Aug. 17, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 17

• Brush: Proraso Professional Boar | Break-in photos
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
• Blade: Schick Proline (17)

• 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

Back to an uneventful shave today. I've become quite proficient with this shavette during this month but I'm starting to wonder how much my technique is compensating for the reduced sharpness of the blade. I've started employing almost a buffing technique when I'm doing my ATG pass which isn't resulting in any irritation but I wonder if that's going to bite me once I swap back to a fresh blade. My shaves are still comfortable but I typically aim for as close to BBS as possible and the lack of close shaves is bothering me a little bit.

The progressive reduction in backbone of the brush has got me thinking about whether this brush could eventually become too floppy for me. Compared to my Zenith of similar size but much higher density, this brush splays much easier, but I'm thinking the lack of strong backbone is also due to the lack of density in the brush. I've also been experimenting with how much I mash the brush into my face when I face lather and it seems to work quite well if I use a light touch and alternate between swirling and painting. 26mm seems to be about my sweet spot as well in terms of face coverage and amount of lather produced.

A lot of people are itching to use different scents but I'm finding that my itch is more on the hardware side. I love experimentation and comparisons and I can't wait to try this brush on different soaps to see if the brush lathers my other soaps effortlessly and also break in a Zenith brush for comparison. Once September gets closer I'll think a bit harder about whether I want to commit to Sample September or just take it more casually.

Aug. 17, 2022 - Stag Day 17

• Brush: Zenith B26 Retro
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (17)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

• Landofzion: Weirder Stuff

Another early day, another blessed day.

Bless.

#SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

Stag Spray 17

Aug 17, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 17

• 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 (17)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

Today's shave went much better. The buffing technique, especially on the third pass, has allowed me to get a much closer shave with almost no irritation. I'm going to keep working on using this technique to get around the tugging and biting I was experiencing before.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 4/5

Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August 17- Hoggin All The Raw Wisdom of the Gems

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

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

• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

#GEMsofWisdom WTG/XTG/Buff it up. This blade felt a bit uncomfortable for the first couple of strokes and then it settled in and I got a better shave than I thought I was going to wind up with. Not too much feedback from the splash.

#RawHoggin The Mighty Steroid Fed 6-year-old of a brush keeps chugging along. This has broken in nicely.

#Sidetracked One of my favorite YouTube rabbit holes is Bill McClintock's channel. On this channel, you can see amazing mashup videos of classic metal songs overlaid on classic non-metal songs and some of the results are outstanding. My favorite is the vocal track from Slayer's "Black Magic" overlaid on the music of Prince's "Let's Go Crazy". It's amazing how the Slayer footage syncs up perfectly with the Prince song- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KTu5ZhAPcgQ . If you want to see something more messed up, how about Metallica's "Enter Sandman" over Huey Lewis and the News "Hip to be Square"? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3MRx4LpYbQ4 . This channel is just laden with pure gold. Regardless of how you feel about heavy metal, this channel is well worth your time because there is bound to be something for everyone. So u/Teufelskraft and the gang, enjoy your time down the rabbit hole.

Have a great day all!

Austere August Day 17

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 17th use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (17)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

The bottom of the tub will poke through tomorrow. I still have plenty of soap left, but thought I had another week until I saw tub. Time to push for my first kill of the year.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• 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

Something really interesting has happened this morning. I’ve noticed this month that my aftershave doesn’t smell quite like the rest of the Stag I have, but couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I think I’ve decided what it smells like at this point though. As I dump some of the magic Stag juice on my hands, my nostrils immediately feel inundated by the scent of whiskey! No smoke, oil, gasoline but only whiskey. It’s not bad by any means, but it’s interesting and shows how products can evolve over time. 6 sprays this morning since that’s all the upvotes that came through yesterday.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

Aug. 17, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (17)

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

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

Ok shave today blade flipped now and its not a whole lot better but it still cuts. I am also stropping it a bit on my arm it seems to help make a couple strokes a bit better. Going to be a wild ride in the coming weeks. The brush is basically the same for the last week I am having trouble picking out much of a change. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

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

Aug. 17, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 17

• Prep: Warm water to the face
• Brush: Omega 10098
• Razor: Maggard Razors - V3 Head
• Blade: Treet Carbon (6)

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

• Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Ice Blue - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm

• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Eau de Toilette

Another #RawHoggin shave down.

