Aug 22, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 22

• 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 (22)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougere Nemeta - Eau de Parfum

Today's shave was BBS close and felt great, with the exception of a small cluster of weepers I managed to give myself around an area of my neck. The blade has smoothed out to a point that I wasn't as careful with it, but this was a reminder to stay focused.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 3.5/5

Aug. 22, 2022 - Austere August 22- Raw GEMs and Wise Hogs

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

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

• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

#GEMsofWisdom Day 22 and while the blade was a bit uncomfortable at times, all in all a good shave. Didn't palm strop after and didn't flip it. Onward we go to Day 23

#RawHoggin Yup...still good.

#Sidetracked I've been to hundreds of shows in my life. I've seen bands in shithole dive bars to arenas (and I prefer the dive bars to the arenas). But the one band I have seen the most in my life is Clutch. I first saw them here in my city in 1995 in a small club and was instantly hooked by them. I've since seen them a dozen times and try not to miss a touring cycle. They put on a killer live show, regardless of whether they are the headliner or opener (they more than held their own opening for Motorhead). I've spent many a sweaty a night up near the stage at a Clutch show with a stupid grin on my face as my musical soul is cleansed. Neil Fallon is a lyrical genius and the band are top-flight musicians. Clutch has gone through multiple evolutions of their sound while still remaining...Clutch. It's hard to pick one song from their catalog, but since I have to drive to New Hampshire this morning, I figured "Crucial Velocity" from the Earth Rocker album would be an appropriate track to kickstart this Monday- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XpziHgoEhgs So u/Teufelskraft and the gang, enjoy the ride and here's to an easy Monday.

Have a great day all!

Austere August Day 22

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 22nd use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (22)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

30x palm strops on each side of the blade made this shave more comfortable than the last few. If I keep this up everyday, I should be able to manage the tug factor until the end.

The hole at the bottom of my tub grows daily, but I don't fear using it up before the end of the month. Load heavy or go home.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

August 22, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (22)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

Another great shave. I added a pic of the top of the brush today, too.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 22, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (22)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

Super easy shave this morning. There wasn’t much stubble to mow through after yesterday afternoon’s 3 pass BBS shave. The brush isn’t eating nearly as much soap as before, I think it’s finally settled down for good. The Gem is still on easy mode. This blade has really treated me good.

Aug. 22, 2022 - Hate Mondays

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

No issues again today. Maybe I'll get lucky and get through the month with little to no pain. Or maybe not...

It's no longer buttering the toast, it's scraping the toast, quite frankly. But I have resolved myself to that so maybe that's why I am not suffering just yet. Oh, and no palm (or belly) stropping so far. Happy Monday. Not.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

August 22, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (56)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Starting off another work week with stuff I have grown to like really well. The brush and soap in particular have really shown brilliance this month.

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 22, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• 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

Woke up bright eyed and bushy tailed today, so I took my sweet time shaving and the way my skin feels is proof. This Semogue is opening up beautifully and sure doesn’t feel like something I’ve used 22 times ever. The MMOC is still cutting with only minimal tug. I think I’ll probably give in and flip the blade tomorrow. I’m not sure if I’ve mentioned the balm yet but this shit is wonderful. One pump and it spreads nice and smoothly all over my face, eliminating any tightness or dry skin. Still using the tiniest amount of pomade because I don’t want to look completely greasy. And 20 sprays today since I once again posted late as fuck.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

Aug. 22, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE (22)

• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap

• Post Shave: Thayers - Unscented - Toner

2 pass shave with a 30 second load.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

Aug. 22, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (22)

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

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

Shave results were good. Blade is pretty much the same not a whole lot of comfort buy it does work. Brush is good feels nice. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

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

Aug 22, 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 (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP

Every day tags: #MammothMafia #GEMsofWisdom

Setup is still hanging in there! I actually got to have a quiet shave today since the wife took the kiddos to a Dr appointment and I don’t have to be at work until late morning! A good start to a Monday!

Aug. 22, 2022 - Austere August Day 22

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 22 is in the bag. Today was the first day that I began to feel the degradation of my blade. Wasn't the greatest shave ever and started to get tuggy. I am going to try and push through without any hand stroping.... but we will see.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 22, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

This dumb thing I've been doing was never meant to be taken seriously, but I am coming to the conclusion that someone out there—maybe two someones—is/are nonetheless gravely offended. It was never my intent to offend anyone, and I certainly never expected it might happen.

Is... is face-lathering... your mother? And every time I make a half-hearted comment about how terrible face-lathering is, you think I'm deliberately insulting your mother?

By the way, face-lathering sure is a filthy whore, indiscriminately doling out cheap face-massages to countless anybodies in exchange for a couple grams of soap. Can you imagine how many people do face-lathering in a single day? I hope you used one of u/nonsenseofsight's LatherGaurds.

If you don't think it's funny, fine, neither do I. It's now been over three weeks, the bit is tired, and there's not much left of the dead horse I've been beating all month.

Much of the same can be said about the blade I'm using, by the way. The blade is feeling like it definitely should have long since been retired.

I still question whether the single-blade part of the TMNT challenge is consistent with what I perceive Austere August to be about, i.e. a time for focus and undistracted, conscientious development of technique. I have, for example, become much more adept at the face-lather (which has afforded me a better understanding of why it's terrible) as well as in use of the MMOC. I do concede that the TMNT single-blade thing is useful for bringing attention to the symptoms of a blade that is well past its useful life, and the single-blade restriction forces that.

I seem to recall someone saying that blade-wear in the latter part of the month will "separate the men from the boys." There is truth to that. The men who value a close, comfortable shave will swap blades before the end of the month, while the boys who want to play a silly game will persevere. Don't worry, I'm not throwing shade; I'm clearly playing along in the role of a boy in this scenario.

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#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

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

August 22, 2022: Double Dos Stag!

• Prep: warm splash of water
• Brush: Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
• Razor: GEM OCMM (gen 2)
• Blade: GEM Stainless (23)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

4th week of Stag and 4 spritzes of stupendous Stag. A lazy shave today, one pass, no nicks or cuts

Day 22, 4 spritzes

. #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 22, 2022 - Austere August Day 22

• 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 (22)

• 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
•Shave 22

Thoughts for the day:
Shave still fine. Imgur still sucks. Work still sucks. The end.

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

August 22, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (22)
• 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)

Pretty much the same shave as yesterday; acceptably close, pretty comfortable, no irritation. Loving the brush, razor, and the Stag trifecta. I was doing shorter strokes and going over areas more than I normally would, but this is not my style. The last couple of days I've just followed my normal pattern and accepted that my shave won't be as close as it could be. I think this is why my last couple of shaves have been more comfortable.

The edge is changing, I'm sure, but I can't see much development in the microscope image which really is an image of the blade's bevels and not the edge. Normally, one can infer information about the edge from the condition of the bevel. I feel like the bevel views have stabilized and the feel of the edge has as well. We'll see what the next nine days bring.

Aug. 22, 2022 - AA - Day 22

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (22)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

The brush and soap is getting better each day. the blade is still working great when i do my passes quickly. Got light burns with aftershave and balm kept things in control.

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 22, 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)

Countdown ... 9

I think the brush is unscented, the soap has a more gamey scent than him. The top of the bristles are broken and soft, minus some thicker black ones responsible for prickliness when splaying the brush to face lathering.

Today, I've overloaded the brush, yesterday I only used 2.63gr far away from my objective to finish the soap.

PigEvolution 1 2

The second day that I hand-strop the blade, I really don't know if it will make any difference. The blade is in fairly well shape with only some minor notches ( video ), although the blade has lost some cutting power, it's smooth enough to give fine shaves. It will be enough for me if it is kept like this until the end of the month.

#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

#sidetracked

u/Teufelskraft, I hate this song but it's time for the final countdown

Aug. 22, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM SS (22)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap

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

• Fragrance: Olympic Orchids - Red Cattleya

• Passes: WTG, XTG

• Coffee: Peru, Cajamarca - v: Caturra, Typica, Pache - p: Washed
• Music: Au Suisse
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

I'll admit, I'm at that time of the month where I'm running out of things to say. The Zenith brush still has plenty of break-in left, but is a lather monster as is, and robust copper patina makes the handle one of my favorites. The Stirling soap continues to be a reliable performer, though I'm pretty much sick of this Lime scent. I'll enjoy putting it aside after August and killing a bunch of samples. And the MMOC continues to give me very close shaves. As ever, it's a little more aggressive than I'd choose for a daily driver, but I appreciate how close the shave is.

Date	Soap Before (g)	Soap After (g)	Usage (g)	Loading
8/1	235.5	232.5	3	◊
8/2	232.5	228.0	4.5	◊
8/3	228.0	227.0	1	◊
8/4	227.0	223.3	3.7	◊
8/5	223.3	220.3	3	40 seconds
8/6	220.3	218.8	1.5	30 seconds
8/7	218.8	217.9	0.9	40 swirls
8/8	217.9	216.5	1.4	40 swirls
8/9	216.5	215.9	0.6	40 swirls
8/10	215.9	215.6	0.3	50 swirls
8/11	215.6	213.9	1.7	60 swirls
8/12	214.7	213.0	1.7	60 swirls
8/13	213.0	211.5	1.5	60 swirls
8/14	211.5	210.5	1	60 swirls
8/15	210.5	209.0	1.5	60 swirls
8/16	209.0	207.2	1.8	60 swirls
8/17	207.2	205.9	1.3	~62 swirls
8/18	205.9	204.4	1.5	60 swirls
8/19	204.4	203.3	1.1	60 swirls
8/20	203.3	202.8	0.5	70 swirls
8/21	202.8	202.0	0.8	60 swirls
8/22	202.0	◊	◊	60 swirls

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

I rarely listen to Gospel music, but I do have a few favorites. Presented in chronological order:

Sam Cooke's voice remains one of American culture's great gifts to music, as is his profound influence on what would become soul music. "Touch the Hem of His Garment" is one of his very best recordings with the Soul Stirrers and it profiles his range, tone, and charisma.

Written in 1939, "There'll Be Peace in the Valley for Me" was covered by a wide range of gospel and country singers through the '50s and '60s, and Red Foley's 1951 version was one of the first million-selling gospel recordings. Sam Cooke recorded an almost barbershop-esque take on the song in 1950; it's vocal harmonies remind me a bit of the Mills Brothers. My favorite version will always be Elvis Presley's 1957 recording. I've always liked how spare and mournful it is—Presley's voice wavering down in the lower octaves—but the movie Frailty reminded me just how haunting this song feels in the right context. It's hopeful, but ultimately about how hard things can be in the present.

Judee Sill wrote and performed Laurel Canyon folk music with an unusually religious and occult flavor (think "Twelve Thirty" trappings) and her song “Jesus Was a Cross Maker” is a nice companion to my other two selections. Sill wrote the song for her 1971 debut and it's one of her most well-known compositions. Unfortunately, Sill's modest voice and upbeat tempo made the song too sunny and twee for my tastes, and I’ve never connected with her original recording. The Hollies version is wonderful, and probably the most well-known, but Frida Hyvönen's 2009 take feels like the canonical version of this song to me. Recorded for the Judee Sill tribute compilation Crayon Angel, Hyvönen's “Jesus Was a Cross Maker” shows what a great song can become in the hands of a skilled vocalist, and minimal piano chords put all the attention on Hyvönen and her angelic harmonies. It's an emotional, dramatic performance that sounds like it was recorded in a place of worship. It's stunning.

• YouTube: Sam Cooke - "Touch the Hem of His Garment"
• YouTube: Elvis Presley - "There'll Be Peace in the Valley for Me"
• YouTube: Frida Hyvönen - “Jesus Was a Cross Maker”

Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 22

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (22)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (91)
• 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 had this Seaforth mug for quite some time, but for some reason, today was the first time I really looked at the backside:

WASH FACE. WET BRUSH IN HOT WATER. WORK UP LATHER IN MUG. MASSAGE LATHER THOROUGHLY INTO BEARD. ADD MORE HOT WATER TO BRUSH AS NEEDED. YOU'LL ENJOY SEAFORTH'S UNSURPASSED SHAVING LUXURY AND ECONOMY! SOAP REFILLS AVAILABLE.

I think I might try that technique tomorrow. (<= Edit: I realised that that would actually u/Semaj3000 me out of the RawHoggin' challenge. So I'm not going to do it)

The shave went great, and I'm starting to wonder how much of a recalibration awaits me when I use a fresh blade after AA. The brush can do no wrong. It is in fact perfection.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

2022-08-22 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (22)
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/mRl1h2j

22 shaves in the books, everything worked really well.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

August 22nd

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (22)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

Storming into the fourth week now with the end in sight

August 22 2022

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)
• 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

Not much to report today so I’ll keep it austere.

#MammothMafia

#GEMSofWisdom

August 22nd, 2022 - GEMs of Hoggin Mammoth Raw Wisdom

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Before Shave 22 and After

Shave today was actually a bit better than the prior 2. I think I got better hydration in the lather today. I face lathered, then wet my face again, and worked the lather up a second time. Much better first pass, and second pass was better too. I guess I need to pay better attention to getting the lather well hydrated. It might be a bit of my stubble softening from taking longer to build up to the first pass. Anyway, if I can repeat today a few times, the last 9 shaves are looking up. Shave was irritation free today, and still blood free since week 1.

Off to make breakfast dinner now. Have a good night everyone.

Aug 22, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Late Night Shave

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Dogwood Unbleached Boar
• Razor: MMOC MM24
• Blade: GEM (23)
• Lather: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag
• Post Shave:Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag Balm
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag

Stagging it up 4x

#GEMsOfWisdom

Cheers

Aug. 22, 2022 - AA Day 22

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1305
• Razor: GEM Open Comb Micromatic
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

SubstantialStag

GEMSofWisdom

First weeper of the month might have been a harbinger of my day. It felt like 10 tons of Monday and I am freaking wiped out.

Nine more days of enjoyment ahead and then it’s on to my tub of Denton Majik Mayberry Man. Before that, however, will be the samples of the Ohio Wet Shavers Meetup 2022 custom soap I will be getting this week. It promises to be right up everyone’s alley. Get your tickets now!

Aug. 22, 2022 - AA Day 22

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Mid day shave with a late evening write up today. Long afternoon of meetings at work - a 1 hour standing meeting turned into 3 hours as we talked through a plethora of issues. Being in leadership in an organization is a different animal, I tell ya. Trying to up my SOTD pic game, but, weirdly still feel a bit embarrassed embracing taking these pictures around the house as my family watches. Whatever, I'll get over it.

Anyway - great shave today - MMOC with the ol' GEM didn't feel tuggy at all which was a nice change from the last couple of days. Sonder was great, love it. As always. I used some witch hazel before the splash to calm my face down some and I guess it helped, but still got some burn. I should probably do a 2 pass one of these days, but I just enjoy shaving a lot and 3 passes is better. The Zenith continues to impress as it opens up. Pic 1 I mean, look at those bristles spreading out. Pic 2.

Sonder thought of the day: People love people and sometimes things that feel weird to you are just a kindness because in that person's vivid life they enjoy it. Example - my daughter's Kindergarten teacher did a home visit tonight. That's weird. Right? It's weird. But, she came into our house and explained some kindergarten things and interacted with the whole family and it was really great. I didn't want it to happen, really, I thought it'd be weird because I'd feel pretty uncomfortable doing it, but, it was great. People are different, and that's a really great thing - at least it was for my family tonight.

So - embrace the different.

Have a great night, all.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 22th, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (22)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 6/10

Smoothness: 8/10

7 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Took a bit more time getting smooth. Blade not great but still usable, and have had a tetanus shot recently enough not to be too concerned with it.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

Aug 22, 2021 – Austere August. Day 22.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: Nas - Bridging the Gap

Good shave today with no complaints. It might be in my head, but the blade of the MMOC could be showing signs of slowing down. It was still a very good shave, but the blade didn’t glide like it has been as of late. I made sure to give each side a good stropping on my forearm after the shave, so hopefully that straightens everything out.

The new Zenith did really good today, as well. Not only is the lather nice, but it’s getting to be more plentiful. Had enough for both passes and then some! I probably had enough for 3 passes, but I’m always a two-pass guys. One with the grain and one against the grain. I’m crazy like that.

For today’s #sidetracked music selection I’m going with Nas and his song “Bridging the Gap”, which features his dad singing the hook. The song is kind of an autobiography of Nas and a very abridged music of rap music over a traditional blues beat with a modern twist. In doing a bit of research for this post, Nas’ dad, Olu Dara, was a musician in the Navy in the early 60s and actually came out with his own album in 1998, several years after his son Nas got into the music industry. That’s a pretty cool thing. Nas’ got into music because of his dad, and his dad got into the music industry because of his son. They both lifted each other up, which has got to be a really unique and special thing for a father and son relationship. Plus the song is fire too. Check it out if you’re not familiar with it.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 22, 2022 - AA Day 22

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (91)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I am blown away at how much I like this brush. Of course the blade is still going strong.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!

Stag Spray 22 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 22, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode - Margaritas in the Mediterranean Edition

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (22)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 22 - After a 24 hour, door to door trip, I'm back home. It was nice being back to the comforts of my own home including hot water everywhere. The boar felt extra soft today as it continues to improve and was a good 2 pass shave all around.

The Brush: The brush felt really soft and pillowy today and splayed with ease. It was nice being able to soak in hot water before the lather. Not sure if the warmth of the brush made it feel softer or just the brush continuing to break in. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor Another smooth shave with no cuts, nicks or irritation. I'm back on the upward trent of cut free shaves. Also, it seems that my fear of a rough feeling blade is starting to wain as the razor contines to perform well. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 4

The Soap and Aftershave Being home and seeing my collection of soaps sitting in my shave drawer had me longing for something different. Although I am growing tired of MITA, another week (and a couple days) isn't going to kill me.

Day 22 Puck Picture

Aug. 22, 2022 - Day 22: Frankly my deer, that’s fawn of your business

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (22)

• 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

There was a fawn in the yard today.

Alright, the brush isn’t that bad. I just have to figure out the best way to add water to the lather I am building on my face. With the badger brush it is easier. The boar brush seems to not mix the water and soap as well in it’s hair. I have been face lathering and then putting water into the divot created after splaying the brush on my face.

The GEM is not my favorite. Sometimes it’s fine, sometimes it sucks, and sometimes it’s great. Today it was fine.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 22, 2022 - AA Day 22

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (22)

• 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

Another great 3 pass shave. Brush knot is great. Handle is garbage.

MMOC is great, blade still sharp.

No bees here to speak of, so SSL is great. My new tub came in, which is awesome because I suspect my current tub will get me to maybe September 5.

Aug. 22, 2022 - AA 22

• Prep: Cold Water Splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (28)

• 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.

Late night shave yet again. No complaints really, but I feel like the brush has felt stagnant for about a week or so, or the changes are just not as noticeable. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 22, 2022 - Did I make it? - Austere August Day 22

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• 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

It's been a long busy day exploring Rocky Mountain National Park. I hope this post makes it in time. If not I shall plead my case to the djudges.

#RawHoggin #GEMsofWisdom

Brush Day 22

Stag sprays

Aug. 22, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

4 sprays ain't playing games.

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE