u/JoboozeRum's SOTDs for challenge 'MammothMafia 2022'

Aug. 1, 2022 - Austere August Day 1

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1 - Patinaed
• Blade: GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm
• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Well here we are, the first shave of Austere August. Going to be a great. So I am using an MMOC again this year, switching it up to the Gen 1 though. I did a force patina on it this weekend and it turned out quite nice. Next up is the raw hoggin' challenge. I am a big boar fan, so this was a nice excuse for another Zenith. The brush I am using is one of the mistake brushes from Gentle Shave, when they sent out mini B35's instead of the real deal. No matter, the handle is comfortable and it is the same knot that is in my B28 (28mmx57mm). Typically with boar brushes I use an A&E soap that I received as part of a lot, it works well because the concentration of frag burns out pig stench as well as it does skin. So this is the first time I am using a boar straight out of the box, and well it was just what I expected. It smelled like wet pig ass. I am lucky enough to be doing Mammoth Month, so I get the luxury of using Tusk all month. Restore is my weapon of choice to fight the stench. Restore is a lovely honey rose scent that has some earthy notes that keep it grounded and a fairly versatile rose scent. How did it pair with my pig ass brush? To quote Outkast - "Roses really smell like poo-poo-ooh". Yeah, it was rough; rosey hog ass is still hog ass. Good news is, Tusk loads like a champ and even though boars are really thirsty a 35 second load was plenty for a three passer. The Gen 1 MMOC adds a bit to the aggressive scale compared to the Gen 2, but there isn't that big of a difference between the two imo. I am pretty well versed in the MMOC so I doubt I will be providing any groundbreaking GEMsOfWisdom, it is a great razor. Post shave was great, Restore balm is really nice. Settled on Grey Vetiver for the frag for the month, see if I can put a dent in the bottle. Looking forward to see everyone's posts this month. There are some awesome side challenges, as well as some not so awesome ones.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

u/EldrormR

u/Semaj3000

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August Day 2

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm
• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Well Day 2 of AA, and you guessed it; I used the same gear from yesterday. Boar brush doesn't smell like pig ass anymore. So that is good. Still is a hungry lather eater though so I am loading pretty heavy. I barely had any left for my third pass this morning so I need to make some adjustments. MMOC is the MMOC and was very comfortable and gave me a BBS. Grey Vetiver was nice and pairs well with Restore. Holy shit this has already gotten monotonous, 29 days left.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 2, 2022 - Austere August Day 3

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (3)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Well Day 3 is done. Boar is working well, Zenith brushes are great and decently quick to break in. I am thinking by Day 10 we will already have a great brush that will just keep on getting better. Originally I had stated that I didn't notice much difference between Gen 1 & 2 MMOC, I would like to redact that statement as there is a noticeable difference between the two. Gen 1 is much more "bitey" and a bit harsher than the Gen 2. They are both great razors, but honestly I probably prefer the Gen 2. Let's see if the Gen 1 can change my mind this month, but that is where I am standing right now. Restore is honeyed rose and it smells good. I am hoping I can make a big dent in this tub and hopefully use it up this month, so I am currently loading it like I hate it even though I really like the scent. One thing that is quite funny; I purchased a pump top for my Restore and Stones balms, which require a different pump. Those pumps shoot that stuff out with some force! I still haven't gotten the touch down and every morning I keep falling victim to an explosion of Restore balm splatting ricochet all over me and the mirror. Great stuff that absorbs quickly and is light though. I feel like Grey Vetiver is a scent that I could never get tired of, so I am glad I picked it for AA.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom #Rawhoggin #MammothMafia

Aug. 3, 2022 - Austere August Day 4

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (4)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Balm

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

The good thing about Austere August is that I don't have to think about what gear and software I am using. The bad thing about Austere August is that I don't get to pick what gear and software I am using. It is monotonous and boring. But on the bright side of things; Tusk is fantastic, MMOC is top tier and breaking in a boar is satisfying. Hold the line gents, hold the line.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 5, 2022 - Austere August Day 5

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (5)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 5 or 16% of the way through this thing. MMOC Gen 1 is good but not as good as Gen 2 imo. I smell like honeyed roses. The brush is breaking in nicely. That is all.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 6, 2022 - Austere August Day 6

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (6)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 6 under the belt. Good shave today. 5 to 10 uses on a GEM seems to be the best state of the blade IMO. Restore is a nice scent, but I am already jonesing for something else. I am already planning out my September 1st shave. This is going to be a great brush going forward, I am getting fantastic lathers out of it already.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 7, 2022 - Austere August Day 7

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (7)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 7, busy day with my daughter's birthday party. Good shave.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 8, 2022 - Austere August Day 8

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (8)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 8 of AA was a decent shave. A little rushed this morning as Mondays tend to be, but still had time to enjoy a nice two pass shave. The boar is breaking in lovely. MMOC is still going strong and smooth. Restore is still rosey.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 9, 2022 - Austere August Day 89

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (9)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Good shave, busy day. Not much to say as it is all the same stuff from the past.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 10, 2022 - Austere August Day 10

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Holy crap has it been a busy week, just now getting around to posting my morning shave. Was a decent shave, I would be lying if I said I wasn’t getting a bit burnt out. I just miss muh smells. Tusk is insanely good though, so that is a plus. My face feels fantastic. MMOC is doing well, not having any sort of issues with the blade, don’t expect I will. Hopefully after tomorrow my work will be less hectic and I can enjoy the weekend.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 11, 2022 - Austere August Day 11

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic OC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (11)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Decent shave this morning. Had to cut it to down to two passes as I was a bit rushed this morning. 20 days left…..

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 12, 2022 - Austere August Day 12

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (12)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 12 in the books. Decent shave, Brush is in a good spot, MMOC is nice and my blade is still good to go. I am missing variety at this point, my Blackbird is just staring me in the face. Stay strong folks.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 13, 2022 - Austere August Day 13

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (13)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 13. Had my company picnic, was a good time. Great shave, new brush is so a great knot. Loving the way it is breaking in. On to the next day.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 14, 2022 - Austere August Day 14

• Prep: Shower, Stirling Soap Activated Charcoal
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 14 in the books. Good shave, blade still going strong. Brush is looking good. Almost halfway through.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 15, 2022 - Austere August Day 15

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (15)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 15, 16 more shaves remaining. Abandon Hope All Ye Who Enter Here.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 16, 2022 - Austere August Day 16

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (16)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Got through the day. Almost forgot to post. Typing these is becoming almost as dull as using the same scent every day.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 17, 2022 - Austere August Day 17

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 17. We are beginning the back half of AA. Had a pretty good shave today. Blade is performing well and my brush is lovely. I am putting a pretty good dent in this soap, but I think the balm will last forever. So little goes so far with this stuff.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 18, 2022 - Austere August Day 18

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (18)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 18 was a nice shave. Looks like I am putting a decent dent in this soap... balm not so much. Pretty sure this stuff would last forever. Blade is still going strong.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 19, 2022 - Austere August Day 19

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (19)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 19. Decent quick 2 pass shave this morning because I was running late. Almost coming to the last leg of the month. September 1 is going to be a glorious day.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 20, 2022 - Austere August Day 20

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (20)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 20. Closing in on the final stretch of this horrid month. Everything is still working great, honestly surprised my blade hasn’t shown at least a little sign of wear. Now to figure out what knot to put in my impulse handle purchase…

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 21, 2022 - Austere August Day 21

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soaps Activated Charcoal Facial
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (21)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm
• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 21 in the books, 10 shaves to go. I am really excited to get back to my other gear though. Blade still feels fine, brush is fantastic.

(Edit: Looks like my tags didn't copy)

Mandatory Tagging:

\#GEMsOfWisdom

\#Rawhoggin

\#MammothMafia

Aug. 22, 2022 - Austere August Day 22

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (22)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 22 is in the bag. Today was the first day that I began to feel the degradation of my blade. Wasn't the greatest shave ever and started to get tuggy. I am going to try and push through without any hand stroping.... but we will see.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 23, 2022 - Austere August Day 23

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (23)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 23 complete. 8 shaves left. Shave was much better this morning than yesterday. I experienced some tugging yesterday and I thought I was in for a horrible last stretch. Today was a decent shave, albeit still on a blade that I would've normally tossed. I do feel like I am not getting as close as shaves anymore, a three pass shave where I took my time left me a bit disappointed in regards to closeness. I am still missing variety, but I have a boost of excitement as we approach the finish line. There are a couple of surprises at the end of this for the worthy. Respect is earned. Honesty is appreciated. Trust is gained. Loyalty is returned.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 24, 2022 - Austere August Day 24

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (24)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

ONE WEEK LEFT! 7 more shaves and we made it to the end. Blade was good today, had zero issues. Maybe I lucked out minus that one day. I don't know if I will ever get the smell of Restore out of this brush though. I am nearing the ring of death on this tub. Will be sad to see it go, but it is time I start chasing the thrill of the kill and use up a bunch of my soaps. 7 more days...

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 25, 2022 - Austere August Day 25

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

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

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

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 26, 2022 - Austere August Day 26

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (26)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 26 in the books. 5 more shaves until freedom. Wanted to kill Restore, but I don't think that is going to happen. I do have the ring beginning so I am close. Problem is, I don't know if I want to smell this scent for a good six months after this month... I have a couple sets that are new and begging me to use them. Also need to get some Agua Fresca in before the hot weather disappears. AF is the best scent that has come out this year imo, so if you haven't checked it out... you should.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 27, 2022 - Austere August Day 27

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (27)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 27 in the books. Blade is still going strong. Brush is still great. Can’t wait for a couple more days…

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 28, 2022 - Austere August Day 28

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

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 28 in the books. Only a couple shaves left before freedom. Everything is still fine with the blade and this brush has broken in lovely. Decent shave today, nothing to complain about.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 29, 2022 - Austere August Day 29

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (29)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 29 done. Only two shaves left gents. That makes me very happy. I am about to go crazy with this stuff. Two more.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

Aug. 30, 2022 - Austere August Day 30

• Prep: Hot Shower, Stirling Soap Facial Soap
• Brush: Zenith 508A SE 28mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gen 1
• Blade: GEM PTFE (30)

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Restore - Soap

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Restore - Balm

• Post Shave: Zingari - Unscented - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Grey Vetiver

Day 30 in the books! One more shave to go. My posts have basically gone to hell at this point, but I don't have much left to say.... Tomorrow I will give my final thoughts.

Mandatory Tagging:

#GEMsOfWisdom

#Rawhoggin

#MammothMafia

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