u/Old_Hiker's SOTDs for challenge 'GEMsOfWisdom 2022'

August 1, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (35)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Tagging u/EldrormR & u/Semaj3000

So this is what I’ll be using for the entirety of August. I have a lot more time with the Gen 1 MMOC so this month with the Gen 2 will be enlightening. I can tell already that I prefer the Gen 2. No shit. This is way more comfortable than my Gen 1. Maybe it is confirmation bias. Maybe it is just the difference between my two razors in particular. Or maybe the slight design change actually was effective at smoothing this razor out.

I was planning on participating in the rawhoggin’ challenge, but I didn’t wait. I have been rawhoggin’ this brush since it arrived. I am up to 22 uses with it and it is awesome. One of the easiest boars I have ever had to break in.

I will have to open a new bottle of Lucky Tiger. This one is just about gone. The soap tub is new with only one use before today, so running out of this won’t be an issue. The blade is the only question mark. The farthest I have ever taken a GEM blade is 50 and I am starting out with 35 after using it today. That may prove to be a bridge too far. We’ll see. I am no stranger to getting a lot of shaves out of blades.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 2, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (36)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Day two with the Gen 2 and I still feel like I prefer this version to the original. Maybe if I went for two or three weeks between shave I would have a different opinion. But since I shave daily the Gen 2 is definitely more suited to me.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 2, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (36)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

This razor is so much nicer than my Gen 1 MMOC. So easy to use and very kind to my skin. The Mutton Tallow soap is nothing short of awesome. I don’t mind that this soap is unscented. It’s so gentle.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 4, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (38)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Day 4 with this razor and everything is going fine. The brush has 25 consecutive shaves on it and is pretty well broken in at this point. Definitely one of the easiest boars I have ever broken in. So yeah, things are going well.

Back to work today after being off for almost 2 weeks with COVID. It gave me a glimpse at retirement. I am not quite ready yet.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 5, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (39)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

I am really getting to like this soap way more than I thought I would. I mean, it’s just soap…unscented soap. But for whatever reason I am really appreciating it. I am still getting to know this brush and this base so I tend to overload it. I keep adding water to get where I want to be and end up with a mess all over the sink. It’s a shame this base is being discontinued.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 8, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (42)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

A good shave to start a new work week. I am loving this brush and soap.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 6, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (40)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Another nice shave with this razor, brush and soap. I can’t talk up this brush and soap enough. The blade is hanging in there too. That is the one component of the combination that I am concerned about going forward through the month. Fifty is the farthest I have ever taken a GEM blade.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 7, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (41)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Cruising right along. All the things are working well together.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 9, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (43)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

I’m comfortable with every aspect of this stuff now. I like the Gen 2 better than the Gen 1. The brush is fully broken in after only 30 uses. And the soap base is simply awesome.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 10, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (44)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Rolling along with stuff I’m comfortable with.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 11, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (45)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Another nice shave. I am one third through the month and awhile I am enjoying my stuff, I am starting to get the itch for a different soap and razor. The brush is something I could keep using indefinitely.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 12, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (46)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Rounding out the work week just like I started it. I am really digging this soap and brush. This razor is so much kinder than my Gen 1.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 13, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (47)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Man…I am really loving this soap especially. I am obviously digging on the brush, but this soap…it’s just so damn good.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 14, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (48)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

A lazy Sunday morning shave with stuff I have really grown to appreciate. That includes the razor. I like this one much more than the Gen 1.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 15, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (49)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Starting off this work week the same way I started off the last two. An enjoyable shave with good stuff.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 16, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (50)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Sixteen days in and still enjoying everything. The soap shows barely any sign of being used. The blade crossed the 50 uses mark today which ties the farthest I have taken a GEM. I think I can make it to the end of the month with it.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 17, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (51)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Nothing new to report. All is going well with the stud chosen for this month.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 18, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (52)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Everything was perfect today. This brush is seriously good. It has 39 uses on it and it is very well broken in. The more I use this mutton tallow soap base the more I like it. I have gotten very comfortable with the Gen 2 razor and can shave on autopilot with it.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 19, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (53)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Rounding out the work week with a good shave just like I started the week. I am enjoying the brush and soap especially, but I am tiring of the razor. I want to get back to my straight razors. That said, this is a good razor and could be a daily driver.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 20, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (54)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Riding the AA wave until the end. Starting off the weekend with a nice lazy shave. Busy day ahead of me. I am a bit behind on yard work.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 21, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (55)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

A nice way to start a gloomy Sunday. I don’t mind the rain. It’s needed terribly here. I put on some baby backs to smoke overnight. They should be done soon. Gonna be a lazy Sunday.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 22, 2022

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

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

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 23, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (57)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Getting along just fine with my choices for the month. I have to admit I am starting to look forward to some variety, but am tempered by the satisfaction of not having to choose what to use. There is a serenity in simplicity.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 24, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (58)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Rounding out the month in fine fashion. This may sound strange, but the only thing I really feel the urge to change is the razor. I could easily keep using the soap and brush.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 24, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (59)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Rounding third and heading for home. This has been a good month for me with this stuff.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 25, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (60)
• 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 and I am still liking what I’m using. I may even keep going with the soap and brush a few days past the end of the month.

#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

August 28, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (62)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Closing in on the end of the month with a nice Sunday shave. I need to do a bit of outside work today. I may take some time to go for a long walk.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 29, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (63)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Fiftieth consecutive use of this brush today. It was broken in by ten uses. It’s safe to say it’s my new favorite brush. A couple more shaves to round out the month then I will be back to trying to decide what to use.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 30, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (64)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

Feeling good after a good shave. The end of the month is in sight. I don’t know if I am going to change up anything more than just the razor.

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 31, 2022

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM SS PTFE (65)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Olay Complete
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - unscented skin salve

And so August closes. What I learned this month is that I much prefer the Gen 2 MMOC over the Gen 1. I learned that Zenith unbleached knots break in just as fast as the bleached knots…at least mine did. I also learned that I really, really like the mutton tallow base from Stirling. And ai took a GEM blade farther than I ever have. Now it’s back to trying to decide what stuff to use.

#GEMsOfWisdom