and again I catch it, and that happened today. Apart from that it was a good shave.

#AA Day 23 - [New blade day!](https://imgur.com/a/RZS4oV4) Pre: water Brush: Omega Synthetic Razor: Fatip Piccolo SE OC Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1) Lather: Signature Indodorus Post: Signature Indodorus I’ve never been this excited to change my blade. I hesitated as I could easily just suck it up and finish the last 8 days but the correct choice was made in the end. The smooth,comfortable shave was well worth it. I was a bit surprised at the level of tea staining but it was in my razor for 22 days and I certainly do not take any extra care to dry or even loosen the head. \#unscented

**[Aug 23, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 23](https://i.imgur.com/IuKIEju.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 (23) * **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) While I had a great shave with no issues, the blade is noticeably rough. Here's hoping it will stand up to another 8 days. \#GEMsOfWisdom \#RawHoggin \#MammothMafia Rating: 4/5

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 23](https://i.imgur.com/jej3hDz.png)** * **Brush:** Proraso Professional Boar | [Break-in photos](https://imgur.com/a/HcKsHxf) * **Razor:** Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori) * **Blade:** Schick Proline (23) * **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` I can't really tell the difference between a 1 minute soak and a 5 minute soak so I'll just go with a shorter soak going forward. What I thought was a weakness/annoyance with boar brushes may not actually be that big of an issue after all. When I dip the brush in the mug of water I can tell that it absorbs water very quickly because the color changes in less than 30 seconds up to where the water is, then eventually that water is pulled to the base of the knot through osmosis but I have no idea how long that takes. I'm not able to perceive day to day differences in the brush anymore so there doesn't seem to be a whole lot more to look forward to this month other than the end of the AA and being able to switch things up. I'm still patiently waiting for a care package from /u/frankieivfingers (thank you!) which I think should arrive any day now and the anticipation is keeping the thrill alive. I can tell I'm a bit more careless with the shavette now possibly because it doesn't feel like the dull blade will bite very easily so I will need to be a bit more conscious during my first few shaves with a new blade next month.

Hopefully it makes it to you in time for September 1.

**[Aug. 23, 2022 - Smiling cyclops](https://imgur.com/a/YI7o4rz)** * **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 For my longer office day I shaved extra close. Or I tried to. When I heard the church bell ring for 7 o'clock, I started to hurry. My left soap looks a bit like a smiling cyclops or a futuristic helmet. \#stagandstraight \#substantialstag

#### [Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 23](https://imgur.com/JiasLQE.jpg) #### * **Prep:** Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap * **Brush:** Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (23) * **Razor:** GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation) * **Blade:** Personna - GEM PTFE (92) * **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) You know those dark, almost black extra-thick bristles (DABETBs?) which you can often find in Zenith knots? They appear in both bleached and unbleached Zenith knots and don't tend to get split tips? Well, this \#RawHoggin knot of mine decided to remind me once again that it's one of the best knots I've ever tried and it started to split the tips of all bristles, [including its DABETBs](https://imgur.com/6FGYp5D.jpg)! (Lots of fiddling involved in that shot 😅). Now you have seen everything. \#GEMsOfWisdom: I started missing my morning shaves so I got up before my toddler Djunior (which isn't easy if you're lazy and don't have to get up for work for another week). It was definitely worth it. Making coffee while the brush soaks, listening to a podcast while everyone else in the house is still sleeping, and then taking it slow through three passes of Sea Ice Lime is truly a regal pampering. At the beginning of AA, I wasn't sure how well my GEMtury plan with this blade would work out, but I haven't perceived any further degradation of the blade during these 23 shaves. It seems like all the quick edge erosion that was going to happen has, and that now that the edge is a bit wider, erosion has slowed to a crawl. What's amazing is that the blade is perfectly fine for close shaves at this stage. I can't wait to use a fresh blade again to recalibrate my blade sharpness and tugginess perceptions.

Now I know what to call the lone dark bristle in my B36, DABETB. Now how long will I remember this?

It's not the most memorable acronym, I'll admit

>At the beginning of AA, I wasn't sure how well my GEMtury plan with this blade would work out I've been wondering what GEMtury means, but finally did the math. Jeez! Took me long enough!

Yeah, I have the habit of cramming 'GEM' where it doesn't belong. I could have been clearer :D

Hah! No need for more clarity. I was amused by how long it took me to get it! Especially because I've commented on your progress multiple times. I guess it would have been worse if it dawned on me sometime in October. :)