Aug. 31, 2022 - Headless Mammoth Hoggin' Day 31

• Brush: Proraso Professional Boar | Break-in photos
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SR (Kamisori)
• Blade: Schick Proline (31)

• 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

This is my second time doing AA, and while I can't say that I'll never do AA again, I might skip ultra nightmare mode next time and swap out the blade as needed. Using the same blade for the entire month is something that I know I can accomplish but doing so doesn't really provide any benefits to my general shave routine, and in fact it might introduce some bad habits like excessive buffing. Using unfamiliar equipment (boar brush, shavette) for the entire month was quite beneficial in building technique which is what I'm most interested in for AA but I don't think I'll have the same needs to do so each year. I'll probably sit out next year unless there is a particularly interesting challenge that I want to try out and not feel like I'm missing out on sub participation.

The raw hoggin' challenge honestly was a great idea for AA (props to /u/EldrormR), and the approximate timeline for a decent break-in of a boar brush lines up nicely with the length of the month so there is a nice sense of accomplishment at the end. The boar brush also gradually became more enjoyable to use which seemed much nicer in contrast to the MMOC challenge where the last week seemed like torture to a lot of the participants. If I had been completely new to shavettes, I don't think I would have had a great time and definitely would not have felt all that confident by the end of 31 days.

It's also interesting to note how certain challenges built comradery among the participants while others seemed to fly under the radar. I do think the number of challenges is taking away a bit from the spirit of AA, but they also do a good job of spicing up an otherwise boring month of monotony. I appreciated the exercise of documenting my experience throughout the month but it also became a bit tedious over the course of the month. In the end, AA is probably meant to be a shared month of suffering in which we all come out with /u/j33pguy13 level thrill for all things wet shaving again.

Time to go back under my rock.

Aug. 31, 2022 - Stag Day 31

• Brush: Zenith B26 Retro
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (31)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

• The Beatles The End

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the Stag you spray.

#SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

Stag Spray 31

Aug 31, 2022 - AA: MA-RH-MM - Almond Leather - Day 31

• 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 (31)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Chaotic Neutral - Eau de Parfum

It's the last day of AA! First, I want to say thank you to all the judges who hosted side challenges and side side challenges for AA. It has made a month of monotony bearable, and forced me to really go outside my comfort zone this month.

I've used boars a hand full of times, and this is the first full break-in of a boar knot for me. Admittedly, I didn't understand the appeal of boar knots until this month, and now I truly appreciate their unique feel.

The same is true with the MMOC, which I've used a few times with varied success, but this month has allowed me to take a razor that I was intimidated by and really get to know how capable it can be with the right techniques. It will be interesting to see the new techniques used with a fresh blade.

I honestly didn't think I'd make it past 12 shaves with one blade, but I did it and it has really paid off. It was around shave 17 that the blade finally leveled off for me.

Using Tusk has made lathering all month a breeze, except for the first week when the brush was still changing constantly. That said, I've come to really be able to dial in the base to get some beautiful lather.

I was concerned before I started that I'd begin to hate whichever scent I used, but I think the complete opposite happened with Almond Leather. Even though I had a stint mid-month where I went nose blind to the scent, I've gone from really liking this scent to loving the simplicity and nuance of this elegant scent.

My goal at the beginning of the month was to end with consistently close shaves and no irritation. For the most part, I came very close to that goal. I can get good shaves with zero irritation, or great shaves with occasionally minor irritation. Now that I'm comfortable with the MMOC, I can continue honing my technique over time.

#GEMsOfWisdom, thanks to u/EldrormR and u/Semaj3000
#RawHoggin, thanks to u/EldrormR
#MammothMafia, thanks to u/JoboozeRum #sidetracked, thanks to u/Teufelskraft

I'd finally like to thank u/djundjila for setting up the djudge portal, making all the challenges possible.

Rating: 4/5

Austere August Day 31

Brush: Rubberset 400-3 w/ Unbleached Zenith 24mm knot set to a 56mm loft 31st use

Razor: Gem MMOC, gen 2

Blade: PTFE (31)

Lather: NO Monoi de Tahiti

Post: NO Monoi de Tahiti Splash

Last day! The sweet sweet scent of my other soaps and the wonderful, dare I say, orgasmic (u/djundjila's bot can find my quotes from last year on this) sensation of a fresh blade is within my grasp!

This brush has been an amazing adventure throughout this month. The break in was thoroughly documented and really goes to show you that if you are patient and willing to put in the work, boar knots are so good. My hope with the challenge was to really push shavers to realize that boar brushes are worth respect and not just to be seen as cheap and scratchy knots.

I'm please with all the participants who choose to take this journey with me and hope you all enjoyed what your brushes became over the month. Reading your SOTDs and seeing the gradual change in opinion from "what the hell did I sign up for" or "why did I agree to do this" to "this is becoming my favorite brush" has been refreshing and really the reinforced why I wanted to run this challenge.

Sadly, there were a few who didn't make it to the end. A special shout out to u/USS-SpongeBob with the fastest AA Challenge disqualification in history. One single pass was all it took for him to throw in the towel.

Those that do finish today still within the challenge rules have earned their place in the great Halls of Boarhalla and will be forever honored with the Raw Hoggin flair. Wear your flair with pride as the struggle was real and all consuming. Be proud of your accomplishment and enjoy your now wonderfully broken in new brush.

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

• 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 31 https://imgur.com/a/206Z3t5

Woo-hoo, last day! I for one will be going through my soaps tonight. I've missed them so. The brush smell hasn't been all that bad, but I am more than ready for a change.

Along with the standard pic I've included a picture of the brush dry (with special guest appearance by Maggie the Cat) and one of the first pictures from the unboxing. It's incredible how much it has changed.

Aug. 31, 2022 - Raw Hoggin Day 31

• Prep: Warm water to the face
• Brush: Omega 10098
• Razor: Maggard Razors - V3 Head
• Blade: Astra SP (4)

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

• Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Ice Blue - Aftershave

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Natural - Balm

Final #RawHoggin shave of AA and the final shave from this tub. It’s been an interesting experience sticking to just one razor, brush, and soap but I’m ready to enjoy some variety.

Hope y’all have a good day!

Aug. 31, 2022 - Austere August 31- Hallefreakinglujah

• Prep: Cool shower
• Brush: Semogue 610 Boar
• Razor: MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter - Soap

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

• Post Shave: Zingari Man Cooling Recovery Splash

#GEMsofWisdom Holy shit...it's finally done and over with. The last shave of AA has been accomplished. In honor of this blade going 31 mostly good days, I did a three pass shave (which is a rarity for me) and once it was done, I gently removed the blade and placed it lovingly into the Peanut Can Retirement Home for Dead Blades. Things I have learned this month- 1) I will never say that I hate open comb razors again. There is at least one open comb razor that I really, really like. 2) It has been an interesting experience to take a blade to 31 shaves. It wasn't nearly as bad as I thought it would be and I have had good to fantastic shaves. But it could also be the luck of the draw blade-wise. 3) The Ring of Death has appeared in this tub of Firefighter. I'm not sad about this. 31 days of using this soap and I'm pretty sure I'm not going to use this soap again. If someone wants to provide a retirement home for this tub, let's talk since there's at least another 31 shaves in this tub.

#RawHoggin This brush might be the tiniest of my den but damn it is a workhorse. It's got plenty of backbone. it's got splay-ability. It paints well. This thing is a damn champ and I will absolutely only break in future brushes by using them straightaway. However, face lathering sucks. The End. I can't wait to have my bowl back.

#Sidetracked Damn, I'm almost at a loss for words as to how to describe my end of AA feelings- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DrjwpI7PPc - I could almost cry tears of joy- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3iVEb8ujQk - but that might be a little weird. Jumping for joy might be a little strange as well- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhzpxjuwZy0 . I feel like there's an epic musical ending to this month, but honestly, all that I'm left with is this gem from the one, the only...Barry Manilow- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C47GV5xFkTg . So u/Teufelskraft thanks for adding this 'challenge' to AA. Thanks to everyone that chose to add their musical inspirations.

On to September 1 and completely different shaves! Have a great day all!

August 31st, 2022: No Mo Staggin'

• Prep: warm shower with Stag bar

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

• Razor: MMOC

• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)

• 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

Fuck this blade! Last time I have to say it but seriously it's finally over! I updated my MMOC album with a new patina pic, I think I need to adjust my technique some as I wore the patina off the wrong part of the top cap 😅

This month was a wicked fucking grind but my appreciation for rotation is back and I don't think it's going anywhere. No more soap marathons this year for me folks, I've had my fill. Miss me with that shit.

When I get home I shall take my last dry boar knot pic, attempt to destag the poor thing, and ceremoniously throw this blade into the bin. Might even crack a beer to celebrate the occasion.

Stag sprays of the day! Legit lost count, way to end the month on a high note.... idiot.

#SubstantialStag

#RawHoggin

#UNCHALLENGE

Aug. 31, 2022

• Prep: Exercise and shower
• Brush: Semogue 1438
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM blue star (31)

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

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

Shave today was very poor. This blade is long over the point of normal retirement and is on the edge of very painful at times. Very excited to have a comfortable shave tomorrow. Brush is still working good and has become a nice brush although the handle cracked at some point and the red paint is bubbled for some reason it can sit around for future shaves. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

https://i.imgur.com/dJ0D8qT.jpg

Aug. 31, 2022 - Austere August Day 31

• 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 (31)

• 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
•Shave 26
•Shave 27
•Shave 28
•Shave 29
•Shave 30
•Shave 31

Thoughts for the day:
OK. I think I've done what I set out to do. I should have leveled up my MMOC flair, nabbed that neat Raw Hoggin' flair, and qualified for the mystery Mammoth flair after my second successful Mammoth Month run. Not too shabby, eh? Idk what to do with 3 flairs, but I guess now I'll find out.

The MMOC did just fine, again. I flipped my blade at the mid point for the lulz, but in case I wasn't explicitly clear, it did nothing and was not done with the intent of it doing anything. That's what lulz are. I didn't palm strop this year and saw no real discernable difference. Save your efforts unless you're banking on the placebo effect.

The most memorable thing this month was definitely the smell of rotting asshole, which again, I must thank u/djundjila for. I was planning to use my bleached knot this month, but his powers of persuasion were just too great. Thankfully that is over and now I have a beautiful stank-free knot to show for it. This time, the juice was worth the squeeze. Thank you for putting on this awesome challenge, u/EldrormR!!

Soap consumption wise, this 26mm Zenith used the same amount as I did last year scooping a gram a day and using a 26mm Maggard B&W knot, so this definitely challenged both my conception that scooping conserves soap, and that boars must kill all soaps. This was the set I picked up for participating in Mammoth Month last year, and it looks like it has another year in the tank.

Oh, and shout out to u/Joboozerum and the Mammoth Mafia crew for having such a high success rate this year (well, we still have todays numbers, but otherwise...), and for holding fast in spite of the trolls downvoting everyone. Y'all the real MVPs. Perseverance is generally rewarded... 😉

Total 🦣 Consumption: 30g (74g start, 44g finish)

Total number of times I beat u/Semaj3000 at his own challenge: 2

Mandatory Taggage:

#GemsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

u/ChrisdaBombz, it all fit! If I didn't jack up the first album it would have been glorious... 😅

Edit: fixed Shave 20 broken link. Imgur still sucks.

Aug. 31, 2022 - RawHoggin & Taming the MMOC

• Brush: Zenith B37
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (31)

• Lather: Strike Gold Shave - Kennedy

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

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

GemsOfWisdom

That’s all she wrote boys. It got a little rough there on the last few days but overall it was a pretty good month. I killed a soap I’m not too fond of (I loaded 4 days worth of soap over the past two days but that’s beside the point). I now have a nice boar that is broke-in. And I allllllllmost killed this splash and balm, they’re both in their last leg.

Around day 15-20 I figured it was completely broke in. However, today I noticed that it was noticeably softer than before. How much softer will this little piggy get? I can’t imagine it’ll be much more. Regardless, I ended up with a very nice brush. I’m going to do some testing in Sample September to see how it stacks up with my nice badger and synthetic.

As far as the Gem? Ehh, overall it was good, I’m just not a believer in pushing a blade past it’s limit. I think that it’s counter intuitive to what AA is about. AA is about getting dialed in with equipment, and I don’t see how using a dull useless blade helps improve technique with a razor. Just my two cents and Gem of Wisdom.

August 31, 2022 - Austere August Ultra-Nightmare Mode

Brush pics for RawHoggin challenge

• Brush: Zenith B10
• Razor: Gem MMOC Gen 2 Ex-Watson
• Blade: Personna PTFE (31)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Washington's Blend - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man - Balm’

The last shave of the month was a good one. I’ve toyed with the idea of keeping the blade around for next year, but I don’t think I will.

The Micromatic was a great razor to do this month with. Mine wasn’t to harsh to use daily, and the blade has held up super well, with only a few shaves that were less than perfectly comfortable (and those earlier in the month).

The brush has been very nice, as well. It started off okay, and got to be great by (at the latest) shave 15. I’ll be using synthetics for a while just for a change, but I’ve been very happy with it, for sure.

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 31, 2022 - Austere August Ultra Nightmare RawHoggin Stagpocalypse

• Prep: Midnight Stag liquid soap and bar soap
• Brush: Semogue 1250
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)

• 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

This is it. We did it again. This has been the toughest AA for me outside of shaving itself, so it was really nice to have the ritual and stability to help keep me a bit centered. I may have made sure I finished off a few things with this last shave: the liquid soap, bath soap, and beard oil are all officially empty. If I decide to do this again next year, I’ll need to start with brand new stuff. I debated on using an obscene amount of EdP today, but I’m driving my mom and grandmother to a follow up ortho visit 45 minutes away this morning and didn’t want to choke them out. I mean, 12 sprays seemed like a good way to finish strong anyway. After the trials and tribulations (and terrible decisions on my part), it’s been a great month and I’m glad I participated again. There is no one around us untouched by the Stag and that is as it should be.

SubstantialStag

GEMsOfWisdom

~~#RawHoggin~~

Aug. 31, 2022

• Brush: Grey Chubby - Zenith B37
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM - PTFE Coated Stainless Steel (31)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z - Aftershave

Well, we've come a long way since the first day. Time to change our blades and bring out our bowls!

I decided to try to flatten out the soap to get a gauge of how much I used, which is kind of tricky to do when it's all concave, the outer edges not having changed much (also, I didn't weigh it like some of you have). Looks like it was about half. I wasn't using as much per shave early in the month, I'm sure, during which time I was still getting a handle on the face-lather.

I gotta run to report for jury duty, at a time that is earlier than expected. I get to leave earlier than I do for work to probably just sit around the courthouse all day until I leave to go home later than I do for work. It won't even take me longer to get there.

By the way, I'm not calling jurty duty "sitting around the courthouse"; rather, that's literally what's likely to happen, based on my previous experiences. There's also a chance I might get to sit around a courtroom for awhile. Then, there's a chance I might then wind up in a lineup for a jury. And then—and only then—might I end up actually serving on a trial. Which I guess might also be considered to be more sitting around, albeit with the demand for active attention after I've been staring at walls for who-knows-how-long.

Should I be selected, perhaps I'll need to return tomorrow, provided the trial doesn't happen to conclude the same day. In either case, tomorrow's shave is planned, and it's probably the last time I'll plan a shave until June.

Oh, and after a month of practicing, improving, and exploring the face-lathering method, I have come to the following conclusion:

Face-lathering blows.

#GEMsOfWisdom
#RawHoggin
#unscented
#MammothMafia

Aug. 31, 2022 - Final day of AA Day31!

• Prep: Shower/Wash with Warm Water
• Brush: Zenith Gray Chubby (B37)
• Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2-SB Razor Head (0. 95mm Blade Gap), WRH7 Handle (90mm Solid)
• Blade: Nacet (31)
• 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

Finally! Made it to last day of AA! Completed a shave every day of August (whereas I usually shave once every couple of days). Learned a couple of things

1. A nacet blade can last and shave fine 31+ days, but at least in my home, it rusts greatly, and need to let it try after shaves
2. Catie's bubbles tubs, although it may seem like it, can eventually run out! I am not out yet, but the plastic is exposed on the bottom in the center.
3. Shaving with same soap, razor and Frag gets a bit boring. Never would have thought I would get bored of SSL.
4. Many people did not know I had a pet skunk! (for those interested, here is a typical greeting ( or lack thereof) as I walk in the house after work with Tuxy(#skunk): https://imgur.com/6MJkD8A

I will most likely celebrate tomorrow by not shaving at all, and then shaving with a badger brush.

Today's Shave: Went well, did 3 pass shave, ran out of soap on 3rd pass but added more and was fine. No cuts, or nicks (on any of the 31 days)

Some photos:

Brush before: https://imgur.com/zK3xam6 Brush After: https://imgur.com/gUtlWmn

Nacet blade after 31 days: https://imgur.com/1i6idZ5

u/Endeegee and u/Marquis90

RawHoggin

Aug. 31, 2022 - Glow in the dark Austere August Raw Hoggin’ Challenge

• Brush: Omega 20102
• Razor: Karve Brass SB B
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (14)

• Lather: Red House Farm - Lumos - Shave Soap

• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) - Irving Park - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Chanel - Bleu de Chanel - EDP

The brush definitely broke in nicely as the month went on. I really only use two brushes usually (Paladin Badger, Maggard Synth)—both of which seem superior to the boar for face lathering. But this boar…. with its backbone I’m pretty sure will be a bowl lather rock star (something I don’t even usually attempt with the badger). Going to try this theory tomorrow, but all in, really pleased with the brush. It’s going to be a part of the rotation.

Also about 28/31 days with Lumos and I’m not sick of it (last AA I DID get pretty sick of HOM Embrace, so this is a major compliment). Good stuff, been a great month. Thanks all

RawHoggin

August 31st, 2022 - Mammoth Month of Raw Hoggin GEMs of Wisdom

• Prep: Warm water

• Brush: Zenith B36 “Copper Scrubby!”

• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (31 and done)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Splash

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive Balm

#MammothMafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Brush before and after

Last day of Austerity in August, and I made it through with the same set every day. The blade was definitely past its prime. Here is a picture of it front and back. Not as good showing the blade as u/gcgallant has done with the microscope, but you can see the damage the stops do to the edge, plus I can make out a few spots that look worn or nicked. The brown Sharpie I used to keep count looks like dried spots of blood I sacrificed to the gods of shaving.

Today, I pushed myself to go for a baby butt smooth shave, or get as close as I could. I never get to bbs on my neck, but did 3 passes on it for a dfs finish. As close as I have ever gotten to bbs on the neck without weepers, nicks, or burn. On my face, I went with 4 passes: wtg, xtg, xtg (other way), and atg. Hit those wiskers from 4 sides and give the stubble a more rounded tip like the top of a fence post that got chamfered on all sides. I also did a bit of touching up and buffing. Result was close, but not quite as smooth as I have ever gotten. It was still not completely smooth around the sideburns. No weepers or nicks today, so really, the first week was roughest in that regard. I don’t have a lot if redness, so managed to avoid razor burn.

For the brush, not certain if it is fully broken in or not. A good amount of split ends are there, and it has been able to splay since week 2. The handle is really starting to go crazy with patina. I have shades of old penny, red, blue, purple, and spots of shiny copper. I tried to get pictures of it, but it doesn’t come across well in the pics.

Mammoth month had truly been a pleasure. The I still love the scent, and maybe appreciate it more as I have used it. I don’t have a highly trained nose, but I get hints of the different fragrances each time. Mainly I get a clean and green vibe from it. The soap performs excellently even if I don’t have the hydration dialed in correctly. I’d say over hydrated performs better than under. The splash gives that aftershave sting, but the ws-23 cools it down and lingers for a couple hours post shave. Today, I gave myself an extra splash, and it was very more stingy than any time since week 1. The balm I gave an extra half pump too today. It smooths out the skin, but doesn’t feel greasy after it is rubbed into the skin.

Overall, though I miss the variety, it was nice to wake up knowing what I would be doing each day with no decisions to be made. The MMOC can be a challenge at times, but it comes down to technique. I think as the blade broke in, it showed me just where I was doing things in a non-optimal manner. The blade had a very wide sweet spot once over the first few shaves, and about half the shaves this month were problem free. It is a beast of a razor, but I’d say can be tamed somewhat, unlike a cheap tto I have. As I gained experience, I realized that tto was never going to be chatter free, and best to not use it anymore. I think that is a great aspect of these challenges. Often we get excited and buy more razors, soaps, etc., to the point we don’t build a great familiarity with them. Stepping back and exploring a fixed set for 31 shaves gave me the chance to really learn my MMOC, what angles feel better on my face or neck. Really started to dial it in this month. I’m still going to use most of my razors, but the MMOC has earned a spot in the rotation. My GEM Junior wants a turn sometime, but tomorrow, the GC .68 comes back to the den. Once I lift my no new equipment or soaps restriction, I may get a Gen 1 MMOC to see the difference a couple bumps (or lack of) in the base can make.

Cheers to everyone who made it through their challenges.

August 31, 2021

Brush: Omega 10049

Razor: Rockwell 6S Plate 5

Blade: Astra SP

Lather: Barrister and Mann Sandalwood

Post Shave: Barrister and Mann Sandalwood Splash

Post Shave: Barrister and Mann Sandalwood Balm

Brush pre-use 8/1 vs post-use 8/31

#RawHoggin

/u/Enndeegee

A Mammoth Micromatic Raw Hoggin’ August

Final Shave of August 2022

Brush Progress

• Brush: Zenith B26 #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (31)
• Lather: House if Mammoth - Hygge in Tusk
• Post Shave: Hygge Splash & Balm
• Fragrance: Hygge EDP #MammothMafia

Made it through, it wasn’t really an ultra nightmare 🤷🏾‍♂️ 

Day 1 Prep Video

RawHoggin Unboxing Pics

MammothMafia

Aug. 31, 2022 - The Last Hurrah - Austere August Day 31

• Brush: RazoRock 506CK / 26mm boar
• Razor: GEM OCMM (Gen 1)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)
• 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

Well here we are. Finally at the end of the AA road. It feels good to be done and I don't think I'll ever be doing this again. I have far too many other soaps and hardware that need to be used which I'm sure is the case with all of us. Looking back I'm glad that I powered through and completed all of the challenges I set out to do though. It's been a tough and eye opening experience. One of the best take-aways is my changed opinion of Chiseled Face soaps. I was never really impressed with the base until I started getting these stellar lathers with my new fully broken in boar brush. They are like a match made in heaven. I'm curious to see if I can replicate them with my badger brushes. It won't be with the Stag though because that's getting put away for a while lol. I'm happy to join the ranks of the Knights however!

#RawHoggin

Before I decided to partake in this challenge I was not a fan of boar brushes at all. There were various reasons for this which I won't get into for the sake of brevity, but overall I just never had great experiences with them or the patience to fully break one in. This month has changed all of that and has opened my eyes to the reality that boar brushes can be great lathering tools if you can stick with them until they get good. This is an awesome brush now and I'm thinking of pulling the knot and putting it into a new handle I just picked up.

#GEMsofWisdom

The same goes for this razor. The only other time I had used it was a few times back in probably 2016 (?). It was a harsh and unforgiving experience and I hated the thing. I think most of the 180 degree change in my opinion can be attributed to the fact that I'm just a lot better at shaving now than I was back then. It's moderately aggressive and very efficient, but it never felt harsh to me this time around. I can confidently say that I've mastered the OCMM (yeah, I said it) and I can shave with it on autopilot with no nicks, cuts, weepers, or nary a hint of irritation. Hell, the alum doesn't even sting anymore. I can't even say that about my favorite and well used DE, the 0.84 Game Changer.

Brush Day 31

The last Stag sprays for a loooooong time

August 31, 2022

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (31)
• 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)
• SOTD Album

Fun month! Thanks to those of you who are running the challenges. This adds a lot.

Ok, let's summarize the month:

• MMOC - wonderful. Born in the early 1930's, it's holding up better than I am ( and believe it or not, I was born after the GEM MMOC).
• Midnight Stag Trifecta - wonderful. Enjoyed it all month.
• Zenith boar brush - Awesome. What a surprise! Yeah, you boar aficionados knew this would happen.
• One GEM blade all month - worked out much better than I thought it would. Kudos to those who take it further and to u/djundjila and u/Eructate who achieved GEMtury status this month. I won't be joining your club.
• Microscope photos - not particularly dramatic. Today's is an area of the edge that is particularly bad, but much of the edge looks pretty good. This was fun for me, boring for you.

And ... we're out.

31 August 2022 - Austere August

• Prep: splash of warm water
• Brush: Zenith B33
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (31)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Balm

The brush is still getting softer but lather on third pass is still lacking. Overall it's been a great experience but I'm ready to go back to other soaps and brushes.

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Finding Serenity in RawHogginy on the road to the GEMtury Pt. 31

• Prep: Klar Activated Charcoal facial soap
• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with unbleached 26 mm Zenith knot set at 56 mm loft (31)
• Razor: GEM - Micromatic (open comb, first generation)
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (🥳💯🍾)
• Soaking Mug: Seaforth! - Scotch Heather - shaving mug
• Bath Soap: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - bath soap
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime - Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Austere Hogust 2022 is in the books and my choices have treated me well. The Blade That Won't Die® is still chugging along, my unbleached Rubberset has turned out to be one of my best brushes, and Sea (Sp)Ice Lime still smells great to me.

This year, there has been an inflation of side and side side challenges, and it's been fun to track them (and and participate in djudging some of them) on the Djudge Portal .

The djudging of the fellow GEMnasts and RawHoggineers will still take a little bit.

Pinging u/sgrdddy for one new entry in his hall of century blades!

Aug. 31, 2022 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' MMOC Ultra Nightmare Mode Finale - A review in Austerity

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith Boar - B37 - Gray Chubby #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2 #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM (31)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave

Day 31 - Today's shave was an excellent 3 pass shave to complete AA. What a month it has been! A huge thank you to /u/wallygator88 /u/Enndeegee u/Semaj3000 and the rest of the organizers for putting all of this together. As a first time GEM and (good) boar user, this month was eye opening. Today's shave reflected all the new skills learned and equipment broken in and tested that resulted in a great shave. I am a boar convert and the GEM is now one of my favorites.

Since I went into these challenges with many questions, I figured I'd take the time to document some stuff here for future shavers to learn from.

Background

Going into AA, I was a relatively novice wetshaver. I've been shaving with a DE for about a year, but didn't get into proper wetshaving until about the beginning of this year. While I've always fancied my face as being a bit sensitive, I think wetshaving may have taught me that it might not be as sensitive as I always thought.

Leading up to AA, my standard and favorite setup was my Rockwell 6S (on plate 4) with a Simpson Trafalgar T3 brush, bowl loading, face lathering and 2 pass shaving. I really wasn't looking for a more "aggressive" razor or a different brush although the recent addition of a C&H fanturian badger brush did have me reaching for the T3 less and less. Other razors that agreed with my face prior to AA were my Merkur 34C and Gillette Fatboy (on setting 5).

With the announcement of the rawhoggin' challenge, I knew it was an opportunity to see if boars could be just as awesome as my fanturian and/or my T3. I noodled around with the idea of picking up a GEM and was intimidated with my limited experience and reputation the MMOC carries. I ended up making a game time decision, buying a GEM and using it for the first time August 1st.

Soap selection was another topic of concern. Since I usually scoop and load from a bowl, I didn't want to run out of soap before the end of the month. I heard that boars were notorious for eating soap and for a good part of August I was traveling outside of the country where restocking wouldn't be an option. I ended up going with a Stirling soap based on the recommendations from a few people here and also because I've had issues lathering Stirling in the past. This was a learning exercise after all!

The Brush: Probably my favorite part of this whole challenge was the brush. Anyone who wants to give a boar brush a try should definitely do it. This brush has become my absolute favorite. It's soft yet firm and delivers and exceptional scrub without the harshness of some other brushes. The dense knot whips up a great lather and takes very little time to feel amazing. Within the first week the brush was feeling amazing and by the middle of the month had no more hog stank and was incredibly soft.

Some quick highlights about the brush:

Day 5: Last day of significant brush hair loss

Day 7: Brush became noticeably soft

Day 13: Brush became noticeably easier to splay

Day 15: Hog smell was gone

Day 17: Brush was pillowy soft and super easy to splay

Brush Pictures:

Day 1 vs. Day 31 Pre-shave: Side Top

Day 1 vs. Day 31 Post-shave: Side Top

RawHoggin

The Razor My second favorite part of AA was getting to know the GEM MMOC gen2. I really had a preconceived notion that this razor was an antiquated, fossil that the masochists here on /r/wetshaving forced themselves to love. I mean how can a design that's almost a century old be that good? I dismissed the idea of trying it early on but my curiosity was piqued. I have to say, I am so happy I gave it a shot because the razor is AWESOME. Prior to using the GEM, the most "aggressive" razor I used was my rockwell on plate 6. Granted, it's a different type of razor, but I figured worst case I can baby myself through the month or just use something else. The razor was nothing like I expected. There is definitely a learning curve and the razor definitely doesn't tolerate bad form, but it's also more forgiving than some give it credit for.

The GEM blade was also impressive in its showing. Now I don't have very coarse or thick hair on my face, but this blade still has more life in it. I didn't palm strop (whatever that is), or flip the blade or anything and it still delivered a great shave. I'm not sure if the dulling of the blade was a factor, but after about a week, I felt very comfortable using the GEM and by day 12 felt like I was on autopilot for my standard 2 pass shaves. In fact, out of the 31 days in August, 27 of them went cut free. I managed to only cut or nick myself 4 out of the 31 days and one was from just plain carelessness. I still need to work on my ATG pass, but it's not something I do very often anyway, so for the purposes of my shaving routine, I definitely feel like I mastered the GEM.

Some quick highlights about the GEM:

Day 7: Felt completely comfortable using the razor

Day 12: Felt like the shave was on autopilot

Day 14: My first 3 pass shave

27 Days without cuts, nicks or irritation

4 Days where the GEM drew some blood

27 2-pass shaves

4 3-pass shaves*

*Note: I did not cut myself once during a 3 pass shave

Days since last blood: 14

Razor and blade picture on day 31

Blade picture on day 31

GEMsOfWisdom

The Soap and Aftershave I have to hand it to Stirling - they do make a wonderful, nurturing soap and phenomenal aftershave. While I have grown completely tired of the soap, it was enjoyable for most of the month. Even with the soap hunger of the mighty boar, the puck managed to make it through the month. Unfortunately, the thought of weighing the soap never occurred to me during the month, but it did seem like I was using significantly less soap towards the end of the month. I did manage to weigh the puck after today's shave and I'm left with 132.6g. The puck (according to u/OnionMiasma) is 83g, which means I have 49.6g (1.75oz) of soap remaining. That's a lot of soap used!

Some quick highlights about the soap and aftershave:

Day 16: First time I started seeing the bottom of the puck (beginning of ring of death)

Day 19: When I started to get tired of the scent

Day 1 vs Day 31 Puck Picture

August 31, 2022 - AA Day 31

• Brush: Zenith B34 (break-in photo album)^1 Final Break-in photo^2

• Razor: Dubl Duck 5/8 Satinedge

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Z - Soap

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

AA SOTD photo album

Great shave to end on! No complaints, no cuts, no nicks, etc.

• Headless Horsemen challenge was basically a last minute decision for me because I was pretty set on running a Rolls Razor. I had this razor come in with pretty busted scales and immediately ordered another set only for them to arrive on July 30th which didn't leave me much time to assemble, hone and test shave. I ended up having some issues with the heel of the blade that I chose to completely kill the edge by sanding it down to move the edge up a bit and having to re-hone again with only a day left. Being that I had only been honing maybe 2-3 months at that point I had absolutely zero confidence in this edge making it the whole month and let alone even a week. I really thought I had lost it several times, but just kept it on the strop a little longer and it kept delivering. I'm certainly happy to see an edge I put on the razor make it 31 days and not be completely terrible at the end. I'm also glad I got to practice for a month straight as it gave me time to practice proper mapping, off-hand shaving, etc. and I'm certainly better at the end.

• RawHoggin has been a pretty easy going challenge aside from using unscented and catching some whiffs of the brush while shaving. My only complaint with the whole thing is that I wish I had gone unbleached because Zenith knots are just way too good out of the box and I think I would've liked seeing the progress a little more. All that being said the B34 was absolutely amazing and I'm looking forward to getting it's big brother soon!

• Unscented challenge started out simple enough and I was fine for 2 going into 3 weeks and then it just started getting to me. I have times where I can't really smell anything that great anyways due to COVID complications last year so it seemed like a no-brainer to tackle this one. This last week has just been absolutely brutal though and maybe it's because I just knew the end was coming up. I'd have to think long and hard about doing this one again in future years.

Sharing this band as a final entry for the sidetracked challenge as they have been one of my favorites the last few months. I don't even remember how I ran into them, but I've been absolutely loving almost every song they've put out. Given their subscriber count and views on YouTube it's certainly hard to expect much, but these guys are flying under the radar with a ton of talent. Enmy - Deceiver

It's over. It's done.

Challenge Hashtags: #unscented #RawHoggin #sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

Aug. 31, 2022 - That's a Wrap, Folks!

• Brush: Zenith B36 "Copper Scrubby!" 28x50mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM SS (31)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lime - Soap
• Post Shave: Porter's Lotion, WSP - Neroli - Cooling Aftershave Balm
• Fragrance: Gallagher Fragrances - O'Vert
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Coffee: Colombia, Bruselas, Huila - v: Caturra, Colombia - p: Washed, Sun-dried
• Music: John Moreland - In The Throes
• August 2022 SOTD Photo Album

#GEMsOfWisdom / #RawHoggin

We made it! Thirty-one shaves, using the same gear and software, and many of us exclusively face-lathered with a raw boar brush. And we posted about every shave along the way. Following June's Lather Games, I'm feeling pretty tapped, but it's important to finish strong.

First, some photos of the gear prior to this morning's shave:

• The knot, before this morning's shave, from the side.
• The knot, before this morning's shave, from above.

And some photos after the final shave of Austere August 2022:

• The soap after shaving.
• The knot after shaving, and blow-dried per the u/USS-SpongeBob method, from the side and the top.

I used a Zenith copper B36 Scrubby all month and it transformed over 31 shaves. The knot is looking very feathery, though there's still plenty of splitting to be done, and I plan to give it a few blow-dry cycles to accelerate any remaining break-in. The knot is terrific; I enjoy this brush's unique, robust backbone, though my usual Precision Loading™ approach won't take full advantage of it. Also, I'm very fond of the copper handle. The patina looks fantastic and the shape is super comfortable—it might just be my new favorite handle.

Last year's Austere August convinced me the MMOC is a really good razor. This year's Austere August didn't change my mind, but I managed to score a Peerless a few months back, and I'd reach for that Micromatic over the MMOC every time. It's just as efficient and well-designed, but it doesn't feel as harsh, and isn't as unforgiving to complacent shaving. I also prefer how Micromatic razors look in brass.

I didn't manage to kill any of this month's software, which is a bummer, because this Neroli balm is too strong for my tastes, I'd rather have Thayer's Cucumber around than this Porter's, and what is Austere August for if not emptying a tub of shave soap? Still, I put a dent in this tub of Lime. That's something I guess. As for the aftershave balm, I'm going to combine the remaining Neroli with some Glacial Lemon Chill and keep it in an old conditioner tub. My countertop would appreciate fewer bottles.

So what's next? I'm going to try to kill a backlog of samples all September, enjoy some mild razors, and try out Voices and Coffee & Contemplation. The variety is going to feel like sweet relief.

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	196.3	1.6	80 swirls
8/26	196.3	194.4	1.9	80 swirls
8/27	194.4	192.9	1.5	80 swirls
8/28	192.9	191.9	1	80 swirls
8/29	191.9	191.0	0.9	80 swirls
8/30	191.0	189.4	1.6	80 swirls
8/31	189.4	◊	◊	80 swirls

⁂

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft

My final #sidetracked selection is pretty self-explanatory; we should wrap up the month of song recommendations with a song about songwriting. John Moreland's 2019 album In The Throes introduced me to the Tulsa singer-songwriter's powerful chops, and the second track— "Nobody Gives a Damn About Songs Anymore"—was immediately one of my favorite songs of the year. It fits within a long tradition of songs about performing, touring, and being a professional musician, with a particular focus on the existential burden of skill, fame, and vocation. "Why’d I have to go and get blessed with a curse / I’m chasing death or glory, whichever comes first." Ultimately, Moreland reckons with the same question any musician with half a chance at fame does; when you write a song, do you write for you or do you write for them?

John Moreland - "Nobody Gives a Damn About Songs Anymore"

But Wait, There's More

I wanted to cover a long list of songs this month but couldn't figure out how to link them together or other songs felt more timely. Maybe I'll get to more of these next year. Anyway, here's some of the remaining list, presented in no particular order. I had planned to mention a few of these together (like "The Last Great Washington State" and "The Trapeze Swinger" as beautiful, super long songs) and I wrote most of an unfinished blurb for Kyle Craft.

• The Mountain Goats - "Palmcorder Yajna", "Ezekiel 1 and the Permanent Efficacy of Grace"
• Deer Tick - "Smith Hill"
• Kyle Craft - "Lady of the Ark"
• Duke Ellington - "Isfahan" (sorry u/VisceralWatch)
• Big Thief - The back to back combo of "Mary" and "Black Eyes"
• Scott Hutchison - Frightened Rabbit ("Head Rolls Off", "I Wish I Was Sober") and Owl John ("Los Angeles, Be Kind")
• Damien Jurado - "The Last Great Washington State"
• Iron & Wine - "The Trapeze Swinger"
• Wilco - "Summerteeth", "California Stars"
• Weyes Blood - "Seven Words"
• James - "Laid", "Ring the Bells"
• Chelsea Wolfe - "Feral Love", "After the Fall"
• Deep Dark Woods - "All the Money I Had is Gone", "18th of December"
• Pepper Rabbit - "Older Brother"
• Murder by Death - "I Came Around"
• Sunset Rubdown - "Shut Up I Am Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings"
• Nick Cave - "Palaces of Montezuma" Live at Alexandra Palace, 2020
• Bob Marley ("Mr. Brown"), Desmond Dekker ("Israelites"), and Gregory Isaacs ("Mr. Cop")
• Simple Minds - "Glittering Prize"
• Pulp - "Razzmatazz"
• Daniel Romano - "Old Fires Die", "A New Love (Can Be Found)"
• Agnes Obel - "Broken Sleep"
• Saint Saviour - "Reasons", "Let it Go", "Tightrope"
• The Rural Alberta Advantage - "Bad Luck Again"
• Shearwater - "Breaking the Yearlings", "Backchannels"
• Yeasayer - "O.N.E."
• Crypt Sermon - "Temple Doors"
• Dawnbringer - "V"
• Queens of the Stone Age - "I Sat by the Ocean"
• Kelley Polar - "Satellites"
• Elbow - "Leaders of the Free World"
• Primus (not sure what I'd cover here)
• Roy Orbison (same as above)
• Sisters of Mercy - "Temple of Love"
• Brian Eno and John Cale - "Spinning Away"
• Poni Hoax - "Antibodies"
• Witch - "Black Saint"
• Kate Bush - "This Woman's Work"

Check these out sometime.

August 31st

• Brush: Zenith Boar - 505NK 27mm
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE (31)
• Lather - Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Splash
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag Edp

#GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Edp video

Finally all done and finished up with a 31 Spray Salute

Aug. 31, 2022 - It’s over!

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (31)

• 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 blade is garbage! Actually I am going to hold onto it and try it in my MM24 when I get back home later next month.

The brush handle has started to actually get some neat patina. The knot is actually usable, not as easy as the badger brushes (I guess we will find out tomorrow!). The GEM razor is no longer in production for a reason.

House of Mammoth makes excellent software that I will continue to use. I have a second tub of Fú Dào and I just barely finished AA without having to break into it.

I am happy to be done with the torture of my skin with that stupid blade. I did get some weepers and knicks throughout the month, including today. I can count on one hand the number of times I had a great shave with this blade and razor. I should have probably given it up after the first week, but here we are. I had to see for myself if it was possible to get to 100 shaves on a single blade. It is not.

AA SOTD Pictures, Brush break-in album, brush break in album part 2 #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug 31, 2021 – Austere August. Day 31.

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith - B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sheep
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented - Aftershave Balm
• Music: Jack's Mannequin - Swim

We did it. The final day of Austere August is upon us. This month dragged on for me and I'm so ready to use a different soap and splash. I've said before, I could use the MMOC daily and not mind it, and the Zenith is broken in and a brush I enjoy using... And using the same GEM blade all month hasn't been bad... But... Using unscented soap and aftershave every day has been a brutal, soul-crushing experience that I wouldn’t recommend anyone do. The silver lining is that me doing this all month means that u/rocketk455 will be donating an additional $10 to the JED Foundation. So while I would hesitate calling myself a hero for completing this torturous challenge, I wouldn’t stop anyone that bestowed that title upon me either.

Earlier in the month, I featured a song by Andrew McMahon for my #sidetracked music and today’s selection is from his band before he went off on his own, Jack's Mannequin. The song "Swim" is one he wrote about his own battle with cancer. I'm sure all of us have been impacted by cancer in some way, shape or form. Whether it be family member, friend, or yourself that got that awful diagnosis it fucking sucks. But my guy, Andrew, sings about how he had to keep going, no matter how difficult it may seem, and there are people who count on you to pull through. I'm comfortable enough with my masculinity to admit this song has brought me to tears on more than one occasion and I'm not the least bit ashamed of it. Knowing too many people who have lost their battle with cancer, this song hits me right in the heart and brings me right into thinking of those loved ones. So why include this song to close out Austere August? Because while Andrew wrote this song about his cancer treatment, the theme is to never give up. No matter what, no matter how hard it is, you've got to swim. And while I’m aware using the same shaving equipment for 31 days may NOT be on the same level as battling a cancer diagnosis, it can be a daunting task. And I think Austere August can be a difficult grind for a lot of us. Limiting this group to using the same equipment every day for a month is a tall order, but we did it. We did not give up. We swam.

Tags: #unscented #rawhoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 31, 2022 - Austere August Day 31 - The End

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

It comes to a close, finally. The long awaited end to this very long month. Am I glad that I did it? Not really. Did I have fun? Absolutely not. Will I be participating next year? As of today, no effing way.

This brush has become fantastic. Shaving 31 days with it has made it an amazing brush. The thing is, I have a brush with the same exact knot at the same loft that I will not be replacing. Therefore I have determined that this beautiful boar brush will become a side prize to the MammothMafia participants. I will touch on it more with a stand alone post, but if you have wanted to try a broken in boar and completed the AA challenge for Mammoth Mafia it can be yours. Although it may smell like Restore forever. u/EldrormR thanks for running the Raw Hoggin' challenge, it was an awesome one.

MMOC Gen 1 is below the Gen 2 in my opinion. I was happy I tried the Gen 1 so I had a nice comparison of the two, but I believe that the Gen 2 is superior in comfort while being the same in efficiency. The blade only had one day of tugging that I had to deal with, but my shaves towards the end were pretty sub-optimal and left me wanting. This isn't because of the razor though, more because of blade degradation.

Tusk base is one of the best available today. My face feels amazing, and my balm is never going to run out. That is usually the only good thing that ever comes out of AA. Yes I get bored with the scent but at least I don't have to use a crappy base... I was hoping to finish this tub, but alas I have failed. Now it is going to sit in my den for probably a long time before I decide it is time to use this scent again. A nice scent, I am just burned out on it.

I will be posting a standalone for the MammothMafia and I have to double check the data to make sure I didn't screw up anywhere. Although there is only one giftcard prize for the participants, I went ahead and got a little something that all participants will be able to get. Credit to u/raymoonie for putting the graphic together for this sticker. Also shout out to u/InfernalInternal for helping me out with the MammothMafia challenge, you have been a valuable asset in this thing of ours. Ciao!

Mandatory Tagging for the last freaking time:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 31, 2022 - 31.08.22 - Austere August #RawHoggin The Finale

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: Omega 10048
• Razor: Henson Ti22 ++
• Blade: Gillette SuperSharp (2)

• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Daemon

Well, this has felt like a long month for me. This soap gives a little bit of a burn, and the splash gives a much more noticeable burn so I think im allergic to the fragrance in it, but I stuck through it as it wasn't enough to actually hurt. The brush has definitely gotten better across the month, and I've really enjoyed pure face lathering. I think I may stick to it going forwards, atleast not when using samples. Ultimately this month has taught me quite a bit about a brush type I had never used before, and a technique I had hardly touched. I'm really glad I took part though and I've definitely enjoyed the Boar more than I thought I would at the beginning. Within this last week I've been getting better lathers as well so I'm definitely getting better - although it isn't enough to make me give up my synths or badgers I'm afraid. Hope everyone has had a great month!

RawHoggin

Aug. 31, 2022 - 🏁Oveja Eléctrica 31🏁

• Prep: Proraso Green Preshave
• Brush: Zenith 28mm Boar (2 pièce)
• Razor: Kai Kasho Western Style Shavette
• Blade: Kai Captain Pink Mild (50)

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

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

And it's over! The blade is binned!

Another shave like the 5 last ones...

So, what about the month? I definitely would not go for another reinforced total nightmare mode next time. I'm rather happy with the choice of the soap: lathers well, the scent works out ok over the distance, and of course, it makes you completely mosquito-proof! Since I am a smart man 😭, I didn't weigh the soap in the beginning, so I cannot say how much I used, but a guestimate is that it's more than half.

The brush turned out very well - accident aside. I should have taken another handle, but the nod is great. The breaking in was painless, and much faster than my Semogues. I will have to repair it some day, and there is a non null chance that I will ruin it, but I'm glad I did buy it.

I'm not sure if or with what I will shave tomorrow, but my first shave with a new blade will probably be bloody.

Congratulations to all who made it through the month!

Have a good night, and see you in September!

#RawHoggin

#truepath

#stillalive

Aug. 31, 2022 \~ Austere August \~ The End

• Prep: Cold water
• Brush: Ever-Ready 200 - Zenith 27mm unbleached boar knot
• Razor: GEM MICROMATIC OPEN COMB 2nd gen
• Blade: PERSONNA GEM SS PTFE(31)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Unscented - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Incorporeal - Aftershave (Alcohol-Free)

Countdown ... 0

#unscented I beat you!

Interesting numbers on Soap & Aftershave uses:

...	Soap Used	AS Used
Max	11.65	8.75
Min	1.36	0.01
Median	2.87	2.81

Three days mindless wasting day 23 body shaving 10.57gr, day 30 attention seeking clown around (I learnt the lesson) and today shave I have used the rest of the soap showering (clever option). On day 13 I used 8.75gr of Aftershave that day I rushed through the save and probably applied several times the aftershave, on day 27 I forget to use aftershave who knows why, it could be because the dogs wanted to go for a walk.

Chart of Soap and aftershave uses, on the trendline soap has an ascendant tendency while aftershave has a horizontal line, it had a constant use. The remaining aftershave (and I will buy a replacement) will be used with soaps for which I don't have a non-alcoholic after.

#RawHoggin

The brush becomes totally unscented in the third week and reaches an acceptable smoothness throughout the second week. But there're still some bristles that need more time to finish breaking because when splaying the brush for face lathering they continue to prick a little.

31 days video of the hog front view and top view

PigEvolution 1 2

#GEMsOfWisdom

The MMOC has been revealed as an outstanding machine easy to use and effective, the PTFE blade is awesome I never thought using a blade past seven shaves, 31 is mindblowing. It began to be somewhat dull around the third week, but it continued to give irritation-free and smooth shaves with the help of some buffing.

#sidetracked u/Teufelskraft finishing with one of my favourite singers Mark Lanegan - Don't forget me bonus track Mark Lanegan - I Am The Wolf and Mark Lanegan & Maggie Björklund performing Alice in Chains' Nutshell

Aug. 31, 2022 - AA - Day 31

• Brush: Zenith Boar - Short & Scrubby
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Blade (31)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Ferox - Soap
• After Shave: Fine Accoutrements - L'Orange Noir - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm - Aftershave

The brush has broken a bit and i think it can get better. If you have a good amount of soap it is creating a great lather. Thought i would have to change the blade mid way but this is a good and i'm going to keep using this blade. Today i found that the aftershave was based on Terre D'Hermes perfume from the Fine website. Aftershave and balm did the usual. Happy to have taken part.

Pics of brush after AA month. https://imgur.com/s0fwyiO https://imgur.com/NKRDI8i

Tags: #RawHoggin #GemsOfWisdom

2022-08-31 - Austere August - Raw Hoggin' Mammoth MMOC

Prep: Warm Shower

Brush: Semogue Torga - C5

Razor: GEM MMOC version 2

Blade: GEM Stainless (31)

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/1FvYZZL - unbox, before 1st shave

https://imgur.com/a/B7T9tVA - after 31 days

31 shaves in the books. The GEM blade worked well but is starting to tug a bit after 31shaves. The brush broke in nicely and is sure to be a favorite going forward. A month of good shaves but I am looking forward to some variety.

#GEMsOfWisdom

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 31, 2022 - Auster August: A Month in Review

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue 1460 Boar Brush 21mm
• Razor: Razorock GameChanger .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (31)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Almond Leather - Balm

Well, it's finally over. It's been a good month, at least in a shaving sense. Alive smells great, Tusk continues to be my favorite soap base, HoM's balm is fantastic, and I've got a great, broken in boar brush. The last few shaves have been only so-so, my blade is clearly on its way out.

I also tried to get better at SOTD pics this month, and I think I made some real improvements. I think I've got a great improvement between my first and last pictures, as well as what I though was my best picture this month.

All in all, a good month, and a lot of fun.

Tags:

#RawHoggin

#MammothMafia

AA D31: Stagtastic! It's Over!

• Prep: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag bar soap and 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

It's over. We're done. Finally? Well, there's a good amount of take aways for me from seriously doing AA for the first time this year: mainly that natural hair brushes are quite awesome once they got a few uses under their belt. That I love CFGs soap base and alcohol aftershave formula. That Stag and VoA combined is really awful on extremely hot and humid days, especially if you're needing to be in close contact with some people. That trying to organise a side challenge on top of a very stressful work and private life is biting off more than you can chew at once. That I still suck with shavettes and only guarded AC blades save my clumsy ass from cutting myself to pieces.

No joke, I actually had a bit of fun during August too. But overall, I'm not sure if I don't fancy the idea of Februarity Austerity uttered by another member on here more next year.

My nerves are in high stress mode atm because I worry a lot about my first day of nursing school. It was good to just have a autopilot setup for the last day before. September 1st will be just a feel good shave with the new Protouch MG of today's shave. Oh, and the Midnight Stag bar soap from u/Marquis90 reached me just in time for today! Isn't that great? I'll continue using it for a bit.

Sidetracked
Bauhaus - Mask

I think it's about time I share a song by my favourite goth rock band. Mask isn't my favourite of them, but it got me through a very troublesome time in my life. I often listened to it when I felt very depressed and down. Especially the guitar part in the latter part if the song gets me. It's kinda like a relief after lots of suffering... Which fit my situation back then and also kinda could be said about Austere August. It's an interesting experience, but overall I prefer the Lather Games. Nevertheless: thanks everyone who organised a challenge. Thanks to all the sidetracked challenge participants, you're all awesome despite me being kind of lacking as a host. Special respect to those who posted a song or album every single day - you know who you are and you're all awesome. I cherish being part of this community.

August 31, 2022

• Brush: Semogue 820
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum (Shave 31)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann Eigengrau
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann Unscented Balm with a drop of Eigengrau splash

Congrats to all! After missing a couple posts I gave up on reddit for a bit but continued with the original plan.

I love this brush (end of August updates in above photo dump) and look forward to continuing the break in although it is already very soft and comfortable.

I am surprised with how easy it was to get 31 shaves from my Bic blade. Shave 31 was actually one of my finest.

Ring of death begins! Only a few uses before AA, this brush ate soap!

RawHoggin

Aug. 31, 2022 - AA #RawHoggin #RawHogged last day

• Brush: Semogue 2000
• Razor: GC84
• Blade: Voskhod (16)

• Lather: Noble Otter - Lonestar - Soap

• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Lonestar - Aftershave

Well this brush turned out pretty good. It has nice splay without being too floppy. I need to remember to conserve a lot of water at first when switching soaps.

Next month I’ve got a semogue 1305 to break in but I’ll be mixing in some synthetics and bowl lathers.

I picked up a Stirling razor with the hyper aggressive plate to play with next.

Day 31 of Austere August! Staggin OFF!!

• Prep: Water on Face
• Brush: Zenith 2004/B SE
• Razor: Filarmonica Double temple 14
• Lather: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag
• Post Shave: maggards razor alum
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Splash
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag Balm
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face Midnight Stag EdP

One last photo with all the items

Oh man I can't believe it's over. I was thinking at some point it would never end😅

Mainly because of my need to diversify the soap and aftershave. The straight razor was not that much of an issue for me, I liked that part. In the end I am very grateful that I took up this challenge and managed to complete it. In the end I have a very nice broken in boar brush that is super soft, I would love to try lathering it in a bowl because I'm sure I'll get better results, I kind of failed on the last shave, I had to reapply soap 2 more time since the initial soap injection into the brush, but hey it happens. I also made a video, and my idea was to see the progress with my lathering skills from day2 till day 31, but it seems I was better at it when I started🤣 of course I was shooting at a friend's house and there were other factors, but the fact is I failed. Will definitely try it with a bowl next time and will be sure to say how it went compared to the face method.

The process of braking in a new boar brush is quite a unique experience and I think only us shaving "hobbyists"(maniacs) can truly appreciate it. I have heard of speeding up the process of breaking in a boar, but if I ever get one more boar I will not break it in, any other way. It's too much fun, just to see the daily changes in softness and backbones prickliness, everything... That's one of the challenges I am most thankful for and happy that I was able to complete, even though maybe I didn't complete it administratively.

As for THE STAG, I definitely scratched that itch because for being my favourite smell I hadn't used it as much as I had wanted to, prior to this challenge. The scent kind of became like a second nature to me, I still love it but it did lose a bit of its magic with such frequent usage so a new soap to try out or just a different o e is most welcome after my 4-5 days break from shaving.

I am falling asleep as I type but will check the comments for this thread tomorrow with great interest, even if it's a bit of a back tracking.

Aaaaand also congrats to everyone else who completed their challenges especially the unscented guys, you are the real heroes to me 😅 As for my challenge I think only u/Marquis90 participated, if I am wrong please correct me, if not congrats to winning😅

• #RawHoggin
• #SubstantialStag

August 31st, 2022

Prep: Warm water

Razor: Gem MMOC

Blade: Gem Blue Star (31)

Brush: Omega Model 13564 23mm boar

Soap: LA Shaving Soap Co. Black Void

Post: Noble Otter Bare

Comfort: 4/10

Smoothness: 4/10

5 second load.

2 pass shave XTG/ATG.

The final shave with this blade. Held up well but I believe a bit of rust preventative would have let it go much farther. The brush has gone frome wiry to wonderful. Handle shape for face lathering could be better, but that is a project for future me.

GEMsOfWisdom

unscented

RawHoggin

August 31, 2022 Final Day of AA

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Burma Shave Boar 🐗
• Razor: Kai Kasho Kamisori
• Blade: Feather ProGuard 31st use
• Lather: Stirling Sheep
• Postshave: Stirling Barbershop splash and Nivea Balm
• Fragrance: Halloween Man

MRTNG'S Ultra Nightmare Mode, Headless Horsman, and Raw Hoggin Completed and so happy to be able to use some of my new products that came in this month starting tomorrow, and to use a new fricking blade in a DE razor. Don't get me wrong I am glad that I took the headless horsemen challenge and used my Kai Kasho Kamisori with an AC blade all month because I learned a new skill and am looking forward to using more shavettes and possibly straights in my SOTDs going forward, even if it's only on the weekends when I have more time. Three pass shave tonight went well. The boar brush really changed over the month and has gotten softer, bloomed more, and doesn't eat as much lather. Looking forward to breaking it in some more as well as my other new ones that I purchased during this month because since I couldn't use anything else my mind said let's buy some more things we can't use right now. For tonights #sidetracked challenge I listened to one of my favorite songs from one of my favorite movies. That song is Johnny B Goode by Chuck Berry from the movie Back To The Future. Love that movie because I am into sci-fi and love the idea of time travel. Love the song because I got introduced to it by my Grandpa that passed. When he passed I got his cassette player and tapes. One of them was a greatest hits of Chick Berry and this was the first song on that tape. So when I found this movie when I was younger I fell in love with it immediately because it reminded me of him. I also love the guitar shredding scene in the movie.

Tags: #AAAA, #RawHoggin, #Headless Horsemen, #sidetracked

Thanks to u/Marquis90, u/Endeegee, and u/Teufelskraft for the challenges that I got to participate in this year for my first inaugural Austere August Challenge. Looking forward to next year and seeing what challenges I do then. Who knows maybe I'll be proficient enough with one of the two OCMM Gem razors that I own that I will use it the whole month. Probably not going to be a Knight of Stag because that scent is just of putting to me. Sorry if I offend thoughs who enjoy it but as in all things wetshvaing YMMV. Hope everyone has a great day amd have a great shave.

Aug. 31, 2022 - AA Day 31

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B34
• Razor: MMOC (Gen 2)
• Blade: GEM PTFE (31)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave

Today sucked.

Evening shave was nice, though.

The final shave in this month long journey was about as opposite as the first as it could get. The MMOC w/GEM was smooth and sweet - 0 bleeding, efficient shave, no irritation, overall a joy to use. The Zenith whipped up a great, thick, creamy lather; nothing like the early days of trying to get those bristles to cooperate. I've learned very well how to work with this soap and even when something starts too dry it's an easy fix at this point. Sonder - I'm not even remotely sick of this. The EDP is going on my Christmas list and if I don't get it there I'll be grabbing it on my own at some point. So good. As I sit here with my face cooling down I am sure I'm going to miss this daily/nightly ritual. So good. The mammoth looking through the glass is pretty cool, too.

Zenith Day 1 vs. Day 31 and again. Pretty crazy how far it's come. So effective, too.

Anyway. For my final Sonder thought of the day I thought I'd take you back to the beginning: "The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own." So, friends - remember that each person you interact with, walk by, pass on your bike or in your car, each fast food employee, server, banker, CEO, train conductor, and barista - they've all got a life that's as vivid as yours. Treat them accordingly.

With that, I'm out. It's been a great month. Even if I win nothing (and I expect that to be the case), it's been very therapeutic for me to write something each day, help me get outside myself a little bit. I should probably journal or something.

Thanks for a great month.

#mammothmafia

#RawHoggin

#GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 31, 2022 - AA Day 31

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (100)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Another August come and gone. Stag is so great and I never get tired of using it. The Raw Hoggin challenge was an absolute treat and I am super grateful for u/EldrormR for creating it. I have broken in a couple of boar brushes, but none like this. I really loved experiencing the full break in process and feeling the difference as the tips split and the knot started to open up. Thank you also to u/djundjila for inspiring me to push this blade to 100 uses! It was such a fun journey and one I can say that I will probably never do again. In all honesty, it was fine until about a week and a half ago. Even then the shave was never uncomfortable. Getting a close enough shave to be happy with was nearly impossible though.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Wednesday and last day of Austere August!

Stag Spray 31 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 31, 2022 - AA 31 (Finally!)

• Prep: Cold Water Splash
• Brush: Semogue 1305 Pure Bristle 22mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM PTFE (37)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm

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

Break in album with SOTD in title.

Wonderful last shave of AA. My quick take always.

Brush: 6, 15, and 27th shave seemed to be my “turning points” throughout the month in what seemed noticeably softer in the progression. It sure helps to have at least a few minute soak of the bristles too, otherwise there is def a bit more pokey scratchiness going on.

GEM: I got a lot better with the GEM. My biggest take away, even when you think the head (do you call it a top cap on an SE?) against the skin, give it a little more tilt for good measure. It’s a cool razor in design and looks, and shaves plenty well in open areas of the face and neck. That said, I do not think the head geometry of this razor suits itself well for areas like under the nose. Finding the right angle around the chin too felt like much more of a learning curve than when using a DE as well. As for the blade, I think I need to try a new on to compare. Considering my technique got better but I presume the blade it passed it’s prime, they sort of balanced each other out.

Soap/Balm: Sonder is amazing. Citrus, creamy, soft. No need to exude the mastery that is HoM and the tusk base and magic balm, we all know that here.

Frag Seville: Gods barbershop for a reason. It’s safe, but so good. I’ve used it for consecutive AAs now and probably used about half the bottle.

Lastly, #GEMsOfWisdom #RawHoggin #MammothMafia. Happy shaving everyone, you did it.

Aug. 31, 2022 - AA Day 31

• Brush: ShaveForge 28mm Boar, 3d Printed Handle #RawHoggin
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #GEMsOfWisdom
• Blade: GEM Stainless (31)

• 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

We'll, that's a wrap. 31 roughly identical shaves. Probably 50/50 divided between two and three pass, with one five passer to finish the month.

That's right, tonight I did WTG, XTG, XTG, ATG, ATG to finish the month. Best shave I've had all month. In fact, I'm certain that day one was the worst.

In review -

Software

I'm sure there are few reading this who are a stranger to Sea Spice Lime, but if you are, you should immediately proceed to Spearheadshaving.com and buy yourself a tub. It's that good. Not only is the scent fantastic, but it is long lasting and brings all the bees to the yard.

The performances is top-notch too- I was recently having a conversation on the sub about another artisan, and the gent I was chatting with listed his top-tier artisans on base quality; I fully believe that Spearhead belongs with the big boys. The slickness and protection this provides is amazing.

I worried about getting sick of the scent, my wife and I were joking yesterday that it was just now starting to happen for both of us... On day 30. However, today I met up with my brother and his wife, and while we were doing the customary hugs, my SIL said, "you smell fantastic. Give your brother some tips." High praise indeed.

I was planning to PIF the soap that was left at the end of my journey, but... What's the point? This is all that's left after tonight's (admittedly ridiculous) shave from a tub that was 90+% full at the start. Luckily, I have a new tub waiting for me at home.

Razor

I was a little leery about using the MMOC for 31 straight days, but I shouldn't have been. It works really well for me, and the blade is still smooth as butter. There are other GEM razors that I prefer, but the MMOC is a worthy addition to my den. I only nicked myself thrice, and never after day 10.

My blade is still great. I heard /u/semaj3000 and /u/EldrormR lamenting the status of their blades on the podcast, but I've had none of those problems. I think this blade will get the nod for AA23. It very possibly has at least 31 more shaves in it.

Knot

There were some who questioned my choice of the Shave Forge knot, but I have zero complaints. The smell disappeared quickly, and now I'm left with a soft fluffy knot to be proud of. This is definitely going in the rotation, and I have a new respect for boar brushes. I'm typically a bowl latherer, and I don't see that changing, but when I'm in the mood to face lather, this will definitely get the call.

Handle

I thought 3D printing would get me a cheap handle and allow for a very cheap overall yet durable brush.

Nope. Not durable. Going in the trash in favor of a new handle from AP Shave.

Overall

I had a good time doing AA. I really got a chance to try a new brush and spend a lot of focus on my fundamentals. Having said that, I'm excited to try some new things.

Stag Headlessly Hoggin' August Day 31

• Prep: Hot shower with Midnight Stag Soap.

• Brush: Zenith B33

• Razor: Cloud Shavette

• Blade: Cloud whatever that blade it is (36)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Sego balm

• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

Finally, we're over. After 57 stag shaves for this year, we've completed another Staugust. I did got better at using my shavette, and the brush has evolved to a great brush. I look forward to keep using this brush and how it will evolve.

Congratulations to everyone completing the challenge of their choice, and especially to all of my brothers of the order of stag, and even more especially to the first timers.

Finally, for my last trick, I will be doing 40 sprays of stag

Hail Stag!

-#Stagposting

-#SubstantialStag

-#RawHoggin

Aug. 31, 2022

• Brush: Maggard 28mm Boar
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (31)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Balm

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

Wooo. Time for Stag to go back in the vault. June and now August, feels like Stag has permeated my skin and now I am the Stag. Looking forward to fresh scents tomorrow.

Boar Break In Album

Stag Spray

#RawHoggin

#SubstantialStag

#GemsOfWisdom

#UNCHALLENGE