Aug 10, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 10

• 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 (10)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

It was a better shave today. The brush is really feeling more comfortable, and it can put together a really great lather when I get all the variables right.

One thing that I noticed this morning is that I seem to have become nose blind to the scent. I didn't realize it the last few shaves, but I haven't really been getting a scent from it. I focused more on it today and the scent is still there, but I'm just not registering it like I used to.

Save for a small weeper on the side of my neck where a little raised bump had formed, the rest of the shave with the MMOC went well. It was close enough after two passes that I didn't push it, and I only had very minor irritation.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 3.5/5

Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 10

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (10)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (79)
• 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

#GEMsOfWisdom: let's face it (hhh), Austere August is pretty easy if you use a good razor, a nice brush, and a great base. While lathering up today, it struck me again how easy Spearhead's 20.1 base is to use. This firm base loads very easily and while adding water, it transitions from pasty to drippy in such a gradual and predictable manner that you almost can't mess it up. I knew this, but kinda got used to it until it suddenly struck me again today that I haven't struggled with lather even once while breaking in this boar brush. Even the first lather hogging days did non result in bad lather.

#RawHoggin: 10 days of using this brush which I modified using the u/EldrormR method of grinding the ferrule wider as to accommodate a 26 mm knot (the original opening seems to be 1 inch). I was originally a bit reluctant to take the grinder to this vintage handle, but the result is well worth it. The ferrule opening is just wide enough to let the glue bump pass, and it holds the knot nice and tight. The firm feeling knot this creates is perfect for painting strokes and reminds me of the beastly 31 mm Zenith brush that we're commissioning as a sub exclusive.

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

Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August 10- Raw Gems of Hoggin Wisdom

• Prep: Cool shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: OCMM Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

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

#GEMsofWisdom I miss using a soap I really enjoy, but only 21 more days until I can go back to using soaps I really want to use. Firefighter continues to be meh scent-wise, but I have zero complaints about NO's base.

#RawHoggin 10 days in and I can say that while I am still not a convert to face lathering, I am finding joy in breaking in a boar brush by using it. This little guy is continuing to break in well and is quite the little monster- https://imgur.com/a/WyR8gGh

#Sidetracked As the oppressive heat and humidity finally comes to an end here in Northern New England, I'm reminded of the greatest concert I ever attended. Soundgarden, 1994, Fitchburg State University hockey arena in the dead of summer. 95 degrees outside, 110 inside. I had already seen Soundgarden on Lollapalooza two summers before in Miami, on a grossly hot MIami day and the day before Hurricane Andrew wreaked havoc, and they killed it in a 20 minute set. I thought I knew what I was in for seeing them live again. What I was not prepared for was that the show in the intense heat of that hockey arena was that I was going to have a god damn religious experience. I can assure you that I was not hallucinating as Soundgarden put on one of the most incredible sets I've ever seen from a band live and Chris Cornell (RIP) was jaw dropping that day. I remember them opening with "Jesus Christ Pose" and Cornell walking out of the fog onstage arms stretched wide and just ripping from the opening note. 90 minutes later, it was all over after they played everything I wanted to hear including today's musical entry. I was drenched in sweat but knew that I had witnessed something special. I have loved Chris Cornell's voice from the moment I heard it in my college dorm to this day. I haven't loved all of his post-Soundgarden music. He was a special voice that I was fortunate to see live several times. So for u/Teufelskraft and the gang I leave with one of my favorite Soundgarden songs- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AxbNHObyn1E

Have a great day all!

Austere August Day 10

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 10th use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (10)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

10 days in and my hog is less raw than before. The tips are splitting nicely and the splay in slowly increasing. I still get whiffs of pig's ass , but it isn't a constant source of disgust anymore. It's gotten to the point where the brush is pleasant to use and I am looking forward to the shaves now. There is no flop to this knot and I am not sure there ever will be, but only time will tell.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

August 10, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (10)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

Great shave today— I think I’ve finally gotten the hang of this brush. Now some of the hairs are snapping, though. Maybe I’m going too hard on them? Three hairs broke about half way. The brush has hardly lost any hair until now, so I won’t worry unless it seems to be a trend.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

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. 10, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)

• 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

Nothing new to report on the shave end of things, but on the pomade side of things, I finally got most of the shit outta my hair last night and used the smaller little nib of it this morning, instead of the obvious gob I did yesterday. Simple spritz’s of 11 sprays.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

August 10 2022

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (13)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo splash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo balm
• Fragrance: Stirling - Lightish Pink

I've used this soap 13 days in a row now and it looks about the same as when I started. Shoulda weighed it before I started.

I received this bottle of Lightish Pink in the mail yesterday, I had resisted initially but when it went on sale I couldn't resist, as Fierce by Abercrombie & Fitch was my fragrance in high school so it is a nostalgic smell for me. No idea what the name refers to but it is a pretty accurate dupe, with the caveat that I haven't smelled the original in like 15 years.

Anyway I got an easy three passes with the MMOC this morning. The blade has evened out nicely and shows no signs of slowing down yet. Light touch people, that's the key to good shaves with the MMOC. Have a great Wednesday y'all.

#MammothMafia

#GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 10, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE (10)

• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap

• Post Shave: Thayers - Unscented - Toner

2 pass shave with a 30 second load.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

Aug. 10, 2022 - STAGgering along - Austere August Day 10

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)
• 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't say I've gotten completely tired of the Stag just yet even though it's truly better suited for fall weather to me. Strangely enough, my wife and daughter have not made any comments about it either. Our bathroom just reeks of it 24/7 lol.

#RawHoggin

The brush is really coming into its own with a nice feeling of scrub and no scritch really at all. I can only detect a hint of raw hog stank if I put the brush right up to the sniffer with it splayed out. Pretty good progress for only 10 shaves.

#GEMsofWisdom

So today I could feel the blade start to tug a little bit. I flipped the blade, but I don't think that has anything to do with it so I might try palm stropping tomorrow. I've really dialed in the the best way to grip and shave with this razor though. In the words of our dearly departed Ruds (RIP), this has really become a "cruise control" razor for me. Despite the slight tugging a BBS was achieved.

Brush album

Stag sprays

Aug. 10, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (10)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

After a week of coughing, I've decided it's time to go back into the office. Physically going there doesn't really bother me as much as some people (ambiguity fully intentional here), but I can't say it doesn't involve a lot of sacrifices.

(edit: Actually drove most of the way there, but as a bout of coughing intensified, figured I should turn around)

Nearly a third of the way through the month, today I am reminded of the swift passage of fleeting time bring us ever-more-quickly toward the end. What does make the passage of the month seem to take longer? Face-lathering.

u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked got me thinking about some music that I haven't so much as thought about in a huge amount of time, and I'm almost inclined to dig up the ol' book of CDs. The rabbit-hole I wandered down did lead to a song coming to mind that I nonetheless have no CD for: Kaizers Orchestra - Bak et Hallelujah. I don't remember exactly how this song originally came to my attention, but I'm sure it was an internet video of some kind, probably a flash video. Now, I don't speak Norwegian or any other variety of Scandinavian, but I do seem to recall that the lyrics belie the upbeat tempo in that they are quite bleak. I'm not particularly inclined to seek the translation, though.

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

Aug 10, 2021 – Austere August. Day 10.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: Johnny Cash – Hurt

Today’s MMOC shave was mostly smooth. My 7 days streak of no cuts was broken today as I got a small nick on my ATG pass under my nose. Very small, and didn’t even need to break out the styptic pencil, but it happened and I was surprised. Just when I was thinking I truly mastered this thing, the MMOC humbles me. A wild stallion is never truly tamed. Other than that, it was an uneventful shave.

The new boar brush gets better with every shave. I feel like it doesn’t use as much soap and is really starting to do a good job holding soap between passes. Most days, I’ve been having to reload the brush between passes, but today, I had enough for the whole shave. Still a faint stench that gets less and less every day.

Today’s #sidetracked music selection is Johnny Cash’s cover of the song “Hurt”. This is a beautiful, raw, and emotional version of Nine Inch Nail’s original song. Johnny takes this song, strips it down and truly makes it his own, seemingly allowing someone else's words to tell the story of his life.

For me, the video is the cherry on top on of this musical sundae. Pairing old videos of a young Johnny Cash along side a frail old version of himself is somehow powerful and sobering. Trent Renzor, who wrote the original song felt the same way: “That song in particular was straight from my soul, and it felt very strange hearing the highly identifiable voice of Johnny Cash singing it. It was a good version, and I certainly wasn't cringing or anything, but it felt like I was watching my girlfriend fuck somebody else. Or something like that. Anyway, a few weeks later, a videotape shows up with Mark Romanek's video on it... I pop the video in, and... wow. Tears welling, silence, goose-bumps... Wow. I just lost my girlfriend, because that song isn't mine anymore. Then it all made sense to me... I wrote some words and music in my bedroom as a way of staying sane, about a bleak and desperate place I was in, totally isolated and alone. Some-fucking-how that winds up reinterpreted by a music legend from a radically different era/genre and still retains sincerity and meaning-different, but every bit as pure.”

To emphasize, the guy that wrote the song said “that song isn’t mind anymore” after seeing this video. Absolutely amazing.

The video reminds me that all of us will (hopefully) get old, and even a badass like Johnny F’ing Cash is going to age, and it will do a number on us. There’s a moment where he’s lifting a glass, and you can clearly see his hand shaking as he’s struggling to hold it up and then it’s paired with a young version of himself casually hopping a train. It’s somewhat heartbreaking, and somewhat beautiful. It’s the circle of life… And it rules us all.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #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

A real real turning point for this brush. Possible the best lather I’ve had this month and I didn’t load particularly heavy or anything. I may even jest that 10 days in this brush is broken in:

• no more hog smell
• not really losing anymore hairs
• no more jabs and pokes - hairs are softened
• great backbone (I’ve never gotten to this point in a boar brush — the other zenith I have is the floppy type)

The blade isn’t as comfortable as I’d like, and it continues to lack the level of efficiency I like. But still can’t complain much about the result after some extra neck clean up. Still more feedback from the alcohol splash than a perfect DE shave.

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

SOTD Aug 10, 2022

• Brush: APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo

• Razor: GEM MMOC - 1st Gen

• Blade: Personna GEM Stainless (10)

• Lather: Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac

• Post Shave: MacDuff’s Soap Co. - Viticulture - Splash

Excellent shave! I can officially say I love the MMOC now. It will be very strange to go back to DE’s and other SE’s after this month. Heading up to hopefully get the keys to our new house and meet the landlord in person today, very excited!

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 10, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (10)
• 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)

Aha!!

Nope, just the literary equivalent of clickbait. I've had another nice shave with no issues. Really, nothing noteworthy to report; which is fine by me.

Today's edge image is pretty much on par with the previous ones. I see no interesting features to report. My technique with the microscope now is better than it was on August 1, so when there is a comfort change in this blade, I'll go back and make a microscope image of another, fresh blade for comparison.

The brush felt a bit softer today, and I created two beautiful-feeling lathers with it.

Aug. 10, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM (10)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap

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

• Fragrance: Hans Hendley - Mown

• Passes: WTG, XTG

• Coffee: Ethiopia, Sidama, Oromia - v: Ethiopia Heirloom - p: Natural
• Music: Sleep - Dopesmoker
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album:

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

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

You'll notice from today's table entry that I tried to load more swirls of soap than yesterday. I'm thinking 40 swirls was under-loading just a bit (especially with a squeezed out brush) and adding marginally more soap would yield a richer lather without requiring ages to hydrate it. In a bizarre twist, my weighed soap usage was dramatically less than yesterday.

I think this further cements u/gfdoto's argument that swirls aren't terribly precise. Then again, I'd argue that it's the tub loading that's the problem. Satisfying? Definitely. Precise? Not at all.

I probably squeezed too much water out of the knot before starting to load. I worked with a sopping wet brush earlier in the month, knowing it would ensure I picked up a ton of soap and introduced lots of water early. Looks like I overcompensated a bit and squeezed too much out today.

Is it possible my lathering technique is somehow getting worse in real time? At least the knot is coming along nicely.

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

Get out your bong, sit directly in front of the biggest speakers you can find, crank up the volume dial, and loosen up your neck muscles, because today we're listening to all sixty-four minutes of Sleep's "Dopesmoker." This lumbering beast of a track combines an absurd stoner doom tale (as far as I can tell, a religious Dune meets weed saga), hypnotic, seismic riffs, extended, meditative, often concussive solos, chanted incantations and roared mantras, and the kind of continuous low-end vibration that is felt more than it's heard. "Dopesmoker"—or Dopesmoker, because they're one in the same—is not a song you should think about. Instead, you feel it man. Let the waves of over-driven sound surge through you. Notice the subtle evolution of the melody on a primal, subconscious level. "Dopesmoker" will rattle your gut. And when the song finally reaches the next of three stages—at about 20-minutes and 40-minutes in—the volume fading and the melody changing and the noisy atmosphere of the track suddenly dropping out feels like a temporary, confusing, questionably-welcome catharsis. And then more smoke billows into the sky and the monstrosity starts lurching forward again. When you finally make it to the end, you'll be entirely in the song's headspace, used and abused and not sure whether you want more. Like Sleep says: "Drop out of life with bong in hand." Deep.

YouTube: Sleep - Dopesmoker

August 10, 2022: Stag Miracle Cure?

• Prep: warm splash of water
• Brush: Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
• Razor: GEM OCMM (gen 2)
• Blade: GEM Stainless (11)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Went to bed last night fighting a fever and woke up feeling like hot garbage. Stag heal me!

I'm sorry for the low effort post, I don't feel great at all.

Day 10, 2 spritzes

. #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August - Stacking Shave Inc.

• Prep: Cold water
• Brush: Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
• Razor: GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
• Blade: PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(10)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)
• Post Shave: More cold water from the fridge

RawHoggin

When you don't notice how your own kids grow, I don't see too much change in the brush shape. I've taken some videos and photos of the bristles with the microscope.

I've observed three different bristles, from thickest to least. The black ones, that I made responsible for the prickliness (we talked about that u/EldrormR9), are the more interesting splitting in 4, with sub-splits, seems those are the less processed bristles. The brown ones, less thick than black, are splitting in three. And the finest, of a lighter brown colour, split in two.

Lather monster

PigEvolution 1 2

GEMsOfWisdom

I had no issues with the MMOC and the blade today. Fine shave!

#sidetracked Today P.J. Harvey with Thom Yorke from Stories From The City, Stories From The Sea, performing This Mess We're In

#unscented #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 10, 2022 - Day Ten

• Prep: Outdoor shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (10)

• 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

If this blade gets any worse, I will have to change it.

Yes, the razor is balanced on a round brush handle. This isn’t the greatest stack in the world, this is just a tribute. Inspiration from u/carbonshavingco’s advertisement and u/Tonality’s tribute.

Edit: formatting 🙄

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 10, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (10)

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

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

Ok shave today the brush is still working well. The GEM blade is starting to show some age I flipped it over for no reason today and it had a negative effect.I will probably try the side thats been working well for me tomorrow maybe give it a quick strop on my arm or something. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

https://i.imgur.com/j3V4d0b.jpg

Aug. 10, 2022 - AA - Day 10

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (10)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

Today i underloaded the soap and i had very little for the second pass. Didn't have have the best of second pass but not cuts. Slight burns while applying aftershave but the balm soothed it out. The razor and blade are still doing great.

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber - Eau de Parfum

As you can see from my SOTD pic, the living with these little girls is getting out of hand. But, you know, they're cute so I'll take it.

We'll start with the Sonder thought of the day, today: My attitude affects my family in huge ways. And, so does yours. As a husband and dad, I've noticed that waaaay too often if I have a bad attitude it poisons my home. This morning was an opportunity for me to fix that. Last night did not go well, at all. My youngest (who turns 3 on Monday) told us before she went to bed that "tonight I'm going to cry for you" and sure enough she did, starting at 5:30am. She has an OK to wake clock that turns green at 7am when she's allowed to get up. Well, this morning she decided 5:30 was enough and absolutely would not go back to sleep or stop whining, no matter what we tried. Also, my 4 year old son woke at about 2:30am because he had to pee, and, of course he needed help. Dad to the rescue. I've also been dealing with a stupid head cold since last Friday and had every reason to have a bad attitude this morning, but as I sipped my coffee and took pics of my gear and pondered Sonder for a bit, I thought - I'm going to choose to not be in a bad mood this morning, not succumb to the irritability that I feel, and fight to have a positive attitude. Just like a poor attitude can be toxic to my family, a good attitude can be so uplifting. And, sure enough, it was. My wife and I got along this morning, my kids were happier (although still sleep deprived and at times a roller coaster of emotions), and the morning has gone pretty darn well. So - for you - consider how your attitude affects those around you. We're all selfish and we all think of ourselves more than anyone else, but, just like someone else's negative attitude can trip up your whole day, yours can for others, too. So - choose to reject that irritability and be happy. Uplift those you love instead of being nitpicky and bickering about stupid stuff. I was tempted to do it this morning (and I'm sure I'll fail again), but I didn't succumb, and the trajectory of this day is infinitely better for it.

Today's shave was a solid start to the day, if for no other reason than I was able to reorient my day as touched on above.

The Zenith was still a bit damp from yesterday (darn humidity) but I've found that doesn't matter too much. It might help, even, in lathering up as I try and get a bunch of water into the brush prior to loading. The bristles seem to be splitting more and more each day, which is nice. Probably not trying out slows that down a little and letting it dry for 2 days would help, but this is the month to Raw Hog every day so I won't find out. Maybe when that killer green sub exclusive arrives I'll do it a better way and I'll get to enjoy GUTL again. Speaking of that brush, u/J33pGuy13 promised official purchase information "within a week" and he only has one day left. Given his incessant asking for Lather Games results, it only seems reasonable to start dogging him for information here. You're welcome.

MMOC was fine. I think getting up so early made me sloppy and I had several small nicks and some razor burn to deal with afterwards, but nothing terrible. I pulled the blade out to give it a look and it seems fine in there still, no rusting or anything even though I haven't been taking it out to dry daily or anything like that. Seemed a little tuggier today than it has been, but, again - who knows. That could be just a perception and not reality. Hopefully it's not on the decline just 10 days in, that would suck. With almost 2/3 of the way to go, if the blade starts to crap out now, aye.

Sonder was, as usual, lovely and inspirational. Paired it with some Ghost Town Barber EDP today and honestly it's not the best pair, but it's not the worst either. The woody note from Sonder works with GTB and all its glory, but, Admiral is better.

Welp, back to work for me. Enjoy the afternoon/evening/morning, all!

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 10th

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (10)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

Its getting crazy hot again here in the UK, a third of the way through the month and the blade is holding up nicely.

Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Day 10

• 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 (10)

• 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

Thoughts for the day:
I like potatoes.

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

20220810 - Austere August Day 10!

Brush: Omega 011842

Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb

Blade: GEM PTFE

Lather: Stirling Soap Company - Sheep

Post: Stirling Soap Company - Coniferous toner

Post: DR Harris - Windsor aftershave milk

/#GEMSOFWISDOM

Day 10, were ⅓ through everyone!

And boy this blade feels like crud !

Aug 10, 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 (10)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP

Every day tags: #MammothMafia #GEMsofWisdom

#Sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid - The Offspring

This song solidly lands in the “Let’s get this shit started” phase of my workout playlist. It has a great beat and there’s no denying the lyrics are absolutely perfect to start a run with. I mean come on!

You’re Gonna Go Far, Kid!

How much more motivating can you get? For that reason it is the first song in my playlist for my yearly (or twice a year depending on how well I do) PT test. It never fails to set the mood for me!

I’m starting to figure out this razor a little more thankfully. Using a little steeper angle helps it not have quite as rough of a feeling while shaving. It’s still giving really close shaves which I guess is the goal, but I’m working to make it feel a little smoother during the process.

Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1305
• Razor: GEM Open Comb Micromatic
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

SubstantialStag

GEMSofWisdom

Day ten and nothing but happiness. Two passes and some light cleanup and I’m BBS. Didn’t measure today, but cut back proportionately and still had plenty of lather. The new soap and aftershave are waiting in the wings.

Spraying it on

Aug. 10, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: Gem PTFE (10)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

This brush is still doing great and hoggin soap, which is alright. Strike Gold Shave is a great base, but it wouldn’t hurt my feelings if I killed it by the end of the month. If I had a SGS scent I enjoyed I would gladly keep one in my den.

The blade is still feeling good and smooth, but I can tell that it is not quite as efficient as previous shaves. Even if I wasn’t in AA, I would continue to use this blade.

Aug. 10, 2022 - The Tenth

• Prep: Warm shower w/ B&M Diamond Bath Bar
• Brush: Copper Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (6)

• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap

• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave

#RawHoggin

Good lather today, brush was pretty wet when I went to load, so it was kind of messy. The result was fine and I had plenty for all three passes.

#GEMsOfWisdom

Not much new to say, tried to keep a light touch and was paid off without any irritation.

Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (10)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 10 was the best shave of AA yet. After spending the day swimming and eating, I was finally presented with a couple hours to myself. Since I’ve gotten to Turkey, every shave has been somewhat rushed and while I’ve been able to enjoy some of them, there has always been pressure to wrap up quickly. Today’s shave happened on my time and I took the time to enjoy it. I really had a chance to focus on the brush and razor today and appreciate them both.

The Brush: The brush keeps getting better and better and today I decided I’d experiment a little bit since I had some extra time. To date, I’ve been loading the brush heavily and been rewarded with lots of lather. I have put a substantial dent in the soap but I’ve also found that it takes a lot of time to get the water mixed in. Today I used a similar tact with loading with a sopping wet brush but this time I tried loading less soap. I was surprised by how much lather I was able to generate and also was able to get the lather hydrated a lot quicker than usual. I still took the time to scrub, agitate and massage the lather into my face and this brush really does feel great. It seems the scratchiness is all but gone even though splaying still takes a bit of effort. The brush is releasing lather beautifully and I had enough for 3+ passes although I only went for 2. I forgot to take a sniff for some glorious hog reek, but clearly didn’t notice any while lathering. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor Another great shave from the GEM. The shaves are becoming increasingly easier as I believe I have found the touch and angle. I also love the audible feedback I get from this razor - it’s very satisfiying. I’m also finding that the XTG pass is the sweet spot for me with this razor. The natural angle of the razor aligns well with my face when going east to west. The chin area is also becoming less of an effort. I’m not sure if it has to do with my improved technique or that the blade is getting duller and less “cutty” although I’m getting no pulls or tugs. Another great 2 passer with the GEM - cut and irritation free. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 5

The Soap and Aftershave The soap continues to perform like a champ and I’m really appreciating the cooling with the hot and humid weather here in Turkey. I’m also still happy with the scent and am not growing tired of it yet.

Day 10 Puck Picture

August 10th, 2022 Mammoth Raw Hoggin MMOC

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM (is truly outrageous) MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (dieci)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Before the shave and After

Shaved a bit earlier today, but took a while before I could write it all up. One benefit to Austere August, you can just copy yesterday’s post and edit it. No worrying anout the format. I am on the iPad app, and the having to jump back and forth for the symbols is a bit annoying.

Lathering is starting to get a little easier. I am seeing more split ends forming, and it is not hard to get the brush to splay. Still it’s a scrubby little knot. The GEM was about the same as yesterday, moderate feedback, but no tugging or chatter. I had no irritation again, and I gave myself an extra shake or so of the splash. Almost 1/3 through, I know the blade should last for at least another handful of shaves, but will try and get it to the full month.

I have tomorrow off, so will have time for a shave in the morning. Taking my wife to an appointment, and in the evening we are taking my daughter to a sing along performance of “Encanto” at Wolf Trap National Park for the Performing Arts. It will be our first time going to this venue even though we have lived in the area for a while.

2022-08-10 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower

Brush: Semogue Torga - C5

Razor: GEM MMOC version 2

Blade: GEM Stainless (10)

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/LWegzgP

The razor blade is still ok, using it everyday means there isn't a lot of stubble to remove. The brush is really nice after 10 uses, l am excited to see how it is after 30 days.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

August 10th, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (10)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 8/10

Smoothness: 9.5/10

7 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Took my time and got bbs. The brush is noticably fluffier on my face now, and no longer feels as pokey. Goal now is to maintain this process.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (79)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I think I am getting the hang of face lathering with this behemoth. Yesterday and today were both better. Lather still isn't quite where I like it but I won't complain about improvement.

Hope Wednesday treated everyone well!

Stag Spray 10 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Day 10

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Holy crap has it been a busy week, just now getting around to posting my morning shave. Was a decent shave, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t getting a bit burnt out. I just miss muh smells. Tusk is insanely good though, so that is a plus. My face feels fantastic. MMOC is doing well, not having any sort of issues with the blade, don’t expect I will. Hopefully after tomorrow my work will be less hectic and I can enjoy the weekend.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 10, 2022 - AA 10

• Prep: Cold Water Splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (16)

• 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.

Little nick on the chin today but nothing serious. 1/3 of the way down. I’ll never grow weary of Sonder or Seville. So good. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 10, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

Busy week with work. Friday can't get here soon enough. Going to try just dipping the brush in water tomorrow vs soaking it like a typical boar. I think these tips are just too treated.

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug 10, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog - Old House Cleaning Edition

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Dogwood Unbleached Boar
• Razor: MMOC MM24
• Blade: GEM (11)
• Lather: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag
• Post Shave:Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag Balm
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag

Stagging it up 2x

#GEMsOfWisdom

Cheers

Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10 - The brush begins to show some stress

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (10)

• 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

Whelp, my plan to use as cheap of a brush as I could make has some cracks showing.

Or, well, at least my handle does. The knot still feels safe in the handle, but there are four cracks similar to this around the top of the handle.

2 g of soap usage today on a good 3 pass shave. The only thing I regret so far is that Spearhead doesn't have an alcohol-based splash for SSL. I don't get the feeling that the toner does much for me. But it smells great.