Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 27

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (27)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (96)
• 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

Early morning shave before packing up Djunior and my wife for a day at the miniature rail road park. Funny how an enthusiastic toddler can get me excited for the oddest weekend plans.

The blade is doing its best to have in there, and it's doing an ok job, but it's kinda obvious at this point that at 96 shaves is a bit past it's prime. Still, I look clean shaven and there's no irritation, which I count as a win at this point. I think the large blade exposure of the MMOC is saving the day here. I could imagine a less efficient razor would make this situation difficult.

The brush is hoggy perfection, it's remarkable how its tips softened, but the overall shape stayed pretty much the same ❤️

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 27, 2022 - Austere August 27- The Light Beckons

• Prep: Cool shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

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

• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

#GEMsofWisdom A blade flip and smoothish shave with little feedback from the splash. Hallelujah. I've grown to hate this soap, however, and will be ready to toss it on September 1.

#RawHoggin The steroid-fed 6-year-old of a brush is cruising right along. I love the fact that this brush has only shed a couple of hairs since Day 1.

#Sidetracked I'm offering up my early contender for heavy album of 2022 today, Kardashev's Liminal Rite. I have not been a fan of this band's past offerings. Their albums just never moved me, but then Liminal Rite came out and it floored me immediately. First, the production is stellar. Second, the songs feel epic but aren't necessarily of epic length. Third, this album has the perfect mix of clean vocal parts mixed in amongst the heavy, growly parts. This album has been a regular part of my listening rotation since it was released in June and I don't see it dropping out of rotation soon. So to u/Teufelskraft and the gang, here's my addition to your Saturday listening- https://kardashev.bandcamp.com/album/liminal-rite?from=search&search_item_id=3390114938&search_item_type=a&search_match_part=%3F&search_page_id=2149062308&search_page_no=0&search_rank=1&logged_in_menubar=true

Off to teach an aerial yoga class. Have a great day all!

Austere August Day 27

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 27th use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (27)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

A decent shave with one little weeper on the corner of my mouth. The blade seems to have smoothed out a touxh towards the end. I'll take any help I can get.

4 shaves left till freedom

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

August 27, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (61)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Just a few more days to go until I will switch things up. It feels likely that I will keep using the brush and soap. I have really grown to like both more than I expected.

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug 27, 2021 – Austere August. Day 27.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: Elton John - Saturday Night's Alright

Good, uneventful shave today. MMOC did a great job and the Zenith is a tamed beast that regularly gives me a wonderful lather and feels good on my face.

Busy day today, so I don’t have time to write much about today’s #sidetracked music selection. But as the final Saturday of Austere August, this song seemed very appropriate and Elton John deserves a little bit of recognition with my music selections.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

August 27 2022

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (30)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo

Three passes in the books, one shave closer to the return of morning indecision.

#MammothMafia

#GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 27, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• 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

An interesting thing happened today. As I was rinsing out the Stag tub, I realized that I could already see the beginning of the end in the middle of the tub. Perhaps if I’d have used a synthetic and not had such a heavy hand, it would’ve lasted longer. Hell, I suppose I’ll keep using this even after the month is over until I get another kill on my belt. It’s still been such a great soap that I don’t want to dissuade anyone on the fence about trying it. Just don’t use it to break in a brand new boar brush and you should be fine. Everything else went off without a hitch. I went with 25 sprays for shits and giggles, but this is not what I was referring to u/Enndeegee. That’s tomorrow.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

~~#RawHoggin~~

Aug. 27, 2022 - Saturday is the best day (for shaving, of course)

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Another effortless albeit scratchy shave. Given my self DQ from raw hoggin' I soaked my brush for the duration of my shower and it made a huge difference in both the soft feel and the latherability. It will not be an issue to finish the month with both style and panache. Oh, and I finally broke through to the bottom of the soap tub this morning. I feel accomplished.

Happy Saturday!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 27, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap

• Post Shave: Thayers - Unscented - Toner

2 pass shave with precision load.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

August 27th, 2022 - Mammoth GEM Hog

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Brush Before and After

Happy Saturday and the end is in sight. The GEM is getting very tuggy, and first pass is loud. It is still cutting the hairs, but if it tugs a bit harder, it will start plucking them like an Epilady on the face. Am I getting any wiser? Obviously not, as the blade is telling me it is time to let go, but I am going to push on to hit 31. I tried palm stropping to see if I could get anything back, but I couldn’t tell. I didn’t feel a burr on the edge, and really at this point it needs honing to bring more sharpness. After the shave I saw my Game Changer taunting me, “Why torture your face? I’m much much smoother and have plenty of edge left on my blade.”

The shave was not very close, but touch ups or buffing is just going to lead to irritation, razor burn, and maybe blood. At least no blood shed in the last 3 weeks, but that is about the best I can say. I gave myself a few extra dashes of splash today. No real burning, just the normal stinging of the alcohol that quickly goes away. As always, the balm just feels nice.

Might be headed to the pool today. Haven’t gone swimming this summer, so better get a trip in before it closes for the season.

August 27, 2022: 27 Club Stag Edition

• Prep: warm splash of water
• Brush: Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
• Razor: GEM OCMM (gen 2)
• Blade: GEM Stainless (28)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Hard to believe this is almost over! I enjoy the daily Stag, though I'm excited to return to a different razor and a new blade.

Have an excellent Saturday, y'all!

Day 27, 4 spritzes

. #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 27, 2022 - Stag Stack Saturday - Austere August Day 27

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• 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 can see the light at the end of the tunnel and I'm really getting the itch to use something else -_-

4 MORE DAYS

#RawHoggin

This brush is pillow soft now and a real pleasure to use. I'm still excited to get back to my badgers though.

#GEMsofWisdom

My lather was a little thin today so I think that's why it felt tuggier than yesterday. I find myself using short, quick buffing strokes when the shave feels like this. It seems to be more effective with a dull blade and today's results bear that out. A BBS finish if I do say so myself.

Brush Day 27 - I gave up on the album since I was away from a desktop or laptop for a week. The imgur mobile app is so poorly designed that you can't add pics to an album on it, only on an actual computer. So stupid.

Stag sprays

Aug. 27, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (27)

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

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

Ok shave today. Not terribly uncomfortable for some reason today. I will be glad to pull out my new DE and shave on the first though. Brush is good although I am having a tiny bit of an issue picking up quite enough soap for a complete shave and I am at a loss as to the reason. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

https://i.imgur.com/qaO24od.jpg

Aug 27, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 27

• 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 (27)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

Instead of measuring load times for the soap, I'm getting to the point where I can tell by the look and texture of the proto-lather whether I'll have enough for the shave. I am still surprised by how soft this knot has become and how well it creates lather. This blade feels extremely rough, but somehow it's still performing at its best, giving efficiently close, albeit uncomfortable, shaves.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 4.5/5

August 27th

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

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

Aug. 27, 2022 - AA Day 27

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (27)

• 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

• Music: Tedeschi Trucks Band - Midnight in Harlem

Another day, another great shave.

Kids are watching Bluey, so I could take my time. I normally shave with a DE, and one-and-done my blades (mostly for safety reasons- I don't want to run the risk of one of my daughters "pretending" to shave) - so I'm amazed at how well this blade is doing at shave 27. And this isn't even a PTFE blade...

Re-knotted brush is holding steady. Only 4 more shaves, and I can put this handle out of its misery.

Trying to decide what is on deck for September 1.... I'm thinking Pomona...

August 27, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (27)
• 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)

I took more time with today's shave, used slightly more pressure into the face and got a very good shave. This was an experiment. I'm glad it worked, and did not result in any irritation, but this will not become my standard practice for dealing with a dull blade.

Today's microscope photo is at a higher magnification than before. It shows the same amount of edge wear, and the edge, or lack thereof, has felt the same to me for the last week. It is very difficult to pull sharp focus at this magnification, because depth of field is tiny. You're either in, or out, of focus. I've done everything I could to align the focal plane with the plane of the target, but I'm not getting the crisp focus I expect; regardless of magnification. I'll be in touch with the manufacturer on Monday. As part of playing around with this thing, I got a pretty good image of a fresh Nacet. u/sgrdddy might enjoy this.

I've commented on this before, but I'm really enjoying the personality of my boar brush. I expected it to feel a bit like a badger once broken in, and while mine has very soft tips by now it has its own feel. I thoroughly enjoy building a lather with it each morning.

Hope you're enjoying your weekend!

August 27, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (27)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

Didn’t soak the brush this time— just got it wet and let it sit for a few minutes. Great shave, lots of lather, blade’s still good— nothing else to say.

Brush pic up in a little bit.

Why say lot word when few word do trick.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 27, 2022 ~ Austere August ~ Lather-Face

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

Countdown ... 4

Yesterday, the mindless loading strategy has worked I wasted 6.37gr, today I didn't go so far and I have been more conservative loading the brush, the soap's death ring it's more evident.

I have made more bristles photos, but the write-up will come tomorrow doggies demand my attention.

#unscented

#RawHoggin

PigEvolution 1 2

#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 27, 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 (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP

Every day tags: #MammothMafia #GEMsofWisdom

Almost done! It’s been a grind of a week at work and got to enjoy a very nice mid day shave after a morning at the pool!

Aug. 27, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM SS (27)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap

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

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Eau de Parfum

• Passes: WTG, XTG, ATG

• Coffee: Peru, Cajamarca - v: Caturra, Typica, Pache - p: Washed
• Music: Why? - Alopecia
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

I loaded with a slightly wetter brush today and it picked up plenty of soap. Yesterday's 1.9 grams of soap felt like the perfect amount for three passes of creamy lather (or four of slick, but thin lather). I bet I picked up more soap today, because it took longer to hydrate than I'd like.

The shave was good. I'm attending a wedding this afternoon, and throwing on a suit for the first time in ages, so I did three passes to achieve a very close shave.

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	199.2	1.3	60 swirls
8/24	199.2	197.9	1.3	65 swirls
8/25	197.9	196.3	1.6	80 swirls
8/26	196.3	194.4	1.9	80 swirls
8/27	194.4	◊	◊	80 swirls

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

I don't know how exactly to describe the sound WHY? achieved on 2018's Alopecia. It's exceptionally clever indie rock, filtered through a hipster's arch sensibilities, always hinting at the alternative rap founder Yoni Wolf performed under the same name solo. Despite highly unusual verse and precise melodies, it manages the jangling, rickety feel of music composed just enough to keep it from falling apart into a garage-band's unkempt tinkering. "These Few Presidents" is all those things, and exceptionally catchy for it. Some of the lyrics here are memorable turns of phrase, like the namesake "these few presidents / frowning in my pocket", and the kinda-sorta refrain "Even though I haven't seen you in years / yours is a funeral I'd fly to from anywhere.. That line stands out for its duality; is it sweet and wistful or cold and cruel? Maybe it's both.

Bandcamp: WHY? - "These Few Presidents"

August 27th, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (27)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 6/10

Smoothness: 5/10

5 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Blade still cutting hair, but leaving slight stubble.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

2022-08-27 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (27)
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/vSfQVuS

27th shave. The blade works fine, no problem getting 31+ shaves out of it. The brush is awesome as is the Sonder.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 27, 2022 - Austere August Day 27

• 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 (27)

• 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
•Shave 24
•Shave 25
•Shave 26
•Shave 27

Thoughts for the day:
Four more shaves... 🤖

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 27, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (27)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

Flipped my blade today just for kicks and giggles. Not sure if it was placebo effect, but it actually felt better than the past few shaves. This will probably be the last challenge I participate in that requires using the same blade all month. I like the idea of using the same gear all month, but I like to enjoy my shaves, and using an uncomfortable blade just ain’t it. With that being said, I’ve came this far so I’m gonna finish out the month.

The brush is broken in and feeling good.

Aug. 27, 2022 - AA Day 27

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1305
• Razor: GEM Open Comb Micromatic
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

SubstantialStag

GEMSofWisdom

Another zero-irritation shave despite the wearing blade. Four shaves left and lots of soap left to make it to the end and the Stag tub kill. Long live the Stag.

Sprays for Saturday

Aug. 27, 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 (27)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 27 - Nice 2 pass shave to round out the day. Nothing new to report. Brush is still awesome, blade is still cutting and no blood loss.

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

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor A smooth, 2 pass shave with no cuts, nicks or irritation. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 10

The Soap and Aftershave Already trying to figure out which soap I will be using first once this whole thing is over.

Day 27 Puck Picture

Aug. 27, 2022 - AA Day 27

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Eau de Toilette

Phew - almost missed this post. I shaved several hours ago and didn't have time to write it up and then just spaced it right before bed. That would have been a major bummer.

But, I made it. Shave was excellent. I am almost to the bottom of the tub of Sonder - I think I'll be seeing that sneaky little mammoth through the bottom middle tomorrow or Monday. I doubt I'll have to willpower to push on through and kill the tub anytime soon, the rest of my den needs some love (as I'm sure you all understand, especially you unscented weirdos). I'm still really happy with this scent and so glad I chose it - I'm not dying every time I use it by any means. I like the scent, it's just the rest of my den stares at me longingly every time I shave.

Same thing for brushes. The B34 Pic 1 Pic 2 is a lather machine and this evening whipped up a storm. Creamy, soft, wet - perfect for a 27 use blade to mow down some decent stubble. It's great, but, I want variety.

Razors and blades are where I'm really looking forward to a shift, though. I like the MMOC with the GEM. Permanent addition. But - well, I miss the other razors. And - this thing is still cutting like a dream, the tugginess has all but disappeared somehow, it's just that my shaves are not lasting very long. I shaved at 5PM - ish and I'll have a stache shadow in the morning - which is annoying. I don't want to shave twice a day, but I prefer to go to bed without a pokey face. In any event, the pair performed well this evening and I only had one little nick on my chin that I noticed later. I thought it was a near perfect shave to be honest, but the splash burn also told me that I'm probably pressing way too hard with this dull blade. Thankfully, synthetic cooling to the rescue.

Sonder though of the day: I wonder if Sally ever felt threatened when Lightning took Cruz Ramirez under his wing. You know, younger flashy car. I bet not. Sally was confident in their relationship and was trusting, as she should have been. Lightning new he'd somehow landed a car way out of his league and wouldn't do anything silly to jeopardize that. And, as we see all through Cars 3, the relationship is strictly professional. Cruz became almost a daughter to McQueen and he was so proud when she finally passed him on that old dirt track, just like he'd done to his old mentor, the late, great, Doc Hudson. If Cars has anything to say about sonder, it's that sometimes people invest in us, and that's really cool. But investing in others - now that's even cooler. Go make someone else's life better - not because you have to, just because it's fun. You never know what might happen - maybe you'll be the inspiration, motivation, and training they need to go out and get that Dinoco sponsorship and their whole life with change.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 27, 2022 - AA Day 27

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (96)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I think I just have to accept that BBS may not happen again until September. The blade isn't uncomfortable but it certainly isn't cutting as well as it should.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday!

Stag Spray 27 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 27, 2022 - Day 27: You spin my head right round

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (27)

• 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 am happy that I still like Fú Dào! I have a second tub but I think I’m going to survive AA with the same tub I started.

I hate this blade. How the heck could you possibly be ending the month with 100 shave on the same blade!? Preposterous! I think I might get just as good a shave if I were using my pocket knife. I’m ready for a new blade. It’s not a good experience. I get a decently smooth shave, but it is uncomfortable.

The brush is fine, I don’t know how much use it will get after AA.

Edit to add brush break in album part 2

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 27, 2022 - AA 27

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (33)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

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

Break in album with SOTD in title.

Nice shave this evening. I’m still feeling some effects of poor decision making last night with some coworkers and cocktails. Had lather literally flying off the brush and landing sink side, so that’s probably a good sign of hydration. The occasional scratchy boar fibers do seem to be few and farther between, meaning I’ve seemingly noticed the biggest changes about 6, 15, and now 27 shaves on FWIW. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 27, 2022 - AA - Day 27

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (27)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

An late evening shave today. The brush is very nice now. Getting softer each day. Just need to load heavier than normal and it will create amazing lather. The blade is still able to cut through with no issues as i still do quick passes. Slight burns when applying aftershave and the balm keeps everything in check.

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 27, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

Lets go! So close to the end! 5 Stag sprays starting Monday. That's a lotta Stag.

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 27, 2022 - Austere August Day 27

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 27 in the books. Blade is still going strong. Brush is still great. Can’t wait for a couple more days…

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Evidently I posted this day's on the wrong day. So I'm putting this here, showing that the post was made within any relevant time limit. Glancing at the relevant rule sets, I see that the requirement to make the post on the relevant day (which I clearly did) did not also come with a requirement to make said post on the relevant day's thread, so...

/u/semaj3000 /u/EldrormR /u/rocketk455

Aug. 27, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

I'll be surprised if I don't break through the bottom tomorrow. If not, it'll definitely be Monday. Against the light, you can see the ring and lines of text on the sticker on the bottom of the jar. Not only that, but another little melanoma-lookin' spot has surfaced. Don't worry, Nigel, we'll get that removed tout de suite.

Four days left, right guys? Why do we do this to ourselves? Four more days until a fresh blade. Four more days and I no longer need to lather like a troglodyte. Come the 1st, I'll see how this brush fares with a civilized lather.

Oh, and four more days until scents! Did I forget that shaving used to involve wonderful smells? That can't be a good sign...

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia