Aug. 1, 2022 - AA Day 1

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (70)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Between getting my blade to where its at now and wishing I could use the brush everyday for almost a month I have been way more excited for today than I would like to admit. I even decided to pick up an extra tub of Stag to make sure I don't run out because I have the feeling this brush is going to eat through soap like a professional.

This isn't my first rodeo breaking in a boar brush and I have only ever just used them without all the recommended "techniques", but nothing this size before. I could tell the smell was trying to surface while I lathered, but the glory of the Stag kept it at bay and I have a feeling even the little smell I did get will be gone here in a couple days. This brush did seem a little more scratchy than others I have used and I did feel like I had a small bit of "brush burn" during my second and third pass. Nothing unbearable though and with the way this monster splays I have a feeling that won't be an issue for long. I normally bowl lather, but have been practicing with face lathering the last two weeks. Nothing prepared me for lathering with this beast, and even though I am fairly comfortable with the CF base, getting a good lather with this is going to take a couple days of practice. I ended up going back to the tub twice because I'm pretty sure this brush has a portal hidden somewhere near the glue bump. I looked and while I didn't see anything that's the only explanation as to where all the soap was going.

After doing the MMOC challenge last year and joking back and forth with u/djundjila about going to 100 in my quest to 50, here we are. 70 shaves on this blade as of today and honestly I'm not even worried. I haven't really noticed a difference between about shave 30 and where it is now.

#SubstantialStag #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

u/EldrormR and u/Semaj3000

Day 1 Setup and Brush Break-in

Stay Spray

Aug. 2, 2022 - AA Day 2

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

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

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

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

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Tuesday!

Stag Spray 2 #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom #SubstantialStag

Aug. 3, 2022 - AA Day 3

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (72)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Another great 3 pass shave with no nicks or irritation. The brush is already softening up. Loading seems to be a bit quicker, but due to my inexperience with face lathering I am still struggling a bit to get my lather where I want it. Luckily the razor and blade is still killing it so I have a little room for error with my lather.

Hope everyone has had a great Wednesday!

Stag Spray 3 #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom #SubstantialStag

Aug. 4, 2022 - AA Day 04

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (73)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Perfect three pass shave this morning. I had one tip break and fall off this morning. Reminded me that I actually haven't noticed any shedding from this brush since day one. Any smell is completely gone and the tips are breaking in nicely. I was on the fence about this brush or a new Zenith. I couldn't be happier with my decision though and have been nothing but impressed with this brush so far. I still haven't gotten the hang of face lathering with this beast though so the journey continues.

The MMOC and PTFE blade continue to impress. BBS with zero complaints each day so far.

Hope Thursday has treated everyone well!

Stag Spray 04 #GEMsofWisdom #SubstantialStag #RawHoggin

Aug. 5, 2022 - AA Day 05

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (74)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

No big differences from yesterday's shave. Was able to get yet another BBS nick and irritation free shave. Could not be happier with this setup.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Friday!

Stag Spray 5 #RawHoggin #GEMsofWisdom #SubstantialStag

Aug. 6, 2022 - AA Day 06

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (75)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

I am still struggling a bit with this whole face lathering. I like the idea and can see why some would like it. I even enjoy spending more time with the brush to face. The lather will not do what I want it to though. All good, I have the rest of the month to continue messing with it. Even with a not so great lather I was able to get a great 3 pass BBS shave with no irritation or nicks.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Saturday!

Stag Spray 6 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 7, 2022 - AA Day 07

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (76)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Another great 3 pass shave today with no real change from yesterday.

Hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

Stag Spray 7 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 8, 2022 - AA Day 08

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (77)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Pretty uneventful 3 pass shave with no real changes over the past couple days.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!

Stag Spray 8 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 9, 2022 - AA Day 09

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (78)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Loaded for almost a full minute this morning to see if that was the issue with my lather. It was better this morning so pretty sure it's just this brush being an absolute monster. The tips are breaking in nicely though and it's a joy to use.

Hope everyone has had a wonderful Tuesday!

Stag Spray 9 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 10, 2022 - AA Day 10

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

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

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

Hope Wednesday treated everyone well!

Stag Spray 10 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 11, 2022 - AA Day 11

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (80)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Nothing new to report today. Another BBS 3 pass shave with no nicks or irritation.

Hope everyone had a great Thursday!

Stag Spray 11 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 12, 2022 - AA Day 12

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (81)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Another pretty identical 3 pass shave today. It's Friday though so there's that.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Friday!

Stag Spray 12 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 13, 2022 - Aa Day 13

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (82)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I'm actually surprised at how little this setup has changed these last couple of shaves. Still a 3 pass BBS shave with no nicks or irritation, but pretty boring tbh.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday!

Stag Spray 13 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 14, 2022 - AA Day 14

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (83)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

A wonderful Sunday shave this morning. Still nothing new to report. I'm actually a little dumbfounded ar how well this blade is still shaving.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday!

Stag Spray 14 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 15, 2022 - AA Day 15

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (84)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Another fantastic shave this fine Monday morning. I did get a slight itch to use something different today, but no faltering here. The brush isn't changing much at this point, but the lather still isn't as good as I would have hoped for at this point in the month.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!

Stag Spray 15 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 16, 2022 - AA Day 16

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (85)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Just another BBS 3 pass shave with no hiccups. Nothing new to report.

Hope everyone had a great Tuesday!

Stag Spray 16 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 17, 2022 - AA Day 17

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (86)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Still playing around with the lather a bit, but other than that this setup requires almost no thought now. When all is said and done this just might be my favorite brush, top three at least for sure.

Hope Wednesday treated everyone well!

Stag Spray 17 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 18, 2022 - AA Day 18

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (87)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Another easy uneventful shave.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Thursday!

Stag Spray 18 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 19, 2022 - AA Day 19

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (88)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Long annoying day with new leadership visiting today to see how we did things. Super glad I was able to get another fantastic shave to start the day. Brush, blade, and scent are still killing it!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Friday!

Stag Spray 19 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 20, 2022 - AA Day 20

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (89)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I am finding myself more and more curious how this brush is going to be with some different bases. Until then everything is still great though!

Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday!

Stag Spray 20 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 21, 2022 - AA Day 21

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (90)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Same old same old. Only a days worth of aftershave left until I have to break the new bottle out.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Sunday!

Stag Spray 21 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 22, 2022 - AA Day 22

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (91)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I am blown away at how much I like this brush. Of course the blade is still going strong.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Monday!

Stag Spray 22 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 23, 2022 - AA Day 23

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (92)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Had to bust out the new bottle of aftershave today. Other than that nothing new to report.

Hopefully everyone had a wonderful Tuesday!

Stag Spray 23 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 24, 2022 - AA Day 24

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (93)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I think the blade tugged a bit this morning. Was in a little bit of a rush to help get the kids to school on time for their first day though so could have just been that. I'll investigate more during tomorrow's shave.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Wednesday!

Stag Spray 24 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

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. 26, 2022 - AA Day 26

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (95)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Great shave that needed a little bit of cleanup again to get BBS.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Friday!

Stag Spray 26 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 27, 2022 - AA Day 27

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (96)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I think I just have to accept that BBS may not happen again until September. The blade isn't uncomfortable but it certainly isn't cutting as well as it should.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Saturday!

Stag Spray 27 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 28, 2022 - AA Day 28

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (97)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

Quick 3 pass shave this morning with no cleanup. I wasn't too worried about getting super close this morning, but tomorrow for work will be a different story.

Hope Sunday treated everyone well!

Stag Spray 28 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 29, 2022 - AA Day 29

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (98)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap

• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave

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

I am loving everything about this setup still except the blade. It's so hard to get a close enough shave to be happy with. Just another two days though and all will be well.

Hope everyone had a fantastic Monday!

Stag Spray 29 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

Aug. 30, 2022 - AA Day 30

• Prep: Warm shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (99)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag - Eau de Parfum

Another not terrible shave today. Still able to get pretty close to BBS, but only with quite a bit of cleanup. Certainly excited to swap at least the blade in two days.

Hope everyone had a wonderful Tuesday!

Stag Spray 30 #GEMSofWisdom #RawHoggin #SubstantialStag

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