Aug. 21, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode - Margaritas in the Mediterranean Edition

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (21)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 21 - Since coming to Turkey over two weeks ago, this was officially my first morning shave. This trip was packed full of quality family time, beach time and site seeing that I generally left personal care to whatever little time I had left at the end of the day. Unfortunately, today, it was time to say goodbye. Got up early and put together a good, quick 2 passer and prepared for my long journey home. Goodbyes are always difficult for me. The older I get the harder it is for me to part with friends, loved ones and memories. My dad being 89 and a globe away always has me wondering if the goodbye will be our final. I am so thankful that I was, yet again, able to make such amazing memories with him and always look forward to the next time we can get together. See you soon Turkiye.

The Brush: The brush cooperated this morning and wasn’t willing to steal the little time I left with my dad. Lather was whipped up quickly and as always, I love the brush. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor Another smooth shave with no cuts, nicks or irritation despite rushing through it. Autopilot shave once again. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 3

The Soap and Aftershave Although I am growing tired of MITA, hopefully it will remind me of my awesome vacation when I use it in the future. Great soap, great scent and refreshing.

Day 21 Puck Picture

Austere August Day 21

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 21st use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (21)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

The brush has stopped shedding again and I have yet to tire of my software scent. I chose wisely.

Forgot to palm strop the blade and it tugged like a puppy playing tug-o-war with a rope toy.

This blade sucks. The end.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

August 21, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (55)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

A nice way to start a gloomy Sunday. I don’t mind the rain. It’s needed terribly here. I put on some baby backs to smoke overnight. They should be done soon. Gonna be a lazy Sunday.

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug 21, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 21

• 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 (21)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Armaf - Tres Nuit - Eau de Toilette

The shave was close and comfortable. The lather could have been better, but it was still slick so no issues.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 4/5

Aug 21, 2021 – Austere August. Day 21.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: The Wrecks – James Dean

Good shave all around today. The MMOC and new Zenith has become quite the tag-team for my face. I’m sure a lot of credit goes to Stirling’s Sheep base (which is phenomenal), so I’m eager to see how things go once AA is over and I can unleash this boar on a few different soaps. But we gotta get through August before I hatch any grand plans for this little brush. And until then, we continue on our unscented Stirling & Zingari Man combination.

Today’s #sidetracked music selection is a modern day pop-punk band, The Wrecks. To me, their sound kinda takes me back to the days of Good Charlotte. It’s been well documented that I’m a big fan of the pop-punk scene from the early 2000s, and The Wrecks are able to fill some of that void that left when the music industry moved forward. I saw The Wrecks open for another band several years ago and was very impressed with their sound and their energy. Being an opening act is tough, because most people there aren’t there to see you and a good number of people aren’t paying attention at all. But The Wrecks went out there and made people pay attention. They’re another band that I was convinced was going to blow up after I saw them, but that hasn’t happened (yet). Perhaps, if it were a different era they’d be bigger. But the year is no longer 2002 and their sound isn’t what’s popular now. Damn shame, if you ask me.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 21, 2022 - the end is nigh

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

And todays shave was smooth and kinda perfect. No feedback from the aftershave splash. What the heck is going on?

If this could keep up for the next 10 shaves then we have no problems aside from shave boredom. May your Sunday be a funday!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022 - AA Day 21

• Prep: Shower, Planet Kind Refreshing Face Wash
• Brush: Semogue 1305
• Razor: GEM Open Comb Micromatic
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (21)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

SubstantialStag

GEMSofWisdom

Despite the same aspects as yesterday —some XTG tugging and some general blade feel on my neck for both passes, I still got a fantastic shave.

Bean counters: How many bristles make up a Semogue 1305 knot? I lose about 1-2 per shave. Wondering how many shaves I will get before I’m left with a nubby old knot. I know I beat this brush up last year, so for the price it wouldn’t be bad to get a new one some time.

Sunday sprays

August 21, 2022: 3 weeks of Glorious Stag!

• Prep: warm splash of water
• Brush: Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
• Razor: GEM OCMM (gen 2)
• Blade: GEM Stainless (22)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Three weeks in the books! I'm so proud of all of you Stagonistas, bathing in the Midnight glory and giving honor to Austere August. Keep on Stagging on!

Day 21, 3 spritzes

. #GEMsOfWisdom

August 21 2022

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (24)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Oud Wood

Headed to the lake to tool around on a friend’s boat today. I had a very smooth and worry-free shave this morning; three passes in the books but I am looking forward to a little variety again come September.

#MammothMafia

#GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 21, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE (21)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap

2 pass shave with 30 second load.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

August 21st, 2022 - 3 weeks down, 10 days to go

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (21)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Before shave 21 Top View and Side Views

After shave Top View

Tried getting a picture to show the patina development on the handle. I took the shot with the bathroom light off (too much glare), so just light from the window. It needed a bit of editing as it looked under exposed. I picked the side of the brush showing the most darkening.

For the shave, first pass very crunchy feedback again and still feeling tuggy. Second pass felt a little better. No real irritation today, splash didn’t burn, just the light freezing feeling of the menthol.

Have a nice Sunday everyone. Taking my daughter to a movie today. Popcorn for lunch.

Aug. 21, 2022 - Austere August 21- Raw GEMs and Wise Hogs

• Prep: Cool shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

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

• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

#GEMsofWisdom Today marks the farthest I've taken a GEM and it shaved just fine this morning. I made sure my lather was extra hydrated as well.

#RawHoggin The little bastard is still slinging soap around the bathroom as a I face lather.

#Sidetracked Time for another rock album that is a great album for those summertime drives with the windows down and the stereo cranking. Today, I give you Murcielago, a straight up rock band from Northern New England. There's some slight blues rock influences and stoner rock influences. The members are all veterans of both the local scene here and of the Boston hard rock scene. The production value on today's album, Casualties, is outstanding because these guys are pros. So u/Teufelskraft and the rest of the gang should get in your cars, drop the windows, open the sunroof and go for a long drive on a Sunday- https://murcielagorock.bandcamp.com/album/casualties

Have a great day all!

2022-08-21 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (21)
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/gbxBpIc

A great shave on a hot day. A DFS in 2 passes.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

August 21, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (21)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

I flipped the blade and watched my technique, and this was much better than yesterday’s.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 21, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (21)
• 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)

When I started the shave, I was thinking about how easy it has become to dial in a very hydrated lather, but one with a lot of cushion, using this soap base and this brush. I don't think today's lather was much different from other days, however, my shave today was more comfortable than it has been for the last few days. I was unaware of much tugging, but was aware that the edge I like has gone. Yeah, not the closest shave I can produce, but smooth, comfortable, and free of irritation. No complaints here. I doubt it will happen, but a shave like this for the next ten days would be just fine by me.

Again, nothing to see on the blade edge front. Today's photo is similar to the previous few days. Really looking forward to the new microscope. The little LiPO battery in this cheap unit is losing its ability to maintain a charge. I suspect that I can run the scope on USB power, but I really like the simplicity of my WiFi/iPad setup.

Aug. 21, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (21)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

Where'd I leave off? Oh, yes, three weeks of shaves is a lot to put a blade through, and the quality of the shave is reflecting that. I don't think I've gone this long without changing a blade since cartridge days. Remember that? A single cartridge cost, what, eighty dollars? So you'd just keep using it until the flimsy blades just wore down to nothing? Something like that, anyway; I don't know.

Now that we've hit the two-thirds mark, the month almost feels as good as over! Obviously, I'm getting ahead of myself; the blade will continue to struggle on, its wear dubiously mitigated by occasional "strops" across the edge of my, uh... ball of my thumb? No, wait... Thenar eminence. Needless to say, too, face-lathering won't be helping the whole situation.

Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm going to go off and carry on with Sunday things. Like whipping up an experimental concoction of eggs, ricotta, and pesto that kind of looks like salsa. Artemis is interested, but that's no kinds of good for a kitty; dairy's generally a bad thing because most cats are lactose intolerant, and garlic/onions are straight-up toxic, causing nasty damage to their internal organs. But I digress.

Oh, right, the addition of pesto is the experimental part of that. Maybe I added too much or didn't mix the settled pesto enough, but the end result was a bit too oily for my taste. Still good, though. The rest of it was adapted from this little video from You Suck At Cooking. Sure, that guy has a habit of recycling jokes, but it's still funny and there's a lot of good stuff in those videos that I've picked up for use in my kitchen. No real reason for plugging that other than that it came to mind because I just made breakfast!

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (21)

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

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

Ok shave today seems like the daily blade flip is the trick at this point. The brush is nice it holds onto a decent amount of soap and the feel is fairly soft. This combination of challenges is amusing as the brush gets better and the blade gets worse as time goes on. Interesting practice and I feel it is helping to expand my skill. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

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

August 21st

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (21)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

So week four begins tomorrow, the blade is so tuggy now I'm craving a close shave

Aug. 21, 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(21)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol-Free)

Ten days left!

#unscented #RawHoggin

PigEvolution 1 2

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 21, 2022 - 21 Days in the Hole - Austere August Day 21

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)

• 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

Quick two pass shave. Lather came together really fast. Stag is....well, still Stag. I'm really surprised my wife hasn't said anything about getting sick of it lol.

#RawHoggin

I don't know what else I can say about this brush. Yeah, it's a little floppy, but I don't mind it at all. The loft could be shorter I guess. It lost a couple hairs today.

#GEMsofWisdom

The blade is well past its prime, but the aggressive nature of the razor keeps giving me close shaves regardless. I just need to keep powering through the tugginess and I'll be alright.

Brush day 21

Stag sprays

Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 21

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (21)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (90)
• 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've been catching up on djudging #GEMsOfWisdom and #RawHoggin submissions and it's really nice to follow along. I tried to compare it to my recollections from last year, and I got the impression that the MMOC is perceived as much less of an oddity this year than last time.

With exception of two early quits, it also seems that the vast majority of RawHoggineers are enjoying their boar brushes. It's nice to see the two challenges going so well.

My shave today was uneventful and predictable. The blade is still holding up at 90 uses and the brush is pure bliss. The monotony of getting to me a bit, andI'm eyeing my sample box for Sample September wistfully.

Aug 21, 2022 - Getting Sidetracked while searching for the Wisdom of a Mammoth

• Prep: Hot shower and CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Maggard Green Handle 2 Band Badger 24mm

• Razor: GEM - MMOC

• Blade: Personna GEM Stainless (21)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP

Every day tags: #MammothMafia #GEMsofWisdom

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

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM (21)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap

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

• Fragrance: Olympic Orchids - Olympic Rainforest

• Passes: WTG, XTG

• Coffee: Peru, Cusco - v: Caturra, Typica, Bourbon - p: Washed
• Music: Josh Ritter - So Runs the World Away
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

Another late SOTD after a busy day involving a long hike, burger stands, and too much sun. Great way to wrap up the weekend.

This morning's shave felt a little rough. I didn't feel the MMOC tugging, but it did feel harsh, like it was scraping me up more than I'd prefer. I added some evening shaves in this week so I may have just beat up my skin too much.

(Judges, don't worry, my Austere August setup is only being used for Austere August shaves. That being said, I'm looking forward to the Scrubby joining my regular rotation.)

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	◊	◊	60 swirls

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

Josh Ritter is an incredible performer and put on one of the best concerts I've ever seen. Nevertheless, his poetic troubadour songs often tell detailed, evocative stories, making them ideal candidates for a creative music video. Which brings me to today's #sidetracked.

"The Curse" is a memorable track on Ritter's 2010 album So Runs the World Away. Over an ornate, twinkling waltz, Ritter softly sings of an Egyptian pharoah's mummified body transported to New York. "He watches the sea from a porthole in stowage." The pharoah quickly falls in love with the archeologist that escorts his dusty bones across the sea; "After thousands of years, what a face to wake up to." But their love is star-crossed, and "The Curse" is equally beautiful and tragic.

YouTube: Josh Ritter - "The Curse"

Aug. 21, 2022 - Austere August Day 21

• 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 (21)

• 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
•Shave 18
•Shave 19
•Shave 20
•Shave 21

Thoughts for the day:
Decent shave today. No complaints... other than the weekend was too short...

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022 - Raw Hoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (21)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

This Zenith keeps on getting better. I thought it had reached its potential already, but alas. I wonder how much more it will improve? Only time will tell.

This blade is still feeling great. I originally planned to keep going with it after AA, but I looked and it’s getting a rust spot on the bottom edge. Will it hurt me? I doubt it, but I’m gonna chunk it on 9-1 either way.

Aug. 21, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)

• 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

Today was all about learning my limits. I learned that I can’t stay up for the better part of 24 hours, bust my ass cooking a bunch of shit, take a small nap, finish all of the things while staying up all day, then proceed to drink a couple of beers and eat a whole delta 8/10 gummy and expect to function AT ALL the next day. I’ve done nothing today. Nothing. Literally just showered and shaved for the first time a few minutes ago. I once again only sprayed one spray but that because the lingering not-quite-hangover refused to smell anything more. Mid 30’s ain’t no damn joke.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

August 21th, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (21)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 7/10

Smoothness: 7/10

7 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Same fast and rusty shave as yesterday.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

Aug. 21, 2022 - Austere August Day 21

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm
• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 21 in the books, 10 shaves to go. I am really excited to get back to my other gear though. Blade still feels fine, brush is fantastic.

(Edit: Looks like my tags didn't copy)

Mandatory Tagging:

\#GEMsOfWisdom

\#Rawhoggin

\#MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022 - AA - Day 21

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (21)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

Evening shave as I played cricket all day
Quick 2 pass shave and am good to go. The blade works with quick passes. Has some burns when applying after shave and the balm to sooth things.

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 21, 2022 - Day 21: my interest has teaked

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (21)

• 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

I don’t know what happened but here’s another boat shave. This one was much better than the ferry. I have a true sink and counter. The area is actually clean and I am happy to use the space.

How long does it take before a boar brush is exactly like my badgers? 😂 Also, I’m happy this MMOC is almost done. Maybe a fresh blade would help, but who knows. I am getting used to lathering with the boar brush.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 21, 2022 - AA Day 21

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Eau de Toilette

Today was a good day. Church this morning, an hour plus nap with my wife this afternoon, and took the kids to the local waterpark this afternoon. Lots of great family bonding all around.

The MMOC shaved well enough today, but, the GEM was a bit tuggy. I noticed it yesterday, but thought it was my lather. I'm thinking it wasn't - hopefully the next 10 days don't deteriorate too quickly.

The Zenith whipped up a great lather as usual. It was still a bit wet from yesterday, but that's pretty normal. Pic 1 Pic 2 Those bristles continue to split and expand and I'm here for it.

Sonder - today was the first day I wanted to use something other than Sonder, but it was just because we went to the pool. I've come to associate Cannonball! with going to the waterpark and really could have gone for that double cooling effect and amazing scent, just to mix it up. I love Sonder, it's been a good month and I'm really glad I selected this scent. But - it's ok to have an urge, right?

Sonder thought for today: The waterpark today was filled with late teen and early 20 year old life guards on their last shift for the summer before they head back to school. I remember those days - sitting at work doing what you've got to do to scrape together some spending money. Simpler times. The world feels more complicated for teens today than it did when I was in high school in the early 2000's. Social media has changed so much, obviously, and it seems like a heavier time than it used to. There's always been pressure on young women to look a certain way and attract guys in a certain way, but with models and skin all over social media, the pressures have to be worse. And guys, too, the expectations on them to be jacked or to use women rather than respect them, it's just tough. I think about those students going back this fall and I don't envy them. Kids have to grow up so fast, it seems, and as a dad of 3 little kids, it's not a fun thought. Help a teenager in your life out - take interest in their lives, listen to them, encourage them, and love them unconditionally - they need it now as much as ever.

Speaking of, for u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked challenge I'm going with Life is a highway by Rascal Flatts from the Cars soundtrack. Not a song that I loved (or even love now) - but it came on at the waterpark and man oh man did my son light up. He's a huge fan of the Cars movies and can't wait for the next one to come Disney+ on September 8 - we've already got a family movie night on the calendar. The song isn't great, but the movies are solid, and the memories of the family times and all the excitement with my son will linger for years. This song, for me, will always bring back this stage with my son and for that, I like it.

Have a great evening, all.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 21, 2022 - AA Day 21

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (90)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Same old same old. Only a days worth of aftershave left until I have to break the new bottle out.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday!

Stag Spray 21 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 21, 2022 - AA Day 21

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (21)

• 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

You know, for all the talk of palm stropping and the difficulty of getting a blade to last 30 days, I just don't see it. Day 21 was significantly better than day 1. I don't really notice drag from the razor, and the brush is light years better.

Perhaps I've just really dialed in my MMOC technique. I mean, I'm not even using PTFE blades.

Another good 2 passer.

Aug. 21, 2022 - AA 21

• Prep: Warm water splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

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

break in album. SOTD in title.

Quick late night shave, came out surprisingly nice considering the haste. Clearly I’ve gotten slightly better with the MMOC through the month. Warmer water soak that normal too, maybe it’s mental, but I think that may have helped too. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (21)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

4 sprays tomorrow...

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug 21, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Late Night Shave

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Dogwood Unbleached Boar
• Razor: MMOC MM24
• Blade: GEM (22)
• Lather: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag
• Post Shave:Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag Balm
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag

Stagging it up 3x

#GEMsOfWisdom

Cheers