Aug 2, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 2

• 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 (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave

The lathering process went about as expected. I managed to load a little longer this morning, and I had just enough for all three passes. The knot is already showing some signs of break in, so that's encouraging. The scritch was not as welcomed this morning with having just shaved yesterday, but it was not unbearable. I did finally end up modifying the face lathering process this morning, using far less circular scrubbing and more paint strokes to get the lather where I wanted it, especially for subsequent passes. It took a little longer, but the final lather results were better than yesterday.

I angled the MMOC cutting edge slightly steeper, and it helped reduce some of the drag. I took the passes slower with a focus on light pressure and stretching the skin. After three passes, I had a moderately close shave with zero nicks. It was a definite improvement over yesterday, but I could tell there were a few areas where it was still irritated. I didn't realize how extensive the irritation was until after I applied the aftershave. The burn was proof that I'm still a long way from my goal. Luckily it's only the second day.

Tomorrow I'll focus on the movements of the passes (especially around trouble spots), maybe adjust back to a slightly shallower angle, and start setting an expectation that I may have some visible stubble left over afterwards–for now at least. Not shaving as close should help reduce irritation and let my skin recover a little.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 3/5

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

Austere August Day 2

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 2nd use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (2)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

Today's shave was so much better than yesterdays. When I first put this brush together, there was quite a bit of space between the glue bump and the ferrule and I knew the bloom was going to get good and do it quickly. I didn't expect it to go this wide after one use. That tiny bit of extra space has given the knot a chance to really spread out from its original cramped space. That, in turn, allowed more lather and preshave soaking water to get all in the nooks and crannies to help soften things up. Overall, it required less loading time and made better lather than yesterday. I am really looking forward to how this knot develops throughout this month.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

August 2, 2022: Long Live the Glory of the Stag!

• Prep: warm splash of water
• Brush: Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
• Razor: GEM OCMM
• Blade: GEM Stainless

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Day two of Stagere Stagust and it couldn't be nicer outside. I hope you all have a lovely day!

1 spritz, for Week One

. #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

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)

• 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

As sacrilegious as it sounds to day this, it was bit harder to make myself do the full bit today. Hell, I didn’t want to get out of bed this morning. Yesterday completely kicked my ass. I’m still trying to oversee the care of my grandmother who fell and broke her femur Sunday morning and has been in the hospital about an hour away since then. No idea when surgery will be because no one communicates worth a damn. Add in a delightfully hellish day in clinic yesterday and a Jim that is still trying to fully recover from Covid and you’ve got the recipe for pure exhaustion. But Stag waits for no man and the scent when I walked into the bathroom this morning helped to peek me right up and I was able to rally and get ‘er done.

I couldn’t tell a substantial difference in the brush from yesterday and it still felt like I overloaded when in fact I needed to go back to the tub for more soap before I was satisfied with my lather. But oh boy it was such sumptuous lather when I got it dialed in to my preference! The shave itself was dreamily easy with the MMOC and the rest of my routine went swimmingly. I’m really enjoying the beard balm in a stick form, which is something I’ve never experienced before but something about this routine has my beard looking more well-kept than it truly is. And 15 sprays hit just right today.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

August 2, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B07-EURO / E aka B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (2)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

This razor belonged to my great-grandfather, William Watson. My dad gave it to me a few years back since he knew I used old razors (I typically shave with old Gillettes). I’ve used it before, but don’t routinely keep SE blades, so I haven’t used it in a few years. It is a very easy, not terribly aggressive razor, though. I typically keep the same hardware in rotation from day to day, so shaving with this for 31 days will be pretty par-for-the-course. We’ll see about the blade… The CVS one lasting 17 days has me hopeful.

The brush seemed to eat more lather today. I think I over-watered it. The second pass was more of a slick film than a real lather. Fortunately, the shower is a very forgiving place to shave in terms of moisture.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 2, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co 24MM SYNBAD
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE (2)

• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Bare Siero - Soap

• Post Shave: Thayers - Unscented - Toner

2 pass shave with a 20 second load. I actually enjoy this set up, and I believe its great for my skin. A sharp blade with an efficient razor plus a slick lather can't be beat. I guess a little wisdom I gained this past year using an MMOC is to avoid buffing the first week of shaves. The chin area is where this mainly applies to in my shaves. I am actually intrigued to read some of the first time users experience to just to see how they fare from last years.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August Day 2

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• 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
• Pomade: Nostalgic Grooming oil base - Midnight Stag

Day 2 in the books. I've mentioned this before, but I'm not a huge fan of the CFG soap base. It's virtually impossible to get a dense, shiny lather with this stuff. It always ends up light and fluffy. No matter how much water you add it never gets a sheen and just thins out so protection is lacking compared to something like Stirling or Milksteak. Regardless, the slickness is there so it's completely serviceable and I had zero issues with the OCMM today. The blade already smoothed out a little bit compared to yesterday so it was smooth sailing. The brush felt the same, but man I noticed the hog stench even more this time. Raw Hoggin' is the perfect name for this challenge lol.

Brush album

Stag spray

#RawHoggin #GEMsofWisdom

SOTD Aug 02, 2022

• Brush: APShaveCo 24mm Tuxedo

• Razor: GEM MMOC - 1st Gen

• Blade: Personna GEM Stainless (2)

• Lather: Ariana and Evans - Peach & Cognac

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

Quick 2 pass shave today as I’m heading out for errands. MMOC was a little finicky today and will still take some getting used to. Otherwise a good shave and I’m feeling fresh for the day. Forgot to take a pic as well but I’ll try to add one later.

EDIT: pic since I knew I wouldn’t actually do it later

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 2, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (2)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

The razor I'm using is of the gen 1 variety. I got a gen 2 as well, which was motivated by reports of the latter being nicer, but when I tried them both out last month, I found that I had a better experience with the former. Granted, it was in the first couple days of trying them out, and I think I only tried the gen 2 one once... I also don't care for chrome. I really don't see the appeal at all, but that's obviously a matter of subjective taste.

I wonder if chrome in modern razors is just kind of a vestigial relic from days past, which has stuck around. For example, chrome is forever in my mind associated with the 50s (though these particular razors pre-date that, I believe), during which time I have the impression that chrome seemed to have been slapped on everything, particularly cars. Perhaps razors, as time went by, never really shook free of times when chrome was so fashionable.

Or maybe it's just a production cost thing.

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

Aug. 1, 2022 - AA Day 2 - Better than Day 1

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Thayer's Witch Hazel - Lavendar, Osma Alum
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral - Eau de Toilette

Well, Day 2 was much better than day 1. For starters, instead of precision bowl loading (not to be confused with bowl lathering and/or GUTL), I tub lathered (as seems to be the spirit of the law in the rules). It brought me great emotional pain to go back to tub lathering - leaving all that protolather on top to sit there for the whole day... every day... all month. Pain. My wife, though, will be glad that my reindeer bowl doesn't have to sit on the bathroom counter anymore. Maybe my gift to myself for completing the challenge will be a new lather bowl that I can break in next month.

I have to say that my lather was greatly improved this morning over yesterday and, to be honest, it was one of the best lathers I've had in a long time. Given that I'm using a now 2 use brush, it makes me wonder if I've been underloading for a long time and need to load more soap when I go back to GUTL after AA. Something to keep in mind anyway. Moar lather is better lather with a new boar, that much is obvious. Scent - on point. My only ragret is that I didn't buy the Frag to go with this for the month. I paired it with Admiral today, which works great (and is one of my favorite scents, anyway), but - full trifecta would have been better. Still competing on nightmare mode, but, you know. I'd rather have the Frag. Next time.

The Zenith performed better than expected for a 2 day used brush - it splayed significantly better than yesterday and whipped up, as I said, an excellent lather. By the 3rd pass it was thinning out a bit, but that could be because I only soaked it for a couple of minutes (forgot to throw it in water while I showered... synthetic and badger are my go to brushes), but even still, the lather was slick and worked great. I stuck my finger in to see how dry it was after a day of sitting out and it was still a little damp deep in the middle of the bristles, but, overall not too bad. I assume it's going to continue to be a bit wet all month, but, maybe as it splays out and splits it'll be more open and dry a little easier. Guess we'll find out. Overall, though, I'm really liking this brush. The thick handle works with my gorilla paws really well and the 28mm brush doesn't seem to be too big at all; I usually prefer 26mm and didn't like the G5C in 28mm at all, but so far I'm really liking this. Boar is just a different beast, I guess.

After reading this amazing guide to GEM razors, I determined that what I was PIF'd is a Gen 2 MMOC - it's got the 2 little bumps/dots on it. Today was, again, better than yesterday. I was able to complete the whole first pass with no nicks and no irritation at all. Second pass went alright, a couple small nicks. Third pass? Well, I should have skipped the 3rd pass and the buffing, for today. Several bleeders and some razor burn later, it was finished. Osma, again, to the rescue on the bleeders, but, not a fan. Not only was my skin totally done by that point, but I found that quite a bit of against the grain was very tuggy - particularly on my chin and upper lip. I'm not sure if it's because I'm going slower there and need to have some quicker swipes or if that's just normal for GEM blades, but I can't imagine it's going to get better as the month goes on. Speaking of - other MMOC users - are you flipping your blade daily to try and get even wear? Or is that a fools errand? I thought I saw that mentioned at some point in a daily questions or MMOC challenge thread, but I don't know if it's worth it. Thoughts?

Post shave was great - a little witch hazel to sooth the skin, alum to stop the blood, and the excellent Sonder Mammoth Magic Splash - just a bit of alcohol burn to start and then a wonderful synthetic cool down to soothe the face. I don't know why I don't have more Mammoth Balms, but that needs to change.

Yesterday I talked about part of my reason for choosing Sonder being the concept of Sonder having challenged me all Summer long, so, I thought I'd include a Sonder thought of the day (perhaps daily, we'll see) in my SOTD posts. Today I'm thinking about my relationship with my wife. I love her and we've got a strong, solid marriage. However, I don't consider often enough her perspective on things or care for her as gently as I used to. I tend towards frustration and minor inconveniences and while I don't typically lash out or say anything about them, they mess with my attitude towards her and, rather than considering why she may have made a certain decision or not finished a task or whatever, I get irritated at how that action impacts me. I need to do better to consider that maybe she didn't get something done because she was feeling overwhelmed by 3 needy kids and needed a 20 minute mental break to make it through the day. Maybe she really wanted to have a good time while we were on that day trip but she was sensory overloaded, under rested, and stretched too thin by the constant demands of being a mom and a wife, and her husband should have been a bit more patient and understanding and supportive (no... this definitely isn't a real experience from 2 days ago.) My wife is amazing. She cares for our family so well, she loves deeply, she has her own thoughts and feelings and emotions and desires and difficulties and cringe moments. I need to do better and loving her and supporting her and setting her up to succeed every day. Today, that means when she needs help after I get home from work, I take a breath, I give her a hug, and I help. I remind myself of the long day she had, too, and I think about what it would be like to have lived her life today. Sonder. Her life, her experiences, her day to day are not less important, less vivid, less real than mine. She's my partner and if I can't even wrap my head around the fact that her life is as vivid and real as mine, this person who I love more than anything, then what am I even doing?

Well. There you have it, internet strangers, my personal challenge for today. Maybe you'll be encouraged by it to consider a loved one in your family and how you might help and love and serve them today.

Have a great day, all!

mammothmafia

RawHoggin

GEMsOfWisdom

Edit: fixing # formatting

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 2, 2022

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

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

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

Today was better than yesterday. Still very sore in a couple spots on my neck. Not the closest shave today I may be a touch gun shy from the blood bath yesterday. The brush smell is not obvious to me and it may be slightly softer or my face is numb from the trauma of the previous shave. This blade is hopefully going to get better before it gets worse. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom https://i.imgur.com/eUTjHvR.jpg

A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August

Day 1 Prep Video

Setup Pic

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

Brush Progress

• Brush: Zenith B26 #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (2)
• Lather: House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk
• Post Shave: Hygge Splash & Balm
• Fragrance: Hygge EDP #MammothMafia

Couldn’t resist doing some cleanup today and I’m BBS all around. No irritation! However I did feel quite a burn applying the alcohol based splash.

Brush still smelled, but less than yesterday. I imagine a few more days and it may be gone. Still not a great brush feel, but that’s part of the deal right!?

MammothMafia

Aug. 2, 2022 - AA Day 2

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1305
• Razor: GEM Open Comb Micromatic
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (2)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

GEMSofWisdom

SubstantialStag

After watching u/J33pGuy13 zip through his shave yesterday, I thought about how slow and meticulous my first shave with the OCMM was a year ago. Now I only have about 45 shaves total since then, so I am far from an expert, but after today, I think I may have it. I remember being very deliberate about keeping what I believed to be the perfect and proper angle and it was dreadfully slow compared to today. Having now used a shavette (Not the Chopstick Kamisori, mind you) a few times, I decided to take a cue from that. Today I increased the angle maybe by a degree or two, but just enough to give me a more effortless shave in less time than that first one. The net result is more blade feel, and it is a stark reminder that wielding this GEM is not for the feeble-minded. For me, the difference was most noticeable on my neck, where I need to mind any razor. But I also have trouble under my nose in keeping my mustache in order. If I get a weeper, it will be up there. Nothing today, but those stark reminders, but I will take those over blood.

Two shaves in on the blade means it's still yet to hit its sweet spot, so I can't say that had a detrimental effect on comfort today. Stay tuned for more.

Throwing EdP to the wind. I'm not counting after the first few sprays. Just know that I wear it boldly!

Off to spend some time with my daughter at the Ohio State Fair. Ohio Pork Producers Council Rib-off today = tasty sampling for the People's Choice Award then American Idol winner Scotty McCreery tonight. Should be a fun day.

Happy shaving!

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August Day 2

• 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 (2)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

🐗Raw Hoggin' Progress🤮:
•Unused
•Shave 1
•Shave 2

Thoughts for the day:
The Sonder, it does nothing... 🤢😩

Day two of Eau de Pig Ass. I really wish I could do something to knock this smell back. The hair is starting to split and it is performing great, but that smell...

On the MMOC side, two passes and done. No drama.

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

August 2, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (2)
• 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)
• Fragrance Video
• Blade Edge (before use)
• Blade Orientation (black dots - odd days, red dots - even days)

Great shave. Today I kept more water in the brush as I went to the puck and that did the trick. I was able to build a rich, slick, lather for the first pass. I did not have to go to the puck for the second pass because the brush had enough lather in it from the first load. The second pass lather was thinner, but still slick and protective. I focus on the Stag scent (which I like), and forget to notice how good the soap base is. It took me by surprise today.

I like MMOC razors because there's good edge feel. In fact, I'm OK with a razor that gives me enough edge feel that I can to focus on it, instead of razor angle, or safety bar, or cap. I actually prefer a DE razor, though, because with a DE razor, there's less rinsing. (Certainly only a small benefit.)

Today's blade edge photo, really shows no visible wear or movement at the edge. This is a view of what was the bottom of the blade for yesterday's shave. I found a place where there's some non-uniformity on the bevel. I think this is just dried soap, but I'm not sure. If you have an idea, feel free to comment. I'll look for it again today to see if it remains. The other side of the edge looked good. No change that I could see as a result of one shave.

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August Day 2

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm
• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Well Day 2 of AA, and you guessed it; I used the same gear from yesterday. Boar brush doesn't smell like pig ass anymore. So that is good. Still is a hungry lather eater though so I am loading pretty heavy. I barely had any left for my third pass this morning so I need to make some adjustments. MMOC is the MMOC and was very comfortable and gave me a BBS. Grey Vetiver was nice and pairs well with Restore. Holy shit this has already gotten monotonous, 29 days left.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 2, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM (2)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap
• Post Shave: Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Balm
• Fragrance: The Zoo - Community
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Coffee: Burundi, Kayanza - v: Red Bourbon & Jackson - p: Washed
• Music: Witch Mountain - Mobile of Angels
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album: https://imgur.com/a/7shDpdl

Today I tried to load a lot more soap with the goal of yielding (1) more lather and (2) a more luxurious, hydrated, cohesive lather. Yesterday was more sudsy than I'd prefer. I added a bunch of water while loading, a dip of the brush at a time, and picked up about 4.5 grams. If you're counting, that's about 1.5 grams more than yesterday.

Unfortunately, this just created more of a mess, and made it even harder to fully hydrate my lather. I lost globs to my t-shirt and the bathroom floor faster than I could add water in. I ended up with about the same amount of lather leftover after the second pass as yesterday, and the quality wasn't any better either.

It doesn't help that I'm used to spending most of my lathering time in the bowl, adding water slowly, and then only moving to my stubble when I'm about 80% of the way there. Maybe I'm just out of practice face lathering.

The tips of this knot really need to split and develop a little bit of give; when I see those distinctive broken-in-boar feathery tips, I'll know we're getting there, but it's going to be a few more shaves at least. This is not an easy brush to break in without the assistance of a hair dryer. However, it's gonna be a gem by the end of the month.

My shave was harsh again, but I avoided any nicks, and the weepers were sparse. I find new GEM blades to be a bit scratchy, but my lather is the more likely culprit. Usually my lather be drippin', and I'm just not getting there with this brush, which at the moment reminds me of a tool I'd use to clean a grill. No problem though. I've got all month and will try the Full Marco tomorrow. (Without any bowl lathering, of course.)

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

I'm going to try to cover a lot of genres, vocal styles, and eras with my selections this month. I started with a neon-lit, mid-Aughts cover of a jittery '80s pop classic, featuring a male vocalist with decades of performance under his belt, so I thought it fitting to go with a female vocalist today. This song is a completely different genre and centered around a fundamentally different vocal style, though the BPM and pacing aren't too far off (and it was coincidentally released the exact same year).

Portland's Witch Mountain had something special with their 2011 lineup, after guest-vocalist Uta Plotkin joined the band permanently in 2009. Witch Mountain would record three terrific doom metal albums with Plotkin's bellowing, raging pipes absolutely stealing the show, each release a bit weirder than the last. The last of the three, 2014's Mobile of Angels, flows from one lengthy dirge to the next. "Can't Settle" manages to showcase what this Witch Mountain lineup did best: patient, decidedly-retro guitar riffs; an unstoppable, building tension plunging us into the abyss; Plotkin's voice first bluesy, then layered in a ghostly choir, then a chainsaw death growl, then a bloodcurdling wail, and finally soaring above (or is it below?). It's a terrific song on its own, but even more impactful in the context of the album's uncompromising descent into despair.

Bandcamp: Witch Mountain - "Can't Settle"

August 2nd, 2022: AA Day the Second

• Prep: warm shower with Stag bath bar

• Brush: Vintage Rubberset 400-3 with 24mm unbleached Zenith knot

• Razor: MMOC

• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post-Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

• Post-Shave: Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - EdP

Day 2, my entire bathroom smells like Stag at this point. I did some test sprays with my EdP as I had to reseat the straw thingy so I got better flow. EdP sprays way nicer than it did before so I think that little venture was a success, but the stank from the sprays into the stink permeates throughout the whole bathroom. The bath bar I have in the shower also gives off a wicked odor, I had it in the closet for a week before AA and the whole closet smelled of Stag.

When I pulled my brush out of my soaking mug this morning nothing seemed different, but when I squeezed the water out of the knot I was blasted with a quick waft of pig stink. Still not on the level that I was fearing so I think we will be good from here on out. As soon as the brush hits the soap tho the scent of Stag kills off or blends well with the pig and I no longer pick it up, so I have learned that Stag > Pig when it comes to a stank off.

All in all a fantastic shave this morning. MMOC blade is starting to smooth out.

Stag sprays, I'm doing +1 each day in August. I'll figure out a better way to record the next one so it's not such a weird camera angle lol

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin (new side challenge, tag /u/semaj3000 everyday because he likes the attention)

#UNCHALLENGE

Shave Pic

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (2)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

Let's get the tags in first

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Relegated to the garage this evening as me wife has a beauty client and apparently Stag isn't what her clients want to smell when they come in the house.

Edp video

Plain sailing shave again looking forward to seeing how the month pans out as this blade struggles with thick stubble.

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (2)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 2 proved to be a far better shave than day 1. The brush seemed a tad bit softer than yesterday (placebo?) and I was able to better hydrate my lather making for a more comfortable shave. As u/Semaj3000 pointed out yesterday, the extra hydration eliminated the suction effect the razor was having on my face yesterday, making for a more comfortable shave.

The Brush: With the brush fully dry, I was surprised to see the hairs were already starting to split on my B37. The brush also felt slightly softer while running the bristles through my fingers. After showering, I soaked the brush for exactly 4 minutes (for consistency) and attacked my puck, this time without shaking out the water. While it did make a bit of a mess, the brush was nicely loaded and ready for action after about a minute of loading. I think the extra water in the brush also made the initial painting of the lather much more comfortable. The brush is still somewhat stiff and scratchy, but it seemed to splay a lot easier and made faster work of building the lather. I kept adding more water, painting it one, splaying and agitating until the lather was so shiny my face was glowing.

The second pass was also easy to lather. The brush had plenty of lather that if I had chosen to go for a third pass, it would have been no problem. As with yesterday's shave, the second pass was better hydrated than the first.

Today, I also had another unexpected surprise. The smell! It has arrived. The brush came packed with a sample of Lavender Lemongrass and during yesterday's shave I didn't notice any strange smells coming from the brush. Today, rawhoggin was in full effect. So much so, that I could smell it on my skin after I was done lathering. I can't say it's horrible, but it's distinct and not pleasant. I guess that's why we're here. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor For only my second shave ever with a GEM, it was a good one. I went into today's shave with less fear and proper respect for the razor. As was recommended, the better hydration of my lather allowed for me to keep a better angle with the face of the razor without experiencing the suction effect. I was more confident in my passes and used only the weight of the razor to do the work. I held back from going over areas over and over again and surprisingly ended up with a clean, first pass - no cuts or knicks this time!

The second pass was just as good. The cheek and sideburn areas were a breeze but my chin is still a challenge. No cuts or knicks, but not a perfect shave as I'm still using extreme caution in those areas. I'm definitely enjoying using this razor way more than I thought I would. #GEMsOfWisdom

The Soap and Aftershave Since I went with more of a "Marco Method" style loading, I think I was able to get a better head start on hydrating the lather. I'm still trying to figure out Stirling soaps and today's shave was lightyears ahead of yesterday's. I've spent so long not using enough soap that a lot of my focus tends to be around loading as much as possible. Maybe too much? Either way, there much more room for improvement as I have to keep telling myself, "add more water!". It seems like I'm barely making a dent in this puck and my concerns about not having enough to finish off the month is quickly fading.

Day 2 Puck Picture

Aug. 2, 2022 - AA - Day 2

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (2)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

Day 2 went by okay. The boar brush is still the same but i had a little more splay than yesterday. Lots couple of bristles which is normal. The blade and razor did a good job. Slight burn when apply the aftershave and finished with the balm.

Tags:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

Aug. 2, 2022

• Prep: Splash of cold water
• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Stainless PTFE (2)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap

• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Aftershave

Yesterday I noticed that I didn't load nearly enough soap onto this brand new boar brush, even to get through a second pass. So today I loaded for about twice as long and... still not enough to even get through a second pass. I am starting to have a little bit of doubt about whether this tub of soap will make it through to the end of the month. So far I am finding that there is a steep learning curve with boar brushes. Who knows, maybe I am doing something VERY wrong. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August #2 AtFATPSM:RYFiiSSCttSAGoW:FSiASSC

• Prep: Warm water
• Brush: Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
• Razor: GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
• Blade: PERSONNA GEM Stainless Steel (2)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)
• Fragrance: Unintended Pig Stink

RawHoggin

Stinks! The pig ate all possible scents from the soap. I managed to make a nice lather more hydrated than yesterday, (not in purpose). The feel on the face has been a mix of smooth airs with some prickliness, I think that some hard black bristles contribute to this.

There are some photos with the evolution, during the face lather the bristles splay generously but when at rest it returns to its original form, it has a good backbone firm enough to splay without deforming too much.

GEMsOfWisdom

Today I tried to improve my technic. With the grain shave has been really smooth, but I have had a hard time shaving the stubble under the nose. The second pass (across the grain) has been harsh mainly on the neck, causing me several nicks.

.#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

Today I listened to Charles Bradley soulfully performing Black Sabbath's song Changes.

.#unscented

.#RawHoggin

.#GEMsOfWisdom

^(edit:) fixing links to images

Aug. 2, 2022 - AA Day 2

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (2)

• 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

Day 2 of AA.

Brush status: After yesterday's shave there is some obvious signs of break-in already. The control brush is orange - note how the black (test) brush has already started to fan out. It's starting to open a bit already. The piggy smell is still there, but this brush has absorbed the SSL like that is its job. Weirdly today the stale piggy + SSL smelled a bit.... fishy? Only while I was lathering though. The control brush continues to smell like barnyard.

The brush is splaying better. Definitely still very scratchy, but not nearly as stiff as yesterday. Significant change from day one to two.

Soap status: At the start of today's shave my tin weighed 50g. After the shave it was down to 47g, for a two-day use of 7g. At this rate, I would go through a tub of SSL in 32 days. It would seem fortunate then that August only has 31 days, but my tub isn't brand new, and has some use. So...I would say we're still in the danger zone of needing to panic buy another tub.

Razor status: This thing seems scary, but in reality is a cute little kitten. I did a three-passer today and had a great shave. I am dealing with some irritation, but based on the fact that it's pretty widespread, I'm blaming the brush and my novice face lathering technique rather than my technique with the razor which is much more practiced. I had one little weeper on my chin today that the SSL toner handled nicely.

Cumulative Stats: * Shaves: 2/31 * Weepers: 1 * Nicks: 0 * Shed hairs: Too many to count. They're thoroughly imbedded in the soap now. * Soap grams used: 7

20220802 - Austere August Day 2

Brush: Omega 011842

Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb

Blade: GEM PTFE (2(

Lather: Stirling Soap Company - Sheep

Post: Stirling Soap Company - Coniferous toner

Post: DR Harris - Windsor aftershave milk

GEMSOFWISDOM

Day 2 and I'm already bored maybe I'll DQ in spectacular fashion in a few days

Finding the stubble is coming back after about 6 hours with the MMOC, no mythical boomer one pass bbs here.

Aug. 2, 2022 - Jetlag and Blood-Free Austere August 2nd

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Zingari Man Unscented AS balm

#GEMSofWisdom Ahhhhh, it's amazing what a night of sleep can do for the body. No jetlag=no shave that leaves me cut to ribbons. The MMOC got me perfectly bbs with 2 passes (WTG/XTG) with no need for the damn styptic (there's only so much styptic sting a man can take).

#RawHoggin I'm just not going to be dainty about this brush. It was $20 but it clearly looks like it can take some punishment. As you can see from the SOTD pic the bristles are starting to open just a weeeeeeee bit. But, like every other boar brush, it is eating lather like a beast. This brush is small but hungry.

#Sidetracked u/Teufelskraft I'm going to offer up one of my favorite songs of the year. Big Scenic Nowhere is led by Tony Reed of Mos Generator, a band I've fallen hard for over the last couple of years. Their Shadowlands album from 2018 got me hooked and then I went down rabbit hole of their catalog. Tony Reed put together this side project and their Long Morrow album came out earlier this year, which is amazing. This song though...20 minutes of awesomeness. Some prog, some rawk. It's got something for everyone who stays in the rock side of the spectrum. Take the time and enjoy the ride- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CTS2VxM2c0

Have a great day all!

2022-08-02 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (2)
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/a2QSVLb

A nice shave today. As shown in the photo the Torga -C5 started to open up a bit after yesterday's shave. lt felt similar to yesterday, no stank and performing well for a new brush. It already feels pretty good and it should get nicer as it breaks it. The razor and the software is awesome, l will be happy to use them all month.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Day 2 of Austere August! STAAAAAAAAG!!!!

• Prep: Water on Face
• Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE
• Razor: Filarmonica Sub Cero 14
• Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag
• Post Shave: Osma block
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Splash
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Balm
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP

I will probably use this for a sidebar contest

​

Video(SD buffering)

​

Right so today I made it in time, even a video is being uploaded, in English, just for reddit :D Even though it says that it'll upload for 1 and a half hours, which is crazy...

​

Anyways, what happened in today's shave.

​

The daily shaving of my stubble is definitely different than the once in a week or a month, no idea why when my beard is long it's soft and easy to shave, when it's daily it's barbed wire. I have to adjust definitely for future shaves, because if I continue like this I might need to stop in about 4-5 days. I had irritation of around 3/10 on my face which is not that good, but I will compensate it tomorrow and will be careful so that it doesn't get worse.

​

About the brush.. I know I've entered a challenge where you have to explain very unabridgedely how the breaking in of the boar is going, but that might be very difficult because the one I have chosen is already super soft, if it actually gets softer I will be super impressed. Colour me pink and call me Tinkerbell. But time will tell, I can not see any difference between the two shaves. It's still very difficult to make a decent lather even when using more soap, but I see improvement, I managed to make 2 passes, just barely, but maybe tomorrow I'll be able to have lather for 3 passes on so on, maybe on day 31 I'll have lather for 31 passes, who knows :D

​

As for the music challenge

​

This is one of my most favorite pieces for piano, and it's played very beautifully. Recently I'm in a rut and don't feel the greatest so I'm kind of listening to pieces that are of the melancholy mannerisms and sounds! I will see how it goes for the next few days, there might be a sudden change of styles :D

​

u/J33pGuy13 I'm serious my EdP is dark like my ex's heart.... When the video gets uploaded I will tell you the timestamp, you'll see what I mean EDIT

Below I will do all of the tags, and hashtags.

• #RawHoggin
• GEMsOfWisdom
• #SubstantialStag
• #sidetracked

August 2nd, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (2)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 7/10

Smoothness: 8/10

15 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Comparable to yesterday, neet to work on getting better lather for the first pass.

#GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

Aug. 2, 2022 - RawHoggin MMOC

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

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

Shave #2 with the MMOC went a little better than yesterday. You would think I’d be better with this razor than what I am. However, I’ve only used this razor about 10 times since last AA 😬. I almost just kept chuggin with that blade because the last shave I had with it went great. I’ll get there when this blade simmers down a little bit, and I get back in the swing with the razor.

The brush felt great again. I keep reading about people struggling getting a good lather, but I’m getting fantastic lathers. I hope this brush doesn’t get too soft and floppy, because I’m loving how it feels right now. I might have to pick up one of them copper scrubby’s in a few months and test that out. The boar funk was almost nonexistent, I only caught a whiff of it here and there. It’s gonna be a great month.

Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 2

• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (2)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (71)
• 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

#RawHoggin

This handle-knot combo is an instant winner. The Rubberset 400 handle is one of the most ergonomic shave brush handle shapes I know, and the slight widening of the ferrule opening (an idea by none other than chief enGEMeer u/EldrormR himself) allowed me to squeeze a 26mm knot into this originally 24mm opening, creating a dense, tight knot with great backbone. This brush is fantastic for painting strokes, and it's already very soft on this second use. I lucked into an awesome brush and I am elated. The Raw Hog scent is still quite present, but but strong enough to be an issue.

#GEMsOfWisdom

I bought a beautiful vintage straight razor a few months ago, an H. M. Redemann - Corn Cracker in supposedly shave ready state. In reality, it became immediately clear when I tested the edge on the hair on the back of my hand that this razor was a tuggy blunt mess, and I had to hone it before using it the first time. The blade, however, showed all signs of a caring owner (there are scratches from use on the blade and scales, but no rust or tea stains). I'm curious about the thought process behind this discrepancy. Who used this razor until it was completely blunt? It must have been excruciatingly painful to use.

If GEM blades are any guide, then the previous owner of my Redemanm must have shaved with it hundreds of times without honing or stropping, because today's blade at 71 uses without any strop nor hone is still infinitely sharper than that blade was.

The MMOC with the veteran blade is still an efficient and comfortable BBS delivering mechanism.

Sea Ice Lime must be the best decision I've made last month.

Aug. 2, 2022 - Take two

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (2)

• 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

This was a quick shave, I was running a little late.

The brush did shed 3 hairs today. The brush smelled good, until I soaked the brush. Then it was back to its stinky-self. The brush has a pretty strong backbone, more than I prefer and more than any of the Badger brushes I have used. It eats up soap pretty quick. The way it holds water is different too. It seems to keep the water in the base of the brush and does not want to load soap into the part of the knot, closest to the handle.

I think this shave could have easily been accomplished with just a single ATG pass; however, for fake internet points I did two passes.

House of Mammoth rocks! #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom #MammothMafia

August 2 2022

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (5)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo

A fine two pass shave, the blade still feels a little nippy where in most other GEM razors, including the MMOC Gen 2, this would be in the smooth stage by now. I wonder if that is this specific blade or the nature of the Gen 1. Either way I hope it bodes well for the longevity. Mood Indigo rules, Tusk base is the jam, ‘nuff said.

#MammothMafia

#GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 2, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (2)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

Another day in the greatest month. Stag gives me something to look forward to every day. Can't wait for that alarm clock to go off so I can start smelling like Stag. Could go without the 100deg temp though! Still had to reload between passes. Not sure if I just need to plan on loading longer, or if it'll eventually stop needing as much soap. Smooth shave on the OCMM.

Boar Update

Stag spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE

August 2nd, 2022 - Will it break in, or break me?

• Prep: warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (2)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#GEMsOfWisdom

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

For todays shave no surprise, same as yesterday. I loaded about 25% more soap in the brush this time. For now, that was the right amount to load for 2 passes. Not used to face lathering, and having trouble getting the hydration right. I’ve been dipping the brush in the water it soaked in and trying to get more water worked into my face. I think I was better on pass 2 with that. Definitely slicker on the second pass. The brush is showing some wear already, but still it earns its scrubby name. Here’s a pic of it from the side. It looks about the same as yesterday. Tomorrow will see if any hairs are splitting. I think I saw 1 that split maybe 1mm of the tip.

The set for this month is still a very refreshing Alive. Once again, opening the tub I can get the fruit and floral notes, but once I get the lather wet, the “greenery” elements and musk come out to play. For the MMOC (today I’m naming it Bitey), day two and still a bit harsh, especially the neck. Got a nick and some weepers on the neck. From my first shaves after I got it, I remember it taking a few shaves for the blade to smooth out. I hope that is the case again. The previous blade was in the teens for shaves, and was a lot kinder to my face (unlike teenagers who can be a bit snotty). Maybe I should have held onto that one and see if I could get to 40+ shaves. No weepers on the face today, but the splash let me know the blade was rough there too. The balm definitely helped to sooth the sting. After seeing pictures of the MMOC instructions saying to hold it flat to the face, I did alter my angle. That seemed better on the face, but felt like it tugged on the neck. Probably need to get my skin tighter on the neck.

Got to say, I really like the Alive scent. I was torn between it, Sonder, or Hygge. In the end Alive won by a nose. I write this, I’m starting to get the apple scent more. Maybe the balm is helping that. Trying to think of what will go good with Alive after AA. It might be a good compliment to Rope Swing, perhaps Bell Ringer, or maybe Sonder might play well with it.

A bit of a rough start, but I think things will settle in soon.

Aug 2, 2021 – Austere August. Day 2.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Post, Post Shave: Zingari Man – Rescue Potion
• Music: Dispatch – The General

Day 2 went better than day one. Ended the shave with 2 small nicks instead of the half-dozen I had yesterday. I corrected for some errors I made yesterday with pressure/angle, and really loaded a TON of soap onto the brush. I’m not usually a face-latherer, but I’m getting used to it. I still wouldn’t call my lather good, but it was 10x better than yesterday. The brush is (not surprisingly) still scratchy and a bit stinky, but I’m confident that breaking it in will just take a bit of time.

Shoutout to Zingari Man for making Rescue Potion, because it has been an absolute blessing to have yesterday and today. My goal is to not need it in a week or so, but we’ll see what my face has to say about that. For now though, it's absolute amazing.

While I’m sure the new boar brush and MMOC will be perfect by the end of the month, the unscented part may be the end of me. It’s only day 2 and I already don’t like it. I just feel empty at the end of the shave. It’s wild to think that I went years and year without the fun scents of wetshaving and now the thought of going another 29 days like that absolutely repulses me. But, once I commit to something, I go full-boar (pun & misspelling intended to tie the themes together), so I’m gonna ride this unscented wave all month long.

Even though u/Teufelskraft only requires two song selections to be part of his game, I decided I’m going to include a daily music selection because why the hell not. I went with Guster yesterday, and today I’m going with a very similar style band in Dispatch. They hail from Boston, where I went to college, and were active while I was in school there, so it would be rare to NOT hear their music at a college party in 2003 in Boston. So, hearing Dispatch will ALWAYS put me in a good mood and bring me back to the good old days of no job, no responsibilities, and making memories.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom #sidetracked

Aug. 2, 2022 - AA Day 2

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (71)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Long day at work with evaluators right on our backs every time we turned around. Nothing bothered me today though because I got to shave with Stag yet again this morning. I started off this year where I left off last year with 4 sprays of the EdP. The past two days no one has commented on how great I smell though. I may have to up that number quicker than I thought.

The brush performed beautifully again this morning. Any boar smell I thought I got yesterday was completely gone today. I took special care today not to push the brush to hard on my face because of the brush burn I felt yesterday. That seemed to help as I noticed none today. I'll focus on brush pressure during lathering at least until the tips start to get softer.

The Gen 1 MMOC is incredible. Pairing it with this blade, even with 71 shaves as of today, has given me back to back BBS shaves completely free of irritation. I don't see that stopping anytime soon either.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Tuesday!

Stag Spray 2 #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom #SubstantialStag

Aug. 2, 2022 - Day Two

• Prep: Quick splash of water
• Brush: Copper Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)

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

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

RawHoggin

Brush was a little better today, but I still way underloaded and really only got one good pass and one very thin lather. This was enough again for tonight's shave as I am trying to ease back into morning shave starting tomorrow, back to work after a week off. I am encouraged that other people are reporting that it takes much more soap to build lathers at the early stages of the brushes life but it will hopefully back off in due time.

GEMsOfWisdom

The razor handled pretty well again today, yielding a very smooth shave even with the two passes that I did. I am having some issues right under my nose, it seems like the corner is more protected that what I might be used to in other DE blades and I am really having to buff to get up under my nostrils. I will hold judgement until I get some better lathers, but so far so good.

SSL is great, I am happy again with the choice.

edit adding the tags down here to avoid the formatting: #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug 02, 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 (2)

• 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

Sadie Hawkins Dance - Relient K

The second #Sidetracked song for the month is the one that always brings me back to my Elementary & Middle school days. Back when getting in the car meant spending 15 mins combing through one of these before hitting the road. It was the sacred duty of whoever has shotgun to provide the correct tunes for the ride and totally justifiable reason to kick someone to the back row if they didn’t perform!

Every time I hear this song I am transported to times of sitting in the carport of our old house doing whatever stupid shit my siblings and friends could think up. It was a simpler time and TBH I miss it a little bit.

Good shave today! This razor is definitely not the one to chase BBS with but I got a closer shave than I expected given only doing two passes and not going ATG.

Aug 2, 2022 Trickhole Stag + MMOC + RawHog

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Dogwood Unbleached Boar
• Razor: MMOC MM24
• Blade: GEM (3)
• Lather: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag
• Post Shave:Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag Balm
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face Grooming Midnight Stag

Stagging it up

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

Cheers

Aug. 2, 2022 - AA 2: Sonder Seville

• Prep: Cold Water Splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (8)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Seville - Eau de Toilette

Day 2, another evening shave.

Here’s the progress album.. SOTD in title pic.

Pretty scratchy on day 2 still, no surprise. The brush does fan out though some even after these first couple uses. For a brush on the smaller side it can use a fair bit of soap, a true latherhog if you will. I find myself using the vast majority of said lather on the first pass though, it doesn’t like to hold much in the knot currently. I can see myself revisiting the tub between passes this month. Also, as for the GEM, def get a little razor burn here and there, hoping this improves with the learning curve. #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 2, 2022 - A Sad Day For AA

• Prep: Wet face
• Brush: Semogue Torga C5 #rawhoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

It's day two of AA, and regrettably I've decided to throw in the towel. It turns out #rawhoggin + #GEMsOfWisdom = Nightmare Mode Prepare to Die Edition. I picked a scrubby brush to attempt the rawhoggin challenge and it only took two shaves to realize I'm not going to make it to the end of the month. The brush is hungry. The soap is thirsty. It's not a good combination. I spent 40+ minutes face lathering two days in a row and it messed up my face. I kept adding water trying to get the lather hydrated. As water was added, lather would get lost in the knot, the sink, my neck, etc. So, I'd load more soap which needed more water. It was a lot of scrubbing. The shave was rough the first day with multiple nicks. I chalked it up to my lather being under-hydrated.

Today, the scrubbyness of the brush was enough to open some cuts back up. I hadn't even started shaving. The lather was better today, but my face was already hurting before I had begun to shave. The razor hurt. There was more blood. I haven't had such a rough shave since the broken Clog Pruf I mentioned yesterday. I'm wondering if I got a bad blade, or if it's just from my face being scrubbed raw. Either way, I didn't complete the second pass. The skin around my chin was red and too sensitive to shave. Last year, the shaves started to get uncomfortable during the third week. That was using a Synbad knot. I knew the end was near, and pressed on, then. I shudder at the thought of scrubbing my face again tomorrow. I don't want to shave for a few days. Having this much discomfort this early is a clear sign I need to quit. Sadly, quiting rawhoggin means I've broken ultra nightmare mode and can't complete GemsOfWisdom, either. I'm disappointed I won't be upgrading my flair. I feel like I should resign my MMOCWhisperer out of shame. I don't know if it's possible to change hardware and complete /u/JoboozeRum's #MammothMafia challenge.