Hope y’all have a good day!

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day17

• Prep: Shower/Wash with Warm Water
• Brush: Zenith Gray Chubby (B37)
• Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid)
• Blade: Nacet (17)

• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap

• Post Shave: Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Osma Alum Block

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

Accidentally put day 17th yesterday, will edit yesterdays post to correct that. Lathered real well today, no issues!

RawHoggin

August 17, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (17)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum  

2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.

• Challenges: #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag
• Brush Top (before use) - Brush History
• Fragrance Video
• Blade Edge (before use) - Edge Histiory
• Blade Orientation (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)

Something has changed with my cheap microscope. My normal setup for viewing the blade edge did not show the edge with the same clarity or focus as before. Either something in the sensor mounting, or something about the optics, seems to have changed. It took me a long time to examine the edge, and today's picture, poor as it is, required a complete lighting and configuration change. I'll take it apart today to see if I can figure out what's what.

Having used the same brand and scent of shaving goo for years, it really isn't a challenge to use one manufacturer's trifecta for 31 days. And I'm really not getting tired of Midnight Stag. If I do, it will be easy just to ignore it, but currently, I look forward to my shave with it every morning.

After today, I've decided that the star of this month is the brush. The brush is just wonderful. It has its own combination of softness and backbone, and it makes it very easy for me to control the lather. Definitely a keeper, and I look forward to the r/Wetshaving green monster when it arrives. Thanks to u/EldrormR for running the RawHoggin' challenge. I doubt I would have had this experience without it.

August 17, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (17)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

This was a good shave. The blade was less harsh than yesterday, when I flipped it.

The brush is basically effortless at this point. I’ve been loading wetter, and have to add very little water while face lathering. It’s a comfortable brush, and probably faster than my synthetics at building a lather now.

I’m interested to compare to my synthetics once this month is over. I was thinking I’d still prefer the synthetics, but I’m not sure now.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 17, 2022

Brush: Omega 10049

Razor: Rockwell 6S Plate 5

Blade: Astra SP

Lather: Barrister & Mann Waves Reserve Base

Post Shave: Barrister & Mann Waves Splash

Post Shave: Barrister & Mann Waves Balm

The brush is coming along nicely. Lost its first hair in over a week. I only have one other boar brush but I remember it shedding much more than this brush.

#RawHoggin

Aug. 17, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge

• Brush: Omega 20102
• Razor: Karve Bronze SB B
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (16)

• Lather: Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap

• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Le Grand Chypre - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Calvin Klein - Intense Euphoria for Men - EDP

Day 17 of #RawHoggin

Aug. 17, 2022 - 17.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin

• Prep: GFT Rose Skinfood
• Brush: Omega 10048
• Razor: Henson Ti22 ++
• Blade: Gillette SuperSharp

• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

I might have to start rationing soap if I want this tub to last until the end of the month, I've got a penny sized gap and the bottom of the tub which expands every day. I'm hoping I've got enough of a ring around the outside to keep me going through to the end of the month if I smush it down at some point. Have a great shave all!

RawHoggin

Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August Day 17

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 17. We are beginning the back half of AA. Had a pretty good shave today. Blade is performing well and my brush is lovely. I am putting a pretty good dent in this soap, but I think the balm will last forever. So little goes so far with this stuff.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

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

Brush losing a few more hairs over the last couple shaves.

Things are just fine, mainly a matter of getting used to DFS in some spots.

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
• Razor: Razorock GameChanger .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (17)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm

I was in a bit of a rush, so today's picture isn't great. Well, maybe I'll get something better tomorrow.

Tags:

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM (17)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap

• Post Shave: Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm

• Fragrance: Gallagher Fragrances - Pearfecto

• Passes: WTG, XTG

• Coffee: Colombia. Ciudad Bolivar, Antioquia - v: Catillo & Colobia - p: Natural
• Music: Masao Nakajima Quartet - Kemo-Sabe
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

Question for the community:

When you lather with a high-backbone, scrubby brush, how do you actually move the knot on your face?

I've noticed side to side strokes work pretty well with this Zenith brush—the 'ol painting motions—but I have to be sparing with any attempts to splay or swirl the brush. Doing so feels good on my chin, and helps work up the lather, but is actively uncomfortable on my cheeks and is a little abusive on my neck as well. Like the MMOC, this brush demands a light touch.

I also had an off-the-cuff thought about the MMOC while I was chatting with u/VisceralWatch yesterday. It's an efficient razor, with some notable aggression. However, when folks complain about how it feels, I wonder if at least some of what they're feeling is the comb (versus the blade, or the edge of the razor head). My brass Peerless Clog-Pruf feels totally different than the MMOC; the teeth are smaller, more plentiful, and sit on a smooth bar. That Micromatic variant is extremely comfortable, and doesn't scrape at all, while feeling just as efficient as the MMOC.

Anyway, fourteen more shaves to go and then I can put this Lime soap aside for a while. I'm over it.

Date	Soap Before (g)	Soap After (g)	Usage (g)	Loading
8/1	235.5	232.5	3	◊
8/2	232.5	228.0	4.5	◊
8/3	228.0	227.0	1	◊
8/4	227.0	223.3	3.7	◊
8/5	223.3	220.3	3	40 seconds
8/6	220.3	218.8	1.5	30 seconds
8/7	218.8	217.9	0.9	40 swirls
8/8	217.9	216.5	1.4	40 swirls
8/9	216.5	215.9	0.6	40 swirls
8/10	215.9	215.6	0.3	50 swirls
8/11	215.6	213.9	1.7	60 swirls
8/12	214.7	213.0	1.7	60 swirls
8/13	213.0	211.5	1.5	60 swirls
8/14	211.5	210.5	1	60 swirls
8/15	210.5	209.0	1.5	60 swirls
8/16	209.0	207.2	1.8	60 swirls
8/17	207.2	◊	◊	~62 swirls

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

I'm not sure how I feel about Portugal. The Man as a whole, or even today's song—"Modern Jesus," which is undeniably catchy—but I love the song's music video. It's a weird little snapshot of mid-2000s America, composed of footage recorded across nine states. The glimpses of blighted neighborhoods in Detroit and open land in Wyoming are particularly striking, and the way people exist in the diegesis of all these culturally and geographically disparate shots ranges from the whimsical, to the alarming, to the weird, to the profound. I'm not sure the song is as smart as it wants you to think it is, but if the video was made as organically as it appears, it's one of my favorite works of observational documentary.

YouTube: Portugal. The Man - "Modern Jesus"

• Prep: warm shower
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: Novelty Cutlery Co straight razor
• Lather House of Mammoth - Z
• Post Shave: Equate witch hazel
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - unscented aftershave balm

Headless Horsemen

#RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

Austere August 2022 day 17 https://imgur.com/a/wpc9n2b

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

This morning was another great start to the day as far as the shave went. I accidentally overslept by a half an hour, so the morning was a bit rushed, but still made it to work on time and it's been a good and productive morning.

The MMOC performed well today - nothing to complain about. I did nick a little bump on my neck that caused some bleeding, but otherwise a solid shave.

I got a lot of sandalwood off Sonder today - still with a hint of green, but as my splash rubbed in it was mostly a nice soft sandalwood coming through for me. I like the smell of sandalwood a lot, but, my only experience with a strictly sandalwood scent was from TOBS when I first started. I thought their cream would be good - it reviewed well on amazon - and ordered it. It was fine, but every time I shaved my face would be on fire afterwards. I couldn't even use Nivea Sensitive Balm post shave because it was too painful. I don't know if it was an allergy to strong sandalwood, if it was my terrible technique, or it was brush burn from the cheap boar brush I had no idea how to use or break in. My guess is it was the latter two and sandalwood is fine, but I've not been brave enough to order anything pure sandalwood scented since in the event I was wasting my money.

The Zenith 12 was again excellent. Unfortunately the logo seems to be rubbing off a bit, which is understandable since it's printed on, but kind of a bummer. I had to dip the brush in water a couple times to get the lather wet enough this morning from overloading a bit too much, but no big deal. Lathering on my face, though, was glorious.

While some cough u/ginopono cough loathe the process of face lathering, I can't imagine not including my face in the lathering process. How else will my follicles be massaged and what else can cause so many endorphins to release that I am positively euphoric by the time I'm all lathered up? Do I think a bowl appreciates being massaged? Not at all. It's a stupid porcelain bowl, it doesn't have feelings. Such a wasted opportunity to increase blood flow, shave quality, happiness hormones, and quality of lather. What kind of monster spends a whole month spitting in the face of happy shavers everywhere? Be better.

Sonder thought of the day: Nothing too profound today except to say that I have to remind myself a lot that connection in relationships, whether a marriage, friendship, working relationship, whatever - needs to be cultivated regularly, and when I'm feeling disconnected from someone, often they are, too. It's important to remember sonder and not treat people like they're emotionless drones who are oblivious to the nuances to your relationship - they know your dynamic, too, and - well - you (I) might not be the easiest person to have a relationship with all the time. So - it's important to do little things to tune that relationship up, whether it's asking an intentional question and listening, if it's a kind gesture, whatever. Their world is alive like mine and reaching out across the divide means something.

Have a great day.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August - Killing Soap

• Prep: Cold water
• Brush: Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
• Razor: GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
• Blade: PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(17)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol-Free)

I have one purpose, finishing the soap and the aftershave on day 31, ending this unscented nightmare. According to my spreadsheet today there's 71.6 gr of soap, I've to use 5.14gr/day of soap to achieve my goal.

RawHoggin

Today, I've used 2.21gr of soap only but I had lather for two passes and for the comfort lather. That's far away from my mission I should start shaving my parts too. Tomorrow, I will load more soap with the hog.

The Hog is almost unscented but it's not really broken in, it'll need more work to be fully tamed.

PigEvolution 1 2

GEMsOfWisdom

Monday, I hand stropped the blade and made some videos of the edge before and after (they are bad I'll try again and post them), but I didn't see any difference, and the blade continues performing well.

But today, I've experienced some blade resistance to cut white hairs. I think is losing efficiency. I'll adjust the razor angle to see if it helps, with those stubborn hairs.

#sidetracked

u/Teufelskraft From the Bagdad Cafe movie OST - I'm Calling You performed by Jevetta Steele, such a beautiful tune from such a candid and tender film. I used to 'sing' that song to my elder kid when he was a baby to calm him down, It brings me back good memories.

#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin Day 17

• Brush: Semogue2000
• Razor: GC84
• Blade: Voskhod (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Leviathan - Soap

• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Lavanille - Splash

• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Leviathan - Balm

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

17 August 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: splash of warm water
• Brush: Zenith B33
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (17)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA - Day 17

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (17)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

2 pass face shave and things are still going okay. The brush it getting softer but keeps eating lather. Razor and blade are still doing fine though there are times where i feel its not cutting but just apply more lather and try again. Post shave is the same and the balm is keeping things calm.

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 17, 2022 - It's all downhill from here - Austere August Day 17

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)
• 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

Yes, you guessed it! Midnight Stag all the way baby!

#RawHoggin

The brush has really come into its own, I probably already said that but it's true. I honestly can't see it getting much softer, but time will tell.

#GEMsofWisdom

It's a battle of attrition with the blade from here on out. Let's see if I can win it.

Brush album

Stag sprays

August 17th, 2022 - Austere Raw Mammoth GEMs Hoggin of Mafia Wisdom

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Before shave 17 and After

Well boss is back so I took a lunch break shave. It was between meetings, but not a lot of time to get much work done. Brush is getting easier to splay, and I’m noticing it is slowly adding more split ends. Hopefully in the next 14 shaves will get to where the majority of ends split and get a well cushioned little scrubber. It is getting easier to build lather on my face. I added about a blueberry sized scoop of lather to the bowl. I got enough to do a 3 pass+ shave (although stopped after 2 passes).

The GEM had no noticeable change in the last couple shaves. Today I got about as smooth a shave as I could from two passes and a bit of buffing. Very close to a bbs shave. I’d say best shave this month 4 1/2 out of 5.

The reason for the great shave, besides the GEM blade and razor, or even the Zenith B36, is squarely on the excellent foundation this Tusk base provides. I am getting great slickness from the lather, and residual slickness is good enough for a pass if I want. I still added more lather for the second pass, but for a little buffing it was great without adding more. The scent is still enjoyable. I will appreciate the variety, but I could use this set until it runs out if I didn’t have lots of good things to sample in September. I wonder if I should have gone with Sonder or Hygge, but I think I picked the right one for me. Great scent, some menthol in the splash gives a nice cool aftershave feel, and the balm makes a nice finishing touch.

Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (17)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 17 - Same good shave with the GEM however a couple new observations with the brush. Aside from that, not much new to report. Good 2 pass shave.

The Brush: Today I planned to load even less soap to see what I could get away with. Even with a quick 30 second load, the brush was ready to rock. I immediately noticed that the brush was pillowy soft and splayed easily today. I’m not sure when this happened, but today was the first observed “easy splay” of the brush. I also noticed soap forming at the base of brush today after splaying and lathering. This is pretty common with my badger and synthetic, but haven’t noticed it on the boar until today. Today was the first time I had to use my chin to collect the lather off the base of the brush. Again, I can’t believe this brush continues to improve. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor I went 2 passes and as before very routine with no nicks or cuts. The blade also continues to be nice and comfortable. I’m wondering when it’s going to start getting uncomfortable. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 12

The Soap and Aftershave I am starting to quickly get tired of MITA however, the methanol keeps it pleasant.

Day 17 Puck Picture

August 17th, 2022: Still Staggin

• Prep: warm shower with Stag bar

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

• Razor: MMOC

• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• 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

Starting to lose thrill. Stay strong folks!

Stag sprays of the day!

#SubstantialStag

#RawHoggin

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug 17, 2021 – Austere August. Day 17.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: Billy Joel – Scenes from an Italian Restaurant

Today’s shave was good and uneventful. Me and the MMOC continue to be in our nice groove.

The new boar brush does better and better every day. I can absolutely see this Zenith turning into one of my favorites, long beyond Austere August.

For today’s #sidetracked music selection, I have Billy Joel’s “Scenes from an Italian Restaurant. One of my favorite songs of all time. This song is a musical adventure, taking us all through the lives of Brenda and Eddie, as told over a bottle of red or a bottle of wine… Whatever kind of mood you’re in tonight. There are few artists who could pull off what Billy Joel has been able to pull off in his life. The guy hasn’t written a song in nearly 30 years, yet he still sells out arena after arena and has a residency at Madison Square Garden and he’s said that will continue on until he stops selling it out. And early month every single seat gets sold. He is The Piano Man and his music connects to both the young and old. I’ve seen him live in a few stadiums and at MSG and the energy of the shows are amazing, but if I had the ability to time-travel, I would love to be transported back to the 1970s, when he was playing the types of bars he talks about in Piano Man, and the piano sounds like carnival and the microphone smells like a beer. Imagine being able to tell people you witnessed one of the greatest to ever do it, before the world knew who he was… Gotta be a cool feeling… And honestly one of the reasons why I ALWAYS love to be introduced to new music. You never know who is gonna be the next Billy Joel.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

August 17th

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (17)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

Long day travelling down to see family and back today then home for a quick stag shave, the wife went in the bathroom after me and promptly became repulsed by the scent once more.

