u/curbside_champ's SOTDs for challenge 'UnChallenge 2022'

Aug. 1, 2022 - Austere August Sonder

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Being fairly new to this, and admittedly having jumped head first down the rabbit hole. I’m really glad to start Austere August. I have been rotating soaps, brushes, and blades since I started using them and, while I truly enjoy the variety, I’m not sure I’ve really got any one specific piece in my setup dialed in. So with that in mind I got myself some HoM Sonder.

I have used HoM soap before, but I trusted other uses on this scent and started a simpler (easier) path to better shaves. I must say I am quite happy with the decision to pick up Sonder. To me, the scent is a fairly delicate, clean citrus. It strikes a nice balance that is not overly powerful, yet not so subdued that you wonder if you shaved at all. The most pleasant surprise for me came in the aftershave. I blindly bought the accompanying splash and had no idea it was mentholated (synthetic), you can imagine my surprise, but it really fit the fragrance well. I’m quite sure this will be an enjoyable month.

Tags: #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August - Day 2

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

It’s been months since I used the same product twice in a row, so it was a little strange to use the same soap again this morning. I assume by day 31 I’ll either be used to it, or completely insane. Either way I’m still enjoying the Sonder. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 3, 2022 - Austere August Day 3

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26 mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

What can I say, another day, another Sonder. I do feel like my lather was a little better today than the past 2 days. Who would’ve guessed you can improve through repetition. I also had the joy of one of the ladies in my office telling me that I smelled nice yesterday. Honestly the first time one of my coworkers has even noticed the scent of my soap/aftershave as I don’t have a bottle of the frag. Sonder working wonders.

#MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 4, 2022 - August Austere Day 4

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nothing too special to report with todays shave. I did make the rookie mistake of accidentally getting some of the aftershave on and past my lips, and I can assure you all it doesn’t taste great. Sonder was and has continued to be a good choice as I finish up my work week. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 5, 2022 - August Austere Day 5

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Another beautiful day of Sonder shaving. I’m beginning to feel a little like it’s Groundhog Day, but at least it’s a good shave. Ready for the weekend and a little relaxation.
#MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 6, 2022 - August Austere Day 6

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

So today I went a little heavy handed loading my brush and ended up with more lather in my bowl than I needed. Not wanting to waste such a beautiful creation I called my young son (5) in and asked if he would like to try shaving. As expected the idea of shaving like dad really excited him, but having instilled a healthy respect for a razor blade he was a little worried about injury. Of course the real beauty of DE razor in this situation is the ability to remove the blade and allow my child to “shave” off the lather with no fear of injury. Nothing better than including your children. Happy Saturday all. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 7, 2022 - August Austere Day 7

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nice Sonder shave after some early morning yard work. Gotta get that stuff done early around here before it get over 100 degrees. Needless to say the cooling action in the aftershave was especially nice to have. 1 week down, just gotta stay strong for a few more. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 8, 2022 - August Austere Day 8

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Simple and effective shave this morning, even if I did get the lather a bit thin. Nothing else really to report here. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 9, 2022 - August Austere Day 9

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin 26mm Chief
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Unfortunately todays shave was not quite as pleasant as the previous shaves. Not because I screwed up the lather, cut myself, or any other shaving mishap. On the contrary really. The lather was smooth and cushioning, not a drop of blood seen, and my face is as smooth as ever. It was, in fact, my damn allergies that reduced my enjoyment this morning. Due to some congestion I was unable to truly enjoy the amazing scent that is Sonder. Hopefully a little Claritin will bring tomorrow’s shave back in line with the first 8. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 10, 2022 - August Austere Day 10

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

As I have relatively recently begun my decent into the rabbit hole, my son has been rather intrigued with my purchases. Last night he asked me, dad why do you like shaving? It took me a minute to try to put it into words. I did my best to explain the scents and the feel. I even tried to explain the simple pleasures of taking just a little bit of time to take care of yourself. Admittedly I probably butchered the answer, but it did give me a chance to think and reflect on the joy it gave me. So today as I whipped up my lather and took my time to enjoy a nice shave it made me smile just a little more as I enjoyed everything I had told my son the night before. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 11, 2022 - August Austere Day 11

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Sonder continues to be enjoyable as a daily shave soap, and fortunately that’s all I got today. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 12, 2022 - August Austere Day 12

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Enjoyable Friday morning shave today. Looking forward to the weekend and a little relaxation. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 13, 2022 - August Austere Day 13

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Apparently all the stars aligned this morning and I had one of the easiest shaves I’ve had in a long time. I would assume that it’s the continued use of the same products 13 days straight, but I’m not sure I’m that quick a learner. Hope everyone else’s shave went just a smooth. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 14, 2022 - August Austere Day 14

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Had a relatively smooth shave for my last day on vacation. It was good to be away from home and only have Sonder with me to get rid of temptation for a few days. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 15, 2022 - August Austere Day 15

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nice morning shave today with Sonder. Starting to feel that desire to use my other scents, but so far holding strong. I’m sure that fact that the soap smells great and works well is the only thing keeping me on track. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 16, 2022 - August Austere Day 16

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Quick shave on a busy day. Unfortunately a little too fast and resulted in a small cut. Nothing a little alum couldn’t fix though. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 17, 2022 - August Austere Day 17

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Kids first day of school today. It was kinda nice to see them up and about when I left for work. Always enjoy when I to get to say goodbye and wish them a good day. Shave was, of course, fantastic. I am still enjoying Sonders scent and it seems to still be agreeable to my face so that’s a plus. Hope everyone doing the crazy challenges are doing ok. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 18, 2022 - August Austere Day 18

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Decent shave today with Sonder. I’m trying to push my blades a little bit more, so today was shave #4 for this blade and it just seems to be getting a little rough. Through testing the last few blades 3 shaves seems to be the magic number for me before a Silver Blue has taken too much abuse. The benefits of using the same gear every day so I can test things a bit. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 19, 2022 - August Austere Day 19

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nothing big today. Just had a simple, straightforward, smooth shave. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 20, 2022 - August Austere Day 20

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nice lazy Saturday shave. Always appreciate when I can take my time and not worry about how long each pass is taking. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 21, 2022 - August Austere Day 21

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Slightly stressed shave this morning after setting up my sons room for quarantine. Always disconcerting when your child curls up next to you cold and you feel him feverish. Hopefully it’s a simple flu and he didn’t share anything with us yet.

As far as the actual shave, it was the normal Sonder joy. If I hadn’t already delved so far in the rabbit hole I could be content with daily Sonder usage. It really is a fantastic scent that everyone seems to enjoy. Unfortunately I just got some more soaps and aftershaves in this weekend that are making this month last even longer. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

#sidetracked (#1) u/Teufelskraft

In honor of todays excitement I thought I’d share a corresponding song. Twenty One Pilots - Stressed Out fits all to well today. To be honest this song came out relatively soon after I finished college and just seemed to fit how I felt as I transitioned into a productive adult and parent. I particularly like the incorporation of giant trikes and juice boxes into the music video. They just did a nice job of capturing the feeling of being a child and just hanging out with friends.

Aug. 22, 2022 - August Austere Day 22

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nice little shave this morning with no real complaints. My son’s fever seems to be done and all of his Covid tests came back negative, so things are looking up on a Monday morning. Only 9 more shaves until the end of the month. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 23, 2022 - August Austere Day 23

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Smooth clean shave this morning. Just trying to make it through the week. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 24, 2022 - August Austere Day 24

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

My son asked to pick out my soap for the day and I had to explain again why I was only using one soap for the month. Even with an explanation he was still thoroughly confused why I would ever only use one soap all month. Counting down the days until the rest of the den is back in rotation as I’m really missing some variety. Otherwise, nice shave this morning with little other to report. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 25, 2022 - August Austere Day 25

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Brand new Silver Blue blade made quick work of today’s follicular challenge. Just trying to stay strong with less than a week left. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

#sidetracked (#2) u/Teufelskraft

In honor of the August Austere coming to an end soon and light at the end of the tunnel, I thought I’d share a song that’s a little grittier, but is titled sun (in German). Rammestein’s Sonne is probably my favorite songs of theirs. I really like the mix of heavy guitar and choir like chorus. The juxtaposition of the two sounds just really hits the right notes for me.

If you clicked the link above you’ll probably notice it’s not the music video. They do have a music video and I feel like it has the same contrasting feel as the song. The video is a dark take on Snow White that does include some fantasy drug use (gold is not an illicit drug so please don’t try it). The dwarves slave for snow white’s addiction and the filth of their labors coats them while Snow White remains pristine on the outside yet tainted by the drugs on the inside. I am definitely a sucker for a twisted fairy tale theme. I am unsure if posting the video would violate the community guidelines so if you would like to see it, let me know and I can shoot you the link. Or if a mod doesn’t mind looking and approving it I would be happy to edit my post. Enjoy.

Aug. 26, 2022 - August Austere Day 26

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

A little under the weather today. Couldn’t let that stop me from a hot shower and a nice shave. Thankfully I can still smell enough through the congestion to enjoy Sonder. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 27, 2022 - August Austere Day 27

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Man I almost forgot to post todays SOTD. Anyway, feeling a little better today, but oddly enough the shave was a bit rougher. Hopefully I’ll be back up and running with a better shave tomorrow. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 28, 2022 - August Austere Day 28

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Nice little shave today, looking forward to a little more variety soon though. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 29, 2022 - August Austere Day 29

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Beautiful Monday morning and an equally nice shave for the morning. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 30, 2022 - August Austere Day 30

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Tuesday and 2 days from the end. Stay strong. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 31, 2022 - August Austere Day 31

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Bittersweet shave today. On one hand it was a great shave and I can honestly say I do still enjoy the Sonder. On the other hand I am ready for change and I know that I will not be using it again for some time. Overall I am still happy with the decisions I made for the month. #MAMMOTHMAFIA #UNCHALLENGE

Edit: Karma Train Tags - u/enndeegee u/Marquis90