Aug. 1, 2022 - Austere august easy peesy

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

I went through a whole lot of turmoil choosing what I wanted to use for a month straight. Then u/cowzilla3 came to the rescue. Still, I went through a lot of thinking until I decided that this was the way to go. A month is a long time. But for me it just makes sense; make it easy and not try and buy something else that I may or may not like. This honestly was extremely needed after entertaining since Friday through tomorrow morning. I could barely think tonight. Hopefully, the hardest part is going to be sending and retrieving some blades via mail so I can use them while traveling.

And oh boy am I late to this party - 562 comments. Wowza.

UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 2, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Shave 2 with the setup. Another night shave because when it’s everyday, I have to fit it in whenever I can. Undersoaped, underhydrated lather today. And you know what? I lived to tell the day because #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 3, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Shannon's Soaps - Bay Patchouli Grapefruit - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Shave three. Enjoyable. I got some time to read a few shaves today and my choice is getting better and better. Chapped cheeks that smell of a pigs loins is not my cup of tea. I’ll stick with the undeniably good scent of a squished orange. Although the amount of Sonder user is making me slightly jealous. Maybe I’ll dive into the MMOC at some point but I think I’ll choose to have a reprieve if I can’t do it every day. The benefits of /#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 4, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Another great late night shave. Really don’t think Nordost could ever get old - it’s just smells so good and can be used for any weather. Including the 101 degrees we had in the northeast today. Still have to have a hot shower though. For some reason, I really dislike cold ones. It was a relaxing night where I finally got around to making a beet shrub which I’ve been meaning to do. What is that you ask? Let me tell you and give you the recipe. A shrub is an acidulated, sweetened nectar of the drinking gods. Mix with liquor, top with seltzer, and add a fragrant herb for a great drink. Over ice of course.

Onto the shrub: roast 5 medium beets and blend with 0.5 cup of white vinegar and 0.5 cup apple cider vinegar. Strain. Add 0.75-1 cup sugar, teaspoon of salt, and teaspoon of peppercorns. Leave in a mason jar on the counter for a day, strain again. Ready to go or place in the fridge. Wait a week and the flavor develops even more.

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 5, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Off this weekend. Going to be great; just like this easy setup.

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 6, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Another day, another affirmation of my august choice. No thoughts required while shaving. No day to day brush comparisons (or stank). No irritation. Living the life.

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 7, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Heading out to a beer and music brewery block party. Can’t get more /#UNCHALLENGE-ing than this. Enjoy the rest of the weekend everyone.

/#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 8, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Sometime I’ll try to get on a better schedule. The late night early morning is a killer. /#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 9, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Another day, another orange shave. I really like it. but I have to admit I am getting the itch to 1) break into soaps I have not yet tried 2) get more soaps. I’ll just love vicariously by opening up and smelling the unusable AA soaps.

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 10, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

A third of the way there. I’ve been playing around with making the lather different consistencies to change it up. It’s surprising, I feel whatever I do it’s a pretty similar shave. Perhaps it’s the foolproof omnibus base, perhaps it’s my lack of technique overall. Regardless, I would have to call it an /#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 11, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Another great day today. I was off so hiked, cooked, and pulled a good amount of oriental bittersweet from an area of my yard. Will update in 3 or 4 days if I am covered in poison ivy. Here’s to hoping no.

/#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 12, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Getting my gear ready to travel for next week for a wedding. Not going to lie, didn’t feel like shaving today. Once again, u/cowzilla3 coming in clutch with #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 13, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

A nice shave after mowing the crab grass. Not much different than the past few days. I’m hopefully going to shave in the mornings in the second half of next week so I can smell the soap longer. Late night shaving is the one factor that prevents me from using scented aftershaves/balms more often. I can’t sleep as well and also don’t get to enjoy I’m the scent while I’m asleep. With the current job, probably won’t change my routine. Would need something where I’m not up so early, a welcome change I would think (except for the wallet). #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 14, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Nothing new today. More nordost, more great shaving.

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 15, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

As I sat on the side of my bed after shaving, while brushing my teeth, I had a 2-3 minute reflection on how AA is such a foil to the LG. It’s my first time for both this year which makes it stand out more in contrast I think. One month I was aching to try more and more; another it’s a monotonous task. Both have their benefits for sure, but I love trying scents and bouncing between them based on my mood, the weather, what time it is, and what I plan on doing next. The LG is like hanging out with your unpredictable friends at the bar on a Wednesday wing night while AA is the pizza night with Netflix. I like them both for what they are. I long for one while doing the other. #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 16, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Confirmation today by mailed blades are safely where I am traveling so I can stop worrying if I was going to be unable to complete AA. So it’s a good day.

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 17, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

I was off today (working the evening shift) because of car troubles and could not get into work. Then I was called in later today to work from home because it was not filled. During my brief interlude, I enjoyed relaxing. Sleeping in, late breakfast, long walk to the dog park instead of driving, and a relaxing shave. I got to smell hints of orange for a couple hours. I miss days like these, albeit mine was cut short. Just a day in the life of #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 18, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Shaved in the wee hours of the morning because I know I’m not going to have any time today; at the airport as I type. Relaxing? Not really. Just a task. I can’t wait to use any other soap. #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 19, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Flight was good, recovery of blades today that were mailed, and a quick shave because of a wedding event tonight. #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 20, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Pre-wedding hotel shave. I usually use a bowl and varying degrees of the GUTL but today, face lather. Smooshed some soap into the hand soap holder thing in the hotel room and went straight to the face after loading. Still think I like the bowl. 3 pass, not BBS and probably couldn’t even pass for DFS but I didn’t really nick myself which is just fine with me. /#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 21, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Did not want to shave today. Day after the wedding. One pass and done. Can’t wait to fly back home. #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 22, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

I am unbelievably happy to be back in my own house, my own bathroom, showering with my own shampoo, etc. No more mediocre travel shaves either. Today was great. Maybe I figured out how to lather, maybe it was my own shower, or maybe I just used more soap. Regardless, I’m happy. /#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 23, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

A little over a week to go. I used a boat load (scuttle load) of soap today. So I washed my face with the leftover because why not. It smells good. #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 24, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Another night. I can’t wait to use something new. #\UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 25, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (4)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Countdown is on. Had a couple soaps come in today so have to live vicariously through sniffing them while In the packaging. #\UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 26, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (5)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Almost forgot to post today. Would hate to make it this far to screw it up now. Decided to take the blade further than usual, I hardly ever go past 3 shaves. Have a good weekend everyone. #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 27, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Getting close……

Squeezed a shave in before heading to work and after baking a sourdough dough loaf. Getting fairly routine and mundane so September is going to be like Christmas for me. /#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 28, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Shaved early today because I was planning on making hot sauce. If you think aftershave or alum has a burn……moral of the story is use gloves. Unfortunately the farm was out of peppers so another day. I also was noticing my face was itching a little and realized I didn’t use the balm immediately after shaving. I have been using it after shaving for months so forgot what it was like without it. So on it went and good to go. Last day of early shaving until the end of August due to my schedule. I’m going to try to squeeze an early one in on the last day so I can feel like I’m participating a little more, 10-11pm posts aren’t the best for discussion. And of course, #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 29, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Did a lot of work and still have a lot to go today, shaving was nice to break it up. Something to look forward to, a pit stop if you will. Used an absurd amount of soap today - good thing I’ll probably never see the bottom of this tub. /#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 30, 2022

• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

An uneventful day and shave. The penultimate. #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 31, 2022

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Penelli HIBRUSH synthetic
• Razor: Karve SS CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (4)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Nordost - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

A whole month of the same easy setup. This was rough, even on the most unchallenging settings. But, I did learn a few things.

1) I’m never doing this again, probably until next year. 2) Nordost smells good 3) So does all my other stuff, and it deserves to be used. Using the same thing everyday is not why I continued to accumulate things; it’s the thrill of a new product. 4) I need to use more soap because a full tub will last me an incredibly long time. This is the first time I actually saw a visible change compared to switching around soaps every day. 5) There are are a lot of raw hogging, MMOC wielding, scentless using, stag drinking masochists around this neck of the woods. Congrats to everyone who completed the various challenges.

Here’s to hoping that I didn’t screw up a hashtag over the past month, #UNCHALLENGE