u/imblasted's SOTDs for challenge 'GEMsOfWisdom 2022'

Aug. 1, 2022 - Austere August Day 1

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (1)

• 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

Today I unboxed the brush I have been hiding from myself for a month. The new Zenith Boar knot smells good actually! It smells like Lemongrass! I was excited about it smelling like something other than a pig. I soaked the new brush while I washed my face and then I realized I had not taken the SOTD picture yet. So I had to shake the water out and setup the picture. It’s crazy to see the difference in the knot shape just from the short soak and fresh out of the box.

I tried to overload the brush with soap, but it just took all the soap! I loaded it with about 4 grams of soap and it easily held the soap. I then tried to over hydrate the soap and well, the soap took all the water without running off my face or making bubbles. The lather performed, as always, excellent!

I did WTG and ATG passes. Tomorrow I am going to try XTG and ATG. The shave was 2 days of growth and the blade felt a little grabby. The MMOC is quite efficient. I look forward to mastering this setup.

I will be traveling most of the month so the first week is going to be my get into a rhythm before the storm week. I am happy with my choice of Fú Dào, it’s an excellent fragrance. I am happy for the months worth of acquaintances who will get to enjoy the scent.

edited to add link to unboxing

u/EldrormR u/Semaj3000 #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom #MammothMafia

Aug. 2, 2022 - Take two

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

• Lather: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum

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

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

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

House of Mammoth rocks! #RawHoggin #GEMsOfWisdom #MammothMafia

Aug. 18, 2022 - Day 18: meh

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (18)

• 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

I was in a bit of a hurry. Two passes but a bit of discomfort, still smooth but there was some decent feedback from the alum.

Brush, nothing new to report.

The direct sun light on the countertop looked cool. I am tired so this is all you get.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 3, 2022 - Thrice as nice!

• Prep: Water water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (3)

• 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

It’s neat to see how the boar knot is starting to change already. You can see it starting to loosen up a little. It still stinks when wet, but my girlfriend said: “it just smells like an old man.” 😂 I hope I do not smell like that when I am an old man! There is still more backbone than I like. It only lost hairs on the second shave so far. The handle is already starting to patina, I think this is going to be a cool brush.

I purposely over hydrated the tusk base soap to see how it shaves. I was pleasantly surprised that while it was running off my face and neck it still provided enough protection and lubrication to have a close comfortable 2 pass shave.

The scent from the splash and balm lasts for an hour maybe 2, but the fragrance lasts much longer. I think 1-2 sprays of the EdP is enough; however, I am going to go with the Stag Rules and use 1 spray for number of weeks we are into Austere August.

edit: formatting 🙄

#RawHoggin #MammothMafia #GEMsOfWisdom

Apparently I posted my SOTD in the wrong post.

Aug. 4, 2022 - Go Fourth and shave!

• Prep: Outdoor shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (4)

• 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

Sometimes life turns you upside down and you have to turn it back upright. I’ll finish this post later.

After work I showered in the outdoor shower and followed it up with an indoor shave. I was scheduled for the early shift , just 3 days before my final day at work. I am starting a “new job” the 15th and I have to move across the country for a couple months.

Anyways I did not get to shave this morning so I shaved after work. The outdoor shower was great to cool down, but even fully on cold it was warm.

The brush lost 2 hairs today. House of Mammoth has always worked great for me! Everything in the picture was upside down and I just rotated it.

u/EldrormR and u/Semaj3000 I beg of ye, forgiveth thine own short comings and alloweth thy mercy to prevent thine DQ.

Thank you u/JoboozeRum!

#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 5, 2022 - Day Five: Arrive alive, don’t shave and drive!

• Prep: None
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (5)

• 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

First. Buy permafrost. It’s awesome and I’ve used it with everything.

I’m starting to get packed up to be away from home for a couple weeks. At least I do not need to think about what shave gear to bring!

The GEM razor is giving me good smooth shaves. It is a little uncomfortable though the House of Mammoth splash and balm leave my skin soft and moisturized. Supposedly these blades get better after the first few shaves, I hope it gets more smooth.

I added a pump of PermaFrost to the soap before loading the brush. A single pump gets me about 20 minutes of cooling after finishing my shave. The cooling sensation started a little bit after face lathering.

The patina on the handle is starting to look like a mess, but it should look good soon. I did not expect the handle to patina so fast. The knot lost a couple more hairs this shave. I think it’s going to break in nicely. Brush break-in album

#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 6, 2022 - Day Six - Ahh fiddlesticks! I cannot rhyme this time.

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (6)

• 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

Day six, this blade kind of sucks a big bag of sticks. Anyone have any advice on getting this blade to stop tugging? It is actually worse than a DE blade with the same uses.

I am not loving this knot. It’s real scritchy, doesn’t build a lather all that well, and holds water in the base that it won’t mix with the soap. Hey, at least it doesn’t stink anymore. The handle looks pretty cool.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 7, 2022 - Sir Stacks-a-Lot

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (7)

• 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

u/Tonality stacking impression day. Thank you u/J33pGuy13 for the inspiration for today’s picture. Also, u/J33pGuy13 ‘s stacking game left a little to be desired, so here is how mine started. After taking the picture I realized that there was something missing and the hardware was feeling left out. So I added the brush and razor.

Today the brush wasn’t terrible. I still have some hope for it. The lather came out pretty good. The shave was better than yesterday. Maybe the blade is getting past the bad beginning or maybe the advise of u/Impressive_Donut114 helped, or some combo of the two. It was a smoother and there was less tugging. Still not as nice as my modern razors, but maybe by the end of the month I will have it figured out. The first pass was not very great, but the second pass was much better. Maybe I need to be doing a 3 pass shave every time with the MMOC. I will try it tomorrow.

Fú Dào is an excellent fragrance and value. The scent has a strong sillage and is long lasting.

Brush break-in album
#rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 8, 2022 - Day Eight: Let us Aviate!!!

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (8)

• 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

Today is a day to celebrate! I have been “stuck” at a job that I liked at the beginning but have really not been enjoying. I gave proper notice and left with well wishes and an invitation back if I need it. In a couple days I’ll start my “new” job. I have worked for them before and it will be temporary. It’s been a long road and I’m only like a third of the way there, maybe halfway.

I tried to load 2 grams of soap and it just would not accept the soap. The lather turned out great. The shave was alright. I went for a full 3 pass shave. I normally just do 2 passes, XTG and ATG. I am going to try a 2 pass WTG and XTG. As always the HoM recovery supplies were able to calm down my skin after the bit uncomfortable shave.

Here is a special album from today. I could not be sure which picture I really wanted to use so here they are!

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

edit: fix a link

Aug. 9, 2022 - Day Nine - cloudy with a chance of sunshine

• Prep: None
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (9)

• 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

We cannot have perfect weather everyday. Sometimes you have to have a cloudy day to make you appreciate the sunny days!

The brush is getting better. The lather came out great. It is becoming less scritchy when face lathering. I am figuring out that I have to add water in a different way.

The shave was a little better today. Less tugging and a little smoother with the 3 passes. I did get a couple of weepers though. Maybe I should try the “skin strop” that is allowed for this challenge. Would someone like to give me a brief overlook?

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 10, 2022 - Day Ten

• Prep: Outdoor shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (10)

• 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

If this blade gets any worse, I will have to change it.

Yes, the razor is balanced on a round brush handle. This isn’t the greatest stack in the world, this is just a tribute. Inspiration from u/carbonshavingco’s advertisement and u/Tonality’s tribute.

Edit: formatting 🙄

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 11, 2022 - Day El

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush (now with patina concentration device)
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (11)

• 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

In preparation of House of Mammoth’s Voices I am drinking a Mango Sticky Rice sour beer from Crooked Run Fermentation.

Today I learned a little something about the MMOC. I took the advice about changing the angle to an extreme. I used a bigger angle away from the skin for the first pass on one side and the normal angle on the other. Then for the second pass on both sides the normal angle. The side with the initial steep angle felt much better. I will try it again tomorrow.

The brush actually does still stink, the Fú Dào just hides it. The water the brush soaks in stinks. I decided I want a cool patina for the handle. So I have a zip tie around the brush and I am going to get an O-ring to go around the center of the brush. I am hoping it will make for some good blue oxidation rings. We shall see.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 12, 2022 - Day 12, who wants my MMOC?

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (12)

• 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

Well I’m about done with this razor. I am tempted to send it to get made into an MM24! That way it cannot torture anyone else.

The brush is doing alright, still a little pokey but it’s slowly getting better.

Today is my last day at home for a while. I begin my travels tomorrow morning. I am thinking I might attempt an airport bathroom shave.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 21, 2022 - Day 21: my interest has teaked

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (21)

• 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

I don’t know what happened but here’s another boat shave. This one was much better than the ferry. I have a true sink and counter. The area is actually clean and I am happy to use the space.

How long does it take before a boar brush is exactly like my badgers? 😂 Also, I’m happy this MMOC is almost done. Maybe a fresh blade would help, but who knows. I am getting used to lathering with the boar brush.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 13, 2022 - Day 13: shave in the airport

• Prep: None
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (13)

• 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

Shaving at the airport was interesting. I actually had a decent 2 pass shave. It was actually better than yesterday, more comfortable. I am still playing with technique. This was the nastiest place I have ever shaved.

evidence

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 14, 2022 - Day 14: a Mystic shave

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (14)

• 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

What the hail? This shave was actually pretty decent! It was almost comfortable! I think it must be a combo of my technique change and maybe the blade has become less of a jerk.

ORRRR maybe! It’s just this mystic place. Sorry, not sorry. I’m in Mystic, CT. But for real the shave was decent. Hopefully tomorrow is even better!

The brush receives a neutral rating right now. It doesn’t smell like a butthole and it is not a piece of sandpaper. It is taking some getting used to, coming from the fancy badgers.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 15, 2022 - Day 15: a ferry good shave

• Prep: Water splash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (15)

• 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

Today’s shave is brought to you by the New London to Orient Point Ferry.

The sink was a motion sensor and there was no way to soak the brush. There was no hot water. This is all the same as the airport shave. BUT there were two large differences. First the bathroom door is locked open, so anyone walking past the door got to watch me. Second, the motion of the ocean, luckily was gentle.

The shave was actually good. I’m getting better with the light touch technique. I am pretty happy with the shave.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 16, 2022 - Day 16: tiny sink, tiny counter

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (16)

• 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

Have you ever shaved somewhere with no counter space? That’s basically been the theme of my last week. Airport, gross don’t put anything down. Ferry, no edge on the sink to place anything. Counter at the house, not big enough for the splash and balm to be on the counter. I’m lucky I could get the brush to stand on there.

The shaves are still pretty good. I think part of the key is to let the whiskers grow out for the maximum time, so the shaves have to be at the same time each day. Even though I never have enough time to post them at the time.

Nothing new or exciting with the brush.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 17, 2022 - Day 17: another hotel shave

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (17)

• 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

Well today the shave was just alright. I just do not know what changes to make it good or bad. The shave was mostly comfortable, but my neck got a couple rough spots.

The brush is getting better. It was probably the first shave that I did not feel any pokey scratchy discomfort from the brush. I am still not sold on the boat brush. I just do not really like how it holds water or how I have to add water to hydrate the lather.

Edit: correction.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 19, 2022 - Day 19: tomorrow is going to mirror today

• Prep: warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (19)

• 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

Just washing my face threw water all over the floor and wall. I really worked up the lather better than the last few days. I don’t have a scale here but I’m working through this tub. It is going to be my first soap tub kill.

This boar brush is breaking in. It’s getting softer, but it still is different than the badger brushes. It just holds too much water in the base of the knot.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 20, 2022 - Day 20: longest day ever

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (20)

• 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

Well I had an alright shave. I am ready for a change of hardware. The software is still great! The brush is getting decent. Still not my favorite brush, but it’s doing alright.

The picture today was a bit risky. The flag knocked over the soap and almost blew everything into the water never to be seen again. A boat wake came through and the EdP started sliding and almost went in the water. Luckily nothing was lost.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 22, 2022 - Day 22: Frankly my deer, that’s fawn of your business

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MicroMatic Open Comb Gen 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (22)

• 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

There was a fawn in the yard today.

Alright, the brush isn’t that bad. I just have to figure out the best way to add water to the lather I am building on my face. With the badger brush it is easier. The boar brush seems to not mix the water and soap as well in it’s hair. I have been face lathering and then putting water into the divot created after splaying the brush on my face.

The GEM is not my favorite. Sometimes it’s fine, sometimes it sucks, and sometimes it’s great. Today it was fine.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 23, 2022 - Day 23

• Prep: Warm water rinse
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (23)

• 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

Night shave. I blame u/J33pGuy13 for distracting me, making this post late.

I didn’t have time to shave this morning. So a night shave it was. I figured this dark picture represents the shave time and the future for this blade and razor. Tomorrow’s shave is going to suck. This one had some discomfort but the blade is pretty much dead to me.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 24, 2022 - Day 24

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (24)

• 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

Well like I said, shaving less than 24 hours apart was not great. The brush is not terrible. It does really like soap. I’m learning that I need to “overload” the knot. Hopefully tomorrow will be better. There was still some discomfort. The blade is now being palmed after each shave.

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

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

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

• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2

• Lather: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Aftershave

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fu Dao) - Eau de Parfum

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

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

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

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 26, 2022 - Day 26: this stuff is on fire!

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: Gem MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (26)

• 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

To be fair the software is excellent and the hardware well it’s alright. It’s growing on me. I do not know how the grand masters can possibly have near 100 shaves on a single blade, but i am still learning.

The house of mammoth performance has been excellent all month. So much so that I purchased 2 soaps and another splash from HoM. I am excited to try the new HoM scent Voices!

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 27, 2022 - Day 27: You spin my head right round

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (27)

• 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

I am happy that I still like Fú Dào! I have a second tub but I think I’m going to survive AA with the same tub I started.

I hate this blade. How the heck could you possibly be ending the month with 100 shave on the same blade!? Preposterous! I think I might get just as good a shave if I were using my pocket knife. I’m ready for a new blade. It’s not a good experience. I get a decently smooth shave, but it is uncomfortable.

The brush is fine, I don’t know how much use it will get after AA.

Edit to add brush break in album part 2

Brush break-in album #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom

Aug. 28, 2022 - Day 28: I can’t wait!

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (28)

• 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

I can’t wait to use one of the new razors I have aquired during AA.

Brush, nothing new. It has not lost any hairs in a long time.

Razor, still the same.

Blade, screw you blade.

Software, all rocks! I am happy with the fragrance of Fú Dào! It also provides excellent performance.

Brush break-in album brush break in album part 2 #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom brush break in album part 2

Aug. 29, 2022 - Day 29: almost there

• Prep: Warm water wash
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (29)

• 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

If this was the only blade, My whiskers would be as long as this shag rug!

The brush got tossed in my bag for most the day, and so it became misshapen. After using it the brush went back ti normal.

House of Mammoth software is the saving grace.

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

Aug. 30, 2022 - Day 30: This ship has sailed

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Brush: Zenith B33 Copper Boar Brush
• Razor: GEM MMOC GEN 2
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE Coated (30)

• 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

Well only 2 more passes left! I guess the MMOC isn’t that bad. The blade I am using is no good tho. The brush is pretty decent, WAAYYY better than the month started. The House of Mammoth Fú Dào is really the highlight of this month.

I shaved at the house and took brush pictures there, BUT I forgot the brush drying so it’s not in the picture. At least I remembered to take the preshave brush pictures.

Brush break-in album brush break in album part 2 #rawhoggin #mammothmafia #GEMSofWisdom brush break in album part 2

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