Aug. 17, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 17

• Brush: Zenith 28mm Boar
• Razor: Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
• Blade: Kai Captain Pink Mild (36)

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

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

A quick 3-pass shave tonight - I felt exhausted, because my son didn't sleep well last night. Still buffing to get a reasonably close shave.

The brush continues to be nice.

Good night everyone!

#RawHoggin

#stillalive

#truepath

2022-08-17 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (17)
Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap
Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave
Fragrance: Issey Miyake -L'eau d'Issey pour Homme

https://imgur.com/a/VcyDhk4

17 shaves in the books. The blade is fine, l think daily shaving is the key. My daily stubble is less difficult than a few days growth would be. The brush is pretty awesome.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 17

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (17)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (86)
• Soaking Mug: Seaforth! - Scotch Heather - shaving mug
• Bath Soap: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - bath soap
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime - Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

Oops, almost forgot to post again. I'm catching up on a bunch of accumulated todos during my break. The blade is still holding up well and the brush is still fantastic. Have a great evening!

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

AA D17: Wednesday Late Night Stag

• Prep: cold water
• Brush: Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
• Razor: KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
• Blade: KAI Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - shaving soap
• Post-Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• additional care: Chiseled Face -Midnight Stag - ASB
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley of Ashes - EDP

After picking up my repaired car, went to my future nursing school today doused in VoA. I didn't need to assert dominance there though - they were really kind and welcoming, despite me smelling like a road worker. Much things have changed for the better there since my OT apprenticeship. I think I'll enjoy studying there.

Another two pass shave at night. This time, more confidence with the shavette and again a really great lather from the mighty Stag. The brush might be the best thing after August is wrapped up: it continues to amaze me with its nice performance. Here's another side profile and yet another wet top shot. If I actually remember, I will post some pics of the dry brush tomorrow - it's looking nice and fluffy by now 😌

Sidetracked
I have my car back, so the logical consequence for today's soundtrack is Lazerhawk - Pedal to the Metal. Lazerhawk was one of the first synthwave artists I ever heard and immediately made me like the genre. High BPM energetic tracks that are perfect for long drives, cleaning the house or short workouts. Pedal to the Metal is pretty sparse when it comes to the lyrics, but the melodies are simply great - especially the lead synth starting around 3:25. With such songs I feel like I'm on the road to success and just hit top speed!

EDIT: yet again I forgot the AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin
God damnit...

Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August Day 17

• Prep: House of Mammoth Almond Leather Bath Soap
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Mire 26mm Zenith Unbleached Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• 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
•Shave 15
•Shave 16
•Shave 17

Thoughts for the day:
Imgur is pissing me off. Even in desktop view. Whatever.

So shave went fine. No complaints. I am looking forward to a new soap but I'm still enjoying it. Skin is doing great with just the magic splash. I could skip post most days but I really like aftershave so why not? I think my skin was a bit softer last year when I used the magic balm, but it's not by a huge margin and I prefer this.

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (17)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Soap

• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Aftershave

please god let it be over I want to use my other soaps

#RawHoggin

Aug. 17, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

It's been what feels like a pretty unproductive day of ~~messing with database server clusters at work~~ searching for jobs and apartments at the public library. In a little bit I'm going to ~~go to a krav maga class I haven't been to in a while because I had a bit of a cough~~ attempt to bury my emotions in ice cream because face-lathering has destroyed my life.

To be clear, I don't have anything against anyone who happens to like face-lathering. After all, subjective experience is exactly that—subjective. By the same token, I won't get in anyone's way if they, say, prefer to eat ice cream with chopsticks. Meanwhile, I might find it to be the case that chopsticks provide a time-consuming, ineffective, and unsatisfying method of ice cream consumption, in contrast to a spoon. To each their own, I say!

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (17)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

I’m quite enjoying this Zenith. It’s starting to get pretty soft, yet has a pretty stiff backbone. And I respect a stiff backbone.

This blade is feeling great. It still feels very smooth and is still efficient. I picked a really great setup. This has been a good AA.

Aug. 17, 2022 - It's Wednesday

• Prep: Warm shower w/ Duke bath bar
• Brush: Copper Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

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

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

#RawHoggin

Decent lather post shower today, no complaints getting the hand of the loading. Still probably could be a little more patient in slicking down the initial lather as I think this help spreads some of the soap better to the brush for later passes.

#GEMsOfWisdom

Again another drama-free shave. The blade is defiantly not as good when first starting, but it still works well enough for a shave I have been very happy with.

Aug. 17, 2022 - Day 17: another hotel shave

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (17)

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

• 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

Well today the shave was just alright. I just do not know what changes to make it good or bad. The shave was mostly comfortable, but my neck got a couple rough spots.

The brush is getting better. It was probably the first shave that I did not feel any pokey scratchy discomfort from the brush. I am still not sold on the boat brush. I just do not really like how it holds water or how I have to add water to hydrate the lather.

Edit: correction.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

August 17th, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (17)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 7/10

Smoothness: 9/10

7 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Same as yesterday, with a bit less left over lather at the end.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

August 17, 2022

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Burma Shave Boar Brush 🐗
• Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
• Blade: Feather ProGuard 17th use
• Lather: Stirling Sheep
• Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
• Fragrance: Halloween Man

Three pass shave was really good, best one I have had in the last few days. Blade felt smooth again with only slight tug against the grain under my chin where the dense hair is. Brush felt good and soft and had lather for all 3 passes. Hope everyone has a good shave tomorrow.

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

Day 17 of Austere August! Staggin on!!

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

• Razor: Filarmonica Double temple 14

• Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag

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

​

kitty can't handle the stag

Solid shave, with a near BBS!

• #RawHoggin
• #SubstantialStag

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA 17

• Prep: Cold Water Splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

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

Break in Album and SOTD in title.

Only “groundbreaking” thing about my shave today was that my lather was noticeably under hydrated ok my first pass. User error for sure, just being a bit lazy and rushing. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (86)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Still playing around with the lather a bit, but other than that this setup requires almost no thought now. When all is said and done this just might be my favorite brush, top three at least for sure.

Hope Wednesday treated everyone well!

Stag Spray 17 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

August 17, 2022 - AA Day 17

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

• Razor: Dubl Duck 5/8 Satinedge

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Another day and another shave with no real issues. I've come to the conclusion that the edge on this razor is just in an ok condition at this point. Definitely not what I started with, but also not in the worst shape. Just ready for the first of next week so it'll feel like we're in the home stretch of all this.

Challenge Hashtags: #unscented #RawHoggin

Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 17 aka Born Under a Stag Sign aka The new Squier of the Stag

• Prep: Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.

• Brush: Zenith B33

• Razor: Cloud Shavette

• Blade: Cloud whatever that blade it is (22)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

Today at 8.13 was born the new Squier of The Stag (if the Grand Master allows to call him lile that) what a rollercoaster of emotions. Fortunately, both Mrs. OBeardWan and OBeardWan Jr. Are both with good health. Lather was great, I did use a bit drier brush and added water, instead of initially drowning the soap. Blade is holding on, let's see how far can I push it.

Hail Stag!

-#Stagposting

-#SubstantialStag

-#RawHoggin

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (17)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap

Day 17. Traveling. Everything is fine

Aug. 17, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

It Friday yet? Definitely feels like it should be Friday by now.

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE