Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 23

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (23)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (92)
• Soaking Mug: Seaforth! - Scotch Heather - shaving mug
• Bath Soap: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - bath soap
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime - Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

You know those dark, almost black extra-thick bristles (DABETBs?) which you can often find in Zenith knots? They appear in both bleached and unbleached Zenith knots and don't tend to get split tips? Well, this #RawHoggin knot of mine decided to remind me once again that it's one of the best knots I've ever tried and it started to split the tips of all bristles, including its DABETBs! (Lots of fiddling involved in that shot 😅). Now you have seen everything.

#GEMsOfWisdom: I started missing my morning shaves so I got up before my toddler Djunior (which isn't easy if you're lazy and don't have to get up for work for another week). It was definitely worth it. Making coffee while the brush soaks, listening to a podcast while everyone else in the house is still sleeping, and then taking it slow through three passes of Sea Ice Lime is truly a regal pampering. At the beginning of AA, I wasn't sure how well my GEMtury plan with this blade would work out, but I haven't perceived any further degradation of the blade during these 23 shaves. It seems like all the quick edge erosion that was going to happen has, and that now that the edge is a bit wider, erosion has slowed to a crawl. What's amazing is that the blade is perfectly fine for close shaves at this stage. I can't wait to use a fresh blade again to recalibrate my blade sharpness and tugginess perceptions.

Aug. 23, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 23

• Brush: Proraso Professional Boar | Break-in photos
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
• Blade: Schick Proline (23)

• 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

I can't really tell the difference between a 1 minute soak and a 5 minute soak so I'll just go with a shorter soak going forward. What I thought was a weakness/annoyance with boar brushes may not actually be that big of an issue after all. When I dip the brush in the mug of water I can tell that it absorbs water very quickly because the color changes in less than 30 seconds up to where the water is, then eventually that water is pulled to the base of the knot through osmosis but I have no idea how long that takes.

I'm not able to perceive day to day differences in the brush anymore so there doesn't seem to be a whole lot more to look forward to this month other than the end of the AA and being able to switch things up. I'm still patiently waiting for a care package from /u/frankieivfingers (thank you!) which I think should arrive any day now and the anticipation is keeping the thrill alive.

I can tell I'm a bit more careless with the shavette now possibly because it doesn't feel like the dull blade will bite very easily so I will need to be a bit more conscious during my first few shaves with a new blade next month.

Aug 23, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 23

• 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 (23)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

While I had a great shave with no issues, the blade is noticeably rough. Here's hoping it will stand up to another 8 days.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 4/5

Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August 23- Dulling GEMs and Soft Hogs

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)
• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

SOTD Pic- https://imgur.com/a/tMixWzV

#GEMsofWisdom This edge of the blade is ok. It feels a wee bit rough, but I'm pretty damn near BBS 23 days in. And the splash didn't cause too much feedback. Fingers crossed this blade can hold on for 8 more shaves.

#RawHoggin Here's the little bugger post-shave today- https://imgur.com/a/dWgF2hW . Ain't he cute???

#Sidetracked Growing up in Miami, the only thing I knew about the J. Geils Band was the Freeze Frame album. "Centerfold" and "Freeze Frame" were played to death on rock radio when I was in junior high. It wasn't until I was djing on a classic rock radio station after college here in Northern New England that I realized there was a whole awesome catalog of J. Geils albums. These guys were killing it in the classic blues rock game and Magic Dick's harmonica game was fucking strong (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ASF5CpqP6HY). Their albums were a giant party on vinyl and their live shows were legendary. Peter Wolf continues to tour on his own and the wife and I have seen him a bunch of times and he never disappoints. So u/Teufelskraft and the gang, this morning (or afternoon), we're just going to have a god damn party with J. Geils and this ditty- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ip7wwUre4mc

Have a great day all!

Aug. 23, 2022 - Stag Day 23

• Brush: Zenith B26 Retro
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (23)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

• Wolfmother: Chase the Feeling

Lucky 23 baby. Stag bless.

#SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

Stag Spray 23

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

Headless Horsemen

#RawHoggin #unscented #MammothMafia

Austere August 2022 day 23 https://imgur.com/a/RxSUIYT

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day23

• Prep: Shower/Wash with Warm Water
• Brush: Zenith Gray Chubby (B37)
• Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid)
• Blade: Nacet (22)

• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap

• Post Shave: Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Osma Alum Block

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

Good shave today. Since beginning AA, have had no blood yet which is good, but also doing 1.5 passes. Got a good lather going today, could have shaved 3 passes with it.

RawHoggin

Austere August Day 23

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 23rd use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (23)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

Forgot to palm strop my blade and it worked out ok this morning. Super hydrated lather made the difference between pain and smoothness.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

August 23rd, 2022: Tuesday--

• Prep: warm shower with Stag bar

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

• Razor: MMOC

• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• 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

Hey guess what? Tuesday's suck as well. Work--

Stag sprays of the day!

#SubstantialStag

#RawHoggin

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 23, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (23)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

Today was the first day I dreaded using this setup. Typically I look forward to shaving, but I was just meh about it this morning.

This is a good brush, but I’m just kinda tired of it. I’ll pick it back up after AA but I need a little break from it.

The blade wasn’t as smooth as it’s been. Still got a good shave, but I’m ready to get back to my GameChanger.

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Early morning today after a long night with the kids. I was up 4x with 2 different kids and my wife remembers being up another 2-3x. Why. Just why. And, always on a day when my wife will be home with the kids by herself from just after breakfast until well after bed. I feel terrible, but what can I do.

Anyway - quick 2 pass to start a long day but it felt great.

MMOC performed well - GEM still tugging away but switching down to a 2 pass with no buffing took away a lot of splash burn so that may be the way to go the rest of the month. Sonder - great. The chill hit hard this morning with the splash and I appreciated it helping me wake up. Zenith - love. Pic 1 Pic 2.

Sonder thought of the day: Early morning risers exist. People also exist who can full on thrive on just 6 hours of sleep. Your life is as vivid as mine, but you're wrong about this being the better way. Let me sleep in an extra 2 hours and make it up in the night by staying up later. This is the way.

Go back to bed, people.

Have a good one.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• 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

With a bit over a week left, I’ve begun to ruminate over just what AA means. It began with the basic ideal of not buying more but using what you’ve already got and it slowly morphed into a themed month that the users decide for themselves. I don’t think that change is a bad thing. In fact, I believe that it’s allowed for more self expression and, in those of us with good taste and sense, a month to develop a closer relationship with the Stag. 25 sprays of the good good today.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

Aug. 23, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (23)

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

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

Shave was pretty rough today. Blade is still cutting but damn some of the ATG passes are bad. The brush is still good I am surprised that it is still shedding fairly consistently. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

https://i.imgur.com/i162SFd.jpg

August 23, 2022

Brush: Omega 10049

Razor: Rockwell 6S Plate 5

Blade: Astra SP

Lather: Southern Witchcrafts Fougere Nemeta

Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts Fougere Nemeta Splash

Post Shave: Stirling Unscented Balm

It seemed like I had too much lather left the last few days so I cut my loading by 25%. I still had plenty for my shave. More proof that the brush is breaking in nicely.

#RawHoggin

Aug. 23, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge

• Brush: Omega 20102
• Razor: Karve Bronze SB B
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (6)

• Lather: Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - The Gent - Balm

• Fragrance: Armaf - Sillage - EDP

Day 23 #RawHoggin

August 23, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (23)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

Another good shave! I’m looking forward to the month being done, but I’m happy with the equipment I chose for the month. I’ll probably use the GEM next year, too. The blade has held up reasonably well, and I haven’t had any perception of the “ultra nightmare” of “ultra-nightmare mode”.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August Day 23

• Prep: House of Mammoth Almond Leather Bath Soap
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Mire 26mm Zenith Unbleached Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• 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
•Shave 23

Thoughts for the day:
23 shaves down, 8 more to go. My skin is great. My will is waning, though. I will say this much- forget Sample September or any other such orchestrated nonsense. I need mah control back.

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 23, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
• Razor: Razorock GameChanger .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (23)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm

Today's picture only looks so-so. I think I had a reflection coming off of something that over-lit the brush and made it look washed out. Oh, well.

Tags:

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug 23, 2021 – Austere August. Day 23.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: Kesha – Praying

Another day, another good shave. The MMOC was smooth and the lather was slick today. It seems like the brush gets better every day and produces a little bit more lather every day as well. We’re 23 days in and everything is still feeling comfortable. The blade may be wearing down a little, but the end is in sight and I have no question it’ll do just fine for the next 7 days.

For today’s #sidetracked music selection, I present to you: Kesha. Yes, the same Kesha that told the world she wakes up in the morning feeling like P. Diddy, and then partied with Mr. Worldwide in Timber. This party-girl can actually sing! And sing really well. It’s always interesting to me that some artists are marketed a certain way and once they get put in that box, it’s hard for them to escape. I can’t say I would call myself a Kesha fan and never followed her career, but, like most of the world, had Tik Tok on a playlist or two in 2010. When I heard her sing “Praying” a couple years ago, I was blown away. I’ve said before, I love when an artist is alone with a piano and their voice, and while Kesha adds in some strings and background vocals, I still find this song raw and it did a great job at showcasing her truly impressive vocals.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 23, 2022 - The Stag-a-thon Continues - Austere August Day 23

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• 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

I take back everything bad that I said about Chiseled Face soaps. I've been getting some top tier lathers with this broken in boar brush. It's like they were made for each other. I don't know what it is about my badger brushes that prevent me from results like this.

#RawHoggin

See above. Really enjoying this brush/soap combo at this point in the month. I'm not sure how much more this brush can be broken in, but it will have at least 31 uses on it before I choose something else lol.

#GEMsofWisdom

It's been an interesting ride with this blade. I've had some tuggy feeling shaves in recent days, but today was super smooth with 100% 0 tugging. What gives?? The razor though is performing beautifully. Another great shave today with zero sting from the alum. I think I've mastered this thing.

Brush Day 23

Stag sprays

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 23, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (23)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum  

2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.

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

Wonderful shave. Closeness places it at the bottom end of what I would call "good", but everything else was a joy.

If delivery estimates hold, I'll receive the new microscope tomorrow afternoon. I'll try to send this microscope off with a bit of a media blitz for tomorrow morning's shave.

I felt a little more tug from the blade today, and there was the feeling of it bouncing over stubble instead of cutting it. I think that if I were to chase this, irritation would result. I don't want to go into September having to accommodate irritation left over from August.

I'm enjoyed Stag Tuesday. I hope those on the regular SOTD thread are reveling in the old man Stank® of Tabac.

Aug. 23, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (23)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

I had toyed with the idea of drawing a face around the dark spot in my soap, Nigel Thadeus Dade, but a little face surfaced on its own! I noticed it a couple days ago, but after today's excessive soap-loading (as is demanded by the ravenous and wasteful lathering method), part of it was gone.

I had noticed that the original "eye" was starting to fade before the rest surfaced. And then... well, and then the rest surfaced. Now, the original spot was Nigel Thadeus Dade, and the face that appeared surely was as well. There is continuity in all of the features, tying the original to whatever it may be at the end, but will that still the same Nigel Thadeus Dade?

This is an original thought experiment on the nature of identity that I just invented, unlike anything that has ever been considered before in the history of philosophy! I shall call it... The Face of Thadeus!

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

Aug. 23, 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(23)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol-Free)

Countdown ... 8

In the pursuit of ending the soap today, I've shaved my face and then why not I lathered again my chest and shaved armpits, chest and ... well I stopped there. I'm not a body-shaver but every man sometimes has to do sacrifices to attain his goals, it's only hair and it'll grow again.

#unscented #RawHoggin

The hog is clean and smells nice, his bristles are pretty broken in, being smooth and gentle but given enough scruff. I only have to complain about some thicker wild black hairs that resist being tamed, I think that they won't be fully broken in the 8 days left. Someone told me that unbleached boar brushes need +60 days to their full magnificence.

PigEvolution 1 2

#GEMsOfWisdom

I've bent and pulled up my nose with my free hand to shave under it, and it worked flawlessly, thanks to u/djundjila.

I've to tell that the Micromatic is a safer option than DE razors for body shaving because of the blade guards at the sides.

#sidetracked

u/Teufelskraft, I've been listening to a new band from Berlin (I'm biased all Berliner things are awesome), a girly power trio 24/7 Diva Heaven. Nothing too original but they sound fresh and young, a little overproduced like most newer bands, with a sound reminiscent of '90s grunge and stoner bands.

24/7 Diva Heaven - Bitter Lollipop

23 August 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: splash of warm water
• Brush: Zenith B33
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (23)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

2022-08-23 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower

Brush: Semogue Torga - C5

Razor: GEM MMOC version 2

Blade: GEM Stainless (23)

Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Fragrance: Issey Miyake -L'eau d'Issey pour Homme

https://imgur.com/a/g1R52iN

23rd shave of the month, everything was good.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 23, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM SS (23)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap

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

• Fragrance: Hans Hendley - Blonde

• Passes: WTG, XTG

• Coffee: Colombia, Bruselas, Huila - v: Caturra - p: 36hr cold ferment, washed twice
• Music: They Might Be Giants
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

Last week I added a few evening shaves on top of my daily Austere August shaves—using a different setup, of course.

I shave every morning, but I've also been enjoying a refreshing mentholated shave after summer training sessions at my local ~~sealed sweatbox stank sauna~~ gym. This works fine two or three times a week (totaling nine or ten shaves) because I spend most of my lathering time in the bowl to give my skin a break, use an extra-soft motherlode knot, and stick to one or two passes with a mild razor. And if my face starts to feel a little beat up, I do without the extra shave and save myself a few minutes in the evening.

However, that routine did not combine well with Austere Hogust or #GEMsOfWisdom. The MMOC can be used comfortably for a daily shaver—many of us are proving that for the second year in a row ([brushes shoulders dramatically])—but it's aggressive. Combined with an extrememly scrubby boar brush, it provides maximal exfoliation, and I noticed my skin feeling aggravated after adding another shave in less than 24 hours.

I'll stick with one shave a day until Austere August wraps up.

Date	Soap Before (g)	Soap After (g)	Usage (g)	Loading
8/1	235.5	232.5	3	◊
8/2	232.5	228.0	4.5	◊
8/3	228.0	227.0	1	◊
8/4	227.0	223.3	3.7	◊
8/5	223.3	220.3	3	40 seconds
8/6	220.3	218.8	1.5	30 seconds
8/7	218.8	217.9	0.9	40 swirls
8/8	217.9	216.5	1.4	40 swirls
8/9	216.5	215.9	0.6	40 swirls
8/10	215.9	215.6	0.3	50 swirls
8/11	215.6	213.9	1.7	60 swirls
8/12	214.7	213.0	1.7	60 swirls
8/13	213.0	211.5	1.5	60 swirls
8/14	211.5	210.5	1	60 swirls
8/15	210.5	209.0	1.5	60 swirls
8/16	209.0	207.2	1.8	60 swirls
8/17	207.2	205.9	1.3	~62 swirls
8/18	205.9	204.4	1.5	60 swirls
8/19	204.4	203.3	1.1	60 swirls
8/20	203.3	202.8	0.5	70 swirls
8/21	202.8	202.0	0.8	60 swirls
8/22	202.0	200.5	1.5	60 swirls
8/23	200.5	◊	◊	60 swirls

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

Yesterday's gospel music blurbs reminded me of a favorite song with "angel" in the title.

They Might Be Giants is one of those bands that's recorded so much music—much of it singular and quirky—that it's hard to recommend just one song. I'm certainly not going to argue "She's An Angel" is representative of their larger catalog; this is the band known for nerdy high-concept poetry masquerading as kid's songs, for operating a telephone service that "would pick up calls and play back a song in the place of an outgoing message," and for jamming a suite of 21 micro-songs into the back half of a full-length album. If you're only going to know one single, it should probably be "Birdhouse in Your Soul"—that song is exceptional and clever on multiple levels.

Nevertheless, I have a soft spot for "She's An Angel," from TMBG's eponymous first album. The lyrics contain the requisite TMBG weirdness ("I met someone at the dog show", "The Shriners loaned us cars / we raced up and down the sidewalk twenty thousand million times"), and manage to wrestle with some interesting questions. The instrumentation jumps around, starting with a series of fat, ominous synth cords before swooping guitars unexpectedly carry the song into lighthearted, carefree territory (including a lot of accordion). And the catchy refrain really makes the most of John Linnell's scrunched, almost geeky vocal style. It's a fun survey of a lot of what makes They Might Be Giants great beyond their well-known singles.

YouTube: They Might Be Giants - "She's An Angel"

Aug. 23, 2022 - 23.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Omega 10048
• Razor: Henson Ti22++
• Blade: Gillette SuperSharp (3)

• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Daemon Splash

Todays shave was fairly good, nothing major to report although every so often I get a shave with the Henson that feels like it isn't really doing anything. Hensons are mild razors anyway, but normally I can just about feel them working, today I couldn't really feel anything. It's clearly still cut hair - Odd I've "cleaned" out the soap puck a bit, and made it quite a bit more messy and now regret my decisions.

RawHoggin

August 23rd

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (23)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

I have hit the same stage last year where I just began to hate the Gem Blade, I'm sure it's because head stubble is coarser than chin stubble so the blade blunts faster.

Aug. 23, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 23

• Prep: Proraso Green Preshave
• Brush: Zenith 28mm Boar
• Razor: Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
• Blade: Kai Captain Pink Mild (42)

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

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

I struggle to find something to write - everything is the same: the blade still sucks, the brush is still good, mosquitos are still disgusted by my smell.

The urge to get another blade was weaker today than yesterday. This has nothing to do with the blade, but probably more with the podcast about emperor Marcus Aurelius I was listening to.

Good night everyone, and may the end of the month be quick.

#RawHoggin

#stillalive

#truepath

Aug. 23, 2022

• Prep: Man I don’t even do anything I just put the lather on my face
• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (23)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Soap

• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Barrbarr - Aftershave

#RawHoggin

August 23rd, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Mammoth GEM Wisdom

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (23)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Before numero 23 and After

Shave today was back to a bit tuggy. At least there was no blood, and it stayed irritation free. Second pass was not as tuggy, but still the feedback is getting crunchy again. 8 to go, still no clue how some people are able to go much beyond the 31 shaves on a blade. If I could have a blade stay like this one felt around shaves 6 through 15, then I’d keep it longer. Alas that hasn’t been the case for me, I doubt I will keep it past next Wednesday. Getting close to the point where breaking in a new blade will take longer than trying to last through the month.

AA Day 23: Tuesday Stag Blues

• Prep: CeraVe hydrating oil cleanser, cold water
• Brush: Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
• Razor: KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
• Blade: KAI Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - shaving soap
• Post-Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• additional care: Osma alum block; Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - ASB
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley of Ashes - EDP
• AA tags: #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

A stressful day yet again. Turns out my mom actually got Covid - at least the second rapid test I gave her in case her cold symptoms worsen seems to be positive now. Weird, as of Sunday she still tested negative on the first one I conducted with her. Bummer if she actually got it - means no visits for a few days.

What better thing to distract me from my troubles than a Stag night shave? Right, nothing. The boar brush with its well developed split hairs is now simply easy to use. Took my time to lather with it until it was nice and slick.

Unfortunately two weepers since I actually used my left hand more. Osma alum to the rescue!

Sidetracked
Skullflower - Solar Anus

Despite the funny song name, Skullflower is heavy music: a mix of drone doom and noise played with traditional rock instruments. I like the mental image this song creates for me: a lone man wandering through the desert in blazing hot temperatures. He walks slowly, stumbling a bit and has trouble keeping himself upright due to the exhaustion. Nevertheless, in his eyes you can see the fierce determination. He goes slowly, but won't give up. A perfect metaphor for how I'll push through the last few days of AA.

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA - Day 23

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (23)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

The brush is amazing for face lather now. Getting softer with each use. Creates a good lather for 2 pass shave. Blade is still doing great for 2 quick passes. Slight burns when applying the after shave and the balm things everything in check.

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August Day 23

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 23 complete. 8 shaves left. Shave was much better this morning than yesterday. I experienced some tugging yesterday and I thought I was in for a horrible last stretch. Today was a decent shave, albeit still on a blade that I would've normally tossed. I do feel like I am not getting as close as shaves anymore, a three pass shave where I took my time left me a bit disappointed in regards to closeness. I am still missing variety, but I have a boost of excitement as we approach the finish line. There are a couple of surprises at the end of this for the worthy. Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA 23

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (29)

• 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.

Earlier morning shave, so I only had about 10 hours between shaves, so a lot of going through the motions. The boar remains similarly soft to the past few shaves, with the occasional hair that still likes to make its presence known. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

August 23rd, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (23)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 6/10

Smoothness: 7/10

7 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Thinking back to when I first started, I'm still getting better shaves. Also, really enjoying this brush now.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

Aug. 23, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 23

• Prep: Warm water to the face
• Brush: Omega 10098
• Razor: Maggard Razors - V3 Head
• Blade: Voskhod (5)

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

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Aftershave

I almost forgot to do my #RawHoggin post. That would’ve sucked.

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 23

• Brush: Semogue2000
• Razor: GC84
• Blade: Voskhod (8)

• Lather: Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Guy Noir - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. - Haverford - Eau de Toilette

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (92)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Had to bust out the new bottle of aftershave today. Other than that nothing new to report.

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Tuesday!

Stag Spray 23 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

August 23, 2022

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Burma Shave Boar 🐗
• Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
• Blade: Feather ProGuard 23rd use
• Lather: Stirling Sheep
• Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
• Fragrance: Halloween Man

Three passes tonight. ATG felt fine tonight so maybe the blade smoothed out a little. Blade felt sharp and rough in some patches so we shall see tomorrow. Will be happy for a new blade and new scents by the end of the month though. Hope everyone has a great shave tomorrow.

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

Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (23)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 23 - Quickie 2 passer this morning. Nothing new to report.

The Brush: The brush continues to feel awesome. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor Another smooth shave with no cuts, nicks or irritation. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 6

The Soap and Aftershave Nothing new to report.

Day 23 Puck Picture

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (23)

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

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

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

Another great two pass shave.

At this point it's a race. Which will come first, August 31, or my brush handle falling apart causing the knot to fall into the sink while shaving.

I would put money on the brush catastrophe happening first, but I'm going to try to get it to the finish line.

Aug. 23, 2022 - Day 23

• Prep: Warm water rinse
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (23)

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

• 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

Night shave. I blame u/J33pGuy13 for distracting me, making this post late.

I didn’t have time to shave this morning. So a night shave it was. I figured this dark picture represents the shave time and the future for this blade and razor. Tomorrow’s shave is going to suck. This one had some discomfort but the blade is pretty much dead to me.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

August 23, 2022 - AA Day 23

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

• Razor: Dubl Duck 5/8 Satinedge

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Solid shave this evening with no real complaints aside from catching the edge of my previous cut being in a bit of a hurry. I think at this point I'm really wondering if I'll get to see the bottom of the tub of Z over the next 7 days. I guess it's holding up well for a month long challenge, but for some reason I didn't expect to see the bottom of a brand new tub.

Challenge Hashtags: #unscented #RawHoggin

Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 23

• Prep: Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.

• Brush: Zenith B33

• Razor: Cloud Shavette

• Blade: Cloud whatever that blade it is (28)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Sego balm

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

Almost 80% done. Blade is going strong, brush is magnificent, and lather comes by naturally.

Hail Stag!

-#Stagposting

-#SubstantialStag

-#RawHoggin

Aug. 23, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (23)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

So so so ready for different gear. While the OCMM isn't bad, it certainly isn't something I'd want for a daily driver. Boar brush has been alright, but I'm missing the soft cushion of my synths. Stag isn't bad, but when it's 4 sprays, it can be a bit much.

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE

Day 23 of Austere August! Staggin on!!

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

• Razor: Filarmonica Double temple 14

• Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag

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

​

photo

So damn late.... Shave was great, no complaints!

• #RawHoggin
• #SubstantialStag