Aug. 14, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 14

• Brush: Proraso Professional Boar | Break-in photos
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
• Blade: Schick Proline (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Alive - Eau de Parfum

AA Tags: #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Very good shave today. 2 weeks into AA and the shaves are becoming more of a routine and less exciting.

Today I shook a bit more water out of the brush and it loaded soap very efficiently without making a mess, though I did have to spend a little bit more time adding water when it was on my face. A good portion of the tips have split and this thing is a lathering machine, but I'm not sure if it's easy mode due to the lack of density. At the end of AA I want to try this brush with a variety of other soaps to see how consistent it is, but I suspect it will be as easy to use as my synthetics. I'm still enjoying this brush but I'm very curious how the different denser, bleached Zenith will feel on the face. I've become a bit nose blind to this scent during the shave, but spraying on the frag is still quite enjoyable.

A few days ago I created what I thought was a clever hidden side contest involving SOTD photos, but I think people are already a bit weary of reading AA posts so nobody caught on despite me progressively dropping more hints. I ended up giving up on it which may be good since I was investing a bit too much time into it each day. It also made me appreciate the djudges more because even I'm finding less motivation to read through the posts each day despite my initial thrill.

Aug. 14, 2022 - Stag Day 14

• Brush: Zenith B26 Retro
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (14)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

• STEREO DIVE FOUNDATION: STORYSEEKER

Two weeks in and I am so very blessed.

Praise be the Stag.

#SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

Stag Spray 14

August 14, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (14)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

This pic taken at a friend’s house. I took my kids (6 and 4) for their first sleepover away from home with his two boys (5 and 5). They had a blast. There’s nothing like a good sleepover when you’re a kid.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug 14, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 14

• Prep: Warm Water Wash
• Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
• Brush: Zenith Cobalt Blue 28mm Boar Knot (505BC SE)
• Razor: GEM Open Comb Micromatic (2nd Gen.)
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (14)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

This shave was much better. I think something finally clicked with the MMOC during yesterday's shave, and I carried it over into today's shave. Riding the cap with the right amount of pressure is allowing me to get through passes relatively quickly with no tugging and very little irritation.

Early uses of the blade would not allow me to ride the cap this way because it would bite too quickly. At the time, I had to angle closer to the edge while using very little pressure. Now that the blade is smoothing out, this method seems to work better. I'm still not getting as close a shave as I would like, but that's okay for now.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

#sidetracked
How Soon is Now? by The Smiths is a song that doesn't fit with the rest of their catalog and yet is instantly recognizable.

Rating: 3.5/5

Austere August Day 14

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 14th use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (14)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

Good and easy lather from the brush with no pig ass stink at all. I think I can finally call the brush de-stunk. Also, with how the tips looked this morning before use, I also think the knot might be close to fully broken in.

The blade, on the other hand, is past its honeymoon phase and ia into the tuggy phase of its life. I have no where good to go from here. I'll give it a few more shaves before I start stropping it.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA Day14

• 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 (14)

• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap

• Post Shave: Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Osma Alum Block

• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

Refreshing shave today, no issues with boar brush. I samples a bunch of bristles, and they seem to be mostly split at this point. Not sucking in soap anymore, all is well! Skunk: https://imgur.com/RGQHMl9 Passed out tuxy, how I feel today.

UNCHALLENGE

RawHoggin

2022-08-14 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (14)
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/lAxqC3R

14 terrific shaves in the books. Everything working well, I could easily use this set up as a daily driver.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Nothing new to report today. I posted a bit late yesterday so, to give everyone a pass at the lack of upvotes, I went with 30 sprays since that’s how many upvotes I would’ve gotten if I’d have posted sooner.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

August 14th, 2022: Stag Sunday

• Prep: warm shower with Stag bar

• Brush: Vintage Rubberset 400-3 with 24mm unbleached Zenith knot

• Razor: MMOC

• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post-Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

• Post-Shave: Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - EdP

Took my time with a nice 3 pass shave this morning. Stag still doesn't make me sick and I've finally gotten my load method down for this base/knot. Happy Sunday y'all!

Stag sprays of the day! (I need a fucking haircut!)

#SubstantialStag

#RawHoggin

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 14, 2022 - Smooth Stagging - Austere August Day 14

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Zingari - Rescue Potion - Serum
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

So no tugging today. Hmmm. My lather must have been shit yesterday. This was an excellent shave.

#RawHoggin

Nothing new to report with the brush. Stink is gone. It's soft and makes a quick lather. I'm diggin' it.

#GEMsofWisdom

As I already mentioned, it was a smooth shave with no tugging and zero sting from the alum. I didn't think that would ever be possible with this razor, but here we are. I think I've pretty much mastered this thing only halfway through the month.

Brush album

Stag sprays

Aug. 14, 2022 - 14.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Omega 10048
• Razor: Henson Ti22++
• Blade: Gillette SuperSharp (2)

• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash

I've been thinking for a while that my soap usage has been super low, but as of today I can see the bottom of the pot through a thin layer of soap in a small area. I'm honestly hoping to have this soap finished or a few uses away from being finished by the end of the month. Happy Shaving everyone!

RawHoggin

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 14

• Brush: Semogue2000
• Razor: GC84
• Blade: Gillette nacet (14)

• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap

• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Bell Ringer - Aftershave

August 14, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (14)
• 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 (before use) - Brush History
• Fragrance Video
• Blade Edge (before use) - Edge Histiory
• Blade Orientation (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)

Another very nice shave. I'm starting to get an idea of what this brush could be. It is fine right now, and I would include it in my normal rotation; especially for face lathers. (I tend to use synthetics for bowl lathering.)

My feel for this edge is going away, but that is completely workable. I keep my touch light and spend a little more time on each area. Today's shave was as close as any other I've had this month.

/u/Environmental-Gap380 pointed out how annoying it is to see closeup microscope photos that don't have sharp focus. I agree. I'm trying to provide the closest view of the edge that this cheap equipment can produce. As we get into the latter half of the month, I'll try to find a way to improve on this.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend!

Aug. 14, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 14

• Prep: Warm water to the face
• Brush: Omega 10098
• Razor: Maggard Razors - V3 Head
• Blade: Treet Carbon (2)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap

• Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Ice Blue - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Sensative 5-in-1 After Shave Balm - Balm

Today was just a nice #RawHoggin shave to start the week. I don’t know if it’s the blade itself or the combo of the blade and this razor, but I was getting an amazing amount of feedback during the shave. I don’t use my Treet carbons very often so maybe that’s just a thing they do.

It’s Sunday y’all, hope you have a good day!

Aug. 14, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
• Razor: Razorock GameChanger .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (14)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm

I liked my SOTD pic yesterday, but it felt like it was missing something and could be better. Today I went for a similar photo in a different part of my yard, and I think it turned out pretty well. It's not perfect, and the grass is a little dead, but overall I think it's a decent picture.

Tags:

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge

• Brush: Omega 20102
• Razor: Karve Bronze SB B
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (13)

• Lather: Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap

• Post Shave: Abbate y La Mantia - Garibaldi - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Armaf - CDNIM - EDT

Sunday #RawHoggin

Sunday, Austere August 14th, 2022

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Before Shave 14 and After

Shave 14 and it is still going strong. Better shave than yesterday with most lather built so far. Had enough for an extra pass if I wanted.

Brush is continuing to get more split ends and will splay fairly easy now. When splayed I found it was making the most lather. MMOC and the Personna GEM blade worked well today. I don’t think the blade has noticeably dulled over the last few shaves. Makes me think it should have a decent shot at lasting the month.

Going to be a pretty chill day today, run a couple errands and a few chores, but lots of time to lounge around today. I might smoke a chuck roast on the grill today. Not going for pulled beef bbq, but long enough to get some smoke flavor, and will need to slice it. I think an hour or so on smoke, then wrap it up to finish.

Aug. 14, 2022 - Austere August 14- Hoggin the Gems of Raw Wisdom

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

#GEMSofWisdom I'm tired of this soap. I want to smell something better on my face. I'm not sure I want to use this soap again for a long time, if ever. I'm happy to entertain trade offers at the end of AA for my Firefighter if you're absolutely sick and tired of your soap.

#RawHoggin This brush is not a soap killer because it takes no time to load the brush to get a good lather going on my face. Dammit, I was so hoping to put a Ring of Death into this soap. Here's the brush post-shave- https://imgur.com/a/7EhaKn6

#Sidetracked And now for something completely different, The Delvon Lamarr Organ Trio. I stumbled on these guys while making an aerial yoga playlist and then went down the rabbit hole of the catalog. Need some instrumental funk that's organ-forward? Well, this is the group for you. I like playing these albums before I teach a class and they put everyone in a good mood before practice. So for u/Teufelskraft and the gang, I leave you with this ditty that gets a lot of play in the yoga studio and the car- https://delvonlamarrorgantrio.bandcamp.com/track/pull-your-pants-up

Have a great day all!

Aug. 14, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (14)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Soap

• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Thé Noir et Vanille - Aftershave

I shaved today, it was not really enjoyable but it is done. The brush is fine seems to get soaped up quick and its comfortable enough. The blade is starting to get a bit rough. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

https://i.imgur.com/tNHr3cc.jpg

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 14

• Brush: Semogue2000
• Razor: GC84
• Blade: Gillette nacet (14)

• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap

• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Bell Ringer - Aftershave

Aug 14, 2021 – Austere August. Day 14.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: Jimmy Eat World - The Middle

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood today and I had a great shave. My face is feeling clean and smooth, and once again, my tools for Austere August did not let me down. While I am desperately missing using the variety of shaving accoutrements I’ve acquired in the last year, there is something to be said for putting no effort into deciding what I want to smell like today. The unscented challenge is the hardest part right now. I feel really comfortable with the MMOC and the new boar brush is going good, but I do miss the smells. And we’re not even at the half-way mark yet! I just repeat over and over again: “I can do this. I can do this. I can do this.” And then, when I think I can’t, I sneak away to my shave den, make sure no one is looking and twist open a tub of soap, just so I can remember how good soap can smell…

Today’s #sidetracked music selection is an absolute pop-punk anthem. If you look up the pop-punk era in the dictionary, this is the song you’ll find. I guarantee I originally downloaded this song off of KaZaa or LimeWire, and likely got a virus because of it, but it was worth it! This song defined the early 2000’s for so many of us. Like many of my music selections, it’s impossible for me to be in a bad mood while listening to this song.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 14, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode

• Prep: Cold water splash to the face
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (14)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 14 is where I became a man. I finally pulled off a 3 pass shave with the GEM. The last few shaves have been a breeze and my confidence level has been at an all time high since beginning AA. Everything kind of fell into place today and I had some time to kill. I loaded the perfect amount of soap onto the brush, had 2 stellar passes and knew it was time. I’m typically a 2 pass shaver, but having to pay extra attention to 1) hydrating my lather and 2) my technique with the GEM has made me a better shaver overall. Walked away unscathed with probably the closest shave ever - BBS.

The Brush: Before today’s shave, I took the time to admire how soft this brush has become. Just lightly brushing my hand and slightly pressing it into my palm really displayed how much this thing has broken in. I remember when I first took it out of the box how prickly it was. Not it is almost pillowy soft with almost no scratchiness. Whipped up a beautiful lather today for an outstanding 3 pass shave. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor Today, after my 2nd pass, I knew it was time to go for 3. The first 2 passes were automatic and problem free. I had extra time, my lather was prime and I went for pass number 3. The third pass felt awkward and I felt as though I was shaving with the GEM for the first time again. The angle was much harder to nail down but it still went really well. Running my hand over my face post shave in all directions, I can’t feel a single bit o stubble. Dare I say it might be my best shave ever? Time will tell if there is any irritation, but as of right now no nicks, cuts, bruises or irritation. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 9

The Soap and Aftershave Still enjoying the soap. It does well cooling me off in the Mediterranean heat.

Day 14 Puck Picture

• 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 14 https://imgur.com/a/V7geRu8

Aug. 14, 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: Cold water
• Brush: Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
• Razor: GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
• Blade: PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(14)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)

I want to highlight today Southern Witchcrafts's Aftershave, that thing rocks!

RawHoggin

I'd said that the stink will be gone by the end of the week, mostly but not all has gone let, it another week to go full unscented.

PigEvolution 1 2

GEMsOfWisdom

MMOC will be my reference razor when I don't use straight razors. It's a superb performer and the PTFE blade seems tireless.

#sidetracked

Hilarious video from Red Fang performing Prehistoric Dog can't stop headbanging, bonus track Wire

#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA Day 14

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Eau de Toilette

Late night and early morning here so it's a good thing the shave was pretty solid this morning. I preached this morning, and due to a variety of circumstances, I was working on the message until about 10:15pm and then was up around 6am to do some finishing touches. Pair that with my wife who coughed much of the night and my daughter who woke up at 4:30 because she was disoriented and it's been a long day already. But - the shave to kick it off started the day well!

Sonder smelled sweeter to me this morning than usual - not gourmand, but it had a nice sweetness. I'm guessing it was the florals coming through with some citrus - but it's the first time I've really picked out those notes this month. Noses are super cool.

MMOC was a beaut again - I did have a couple of nicks but given my lack of sleep, it's no surprise that I was a little less than focused. The blade felt smooth and gentle, though - even if it did bite me once. Another 2.5 passes - with, across/against hybrid, and some buffing to get close to BBS.

The Zenith splayed beautifully while loading and lathering and continues to devleop and split ends nicely. Here's a pic from day 1 and day 7 to see how the weeks have gone. It's definitely opening up a ton, especially in the last week or so. You're welcome for the blurred out bonus feet in the background of those pics. I should probably sell pics of my nasty man feet for cash, but, as far as I know there's not much of a market for that, RIP me.

Sonder thought of the day: Gosh, people want to be listened to and heard. There are always people who want to chat at church and I'm more than happy to do that, but this morning a guy, we'll call him Roy, came up to welcome me back after my time off and share a quick story about his friend who had passed away fairly recently. As he remembered his sense of humor and shared a funny picture of him from the back of his funeral service bulletin (or whatever it's called) he was overwhelmed with emotion and had to swallow down some tears. To be able to share those moments with people is such a privilege. It was a busy morning for me, I had a lot of responsibilities and I really wanted to get back to my office to compose myself for a couple minutes before the service started, but then I thought to myself, "Sonder. This guy is more important than my small break." So I listened to him share his story that didn't mean much to me, I never knew his friend, but was so significant to him. As I think about it now, what a gift he shared with me - to be vulnerable and emotional and just miss his friend while I got to be there. I'm sure I've said it before in these sonder thoughts, but man, people really want to be heard - and more often than not, it is so worth it to just listen to people as they share their lives with you - the beauty and the pain and the joy and the sorrow. It's a privilege to be counted as important enough in someone's life for them to share with you. So, you know, next time you get a chance and someone is sharing themselves with you - try and be in the moment, be present, and pay attention - just like you'd want someone to do for you.

Happy Sunday, all. Hope it's a great one!

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 14, 2022

Brush: Omega 10049

Razor: Rockwell 6S Plate 5

Blade: Astra SP

Lather: Stirling Haverford

Post Shave: Stirling Haverford Splash

Post Shave: Stirling Haverford Balm

#RawHoggin

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA Day 13

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (13)

• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap

• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

Day 13 complete.

This is the first time that I've had any dragging from the razor. It was on the first pass, whereas passes 2 and 3 were fine, so I'm going to blame my lather for now.

My brush is falling apart. I think it's a race to the end of the month to see if the brush makes it in tact before AA ends. The knot still seems strongly attached. I'm hopeful it will finish the month, but I do have travel coming up, so it's possible that TSA completely screws it up.

Another 2g soap day. I did place an order for another tub of SSL just in case; regardless, my tub will be almost gone at the end of the month and I want this as a permanent part of my den.

Happy Sunday everyone.

August 14th

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (14)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

Made the most of the hot weather by adding to the heat and getting my face over some flames and cooking some meat

The Gem Blade didn't feel as good this evening but could be as I have been out in the sun for a bit today. Back to mid temps and storms the rest of the week so proper Stag weather.

Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 14

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (14)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (83)
• 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
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

I snoozed and missed my window in the morning to shave before the rest of the family wakes up, and we had a busy Sunday with a trip to the lake and the zoo planned. My #GEMsOfWisdom for today are that 1) I wonder how far this blade can be taken before it becomes difficult to shave with and I'm reminded of u/Old_Hiker's Personna Hair Shaper blade with over 370 shaves, 2) I lost all sense of danger when handling the MMOC, and I may be in for a nasty surprise once I use it with a fresh blade again.

#RawHoggin: drumroll please, 🥁🥁🥁, my Raw Hoggin' brush doesn't stink anymore! It didn't occur to me until I started this write-up, but I didn't notice any boar funk, just delicious Sea (Sp)ice Lime.

Apart from the SOTD, I'm blown away by the response to our sub-exclusive brush and I could not be happier that it is going to happen. I've put a decent amount of time and effort into hammering out the details with the manufacturer (all through google translate 😅), and until a few days ago I had no idea whether it would work out. A big thanks to everyone who signed up, and of course to u/J33pGuy13, who has become the main driving force behind this endeavour.

14 August 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: splash of warm water
• Brush: Zenith B33
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (14)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm

Brush is even better than last week but still eating up more lather than my badger one. How do I know when it's been broken in?

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM (14)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap
• Post Shave: Porter's Lotion - WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm
• Fragrance: Cognoscenti - No. 17 Civet Chypre
• Passes: WTG, ATG
• Coffee: Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural
• Music: Gruff Rhys - Hotel Shampoo
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

Date	Soap Before (g)	Soap After (g)	Usage (g)	Loading
8/1	235.5	232.5	3
8/2	232.5	228.0	4.5
8/3	228.0	227.0	1
8/4	227.0	223.3	3.7
8/5	223.3	220.3	3	40 seconds
8/6	220.3	218.8	1.5	30 seconds
8/7	218.8	217.9	0.9	40 swirls
8/8	217.9	216.5	1.4	40 swirls
8/9	216.5	215.9	0.6	40 swirls
8/10	215.9	215.6	0.3	50 swirls
8/11	215.6	213.9	1.7	60 swirls
8/12	214.7	213.0	1.7	60 swirls
8/13	213.0	211.5	1.5	60 swirls
8/14	211.5	◊	◊	60 swirls

At this point in August—about half way through, starting with a completely raw hog—the initial rigidity of this "Scrubby!" Zenith has forced me to spend most of my time face lathering with back and forth swipes, versus a lot of splaying. I think this is generally how u/VisceralWatch lathers in his videos. This method doesn't beat up my skin too much, it works well with any knot—since it doesn't require much splaying (we'll call it knot agnostic)—and doesn't shoot lather all over my bathroom unless I'm really whippin' it. I'm not wearing a funny hat, so there's no whipping allowed around here.

About 60 swirls of soap seems to be the sweet spot with this knot. The lather is rich and slick, doesn't take forever to hydrate, and gives me plenty for two passes. The MMOC is not a razor that demands a full three-pass shave, or even benefits from one.

I did manage to scrape up a little spot below the hairline on my neck yesterday, but I didn't realize it until that afternoon when it started to look irritated. My razor must have dipped more south than I intended and I went easy on that part of my neck this morning.

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

I'm a big fan of Gruff Rhys's work with the Super Furry Animals, but his solo recordings are just as varied and interesting. One of those is among my favorite novelty songs—if only because it's such a surefire way to annoy my wife.

During the heyday of mobile endless runner games in 2011, Ustwo released Whale Trail, a simple, candy-colored gem of a game that took the best of the genre (simple mechanics, addictive play, no time commitment) and combined it with a delightful aesthetic. And while the colorful visuals and dreamy look of the game—picture an airborn whale flying slow loops in the sky, popping bubbles and dodging crackling cartoon storm clouds—contributed to that unique atmosphere, it's Gruff Rhys' whimsical electro-psych soundtrack that completed it.

The theme song and repeated soundtrack motif, "Whale Trail," is sunny, energizing, and exceptionally memorable. Combined with a "Sesame Street" meets Yellow Submarine music video, this song will first make you chuckle, before immediately getting stuck in your head for days. Let me know if you also start mindlessly saying "I can see my house from here!" at odd times, before you realize nobody knows what you're quoting in a oddball, sing-song voice.

YouTube: Gruff Rhys - "Whale Trail"

Aug. 14, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

So I don't actually think that #RawHoggin is an affront to Auster August. I do, however, suspect I've make a big mistake in voluntarily choosing to subject myself for an entire month to the objectively worst lathering method (short of brushless hand-lathering, which could only be conceived by someone who is dangerously insane, a threat to the safety of themselves and others—looking at you, u/verdadkc).

I'm pretty sure that last night I had a dream in which my blade was completely rusted over. This surely came from the fact that yesterday, after I pulled out a set of drill bits for the purpose of putting up a cat-ladder/tree thing, I discovered that a forstner bit that I have had indeed completely rusted over, unlike anything it had been stored with. Kind of wild; my frame of experience is such that I'm surprised when anything rusts, e.g. the regular steel SE blades that I tried before this month began.

u/Teufelskraft #sidetracked — I decided to play music during my shower this morning. Way back I got a bluetooth speaker to put in there, (more specifically, I got it to put in the shower in the place I lived two domiciles ago) a decision that I can't say wasn't inspired by a bit by comedian Kyle Kinane. The song that played when I started it up was Broken Bells - The Ghost Inside, a song that is another recent discovery of mine (although it sounded really familiar when it did come up, so maybe I knew it before and forgot about it), and one that I had previously thought of sharing here at some point during the month.

Once the shower ended and shave-time came, though, the music went off. Obviously. Because, as we all know, auditory feedback is important to be attentive to during the shave, so we can't have anything drowning that out.

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 14

• Brush: Zenith 28mm Boar
• Razor: Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
• Blade: Kai Captain Pink Mild (33)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave

I started feeling sick just before shaving. Quick three passes, no nicks.

#RawHoggin

#stillalive

August 14th, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (14)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 8/10

Smoothness: 8/10

10 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Good shave, but blade starting to feel old now.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August

Brush Progress

• Brush: 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

B-

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

AA D14: Second Sunday Stag Stress

• 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

Quickest shavette shave of my life. Two passes WTG with some XTG sprinkled in. I love how I'm getting really comfortable with the shavette to shape up my moustache. Definitely one of the greatest tools for that!

Since my SOTD photo misses the already soaking brush, I took a few additional brush pictures:
dry boar from the front
dry from above
wet brush close-up
It has definitely lost the remaining boar stink but is firmly coated in Midnight Stag. But it is reaching good territory. Let's use the remaining days of August to get it to awesome. Also, are gel-tipped boars a thing? The last picture of my wet brush makes me inclined to say that it looks similar.

Sidetracked
New Oder - Love Vigilantes
I feel like this song has lost a lot of the late Joy Division/early New Order roughness, but that makes it better for a relaxed listen. The subject matter is still dark - Vietnam War, an ambiguous story if the storyteller is actually still alive and it was just a mistake or if he's a ghost. But it sounds way too happy for that. Nevertheless, New Order are great musicians and their instrumental prowess shows here again. The guitar solo close to the end is simply great.

Edit: like a absolute idiot, I forgot the AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin despite saying that I'll always remember them. How can I be so damn stupid?!

Day 13 of Austere August! Staggin on!!

• Prep: Water on Face
• Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE

• Razor: Filarmonica Double temple 14

• Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Osma block
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Splash
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Balm
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP

​

another photo

Another BBS shave, but I didn't go deep this time. The brush is getting really soft and I'm having no problems lathering on the face, I forget who posted that on the second day when he lathered on his face the brush was still very stiff and cut open all his wounds from the previous day using the MMOC. My only problem with the brush is that I can't make lather for more than 3 passes... I'm wondering if bowl altering will fix that but it's much better than when starting this month.

The razor is sublime, can't complain about it. Today I was annoyed at my Parker Adjustable injector, I decided to disassemble it, and it took me almost 1 hour to put it back together... And it's just 3 metal pieces... Pain in the ass, folks, don't disassemble an injector🤣

• #RawHoggin
• #SubstantialStag

Aug. 14, 2022 - Austere August Day 14

• 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 (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

🐗Raw Hoggin' Progress🤮:
•Unused
•Shave 1 through 7
•Shave 8
•Shave 9
•Shave 10
•Shave 11
•Shave 12
•Shave 13
•Shave 14

Thoughts for the day:
2 weeks down. I want to mix it up. This is the real struggle of AA...

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022 - Day 14: a Mystic shave

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum

What the hail? This shave was actually pretty decent! It was almost comfortable! I think it must be a combo of my technique change and maybe the blade has become less of a jerk.

ORRRR maybe! It’s just this mystic place. Sorry, not sorry. I’m in Mystic, CT. But for real the shave was decent. Hopefully tomorrow is even better!

The brush receives a neutral rating right now. It doesn’t smell like a butthole and it is not a piece of sandpaper. It is taking some getting used to, coming from the fancy badgers.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

August 14, 2022

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
• Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
• Blade: Feather ProGuard 14th use
• Lather: Stirling Sheep
• Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
• Fragrance: Halloween Man

Today's three pass shave was a little rough at the end because I was trying to rush the shave so I could have dinner and was adding to much pressure. I got a weeper and some slight redness on neck. Blade may have also been rough but we will see tomorrow if it smooths out. Lather today was great it is probably what saved me from more damage. It was a nice wet, slick, and protective lather that lasted for all 3 passes. Here is to good shaves for everyone tomorrow.

Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, u/Marquis90

Aug. 14, 2022 - Sunday Shave

• Prep: Quick splash of water
• Brush: Copper Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap

• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave

#RawHoggin

Decent lather, I still underloaded, but was fine for what I was trying to do today. Brush still feels great.

#GEMsOfWisdom

A lighter two pass shave in the middle of the day trying to get back on schedule. Not much to note.

Aug. 14, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (14)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Stirling Blu - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

Just now getting around to posting this morning’s shave. It’s been a super busy day. Went to church this morning, came home for just long enough to get a short nap, then back to church. It was great.

As far as the shave, it’s going great as well. 3 pass BBS no irritation. This brush is treating me great, but it’s eating soap at a scary rate. I don’t know if this soap will make it to the end. I might have to start under loading if I want to push it to the end. This is a 28mm brush, I can’t imagine how much soap the 31mm sub brush is going to eat 😳. I might have to use one of my 3oz Stirling Black Friday soaps to break it in, just to see how fast I can kill it.

The Gem is crushing it. To me, this is the best stretch of shave this razor gives. We’re on easy mode right now boys.

Aug. 14, 2022 - Austere August Day 14

• Prep: Shower, Stirling Soap Activated Charcoal
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 14 in the books. Good shave, blade still going strong. Brush is looking good. Almost halfway through.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA Day 14

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (83)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

A wonderful Sunday shave this morning. Still nothing new to report. I'm actually a little dumbfounded ar how well this blade is still shaving.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday!

Stag Spray 14 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA 14

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (20)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette

Break in album and SOTD in the title.

Hydrated the lather a little quicker today sort of unintentionally but it worked out fine with the gobs of soap. Hit 20 shaves on the blade. Getting the slightest hand of it in a sense, but still by no means a convert to the SEs. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Halfway point tomorrow!

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE

Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 14

• Prep: Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.

• Brush: Zenith B33

• Razor: Cloud Shavette

• Blade: Cloud whatever that blade it is (19)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

I think I've got used to this setup, still the jawline continues to be the weak spot. Brush seems to be fine, but still not as good as my Omegas (pretty sure it will get there, and then some). Almost half way down the road.

Hail Stag!

-#Stagposting

-#SubstantialStag

-#RawHoggin

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA - Day 14

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razorn: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (14)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

Almost forgot to post this. Busy day. The brush and soap keep performing well. Brush is breaking in but still is very scrubby. The razor and blade did well today. Had some burns while applying aftershave but the balm keeps things in control.

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

August 14, 2022 - AA Day 14

• Brush: Zenith B34 (break-in photo album)

• Razor: Dubl Duck 5/8 Satinedge

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Slightly better shave than I've been getting over the last few days. I was doing a WTG pass followed by an ATG pass and then wetting the residual to do some buffing. I've not changed my process at all over the last 2 weeks and I'm starting to find that it's leaving a tiny bit behind especially on my checks. I'm thinking that perhaps I need to add a full pass to those areas to knock it down as the month progresses further. Not BBS, but DFS for sure and it beats almost any shave a DE would give me regardless of the "issues" I'm running into. Good shave overall though!

Challenge Hashtags: #unscented #RawHoggin

Aug. 14, 2022

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (14)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Soap

• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Aftershave

#RawHoggin