u/OrganMeat's SOTDs for challenge 'RawHoggin' 2022'

Aug. 1, 2022

• Prep: Splash of cold water
• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Stainless PTFE (1)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap

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

I am sick as a dog today (not covid, but still sucks) so I finally dragged my ass out of bed after 10 am to shave and shower. I'm participating in Raw Hoggin' and GEMs of Wisdom, so I unwrapped my shiny new Zenith B16 to use. It has been difficult to resist the temptation to try this brush since I got it a few weeks ago. I noticed with my second pass that I definitely did not load the new brush with enough soap. I use synthetic brushes 99.9% of the time, and this is my first time using a boar. So I think there will be a learning curve with figuring out how much to actually load. My shave with the MMOC went well although I got a tiny nick on my chin. These fresh GEM blades can be just a little rough, so that's not a big worry for me. In my experience they even out around ~5 shaves.

Tagging u/EldrormR and u/Semaj3000. #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom

Aug. 2, 2022

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

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap

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

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

Aug. 3, 2022

• Prep: Splash of cold water
• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Stainless PTFE (3)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap

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

I think my new boar brush is breaking in a bit. It actually loaded enough soap for two and a half passes today, so I didn't have to load it again mid-shave. I forgot to take a picture of the brush while it was still dry, so today's picture was after I shaved and rinsed it out. It is quite hot outside and I have been running the air conditioning quite a bit, so I'm finding that the brush isn't even damp by the time I use it the next day. Everything is going well with the MMOC. I do feel like my skin is just a little bit chapped or raw after shaving, because frankly I am sick and just don't have much energy or patience to put into finesse. I'm hoping I will feel better soon and start enjoying this process again. For now it just feels like a chore I have to take care of before I get back to bed. I have been taking off work while I'm sick but fortunately they are really cool about it, and just told me to come back when I'm ready. #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 4, 2022

• Prep: Splash of cold water
• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Stainless PTFE (4)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap

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

I'm finally starting to get better from being sick, and my sense of smell is returning too. It never went away completely but was definitely muted for a while. It's great to be able to smell how complex and good Fougere Angelique is. My technique must be improving (or my blade is getting smoother), because I'm noticing a lot less alum burn after my shave. I am kind of wishing that I had gone with a 26mm knot, although this one is quite nice. I'm really looking forward to seeing what it's like after a full month of break-in. #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 5, 2022

• Prep: Splash of cold water
• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Stainless PTFE (5)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap

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

I haven't noticed that the performance of my brush has changed at all since the first use, but it is getting a little better about eating lather. Pretty soon here I think I won't have to load it for quite such a long time to get enough for 3 passes. Not much else to say today. I am tired of being sick. #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin

Aug. 6, 2022

• Prep: Splash of cold water
• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: GEM Stainless PTFE (6)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Soap

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

I had a wonderful Saturday at the river, followed by a luxurious shave. This boar brush is clearly starting to hit its stride. It's lathering much more easily and getting a bit softer. I'm really looking forward to seeing how this thing handles at the end of the month. #GemsOfWisdom #RawHoggin