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

Aug. 1, 2022 - Austere August shave one

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Wow, August already. This year I will do 3 challenges: Second Annual International MMOC Appreciation Austere August Challenge, Raw Hoggin' Challenge and Mammoth Month.

Here is an unboxing pic of my beautiful Omega 10048 Pro 48 chrome brand new boar brush. The loft on this thing is huge! I went cheap, in that, this brush was very inexpensive, but one can see why right away – although a good size and decent shape, the handle is way too plastic and light weight feeling. You get what you pay for, I guess. Still excited to break this sucker in.

Last year I received a broken MMOC off of eBay and by the time the seller could do me right and replace it, we were already well into August, so had to skip the challenge. Excited to complain to you for the month how awful the MMOC is and how painful the GEM blade becomes past fifteen uses. Today I am starting with a fresh GEM blade. The first shave is never a great one, but I do have almost 3 days of growth to mow down.

My choice of soap and splash for the month is House of Mammoth Hygge. Just one of many fantastic HoM scents, I am hoping that I don’t burn out on the scent over the month. Last year I used Mood Indigo for the month and I still love it, so am hoping the same will hold true with Hygge. At the end of the month, I will make my own donation to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking (as I did last year). Human trafficking is also a problem in Canada, and is an important cause to support, just as Ben does in New York. I challenge any other Canadian shavers participating in Mammoth Month to do the same. Hit me up if you need details on how to do so.

And now for the shave: The brush came out of the box not overly stinky, but once wet you can identify the pig stink a lot more. I love the ‘pro’ designation on the brush and the “special brush for barber” description on the back of the box. Makes me feel important and professional. The MMOC is a fine razor and I do not find it overly harsh. I do have to stay in the moment when using it, and be more deliberate with my moves, as compared to a DE. But it always gives me a close, fine shave and today was no exception. A little irritation on the neck, but that’s no surprise to me. The brush was not comfortable but got the job done. For the second pass I really painted on the lather as the loft on this thing is huge. Overall, a decent shave. And the blade will only get more comfortable, at first…

Tagging  u/EldrormR and u/Semaj3000 one time!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August shave two

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Brush still stinks. I always prefer subsequent shaves to the first GEM blade use. Today was a better. Smooth like a baby’s bottom. Still a little irritation on the neck however. I wonder if it's bad to mash stinky boar hair directly in to your face. No skin breakouts yet...

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 3, 2022 - Austere August shave three

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (3)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Brush still stinks but a little less each day. I can tell this will be a glorious knot once it’s well broken in. I think this knot might be easier to use than any of my higher end badger knots. Could this be? Still feels like pulling hay across my face though for the moment. I left lather in the brush to try to purge the stink a little. We will see how that goes. Hygge is still a delicious scent to me.

Today the MMOC was a cruel bitch. My face hurts. Very close shave and the second pass felt a little like skin grafts. No cuts or nicks but boy did my face burn with a hefty dose of aftershave to remove the H1N1 pig virus load from my pores, of course.

Happy Day three, and Wednesday to you!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 4, 2022 - Austerest shave number four

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

So, I DQ’d myself yesterday from the Raw Hoggin’ challenge as I left lather in my brush and like a putz, decided to tell you all about it. Take note, cheaters. I will still break in this pig stink knot, just now with no pressure or performance anxiety. You will still hear all about it, don’t worry. And you’re welcome. Thankfully this month is full of side contests so hope still abounds.

Todays shave was better than yesterdays. I think I like the MMOC more when I don’t have to use it, but choose to do so. After the 4th shave the blade is settling in nicely. Also took the opportunity to shave my head. That's where this big boar brush shines, and that's what I had in mind for it when spending the $13. Overall my face and head feel great, a fine shave!

I always knew that raw hoggin’ just wasn’t for me and that I should always wear a condom. I think I’m also maybe dyslexic. So 1 less hashtag now. Welp.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 5, 2022 - La cinquième

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (5)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

How do you act after you’ve humiliated yourself publicly? You hold your head high and don’t give a fuck, of course.

Today’s shave was near perfect, except for a small cut on my cheek. No biggie. The PTFE blade has entered its Goldilocks zone and feels great, for now. Hygge continues to please, both the tremendously slick base, easy latherability, and delicious scent. It’s warm and soothing every time, for now.

My raw hoggin’ dreams may be shattered, but I plow on, or continue to plow my face with the knot and although ever so scritchy, each use feels better than the last. Happy Friday.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 6, 2022 - Saturday sixth shave

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (6)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

A nice shave today. The blade is in the sweet spot for sure and it was an easy, comfortable 2-passer. Brush break in continues and Hygge still excites me.

Happy Saturday!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 7, 2022 - Seventh day of austereness

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (7)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Another great shave today. I should enjoy it as this blade will soon start to get difficult. Brush has less stink. And when properly splayed, it literally covers half of my face. Once broken in fully this will be a great brush, especially for head shaving.

Afternoon shaves ++

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 8, 2022 - Mammoth Monday MMOC AA madness

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (8)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Another easy shave this morning. Too bad I DQ'd myself from the raw hoggin' as the brush basically smells like Hygge at this point, only the occasional faint whiff of pig stink, but barely. MMOC performing just fine for now. And Hygge... Still magical. A very inviting warm comforting scent. Glad this was my choice for the month.

May this week bring success to you both in shaving conquests and life conquests. How deep.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 9, 2022 - Ninth day, eighth month, 8 am shave

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (9)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Autopilot shave today. Everything worked well. Is Hygge my favorite barbershop scent, or am I slipping into a Stockholm syndrome situation?

Who cares?! All I know is that good shaves are happening these days and this brush is getting better by the day. A terrific Tuesday to you!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 10, 2022 - ten days of hygge

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Good shave. Good smells. Great slickness. Easy shave. Soon enough the blade will turn on me but for now still a pleasant experience overall. Hump day. Bring it!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 12, 2022 - Friday, finally!

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: o
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (12)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Still going well. Although out of the challenge, this brush is really getting nice and boy does it splay! Shave was effortless for 2 good passes and is usually a nice close shave. Today was no exception. Waiting for blade performance to drop off, but nothing yet. Hygge still excites me. I think it always will. Just plain old good stuff.

Happy Friday, shaving aficionados!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 11, 2022 - eleven

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (11)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Eleven shaves. So far so good. Nothing to complain about yet...

I must admit that it is getting a little boring. Soon the fun will begin. I have been eating as much as possible to get my belly conditioned for stropping because palm stropping is for wimps.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 13, 2022 - Sunny Saturday

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (13)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Gorgeous day here. Great for a long bike ride. Now back home for an afternoon shave then off to see the girlfriend for dinner. Pretty perfect day, I must say.

Afternoon shaves++ Blade still feels great and brush feels better each use. The MMOC is a fine implement and gives me a real close shave each and every time. Has not bitten me in a while either. Have a happy Saturday.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022 - Quatorze

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Super duper smooth shave this morning. The blade was perfect, as was the lather and therefore slickness. Loving this (almost) broken in boar brush. It should only just get softer from here. No more pig stink, and barely cheated... I'm waiting for the MMOC blade drama to kick in, but so far all is just fine.

Happy Sunday

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 22, 2022 - Hate Mondays

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

No issues again today. Maybe I'll get lucky and get through the month with little to no pain. Or maybe not...

It's no longer buttering the toast, it's scraping the toast, quite frankly. But I have resolved myself to that so maybe that's why I am not suffering just yet. Oh, and no palm (or belly) stropping so far. Happy Monday. Not.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 15, 2022 - Day 15, still going strong

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (15)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Another fine shave, all is still working just great. Brush keeps getting better with each use. Blade has not started getting worse with each use. Yet. Hygge remains delicious.

Ah, Monday... How I dislike you.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 16, 2022 - Hygge Tuesdays

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (16)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

16th shave, all is still perfect. I am not surprised, but still waiting for the shift to uncomfortable shaves. No problems at all with a 2 pass shave today and Hygge both performs and still has an appealing calm scent that will stay loveable for the rest of August, I suspect. Very happy with my lather choice for this year. Oh, and the brush gets better each time. I wonder if it will get even floppier than it is currently. Likely. Amazing brush for 13 bucks, I tell ya.

Hope it's a powerful day for you.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022 - Hump day shave-o-rama

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Blade starting to degrade. Or maybe my lather wasn't as slick today. The shave was fine, but this might be the start of shittier shaves. We will see tomorrow. Nothing to report, really: Brush feels great. Hygge smells great. Blade TBD. Hump day always means that the work week is more than halfway through. Good.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 18, 2022 - 18 shaves and still no probs

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (18)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Another easy shave. I did flip the blade but nothing more. Maybe I can get through the whole month with no blade crisis. Nah, that's way too hopeful. Either way, so far so good. I am bored of the MMOC and just stare at all my other razors, looking forward to using them again come September. The silly things we do for meaningless internet shaving competitions. AmIrite?! Anywho, getting closer to the goal each day and this boar brush is turning into a great implement that I will continue to use regularly. Happy Thursday to you!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 19, 2022 - Nah nah nah nah nineteen

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (19)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

I am most impressed that only today, on my 19th blade use do I feel the slightest bit of drag. My lather was slick af today so I’m sure it really was the blade. Hygge also smelled a little different today. Not sure what I am smelling that’s different but I like it all the same. It’s a bit of a sharper note than usual but can’t put my finger on it.

And on it goes. Happy Friday.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 20, 2022 - twenty days

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (20)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

So the second pass hurt. And I certainly felt the burn from the aftershave splash today. This means to me that the blade is on the decline at this point. I know I can hang on for another 11 shaves, but it might hurt. Ah, the things some people do for ridiculous internet shaving contests...

At least this brush will finish the month being fully broken in and soft and delightful on the face. Maybe won't touch the MMOC for another year. At this point I am very much looking forward to using a DE razor. Any one will do.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022 - the end is nigh

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

And todays shave was smooth and kinda perfect. No feedback from the aftershave splash. What the heck is going on?

If this could keep up for the next 10 shaves then we have no problems aside from shave boredom. May your Sunday be a funday!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 23, 2022 - Tabarnak. Not Tabac Tuesday

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Once again, not bad for the 23rd blade use. Or maybe I am just getting accustomed to a draggy, shitty shave. Either way today was 3 passes and resulted in a very close shave with the most minimal irritation. Surprising. Nearing the end here, thank goodness. I can't wait to use other gear. Brush continues to impress. Rainy, grey day here. It has been a while. And of course, Maynard always gets in the way.

A titillating Tuesday to ya!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 24, 2022 - Still scraping along to the finish line

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (24)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

24th shave was just fine. I find that 1 day feels scrape-y and the next is OK. Maybe it's variance in lather? Will definitely see this blade through till the end, with less drama than anticipated. A good thing. As you can see in the pic, this brush has become a real soft tool that I will keep in my regular rotation. I do miss my other brushes though. Soon come. Happiest of Wednesdays to you!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 25, 2022 - twenty five, and staying alive

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

I really wanted to complain to you all. I really wanted to. But can not, it seems. Another fine shave today. Might I end up like some other sub members and take this blade into the triple digits? Unlikely. For now though, it's still shaving well enough to cause no discomfort and net out at a close clean shave. As I've said many times already, the brush gets better with each use. When does that end?

I will happily be done with the month next week. I still love Hygge, so glad I haven't burnt out. 6 more shaves people. Easy!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 26, 2022 - Fried day shaves

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (26)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Once again nothing to complain about here. Nice 3 pass shave. Maybe I've gotten used to shaving with a dulled blade, but all still goes well, much to my surprise and delight. Less of an exciting end to month than expected, but this is a good thing. I still love the scent of hygge in the morning...

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

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. 28, 2022 - twenty eight is the number

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

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Still going strong. Still pretty good shaves. Can see the bottom of the tub more with each use. Will not finish the tub by month's end (but will be oh, so close I think). Surprisingly blade does NOT suck yet, but has certainly become draggy. Can usually compensate with a good slick lather. Hygge hasn't stopped smelling great.

Happy Sunday folks, this silly month is almost done. And personally I can not wait until my child is back in school next week. Hallelujah!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 29, 2022 - Final AA Monday

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (29)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Still going strong. Blade was NOT comfortable today. Brush was. The hole at the bottom of my Hygge tub gets bigger...

Happy Monday – the shittiest day of the week.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 30, 2022 - trentième rasage

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (30)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

And here we are with only tomorrow's shave left to finish the month. Happy to finish tbh. First pass today was horrible, but second and third were fine. I blame my lather on the first pass. Sooooo done with this GEM after tomorrow. Might not even reach for the Clog-Pruf for a while, I don't think. Nothing more to report, really. Shave on people, and have a happy Tuesday!

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

Aug. 31, 2022 - The end of austerity

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar brush 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

Well that was fun. Despite DQing myself from raw hoggin, I now have a nicely broken in boar brush, a clean shave and my face only hurts a little bit. Hygge was great with each use, but will be put away now for a while. I proved to myself that I could shave everyday with a MMOC and 1 GEM blade. Great. Don’t ever have to do that again!

Most importantly I just did my annual donation to the Canadian Centre to End Human Trafficking. This is a great cause and I challenge other Canadian shavers to do the same. Any amount helps.

Today is also back to school day for my 16 year old. Best day ever (for me). And HoM Voices should arrive today too. Talk about a hopeful Wednesday! I hope your last day of August is just great. Congrats to all those who challenged themselves this past month.

Bring on sample September.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia