Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 25

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (25)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (94)
• 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

Morning shave bliss again. Over 30 hours have passed since the last shave (Yesterday's podcast SOTD happened at an odd hour because of time zones and the need to set time aside for editing), so I basically felt like a hobo and the whiskers were long enough to get some visual feedback regarding the efficiency of my ageing blade. Indeed, I could see that some whiskers survived the WTG pass on my cheeks unscathed. That wasn't a problem, though, and the shave turned out quite close by the end of the third (ATG) pass.

Now I'm wondering of course whether these survivors of the first pass are a result of the degraded edge (i.e., I found an element #GEMsOfWisdom), or whether the same would have happened with a fresh blade (i.e., duh). I hope I'll remember to check up on this during sample September.

The #RawHoggin brush has me reconsider how I like boar brushes to be: Most of my Zenith brushes are scrubbies (50mm loft/28 mm ⌀), or medium lofts (57 mm loft/26 or 28 mm ⌀) and there's one floppy 60-something mm loft with 26 mm ⌀, but none have a very tight ferrule, so they bloomed considerably as they broke in, and they splay easily. This one is different: I opened the ferrule just enough for the glue bump to squeeze through (like the 508 XL beast), and it keeps the knot very tight (see SOTD picture). The result is a similarly strong backbone.

It shouldn't have come as a surprise, but I just had attributed the beast's characteristics to its huge diameter of 31 mm rather than the tight ferrule construction.

Aug. 25, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 25

• Brush: Proraso Professional Boar | Break-in photos
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
• Blade: Schick Proline (25)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Alive - Eau de Parfum

AA Tags: #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

These shaves have become a bit mindless which is good and bad. Prior to AA, I used to think about the software and hardware I want to use the next morning and I would be somewhat eager to wake up to get my shave on. I wouldn't say that I'm no longer looking forward to my shaves, but it's definitely not an exciting thing to start each day. I haven't really been thinking too much about all my other software and I'm hesitating even more now to pull the trigger on the the Tabac that I was planning to buy near the start of AA.

Using the soap for the entire month and seeing how much is still left is making me want to load heavy and kill more soaps this year, but I'll also spend some time trying out some new samples in September. Smelling some new scents should get me more excited about the software side of things again. After finding out how little soap I was actually using in the past 2 weeks by doing some math yesterday, I'm feeling better about signing up for the 31mm monster now.

My post shave collection is mostly alcohol based aftershaves but I used to be a balm only guy when I first started out and was that way for several years so it's weird to be using balm only again. I have oily skin and I tend to prefer the lighter face feel of splashes but I've been fairly happy using this balm for the entire month.

Aug. 25, 2022 - Stag Day 25

• Brush: Zenith B26 Retro
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (25)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

• saib.: Mooncake

Happy 25th of Stagust my friends.

#SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

Stag Spray 25

Aug 25, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 25

• 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 (25)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Alive - Eau de Parfum

The blade currently feels more like it's scraping hair off than cutting it, but who am I to complain about these results. BBS and no feedback from the AS.

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Rating: 4.5/5

• Prep: warm shower
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: Novelty Cutlery Co straight razor
• Lather House of Mammoth - Z
• Post Shave: Equate witch hazel
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - unscented aftershave balm

Headless Horsemen

#RawHoggin #unscented

Austere August 2022 day 25 https://imgur.com/a/fU4140m

Aug. 25, 2022 - Austere August 25- Are we there yet???

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

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

• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

#GEMsofWisdom I flipped the blade and had a shockingly smooth shave at Day 25. Like really smooth. Who knew this was possible?

#RawHoggin I'm actually going to use this brush on September 1 and see how it performs bowl lathering because it has definitely shown me that this is worth adding into the rotation beyond AA/RawHoggin fun.

#Sidetracked It sometimes (is that an understatement?) feels like the world is going to hell in a handbasket. When those feeling set in, for some reason Fishbone's "Party at Ground Zero" always comes to mind. It's a classic that does a fine job of turning those frowns at the world doings upside down. You just want to friggin' dance when this song comes on. And who doesn't like a rippin' horn section? I sure as hell do. Fishbone were one of the best live bands and every show was a god damn party even when they were playing their political or socially conscious songs. This song was definitely one that could get a packed room dancing and smiling for sure- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwX0fkGf5rA So, u/Teufelskraft and the gang, enjoy today's party.

Have a great day all!

Aug. 25, 2022 \~ Austere August \~ BIG DATA DAY

• Prep: Cold water
• Brush: Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
• Razor: GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
• Blade: PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(25)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol-Free)

Countdown ... 6

Nice shave without any novelty regarding the last days. I have been improving shaving times (approx. from 30' to -20' including prep, and face lathering), without sacrificing efficiency or the final result.

Throwing some collected numbers:

Weight table

First days I was astonished by the growing hog

Day	Brush	Soap	S.Used	S.Left	After	Blade
1	81.68	150.34	4.07	112.34	236.81	1.62
2	82.19	146.27	1.36	108.27	235.29	1.62
3	83.61	144.91	1.59	106.91	233.88	1.62
4	83.73	143.32	3.32	105.32	231.17	1.62
5	83.07	140	2.84	102	228.88	1.62
6	84	137.16	2.41	99.16	226.6	1.62
7	83.29	134.75	2.11	96.75	222.42	1.62
8	83.81	132.64	2.54	94.64	220.52	1.62
9	84.29	130.1	1.93	92.1	217.8	1.62
10	85.05	128.17	4.17	90.17	215.9	1.62
11	84	124	2.16	86	212	1.62
12	83.08	121.84	2.37	83.84	210.22	1.62
13	82.89	119.47	2.47	81.47	204.4	1.62
14	82.97	117	2.18	79	195.65	1.62
15	84.66	114.82	2.65	76.82	190.62	1.62
16	84.47	112.17	2.21	74.17	187.26	1.62
17	83.98	109.96	2.3	71.96	183.81	1.62
18	84.38	107.66	3.3	69.66	181.39	1.62
19	83.82	104.36	3.07	66.36	177.34	1.62
20	85.59	101.29	3.24	63.29	175.59	1.62
21	85.66	98.05	2.63	60.05	172.83	1.62
22	84.6	95.42	3.15	57.42	167.62	1.62
23	85.19	92.27	10.57	54.27	163.56	1.62
24	84.92	81.7	5.32	43.7	160.39	1.62
25	84.85	76.38	-	-	157.53	1.62

#unscented #RawHoggin

Brush appreciation table

Shed: you know amount of lost bristles. Scent: 31 High stink rating. Pricky: 31 High roughness rating.

Day	Shed	Scent(31)	Pricky(31)
1	9	31	31
2	2	30.9	30
3	0	29	29
4	2	25	29
5	0	20	25
6	1	19	24
7	1	17	23
8	0	15	23
9	3	10	20
10	0	9	19
11	0	9	20
12	0	9	20
13	1	9	19
14	0	9	19
15	1	8	19
16	0	7	18
17	0	6	18
18	0	4	18
19	0	4	17
20	0	3	16
21	0	2	16
22	0	2	14
23	0	1	12
24	0	1	12
25	1	1	11

PigEvolution 1 2

#GEMsOfWisdom

Blade appreciation table

Roughness: subjective value from 0 to 11. Cutting: powa max 31. Strop: 0 nothing done, 1 Hand strop.

day	nicks	Roughness (0..11)	Cutting	strop
1	4	7	31	0
2	9	6	30.9	0
3	3	5	30.5	0
4	8	6	30.5	0
5	0.5	5	30	0
6	2	5	30	0
7	0	5	28	0
8	1	5	27	0
9	0	5	26	0
10	0	5	24	0
11	0	4	23	0
12	0	4	22	0
13	1	4	22	0
14	2	4	21	0
15	0	4	19	1
16	2	4	17	0
17	0	4	16	0
18	9	5	14	0
19	0	5	14	0
20	0	5	14	0
21	2	5	14	0
22	0	4	14	1
23	0	4	14	0
24	0	4	14	0
25	1	4	14	1

#sidetracked

u/Teufelskraft, Nothing to say about the great Neil, superb tune with some members of Pearl Jam from the 1995 album Mirror Ball I'm the Ocean

Aug. 25, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)

• 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

Come hell or high water, I’m gonna figure this damn pomade out before I give up. One day my hair looks ok, the next it’s a damn mess by the time I get to work. Everything else went swimmingly though. Even though the Silk base from CF does disappear faster than the regular base, everything about it is just objectively better imo. Loads better, lathers better, is slicker, and gives a better post shave feel. The last metric is honestly the least important to me because I do add a couple of post shave products on top. Still worth it. And thanks to the upvotes from yesterday, doubled it up to 8 sprays to finish today.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

RawHoggin

Austere August Day 25

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 25th use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (25)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

Actually had a good shave this morning. The blade was smoothish and only minimally tuggy. The brush lost another 6 bristles, but I noticed that none of them were split so maybe they were just loose and broke free recently.

I can't wait for the end of the month. Not because of the software, which is a big surprise for me, but because I miss variety and I want to get rid of this blade so badly.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

August 25, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (25)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm

Another good shave. This brush works best when left wetter before the load and then with a slightly longer load than I habitually do. It really is perfect if loaded correctly though.

The handle appears to have tiny cracks all along the black cap that holds the knot. Any other Zenith plastic-users have this? I’ll just replace the handle if it breaks, I suppose– I’ve never set a knot in a handle and this could be my excuse.

That said, anyone know of good inexpensive wood handles? I’ll get resin if needed, but I like the look of wood.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 25, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (25)

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

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

Not a very enjoyable shave today at all this blade is in poor condition but it does still take the hair off So we keep marching on. The brush is great I enjoy applying soap softly to my face so I can scrape it off slowly with something reminiscent of a butter knife. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

https://i.imgur.com/e2hIAsC.jpg

Aug. 25, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (25)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

I don't know how long, in number of shaves, it takes for me to go through a full container of soap. Absolutely no idea, and I have been doing this for years. I know I'm not alone on this.

The only thing I've ever finished off—aside from samples, of course—was a refill-sized-puck of Stirling Port-au-Prince, which I stuck in one of their smaller jars, but I didn't get a sense of how long it took because frankly I wasn't paying attention.

I noticed the other day that the soap in my Mammoth Z, which was fresh at the start of this month, is getting pretty thin in the middle. I thought to myself, "How can I determine exactly how close to the bottom it is, but without interfering with the natural progression? If only I had something very thin but rigid to use to gauge the depth..." So I stuck the DE blade that's been just sitting in my Rockwell 6S since last month in there. Verdict: the soap is pretty damn near the bottom of the jar.

Thing is, though, that I am no closer to having any idea of how long it takes me to go through a full container of soap, because the past three and a half weeks are not representative of how I usually use soap. At this point, I'm easily using at least thrice my normal amount (likely much more than that, but why pass up an opportunity to say "thrice"?).

Why am I using so much more soap than usual? Because at the very heart of your precious face-lather is Waste:
Waste of soap.
Waste of time.
Waste of dignity.

Oh, hey, I haven't done u/Teufelskraft's #sidetracked thing in a while. Several years ago, I was on r/tipofmytongue and found a post by someone who was too lazy to use Shazam, which I did do to identify this song: Casket Girs - Walking on a Wire

In what was otherwise a fairly unmemorable online interaction, I enjoyed the song and it stuck with me. I'm a fan of the calm, kind of dark tone to it, which it shares with MXMS - The Run, which I shared the other day, as well as Chaos Chaos - Figure it Out, which I've been meaning to include on one of these things, but at this point I'm likely to not get around to it, so here that is, too!

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

August 25, 2022

Brush: Omega 10049

Razor: Rockwell 6S Plate 5

Blade: Astra SP

Lather: Wholly Kaw Entropy Man

Post Shave: Thayers Witch Hazel

Post Shave: Wholly Kaw Entropy Man Balm

#RawHoggin

Mammoth Raw Hoggin GEMs of August (day 25)

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (25)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Before shave (oops got it wet) and After

Oops, forgot a dry picture of the brush. The second I got it wet, it hit me I hadn’t taken the picture. It was still damp from yesterday’s shave though.

It is my daughter’s first day of 3rd grade. She woke me up before heading to the bus. Tried to sleep a bit more, but ended up getting out of bed instead of hitting snooze until I absolutely have to get up.

Since I’m up and don’t have to rush, I can get in an early shave today. Start to shave and, whoa not as bad as yesterday. Oh yeah, I shaved after work, only 14 hours of stubble. Basically, an ok shave today, but if I shave after work tomorrow, the grabby blade will be back. Looking over the brush today and the darker patina near the knot is getting blue and maybe will go to verdigris soon. That surprised me today. I thought it would be a long time at the old penny stage of patina. I guess the extra water exposure and perhaps the soap are speeding up the process.

Aug. 25, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge

• Brush: Omega 20102
• Razor: Karve Brass SB B
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (8)

• Lather: Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap

• Post Shave: Abbate y La Mantia - Laureato - Aftershave

• Fragrance: YSL - Y - EDT

Day 25 #RawHoggin

Aug 25, 2021 – Austere August. Day 25.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: New Politics – Give Me Hope

Twenty-Five days in and everything is still going smooth. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, the unscented portion is the hardest for me. I feel like the MMOC is NBD now and the new boar is now a broken-in boar… But the unscented will always be unscented. It goes against so much of what I love about wetshaving. It’s not right! But we’re closing in on the end of the month and have less than a week left before I put the tub of Sheep away until Second Chance Day of the 2023 Lather Games. It’s a great soap, and I’m really glad I made a big dent in it… But it’s just so… BORING!

Today’s #sidetracked music selection is New Politics – Give Me Hope. In these daily music ramblings, I feel like I bring up energy and feeling a lot. Whether it be the energy of a particular band or song, or how a particular song makes me feel, a lot of what I get out of music is how it can shape or even amplify your mood. If you’re listening to a high energy song, it can absolutely give you a mental boost. An adrenaline shot to your soul. And this is a song that does that for me. Like many of my sidetracked bands, I’ve seen these guys live several times and they put on an amazing show. Their lead singer, David Boyd (who is married to Christian Serratos from the Walking Dead), breakdances, crowdsurfs, and jumps off balconies during their performances – He basically does everything except for holding an instrument. New Politics is just a 3-person band, but you wouldn’t guess that just by listening to them. Their songs have a well-rounded, complete sound of a much bigger band. I love their vibe, their music, and (most importantly) their energy.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 25, 2022 - AA Day25

• Prep: Shower/Wash with Warm Water

• Brush: Zenith Gray Chubby (B37)

• Blade: Nacet (25)

• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap

• Post Shave: Proraso - Menthol and Eucalyptus - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Osma Alum Block

• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

Almost forgot to post today! Another rushed shave, but shave went well. A couple irritated parts on my face, not sure if its from shaving though. I am starting to see an imprint of the bottom of the tub through the soap! I will still have more than enough to complete AA though, been a bit heavy handed with loading soap.

RawHoggin

Aug. 25, 2022 - Austere August Day 25

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 25 in the books. Great shave, I can tell the blade is degrading for the lack of closeness I am getting though. I am so excited for September 1 that I already have my whole first week planned. 6 more days.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

August 25, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (25)
• 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)

Another "good" shave. I hope I get 6 more.

The new microscope arrived late yesterday, and I did not have a chance to set it up and get used to it. I'll do that today.

So, today's edge photo is from the microscope I've been using all month. Again, not a lot of difference. Degradation is very slow and I fully expect diminishing returns at this point. My regime for handling the blade continues to be very gentle. I have not stropped it, and I'm very careful installing it in, and removing it from, the razor. Even so, if you watched yesterday's blockbuster video (thank you u/Environmental-Gap380), you saw what the razor's stops do to the edge after 24 uses.

So, you're probably not wondering, "Why did this guy buy a new microscope?", but you might definitely be thinking, "How many days can this guy talk about GEM razor edges?". The answer, to the second question (I hope) is 31.

As to the first question. During this fall I intend to use the new, higher quality, scope to help me "go deep" into straight razor honing. Over the last 15 years, I gained my 10,000 hours experience in knife and tool sharpening. I can tailor an edge to pass all of the "hair" tests (tree-top, hanging hair test, shaving arm hair). But straight razor people want a comfortable edge, and each person's idea of sharpness and comfort is a little different. So, I'm going down this path with coticules, Arkansas stones, Thuringians, Jnats (mine are for knives so I need to buy a new stone and nagura set). The new scope will help with all this. If you're interested, and I'm not sure why you would be, I'd be happy to post progress here.

Aug. 25, 2022 - 6 more - Austere August Day 25

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)

• 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

All Stagged up and ready to board a plane back home. It's been an awesome week in Denver and I don't want to go back to work.

#RawHoggin

Nothing new to report about the brush. It's just a really nice lather machine at this point.

#GEMsofWisdom

Another smooth shave from this enigma of a blade. Razor is great though. No sting from the alum once again.

Brush Day 25

Stag sprays

25 August 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: splash of warm water
• Brush: Zenith B33
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (25)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 25, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin day 25

• Brush: Semogue2000
• Razor: GC84
• Blade: Voskhod (10)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Gin & Tonic on the Rocks - Soap

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Gin & Tonic - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Stirling soap Gin & tonic toner

Aug. 25, 2022 - Austere August Day 25

• 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 (25)

• 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
•Shave 11
•Shave 12
•Shave 13
•Shave 14
•Shave 15
•Shave 16
•Shave 17
•Shave 18
•Shave 19
•Shave 20
•Shave 21
•Shave 22
•Shave 23
•Shave 24
•Shave 25

Thoughts for the day:
25 down, 6 to go.

TTS trying to tempt me with a recommendation of Blugère and Gratiot League Square... Not today, Satan...

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 25, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM SS (25)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap

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

• Fragrance: January Scent Project - Eiderantler

• Passes: WTG, XTG

• Coffee: Colombia, Bruselas, Huila - v: Caturra, Colombia - p: Washed, Sun-dried
• Music: Tommy James and the Shondells - Anthology
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

I loaded more soap today than I have for the last few weeks. At this point in the month, I'll do anything to stave off the boredom, and loading is a variable I can tweak from day to day. The lather was that little bit more luxurious and creamy today, even when hydrated to my usual preference. This Zenith knot is broken in enough that I can load as heavy as I want without the soap taking a prohibitive amount of time to hydrate. (That's not what I could say for this brush early on.)

Also, go check out the newly-published episode of Audio Book Club Shave. "The Djudges are back in full strength to discuss the joys of participating in Austere August and djudging a bunch side challenges and side side challenges." This is the content I came here for!

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
8/11	215.6	213.9	1.7	60 swirls
8/12	214.7	213.0	1.7	60 swirls
8/13	213.0	211.5	1.5	60 swirls
8/14	211.5	210.5	1	60 swirls
8/15	210.5	209.0	1.5	60 swirls
8/16	209.0	207.2	1.8	60 swirls
8/17	207.2	205.9	1.3	~62 swirls
8/18	205.9	204.4	1.5	60 swirls
8/19	204.4	203.3	1.1	60 swirls
8/20	203.3	202.8	0.5	70 swirls
8/21	202.8	202.0	0.8	60 swirls
8/22	202.0	200.5	1.5	60 swirls
8/23	200.5	199.2	1.3	60 swirls
8/24	199.2	197.9	1.3	65 swirls
8/25	197.9	◊	◊	80 swirls

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

Tommy James and the Shondells recorded many hits throughout the '60s, but "Crimson and Clover" transcends James's era-specific appeal. It has all the joy and upbeat pop energy of "I Think We're Alone Now" and "Mony Mony," but replaces most of those hits' sugar with the woozy trance of sunny psychedelia. That iconic tremolo makes the song for me, especially at the end, as James sings "Crimson and clover / over and over". "Crimson and Clover" sounds best played loud, in low light— ideally in a college dorm room. And then there are the covers. Everybody likes Joan Jett's version, but I also love Built to Spill's take on the song. I've seen them live a few times, but on this particular tour, they played a jammy, faithful cover during their final encores. "Crimson and Clover" really lends itself to triumphant, going-out-with-a-bang concert energy, and it brought down the house. (It also brought down a thick haze of skunk smoke. Coincidence? I think not.)

YouTube: Tommy James and the Shondells - "Crimson and Clover"

2022-08-25 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Semogue Torga - C5
Razor: GEM MMOC version 2
Blade: GEM Stainless (25)
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/PMM5V20

25 shaves in the books. The brush seems to be pretty broken in.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

August 25th, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (25)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 6/10

Smoothness: 7/10

5 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

Consistent with yesterday, tried using a bit less soap.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

Aug. 25, 2022 - Oveja Eléctrica 25

• Prep: Proraso Green Preshave
• Brush: Zenith 28mm Boar
• Razor: Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
• Blade: Kai Captain Pink Mild (44)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Soap

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Electric Sheep - Aftershave

I did 3 passes today, but without any ambition to get a close shave, and I didn't get one.

The brush is very soft and nice, and it doesn't consume loads of soap. So, there's something positive, and that I can look forward to tomorrow.

Good night, and see you tomorrow!

#RawHoggin

#stillalive

#truepath

#dullerthanmyblade

Aug. 25, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 25

• Prep: Warm water to the face
• Brush: Omega 10098
• Razor: Maggard Razors - V3 Head
• Blade: Voskhod (7)

• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Aftershave

Another automatic #RawHoggin shave.

Hope y’all have a good day!

August 25th

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (25)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

Day 25 of Austere August! Staggin on!!

• Prep: Water on Face
• Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE

• Razor: Filarmonica Double temple 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

​

photo

Honestly I can't wait for AA to end because I just want to try Gearhead and other stuff, also I'm not doing well with finding what kind of photos to make😁 Other than that I have some interesting moments ahead in the near future for me, but not in the good sense, buuut I only have myself to blame, so yeah fun times😅

• #RawHoggin
• #SubstantialStag

Aug. 25, 2022 - 25.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: Omega 10048
• Razor: Henson Ti22 ++
• Blade: Gillette SuperSharp (1)

• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

Not too much to say yet again really. I'm a bit bored of the Henson recently so I think after AA I'll start using my other razors a bit more.

RawHoggin

AA D25: fed up stag

• Prep: cold water
• Brush: Tadé NOS vintage boar 22 mm
• Razor: KAI Captain Standard CAP-J7 kamisori shavette
• Blade: KAI Captain Titan Mild Protouch MG
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - shaving soap
• Post-Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• additional care: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - ASB
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley of Ashes - EDP
• AA tags: #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Ok, now I've shaved in almost all possible situations. While being a bit tipsy. While being a bit too drunk to shave normally. And now, while being half-asleep due to exhaustion. Normally, I'd have skipped all of those shaves, but the power of Stag compels me to shave this month.

Had a bit of a scare today: felt like I took a bit too much hairs away from my moustache at first. But then, I realized that you can't only shave but also trim with the shavette if you're careful enough. Then I realized that it was the side which is already fuller anyway, so I set took out my beard trimmer, did a bit of details and set it aside for tomorrow. Once I had a night of restful sleep, I'll need to trim the ol' upper lip curtain shorter and nicer. Unfortunately, due to my high biotin intake for skin issues all hair grows like crazy too and it has gotten too long too quickly.

Tadé boar progress pictures:
Dry brush in holder; dry bristles close up and finally the wet bristles after use. Well, let's just say that I'm quite pleased. The mighty Midnight Stag odour has beaten all pig stank since a good amount of time, but it also has made the bristles soft and supple for everyday use. Cool brush, it's finally in the hourglass shape that intrigued me at first.

Sidetracked
Normally it's a bad idea to do this while tired, but eff it, it's my goddamn challenge and I have zo be a good example I guess. So today, we have a cover song that I quite like: Celtic Frost - Mexican Radio

Ok, CF were already featured by me earlier this month. What can I say? I'm a simple dude and I like their music. This song here is way less serious than Circle of the Tyrants though. Something that can make me headbang to "I'm on a Mexican Radio!" is just great musicianship. Also, it features both of Tom G. Warriors' signature vocals: "Hey!" and "Ugh!". There's a forbidden drinking game were you drink a shot every time you hear an ugh in a Celtic Frost song. Forbidden, because you'd die from alcohol poisoning. Don't believe me? hear for yourself!

Aug. 25, 2022

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
• Razor: Razorock GameChanger .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (25)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm

Bit of a busy day today, so my picture is just meh again. :/

Tags:

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 25, 2022 - Day 25: Shave like your grandpa

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush

• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 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

Found an old TV and decided it was going to be the backdrop for today’s picture.

You know, this razor isn’t great. It is not good, but it is functional. I am ready for a new blade. It essentially feels like I am shaving with a blade that they forgot to hone before shipping out. It cuts, but its also rough. I did my two passes but no touch ups. I think the rest of the month is going to be just the minimum two passes.

I am just now getting accustomed to the boar brush. I think maybe the loft is a little too high for me. I still don’t like how I have to add water to the lather. Maybe if I were allowed to use a bowl to hydrate the protolather, it would be less of a hassle to use the boar hair. At least it’s not as prickly as when it started. I still sometimes catch an unwelcome whiff of boar.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 25, 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 (25)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 25 - Getting excited that AA is almost over. I've really enjoyed this whole experience, but am looking forward to freedom. Today was a quick, 2 pass shave completely on autopilot with nothing really new to report.

The Brush: The brush continues to feel awesome. #RawHoggin

Brush Picture Pre-shave: Side Top

Brush Picture Post-shave: Side Top

The Razor A smooth, 2 pass shave with no cuts, nicks or irritation. #GEMsOfWisdom

Days since last blood: 8

The Soap and Aftershave The ring of death is here. No way I'm killing this tub in the next week or so, but definitely made one hellofva dent.

Day 25 Puck Picture

Aug. 25, 2022 - AA - Day 25

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (25)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

Today did a 2 pass face shave and 1 pass head shave. The brush created great lather today, does it mean its broken in but can never trust a boar brush. The razor and blade are amazing. I think i may have found a go to razor for head shaves. Slight burns with after shave and the balm kept everything in check. Perfect. Back to office is starting from next week. :(

Tags: #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

August 25th, 2022: Blade--

• Prep: warm shower with Stag bar

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

• Razor: MMOC

• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)

• 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

2 passes, many weepers. This blade actually driving me insane. I'm not even in the challenge anymore but I gotta prove to all you fuckers I was meant to be.

Stag sprays of the day!

#SubstantialStag

#RawHoggin

#UNCHALLENGE

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

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

Aug. 25, 2022 - AA Day 25

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (94)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I was able to avoid the tugging I had yesterday. However, I di have to do some cleanup after the third pass to get BBS. I think the blade is finally trying to die on me. Just a few more days.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday!

Stag Spray 25 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 25, 2022 - AA Day 25

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (25)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Sonder thought of the day to start today:

People are lonely. My wife found that meme tonight scrolling social media after we played board games (Pandemic Legacy Season 1 - amazing series, amazing game) and it's funny, but it's also sad. I was having a conversation with one of my brothers and a few friends the other week about human interaction and physical touch while we played some video games and said something about how I saw on reddit all these people talking about how the last time they had a hug was x number of months ago. As someone married with 3 kids, that's such a foreign concept to me - I am smothered in affection daily - even if just from my kids on my marriage off days. If I go a full day without a hug, it's a dang weird day. But, unfortunately, there are too many who never have human touch - and touch is so important. I don't really have a solution, here, I'm in general not a real huggy guy with anyone other than my immediate family so I'm not advocating we all start hugging to spread the love, but, well - care for the people in your life well - you might be the only person that they've got.

Shave was real solid tonight. MMOC shaved really well and the GEM performed better than the past few shaves. I considered flipping the blade for tomorrow, but, then, I've only got 6 shaves left and not flipping it means I will have done it all 30 days that way. So, I'll probably just leave it. Grin and bear it, right?

Sonder is great. And it's lasting so long - I'm not getting a ring in the middle yet at all and I've painfully tub loaded all month. Tusk is just such a solid base, as you well know.

The ol' Zenith is a lather machine and I love her. Pic 1 Pic 2

With 6 days left I'm feeling really good about finishing it off. I am looking forward to using my Blackbird on the first, but - I'm not getting antsy or anything. Just ready for her.

SOTD pic brought to you courtesy of my back yard wood pile. We haven't had a fire all Summer and that's a real shame.

Have a great night.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

August 25, 2022

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Burma Shave Boar 🐗
• Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
• Blade: Feather ProGuard 25th use
• Lather: Stirling Sheep
• Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
• Fragrance: Halloween Man

Three pass shave tonight was just fine nothing really eventful. Almost near the end of this nightmare mode. Hope everyone has a great shave tomorrow.

Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless horsemen, and u/Marquis90

Aug. 25, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (25)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

The hog has evened out, I t’s a pleasure to use. My only regret is not getting the blue handle for this knot. I remember looking for it when buying this brush but I must have missed it because I went back and looked today. It was on the very last page so that is probably how I missed it. Oh well, it preforms the same so NBD.

Wow this blade went to crap fast. Yesterday it was a nice smooth blade, but today it was complete garbage, F tier. Maybe it goes back to a smooth blade before months end.

Aug. 25, 2022 - AA 25

• Prep: Cold Water Splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

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

break in album. SOTD in title.

Back to a later evening shave. Work kicked my but today. Not much to say shave wise except Sonder and Seville are still phenomenal, the boar has seemingly mostly flatlined the last 10 or so shaves (or the change is so incremental I’m not noticing it really), and my technique seems to have gotten better with the SE, but I’ve decided GEMs are not really the razor of choice for me. Too finicky under the nose and trickier around chin curves than a razor should be. #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 25, 2022 - AA Day 25

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (24)

• 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

Razor and blade are fine. I feel like as long as I use quality soaps and work up a good lather, I could probably get 25 more shaves out of this blade.

Soap is good, though I yearn for something different.

The brush though. While lathering up my second pass, the totally unthinkable but competely expected happened.

I grabbed just the knot and finished my shave.

After shaving, I headed to my work bench to glue it back together. I only need 6 more shaves. I'll give it 23 hours to cure and I'll try it tomorrow.

August 25, 2022 - AA Day 25

• Brush: Zenith B34 (break-in photo album)

• Razor: Dubl Duck 5/8 Satinedge

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

Still had a little bit of irritation popping up from last nights shave so the name of the game tonight was just comfort. Two passes trying to keep it as comfortable as possible to help clear up those spots. I ran some alum over it to check for burning and all seems good. Hopefully back to normal shave patterns tomorrow!

Challenge Hashtags: #unscented #RawHoggin

Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 25

• Prep: Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.

• Brush: Zenith B33

• Razor: Cloud Shavette

• Blade: Cloud whatever that blade it is (30)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Sego balm

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

Good shave, only 6 more days to go. I think this side of the blade is done.

Hail Stag!

-#Stagposting

-#SubstantialStag

-#RawHoggin⁸

Aug. 25, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (25)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

Thank goodness tomorrow is Friday. Much needed weekend.

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE