1. Saturday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 01, 2024
2. Sunday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 02, 2024
3. Monday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 03, 2024
4. Tuesday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 04, 2024
5. Wednesday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 05, 2024
6. Thursday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 06, 2024
7. Friday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 07, 2024
8. Saturday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 08, 2024
9. Sunday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 09, 2024
10. Monday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 10, 2024
11. Tuesday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 11, 2024
12. Wednesday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 12, 2024
13. Thursday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 13, 2024
14. Friday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 14, 2024
15. Saturday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 15, 2024
16. Sunday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 16, 2024
17. Monday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 17, 2024
18. Tuesday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 18, 2024
19. Wednesday Lather Games Thursday SOTD Thread - Jun 19, 2024
20. Thursday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 20, 2024
21. Friday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 21, 2024
22. Saturday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 22, 2024
23. Sunday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 23, 2024
24. Monday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 24, 2024
25. Tuesday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 25, 2024
26. Wednesday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 26, 2024
27. Thursday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 27, 2024
28. Friday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 28, 2024
29. Saturday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 29, 2024
30. Sunday Lather Games SOTD Thread - Jun 30, 2024

LGSOTD 01-Jun-24

• Brush: Highlander - TSR LE 2023 Omega Boar #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Weck - Hair Shaper #WECKONISTA
• Blade: Kismet - Hair Shaper
• Lather: Soap Commander - Fortitude
• Post Shave: Soap Commander - Fortitude Balm

Welcome to the opening of the shaving hunger games, a bunch of nutcases all clubbing together to celebrate the daily ritual of hair removal (wherever that hair may lay). For todays fun event I took to everything new and opting for perhaps the easiest of the photocontest themes (still trying to think how to include the rest so this may be one and done), Black and White.

Never having tried Soap Commander I was curious so bought a couple of sets, this and Endurance, I was sorely tempted to opt for Endurance today as it smells brilliant but with tomorrow on the horizon I thought I would hold back. So on for Fortitude, on the surface should be right up my street, but the scent strength is perhaps a little weak and can't cope against a fresh piggy, and I wasn't keen on the initial feel of the balm, but the scent did pick up a bit and it soaked in well.

The Highlander brush, sadly there can't be only 1 in this case, or at least not for me as they seem to breed like tribbles. Made by a very nice fella for the TSR forum last year, this one has been sat in my drawer unused since that time so decided it was time to give it a run. Plus who doesn't need another boar on the go! Saying that, I think it's set a little lower than I would normally like, but it did sort out itself out a little in use, need to get shot of that funk though.

Finally the Weck, I've been itching to use this razor when it arrived a while ago but held my nerve for this event. I sought advice on blades prior to this and the resounding feedback was to stay the hell away from Personna, I did listen but I was curious at the same time so picked up both Personna and Kismet. I was very tempted to dive on with the Personna straight up, but decided I'd try and ease myself into the games rather than rip my face up on day one and have to go easy for the rest of it. I was very tentative with the Weck, I don't have the best of experiences with shavettes and thought this would be the same. It was actually quite forgiving, the rounded end and stiff blade made for quite an enjoyable shave. I won't be switching out my standard straights of course, but can't grumble.

Overall though, a decent enough start to the month long marathon.

Hope everyone has a good kick off and a cracking day.

Cheers

Marc

Photocontest

Great description of a failed first Weckoning

June 1, 2024 – LG Day 1 – Bonjour, Lather Games!

• Brush: AP Shave Co. Pure Bliss SHD 24mm x Heritage Collection Merit 99-4 Handle #RESURRECTIONBRUSH #SHD
• Razor: Supply Single Edge
• Blade: Black Label Injector
• Lather: AA Shaving – Wapiti
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Island Man
• Fragrance: Zoologist Perfumes – Squid

I have come down from the mountain and out of the forest to wish all of you hearty and joyful salutations. The Lather Games have begun – the tenth annual and my third. Lets clear up some answers to my fans’ frequently asked questions: No, I will not be shaving my beard. Yes, I will be shaving my head, like my brothers in arms u/hairykopite, u/Impressive_Donut114, and others. No, I will not be taking it easy. And most importantly: Yes, I will be drinking lather, and consuming who knows what else. My appetite cannot and will not be sated.

Onto the heart of the matter. AA makes an impressive base. It whipped up easily (especially for my first go at it) and made for a very nice shave (at least in theory), which was surprising to me coming from a brand that nobody in the sub seems to have heard of before a month ago. Thanks to our overlord u/OnionMiasma for sending out approximately three thousand smushes of this stuff.

I was not as impressed with my first injector shave. My favorite part was easily the loading of the blade. Boy oh boy, that is way more fun than your traditional DE or SE razor. My excitement ended there. It took me quite a while to figure out an efficient angle, because the “NickStop Technology” is a bit much. I’m not knocking injectors altogether. I’ll try a Schick or some other lauded brand, but I don’t have much interest in trying the Supply again. Thanks to u/Tonality for the loan.

Finally, my favorite part: the fragrances, or as we call them in my hometown, the smiffs. We begin today with an attempt by Wapiti to evoke the Ho rainforest, with trees inundated with a deluge of precipitation, but which effectively comes off as ozonic all the way through (to my nose). There is a hint of woods, but unfortunately any opportunity for a woody dry down is prevented by the prompt application of Island Man, which doubles down on the aquatic notes but much sweeter, joined by a hefty dose of coconut and jasmine, rounded out by other notes that have become less distinct in this aged and now-empty splash sample. We have shifted from the rainforest to the sea, which makes for a beautiful segue to Squid, which, full disclosure, I adore. The salty, inky opening triples down on the aquatic theme today, but is quickly followed by a beautiful smoky, resinous blend with a background, oceanic quality. Altogether, a true delight. #FOF

First good FOF writeup I've encountered. Might be a player to watch.

June 1, 2024 – HERE WE GO!!!!

• Brush: New Men Shaving Brush - Black Badger Hair #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS #SMOLL #RUNT
• Razor: Schick Injector
• Blade: Schick Injector (1)
• Lather: Eleven – Cedar, Vetiver & Sweetgrass
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face – Cedar & Spice
• Fragrance: Ralph Lauren – Ralph’s Club

:Looks around: Am I in the right place?

So here we are, LG2024. The 10th Lather Games apparently. New judges, new themes, new everything.

I thought I’d try something new myself, so rather than run this completely solo, I teamed up with u/Admirable-Nobody-946 and u/AdWorried2804. We shared a dens of hardware and software (side note getting hardware and software to and from the Philippines is hard) and bounced ideas off each other. There may be some loosely organized team shenanigans. (Emphasis on loosely). See when I pitched this all that time ago, I described it as a sort of “racing team” taking queues from NASCAR where team share resources but race independently, while still drafting and blocking for their team members. Also taking a queue from Ricky Bobby I’m all in this year, gunning for first. So look out u/priusaurus!

Now when I was brainstorming ideas to launch this, I was planning on getting in my car, going down the highway and shaving. I-44 ain’t the autobahn but it’s close. But then, we had to go get a u/Mrtangerinesky rule, which ruled that out. (Plus my lead foot got me a speeding ticket last weekend anyway). Fine fine, I’ll have my wife drive me around while I hang out the passenger side… wait no, that is against a different set of rules

Ok then, we’ll use the power of our imaginations. I put my kids to work with a giant box, and they turned it into a racing Prius! Take a look at this beauty (Yes, racing Prius, take that #photocontest, using the power of imagination I have a Prius racing car in my photo for that theme.). We’re gonna shave in it. In my TV room, with my daughter documenting taking pictures. Does it make sense? No. Then why? Because Lather Games. Luckily, I have never used an injector before so I’m not trying to use a weck or anything packed in this ~~tiny box~~ totally real racing machine. Also let’s use a new brush, a cheapo badger $7.89 from Walmart who says it’s badger) for the points. (It lost more hairs than u/shavinginCT’s B17). The shave went ok, lather sucked, because new brush and a soap I've never used before is a bad combo when the brush is cheap. I forgot I had no mirror downstairs and had to finish upstairs.

I’m also doing #FoF again this year, because why not. For today’s approach I pulled the Cedar note through the entire shave, a nice soap with subtle ceder notes in the back, to the feeling of being stuffed in a ceder chest with the splash, and back to the subtle cedar base with the Ralph’s club. A sort of cedar bell curve of sorts. It plays better than I expected. The Ralph’s club needed a bit of cedar punch up IMHO, and the splash should have helped it there but frankly overwhelmed my senses entirely.

User's daughter builds racing Prius

June 1, 2024 – Tabrnak, it’s The Later Games deux mille vingt quatre

• Brush: AP Shave Co Synthetic
• Razor: Pearl Slant razor
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: AA Shaving – Wapiti

Both Wapiti (and AA Shaving) as well as this slant razor are new to me. So is shaving in a car. Did not use my aftershave as planned. Québec roads suck.

Like Ray said, shaving in a moving car is pretty unusual, and his banter really sells it. 'Razor is very mild, even on Quebec roads', etc. Another funny element is Ray and his partner (who's driving) joking about how pronounces words.

2024-06-01 Bonjour, Lather Games!

• Prep: Coffee, Face wash soap/warm water
• Brush: AP Shave Co. - Handcrafted Series "Summer" with 24mm Gelousy SHD fan knot (A1)
• Razor: Blackland - Blackbird, DE safety razor, Brass, 101 mm handle - "Brassbird"
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum, DE
• Lather: A A Shaving – Gale
• Post Shave: A A Shaving – Gale

The quick of it for the judges - Artisan never used before = A A Shaving and I enjoyed it. Could not fulfill new blade format today (had the razor for months but the blade is still in the mail). AP Shave Co. featured today? All good I love the handcrafted series handle and Gelousy fan knot from them. Plenty happy to use this today.

Lots going on in the Zombie household. PZombie Jr. graduated high school earlier this week and this morning had the party / reception. Pancakes, sausage, fresh fruit, and coffee. Lots of coffee. Been a crazy week with graduations, business travel, and today is my anniversary. Don't worry I have not forgotten Mrs. PZ with all that is going on.

A A Shave: New artisan for me. I know they have been around but I have spent too much Seriously - how cute! It comes with a guitar pick! Shave went well enough. I followed the lead of the artisan and scooped with the pick and may have not scooped enough. With a new soap I'm not the best at gauging what I need. I usually brush load from the container and whip it up in a bowl. But this time I followed the lead. Next usage I will go my regular route. Basically I did not get enough mushed into the bottom of the bowl. It was an easy lather. The scenting - I enjoyed it as I like aquatics, storms and even violet (the funk flower). That said, if you do not enjoy violet you may want to pass as this is a very prominent note.

The after shave was an equivalent matching set of notes with a not overly fussy set of ingredients. All in all happy with the set.

The featured artisan of the day: AP Shave Co.

I have a beautiful handle from their handcrafted series that was made from a blank the owner of AP Shave Co. custom ordered from a pen maker whose wares he took a liking to.
The Gelousy SHD fan knot is nice blend. While low scritch and more of a painter it is an all around winner.

I could not meet the all new! I have a GEM based razor that I have restored, but the blades are still in the mail.

Take care and have a good one.

He did a good job of highlighting the daily sponsor here.

June 1, 2024

• Brush: 2023 Lather Games Champion Trophy with AP Shave Co 26mm SilkSmoke Synthetic Knot #FRANKENBRUSH #COMPOSITE #TOLL
• Razor: Rolls Razor #FOREVERSAFETY #STAINLESSLESS
• Blade: Rolls
• Lather: AA Shaving – Wapiti Soap
• Post Shave: WSP - Mahogany Splash
• Fragrance: Jovan - Sex Appeal

What’s the best way to kick off my quest to become the first ever back-to-back Lather Games Champion? I need to set the tone from day one. Let every last one of you know that I am not taking it easy this year. If you want to take this trophy from me, you’re gonna have to pry it from my slippery, lathered hands. I will not lay down and I certainly will not back down. No, I won’t back down! You could stand me up at the Gates of Hell… But… I won’t back down.

What’s the best way to set the tone and let your opponents know that you mean business? As I oft do, I look to history to help guide me, since we all know history has a way of repeating itself. I think back to an event that set the tone for something great. Something at set the tone for a lot of our ancestors. Something that set the tone for the foundation of my country. An event that made us THE United Fucking States of America!!! The place where WE first let u/enndeegee’s Great-Great-Great-Great Grandparents know that we aren’t gonna take their bullshit anymore! The British think they can tax our tea?? Get out of here with that nonsense! Good luck collecting taxes from the bottom of the fucking Boston Harbor! That’s right. Priusaurus’ Lather Games 2024 Shave Numero Uno took place at the site of the Boston Tea Party. The place that set the stage for the American Revolution is the same place setting the stage for Lather Games X: Priusaurus’ Revenge: Part Deux: ~~Electric Boogaloo~~ Defending the Crown™.

What was once called “Griffin’s Wharf” is now (appropriately) called “Independence Wharf” and there’s a marker that memorializes the night a group of colonists banded together and tossed 342 chests full of tea into the Boston Harbor, giving a figurative middle figure to King George, u/enndeegee’s family, and taxation without representation. And that’s the same energy I’m working with today! And to really drive the point home, I nicely packed up a special brush to use today. It’s a little big, but I was proud to unwrap this badboy as my brush today. I’m not going to lie to you. As far as brushes go, this isn’t the most comfortable one in my den, but the goal today is intimidation, not comfort. I can have good, comfortable shaves starting in July, as I gaze at my Championship Trophy for another year. Now, it’s time to get to work.

I find a spot on a bench, overlooking a replica of the ship that the badasses threw tea off (called The Beaver), and lathered up my smoosh of Wapiti, that was so generously sent by u/OnionMiasma. And I’m just gonna throw this out there to start. This brush is NOT ideal for making a lather in a travel bowl. It’s my first-time using AA Shaving and I have them fighting with one arm tied behind their back before lather ever hits my face because the brush is unwieldy. Next, the homeless guy sleeping on the bench next to me started making noise, so I was rushing more than I would have liked. And finally, never used a Rolls Razor before and likely never will again. I honed it on my own stones to the best of my ability (which admittedly isn’t that great) but there’s a reason why they stopped making these things. Tough draw for AA Shaving. Might as well tie the other arm behind their back, and maybe a leg too. The first time I use them and it’s also the maiden voyage with these two contraptions for brush and razor. And it’s outside, trying to use the selfie mode on my camera as a mirror. But… That’s the way Lather Games be sometimes. Unsurprisingly, as I shaved, I got a few looks from people passing by, but once again: That’s the way Lather Games be sometimes. Got a somewhat serviceable shave and managed not to slice myself open. Gonna be an awesome month!

Oh yeah, and a friendly little reminder for my fellow competitors this year: You come at the King, you best not miss. Priusaurus’ Revenge: Part Deux: Defending the Crown™ starts today.

#FOF: Against my better judgement, I’m tossing my hat into the ring for FOF again this year, despite having no idea what I’m doing. Sorry u/wallygator88! Not the best start, if I’m being honest. When I lathered it, Wapiti smelled mostly aquatic to me, and I was expecting a bit more woodiness based on the scent notes. I brought WSP Mahogony as a splash, expecting the woody-spicy splash to complement the wood notes in the soap, but it just didn’t jive like I hoped. The fragrance, Sex Appeal, was used mostly for the double-entendre, but also does have a sandalwood note and actually it doesn’t smell too bad. The spiciness of it actually pairs pretty good with the splash and it almost has an Old-Spice-esque vibe to it. The splash and frag really made this a woodtastic shave!

Special Challenge: Never used a Rolls before. And back in the drawer it goes. #neveragain #unlessitsforachallenge

Soap theme justification: Never used AA Shaving before

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: All scents have an over-abundance of wood 👀

Shaves with his trophy, shaves in public at the site of Boston tea party, return of the champion!

DAY 1 LATHER GAMES 2024! BONJOUR MES-AMIS!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Muninn Woodworks - 24mm AP Shave Co Cashmere knot #COMPOSITE #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: L'Essor #FOREVERSAFETY
• Blade: L'essor
• Lather: Eleven Shaving - Lime and Basil
• Post Shave: Gentleman's Nod - Juniper Reverie
• Fragrance: Lalique - Encre Noire

In the first age, during the first day of shaving, when the lather started dripping, one stood, tormented by the burning sensation that is the embodiment of A&E. He chose the path of a anarchy, trolling and spite shaves. In his balkan crazyness he found no peace, and with a BBS face he strolled through reddit amonts heretics and spiteful people, so that he may find onions, dinasaurs who drive Priuses or other pitiful beings who have wronged him. He wore the banner of "The Order Of Stag", and those who tasted his spite shaves name him..... MrTangerineSky!

I'm back, but not in black! Man it feels good to be here, honestly the Lather Games are just something special for me, you wait patiently for THE CALENDAR, prepare and then it's just one whole month of crazyness, and YOU KNOW, that at the end of the month we'll all be like this! This year, I'm not gonna flap my yap, how I'm gonna win it, I'm gonna play the quiet game, slow and steady, but be solid as a rock! That doesn't mean I won't try to wreak havok, but I'll be smart and won't create any new rules for future LG! Very happy to see many familiar faces and many new ones!

Today is a new day, a new dawn(and Michael Bubble can sue my ass) and the general theme is "things you've never used"(my wording). Gonna break it down for each product and try to keep it fairly short(sorry judge who's reading). Before I do that, as much as it pains me to say, I want to say a great big THANK YOU, to u/OnionMiasma who sent this sample of Eleven Shaving, making it possible for my participation in this year's LG to be at full-value! Also Thanks to u/USS-SpongeBob and u/djundjila who helped me with the choice and approved the razor I used today.

Next part in additional comment cause of stupid reddit....

User goes the Michelle Obama route. Going high.

Jun. 1, 2024 - Bonjour Strange

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: AP Shave Co. Blue & Clear Gelousy A3 Badger #SHD

• Razor: Rolls Imperial #ForeverSafety

• Blade: Rolls

• Lather: AA Shaving - Moonlight

• Post Shave: Micky Lee Soapworks - Luau

• Fragrance: Rouge Perfumery - Tabac Vert

IT’S DAY ONE OF THE LATHER GAMES!!!! My fourth year competing and I’m super excited for it! I have been super busy lately and haven’t been able to really plan for a lot of the month and will be flying by the seat of my pants for a bit.

I had a late shave today, partially because I had Dad responsibilities today with my wife working night shift today. Also partially because I was putting off using this razor after hearing how terrible some people had said it was. It really is an awesome concept for a razor with a pretty cool history. While it wasn’t named after Rolls Royce the creators had hoped that people wouldn’t notice that it was a different company and just assume that it was the same company. After furiously studying the instructions that came with it I decided to use both the hone and strop side to see how sharp it was. Honestly, it wasn’t the worst, it pulled like shit but I didn’t cut myself and it removed hair from my face. It’s a coin flip on if this will end back up on eBay or not.

It’s a damn good thing that my wife is working tonight because none of these scents go together but for the Games, I’m using all new brands for software and this is what I’m stuck with. None are bad on their own, but together they just straight up clash!

Finally, as the resident preachers kid around here, I figure it’s my place to give the invocation for this month:

Our Lather who art in brushes,
Slickness be thy name,
Thy razor come,
Thy stubble gone,
From face down to the ankles.
Give us this day our daily trifecta,
And forgive us for our sniping,
as we forgive those who snipe deals before us.
And lead us not into shave_bazaar; but deliver us from Razor Emporium. For thine is the slickness, the cushion and unobtanium, for passes and passes. Amen.

Daily Theme Justification: I’ve never used AA soap before! Thanks to u/thebunnynator1001 for sending this sample!

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: All software are from brands that I’ve never used before!

User provides us all with a nice convocation for the start of the games.

June 2, 2024

• Brush: Galepromot Brown Badger #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Wizamet (3)
• Lather: Henri et Victoria – Navigateur
• Post Shave: Areffa Soap – Discoverer
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Admiral

---

Daily Theme: Ahoy, Lather Games!

Theme justification: Henri et Victoria Navigateur is nautically themed. The scent description talks about the Caribbean seas and a fabled beast that sailors fear is enhanced by the fragrance’s freshness. Plus, it has a sailor on the lid.

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Navigater. Discoverer. Admiral. These are all titles that can (and have been) bestowed on seafaring individuals. One, though, stands out. Christopher Columbus. While he’s a little controversial today, there is no doubting his historical significance. He “was an Italian explorer and navigator from the Republic of Genoa …” who was given the rank of “Admiral of the Ocean Seas” by King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain. He is, rightfully or not, also often considered the discoverer of the New World.

So this shave is a Christopher Columbus themed shave. No genocide is endorsed or was caused by this shave

Fun fact, I tried to bring up the topic of changing Columbus Day to Indigenous Peoples’ Day when I was an intern. The person I told this to (who has since left) told me, “Why? Everyone has skeletons in their closet.” I dropped the idea. I should bring it back up.

---

Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: The Gillette Slim is an adjustable razor.

Brush facts: The brush was purchased on Amazon. Per the listing, it is badger brush. For $5, it has to be the lowest quality badger available.

---

Daily/Special Challenge: Paleontology Day

/u/Priusaurus is a good dude. He’s sent me a couple smushes over the past year, and has always been willing to answer questions. Was his win last year legitimate, or did was the win stolen from /u/OnionMiasma? The world may never know. The record books, however, have /u/Priusaurus as the rightful ruler. Plus, as he showed yesterday, he has the hardware to prove his victory.

So, to honor him I shaved with his beloved Worcester IceCats goal horn playing on repeat. In addition, /u/Priusaurus, I’ll send you the cash to cover the price and shipping if you win this auction for $5 #NotABribe

Also, since he is the one that is responsible for the Remote Learning Group Buy, I incorporated Doritos into my shave today. I didn’t have any Nacho Cheese Doritos, but I did have a new bag of Spicy Sweet Chili. I crushed them up and added them to my nearly complete lather. Here it is all mixed together, and here it is on my face. Please don’t judge my lather. I was using a very terrible brush and then I added Doritos to it. The shave actually wasn’t too bad. HeV is a good, slick base, but the nice smell of Navigateur was overpowered by the Doritos. 2/10. Do not recommend adding Doritos to your lather.

---

Frag description

Chatillon Lux Admiral

Look, right now the only thing I can smell is Spicy Sweet Chili Doritos. Admiral, though, is one of my favorite CL frags (again, it would be a lot better if the lemongrass and riverboat smoke wasn’t accompanied by Doritos). In a normal wear, it does transport you to the Mississippi River. Might just be me, and local STL people can chime in, but it takes me back to walking near the Arch right by the river.

---

Okay, so let’s talk about today’s shave. This was my first (or second; cannot fully recall) using HeV. It’s quite nice. Between them and MacDuff’s, I’m starting to think Canadians know what their doing with shave soap.

The brush, though, I’m 99% confident is actually a boar brush. It’s listed as badger on both the Amazon page and the packaging, so that’s what I’m going with for my hardware points. I’m just glad I will never have to use this one again. It went straight into the trash after the shave, which is where it would’ve ended up before too long regardless. It lost, seemingly, 20% of its hairs during the shave.

---

Totals:

Razor Hashtags: 2/10
Brush Hashtags: 3/10
Hardware Sponsor Points: x/2
Software Sponsor Points: 1/16
Number of Lather Brands: 2/30
Number of Lather Scents: 2/30
Number of Post Shaves: 2/30
Number of Frags: 2/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

To honor /u/Priusaurus, bmac92 added crushed up Doritos to his lather, since Priusaurus helped organize the group Remote Learning buy. The resulting lather is questionable.

June 2, 2024

• Brush: Chisel and Hound – LG2024 – 25mm Paragon Synth
• Razor: Karve – Christoper Bradley Copper #RUSTYBUTDUSTY
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Soap Commander - Endurance
• Post Shave: Terrafirma Soapery – Chesapeake Bay Rum Splash
• Fragrance: Elysian – Atlantis EdP

““Everyone has a plan until they get punched in the face.” -Mike Tyson” – Priusaurus

Guys. I had a plan today. I had a plan to start off the SOTD by telling you all about the USS Constitution – Old Ironsides.

I was gonna say it’s the most badass ship in the US Navy and built in 1797, this majestic ship earned the nickname "Old Ironsides" during the War of 1812 when it’s oak hull was swatting down British cannonballs like Dikembe Mutombo blocked shots in the 90s. Old Ironsides wagged its figurative figure and said, “No, no, no! Not in my house!”

I might’ve even showed you a video re-enactment I made of the War of 1812, complete with the music from the 1812 Overture, with rubber duckies representing British Ships and Old Ironsides defeating all of them as cannons bounced off it’s hull.

Then I’d go on to say that despite being outgunned and outnumbered in battles, the Constitution emerged victorious time after time after time, becoming a symbol of American naval prowess and overall badassery. Over the years, it underwent numerous restorations to preserve its historical grandeur and is the oldest commissioned warship in the Navy. That’s right – Old Ironsides never retired and is still part of the Navy - complete with Naval Officers and crew still serving on the ship today. And it’s a BFD if you get stationed on the USS Constitution.

And I’d finish the story by saying: This ship is living proof that “they don’t make them like they used to”. When she was built, the expected service life of a ship like this was 10-15 years, and here she is, beautiful as ever, sitting at 227 years young. So, let’s raise a shot of Bay Rum to Old Ironsides in honor of Ahoy Lather Games! A day celebrating ships, pirates, and all things Old Spice!

Then I’d do the big reveal and say that today, I’m going to toast Old Ironsides the Lather Games way… By packing up my shave stuff, getting on the train, and shaving in front of this storied warship! But… That’s not what I’m doing today. I, unfortunately, have to attend a funeral today, so a trip to The Charlestown Navy Yard is out of the question for today’s shave. So instead, I have the next best thing. A toy boat as a stand-in for Old Ironsides! Surrounded by rubber ducks, representing the many, many British warships that The USS Constitution took out! So, everyone out there is just gonna have to imagine this is The USS Constitution. Got it? Good.

And what better to shave with than a smoosh from Mr. Old Spice himself, u/cowzilla3. I requested a smoosh of Endurance because it received a 5 out of 5 in both Oldness and Spiciness in The Great Spice Off. And Old Ironsides is the oldest and spiciest ship in the Navy, so it’s fitting.

Really happy to be shaving with a DE after yesterday’s fiasco with the Rolls and it is nice to shave in the comfort of my bathroom, instead of one bench away from a sleeping homeless person.

For #FOF: So this scent journey worked better in theory, than it did in practice. Old Spice and Bay Rum go together like Doritos and Mountain Dew, but then adding the aquatic fragrance of Atlantis on top of it did not mesh as well as I hoped for. If I was in this just for the smells, I would’ve could’ve should’ve picked a spicy fragrance, maybe a spicy amber like 3 Scots… But I was really leaning into the ship/nautical theme and didn’t put the smellz first.

Challenge: Soooo…. Ummm…. Real talk guys: What’s an appropriate way to honor myself? Like if I come out and proclaim myself to be the Greatest Lather Gamer in the History of the Lather Games, is that too much? Plus, I don’t think that’s true (yet). Others have placed in the top 5 for a few years in a row, and I’ve only won once (so far). I guess it would be a bit obnoxious to do that, so I’ll just say I had a good run last year and someone better come kick me off my high horse this year or else I’m going to be REALLY insufferable for the next 13 months.

Soap theme justification: Used the spiciest and oldest smelling Old Spice Dupe

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Ahoy indeed! I hit all three the potential theme options for the day (1) Old Spice Soap: Check (2) Bay Rum Splash: Check, (3) Nautical Themed Frag: Check.

https://youtu.be/ltCn00o_HsQ

a video re-enactment of the War of 1812, complete with the music from the 1812 Overture, with rubber duckies representing British Ships.

Is it dumb? Yes. Did it make me smile? Also yes.

2024-06-02 Ahoy, Lather Games!

• Brush: Maggard Razors - Maggard Blue Swirl, Timberwolf Synthetic, 24mm
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable - Date Code J3 #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum, DE
• Lather: Zinagari Man - Navigator
• Post Shave: LBCC Historical– 1889 Superior Bay Rum
• Fragrance: Procter & Gamble - Old Spice Classic Eau de Cologne

"When I was a boy, The Dead Sea was only sick." - George Burns

__________________

So, I assemble a disparate collection of interpretations of scents related to, inspired by and bound to the sea.

Setting out upon the wine dark sea to traverse such vast waters where the earth shares it's curve I am going with the:

"...or something with nautically-themed branding / marketing.

Note: this means the soap brand or soap concept must be nautically themed in some way. It does not mean "scent must be from the Aquatic fragrance family."

The Software:

For today's shave I pull out Zingari Man's Navigator with it's mermaid figure head adorned ship on the cap, scent notes of Amber, salt water, musk, and fruits, and a name that shows the course it plots.

To accompany this voyage for post shave I am making use of LBCC's Historical's 1889 Superior Bay Rum, a nice recreation of a vintage Bay Rum recipe applied to an updated base. This particular bay rum is strengthened with orange amongst it's notes.

Lastly I finish with Old Spice in a Proctor and Gamble Eau de Cologne format.

___________________

Figureheads are sometimes only a head though often depict a whole figure, and though often depicting a female can also be any number of other things like dragons, warriors, or grotesque beasts. In times past they could be protective as a magic charm or an appeal to a divinity such as a goddess for protection. At other times they serve almost as a herald for owner and the owner's personality. Other schemes see the figureheads taking on a role of warning, or being there to intimidate potential foes.

Some examples that are not so pretty as a mermaid include:

(An appeal to personality) King George III appeared as figurehead on the ship the Royal Sovereign in an attempt to show the royal as leader of the fleet.

(Attempt to intimidate) The privateer The Terrible had a skeleton, and the French corsair the Revenant fittingly represented a corpse.

______________________

Scent notes for those interested:

Navagator -

• Top notes: Bergamot, dewfruit, ozone, water, lemon
• Heart: Dry grass, Ozone, lilly of the valley, jasmine
• Base: Ambergris, musks, soft woods, green florals

1889 Superior Bay Rum

• Orange, bay leaves, allspice, nutmeg, cloves, Sandalwood, unspesified herbs and spices.

Old Spice (Classical version) -

• Top notes: orange, lemon, spices, clary sage, anise, aldehydes
• Heart: cinnamon, carnation, geranium, jasmine, heliotrope, pimento berry
• Base: vanilla, musk, cedarwood, frankincense, benzoin, tonka, ambergris

___________________________

...and u/priusaurus your epic posts are read every time I "sea" one. Think I'm gonna have nachos (doritos) and dew for lunch.

Be curious what u/cowzilla3 chooses for a soap.

As always, take care and have a good day

I just want to gripe somewhere about the author using "female" as a noun.

June 2, 2024 – LG Day 2 – Ahoy, Lather Games!

• Brush: Omega 11047 Mixed Badger/Boar #MISTURA #RUNT #SMOLL
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Gillette Rubie
• Lather: Old Spice – Old Spice (Vintage)
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice (Vintage)
• Fragrance: Alexandria Fragrances – Smooth Sailing

Old Spice: smells like my grandfather. For better or worse, the soap, on account of being very old, has nearly no scent. There is the lightest clean musk left, and that’s about it. The splash, however, is strong. The last (and only) time I used it, my partner told me something to the effect of “never wear that again.” Well, I’m breaking my vow, but I cut the splash with some Stirling unscented toner, which helped significantly. Undiluted, the splash is a punch in the face of aldehydes and florals, but today I was presented with light, powdery florals, gentle citrus, and hints of spices. As I write this, it has dried down to a lovely floral musk, which still smells like my grandfather, but won’t land me in relationship-ending situation. To round out the shave and sailing theme, this dupe of Xerjoff 40 Knots emphasizes the powdery florals while adding an additional honey sweetness, but like the Old Spice splash, should be used conservatively due to its intensity. #FOF

Alright, I can’t say much about u/Priusaurus beyond what’s likely been said today. However, last year, Prius won in part due to his interview series. The creator of Old Spice is (I assume) dead. Even if they were alive, they probably wouldn’t know as much about OS as u/Cowzilla3. So, Prius, as the saying goes, imitation is the highest form of flattery — and hence I present you all with:

10.5 Questions with…Cowzilla3

1) First, why Old Spice?

There’s a jokey rant to be had here about why you don’t even need to ask that question – Why Old Spice? Because! But I’ll go against type here and answer honestly. I couldn’t tell you why I like it so much, honestly. There’s definitely nostalgia to it as I know my grandfather wore it but my dad did not so it wasn’t like it was a daily scent for me growing up. In fact, I’m of an age that for most of my life Old Spice has been owned by P&G and yet… the scent resonates deep in my core. But also… BECAUSE!

2) What exactly makes it so special?

Everyone is going to be real disappointed I’m answering these seriously, I think. But I believe what makes Old Spice so special (or at least did) was its ubiquity. For a certain set of generations, Old Spice was just the smell of fathers/grandfathers. Everyone knew it. There are few other scents that were so ubiquitous that they kind of became a generational marker attached to feelings of family, love, and closeness. You got a hug from your dad or grandpa and there was a very good chance you smelled Old Spice. Considering scent is one of the strongest senses in terms of memory and emotion, that makes Old Spice truly special.

3) Do you think you’ll ever tire of Old Spice?

Do you tire of asking stupid questions? (There, that’s the funny one.)

[INTERVIEW CONTINUED IN THE REPLY TO THIS COMMENT]

As far as tributes to Priusaurus are concerned, an interview with Cowzilla about Old Spice is pretty clever.

Good FOF commentary too.

June 2, 2024 – Ahoy, Lather Games!

• Brush: Chisel and Hound – Desert Ranger 26mm #COMPOSITE #SHD
• Razor: Blackland - Blackbird Lite #CNC
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue (1)
• Lather: The Holy Black - Galleon
• Post Shave: HAGS – Megalodon Splash
• Fragrance: HAGS – Megalodon Rollerball EDP
• Music: Lionel Richie – Easy (Like Sunday Morning)
• The Lather: Compared to yesterday, today was a breeze. The Holy Black base is easy to whip up a nice lather and the scent on this is really phenomenal.
• The Shave: This being one of my go to setups the shave was just like the music implied, easy.
• Aftershave/Frag: Today’s theme was nautical in theme or branding so I decided to mix things up and instead of using all one scent add in some Megalodon. If you haven’t seen The Meg or otherwise don’t know what the hell a megalodon is, megalodon’s are giant sharks that went extinct 2.5 million years ago. Just the kind of thing sailors on a galleon feared, but never really encountered.
• Theme: As far as hitting the branding of nautical, it’s hard to being named and scented like a boat. The original release included a treasure hunt with a Piece of Eight, but alas I was only able to get the secret stash release.
• Challenge: In honor of u/Priusaurus I decided I would try to do a Lather Games day as close to one of his as I could. Before I could start, however, I needed to get a better idea of what a Priusaurus was like if I was going to nail the character acting. So I decided to consult AI to help give me a visual of what a Priusarus shaving might look like so I could get more into character. I imagine the early days he may have looked something like this, holding a razor belonging to his father. Now a days he’s probably looking more adult though and who knows, maybe the future he will be a little different. With the character visualized I picked a day, Day 2 of LG 2023 obviously, and set to work. It began with me smuggling in a box of Fruit Loops into the house undetected (my wife is into nutrition). In the morning I poured myself a cup and went to work recreating his SotD picture as accurately as I could (we only have white dishes) while still staying within the day’s theme. I had to work quickly and quietly lest my boys or wife wake up and discover my shenanigans. Let me suffice to say i was not successful in that endeavor and when she woke up and came down I did not get the same LG support #CagedPeacock. After surviving the wife’s wrath I retreated to the bathroom, put on the Lionel Richie, and removed some whiskers.

AI Prius, recreated SOTD photo

June 3, 2024

LG SOTD, DAY 3: DUCK, YOU SUCKER!

(A SPAGHETTI SHAVER EPIC)

Daily theme relevance: my beef tallow alternative (or surrogate, if you are a beef suprematist) is duck.

PHOTOCONTEST - ANIMAL

Mexican painted ceramic duck (tribute to today’s MOTD setting) and Yellow rubber duck (tribute to AdP yellow faux-leather fantasy of a sophisticated shatter-proof life)

Special theme: As a tribute to u/OnionMiasma, my SOTD pic includes the actual envelope he used to send me smushes, as well as an Italian spaghetti-alum block: we reinvented westerns, think we can't do a decent OSMA dupe?

OPENING CREDITS SEQUENCE
-> Soundtrack by Ennio Morricone here

--THE CAST

Pre shave: Acqua di Parma - Bagno alla Colonia Bath and Shower Gel, Acqua di Parma - Deodorante alla Colonia Deodorant Spray

• Brush: Muhle – Anodized Aluminum Travel Brush Black 21mm #HOLLOW
• Razor: Henson AL-13 Medium blue
• Blade: Silver Blue [2]
• Lather: Chicago Grooming - Shiloh (Canard base)
• Post Shave: Ethos Grooming - DFS Colonia Skin Food Lotion
• Fragrance: Acqua di Parma - Colonia Assoluta EdC 30cl

Additional Post-Shave: Acqua di Parma – Barbiere Emulsione Rinfrescante Dopobarba

--THE SCENE

Yesterday’s gunpowder scent trail takes us back to Andalusia, today a cinematic stand-in, or dupe, for 1912 revolutionary Mexico.

We are here for a story of undaunted dupes and surrogates, an epic of reluctant reinventions and revolutions, a fable about heroes who stand broken but not defeated.

Duck, you sucker is the title of Sergio Leone’s penultimate film, a film he didn’t mean to direct. It was released in 1971, three years after Once Upon a Time in the West (1968), thirteen years before Once Upon a Time in America (1984).

After using the alias Bob Robertson to make his early films sound more “international”, the director returned to his real Italian name, Sergio Leone, after he reached global success with the so-called Dollars Trilogy, the cornerstone of the spaghetti western genre.

As film heroes are defined by conflict, here are the links to dig into the genesis of the MOTD (parts 1-3), and to the SOTD it inspired (part 4):

parts 1 and 2:
- THE HERO'S (UN)ORIGINAL SIN: KUROSAWA’S BEEF WITH LEONE
- NOT IN ~~KANSAS~~ ITALY ANMORE: LEONE'S BEEF WITH THE AMERICANS

parts 3 and 4:
- A STUBBORN LION, PRONE TO BEEFS AND FIXATED WITH DUCK
- DUCK, YOU SHAVER! MY SOTD WITH DUPES, SURROGATES AND THINGS THAT GO BOOM

part 5: FOF WRITEUP
Today’s FOF is a journey that spans from well-groomed city brightness of the AdP products I used for the pre-shave, to the dustier notes of CG’s Shiloh soap, that feel as if it has been seasoned by the experience of some tough travels across a Mexican desert. Compared to its fragrance inspiration (re-tested through prep with two AdP products: shower soap and deodorant), and in particular to AdP's signature opening, a bright lemon/verbena and Spring rose accord, my tub of Shiloh leans toward a more powdery floral/orange smell with just a hint of nutty-ness. Dunno if it is a problem with my tub being kinda "seasoned" before my recent purchase, in any case it’s still very pleasant per se – just not an accurate dupe if you make a back-to-back comparison with the original.

Having been broken similarly to Rod Steiger’s character in a painful sequence of DYS, my flacon of Ethos DFS Colonia remake still shines for excellent qualities of its own, just like Leone’s For a Fistful of Dollars when compared to Kurosawa’s Yojimbo. Actually, compared to AdP mildly scented aftershave emulsion, Ehtos’ reinvention stands out as a more punchy reinvention, like spaghetti westerns when they “exploded” against the all too familiar backdrop of Hollywood stories of the old frontier.

For the finale, I didn’t want to backtrack to the original AdP Colonia. Instead, I explored the self-remake/reinvention of AdP Colonia Assoluta, a fragrance created by Bertrand Duchaufour and Jean-Claude Ellena in 2003 and discontinued a few years ago. While Ellena is widely known for his signature “transparent” aesthetic (mostly evident in his Hermès creations), AdP Colonia Assoluta conquered me for its oakmoss-heavy and spicier drydown, reminiscent of old-school, old-world perfumes. On a Cary Grant scale, AdP Colonia is like watching him in the light sophisticated 1930s comedy Bringing Up Baby, AdP Colonia Assoluta feels more like 1950s North by Northwest, where he keeps being charming and cool, but is also shown doing more "mature" stuff (by that time's sensibilities: today these are just SOP for college kids) like being drunk in public and having casual sex with a stranger.

Yes, DYLF Colonia Assoluta is Dad's spaghetti, way cooler than plain vanilla Colonia.

FOF

Edit 1: links added
Edit 2: hw scavenger hunt hashtag added

ROTY

If your content doesn't fit in a single Reddit comment, you're probably writing too much.

Lather: Stirling Soap Co - Electric Sheep
Osma

Delightful.

I think Jeff's dedication to as little effort as possible in the LG's is to be commended.

5 out of 5 - would judge this post again

June 3, 2024 – LG Day 3 – Where’s the Beef?

• Brush: Zenith r/wetshaving Exclusive MOAR Boar 31mm #SUBBROOSH #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Karve CB SB-C #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY #STAINLESSLESS
• Blade: Treet Classic (1)
• Lather: Red House Farm – Nine Days Up Nort’
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Scots Pine
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Cape Heartache

Between the theme and the challenge today, we’re in for a journey of a culinary conversation. No beef to be seen here. Tallow is rendered from suet, which is the hard fat found around the kidneys, loins, and other organs in particular animals, traditionally cows (beef) and sheep (mutton). Suet is also the term used for the fat in the same area within wild game, but as the Lacey act prohibits the sale of “wildlife”, this is generally moot except in rare cases such as PIFs by u/grindermonk. Hard fat similar to suet is also found in pigs, but is called leaf lard for reasons that are largely unclear and can probably be attributed to the fact that language is weird.

Nine Days up Nort’, as featured in u/OnionMiasma’s underrated SOTD for the fall theme last year, uses deer tallow and has a requisite gaminess to it which I quite enjoy. There’s a hefty amount of woodiness, sure, but the natural scent of the non-fragrance ingredients is what makes this special. This is much harder to recreate in an aftershave, so doubling down on the pine note with Scots Pine (no sheep in the aftershave, at least per the label) seemed like my best option. Rod writes that it’s “nothing like a pine oil used in cleaning products,” which I don’t entirely agree with, but it’s not bad, just not particularly complex. Then, to entirely divert the vibe, Cape Heartache comes along. The blast of fir and pine at the top are welcome additions, but as they dry down to a sweet amber, it’s a strange combination with the Nine Days funk that I can still smell. The Scots Pine has completely faded just two hours after using, but this soap has some oomph to it, and would have benefitted from a more complementary frag today. In the journey of fragrance, we live and learn. #FOF

Now, back to our culinary journey. Let’s talk about salt. Samin Nosrat tells us all about the importance of salt in her book Salt, Fat, Acid, Heat as well as in this gifted article (you’re welcome). Salt aids in enhancing flavor. It reduces bitterness – hence why dark chocolate and sea salt are a wonderful pairing. Try a sprinkle of salt in black coffee. Taste is weird. Salt also enhances sweetness, which is why Maldon salt belongs on cookies after baking, and why classic cookie recipes typically need more salt than what is listed. Salt, through various chemical reactions, improves the taste and texture of food, such as its work drawing out moisture from meat and vegetables through osmosis, which then dissolves the salt and allows it to be reabsorbed into the food. On a molecular level, salt ionizes when it dissolves in water, breaking into sodium and chloride ions; then, these ions interact with the flavor compounds in food and our taste receptors, making flavors more pronounced and enjoyable. I prefer Diamond Crystal Kosher Salt, just like many chefs and recipe developers, because it’s easy to pinch and sprinkle and is far more forgiving than Morton’s or especially table salt. Take a look at some of Kenji Lopez-Alt’s work for more about salinity by volume among common culinary salts.

This is all to say that I love salt, my doctor tells me I consume too much of it, and I don’t need to rub it on my head after shaving. (Yes, I know it’s a different type of salt. No, I don’t care).

Hugbckt is doing well this year. Informative post and a funny setup to explaining why they didn't use alum.

June 3, 2024 – Fever Dreams

• Brush: AP Shave Co. 22mm Faux Horse w/ Ruby Ripple Handle #Fauxfur
• Razor: Weck Junior #weckonista #rustybuttrusty
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (1)
• Lather: Areffa Soap – Agave
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Smash
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Saint Julep

I make bad decisions when I have a fever. This is known. Once, when I had an ear infection, I decided to drive to Walmart in a snow storm to get formula for our son. (He needed special stuff and only Walmart had it.) I didn’t get home for 7 hours.

So, it’s no surprise when looking at my options this morning for shaving, I opted for the weck. On Osma day, so I’ll know exactly how bad I did. But it’s also “OnionMiOSMA” day so I used the Personna blade in honor of u/onionmiasma’s suffering for AA.

This thing came pre-patina’d and needed to good scraped out of it so I could get the blade in. More patina pics. Is it supposed to hinge by the serrated part? No time, I’m getting tired must shave!

This was not a good shave. I only drew blood in one place, just below my ear where I tried to go XTG, and hit the angle wrong. But it’s OK, I HAVE OSMA! I “finished” the shave (such that you can call being still scruffy finished) and applied the Osma.

Now a note about my Osma, if you look it a chunk is missing from the top, that’s because I broke some of it off and sent it to u/AdWorried2804 so he had Osma today. It looked like I sent him Crystal meth. Anyway, we wanted to test the idea that since Osma comes from a shared block, sharing part of that would transfer some of the feel of the shave. Basically all Osma is connected! If so, I’m sorry, he’s in for some stinging. When I hit that part behind my ear it stung something fierce, I think blacked out, and when I woke up, I tasted…saltwater and coconut? He has nicer weather than I do.

Now while u/grindermonk is only aware of 1 bear tallow soap (that is a prize for best shave in scuba gear or something, I dunno I didn’t read the whole post) there is in fact at least one more. I commented once to u/bmac92 my thrill didn’t extend to odd Ukrainian soaps made with bear tallow, but then when he offered to send this for shipping only I said, “why not, maybe it’ll be useful for LG.” Luck is when preparation meets opportunity.

My #photocontest here “animals (dead)” But how you ask? Well, that Tupperware container contains the missing beef tallow! Theme question answered.

For #fof, I’m going with an all-drink theme here, Agave (famously used in tequila), Smash, which is a peach bourbon cocktail, and Saint Julip which is a nod to Mint Julips. Fittingly the description of St. Julio mentions “bear” (though in verb form) bringing us back around to the tallow! Go theme! The smells are interesting, I get a slightly chemical smell off the soap, smash smells like cherries to me, and Saint Julep is supposed to be like mint. The soap did not improve upon lathering, the smash clashed a bit with the Julep, which did not smell like mint to me, but maybe that’s the tangerine? It was ok. I’m going back to bed and hoping that area behind my ear stops stinging by tomorrow.

OP gives fellow Redditor a taste of Osma, delivered in the most incriminating way possible, and elevates consciousness to a higher plane.

Jun. 3, 2024 - There was only one choice

• Prep: Shower, Baxter Shave Tonic
• Brush: Dogwood Maggards 26mm SHD
• Razor: Heritage Collection Gibbs 15
• Blade: Personna Platinum (3)
• Lather: MERShaving Old Timer Spice
• Post Shave: Old Spice (Indian)

Believe it or not, I don't actually plan ahead all that much to shave with only Old Spice dupes all month, which led me to today as I frantically searched through my bin of dupes for something that wasn't vegan but also wasn't beef tallow. I was about to give up and grab Bundubeard, which I'd just shaved with, when I flipped over MERShaving and realized it was a Duck Fat base! Ducks are not cows. That's just a hard science fact.

I did not use Osma. Why? Is it because I don't own any? Is it because I don't want to? No. It's because u/onionmiasma is the worst kind of friend. The kind of friend who turns his back on you just because you forget one tiny little smush one time! The kind of friend who writes a mean song about you just because you didn't put some soap in the mail. Well, I've got a song for him now.

You Suck, A Song About OnionMiasma

LA LA LA LA You Suck.
LA LA LA LA You Suck.
LA LA LA LA You Suck.

That's the song.

User wrote a song about Onion - short and funny.

July 3, 2024 - Where’s the Beef?

• Brush: Shave Forge Horsehair, 20mm #HORSESASS #HOLLOW #RUNT
• Razor: Muhle R89 #TWINS #ZAMAC
• Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89 #TWINS
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Red House Farm - NoScrub
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Lavanille - Splash
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Company - Sandalwood

Daily Write-Up
When I saw this day on the calendar, I never thought I’d be celebrating the lack of COWtallow while simultaneously hoping that COWzilla3 leaves the sub. But, unless he apologizes for what he’s done it’s either him or me.

Speaking of cows… they’re delicious. Per the EPA, a single cow produces between 154 to 264 pounds of methane gas per year. Not counting for the emissions of any other livestock, 1.5 billion cattle, raised specifically for meat production worldwide, emit at least 231 billion pounds of methane into the methane into the atmosphere each year. Granted, no one is raising cows specifically for making soap, but if you believe in climate change, it’s probably best if we process less beef.

Similarly, a single Cowzilla3 produces between 154 and 264 hundred words of garbage for the sub each year; words that metaphorically smell about as bad as methane. He’s ruining the sub, just like we’re ruining the planet.

Did you see his song today? Embarrassing. Just as embarrassing as his misshapen eyebrows are.

Today I switched razors halfway through the shave. Yep. They’re the same razor, but I prefer the handle on the R89. It fits in an Altoids tin, whereas the DE is a smidge too long.

This brush though is one I only keep around because of the Lather Games. It's terrible and smells... well, again, not quite as bad as Cowzilla3. But similar. Very, very similar.

Soap Theme Justification
This soap has bear tallow. Bear! Play hard, post well, and either u/Enndeegee or I might send you a tub of your own.

Unlike Mr. Zilla3, it smells great.

Post-Shave and Fragrance Relevance Notes
Riffed around with the scent notes in the soap, which are sandalwood and lavender. I pulled in the lavender for Lavanille, and then finished it off with Stirling Sandalwood.

Edit: Oh, shit. Yeah, I used Osma. It's fine. About as pointless as the 41st edition of TGSO.

Put Cowzilla on the grill.

June 3, 2024

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving 31mm x 57mm Moar Boar #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2/WRH2 #CNC
• Blade: Personna Platinum (4)
• Lather: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889 - Soap
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889 - Aftershave
• Post Shave: West Coast Shaving - Alum
• Fragrance: Initio - Paragon - Eau de Parfum
• Talc: Pinaud Clubman Finest Powder
   

---

AG 1889 has the Darkwing (Duck Fat) base. I like everything about this soap. It is one of several top-tier soap bases in my inventory. The fragrance has really grown on me. I really looked forward to using it today.

I used a West Coast Shaving alum block after the shave today. I got nothing. Why would I want to go out and buy Osma to get ... nothing.

I have no idea why people spread salt on their face after shaving. My advice (to u/OnionMiasma) is: don't cut yourself or irritate your skin. And, if you think of wetshaving as "traditional" shaving, then you should be using a full-strength alcohol aftershave like us vintage shavers do. A block of salt is what I leave out in the woods for the deer as a salt lick. .... :-j

User plans to poison local deer population with alum licks

June 3, 2024

• Brush: Zenith B16 #OLDWORLD #HOLLOW
• Razor: Ever Ready – 1912 #TWINS #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Razor: Gem - 1912
• Blade: GEM PTFE
• Lather: Daveli Farms - Cranberry, Pomegranate, Vanilla Sheep Fat Shave Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Pinky Swear Splash
• Alum: Exotic Blend of Salts from around the World
• Fragrance: Clinique – Cocoa & Cashmere EdP

🎵Mary had a little lamb🎵
🎵Little lamb🎵
🎵Little lamb🎵
🎵Mary had a little lamb🎵
🎵Whose fleece was white as snow… And whose lamb had sweet, sweet talloooooow🎵

Did you know the classic children’s nursery rhyme was about a real-life girl named Mary Sawyer? And you’ll never guess who followed her to school one day, school one day, school one day… It was a little lamb! No one actually documented the name of the lamb, so for the sake of this post, we’ll call the lamb: Porkchop. You can read the whole story here, but poor, little Porkchop was abandoned and Mary rescued him. And Porkchop pretty much became her shadow, following her around everywhere. The consensus is that one of Mary’s classmates wrote much of the nursery rhyme we know and love based on his eyewitness account. Now, there are some controversies about who actually wrote the diddy, but the story itself is believed to be 100% factual. Henry Ford, yes the car guy, even stepped in and purchased the actual Old School House that Porkchop followed Mary to and moved it 20 miles away from its original location to preserve the building. No word on what happened to little Porkchop or if they made shaving soap out of its tallow. But they should have. Because I’ve tried a few different soaps made from Sheep Fat and I haven’t been disappointed yet.

This Daveli Farms shaving soap performs quick well, especially for the price-point – I think it was like $8 for the tub. It’s definitely a no-frills soap. No fancy art, or layers of complex scent profiles here. Hell, it came in plastic wrap and I had to put it in my own tub. But at the end of the day, it smells nice enough and gives me a good, slick shave. I don’t know what it is about sheep tallow, but I really enjoy shaving with sheep fat soaps. To some noses, the funk of sheep can be a bit too much, but for me, the performance positives outweigh any slight sheep funk.

"Everywhere that Mary went, the lamb was sure to go." And indeed, everywhere my razor went, this soap provided the perfect cushion and glide. No nicks or cuts – just a smooth, close shave that left my skin feeling as pampered as little Porkchop The Lamb. The sheep fat tallow works its magic, creating a rich, slick lather white as snow that feels super smooth on my skin. It was a shave experience that will leave me with a DFS that’s bound to follow me to work all day, work all day, work all day. The DFS will last all day, because it’s was a good shave!

#FOF: The sweet, tangy notes of cranberry and pomegranate mingle with the warm, sweet aroma of vanilla in the soap. I quite enjoy it this scent, and building off the sweetness from the vanilla and finishing the shave off with Pinky Swear, which is comprised of Caramelized Sugar, Nutmeg, Cocoa, Cedar, White Musk, Tonka, & Vanilla sparks joy in my life. To triple the sweetness, I used Clinique’s Cocoa & Cashmere, which is almost like a simpler version of the Pinky Swear Splash, sharing Cocoa, Vanilla, and Musk notes. No surprise, a stellar gourmand day in the books! Together, this trio created a symphony of scents that harmonized pretty perfectly. The bright, fruity notes of cranberry and pomegranate, the creamy vanilla, the immediate sweetness of Pinky Swear, and the rich, warm embrace of Cocoa & Cashmere all blended into a magnificent fragrance journey from start to finish.

Challenge: Osma. No thanks. Never touch the stuff and probably never will. I’d rather grind it down into a powder and snort it before rubbing a dirty old block of salt on my face. And you shouldn’t either... HOWEVER, in the spirit of the Lather Games, I decided to try something today…

It's come to my attention that I can come across as a "Coastal Elite", or perhaps a bit "smug" or even "arrogant". Whatever. Just because I enjoy the finer things in life, doesn't mean I can't slum it with you commoners in r/wetshaving. So, imagine my surprise when I found out there are people who will take a basic block of salt and rub it on their face after shaving. Unbelievable! What will you poors think of next? But I digress... Priusaurus doesn't do anything basic and I'm not about to start today. I gathered a smattering of my artisanal salts, and mixed them together in a one-time-use crystal bowl. If you all do a basic block of salt, I'll do a blend of Pink Himalayan Sea Salt, Black Icelandic Lava Salt, Icelandic Flaky Sea Salt, and Smoked Salt Flakes from the coast of Maldon, Great Britain... Because, it's truly the only civilized way. I rubbed this concoction all over my face and despite using higher quality materials, I don't see the appeal and have come to the conclusion that I am simply too high brow to understand this Osma thing. This will be the last time I rub salt on my face after shaving. My face feels like a freshly brined piece of Wagyu that I'm about to Sous Vide and serve with a glass of Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'Mundus Bacillus Terrae' Malbec. Ugh... I'll never live this stunt down with my friends at The Country Club.

Soap theme justification: The soap is made from Sheep Fat.

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Everything tasty and sweet.

artisan salts in a fancy bowl instead of alum

June 3, 2024 - Where’s the Beef?

• Brush: Aurora Grooming Lather Games 2024 - Blurple
• Razor: Unbranded Solingen Silver Steel 6/8 #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co - Montrose Beach
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co - Sandy Cheeks Splash
• Fragrance: Noble Otter - Manoi de Tahiti EdP
• Alum: Osma and Green Block

FOF

Today’s Theme - Don’t have a cow:

First thing I thought of was the Darkwing base of Chicago Grooming Co. I got this soap in a generous PIF from Vida at CGC. Also included was the Sandy Cheeks splash. The Darkwing base shows that duck fat is good for more than just French fries.

Today’s Challenge:

Alum or potassium alum KAl(SO_4)*12H_2O has been a folk remedy for millenia. It is often the ingredient in styptic pencils and many antiperspirants. If you ever used the brand Certain Dri, it has a very high concentration of the alum which can last for days. There are 3 prevailing opinions in the group. Alum is great and Osma the best, ain’t nobody need that shit, and ehh? from the fence sitters. When I got my first sampling of blades, a free block of alum was included. I used it off and on, usually if I had weepers. I was in the ehh? camp.

I decided for today to unscienticianly determine if Osma was the aftershave GOAT (hmm any soaps with goat tallow?). From the Osma camp the claim was since it was cut from solid blocks of mineral alum, the smoothness made it miraculous. After spending Saturday evening honing a couple straights for the first time, some of my equipment was still out, and I got an idea. Now out of the box, the Green Block has a rougher surface texture. I actually opened this block yesterday, and it was pretty grainy, but pretty solid. Could I polish this ~~turd~~ alum block? Now I didn’t want to use my new Shapton ceramic stones, but I do have a fine/very fine Duosharp diamond plate. It is approximately #600 and #1200 grits. I got the Green block wet and started polishing all 6 sides of the GB. It made a milky swarf/slurry of alum pretty quickly. Once I got it smooth to the touch on fine, I flipped the plate over to very fine. On 1200, I could feel the stone was much flatter. It started doing that thing where flat ground surfaces can kind of stick to each other. I got out the Osma to compare. I learned a little lesson. If you put Osma in a plastic box wet, some of the salts will dissolve and crystalize on the surface. To the diamond plates with the Osma. It was quick work to remove the rough crystals from the surface. I dried both blocks, and I was ready for today.

To give myself the best base to test these, I decided I should either do a Weck shave, MMOC, or try my first self honed razor. The Nameless Solingen has a fair amount of character from the black iron oxide stains, and surface putting. Not sure why the tag is Rusty Butt Rusty, but I added it. I went with testing my work with myself as the 🐹. One thing that did happen from wet polishing alum for about 20 minutes. My fingertips are crazy soft today. Anyway, the shave was a bit crunchy, but did remove the hair. Back to the stones and strop before I try again. After a 2.5 pass shave wtg, atg, other atg cheeks only, I was sure I had a perfect test bed for a bit of alum sting. To my surprise, nothing. No stinging and both blocks felt pretty smooth on the skin. While I dried off the razor, I left the alum on my face. Still no stinging, so I washed it off. Then applied the splash. Now there was some stinging.

Conclusion: ehh, if you like it use it, if you don’t no big deal. It is this decisiveness that I’m known for after all. As for Osma vs. other blocks, buy the Osma if you can get it. Sure a cheap block made from crushed up alum can be smoothed, but that isn’t worth the time unless Osma cost 10x more.

~~Smelly feet~~ Fragrant Feats:

This set of smells is all about my wife’s least favorite food, coconut. Fun fact, when your wife hates a food, she assumes you should hate it too. I don’t get a lot of coconut here. Montrose Brach starts this tropical party with a pretty aquatic scent accented by coconut. It is quite a refreshing scent. Sandy Cheeks slaps you in the face with a sweet coconut with my mind thinking I spilled a piña colada all over my face. I was back on a cruise having my after breakfast piña colada. If you buy the alcohol package, you have to drink pretty steady while on the boat. I didn’t touch a drop for months after the trip. Manoi de Tahiti is a wonderful tropical fragrance with a base of sandalwood and vanilla. The floral tiara flower, coconut, and ginger mix well with the base notes. All said, it is a tropical gourmand scent combination that would be perfect for the sweet day.

I have pictures to add later tonight, but first I’m late for dinner now.

Uses honing stones to smooth alum blocks to compare osma vs generic alums

June 3, 2024 – LG 3: Where’s the Beef?

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts 30mm Synbad #FRANKENBRUSH #COMPOSITE
• Razor: Gillette Slim #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Astra Green (10)
• Lather: Red House Farm – 9 Days Up Nort’
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Northern Elixir
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Hygge

Video here Being the idiot I am and rushing, initially forgoing the climax and point of today’s shenanigans, I filmed it in 2 parts but did slap it together in iMovie sans editing for one enjoyable experince. As for today's sponsor spotlight, WK is a legit contender that probably doesn't get enough love in my den, they have like 17 fougeres alone.

I immediately knew I’d be using some Red House Farms 9 Days Up Nort’ today, made with deer tallow. This was made to honor Wisconsin deer hunting season. It’s woodsy with a healthy dose of pine, with slight herbal qualities from lavender. That said, picture walking through cold, frosty evergreen forest. Followed it up with another chilly northern scent in NO Northen Elixir. This takes the frost up a notch, and has much for prominent lavender and the oft pungent camphoraceous and medicinal eucalyptus. To round and mellow out today’s winter wonderland, we visit hygge. A barbershop at heart, but so much more. It too has sharp evergreen fur and a wintery freshness, kissed atop with sweet orange citrus. #FOF

In honor of u/onionmiasma today, what better way than to use an onion in the photo and in the shave. Why in the shave you say? Well, alum is pointless you see, and rubbing styptic pencil all over one’s face is so LG23. Of note, onion is part of the allium family, which is basically the word alum any way. So onion seems like a logical substitute. It makes total sense too, according to point number 7 in this article onions have antibacterial properties, just what you need to heal nicks and cuts. So today, onion was used in place of alum, which never needs to be used anyway. #PHOTOCONTEST Onion

soap brands 3/30, post shave 3/30, frag 3/30, post/frag linked 3/30, software sponsors 2/16, hardware sponsors 4/2, razor hashtags 3/15, brush hashtags 3/15, photo contest 3/30, daily challenges 2/26, special challenges 1/4

User explores alum substitutes.

Monday, June 3, 2024

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts - Seafoam - 28mm AP Shave Co G5c
• Razor: Karve Shaving Co. - Overlander (Matte Black Aluminum)
• Blade: Personna Med Prep
• Lather: Bufflehead - Fletcher - Soap
• Post Shave: Mickey Lee Soapworks - Jefferson Square - Aftershave
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z (Cool) - Balm

Bufflehead should do it for the theme...

Frankie out there really posting one-sentence SOTDs that end in an ellipsis...

June 3, 2024 – Beef Free DIY Onion of Pain

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Voskhod (3)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Champs de Lavande
• Post Shave: Homemade OnionMiOSMA
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Troublemaker

There’s much to explain and much to describe but for tonight’s shave I present only my mathematical genius.

Styptic Pencil + Cheese Grater + Leftover Onion = Homemade OnionMiOSMA

Cheers.

grated onion and styptic pencil

June 4, 2024
I WAS MADE FOR LAVENDER

THEME: KISS : MY Assertion for today’s challenge is that LAVENDER IS THE ONE

#photocontest - Darkness

Prep: Shower with Barrister and Mann – Lavender (Cootie Killer liquid soap)

• Brush: Cream & Wine Merit 99-4 by Heritage Collection / AP Shave Co. Pure Bliss SHD Premium Synthetic 24 mm #SHD
• Razor: Rex – Konsul #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Gillette - Nacet (1)
• Lather: Ethos Grooming - Lavender Supreme
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles - Lavender Mélange
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Lavender

Mmm, yeah, ha
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do, do
Do, do, do, do, do, do, do

Tonight, I wanna give it all to you
In the darkness, there's so much I wanna do
And tonight, I wanna lay it at your feet
'Cause, frag, I was made for you and, frag, you were made for me

I was made for lavender, baby, you were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you, baby, can you get enough of me?

Tonight, I wanna smell it in your scent
Feel the magic, there's something that drives me wild
And tonight, we're gonna make it all come true
'Cause, frag, you were made for me and, frag, I was made for you 

I was made for lavender, baby, you were made for lovin' me
And I can't get enough of you, baby, can you get enough of me?
I was made for lavender, baby, you were made for lovin' me
And I can give it all to you, baby, can you give it all to me?

-> MEMORIES OF LAVENDERS PAST

SHAVING WITH OCCAM’S RAZOR

“Entities must not be multiplied beyond necessity”, says Wikipedia

That’s why I am using my Rex Konsul adjustable, nickname “Occams”, the ONE razor to ~~rule~~ replace them all.
Man it's good!

First time using the brush, it performed ok but I think I prefer G5 knots.

Ethos' F base is easy and reliable.

CB Aftershave splash provided the requested alcohol kick, “that unique feel of masochistic masculinity” that I was longing for after yesterday’s dry punishment with alum.

BASE WAR STORIES: THE ACE(S) OF BASE(S)

It’s only been a year since I started my exploration of soap bases, so all the ones I put my brush into tend to still be available.

Except Murphy and McNeil bear-tallow Kodiak, made in a limited early run : when the initial small batch of a scent gets sold out, my pain for the non-replicability of the scent / soap base combination is barely sustainable. Then I get distracted by the cringe-y wordplay on “bearly” etc, and my mind gets distracted by bad jokes and puns.

My favorite four aces from non-LE soap bases are the latest from HoM, CG, B+M and DG.
Wildcards: Mo does great stuff with AION, but similarly to Dimitrios from HAGS, he keeps tweaking his bases, to the point where I just got overwhelmed and gave up trying to keep track.

If you are asking me to KISS and tell, i.e. pick just one, think twice: well, my friend, you are entering a world of pain!

FOF WRITEUP

Before it got discontinued, I purchased all the remaining B+M Lavender liquid soap I could find, as it’s my favorite hand and body soap of all time.

As its scent was inspired by the discontinued Caldey Island Lavender, a fragrance that also features a vanilla note (similarly to Caron Pour un Homme, the first masculine lavender in perfume history), I decided that for today’s KISS I was going to use to use it only for the “bookends” of my fragrance journey.

You wanted simple? According to Ethos’ website, Lavender Supreme “contains only 100% pure Organic Lavender Essential Oil sourced from a grower in Provence”.

But me? I can’t say no to the thrill of complexity. Screw you Occam! (Actually, that’s what I do any time I adjust your settings). I mean, isn’t the one of the most remarkable philosophical feats of Catholicism to have so many people agreeing about the existence of multiplicity (in the specific case: trinity) in The One? Here we have “ a blend of 5 high end lavenders from around the world” (multiplicity) “Designed with the sole intention of being the ‘Ultimate Lavender Experience’” (The One!).

Ethos is perfectly nice, but frankly a bit generic and boring.

CB is more nuanced, but damn! It still misses something. What could it be?

Time to go back to B+M Lavender.
More than a dupe, the loving replica of an olfactive monument that was on the verge of disappearance, until it got discontinued again.

Now I see it, the perfumery truth that had been hiding in plain sight.

Vanilla.

In fact, is there anything simpler than that?

FOF

EDITED to add link and fix typos

ROTY

Adapted a ballad to become an ode to Lavender.

** 04.06.2024 **

• Brush: Chisel and Hound brushes Aqua, v22 Fanchurian knot
• Razor: MM 24 #FLIPTOP #MODERNGEM #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY #STAINLESSLESS #TWINS
• Blade: Chinese carbon blade
• Lather: Maggard Razors - Lilac
• Post Shave: MacDuff's soap company - Lilacs in bloom

After this shaving I smell like Granny. When I was young fragrance lilac and rose ( of course we have a lot of famous and expensive Bulgarian rose oil) was the most popular scents and I associated this with old lady. This year in Lather games I have few critical days and this is one of them. About today challenge "favorite base" i like this brands and their soaps Gentleman's Nod ( love the base and scents) , Barrister and Mann, Spearhead, First line shave, Southern Witchcraft (only Carpathia but their base is amazing), Chiseled face, Stirling, MacDuff's, But to be honest this South African artisan Bundubeard that i use yesterday make amazing base (sheep tallow)! Really impressed me. Like I say yesterday Boomslang not impressed with scent by other "LEMOENBOSSIE & APPEL" and "CHERRY VS BERRY" have preaty good fragrance! Yesterday we talk about it with u/cowzilla3 about the base and I promised video how I try to break it. Sorry about this crappy video bro but today I am in a hurry. Fast shaving and crappy video. This is one of this days but that's because this damn lilac.

User creates "Milk" out of Bundabeard soap (as a follow up to yesterdays shave) because he uses so much water and claims that it still shaves great and is really slick. Even with a tiny amount of soap.

June 4, 2024 * Preshave: Hot Shower
Brush: AKA Brushworx (transplant) B5
Razor: Yates Precision Manufacturing 921-M
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
Lather: Stilring Scot's Pine Sheep
Post Shave: Noble Otter The Night Before Splash
Post Shave: Barrister and Mann Vespers EDT

Scent notes: Pine You know what else smells like Pine? Christmas. At least if you're not one of those bums who uses a fake tree. So - The night before paired. As did Vespers.

I don't miss any discontinued bases. So. RIP.

wrong formatting

June 4 - A RAWRing Good Time - Day 12

• Brush: Semogue 610 21mm Boar

• Razor: Gillette Flare Tip Super Speed F1

• Blade: Sharp Star Platinum

• Lather: Noble Otter - RAWR Soap

• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger Splash

• Post Shave: Eleven - DFS 2019 Splash

• Fragrance: Joop! - Go EdT

---

So uh, there's a chance I'll finish off RAWR tomorrow or the day after. That's cool.

Today's theme is a singular note, and RAWR fits that very well as the singular note that I smell is childhood happiness.

Eleven's DFS is a lighter cologne like splash, with oakmoss, sandalwood and patchouli standing out to me the most. The splash, while having very little in common with Joop! Go, somehow works. Go always stood out as a fruity, kinda woody fragrance with a hit of spice. Oakmoss and sandalwood seem to be more versatile than we give them credit for, as I feel they helped blend this combo into something that evolved into a tamed hipster; like a grandpa who still has style, but keeps it toned-down to not make others jealous of his keen eye.

#FOF

User forgets that djudges hate children and happiness

June 4, 2024

• Brush: Stirling Soap Co – 24mm Synthetic Brush
• Razor: Gillette - Aristocrat Adjustable #ADJUSTABLE #REVENANT
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Eleven Shaving – Sweet Organic Orange Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Everett Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Everett EdP

First things first for the hashtag, this razor started out as a broken Slim Adjustable, but Backroads Gold restored and replated it in Gold, thus the Revenant hashtag.

Second things 2nd: Thanks to u/OnionMiasma for the smoosh. Never tried Eleven soap today and I was happy to give it a go today.

Third things 3rd: Thanks to the orange for being a great fruit that lives up to its name! Ever had a dragonfruit? Not made out of dragons. Grapefruit? Not grapes. Just a sour-ass citrus. It gets worse… Pineapples DON’T come from pine trees, honeydews aren’t made from honey, and passionfruit is simply uninspiring. More like laythereuntilifinishfruit, amiright?? But the orange? What is it? It’s ORANGE. BAM!

And Oranges are delicious. They are basically nature's way of saying, "Here, have a burst of sunshine in your mouth!" Picture this: a round citrus ball, the color of a warm sunset, wrapped in its own handy-dandy packaging. Peel it open, and voila! Instant vitamin C boost and a juicy explosion that might just make you reconsider wearing that white shirt. An orange is a fruit you can set your watch to. Consistent as hell. It always shows up, is super convenient, and you know exactly what you’re gonna get with it. And that’s why oranges are the MVPs of the produce aisle.

Now onto the shave: Keepin it simple for those that are a little… Ummm… Simple…. One note in the soap: Sweet Organic Orange.

And for my Orange shave today, I decided to use the perfect packaging of the Orange, the peel, as a shave bowl to load from. And it was… An adventure. Click here for step by step instructions. Ended up working simultaneously better and worse than I thought it would at the same time. I couldn’t quite build a good lather in the orange peel “bowl”, but I usually face lather anyway and I was able to load the brush just fine from the orange peel. Ended up creating a beautiful, shiny lather which exceeded my expectations. Today was my first time using Eleven’s soap and if it can generate a slick lather using an orange peel bowl with some residual orange juice kicking around inside of it, then I have all the confidence in the world it would be even better using it as intended! I did get little bits of orange all over my sink and counter and the bathroom is a sticky mess, but that’s all part of the Lather Games Experience.

Great, orange shave today!

#FOF: My shave started out as simply a singular note of orange, but ended with what has quickly become my top scent of 2024: Everett. Sure, there is orange immediately when you sniff Everett, but it is so, so much more. Close your eyes and take a breath. Imagine sunshine warming your skin as you lay out on freshly cut grass on a warm June, Lather Games Day. You snack on a juicy orange slice, just peeled and bursting with citrus juices. Then a delicious hint of marshmallow with an ever so slight sweet smoky tendrils of a dying campfire drift past your nose. That, my friends, is the delightful essence of Everett from House of Mammoth. Truly a chef's kiss to finish off a simple orange shave soap.

Challenge: If we’re talking bases and strictly bases, I honestly don’t have any bases I miss more than what is currently available. I’ve tried a few old ones, but I really enjoy what is currently available. I am famously not picky when it comes to soap bases. I can get a good shave with just about any modern soap base. My top three are Doug, Tusk, and Omnibus. I realize Omnibus might not be a popular opinion with some folks in these parts, but I really enjoy it and it always gives me stellar results.

Soap theme justification: Soap has one scent note: Orange

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Oranges! Soap, Splash, and Frag all feature the scent of oranges.

OP uses orange peel as shave bowl.

June 4, 2024 – LG Day 4 – K.I.S.S.

• Brush: Omega Model 10048 Pro 48 Chrome Handle Boar #HOLLOW #TOLL
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 #FLIPTOP #MODERNGEM
• Blade: AccuTec Pro Premium
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Almond Creme
• Post Shave: Cella – Lozione Dopobarba
• Fragrance: Bon Parfumeur – 901: Nutmeg, Almond & Patchouli

Marizpan. One note.

Marzipan is primarily made from almonds, hence the name: Almond Creme. (It’s worth noting that marzipan is neither a creme/cream, nor does it contain cream, so the latter half of the name is rather silly.) If you were to take a good huff of a fresh tub of this soap, you might say out loud to the customer’s at Maggard Razors, “Say! This doesn’t smell like almonds at all! Brad Maggard is a fraud, and so is Rod Stirling! Lock them up, I tell you!” However, there was no fraud committed, nor was there a mistake at the Stirling factory/compound/roaster/household. Almond Creme owes its cherry-like aroma to benzaldehyde, a chemical compound naturally found in almonds. Interestingly, this same compound is also present in cherry pits. So, in a backwards sort of way, if you were to bake a clafoutis, you would be equally as surprised to find the flavor more almond-like than cherry. None of this is particularly relevant, but I seem to have niched myself into a corner of providing fun facts as part of my SOTDs.

Now, if you dive further into my shave, you’ll notice that I don’t keep it simple (stupid) in my post or frag. This is primarily because I don’t own a one-note frag (does one even exist?), nor do I own a one-note aftershave. There was a clear thread going on when I planned this, however. Cella, the grandpappy of almond soaps, created a lozione dopobarba (aftershave) with a bafflingly different and not particularly complementary scent. This isn’t like when Will of BaM made different scented products that were meant to pair beautifully, and then got ran out of town. Quite the opposite. Cella is still beloved, at least among the boomer markets, and the soap and post shave seem to have each been created with complete disregard of the other. So, almond soap, “relevant” post shave, at least per the folks at Cella. Now is where the screw up occurred. On paper/in theory, my frag is relevant, and I believe should be considered as much for the purposes of djudging. However, “901: Nutmeg, Almond & Patchouli” is not the pairing I would recommend. Firstly, my sample of Almond Creme seems to have magically given up all its cherry delights and has absorbed the scents of the other Stirling samples I haphazardly threw in with it. Secondly, as noted, Cella aftershave does not smell like almond (or even cherry). It’s a masculine, barbershop-like, rather stereotypical and inoffensive cologne smell. Which is fine. I like it. But it’s weird to use after an almond soap. Lastly, this frag also does not smell like almond. It smells like the version of patchouli that you smell when entering a hippy-dippy shop that immediately gives you a headache, and then someone threw some warming spices into your face as they leave through the same doors you just walked through. TL;DR: soap that doesn’t smell like almond followed by barbershop splash followed by aggressive hippies. #FOF

I’m too new to the hobby to have fond memories of bases past. I could be like some of the folks at the Ranch and wax poetic about the days of Reserve and complain about how Omnibus funk is an affront to nature, but I don’t actually feel that way. I accept that the Base Race will go on, even though it is a neverending race to the bottom. My favorite base is Highlander because it’s so easy to use, to the point of being foolproof. But 20.1 was also great. I don’t know if either Doug or whatever SBS’s base is called have ever changed. Tusk is rad, as is Darkwing. Stirling sheep base is fantastic, but I’ve never had a bad shave with their standard base that couldn’t be chalked up to user error. All artisan bases are good. We are ultimately slowly destroying ourselves. The end is nigh.

Hugbckt continues to be the one player for whom I will seek out his post every day. Consistently well-written, on topic, and informative. I really appreciate the effort here. Also - he clearly called out how his soap was in line with KISS.

Day 4
Brush: DS Cosmetic – 24mm Boar/Badger #MISTURA * Razor: Gem G-Bar #FLIPTOP * Blade: GEM PTFE * Lather: Eleven Shaving - Sicilian Lemon Soap * Post Shave: Eleven Shaving - Sicilian Lemon Splash * Fragrance:* House of Mammoth – Sonder EdP

Is there anything sadder than a single scent note? Especially as it gets older and sees other scent notes around it pairing off and starting their own complex fragrance structures. And there, Eleven’s Sicilian Lemon is still single. Sure, it was probably fun for Sicilian Lemon for a while – not tied down to anything and can live its own life. Lemon probably tells himself he’s happier being free to be himself. His life isn’t predictable like a lot of the other wetshaving scents out there. He can go ride with anyone at any time! Then he starts to hear it from family, “When are you going to settle down and find a nice scent for yourself?” and “You know, I saw Seville down at the store the other day! He appears to be doing well – found himself bergamot, lavender, oakmoss, patchouli, AND rosemary – don’t you know… It’d be nice if you give me scent notes like that!”

Sicilian Lemon just rolls his eyes and bites his tongue, just barely muttering out, “I’m trying mom, but it’s not easy. Pairing with fragrances is a lot harder than you and dad came together and made Arko… I’m trying.”

And at that point, I thought to myself, to be truly happy, shouldn’t Sicilian Lemon find a life partner? Mustn’t it be sad to be a single scent note in a world of complex fragrances? So that’s what I set out to do! I arranged a series of dates to take Sicilian Lemon out on, hoping he could find someone to pair with.

First I put him with a lime, but the lime was a little too… similar. Kinda like dating your cousin.

Then I tried a red pepper, but while claiming to be sweet, the pepper was a bit too… Bland.

Since that didn’t work, I though Red Pepper Flakes could be hot, but it ended up being too… Spicy.

I tried pairing Sicilian Lemon with an Onion, but it just cried and cried and cried.

Then, I thought, maybe a little lemon on lemon action would be nice… But, as it turns out, Sicilian Lemon doesn’t swing that way.

It was around this point, I started to think that this might be hopeless after all. And then it hit me: Maybe this Sicilian Lemon is perfectly happy being single. Deep down, everyone wants to love and be loved in return, but that doesn’t mean Sicilian Lemon isn’t loved – it just means Sicilian Lemon isn’t gonna settle for just anything! And if Sicilian Lemon just stays Sicilian Lemon, that’s okay. And Sicilian Lemon can live a happy, fulfilled, loving life while remaining single. And that’s okay. We don’t need to harp on it or put Sicilian Lemon down or pressure him. Just let Sicilian Lemon live his life!

The lemony scent of the soap and splash is actually deliciously simple and very good. So that’s why I decided to finish my #FOF journey off with a more complex lemon scent – Sonder. The final flourish to this lemon day is here to elevate my base of lemon to new heights. Sonder is a complex, intriguing scent – it starts with a fresh, slightly sweet opening, then evolves into something deeper. There’s a hint of warmth, a touch of spice, and an underlying sophistication that makes it truly unforgettable. It’s like walking through a vibrant marketplace filled with citrus fruits and spices, all while being perfectly elegant.

Challenge I heard some of those old B&M bases were 🔥, but I never tried them. I think I miss the scents of companies like APR, MLS, and Dr. Jon’s more than I miss their bases. My favorite bases are probably Darkwing by Chicago Grooming Co or Catie’s Bubbles Premium Base.

The #photocontest category is: Time

iamhonestlylying’s Daily Top 5:

In honor of “K.I.S.S.” The Top 5 Worst Kisses of all time:

5) Eurotrip – A couple siblings drinking on Absinthe make out in Germany. The Empire Strikes Back walked so Eurotrip could run.

4) Spiderman’s upside kiss – Ever tried to kiss someone upside down, while the blood is rushing to your head and rain is pouring into your nose? Me neither, but it can’t be enjoyable!

3) Snow White– Prince stumbles upon an unconscious princess laying in the woods and his first reaction is to stick his tongue down her throat? WTF dude???

2) The V-J Day Kiss – Did she even consent? HELL NO SHE DIDN’T!! But… It was a different time, so no one really cared to ask.

And the number 1, worst kiss of all time is:

1) Lady and the Tramp – Munching down pasta and making out only works in cartoons. Trust me on this.

OP just wants a single orange note to be able to live his life. Dating goes poorly.

scruba games day 4

• Razor: ruby adjustable
• Brush: yaqi 26mm faux horse rainbow synthetic
• Lather: barrister and mann - softheart sandalwood

As chuck d once said.

" Base how low can you go"

Or Meghan Trainor

" It's all about that base"

Best historic base: softheart

Best current base: softheart because it must be current if I'm using it

Best discontinued base: softheart

Best future base: for me this games with the min/max still softheart.

Thus we hit a point where softheart is past present and future and we ask whether until the last smoosh has been lathered, is any base really dead?

No treble.

I appreciated a musical reference today that wasn't KISS.

June 4, 2024

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Resolute V20 #SHD
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Eleven – Sicilian Lemon
• Post Shave: Eleven – Organic Sweet Orange

This was an easy memory to speak about. This scent is fresh like lemon zest, and sweet like a Meyer lemon, with a touch of that lemon tartness. I’m not sure if a Sicilian and Meyer lemon are the same but they definitely smell similar. The kind of lemons that are incredible for a lemon custard, which this soap does have a creamy aspect to as well. The kind of sweet, creamy, tart deliciousness that makes the corner of your jaw ache in joy as you take that first bite. It’s one note, but really is so much more than the sum of its parts (which is one). This brings me back to when I moved into my house and my sister bought us a house warming meyer lemon tree. We call it the Charlie Brown lemon tree. At least once a year, it gets revived from the brink of death. Somehow surviving borderline tree murder we inflict on it in the northeast. And once a year, we get 4-6 delicious fruits. Always serving as a reminder to call my sister, and thank her for being there for me.

My favorite base is omnibus. It’s idiot proof. Under or over hydrate and it works great. HoM is a close second. I didn’t get to see the base wars much, as I am still relatively new, but would probably choose MLS base from a smush I had a while back.

FOF

Artsy black and white for #PHOTOCONTEST

The Charlie Brown Lemon Tree got me in the feels.

Jun. 5, 2024 - Bowling it up

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Lather Bowl: Lather Bowl

• Brush: Aurora Grooming Mauricio 26mm Synthetic #FRANKENBRUSH

• Razor: Schick “66” G4 #RAINBOW

• Blade: Schick (9)

• Lather: Gillette - Pure Cream

• Post Shave: T.N. Dickinson’s - Witch Hazel

• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Telegrama

This tube of cream has been my go to when I need a quick shave. I started my wetshaving career using this cream when I bought my 34c and used it exclusively for about 7 months. I then won a noob samplepalooza PIF from u/MrLamper1 and it’s all been downhill since then! I distinctly remember posting to the DQT asking about other things with the same scent. I was directed to TTS (RIP) and just opened the floodgates.

I still keep a tube of this one in my drawer for the stupid early shaves that I sometimes have to deal with. Ironically, today is the perfect day for it as I shaved at 0515 since I had to be at work at 0600 this morning!

Daily Challenge: So I did something a little crazy today. I typically face lather so I had to bowl lather today to complete the challenge. Yesterday u/Cowzilla3 mentioned someone should “Spray some out tonight, freeze it, lather it into a soap again in the morning in a bowl.” And I thought, what if instead, I froze my lather INTO a bowl and used that bowl to lather today?! Yes it’s a crazy thought, you can blame u/Cowzilla3 for his inspiration.

How to make a Lather Bowl in 4 easy steps:

1: Gather your supplies

2: Lather up a shit ton of soap

3: Load up your bowl mould

4: Freeze

And voila! You have a Lather Bowl!

Daily Theme Justification: I purchased this cream at the commissary on base.

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: I went all products that have a blue theme to their packaging! Rounded out with a blue brush and blue razor!

Disclosure: I did not pay money for this brush handle. I sent u/thebunnynator1001 some soaps and he sent me this brush handle.

Edit: brush tag added, this has a Paragon synthetic knot in it that I set myself.

Cowzilla giving everyone bad ideas

I froze my lather INTO a bowl and used that bowl to lather today?!

Lather Games 2024-04-05, Canned Goo - But Why a Brush??? B'cuz Lather Games

• Prep: Coffee, Face wash soap/warm water
• Brush: Semogue - Semogue 830, Boar bristle 22mm
• Razor: Parker 11R - 3 Piece, horn handle #ZAMAC
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'clock Super Stainless (green), DE
• Lather: Edgewell Personal Care - Edge Shave Gel With Aloe, "Canned Goo under pressure."
• Post Shave: Pinaud Clubman - Lilac Vegetal

Grocery stores are weird. I thought this canned goo was from Gillette or Schick with the Edge name, but no...it is made in the UK by some American outfit spun-off from Energizer Holding (yes the battery and bunny mascot people) named Edgwell Personal Care. Edgewell Personel Care additionally owns other grooming brands including Schick, Wilkinson Sword, Playtex, Carefree, Stayfree, Hawaiian Tropic, Banana Boat, Cremo, Billie, and yes, Edge. Apparently Edgwell has gotten big enough and gobbled up enough personal care product companies that the FTC moved to stop in from purchase of Harry's.

The Lather?!

_______________

But why a brush????

Seriously, you press the button and the gel shoots out in a part gel, part foam, all goo format. Smush with hands if not satisfied.

Why a brush???

Because because to meet today's challenge I have to lather how I do not normally lather.

Normally I bowl lather.

Since I bowl lather and don't just spray an expanding blast of over-engineered chemical goop onto my face arguably that would be lathering in a way I don't normally lather. That is not the spirit though.

This being Lather Games it is logical when lathering to carry this out in a bit more extreme manner. I decided to face lather but only in a roundabout way.

I used the base of the handle to shove said canned goo to locations on my face I need it to be. This is for certain and without question a lather that I would not ever do under any normal circumstances (read non-Lather Games shaves).

I then smushed the lather (gel-foam blob?) around in a circular manner so as to ensure this is a face lather creating a goopy lather.

Finally - yes, I used the actual part of the brush that makes it a brush just so I can say I did a face lather, which again is not normal for me.

Handle did enough, but we got a true face lather from the bristle, or as true as you can with canned goo, using the brush.

The Post Shave

_________________

The Veg is just there to confuse / annoy my coworkers because, aftershave or not, this beautiful monstrosity hangs around much longer than most things labeled an aftershave.

I can see it now...

"So PZ? Ah, just how long were you in the restroom? You seem to have taken on a certain, uh, aroma."

"Did a cat pee in someones messenger bag?"

"Hey PZ, did you fall in when you were there?"

"Is the urinal puck stuff just on your shoes?"

"PZ, WTF Mate!"

Actually I think I am one of the lucky ones,. One of those that was chosen by the Veg.
You know the saying...You don't choose the Veg; the Veg chooses you?

But more likely I am deluding myself. I am good at that.

________________

Scent Notes for those interested:

Edge goo - could not find official notes, product might actually be discontinued. I'm guessing mint, fresh-y stuff, sandalwood-ish stuff, soapy stuff and maybe the liner from the container.

Pinaud Lilac Vegetal - Official notes are Lilac, Floral accord, and Musk. Note: I have seen references that the musk being simulated is deer musk...what kind of deer I've no idea.

_________________

In the end. The quality of the shave was okay. Not great, not terrible, but kinda icky.

Take care and have a good one.

In attempting to understand what it truly means to reverse lather, u/PhilosphicalZombie decides to use the other side of the brush and uses the handle to dollop canned goo onto their face.

June 5, 2024

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: None
• Razor: Gillette Sensor 3 #RAINBOW
• Blade: Gillette Sensor 3 Cartridge
• Lather: Barbasol
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lemongrass Toner
• Fragrance: Dior - Sauvage Elixir

I think it's been about 20 years since I actually used a shaving cream. I used a gel a handful of times as I never shaved, and if I did want to shape up, I'd clean up with a cartridge after a shower with no product. I bought a travel gel a couple of years ago, and only used it once; on canned goop day last year. I threw it under the sink, with anticipation of using it for the same day this year. I wanted to change things up and wanted to go with the old school canned goop staple; Barbasol. I bought this value size (with 50% more free) at my local CVS, because they didn't have the smaller size, which I wish they did, as this thing is massive and I have almost no space. It will continue to sit under my sink until this time next year, and every year thereafter until the can inevitably ceases to generate canned goop.

Staying on theme, I used a disposable Gillette which was also purchased at CVS as well as the ubiquitous Thayer's Witch Hazel.

I was debating what I would do for my reverse lather routine, as I typically use the Michael Freedberg method of bowl loading NOT bowl lathering; i.e. scooping into a bowl, loading, and building the lather on face. I thought the opposite would be somehow loading on my face, and lathering in the bowl. Fortunately this challenge fell on canned goop day and I didn't have to attempt that. The only constant is I always use a brush, well today I use my hands, which is the scientific opposite of a brush. It was messy, and sub par, but following the LG rules and guidelines for themes and challenges ALWAYS comes first.

"following the LG rules and guidelines for themes and challenges ALWAYS comes first."

Preach, brother.

June 5, 2024 – 2024.06.05: Lather Games Day 5 – Canned Goop

• Brush: Swollen Hand
• Razor: Schick Xtreme 2-Blade Sensitive Men’s Disposable Razors #RAINBOW
• Lather: NIVEA – Men Sensitive Shave Gel
• Post Shave: Gillette – Aftershave Gel
• Fragrance: Brut – Classic Splash On

---

Today's shave is a little later than normal, and you'll see why down below. Trigger warning: >!freaking spiders, man.!<

---

Daily Theme: Canned Shave Goop featuring a Canadian pharmacy's intercom music playlist

Theme justification: Nivea Men Sensitive Shave Gel is available at my local Walmart The can I own is old and has a different label. Same stuff, though.

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Today is a Walmart theme! As a former employee of the largest private employer in the world, I felt it was appropriate. All the items in my shave today can be purchased at Walmart: the razor, aftershave, and the cologne The only thing missing was a blue vest :)

---

Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: the Schick razor I used is green. See product photo here.

Brush facts: N/A

---

Daily/Special Challenge: Reverse Lather Routine

As many of you know, I am a devout bowl latherer. Why? I just like it better than face lathering. Don't really know why, but I just do. My typical routine involves me smushing soap into my large CaYuen bowl, then creating the perfect lather. Well, since I cannot use my bowl today, I just used my (slightly swollen) hand. Messaged the gel into my wet face as instructed on the can, and shaved. Honestly wasn't too bad

---

Frag description

Brut Classic Splash On Cologne

Brut. What is there to say about this all-time classic fragrance? I felt like a true man after putting it on this morning.

---

Now onto the shave!

So, I have never been more happy to shave with canned goop and a cartridge razor. Tuesday morning, I woke up with a lump on my left hip. Thought it was odd, but I continued on. I took a shower and shaved. When I got back to my room to get dressed for the day, I saw a crushed spider in my bed. Here is a picture of the bastard. Yup. A >!brown recluse!<. Lovely. I felt fine, so I went to work, mainly because I had a public meeting that I had to attend. Throughout the day I felt fine, but my hands really started to cause me issue. They were fine until I tried to touch anything or even close my hand. You know how when your hands are really dry they hurt to close? It was essentially that. Plus, they were itchy. Throughout the evening, my boss kept telling me that I looked flush, but I honestly felt perfectly fine (outside of my hands). I made it back home at about 9pm, and by that time I had a fever, I was sweating, and I was cold. Wonderful.

I ended up going to the Urgent Care this morning. They said there is not too much you can do, but gave me an antibiotic to help out. I'll be fine, it's just super annoying.

Regardless, the games must go on!.

The shave wasn't terrible at all. The shave gel works about as well as can be expected for canned goop, and the schick razor does an adequate job (it is one of the options I use for travel). The Gillette aftershave gel was sub par, but not completely useless.

---

Totals:

Razor Hashtags: 6/10
Brush Hashtags: 5/10
Hardware Sponsor Points: 1/2
Software Sponsor Points: 3/16
Number of Lather Brands: 5/30
Number of Lather Scents: 5/30
Number of Post Shaves: 5/30
Number of Frags: 5/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

OP gets bitten by a gnarly spider, ends up in urgent care, and continues to complete for the love of the game.

June 05, 2024 – LG24 Day 5 - Canned Shave Goop

• Razor: Gillette Mach3 #RAINBOW
• Blade: Gillette Mach3
• Lather: Gillette – Foamy Lemon Lime Shave Foam
• Post Shave: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos AS Lotion
• Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos EdT
• Music: Big Head Todd and the Monsters - The Moose Song

Daily Theme & Relevant Post/Frag: Every shave product I used today was purchased at local stores. The canned goop was bought at a local drug store here in the Philippines. When I was working in Singapore, the post and frag were bought at a department store which catered to Europeans, and the razor and blade were bought at the Base Exchange department store when I was stationed in Singapore. In addition to all shave products being mass-produced and purchased at local stores, they all have one more thing in common - they're all green.

Daily Challenge: Regardless of the type of shaving lubricant I use, my primary lather-building method is face-lathering. The opposite of face lathering is bowl lathering. So, how do you bowl lather canned goop? Let me show you how it's done.

Sorry about the abrupt ending of my video, the videographer is an idiot!

User made a video of bowl lathering with canned goop... instead of using a brush, proceeds to slap the bowl on his face.

June 5, 2024

• Brush: My hand
• Razor: Target Brand Disposable Razor #RAINBOW
• Lather: Barbasol – Soothing Aloe Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Brut – Aftershave Splash
• Fragrance: Calvin Klein – Defy EdT

Would you believe that I forgot all about the Lather Games today?

No?

Well, let’s just say for the sake of this story, I forgot all about the Lather Games. I’m driving to a meeting, rub my face and realize… Oh shit! I completely forgot to shave today!

Yes! That’s EXACTLY what happened today. In my car, driving, not thinking about Lather Games at all! And what is a fellow to do? I guess I have to pull off at the nearest exit to find a store to procure something to shave my face with. And look what I have here: A Target! What are the odds? Right when I realize I need to shave, a Target is right here! It’s a Lather Games Miracle!

I enter Target the exact opposite way that my wife goes to Target: With a purpose. First, I head over to the travel size section because Lord knows I don’t need a big can of foam goo. Picked up a small can of Barbasol with Soothing Aloe. Then I head to the men’s care section and snagged a pack of Target Brand disposable razors and bottle of Brut Aftershave. Perfect. This is everything I need! I go to the front, pay, and do the next logical thing: Head directly into the Target bathroom to shave there.

I’ve always found Target bathrooms to be on the higher end of store bathrooms – I think because of the good lighting. However, but they ALWAYS are right in the front of the store and have a heavy amount of foot traffic. Oh well – I guess everyone else is gonna have to use the other sinks because this one is gonna be occupied!

For the challenge, I’m using my hand to lather, which is the opposite of what I usually do (use a brush). I get lathered up and quickly try to put my phone away as someone walks in to use the bathroom. I don’t want this guy thinking I’m a weirdo photo-documenting my Target shave. Plus, I’m pretty sure taking pictures in the Target bathroom is a worse offense than shaving in one.

The shave itself was…. Fine…. At least in the sense that my whiskers got cut and there was no blood drawn. Barbasol isn’t exactly what one would consider slick and no one is going to mistake this lather for artisanal soaps. If Everett is a brilliant olfactory opera, this was more like a me learning how to play the recorder in elementary school. The lather was thick and foamy, but slickness? About as slick as sandpaper. But hey, it got the job done.

And the splash was… Fine… I mean, it’s Brut Aftershave. This stuff is an old-school classic, and when I splashed it on, I felt like I was being initiated into a secret society of dads and granddads. The scent actually wasn’t too bad if I'm being honest. Very much smelled like my barbershop… Probably because this is the splash my barber uses. The fragrance lingered for far longer than I would have expected and was honestly pleasant and fresh.

But the shave lacked so much. Privacy for one. I’ve done more than my fair share of public shaves, but this was different. In a public bathroom, with people coming in and going out. I didn’t love that. Really takes the #metime out of my shaving ritual with strangers entering and exiting my sacred shaving space. And the products I used had no character, no heart, and no artisanally crafted scents. Oh shit! The SCENTS!! I DON’T HAVE A FRAGRANCE TO WEAR!

Well, lucky for me, there is an Ulta Beauty right next door to Target! I pack up my newly acquired razors, go into Ulta Beauty. Head straight for the fragrance area and look for a fragrance that (1) has a tester and (2) I want it to complement the lather and splash I used today. Perfect! This one says it’s “Fresh”! Relevant Post-Shave and Fragrance Points: Unlocked! The nice girl comes over and I ask her to test this one. Smells nice enough. I don’t think CK Defy is going to be winning any Golden Pears anytime soon, but the scent is unoffensive and clean and paired nicely with the Brut Aftershave. As far as #FOF goes, I smell like a basic guy who is trying to smell good. Not that there’s anything wrong with that, but nothing stands out today. I thank the nice girl for letting me try the tester and go about day, heading for my meeting. Thankful that there happened to be a Target and an Ulta Beauty right when I realized I forgot to shave on Canned Goop Day! What are the odds??

Soap Theme Justification: And wouldn’t you know, on the day I forgot about The Lather Games, it ends up being Canned Shave Goop Day and I’m perfectly on theme.

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Everything can be found in your neighborhood Target and Ulta, and are scents which could be considered “Fresh”.

My favorite part about this is that he was dressed as a Target employee.

I don't think he did that on purpose, I assume he just chooses to dress like retail employees on a regular basis.

June 5, 2024 – Lather Games 2024 Day 5: Canned Shave Goop

• Applicator: Ace Hardware – Cotton Cloth Cleaning Mitt
• Razor: Gillette 195 Adjustable E-1 “Mal” #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Gillette Winner (4)
• Lather: Gillette – Gillette Foamy
• Post Shave: Mennen – Skin Bracer
• Fragrance: Zoologist Perfumes – Rhinoceros

Use of Theme: Canned Shave Goop

My original plan was to use my anniversary throwback can of Barbasol, but when the daily challenge means you could possibly waste that creamy Barbasol goodness, all bets are off. Gillette Foamy will do the job. It’s cheap and available at pharmacies everywhere. As is Skin Bracer, today’s post shave product of choice. Of all the “old” scents in my arsenal, this one is my least favorite, as nice as it is. Rounding of is Zoologist Rhinoceros, not because it is available in pharmacies–it isn’t, but because it would be interesting to see a Rhinoceros lather a cheap drugstore can of shaving goop.

Daily Challenge: Reverse Lather

I go back and forth between bowl lathering and face lathering. I have knee lathered. At my age, I’m not flexible enough for foot lathering and I’m not pulling a muscle. So we’ll try this… Don’t you think that’s how a Rhinoceros would do it?

Happy shaving!

user lathers with an automobile buffer attached to his drill.

scruba games day 5

Well that was fucking stupid wasn't it.

I'm not playing to win because you know I don't have the requisite number of soaps, razors, brushes, vendors, or indeed the required amount of shit that needs to be given to win.

But when last years winner u/priusaurus is doing a lame pretend last minute shave, newly minted judge u/onionmiasma is replaying his greatest hits and at least half the shavers are 'using this that I bought for last time' then you know that I gotta do something.

Fucking scrubs all of them.

I don't have pharmacist soap because I'm not a scrub.

I am not going to buy it because I'm not a scrub

I am not going to lame out and use a DQable soap because I'm not a scrub.

I am going to take the daily challenge possible because I am not a scrub.

• Razor: no scrub x zenith MOAR BOAR #REVENANT #rainbow
• Brush: ruby adjustable #composite

*Lather: dermol 200 emollient shower cream

Yes I cellotaped a blade to the bottom of the brush. Yes I used the razor to spread shower cream on my face. Yes it cut at least one hair before the whole thing collapsed.

(And then yes I was a scrub and finished off with softheart sandalwood to take me back to a happy place)

Boring judge bit: on theme because I got this shower stuff from a pharmacist for my boy and because product doesn't specify shaving product. Tags work because I restored this brush into a razor fixing what was clearly a mistake and also because the new razor is green and white And the new brush is mixed material of plastic and metal.

True Icarus flight:

Genius reverse lather, develops sub exclusive razor, poignant, yet non-lengthy write-up, but crashes and burns by airbudding the lather product rule

SOTD 2024-06-05 Guardian Pharmacy is a Canadian Heritage

• Brush: Man'Stuff - Vegan #RUNT
• Razor: Wilkinson Sword - Classic
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Man'Stuff - Black Pepper cream
• Post Shave: Man'Stuff - Black Pepper balm

Today's bonus special challenge: Reverse Lather Routine. Normally I bowl lather so today I'll face lather. But how about we do everything a little differently today.

You can't go on for a penny without going in for a pound in this rabbithole, so of course if I was going to use a soap from a local pharmacy (which also happens to be a Canadian pharmacy) then I should also use a local pharmacy brush and razor and blade and aftershave balm and it just so happens that all of this gear was acquired at the same pharmacy, a pharmacy that just happens to perhaps be the greatest pharmacy in all the land and impresses me every time I go; though this time the gear I got was a bit of a different story, but enough of that story for now until I come back to that story in a few minutes while I chase this train of thought down what seems like a proverbial rabbithole, you’re probably thinking that there’s no way that I could have gotten all this gear from a single pharmacy; well you’d be wrong, I did, and I’ve got proof as I was told by the honourable (spelled the Canadian way because this is Canada Day; actually it’s not Canada Day because that’s July 1st, but it’s basically Canada Day: The Prequel) OnionMiasma “if the local store also sell Crest or condoms, you’re good”; so yup, I brought it home; though since we’re going on trial here I’ll throw this in too since the razor, while purchased from the same pharmacy, it seems they didn’t have any more of them in stock at the time, and since I didn’t really want to use the Bic Metal, even though I did buy them at the time, I had previously purchased the visible in picture Wilkinson Sword razor so without further ado, this is me at that same store, which is evidenced here and you can even see that “Man’Stuff” branded stuff below it, as if I needed more proof, but onward, upward, twirling, twirling towards lather we go, and so I opened up the package and was impressed (if that was really my reaction, I guess I was more taken aback) by how SMOL this brush was; it’s tiny and deformed from being in that package, which seemingly is vegan since it’s got a PETA logo on the back of the box, but vegan can be good (more on that later) as evidenced by wonderful soaps made by Southern Witchcrafts and others, but I would save my judgment for when I actually used the brush; so next on the list was the soap, which allegedly is supposed to smell like “black pepper”, but I’ll talk more about that later, first was the packaging which was hilariously cheap – even the threading was stripped due to the way it was sealed; talk about quality control, but I can forgive that, if it was a quality product and they simply cheaped out on the packaging, but alas that was not to be, and I will start with the scent, which reminded me of Gillette Foamy that had simply been sprayed into a tub; if only it was Gillette Foamy sprayed into a tub it would not have been so terrible, but it had all of the faults of canned foam as well as all of the faults of a hard soap, yet it was as soft as a cream, it boggles the mind, but I would try it, as I must for the purposes of shaving with it, so on I went and wet the brush which was also horribly bad, stiffer than a brand new boar brush, with zero splay, and more like a spatula than a brush, which is probably why the package also suggests that I could use my fingers rather than the brush if I wanted, but I needed to use the brush because I needed to use the brush because I said that I would use the brush since I’m reviewing the brush and that’s what the brush is for and I already wrote above that I used the brush and otherwise I’d be lying and lying is bad I guess and I’ve lost track of the train that was my thought but anyway the brush is bad, but somehow not as bad as the soap which has both the chemical smell of canned foam but doesn’t lather, but rather than not even lathering like a brushless cream it somehow is just I can’t even describe how terrible this stuff is because I can barely understand how they managed to create a cream that is almost as soft as canned foam and smells like canned foam that you found at your parent’s house after your dad switched to an electric razor in the 1980s and can’t lather for its life and clogs up the razor, yes I’ll get more on that, more than any other product you’ve ever tried, and you wish that you just used the bar of soap by the sink instead because I’ve never had to clean out a razor after a SINGLE PASS before, this is by far the absolute worst shaving kit and worst soap I can possibly imagine please don’t ever buy it I’m serious this is as bad as I’m describing it and even worse this is cursed beyond cursed this is run on sentence levels of bad where the writer goes on for pages and even passes one thousand words without using proper punctuation in their sentence to the point where you wonder if they even know what a period is, but somehow they must since there are periods in the URLs that they used to link the images, but back onto the subject at hand where we were talking about the soap, but I don’t want to talk about the soap anymore and how I had to disassemble the razor after doing a single pass and the brush that was worse at lathering than a spatula and they all are going into the garbage after this because I can’t possibly think of any enemy that I have that is deserving of such terrible punishment, even worse than having to read this huge wall of unbroken text (be happy that I at least remember how to use the spacebar) and I’ve forgotten what I’m talking about oh yes on to the ~~spatula~~ brush but yes it’s terrible and I hate it but at least it’s a tiny knot so it qualifies for the #RUNT hastag so I get some points for it and anyway there seems to be a theme with this kit and it’s that it’s absolutely horrendous but maybe the balm is alright because it’s a balm and it also says that it smells like black pepper which honestly if you know what black pepper smells like it’s not something that you’d think “yes this is what I’d want to smell like because it makes people sneeze” but maybe that’s just how delusional these people making these products are because they decided to call their product “Man’Stuff” without even using proper punctuation or even spacing (maybe my anger at that is why I’ve remembered how to use spaces) but still on the topic of the balm it smells EXACTLY THE SAME AS THE SOAP and so I proceed to put it on my face because I must for stience (the sacrifices we make) and somehow this balm is worse than if I didn’t use anything at all as my face is even drier than if I covered it in a paste of alum and left it all day not to mention that my face is now itchy and still scruffy since that single pass was also probably the worst single pass since the razor was totally clogged and probably didn’t cut anything at all but no fault of the razor it performed admirably and my face at least didn’t end up raw and cut up though it’s not exactly a fair test of blade since it’s the first time using it in this razor and I’m not even certain if it even had a chance to cut any hair because my face still feels like I haven’t shaven yet but now it’s itchy and also dry as a bone I see flaking how did it dry my skin out so much well I wasn’t wasting any more time thinking about it and I’m washing this horrible smelling stuff off my face and wishing that I had Midnight Stag to spread all over my face to cover it up and not to mention my bathroom now smells like this horrid chemical smell stronger than you’d normally get from that canned foam from the 80s but the same sort of smell and it did only so much but didn’t do anything for my now super dry skin so for the first time in possibly ever I spread hand cream on my face to deal with the dryness and thankfully I’ve got some good stuff so It’s not so bad but then I needed to go to work and spent the day debating whether or not I could use something different since it still would be Canadian Pharmacy shave day and I did still need to shave because this morning’s shave did nothing but alas I’m not sure if it would be breaking the rules but perhaps if someone has actually kept reading this far they could tell me though perhaps it would be the sort of Air Bud type ruling that is disallowed except when it is allowed but I thank you all for your attention because I know that every single person read all 1600 words of this because who knows if your future may depend on it because if you ever pick that soap up (at least it was only $13 Canadian dollars) and here I was thinking I was getting a bargain but no I was very very wrong and horribly wrong and terribly wrong and regretting my decision but it was for Stience and for the Lathergames and for the community that I have done this great sacrifice of my face and I’ll need to leave the review of the Gillette Platinum blade in the Wilkinson Sword Classic razor for another day since I’ve not passed 1700 words and I think I’ve remembered how to punctuate.

Let's leave the stream of consciousness with Misters Joyce and Faulkner.

05JUN2024 Canned Shave Goop

• Brush: None
• Razor: GEM Pushbutton
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE [7]
• Lather: Barbasol with Aloe Vera
• Post Shave: AA Shaving - Moonlight

I want to start with this. I hate you all. First of all, Barbados. Absolutely not. Second of all, feet. Fuck no. I have really nothing more to say about my shave today. -1000/10. Fuck this theme and challenge.

Edit: I didn't realize I needed to use a brush. I hate myself and I'm not redoing it.

ROTY

Dude shaved with his feet. Pretty flexible.

Also has aversion to feet.

June 5, 2024  

• Brush: Dogwood – Badger  
• Razor: Gillette Tech  
• Lather: Care Line – Shave Cream  

goo day AND lather in a weird way day don’t mix all that well.

Dad spent a lot of the last year in the hospital, to the point where we have a small pharmacy of tiny toiletries. It’s mass produced and it’s readily available so I went with the finest of hospital shaving cream. It smells like Irish spring and baby powder and dribbles out of the cam in the saddest way.

Now for the challenge of lathering. I don’t normally lather goo but it was time to get weird with it. I normally do a combination of bowl lather and leg lather. I’ve hand lathered, chest lathered, counter lathered and knee lathered. So this year, I hand lathered….just not in my own hand.

OP used products available at the hospital. :(

LG SOTD 06Jun2024

• Brush: Fuller Bakelite - 20mm x 48mm synthetic (refurbished by TSF) #SMOLL #RUNT #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Gillette - Blue Star Lady Gillette (1964-J1)
• Blade: BIC - Astor (1)
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory - Oktoberfest
• Bowl: CaYuen - Dark Nebula, large
• Post Shave: Afta by Mennen - Aftershave Lotion, Original

Happy Thursday, beautiful people! Welcome to the sixth shave of the 2024 Lather Games. Today's theme is “Thirsty Thursday” where we shave with a lather inspired by a beverage.

I am going with Talent Soap Factory’s Oktoberfest, a limited edition scent they produced last year to celebrate the Oktoberfest beer festival. I’m not sure what all is supposed to be in here scent wise, this was provided to me as a “first time customer” sample from TSF and the marketing verbiage is no longer up, but if you’ve ever been somewhere with a lot of beer drinking (and spilling) going on, outdoors, in the sun, where volatiles waft readily, you have a good idea what this smells like.

The brush, in addition to fitting the vintage nature of the razor and being refurbished by the same artisan as my lather, is my triple threat #SMOLL #RUNT #FRANKENBRUSH entry for the Lather Games. A vintage handle from the mid-20th re-knotted with a modern 20mm synthetic and set with 48mm loft.

The razor is a bit special, it’s a mint condition Blue Star Lady Gillette, and today will be using it for the first time.

The Wet Tuber daily challenge is another returning challenge I always passed on. This year I’m going to change that up and fulfill the requirement of being a wet tuber for a day. So, if you have 8 minutes, here you go:

Kind Simian’s Wet Tuber for a day shave

For those that can’t or don’t want to watch, I recently acquired a couple of vintage razors, aka the ones I found with long handles. I shave with the Lady Gillette and it’s ok. Shave is close, no issues there. Wound up with some minor nicks on my throat but nothing major. Later this month I’ll have another vintage razor shave.

Enjoy your Thursday, people!

Very informative post and video for wet shavers interested in vintage gear. Check out that sexy razor!

scruba games day 6

Wettuber. What is this place, badger and blade?

As teen shaving sensation u/j33pguy13 and his older relative u/bacconchop will attest its all about tiktok with todays youth. So today I made a slapper TIKTOK using the insta thingy. #downwiththekids

• Razor: no scrub industries MM24 scrub edition #twins
• Razor: eldrormr industries MM24 scrubity 4 edition #twins
• Brush: MOAR BOAR
• lather: house of mammoth x barrister and mann - smash

Edit: judge bit - smash is a cocktail inspired soap and the scrub edition is an approved MM24 edition not an unauthorized copy

Enndeegee's created the unorthodox scrubty4, which was then produced by EldrormR industries and sanctioned as a valid copy after the fact. Probably the most unique way to qualify for the #TWINS tag we've seen.

SOTD 2024-06-06 Thirsty Thrusday

• Brush: Semogue - 830
• Razor: Gillette - Aristocrat Adjustable #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Dorco Prime (1st use)
• Lather: Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars (triple milled)
• Post Shave: Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars splash
• Fragrance: Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars EdP (rollerball)
• Post Shave #2: Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars balm
• Fragrance #2: Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars EdP (atomiser)
• Hair Product: Henri et Victoria - Cognac and Cuban Cigars Fibre Optics

Today's shave is so much better than yesterday's egregious one!
How could someone manage to produce such terrible terrible products?
Even the 4 horsemen would be more appealing.

Now today I got to use one of my favourites and be on theme.
Undo all the damage left by yesterday's horrendous shave.
Make my face wonderfully smooth.
Better yet, smell delightful.
Even more so, to go completely overboard with the scent.
Remember how to use punctuation!

Of course, I could probably do a PIF of those atrocities.
For real it'd be a P>!unish!<.I.F.

The requirements for such a PIF would be as follows:
Have either one of the 4 horseman, Stag, Remote Learning EdP.
Even then, I wouldn't recommend it.

Basking in the wonderful scent of a glass of cognac with the
Exquisite luxury of a box of quality Cuban cigars.
Adjustable razors are quite nice in that you can crank them up.
Set it and forget it was what I did today;
Try to guess the setting I had it on.

OP writes cryptic verse that may or may not link Cognac and Cuban Cigars to the dark arts.

June 6, 2024 – 2024.06.06: Lather Games Day 6 – Thirsty Thursdsay

• Brush: Bundubeard Oryx Horn handle with 26mm AP Shave Co. Pure Bliss knot #FAUXFUR #PREMIUMPLASTIC
• Razor: Blackland Era
• Blade: Wizamet (1)
• Lather: Areffa Soap – Kentucky Bourbon
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Smash
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Saint Julep

---

Daily Theme: Thirsty Thursday

Theme justification: Areffa Kentucky Bourbon is named Kentucky bourbon. Kentucky Bourbon is a beverage. The “soap is boiled with beer. It has beautiful notes of the famous alcohol beverage.”

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: I’m continuing the alcohol/drink theme. House of Mammoth Splash “celebrates a wonderful cocktail, the bourbon smash.” It has notes of bourbon as well. Imaginary Authors Saint Julep is an homage to the Mint Julep. It also contains bourbon notes.

---

Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: N/A

Brush facts: The 26mm AP Shave Co. Pure Bliss knot is listed as a knot “that LOOKS like Pure Badger, but FEELS perfectly soft …” It also has an MSRP of $24.

---

Daily/Special Challenge: WetTubing Appreciation Day

I’ll be honest, I was really hoping that this challenge wouldn’t happen this year. Nobody needs to watch me shave. That being said, mama didn’t raise no bitch.

So without further ado: LINK. Note: I did not whip up my lather during the video, because who wants to watch me look at a bowl for a few minutes? I recorded my shave, as instructed. I wanted to do a more proper silent film style edit, but as someone who isn’t a great editor I think this is a good effort.

---

Frag description

Imaginary Authors Min Julep

Please see the below story, brought to you by ChatGPT:

It is 1804 in Richmond, Virginia. Emily, the daughter of a wealthy plantation owner, stood on the grand veranda, clutching a mint julep, its aroma mingling with the night-blooming jasmine. The evening felt magical, but her heart was restless until she saw him.

James, a young man from a neighboring estate, caught her eye. Their families were rivals, but none of that mattered now. He approached.

*”May I have this dance?” he asked, his voice soft yet confident.

As they waltzed, the cool breeze carried the sweet scent of mint and bourbon around them, creating a private world. The aroma became their unspoken language, each whiff a promise, each sip a shared secret. They met in secret many times that summer, always with mint juleps in hand, the drink becoming a symbol of their forbidden love.

Years later, as Emily stood on the same veranda, now married to James despite their families’ objections, she held a mint julep. The scent brought back those stolen moments, the dance, and the love that defied all odds. Some memories, like the fragrance of a mint julep, were timeless.

Mint Juleps are just that classic mint cocktail (more so than the Mojito, IMO). Saint Julep hits it dead on.

---

Now onto the shave!

You can hear most of this in the video. Kentucky Bourbon is not my favorite Areffa soap, but the badger base is nice. The smell is a little off; doesn’t quite smell like bourbon to me. That being said, I don’t drink too much bourbon, so maybe I’m wrong. The actual soap is more on the cream side of a croap, but not fully a cream. It lathers wonderfully and is very slick. I still like her bear tallow more.

I get much more bourbon out of Smash, and Saint Julep does complement the aftershave. However, Smash does overpower SJ, and the it’s a much lighter scent. Smash should dissipate before too long, though, leaving the nice, minty, Saint Julep scent.

The Pure Bliss knot was great. Can’t wait to use it more to see where it stacks up against my other favorite synths, but after one use it looks very promising. The Oryx handle from Bundubeard was also fantastic. It was extremely easy to whip up a lather with this combo, despite my still swollen hands. Plus, the thing just looks fantastic.

---

Totals:

• Razor Hashtags: 6/10
• Brush Hashtags: 7/10
• Hardware Sponsor Points: 2/2
• Software Sponsor Points: 3/16
• Number of Lather Brands: 6/30
• Number of Lather Scents: 6/30
• Number of Post Shaves: 6/30
• Number of Frags: 6/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

User gives djudges the week-deserved silent treatment for unpopular challenge.

June 6, 2024 – Video Killed the r/wetshaving star

• Brush: Aurora Grooming LG 2024 with 26mm AP Shave Co. Pure Bliss #FRANKENBRUSH #PREMIUMPLASTIC #SHD #FAUXFUR #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Schick Injector
• Blade: Schick Injector (3)
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Sunday Brunch
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles – Sunday Brunch
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Everett

Video Day! I’ll save most of my commentary for the video itself. But suffice it to say there is shaving, mimosas and an assessment of (almost) week 1 lather games. Plus, a new brush with the Pure Bliss Knot to review. And maybe some trash talk for a certain champion who can’t bring himself to show his face to the sub. I do need to cover some things for the theme and side challenges here. But join me over on the video, it’s bad but it’s under 7 minutes.

For #fof I’m carrying the orange through the shave. Sunday Brunch is Mimosas. He managed to put the smell of bubbles in here I’m not even sure how. I’ve bugged u/C_Bubbles for a Sunday Brunch EdT but apparently it won’t last because it’s all citrus and wouldn’t last more than 10 minutes. Everett hits that same citrus high, but with a wonderful marshmallow base note that keeps going. This setup works, and it works well. I hadn’t used the Everett set yet, but I’m glad I picked up a 2ml sprayer of the EdT (because I couldn’t justify a full bottle with so many other full bottles.)

For #photocontest since my shave is an ode to weekends, let’s look at hobbies. Here’s my ham Radio. I lurk on the related subs, (r/amateurradio and r/hamradio) occasionally post there. (They are not as fun loving as this sub, trust me. It’s like Badger and Blade, but about antennas.) You’ll see ham again because it’s a hobby geared towards DIY.

Cheers!

Informative video, good commentary on other players, less than seven minutes.

OP chugs mimosa and aquires a taste for lather.

June 6, 2024 – LG Day 6 – It Is Thursday and I Am Thirsty for Lather

• Brush: Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Razorock Mamba 70 #CNC
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Irish Coffee
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Amazelnut
• Fragrance: Kerosene – Follow

Coffee. Possibly the greatest beverage ever created. Today, our journey begins in a sweet, creamy mug of coffee with a splash of bourbon and a level of cream and sugar that would make any Bostonian Dunkin regular proud. It smells like the coffee milk I used to enjoy on vacations with my family growing up; as a little kid, I wanted to drink coffee like the adults, so we got a glass of milk with a little coffee and probably some sugar. If we were Rhode Islanders, we would have known about coffee syrup, which is even better. Then, to honor my partner’s favorite coffee flavor, we follow with a cornucopia of hazelnuts and vanilla, with some notes of woods and vetiver to round everything out – still sweet, though. Wouldn’t want to give up on our sweet coffee theme. If hazelnut coffee tasted like this smells, I might actually like drinking it. Finally, Kerosene Follow. Maple and vanilla keep the air of sweetness about, but bitterness comes through as well in this rather realistic coffee accord, so I can feel a little more grown-up and celebrate the type of coffee I actually drink. Just like me, dark and bitter. #FOF

For the daily challenge, I hereby present the second episode of PodShave, the podcast where you listen to me shave, with a concept that was definitely not ripped off from u/merikus. Don’t forget to watch the follow-up video the world has been waiting for.

Let's do this in reverse order.

I didn't listen to hugbckt's twenty minute podcast, because it's twenty minutes, but maybe one of you will.

And then my wife was horrified to watch him drink a surprisingly-attractive looking mix of iced coffee and Iced Coffee lather.

Jun. 6, 2024 - Saint Henri
Brush: Zenith MOAR BOAR B35 #OLDWORLD #SUBBROOSH * Razor: GEM Clog Pruf #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY * Blade: Gem PTFE [18]
Lather: Stirling - Iced Coffee - Soap
Post Shave:* Stirling - Iced Coffee - Aftershave

It’s a cold thirsty Thursday in my bathroom with Stirling iced coffee. Love the menthol in this one and it complements the scent so nicely. But today’s post is about a poor attempt at honouring the best wet-tuber out there the one and only u/VisceralWatch

He was my original gem-nabler and the Clog Prüf that I bought from him quickly became a favorite SE that seems to get shinier with each use.

Photo is for the “Birds” (theme. Duh!)

#photocontest

Player does HD uh to uh T while playing uh unreleased HD jams

June 6, 2024

• Brush: Oumo - Imitate finest two band 24mm synthetic #FAUXFUR
• Razor: Chiseled Face – Legacy #CNC
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Storybook Soapworks - Coffee Spoons Soap
• Post Shave: Storybook Soapworks - Coffee Spoons Splash
• Fragrance: Hoffman’s Shave & Soap Co. – Affogato EdP

Coffee. I’d argue coffee is the most important beverage in the United States of America, possibly even the world. Coffee is the only thing keeping our society functioning and holding other stimulants at bay. If all of a sudden, all the coffee plants disappeared off the face of the earth, I think a different plant from Columbia would become this country’s drug of choice. But thankfully, coffee plants aren’t going the way of the Gros Michel (RIP) just yet. So, you ease up on your plans to become the next Pablo Escobar while we’re all able to count on getting our next morning cup of joe without issue.

Most days, black coffee is the only flavored beverage I drink (shout-out hydro-homies), so it’s natural for me that I love coffee scented products. And one thing I’ve found: it is REALLY hard for artisans to make coffee scented products. It seems like a lot of them either try to do too much or just smell fake. Don’t get me wrong, I love the scent of Gemultikeknnadamm from CFG more than the next guy, but it’s not just coffee. Simple coffee is really hard for some reason. Fortunately, I was able to acquire Storybook Soapworks from Inna’s collection last year. Unfortunately, he passed away before I started wetshaving, so I never got to know him, but the way I hear the OGs of this community talk about him is telling of the type of person he was, and the type of community member we should all strive to be like. So today, I’m very happy to use Coffee Spoons. It’s straight up black coffee. Just like I make it for myself every day. Soaked my brush in my scuttle of black coffee for good measure.

The Affogato EdP is alright, but there’s something about it that’s off, even for the Gourmand King. Coffee is certainly the star of the show, but it takes the coffee and adds a figurative scoop of vanilla ice cream to it. On paper, it should work better than it does in reality. But for #FOF, this is really simple one. If you like coffee (and I do) today was a brilliant day, which I am ecstatic to take part in. Sure, smelling like a Starbucks all day may not be for EVERYONE, but I’m not everyone. Every December, I celebrate the 12 Days of Coffee by preparing coffee a different way, every day for 12 days in a row, culminating with a delicious whipped coffee on Christmas Morning. I often say that I enjoy coffee and caffeine is just a byproduct. And this what today gives me. Wonderful enjoyment of a wonderful gift from God – Coffee.

Challenge: Ugh… Our r/wetshaving overlords having wettuber the day after u/Enndeegee calls my Target shave lame and u/ginopino tossing grenades at me from the clouds. If this was last year, it would be Spite Shave City, taking no prisoners. But this year, I’m turning over a new leaf, biting my tongue, spreading LOVE, not Spite, and leaving the negativity for everyone else. I’m not gonna take the bait and I’m certainly not let them bring me down to their level. Still, I rise: Here’s the video.

Soap Theme Justification: Everything smells like coffee

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: The soap is coffee, the splash is coffee, and the fragrance: COFFEE!!

Player embraces love, empathizes with those other players coming at him, then spends the rest of the video airing his grievances.

Quotes Ghandi.

Insults a djudge. Sadly, there is no gag order in place here.

Forms an alliance with MrTangerineSky.

Takes 9 minutes to do all this that this judge will never get back.

Jun. 6, 2024 - Old Spice is... sigh... a beverage

• Prep: Shower, Baxter Shave Tonic
• Brush: Paragon Plisson Type
• Razor: Heritage Collection Gibbs 15
• Blade: Personna Platinum (2)
• Lather: Stone Field Shaving Company - No. 37
• Post Shave: Old Spice Classic (US)

No. I am not going to drink Old Spice. Aftershave does, in fact, have multiple carcinogens in it that should not be consumed and aftershave poisoning is a real medical thing. Sadly, alcoholics who lose access to alcohol have been known to drink aftershave in order to get their fix and it can cause extreme health issues. Given that, and the general rules about not doing stupid stuff for fake Internet shaving points, I am not going to drink Old Spice aftershave to prove to everyone that Old Spice is a beverage.

However, I do have some old spice. As in spice that has been sitting at the back of my spice cabinet for years, going through multiple moves. It is, in a literal sense, an old spice. People put spices in all sorts of beverages. In fact, many beverages are simply water flavored with spices of some sort or another. Thus if I put this old spice into water I would have an Old Spice Beverage. By logic then, Old Spice soap could be inspired by this Old Spice Beverage.

"Wait," you and the judges (always right they are) say, "In order for a beverage to be a beverage someone has to drink it." To which I say, "Hold my beverage."

On a more personal note, you may have noticed I didn't post yesterday. This is not because I didn't have some Old Spice canned goup I picked up at Walmart (they sell a head shave Old Spice cream) but because of u/onionmiasma. You see, he and I were kind of playing a fun thing on here pretending we were arguing with each other over a smush I forgot to send him - trading barbs back and forth in a light-hearted way. However, Tuesday, he kind of took it too far, claiming I was some sort of convicted criminal and sex offender because he found one on the Internet who wore Old Spice. There's jokes and there's insulting someone. It, honestly, wasn't cool at all and not in the spirit of what we were doing. I'm not one to air laundry out so I won't go into too much detail but suffice to say I was genuinely not feeling like putting on Old Spice or participating yesterday thanks to his post. Anyway, Onion is kind of an actual jerk so... yea.

Edit: I'm supposed to say something nice about u/visceralwatch but when I met him all I got was a stupid sticker.

User makes highly compelling (but wrong) case for Old Spice to qualify. Also a nod to Visceral and his Maggard stickers.

June 6, 2024 - Thirsty Thursday

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps Sheridan APShaveCo Synbad 26 mm
• Razor: Eldrormr MM24 #FLIPTOP #MODERNGEM
• Blade: GEM PTFE (15)
• Lather: Elysian - Maple Coffee
• Post Shave: Macduffs Soap Co - Imperial Earl Grey
• Fragrance: Ineke - Jaipur Chai

Theme: One coffee and two tea beverage inspired scents.

Challenge: Here it is, the content no was asking for.

One of my favorite beverages is coffee. Today’s soap is Maple Coffee from Elysian. Thanks to /u/Priusaurus for the smoosh. While there are many options for maple coffee, flavored coffee isn’t my thing. The scent has a light roast coffee note. The maple smells like a good quality amber syrup. It feels like I’m enjoying a morning brew with a stack of pancakes. This was my first time using Elysian soap. I found it easy to lather with good slickness. This won’t win awards for secondary slickness or post-shave feels, but it’s a solid soap base.

I really like the scent of Macduffs Imperial Earl Grey. It’s brighter and fruitier than any cup of earl grey I’ve ever imbibed. There’s lots of bergamot, and a tropical sweetness like papaya or guava. There’s an odor of orange oil which translates into the face feel of the toner. Following that up is a rich note of black tea. This is citrus forward enough to feel fitting for summer. This splash feels like it contains lots of skin food. People averse to oily post-shave may not like it.

Ineke’s Jaipur Chai is an artfully composed fragrance. There’s a delicate note of black tea. Freshly sprayed I get a big note of spice that smells like patchouli, and a dry wood like cedar. It’s earthy and slightly smoky, like burnt firewood. It's elegant, and has an air of mystique. Over time, it becomes a bit musky with a slight sweetness. After a couple hours, it's mostly vanilla and clove.

#photocontest - Humor. Parks and Rec sign on my bathroom door.

#FOF

User makes 19 minute video. It's actually enjoyable (at 1.5x) to watch - well done, it's tough to pull of a 19 minute video of shaving.

https://imgur.com/a/H7DMdU8

• Prep: PAA - The Cube 2.0
• Bowl: Naked Armor - Silver Fox Scuttle
• Brush: Wolf Whiskers - Emilia Poseidon's Lair
• Razor: 3D Printed - Triceratops Gem Razor- #MODERNGEM #RAINBOW
• Blade: Personna - PTFE Coated Gem Blade
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Irish Coffee
• Post Shave: Highland Springs Soap Company - Kootenay Blue Aftershave
• Post Shave: Omega - Alum Stick

I had never shaved with a Gem razor before today. I have several vintage razors, but never felt inclined to try one. I did not have a modern Gem razor, so I 3D printed my own! It was manufactured today 6/6/2024! It took about an hour to print my "Triceratops". I was a little worried about how it would shave, especially never having used a Gem razor before. My fears were unfounded. It shaved surprisingly well. No cuts and only a little irritation after a 2.5 pass shave. The results were a DFS. Not to bad at all. I am glad I convinced my wife to "get the kids" a 3D printer last Christmas. I printed the razor to match my shower curtain, blue and white which had the added bonus of being able to use the rainbow hashtag. My lather from Catie's Bubbles was very nice with a good cushion. I enjoyed the Irish Coffee scent even though I am not Irish!

I was unable to film my shave, but I most enjoy WetTubing star Mark Szorady. I enjoy his positive attitude and energy. I find his shaving tips helpful. I watched him when I was first starting my wet shaving journey. Watching him now feels like visiting with a friend. I also enjoy Subie Shaves.

My personal challenge continues and I again was able to use a different blade, razor, brush and soap brand.

ROTY

User shaves with a modern gem he printed that day with the 3d printer he and his wife bought for "his kids"

June 7, 2024 - Vetiver You Want

• Brush: Aurora Grooming LG2024 Blurple Synthetic
• Razor: Parker Adjustable Injector #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Parker Injector
• Lather: Martin De Candre - Vetiver
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Field Day
• Fragrance: Maher Olfactive - Velouria

Today’s Theme:

I didn’t have what I think I could say that’s a vetiver soap. Sure it is in lots of stuff, but I just think ok, it is a “green” scent of growing plants? Luckily we have smoosh trading, and once again u/tsrblke set me up. MdC - Vetiver is just vetiver. That’s pretty spot on for the theme I’d say.

Today’s Challenge:

Why would anyone start against the grain? I guess for points. That’s the only reason I shaved atg and only atg. Just don’t unless you have a need for a fractional improvement in points. I usually shower after my shave, but today I went before. I wanted every chance to improve my shave I could get. Also grabbed my Parker Adjustable Injector because it may look like it has a huge gap, it shaves pretty mild for me on any setting. I went with 1, but I’ve tried them all and yes the gap gets measurably wider, I can barely tell a difference in feel. The wider gap makes it harder to clog I guess. Post shave, I feel like I scraped the whiskers more than shaved. Lots of stinging too from the splash.

Feats of Fragrance:

Obviously today needed to start from a base of Vetiver, but all I knew about it was it was a green plantlike scent. So I smelled the smoosh, ready scent descriptions, and went through my splashes. I don’t know for sure if Field Fay has vetiver in it, but smelling it after the MdC soap made me think it could. They had a similar grassy note to them. The harder part was the final fragrance and finding one that had vetiver, or at least took off running from that playground grass scent. I went with finding one that has vetiver. I was down to House of Mammoth - Indigo or Maher Olfactive - Velouria. I decided why not both? They both have vetiver listed, and I could sneak indigo into the mix since it is my bar soap in the shower. I’m not certain how successful this really is. Indigo gives me a more peppery berry scent to my nose, while right now Velouria is a mix of the top notes of violets, blueberry and frankincense. It has two kinds of vetiver listed as notes, so as it dries down, maybe more green will come out. It’s a nice scent, but I think I’ll have to see how it evolves over the next couple of hours.

Sponsor Time:

Aurora Grooming is fairly new in the wetshaving world. I recall when he started selling brushes, he reached out to the sub to see what we thought of his work. Then of course he jumps in and not only becomes a sponsor, but made a LG2024 exclusive brush and has the audacity to only charge $35 for it. They even have custom coins for the base. When I ordered mine I was so specific with my color choice saying ok purple, blue, green, or red. Obviously, I gave very specific demands since I have such high standards (cough Colgate Toothbrush?). Undeterred by my strict demands, I get an email asking how about a dark purply navy blue being called Blurple? Well the picture of the pour looked blue/purple, so sure, Blurple it is. Now my brush was just a blank piece of resin, but in just a few days, it arrived (helps that I’m about a 4-20 hour drive from Norfolk depending on traffic). In person it beat my expectations. I love the color and using the powder pigments gives it a nice chatoyance. The shape is very comfortable for me too. If you are on the fence, get one.

FOF

I just want to call out somewhere that OP managed to work in "chatoyance". TIL.

Vetiver You Want

• Brush: Frank Shaving - FR 0929 Pure Badger Shaving Brush 20 mm × 47 mm #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS #SMOLL #RUNT
• Razor: Star - Cadet #TWINS
• Razor: Ever Ready - 1912
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Vetiver
• Fragrance: The Scottish Fine Soaps Company – Vetiver & Sandalwood

I like vetiver. I like it fresh and with citrus, I like it smoky, earthy and dank, and I like it woody-spicy. Today, I'm using one of each of these versions.

Theme justification: Desert Vetiver is a clean scent with a spicy citrus opening on a solid base of vetiver. It's a dupe of Eau Intense Vétiver by Terre d'Hermès and a staple in our household. Both my wife and I love this fragrance (dupe and original).

Post & frag relevance: Stirling Vetiver is a dank, earthy vetiver. I've never smelled Eufros Vetiver de Haití, but Stirling Vetiver smells like u/VisceralWatch describes Vetiver de Haití. This is a stark contrast with the fresh Desert Vetiver, but prepares the ground for a warmer, woodier vetiver in SFSC's Vetiver and Sandalwood. The Stirling toner was a gift from u/Semaj3000, and the frag from my sister in law.

Speaking of whom, during LG 2021, I decided I had to try GEM razors, and there was this Semaj fellow with a "SE Cultist" flair so I asked him where to start. He recommended looking for a 1912-style GEM and suggested looking at French eBay where they are readily available under the Star brand, and that's how I ended up buying this pretty Star Cadet. Both Semaj and VisceralWatch still had razor thrill back then and quickly asked me to find some for them too, and this is how our first group chat got the title "Star Cadets". It was soon renamed to "GEMs of Wisdom: Finding Serenity in Austerity planning committee" when u/EldrormR joined and we planned the first MMOC(MM) challenge in August of 2021. This challenge in turn led to the first iteration of RoboDjudge, a simple bot for tracking participation in AA challenges with a truly horrific Reddit message-based user interface. It would later grow into the Djudge Portal you are now using to check the djudges' work.

Challenge: It is consensus that starting with an ATG pass is a bad idea. It seems so obvious that we don't tend to question it. But why? If the lather is slick, the blade is sharp, why would it matter? I believe it's superstition and I'm curious to see how others feel about it following today's challenge. Star Cadet on the left side of my face, Ever Ready 1912 on the right. Both with fresh GEM blades. One pass ATG, easy peasy. Not as close as I'd like, but not bad.

The Frank Shaving brush is thoroughly unimpressive and since that's how it's priced, there is no surprise there. It does a passable job.

#photocontest: Did you know that vetiver is a grass?

DJ offers a history of friendship, group chats, and the portal. People may enjoy hearing how the games/portal/etc. has evolved over the years.

Day 7

• Brush: Yaqi – 20mm Badger #SMOLL #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS
• Razor: Gem 1912 #TWINS #FLIPTOP
• Razor: Star 1912
• Blade: GEM PTFE
• Lather: Shannon's Soaps – Vetiver Soap
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon's - Rose of Phrygia Splash
• Fragrance: Givenchy - Gentleman Society EdP

Vetiver: For when you want to smell like dirt!

First up, Shannon's Soaps – Vetiver. Let me tell you, this soap packs a punch. It's like scrubbing your face with a forest floor. It's rugged, it's earthy, gritty, and just a tad bit reminiscent going camping in the woods. Ever want to pretend like your shaving with mud, and not shaving soap? Because this is it. It actually lathered up nicely and provides a nice shave, so maybe smelling like Mother Earth isn't the worst thing ever. It’s an interesting wake-up call for a regular morning shave, but maybe a tad too "mountain man" for the office. Fortunately the splash and fragrance take this shave beyond smelling like the woods.

To finish the shave, I used Dr. Jon's Rose of Phrygia Splash. Now, before you scoff and imagine your grandma's doilies coming to life, hear me out. This ain't your average wilting tea party rose. This is a rose that rides motorcycles and takes names. It’s got vetiver to nail the theming of today and this dark, mysterious vibe going on, like a rose that wears a leather jacket! Like a badass in every 90s sitcom!

Finally, to tie this #FOF olfactory masterpiece together, I threw on some Gentleman Society EdP. It’s woody, and has vetiver. Absolutely smells more refined than the one note vetiver shave soap I used, but still has that earthiness to remind me that I’m alive! This fragrance swooped in with a classic, crisp finish and it toned down the forest lumberjack from the shave and dialed up the debonair.

Is this really a challenge?? I feel like, as a whole, people are a bit over-dramatic about shaving against the grain. I’ve put my face through much worse than an against the grain shave. No problem. Did half my face against the grain with one 1912 and the other half against the grain with the other 1912. Now I need some moisturizer!

For #photocontest: Elements: Fire

iamhonestlylying’s Daily Top 5:

In honor of “Vetiver You Want”… WTF is Vetiver?? From what I understand, it’s basically grass, so in honor of grass: The Top 5 Celebrity Stoners:

5.) Matthew McConaughey – Alright, alright, alright…

4.) Cheech and Chong – Sure, cannabis is cool now, but these two haven’t been shy about hiding it since their 1978 movie “Up in Smoke”

3.) Willie Nelson – Another OG of the grass game. Has his own brand called “Willie’s Reserve”

2.) Seth Rogen – Is he still a thing? I feel like there was a time when he was in every single comedy movie being released and unfortunately, it seems like that time has come and gone.

1.) Snoop Dogg – Snoop! Snoop-A-Loop! Bring your green hat!

I'm enjoying the top 5s here. It's a good way to have an ongoing bit that doesn't take a long time to write and read.

June 7, 2024

• Brush: r/wetshaving Zenith Moar Boar #SUBBROOSH #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Henson AL13
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel #STAINLESSLESS (2)
• Lather: Martin de Candre – Vetyver
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – ? 2019
• Fragrance: FZOTIC – Vetiverissimo

Don’t watch GeoFatBoy. Apparently I get one pass ATG, so be it. To quote coastal elite all around masshole douchebag Dave Portnoy “one bite, everyone knows the rules” (does he know u/priusaurus? At least Prius is a stand up guy). Today, in honor of National Donut Day and GeoFatBoy, today is “one bite everyone knows the rules, one pass everyone knows the rules.” This shave dedicated to the man who bumped me from the podium last year u/impressive_donut114. Also, for today’s #PHOTOCONTEST, obviously Donut. To all the photography hacks waiting for Sweet Sunday, how original.

Let’s keep #FOF short and sweet. MdC vetyver (thanks for the smoosh u/solongamerica) was a brighter citrusy take, kind of along the lines of lemon grass or verbena, but still rooted with some earthiness. DG ? is an earthier take, also probably due to the rosemary and tobacco also in there. Vetiverissimo, at least on the short time I’ve worn it today, is the earthier and dirtiest of the bunch. Think hot dried out grass, but somehow a bit of wet earth clinging to the roots.

As for our sponsor, I am not super familiar with Aurora grooming, however part of their mission is preventing veteran suicide through donations from sale of products. As I mentioned yesterday in my video, it is Men’s Mental Health Month, so let’s keep lifting each other up through our LG shenanigans, check on those we care about, and check on the internet strangers following a shave calendar in June.

soap brands 7/30, post shave 7/30, frag 7/30, post/frag linked 7/30, software sponsors 4/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 5/15, brush hashtags 8/15, photo contest 7/30, daily challenges 6/26, special challenges 1/4

User celebrates national donut day by literally stuffing his lathered face

June 8, 2024 – Lather Games 2024 Day 8: Small Business Saturday

• Brush: Maggard Purple Handle 24mm synth
• Razor: Maggard MR1 V3
• Blade: Dorco Titan (11)
• Lather: Maggard Razors – London Barbershop
• Post Shave: Maggard Razors – London Barbershop
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face – Ghost Town Barber

Use of Theme: Small Business Saturday

It’s no secret that Stirling was the first serious place I shopped online thanks to the algorithm. But I soon discovered Maggard, where all my stuff for today’s shave came from and probably where I’ve spent most of my shaving dollars. And, turning from bragging to the real reason this day exists, I owe it to Maggard’s for inspiration. Having never hosted a wet shavers meetup, the cancellation of the Maggard Meetup was the driving force behind the Ohio Wet Shavers Meetup, which will be happening for the fourth year come September 14. It’s one thing to lurk around with Internet randos, but it’s a totally different thing to actually get together in person just like we Gen Xers have always done.

Daily Challenge: Mad Braggard

Alright, which one of you fuckers got an insider tip and placed this order with Maggard Razors just so you could swing your gonads around in the sub today? Was it u/Priusaurus? Perhaps, but there are better odds it was the one and only u/chronnoisseur420. How nice it was to dedicate his ~~National Donut Day~~ Vetiver day shave to my honor. How nicely he went about, feeding me lines while shoving that donut into his cake hole. You didn’t choke on it, but I hope it at least gave you a case of the shits.

As for my own orders from Maggard Razors, or anywhere else for that matter, I’ve never spent over $100 on a single order that I can even recall. Call it pragmatism on that end, I suppose, but I can’t and won’t go back into my order history and total up how much I’ve spent in five years, either. Just know it’s way more than Mrs_D knows (or admits to knowing) that I spent.

Have great shave and be kind to one another.

Edit: formatting, typos StIrling. I really need to quit using this stupid phone to do computer shit.

holy shit that Maggard Razors order

Jun. 8, 2024 - Duuupe

• Prep: Shower, Baxter Shave Tonic
• Brush: Omega 11126, Ovangkol Wooden Handle
• Razor: Henson AL13 Mild
• Blade: Personna Platinum (3)
• Lather: Maggard Razors - Definitely a Maggard Old Spice Dupe. Not Just Some Other Soap I Wrote That On Tape With.
• Post Shave: Old Spice (Indian)

For some reason I think the judges may not have heard about one of the most popular and longest lasting Old Spice dupes on the market from Maggard Razors. But if it doesn't exist why is there a Great Spice Off for it? Answer me that.

I don't go big when I'm wet shaving shopping but I can tell you the quickest order I've ever placed: when Maggard finally got some Indian Old Spice in stock. After advising the man himself on the purchase I bothered him until he finally got it on the page. I'm pretty sure I'd added it to my cart before the page fully loaded. I should have grabbed that bottle for this shave but I save it for travelling because it's smaller.

User creates his own soap to be on theme.

LG24-08: Small Business Saturday

• Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf 26mm Maggard Premium Boar Boar Knot
• Razor: Maggard Open Comb, V2 #ZAMAC
• Blade: Gillette 7 O’Clock Super Stainless (Green) [5]
• Lather: Maggard - London Barbershop - Soap
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Fougère Angelique - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chicago Grooming Co. - No. 11 - Extrait de Parfum

I know tomorrow is technically Barbershop day, but I couldn't resist using Maggards' London Barbershop and Fougère Angelique today.

Rounded the setup out with Maggards' Premium Boar knot and their v2 Open Comb razor.

If it's not obvious from the post that I spend more than I should at Maggards, then take into account the many soaps and soap samples I've accumulated from them. If not Maggards, then it's Anticatura.

Expected a SOTD photo, received a knitted dildo meme

https://i.imgur.com/UKSJpsL.jpeg

June 8, 2024 - Back to First Principles

• Brush: Maggard 30mm Black and White Synthetic
• Razor: Henson Shaving AL13 Mild
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Maggard Razors - London Barbershop
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Seville
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Weinstrasse

This entire shave is the majority of my very first ever Maggard Razors order. I bought all of this, plus the corresponding soap for Seville and a set of Cheshire, completely sight unseen as my first ever foray into wetshaving, so there was at least a little cohesive thought put into choosing these items.

Shave went well. The soap base that Maggard uses I would describe as fine. It was slick enough for three passes and I didn't need to overload for this way too big brush. Seville pairs with everything barbershop, and Weinstrasse was great for a nice walk outside after the heat finally died down.

I don't keep receipts, so I don't have an exact price, but that very first Maggard order was definitely north of $200. It was this Henson razor, two brushes, two sets of soap/splash from B&M, around 15 samples (counting soaps and splashes), this bottle of Weinstrasse, and like 10 different tucks of blades. I don't recommend anybody else do this for the hardware. I don't really use any of this stuff anymore. The Henson is draggy and was very quickly replaced with a nicer razor, and the brushes both see very little use in the face of "nicer" synthetics that I have collected since buying them. I do recommend that new shavers go to Maggard and order a truckload of soap samples. I'm still working through that bucket, and adding more to it, almost three years later.

Photo contest theme today is Money. Fitting for the daily challenge. I liked the thought of this shave being presided over by some "friends," thus the photo only including the faces from the money. I really cherish all the memories, friends, and acquaintances I've made through this hobby, and this was a fun way to evoke that metaphor. #photocontest

OP reconstructs their first Maggard Razors order for shave.

6/9/24 (1/3)

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
• Razor: Wüsthof 220 "Barber's King" 7/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Noble Otter - BarrBarr
• Post Shave: DentonMajik - Pink Floyd
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Fleur de France EdT

Barbershop day is arguably my favorite day. As faux and ill-defined genre as it is (that line really cracks me up), I love me some barbershop scents. The barbshop experience is what first got me into wetshaving.

It started with my Aunts funeral. Since I was a young teenager, I rarely cut my hair, and if I did, I would just buzz at a 2. Shaving, I did even less. I would just knock down growth with an electric trimmer and move on. My Aunt Lorraine always tried to take me a barber. She always wanted to get me cleaned up and looking good. Always offered to pay, but I never took it up. I was okay with my routine.

I was there with her when she passed in 2019. I was asked to be one of her pallbearers. Right then, I knew what I had to do. I went and bought a nice suit and shoes and scheduled a haircut and shave. I wanted to get cleaned up for her. I went in and got Fade and an open blade shave. God damn it felt so good. The dude cleaned me up nicely. When I got home, my wife was stunned. She'd never seen me cleaned up like that. She absolutely loved it. I looked good, I smelt good, and I felt good.

I had decided a month later to go again and went to the same guy. Now, I like to keep a bushy goatee. He completely fucked up my lines. Like, bad. One side of my goatee was half the width of the other. I was not happy. A month later, I tried some other shop. The shave was sooooooooo bad. It wasn't comfortable, it wasn't close, she nicked me and left me irritation.

At this point, I knew an open blade shave had potential to be good. So I said hell with it, I already had stones for my woodworking tools. I bought a cheap Chinese piece of shit off amazon and thus began the descent down the rabbit hole.

I still regularly go in for a fade, but the shaving is never done by anyone else anymore. Even if it's offered for free, I've had to drop "Thank you but no thank you, no one can shave me as nicely as I can."

BarrBarr is one of the GOATs. I think it perfectly captures that western Barbershop vibe. It's sweet, powdery, and refreshing. Pink Floyd is a spot on dupe of Clubman. One of the OG barbershops. Citrus, musk and powder. You just can't talk barbershops without bringing Clubman into the conversation. It is a S tier scent. Fleur de France is, for me, a unique Barbershop, but it hits the marks. It's super clean and refreshing, and that's what I want. The pairing of the 3 was fantastic.

Of course, the razor. What other razor was I going to use today other than the BARBER'S KING?? I wasn't, and I love this razor just for that. It's a huge plus that it's also a fantastic shaver. Comfortable and easy to handle. The steel is fantastic. No notes.

Close and comfortable shave, no nicks or irritation.

For the challenge today, I got 7/32. 6 more than I anticipated.

OP shares a heartwarming origin story. 🥲

June 9, 2024

• Brush: AP Shave Co - Black/Gold Flakes - 30mm Oumo Boar #TOLL
• Razor: Diane Hair Shaper #WECKONISTA
• Blade: Fromm
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Picture Day Soap
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Picture Day Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Hygge EdP

Smoke fills the room, as a meeting of shave artisans from around the globe gather for their monthly meeting. They're all tired. They meet regularly in the dimly lit streets of r/wetshaving where shadows danced with secrets and whispers echoed off cobblestone walls. They were are the darlings of the craft, their creations adored by connoisseurs who sought the exquisite aromas they concocted with passion and precision. But now, they were prisoners of their own success, shackled to the demand for barbershop scents that stifled their creativity and gnawed at their souls.

An artisan named Will took a long, drawn out drag on a cigarette. From the lit end, a long, cylindrical column of ash extended, seemingly defying gravity as it clung precariously to the cigarette. "I just don't know how much longer I can do this," he sighed. "I'm one of the best perfumers in this hobby and they want me to create another Barbershop scent..." He sounded beyond defeated.

A deafening silence filled the room. They all know the reality of the situation. The hive mind had asked for yet another barbershop scent and there's only so much one artisan can take.

Another artisan took a sip of whiskey from the dark corner and breaks the silence, "I'm telling you guys. Give up the barbershop scents. You'll feel better when you do." His voice was soft and gravely, yet his words projected across the room. Everyone stopped. You could cut the tension with a Weck. Kyle emerged from the darkness.

Some sneered, while others just shook their heads. Everyone was silent. That would be impossible! For their operations relied on the barbershop scents to stay afloat. They've created this monster and now they have to deal with the Frankenstein they birthed.

Kyle stood tall in the workshop, surrounded by shelves laden with exotic oils and dried herbs, his hands stained with the orange of Dorito dust. "You'll drive yourself insane if you keep doing Barbershops," he declared. Everyone knew he was right. His words carried the weight of years of frustration. "We're artisans, damn it, not puppets dancing to the tune of the masses. Set yourselves free and create something special! Something unique!"

His words hung heavy in the air. The others exchanged uneasy glances, their faces etched with doubt and fear. But Kyle's resolve was unwavering. He had made up his mind long ago, and he would not be swayed.

The other artisans knew there was truth in Kyle's words. But, they couldn't do it. While they would love to be done with Barbershop scents. They just couldn't. They had to bow to the whims of the masses, sacrificing their artistry for the sake of profit. While only Kyle would reclaim his craft, one tub of soap at a time, the rest would continue to grow weary, praying for a chance of artistic redemption, and just hoping to break free from their Crafters Choice prison.

But the path to Kyle's liberation was not without its obstacles. The public clamored for a re-release of Picture Day. Their voices were a cacophony of demands that threatened to drown out his voice of defiance.

But he would not be deterred. With steely determination and a heart as unyielding as a titanium razor, he would not back down. Kyle was armed with nothing but passion and unwavering belief in the power of his creativity. And a lot of lavender. As he stood in his quest for freedom, he knew that no matter the outcome, he had already won the greatest victory of all: the right to create on his own terms. And the sweet scent of defiance that lingered in the air would promise of a far brighter tomorrow than any Barbershop scent ever could. Maybe one day the other artisans would follow him, but today was not that day. For he was ahead of his time.

Fin.

My #FOF: Finishing up the shave with HoM Hygge is the most no brainer of every #FOF no-brainer there could possibly be. They’re both barbershop styles and share some of the same characteristics, but Hygge has a subtle citrus sweetness to it that really gives it an extra je-nais-se-quois where it is so much more than a barbershop fragrance. It’s clean, wearable, and there’s a musk that gives it an absolutely delightful warmth. These two scents share a lot of similar characteristics, but are wonderful on their own and amazing when layering the Hygge on top of the Picture Day Splash.

Challenge: I got a 15/32. I’m kinda pissed I missed Rawr.

Soap Theme Justification: From SBS: “This is my interpretation of a barbershop style scent, which was developed with my barbershop in mind”

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Barbershops everywhere!

Just a great post. Entertaining, on topic, well-written. Glad this was my last one of the day.

This ~~might be~~ is the post I've enjoyed the most of everything I've judged.

scruba games day 9?

Welcome to the u/enndeegee pub quiz.

There's one round with nine questions with a linked theme which constitutes the final 10th question.

Entrants should include their team name which will also be judged based on British public house humour.  

This is more important than recording a proper shave of the day today(or I'm trying to be tricksy again and seeing if I can get it to work for everyone not using old Reddit) as the judge's quiz was not mobile friendly for me. i.e i got 0

---

Round 1:

What is the largest city in Andalucia?

What soap smells better than being sun according to u/semaj3000 ( even though he would only admit it to himself in the middle of the night when crying into his pillow)?

Which football team have won the Europa league/uefa cup the most often(?)[* soap: barrister and mann - seville )

What is the best type of orange to use for marmalade?

What is the final word of the Rossini opera about a wet shaving expert?

What is the name of one of the biggest hits by Band Zonder Naam? 

What is the name of a smaller Cadillac that was in production from 1976 to 2004?

What is the surname of Alvin, Simon and Theodore once adopted by Dave?

What is an anagram of le Elvis?

What is the common theme for all questions?

Player didn't like the official quiz, and created his own.

June 9, 2024 – LG 9: Shave and a Hair Cut Two Bits

• Brush: Zenith Titanio 20mm #RUNT
• Razor: GEM Junior #FLIPTOP
• Blade: GEM (39)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Fleur de France
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Epiphenomenon
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Seville

If you want to dive deep into barbershops, go read u/velocipedic Battle of the Barbershops threads. I’ll aim to keep it short(ish) again today for #FOF. Fleur de France is a French barbershop, despite the description saying it is less powdery to not make it feel dated, I still find it quite so. That is not a complaint, but rather an observation. I would say this is most prevalent in soap form, and musky, where more rosemary and herbal twang come out in the AS/frag (not used today). That said, Epi is a powdery talc bomb. Think babies or old people, and both would be at home with Epi. As for Seville, can’t leave out God’s Barbershop today. Way more citrus than the previous two, a little mossy earthiness underneath. Honestly, this AS is overpowering it a bit even.

For todays #PHOTOCONTEST we went with air, as in airborne. I’m embarrassed to admit how long I was sitting there throwing shave wares over the thick crocheted blanket and couch praying the glass wouldn’t break. iPhone burst photo needs to up its came, so many so blurry. Maybe a video screen grab would have worked better. Minor casualties too, some damaged labels and brushed, so we switched out the latter and kept trying with a different brush for today.

As for the daily challenge, I got 25! Not bad for last years FOF champion. The breakdown, got all 16 where brand was given. 9 of the others. 2 of which I already used in soap form in LG, and I think 4-5 more in some fashion for future. Also of note, I own 19 of these in some form (soap, AS, frag), I have used 22 (including the 19, but smooshes of 3 more). Ones I don’t own but got correct: CB 322 (was looking at vetiver options for the games), WK King of Oud (little lucky 1st scent note is oud), CGC Montrose Beach (salt water and coconut give it away, but not as much as u/onionmiasma’s shave there last year, amirite?). I also knew 2 others were fourgeres but couldn’t get them (WK and CB) and knew the last one was a TSF but couldn’t get the name. I appreciated how Mood Indigo was an acceptable answer too.

Edit: forgot to shout out today's sponsor Rocket! Awesome stuff, enages in the community and silliness (looking at you Remote Learning). Also, as a fellow educator, props. I'm still not on sumer break.

soap brands 9/30, post shave 9/30, frag 9/30, post/frag linked 9/30, software sponsors 6/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 7/15, brush hashtags 9/15, photo contest 9/30, daily challenges 8/26, special challenges 1/4

Player had a really interesting way of hitting one of the photo contest themes that is difficult to hit.

June 09, 2024 – LG24 Day 9 - Shave and a Haircut - Two Bits

• Brush: Ever-Ready 100 handle w/ 17mm Boar knot #HOLLOW #RUNT
• Razor: Eversharp Schick Injector Type G Variant 4 #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Blade: Schick Stainless Steel Injector (1)
• Lather: Zingari Man - The Master
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – The Master Recovery Splash
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Barbershop Solid Cologne

Daily Theme & Relevant Post/Frag: Barbershop scents bring back flashes of memory from my youth. It doesn't matter if it's a classic like Stirling Barbershop, a western twist like CF Ghost Town Barbershop, a spooky twist like SW Desairology, a dark and spicy twist like Zingari The Master, or the Crafter's Choice Barber Shoppe EO & FO Blend 123 found in countless soaps, I am transported back to the 60's sitting in our hometown barbershop doing my best to behave while my dad bonds with his friends over coffee. I've forgotten over 90% of the shit that I've encountered in my 61 years on planet earth, but my barbershop memories are tattooed on my brain.

Shawn Maher scents really "click" for me, so Zingari The Master was my choice for today's theme soap and relevant post. Wanting to keep the classic barbershop memory going throughout the day, I went with Stirling Barbershop solid cologne for my frag.

Shave: For being a miniature brush (by my standards) the Ever-Ready boar runt performed surprising well. Because of the lack of bristle volume in the runt, I had work overtime to get the lather properly hydrated. Luckily the Sego base was cooperative, and I eventually got the hydration where it needed to be. This was my first time using the Shick Injector blades (the ones that come in the yellow blister pack and made in China). Boy, am I impressed. I'm looking forward to seeing how they perform over the long haul.

Daily Challenge: Look at how great I am! A 100% score with 1:03 time remaining. Now here's the rest of the story: While trying to figure out how the quiz worked, I inadvertently selected start, panicked and immediately cancelled the quiz. To my surprise, all of the quiz results magically appeared on my screen! Being retired US Navy, where our unofficial motto was "If you ain't cheatin', you ain't tryin'" I quickly took snapshots of the screen and then contemplated what's next. I decided that I would test my typing skills and see how fast I could type the answers into the quiz. Well, it took my 4:57 to type in the 32 answers I had snapshotted. So, instead of me being an olfactory savant, I'm really a slow-typing cheater...

User cheated on the quiz, and then was honest about it. I was sincerely wondering how someone got them all. Now I know.

Also, can go back to user's KISS post. Missed handle destruction.

June 11, 2024 – 2024.06.11: Lather Games Day 11 – April Showers Bring May Flowers

• Brush: Stirling 31mm Zenith Boar #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Henson AL13+ #STAINLESSLESS
• Blade: Treet Falcon (1)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Rawr
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented with Menthol Witch Hazel & Aloe
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime

---

Daily Theme: April Showers Bring May Flowers

Theme justification: Noble Otter Rawr has been classified as a Spring Scent in the past. Plus, Dandelions are classic spring-time.

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Green. Everything in my setup has green. The Stirling Witch Hazel, the brush, and the SSL frag. In case there is any debate, witch hazel is an aftershave.

Side note with this theme: April showers did not bring May flowers for my area. Just more storms and tornadoes. Two massive tornadoes hit cities close by me. Thankfully there weren't many casualties, but there was a lot of damage. They're still recovering. May was rougher than normal.

---

Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: Treet Falcon is a Carbon Steel blade. Thanks to /u/onionmiasma for the blade.

Brush facts: The brush was made my Zenith, who make their brushes in Italy.

---

Daily/Special Challenge: Color Coordinated

My pic was my SOTD Pic listed above, but I'll include it here for posterity: photo

I'm the first one to admit that I'm not great at color coordination (or any coordination, really). That's why I reached out to my boss for confirmation. She has a degree in interior design, and she stated that the items in today's shave (save for the brush that I forgot) are color coordinated.. I took the photo in front of a bush in my garden, and it even matched the theme. I'm not a good photographer, but I think it looks pretty decent.

I know she's not reading this, but I'm very for my boss. She's the reason I haven't left my current role. If she wasn't there I would've taken a job in NC about a year and a half ago.

---

Fragrance description

Rawr caught me off guard. It's the first time I've used it, and it was extremely pleasant. It's a light scent, grassy scent to my nose.

Sea Spice Lime is one of my favorites. I'm very grateful that the scent does not attract bees to me. The scent description of ocean water with lime is spot on. I went to Curacao this past spring and if I had added lime to the ocean water it would've been like wading in a giant vat of SSL.

---

Now onto the shave!

I'll be honest, I was worried about the Treet blade. So I decided to use my Henson. I have to say, it was actually quite nice. It won't replace my Wizamets, but it is far superior to Treet Black Beauty blades. I got a nice shave with no issues whatsoever.

---

Sponsor Spotlight

Yates manufactured my favorite razor: Aylsworth Drakkant. That makes them a winner in my books.

---

Totals:

• Razor Hashtags: 9/10
• Brush Hashtags: 8/10
• Hardware Sponsor Points: 2/2
• Software Sponsor Points: 8/16
• Number of Lather Brands: 11/30
• Number of Lather Scents: 11/30
• Number of Post Shaves: 11/30
• Number of Frags: 11/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

One of the better photos I saw for the challenge, coordinated all the things, and didn't miss the fragrance.

Jun. 11, 2024 - matchy matchy?
Brush: Maggard Razors Blue Resin 2-band Badger
Razor: Thomas Turner & Co Cutlers To His Majesty 6/8 quarter hollow square point * Lather: Declaration Grooming - After The Rain - Soap
Post Shave:* Declaration Grooming - After The Rain - Aftershave

April showers, May flowers. Ok, but we’re in June already so what the hell?!

Sometimes I love this scent but not always. Today is one of those days where the petrichor notes just ain’t doing it for me. But shaving on theme is the point of this exercise, so there you go. I spent a lot of time re-doing the edge on this razor and finally I’m getting some good results.

I think my photo is quite well coordinated with blues/purples and their complimentary yellow for the tape on the labels and scales of this very old piece of steel.

User's photo looks great.

June 11, 2024

• Brush: Oumo - Pandora SHD - 28mm Badger #SHD
• Razor: Gillette - Aristocrat Adjustable
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Alive Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Alive Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Alive EdP

"The outlook wasn't brilliant for the Mudville nine that day:
The score stood four to two, with but one inning more to play,
…
They thought, 'If only Casey could but get a whack at that—
We'd put up even money now, with Casey at the bat.'"

Ahhh… Spring. Despite all the pollen and having seasonal allergies, it’s my favorite time of year. The days get longer, the weather gets warmer, and the true sign of spring arrives: Baseball. There’s nothing like it. I get that the popularity of the sport is steadily decreasing and some people say it’s boring. But, to me, it’s perfect. There’s nothing like it. It's the same game that's been played for over 150 years. There's something special about it's relaxing pace, stellar atmosphere, and the fact that even the best players will fail 7 out of 10 times. Anything can happen in baseball. And in 1888, Ernest L. Thayer wrote the quintessential baseball poem “Casey at the Bat” in Worcester, Massachusetts. Telling the story of the Mudville baseball team, and their star player, Casey, as he comes up to the plate with the game on the line. I won’t ruin the ending for you, but give it a read or let James Earl Jones read it to you. It’s a wonderful piece of American literature and one of my twins toddlers’ favorite bedtime stories.

And since it was written in Worcester, Massachusetts, the AAA baseball team in Worcester – The Worcester Red Sox - have a statue of Casey at their ballpark to commemorate the poem being written there.

And I’ll give you one guess as to why I’m telling you this story....

If you didn’t guess that I’m shaving with Casey, then you haven’t been paying attention to how I operate. So yes, I packed up my mobile shave den and headed to Polar Park, home to the Worcester Red Sox, and went to Centerfield, where the statue of Casey sits.

Fortunately for me, there is a bench right next to the oversized Casey statue. Unfortunately for me, they are doing construction directly across the street from the statue, so there is a construction crew with a boom lift truck doing work 20 ft away from MY shaving space. The nerve… Usually shaving is my time to be at peace with myself, but with these guys hammering, loudly talking, and staring at me, it gets a little uncomfortable. As I started to load from the tub, one of the workers came over and told me he was the “site’s safety officer” and that I could sit here, but he was gonna stand here to ensure the crew was aware of me sitting on the bench. Ummmm… Sure thing bro-ski. If you wanna watch a guy shave, say the word and I’ll send a whole WetTuber SOTD thread to you. The whole interaction was weird and honestly a little tense. He clearly didn’t want me there, but also couldn’t really ask me to leave, since I was on the opposite side of the street from him and his crew.

A lesser Lather Games contestant would have packed it in at that point, but I had already put quarters in the meter, so I wasn’t about to let that $1.50 go to waste. With the added pressure of a “safety officer” looming over me, I rushed to build a bad looking, yet effective, slurry lather like u/sgrdddy taught us. I never want to be a bother to anyone when shaving in public, and this guy was not excited about my presence, so I didn’t take the time to build a spectacular lather. (Sidenote - I’m starting to think that maybe bowl lathering is the way to go for these mobile shaves. Especially when speed is of the essence. But I digress….)

I shaved without issue with Alive, splash on Alive, then sprayed on Alive, packed up my stuff, and said goodbye to my new safety officer friend as he pretended to not pay attention to me.

What a day to be Alive! Happy Spring to all!

Challenge: Color coordinated. Such green niceness! Looking at a lot of the pics today, I missed the memo about using grass as a background.

For #FOF, Alive is one of my favorite fragrances in this hobby and it screams Spring to me, so using an Alive trifecta was a no-brainer today. The green apple right on top of the fragrance gives it a fresh brightness, and then basil and bergamot add a little spice to it. Mix in some florals, then it sits on a deliciously woody and musky base that lasts for the rest of the day. This is the perfect scent for a shave at the ballpark!

Soap Theme Justification: Did you know Alive is a Spring Chypre in its original conception? I found that out thanks to u/USS-SpongeBob.

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Trickhole. It’s all relevant.

Player shaves in a local (?) baseball park after doing a great job of tying Spring to baseball and sharing a fun poem "Casey at the Bat"

don't hate the scruba hate the game

• Lather: no scrub x red house farm - no scrub soap
• Brush: Gillette standard 19mm boar 
• Razor: Schick injector
• Post shave: random baby cream because it pisses off u/visceralwatch 

Theme: lavender is apparently flower Challenge: pale/cream/whites

When I first didn't play lather games challenges were hard, and so was I. Now maybe if I'd used the little blue pill I'd be still be hard (if symptoms last more than 4 hours see a doctor), but I didn't. Instead I stacked challenges with an old favourite alongside this boring one.

Edit: forgot to add that there's a special and totally officially endorsed no scrubs exclusive discount at barrister and mann. Thanks to u/bostonphototourist for joining in with the no scrub award and u/jeffm54321 for alerting me to it.

And also I did a playlist for yesterday - it's in the DQT

NOSCRUBS discount code at B&M

Jun. 11, 2024 - Easy Peasy

• Prep: Shower, Baxter Shave Tonic
• Brush: AP Shave Co. G5A
• Razor: Henson AL13 Mild
• Blade: Personna Platinum (1)
• Lather: Black Ship Grooming - Classic
• Post Shave: Old Spice (Indian)

I'll be honest. Some of these days I'm stretching a bit (but still should get points) but today there's no need. Florals prominently in the scent? Check the Old Spice scent list. It's like floral heaven. Probably would have called it Old Floral. Just so there's not too much effort in award me the point as I know the judges have a lot of work to do (especially since they're still teaching u/OnionMiasma how to read) here's the flowers: Carnation, Geranium, Heliotrop, Jasmine. Floral as fuck.

Player take a tip from watching Judge Judy and taunts a judge.

June 11, 2024 - April Showers Bring Dandelions

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive 31mm Moar Boar #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Razorock Eco Hulk Green #RAINBOW
• Blade: Crown Stainless SE
• Lather: Noble Otter - Rawr
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Rawr Splash
• Fragrance: Noble Otter - Rawr EdP

FOF

Today’s Theme and Feats of Fragrance:

Combining my FOF with the theme. I think today Rawr is going to be most used because this Noble Otter is the King of Spring. It is a tribute to fatherhood, and Father’s Day is one of the last holidays of the Spring before the solstice. The scent leads with the grassiness of dandelion and happiness. Rawr is a delightful scent that to me makes me feel like I’m taking my daughter for a walk on a beautiful Spring morning. She’s picking the dandelions that have gone to seed and making a wish blowing the seeds into the air, delighting in how they slowly float away. The orange scent reminds me of playing soccer in the Spring season. Oranges were always a big part of Youth Soccer when I was a kid. We had two seasons of soccer in my town one in Spring and the other in the Fall. Rawr feels more like the Spring season with the bright sun and days getting longer. Fall would be more like apples and burning leaves. Rawr is one of my favorite Spring scents, but I’ll use it anytime when I want to feel like a kid and also a father. I picked up the EdP not too long ago while buying some refills for Rawr and Barrbarr. Honestly trying to keep trick-holes to a minimum, but Rawr I will always want to load up the scent.

Rawr is a great Spring scent, and it is one of the first Google responses to best shaving scents for Spring.

Today’s Challenge:

Everythings Gone Green

Today’s Shave:

Ok, we all know Noble Otter makes great stuff: soap, splash, and EdP. Definitely no complaints there. The Moar Boar is a fantastic brush. Top marks again. The razor and blade are not good at all. Really half DE blades lose the rigidity you can achieve by bending the blade when clamping it down. Secondly, if the could achieve a little rigidity in how it is clamped, that isn’t done here. It is held pretty flat. Third, there is a ridiculous amount of blade in front of the cap. I think I feel the blade more here than on many Weck shaves. You’d think at least it should give a close shave, but I can’t find a great angle with it. The best thing about the razor is the color Hulk green. The shape looks good; it’s like the love child of DE razor and an Injector. There must be a better way to get a razor in this form factor. Yes, the Hawk uses AC blades. Maybe they could make one with a DE head, but with the cap covering over one side. You’d use it for several shaves, then flip the blade around. It could look like a modern take on a GEM 1912.

User nails photo and theming with Rawr with the small addition of a Lego minifig in a triceratops costume.

June 11, 2024 – LG 11: Spring Showers Bring May Flowers

• Brush: Maggard Razors Purple Swirl Resin 24mm 2 Band Fan
• Razor: English Gillette Tech
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel #STAINLESSLESS (4)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Lavender
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Champs de Lavande
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Lavender

I want that purple stuff Reserve Lavender was the culprit to really lead me down the artisan wetshaving rabbit hole, and BM remains one of my favorite brands to this day. Lavender is also a flower, check mate theme.

Today, not only was #PHOTOCONTEST (hobbies) a purple explosion, I opted to take it several steps further. Sound on, Here’s me contemplating today’s choices. I opted to add some ube extract to make purple lather. Photos don’t do the color justice. Hopefully, these showcase better, insofar as staining the brush a neon purple/pink. As for my face, legit a bit willy Wonka. Good thing I don’t give a speech at work for graduation in a couple days…

For our #FOF BM lavender is a crisp, clean, and a smooth take on lavender. Its a recreation of Caldey Island Lavender, which I haven’t tried but is an AS hailing from Wales (where I will be in a couple weeks!). It is safe and sophisticated, classy and suave. It is not really spicy. It smells strikingly similar to the actual plant. As for Champs, its is way darker, grittier, and potent. Herbaceous and medicinal. there is an herbal eucalyptus quality too it that might turn some off, but I enjoy. Its peppery and spicy, but grounded in earthiness as it mellows.

As for today’s sponsor Yates, I had the pleasure of winning a custom razor from them last LG, and it is a favorite in my rotation. Custom LG engraving on the bottom, top cap. I was intending to use it today, but the bead blast titanium didn’t match the silver of the BM frag bottle as well as the Gillette, cest la vie.

soap brands 11/30, post shave 11/30, frag 11/30, post/frag linked 11/30, software sponsors 8/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 8/15, brush hashtags 9/15, photo contest 11/30, daily challenges 9/26, special challenges 2/4

User colours lather for colour coordination purposes accidentally colouring brush and face in the process.

LG SOTD 12Jun2024 * Brush: Yaqi Mountain Lake - 24mm arctic synthetic * Razor: Henson - Ti22 Medium * Blade: Personna - Viking’s Sword (1) * Blade: Rise - Classic (1) * Lather: Taylor of Old Bond Street - Peppermint Shaving Cream * Bowl: CaYuen - Dark Nebula, large * Post Shave: Afta by Mennen - Aftershave Lotion, Original

Happy humpin hump day! Welcome to the twelfth shave of the 2024 Lather Games. Today's theme is “CREAM” where we shave with a shaving cream versus a proper shaving soap.

I’m not a fan of shaving creams, there’s something visceral and pleasing in my brush loading routine. If I can’t brush load, I don’t want to use it (c.f. my Milksteak antipathy). While trying soaps out, scoop away, but when I get a tub, I want to rub my brush on that 😅. That said, I like trying stuff and I’m looking to upgrade the next generation ALL YOUR BASE PIFs so I bought a tub of TOBS Peppermint Shaving Cream from Maggard though the only time I am likely to use it is Lather Games.

Using my Yaqui Mountain Lake brush set with a 24mm arctic knot. This is another misfit brush for me, knot is too soft but it is purdy and fits the peppermint theme. Fibers might be a different dye job as timber wolf but not certain.

——

Before the shave report, time for a tour of the den.

• Overview

I have claimed the right side of our main floor bathroom. The top shelf was installed just about three years ago in July 2021 after the June software explosion. The shelving beside the sink that I am using as makeshift a soap caddy has been in the bathroom long term but I claimed the top to make the double row of soap tubs same time in 2021 (expanded to the entire top in fall 2022, used to be some of my daughter’s stuff and I used to have less soap). The middle is modular shave shelving from WetShavingBySteve, an Etsy seller, and was added at the beginning of 2024 and GREATLY reduced the shelf chaos.

• The high shelf

To the far left are the post shaves. Hanging on the left (cropped out of the picture, but visible on the overview), is a golf club cleaning microfiber. Works great for wiping off the copper and brass after use so they don’t water spot.

Moving to the right is the paper towel where I lay any blades to be used again. Got some overflow tubs and the larger sized samples. Then it’s the stainless steel Williams and Sonoma 1/4 teaspoon that I permanently borrowed from the kitchen for scooping samples.

At last, it’s the three horsemen, my favorite razors (that’s why I give them fancy stands, so they know they are better than the other razors 😀). And at the far right edge is the Feather blade bank and today’s Tournament of Blades contestants (with the U.S. Virgin Islands quarter that calls the starting blade).

• The Low Shelf

There are seven brushes in the modular WSBS shelving, one for each day of the week and my favorite seven of the complete brush pool. When I’m not being a flagrant shaving degenerate and showing off every minuscule detail of my shaves, I just follow the daily rotation (starts with the AP Shave on Monday at the right and moves to the left, finishing on Sunday with the Yaqi Caramel).

In the middle of the brushes is an area for whatever three other razors I’m giving some degree of attention to.

At the far left of the lower shelf of the modular shelving is the D-plate for the copper Karve CB. There’s the Lady Gillette I used on WetTuber day. And if you zoom in, at the rightmost bin is a restored 1920s Gillette blade box holding blades for upcoming ToB fights.

Below that on some metal bathroom shelving are double rows of soap tubs. I like this setup because I can get to whatever soap I want easily.

Last, resting on the tubs below the modular shelving is the box of samples.

That is the IN the den tour. But, I wouldn’t be a true shave degenerate if that was everything. The stuff I maybe sometimes use lives in the bin of misfit shave goods. If you want a quick look at it all, see my comment to this post.

And no tour of my den would be complete without showing you what 1700+ blades in several dozen types looks like.

——

Now, the shave report. Shaving creams are not something I understand - I save maybe two minutes with a cream versus a soap and that’s not enough for what I give up. I suppose if you find lathering soaps just a little too much they have their place because the next step down for effort is canned goo.

This cream is scented with peppermint oil and it smells fantastic off the puck, being lathered, and during the shave - the good part. You can feel the tingle of the peppermint oil on the skin. Worked up quickly, was sufficiently lubricating, but residual slickness was poor. Not great at holding water. Post shave is decent. The essential oil based peppermint scent was gone by the time my face had fully dried.

TL;DNR: I’d used TOBS a couple of years back and today’s revisit did nothing to change my mind.

Enjoy your day!

User makes long post and remarks "too long, do not resuscitate"

LG Day 12- Cream

• Brush: Leavitt & Pierce 22mm Silvertip
• Razor: Merkur 37C
• Blade: Rapira Platinum Lux (5)
• Lather: Musgo Real Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Proraso - Menthol & Eucalyptus splash
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Unscented AS balm

Woke up this morning and took a look at the calendar reminder on my phone that said today is Cream Day. Immediately, the musical jukebox in my head fired up and pingponged from here to here to here. Once I settled on a song, it was time for a shave. I've got a few cream options in the den, but Musgo won out. Throw in the 37C and a badger brush and it's 2008 for me all over again. Musgo is now wildly overpriced, but it's in the den for nostalgia purposes. For me, it still works like a charm. And while I think they reformulated the scent in the last several years, it still smells great to my nose.

Want to see my shave of the day and want to see what else I have stuffed into my house shaving-wise? Well, here's your opportunity to get a glimpse behind the curtain of loudmusicboy's shaving life via a den tour.

Try to enjoy your day and remember to be kind to one another.

OP gives video tour of entire house, increasingly small New England bathrooms, all manner of nooks, and clandestine products hoarded in medicine cabinets. Shows off sick music posters and cute pets that did not give permission to be on camera.

June 12, 2024 – 2024.06.12: Lather Games Day 12 – CREAM

• Brush: Shave Forge Horsehair, 20mm #HORSESASS #HOLLOW
• Razor: GEM 1912 #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Harry’s – Shave Cream
• Post Shave: Proraso – Menthol and Eucalyptus
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Every Storm A Serenade

---

Daily Theme: CREAM

Theme justification: Harry's Shaving Cream for Men is listed as a shaving cream. The tube is also clearly labeled as a cream.

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Today's matching theme is Eucalyptus (otherwise known as the plant that koalas eat). All elements incorporate eucalyptus into their products. The Harry's Shaving Cream is made with "aloe and eucalyptus"(it's also listed on the tube), the Proraso Aftershave is with Eucalyptus & Menthol, and Imaginary Authors' Every Storm a Serenade has a note of eucalyptus as well.

---

Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: This GEM 1912, which was provided on loan by /u/EldrormR, has a patina. I did my best to capture it: here, here, and here.

Brush facts: This brush, loaned by /u/OnionMiasma, is made of horse hair and has a hollow handle. It is the same brush he used here. A judge wouldn't lie about the brush characteristics, would they?

---

Daily/Special Challenge: Den Tour Day.

All I ask today is that you do not judge me on the messiness of my den/bathroom. Also, my cat wanted to take part in the den tour. I am willing to answer any questions related to my cat.

Here you have the right side of my counter. Encounter #1 with the cat. He was very interested in what I was doing. I keep all my brushes & razors up here because I have not found a good storage solution for them. I'm open to suggestions. My toothbrush also lives nested in the warm embrace of the brush forest, as does my CaYuen bowl. To the left of the sink is my organization tray. It has some of my most used items. My frags also live on this side, along with most of my lotions, because I haven't found a better place for them yet. The items on my HoM x Lancaster towel just haven't found a home yet either.

Here is the drawer on the right side. It has a few soaps and some miscellaneous items. It also has my blade bank. Under that drawer, we have a cabinet that I've installed two pullout drawers in. On the top we have my soap, and on the bottom we mostly have my aftershaves. The bottom does have my Stirling samples as well. I will say I greatly prefer the top drawer. It is much smoother and feels higher quality. Plus, I think it looks nicer. There are some boxes on each side of the drawers that have various items in them. The ones on top are filled with samples (one for smushes the other for actual sample products), while on bottom we have smush making items.

On the left side, the top drawer has my floss, hair stuff, and my sample frags. The cabinet below is a hodgepodge of items... Cat! What are you doing? You don't belong there! Come one, get out. Don't give me that look. I know you like drawers, but I don't want to be in a position where I have to tell a vet that you at a razor blade. Great, now that he's gone we can continue.

The top is mostly blades and boxes, while the bottom is a lot of bath soap and other miscellaneous items (like drop kits, travel razors, canned goo, and other various items I don't really use any more). This side really needs more organization. Next time I go to a place with a Daiso I'm buying some more organization items. The box I bought for my blades is perfect, and the stand on my countertop is nice too.

So thanks for taking a tour of my ~~crib~~ den. See you next year.

---

Fragrance description

The Harry's cream was so bad that it's not even worth mentioning in this section.

The Proraso lived up to its name and smelled like eucalyptus. Good on you, Proraso.

As for Every Storm a Serenade, the main note I'm getting is spruce and a bit of vetiver. I, unfortunately, do not get the any sense of storm or west coast of Denmark. Nor any sea notes. Not bad, but a bit different that I expected.

---

Now onto the shave!

Overall the shave was decent. I probably wasn't supposed to use a brush for the cream, but I did anyway. I mean, it doesn't say not to use a brush. The cream smelled horrible, but provided enough slickness to shave with the 1912. Result was a decent enough shave that was presentable without murdering my face.

I'll call it a win.

Finished up the morning by making some eggs, the Kenji way.. I prefer my scrambled eggs on the harder side, and this method worked great for that. They were still moist and delicious.

---

Sponsor Spotlight

House of Mammoth (/u/MammothBen). What can really be said. Active in the community while making great stuff. Him and Vida make a great team, and I've never been disappointed in a HoM product.

---

Totals:

• Razor Hashtags: 10/10
• Brush Hashtags: 10/10
• Hardware Sponsor Points: 2/2
• Software Sponsor Points: 8/16
• Number of Lather Brands: 12/30
• Number of Lather Scents: 12/30
• Number of Post Shaves: 12/30
• Number of Frags: 12/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

Detailed tour that really let's OP's cat shine.

June 12, 2024

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps - Berwyn Handle - 26mm APShave Co Gelousy Badger
• Razor: Wolfman WR2 – 1.15 Gap
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Moon Soaps - Amaretto Speciale Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Moon Soaps - Amaretto Speciale Splash
• Fragrance: Pearlescent Parfums - Baklava Extrait

For today’s shave, we’re all using creams. Which are a different consistency than soaps – on the product description for this cream, Moon Soaps says: “This formula is a very soft cream comparable to the consistency of room-temperature butter” and they are absolutely right. But don’t spread this butter on toast, despite the delicious smell! And this smell is awesomely delicious. For the uninitiated, Moon Soaps is one of the most unique artisans in that they have several different soap bases across their line-up – pretty much every scent has its own base. Which can be frustratingly confusing when you like one-scent they offer, but prefer the base of a different scent. Anyway, that’s how they do it and it works for them and they are the only artisan (that I know of) that operates like that.

I don’t have any wacky shavanigans planned for today, so I’m focusing my effort on a great #FOF write-up. Today’s shave was the perfect shave for The Gourmand King (me). It was sweeter than a trip to Willy Wonky’s Factory. Can you get Type II Diabetes from a shave? We’re about to find out!

Starting with the Amaretto Speciale Shaving Cream. My bathroom was transformed into the bakery section of Willy Wonky’s Factory. I loaded my brush into the creamy goodness and was immediately hit with a whiff of sweet almonds and cherries. Lathering up almost felt like spreading sweet marzipan over my face. I half-expected a team of tiny Oompa Loompa’s to emerge and start decorating my cheeks with frosting swirls and sprinkles. Then, if the shaving cream was an Oompa Loompa’s dream, the matching splash was a delicious river of almonds and cherries cutting through land of sweets. I slapped it on, and BOOM—my face was engulfed in a wave of sweet delight. The splash almost had a warming effect, like a cozy blanket of almond and cherries, soothing my freshly shaven skin while making me smell like Little Debbie’s Dad.

To top off this sugar-fueled journey, I used Pearlescent Parfums’ Baklava Extrait. One spray, and I was back to the Willy’s bakery! The scent of the extrait surrounded me with by layers of flaky pastry, dripping with honey and pistachio. The scent was rich and decadent, perfectly complementing the almond notes from the soap and splash. I felt like a walking dessert tray, ready to tempt anyone within smelling distance.

Today's shave was a sugar-coated extravaganza! From the sweet embrace of Amaretto Speciale to the buttery goodness of Baklava, this shave was a Confectionery Circus and I was the Ringmaster.

Oh, and that line about no wacky shavanigans was a lie.

This lather smelled so sweet, and I had a Chocolate Eclair Cream Pie that was missing something...

I couldn’t help myself but to put a little bit of lather on top of the pie and ate it.

Was gross. Don’t recommend. Lather is for shaving. Not for human consumption.

Challenge: Den Tour Time! Last year, I made sure I included my feet in every picture for u/J33pGuy13’s pleasure, and felt dirty afterwards, so I’m playing it straight this year. If no feet in the pics costs me the victory this year, I’ll be kicking myself (with these sexy tootsies of mine).

First off: Full sets of soaps and splashes live in organizers under the futon in my home office.

Coffee scented soaps/splashes get their own little tub

Brushes go on a on spinner organizer thing

Razors on the windowsill

Two plastic tubs for fragrances

I keep the little things in organizers in an antique Table Talk Pie Crate

Soap Samples

Splash Samples

Blades

Straights

Misc handles (some I’ve turned myself) and knots

And finally…

Two toolboxes of soaps/splashes that are not part of sets – Also the top top of the toolbox has blades, different baseplates, and stickers, which I’ve been meaning to stick to the box, but haven’t gotten around to it yet.

I’m REALLY trying to stop buying soaps and splashes unless it’s something special. I’ve been getting more into the fragrance side of things because (1) I have enough soaps to last forever and (2) the scent of the fragrances last for so much longer so I can enjoy the scents throughout the day. It’s science.

Soap Theme Justification: Amaretto Speciale Shaving Cream. It’s right there in the name.

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Deliously gourmand, almond scented Soap, Splash, and Fragrance. Yum!

Player eats boston cream pie with Amaretto Speciale lather on top. "Smells great, tastes horrible."

DAY 12 LATHER GAMES! CREAMY CREAM CREMMITY CREME!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Simpson - Trafalgar T3
• Razor: Razorock - Game Changer 1.05
• Blade: Nacet
• Lather: Speick cream
• Post Shave: Brut - Oceana
• Fragrance: Krizia - Krizia Uomo

So I have a video for you today, BUT, before you watch it, I advise you read the text first, because the video will come naturally after the needed forplay is given.

Right, cream day, I already creamed myself seeing u/Priusaurus swallow that load on video, but I had still not shaven.

Many thoughts came through my mind, what should be MY theme of the day, and how can I spice things up? After some many hours of struggling my two brain cells to produce something I figured it out!

What is the thing that keeps mankind to fall behind on it's true potential as a species? You guessed it, McDonald's! Not just McDonald's itself, but the ice CREAM machine. Yes, that dreadful apparatus that never works, failing to bring joy to people. So I thought, fuck McDonald's I'm gonna go there, to the 31(24/7) McDonald's on the highway, have my damn cheesburger and shave in the bathroom, so that the establishment may know what is a good CREAMY lather. And maybe then it might get inspiration to fix the damn machines...

Low and behold my dismay and upset, that even though I've been there before and it was possible to dine in, now it was only a drive-through. I cursed the heavens, and Priusaurus(cause it's fun and a running joke). There wasn't anything left to do, I tried asking the beautiful cashier if I could enter, my reasoning, and heavily implied how much this will change humanity for the better and speed up the colonisation of Mars! She didn't have none of it. Barely seeing the road, from the eyes that were filled with bitter tears of disappointment, I parked in the parking and decided that I don't take shit from anyone. I said I would shave at McDonald's and that's what I will do, the parking of McDonalds is still considered part of McDonald's.

When you really think about how many people pee and go №2 outside, the world is one giant toilet, so in the end I did in fact, shave at the toilets of McDonald's!

Now you can go and watch the short video!(BONUS: There's a cat in there)

DAILY CHALLENGE:

Here's another VIDEO.

This one should actually be funny and amusing. My travel den is still the case, but I give a small tour of the house and how FUCKED it is at the moment, due to LG. Not much else to share to be honest, if you didn't watch the first one, you shouldn't miss out on this one.

Daily Lather Themes: 12/30

• Daily Challenges: 11/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 9/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 2/2
• Software Vendor Points: 6/16
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 12/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 12/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 12/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 12/30

shaved outside a McDonalds

June 12, 2024 – Creamy Dreamy Evening

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (4)
• Lather: LEA – Classic Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Clubman
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal

Real great easy lather with a clean chilly scent. And the touch of mid-century modern design to my shave cave doesn’t hurt as well.

Speaking of shave cave, mine is just that. A subterranean escape (or possible hideout from those who may be listening, or judging) into a land of creamy dreams, that shave away the days worries while fortifying us for our work ahead. So it is only natural that alongside of my favorite artisanal soaps and splashes, next to my vintage razors and brushes, I place aspirational imagery and icons that inspire. Thank you, friends. Stallion’s Safe Space.

Cheers! And enjoy the shave between the blades.

Player has pictures of Airbud prominently displayed throughout his den.

June 12, 2024 – LG 12: CREAM

• Brush: Catwood Handcrafts Golden Nib 18mm Master Badger #SMOLL #RUNT #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Gillette Flare Tip Superspeed #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Blade: Person Platinum Chrome (7)
• Lather: St. James of London – Lavender and Geranium
• Post Shave: St. James of London – Lavender and Geranium
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann Lavender, Interrupted

Back to back lavender days, what a treat! The cream was actually a decent shave, but that also could be a more preferred razor/blade combo for me today. The AS gel is a bit weird consistency. For #FOF I would say the soap/AS gel are quite green takes on lavender, again reminiscent of the actual plant. The geranium gives it a bit more brightness due to its citrusy qualities. Lavender Interrupted is much different, and I get so much vanilla. The MdS accord that brings the funk in lavanille seems subdued by the sweetness of Lavender Interrupted. I’d wager this is both the tobacco and vanilla. There is the faintest spice but it is not intrusive. LI a sensual one for sure, strongly recommend.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST, opted for eyes today, because it matched the brush. Speaking of, the Atwood has gone through some LG iterations, but sadly not this year. It came in to play for the hashtags, sorry not sorry.

Today’s main event and challenge is the den tour. Always so fun. Here you go!. It seems like on of the videos embedded there isn’t working, so here it is by itself for a closer view.

Tried to get a better look at this developing patina, lots of green in the vertical lines. The human eye catches better than the camera. I also think people always think of brass (but I keep that karve CB looking pristine!), but nickel and silver can make cool patina too.

Oh, and that u/mammothben guy is pretty cool. Great products with $ going to great causes, and one of the most active artisans in our little r/wetshaving corner. His custom scent is easily the most coveted prize IMO for LG. #MAMMOTHMAFIA

soap brands 12/30, post shave 12/30, frag 12/30, post/frag linked 12/30, software sponsors 8/16, hardware sponsors 7/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 12/30, daily challenges 10/26, special challenges 2/4

Now THAT is a den. I'm considering showing this to Mrs. Mosquito; love the organization and I need to finally wrestle my collection into shape.

CREAM

• Brush: Wallygator - mystery vintage brush #SMOLL #RUNT
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable J1 #ADJUSTABLE #STAINLESSLESS
• Blade: Treet - Classic Double Edged Blade (2)
• Lather: Bevel - Shave Cream
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Ramblin' Man Aftershave Balm
• Fragrance: Creed - Himalaya

Daily Gratitude
Thanks to wallygator88 for the brush. Thanks to whoever sent me this blade with their smooshes, sorry I don't remember who. Thanks to my mom for buying this cream in my first shaving starter kit ever. Thanks to my grandma for buying the aftershave as my first non bevel shave product. Thanks to my dad for buying this razor from the antique shop with me after pho as my second razor ever! Thanks to the judges and fabulous people putting this whole thing together.

Daily Mistakes
Joining marching band, it sucks... again... I already went through this pain once and I hated it.

Daily Writeup
My whole body is sore. The knot fell out of the brush. The shave cream sucks. The aftershave and fragrance was nice though!

Daily Theme Points
This is indeed veeery CREEEEEEEEEAAMMMIIIIEEEEYYYY.

Daily Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance Points
For today's shave I went with some of my first products, my first lather, my 2nd aftershave, and a matching fragrance for that aftershave, actually the first fragrance that I ever tried because I tried it in a mall department store or something before I got into this whole thing lol. Also for matchy matchy I went with my slim which was my 2nd razor.

Daily Challenge
I have to stand up and take pictures? Man I'm too sore for this, but Lather Games doesn't give a fuck about my excuses. Here are the soaps (excluding arko because that's in the other picture and juniper reverie because that's at my dad's house) and here is my bottom mess of a drawer that was organized like 2 weeks ago before the lather games but now it looks like this, this is where I store my aftershaves, used fragrances, and razors (exluding stuff from yesterday because it's at my dad's and exluding my brassbird because it's over with blackland for inspection). The only brushes that are currently at this house are pictured in the reference photo for hashtags below.

Hardware Scavenger Hunt
This brush is definitely a #RUNT. I think it's #SMOLL but I don't know exactly how big that is and I don't have measuring stuff so up to you and this reference photo.

Photo Contest
Football! Or soccer or whatever the hell you call it. This is a jersey from the local Real Salt Lake soccer team that I have never seen in my life, I got this shirt for free from my school because I was a good student or something. I actually played soccer in like 2nd grade, didn't really play it because my mom forgot about every practice lol.

TL;DR
My legs hurt, I win rookie of the year thank you very much give me my prize.

Side Contests

photocontest

ROTY

"Lather Games doesn't give a fuck about my excuses."

Truth.

Also, marching band++

June 12, 2024 - I'll show you mine since you showed me yours

• Brush: Prometheus Handcrafts w/ 26mm Oumo Motherlode
• Razor: Blackland Razors Vector (Lite)
• Blade: Schick Proline
• Lather: Proraso - Green Tea and Oat Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Two Kings
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - The Soft Lawn

This is one of the first lather products I ever bought, back when I started shaving my head. I almost immediately swapped it to soaps, but it worked ok today. Post Shave and frag are on theme for being fresh, clean, inoffensive scents to pair with the Proraso Green Tea scent. I really enjoyed smelling fresh and floral all day.

Shave went well. Got a good lather after really working the cream. This was the perfect brush for it. Started with way too much water so I had to really work the brush on my face to work out all the air bubbles. Anything stiffer and I definitely would've gotten some brush burn.

Den tour. Starting with most of the brushes, going to a lot of the splashes these really need some damn labels, next up is pic one and pic 2 of some generic storage, then you have the unofficial storage called the sink, and lastly the treasure trove of soaps. I hope you all enjoyed this foray into my great shame. In real talk, the vast majority of the hardware I own was purchased from you fantastic people, and I really appreciate how the community enables each other to try new things.

Today's photo contest theme is Hobbies. Please judge the photo in the title. My other big hobby is collecting slide rules. The one in the image is a pocket rule made by Pickett model number N600-ES. Astronauts on the original Apollo missions were kitted out with a model very very similar to this one so that they could double check rough calculations on the fly. I have talked before (and will again these Lather Games) about coaching the Calculator contest for the school where I teach, well a huge fun fact is that, for a very, very long time, Texas hosted a Slide Rule contest. Students would compete to do calculations as quickly and accurately as possible for nerd fame and glory. While I have plenty of Slide Rules that are just collectors items, I also have a whole set of plastic ones (like this), that I keep at school and use to host my own version of the defunct Texas contest with my students. The reward is still just nerd fame and glory, but at a smaller scale. #photocontest

dude collects slide rules

SOTD 2024-06-13 Dupelganger sounds a lot like a Wannabe

• Brush: Semogue 830
• Razor: Gillette Aristocrat Adjustable
• Blade: Dorco - Prime (3rd use)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Spice
• Post Shave: Thayers - Witch hazel toner (Unscented)

Yo I'll tell you what I want, what I really really want,
So tell me what you want, what you really really want,
I wanna (huh!), I wanna (huh!), I wanna (huh!), I wanna (huh!),
I wanna really really really wanna zigazig ah!

If you wannabe a wetshaver, you gotta know we're your friends,
Old Spice is forever, the dupes will never end.

User adapted a spice girls song that is not going to be stuck in people's heads for days.

June 13, 2024 – 2024.06.13 SOTD: Lather Games Day 13 – Dupelgänger

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Matte Black with 26mm UHD Independent Fibre Knot
• Razor: Aylsworth Drakkant
• Blade: Wizamet (1)
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. – AG 1889
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. – AG 1889
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Haverford

---

Daily Theme: Dupelgänger

Theme justification: Chicago Grooming Co. AG 1889 is "Inspired by Guerlain Jicky." It's a Jicky dupe

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: I'm continuing with the Dupelgänger theme. My AS is AG 1889 (same Jicky dupe as previously mentioned) and Stirling Haverford, a dupe of Tome Ford Tabacco Vanille

---

Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: N/A

Brush facts: N/A

---

Daily/Special Challenge: Draw a Soap Label

Behold! My masterpiece. Black on black; it's the best.

/u/chicagogroomingco, I am available for future label designs.

---

Fragrance description

AG 1889 - It's a Jicky dupe. With that, to me, it's the scent of a comforting old grandpa. Maybe it is because times change, but it's odd to think that of the fragrance Sean Connery wore that way. Maybe as times move on, our fragrance thoughts move too, you know?

As for Stirling Haverford, it's far too sweet for me. Way too much vanilla with not enough tobacco to cut the sweetness. Don't know if the real deal is like this too, but I have no interest in purchasing it after trying this.

---

Now onto the shave!

The shave was excellent. Darkwing is probably my favorite base currently. Extremely easy to lather, slick, and is great on the face. Definitely the best shave I've had this month. The Wiziment + Drakkant (along with the great lather) is a winning combination.

This shave definitely went better than David's ...

David stood in front of the bathroom mirror, his face freshly steamed from a hot towel. He reached for his badger-hair brush and dipped it into the luxurious shaving soap. As he lathered the soap into a rich, creamy foam, he felt a strange sensation wash over him, as if the room had suddenly grown colder.

He glanced up at his reflection and froze. The man in the mirror was him, yet not quite. There was a subtle difference in the eyes, a glint of something alien and unnerving. David blinked, trying to shake off the unease, and continued lathering his face.

With each stroke of the brush, the reflection seemed to gain more clarity, more definition, as if it were becoming more real than he was. David's hand trembled, and he accidentally dropped the brush into the sink. His reflection smirked.

"Careful," the mirror image said, its voice a perfect mimicry of David's, yet carrying an edge that sent shivers down his spine. "You wouldn't want to mess this up."

David stumbled back, the brush clattering in the sink. "What... who are you?"

The doppelganger in the mirror didn't answer. Instead, it picked up the straight razor David had laid out, running a finger along the blade. David felt an irresistible pull, as if invisible hands were dragging him forward. He struggled, but his feet moved of their own accord, carrying him toward the mirror.

The surface of the mirror rippled like water. David's hand passed through first, then his arm, and before he could scream, he was yanked entirely through, into a world of cold glass and shimmering reflections.

On the other side, David pounded against the barrier, his fists making no sound. He watched in horror as his reflection, now fully solid and independent, stepped out of the mirror and into his life.

"Thanks for the shave," the doppelganger said, stretching as if it had been confined for far too long. "I've been waiting for this moment."

David screamed, but no sound escaped the mirror realm. The world beyond was a distorted echo, a twisted version of his reality. He could see his doppelganger moving through his apartment, picking up his phone, calling his boss with his voice.

Days passed. David watched helplessly as the doppelganger slipped seamlessly into his life, charming his friends, excelling at his job, and even growing close to the woman David had been too shy to approach.

Time moved differently in the mirror realm. Each second felt like an eternity. David's initial panic gave way to despair, then to a burning determination. He studied the mirror, searching for any weakness, any way out.

One day, while the doppelganger was out, David noticed a tiny crack in the corner of the mirror. Hope surged within him. He pounded on the crack, willing it to grow. Slowly, painstakingly, it spread.

On the other side, the doppelganger seemed to sense something was wrong. It returned to the apartment, eyes narrowing as it saw the crack in the mirror. "You think you can escape?" it hissed.

David didn't respond. He poured all his strength into breaking the mirror, his knuckles bleeding against the glass. With a final, desperate punch, the mirror shattered.

The two worlds collided in a blinding flash of light. When the dust settled, David found himself back in his bathroom, shards of the broken mirror around him. His doppelganger was nowhere to be seen.

David looked at his reflection in the fragments. His own eyes stared back, tired but resolute. He was free. The nightmare was over.

He cleaned up the glass and stepped out into the world, determined to reclaim his life. As he walked away, he glanced back at the remnants of the mirror. For a moment, he thought he saw a shadow move, a hint of a smirk, but he shook it off.

David knew one thing for sure: he would never take his reflection for granted again.

 

Man, poor guy :(

---

Sponsor Spotlight

Dogwood Handcrafts makes some of the best handles in the business! I'm glad I was able to grab mine at a killer price thanks to an auction. I'll grab one of his Jurassic Park handles eventually.

---

Totals:

• Razor Hashtags: 10/10
• Brush Hashtags: 10/10
• Hardware Sponsor Points: 2/2
• Software Sponsor Points: 9/16
• Number of Lather Brands: 13/30
• Number of Lather Scents: 13/30
• Number of Post Shaves: 13/30
• Number of Frags: 13/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

OP (or AI, but I Want to Believe) tells a chilling tale.

June 13, 2024 - Thursday

• Brush: Envy Shave "Aluminati" / 26mm Maggard Razors SHD bulb
• Razor: Yates 921-H
• Blade: Astra SP (4)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Bash
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Bash splash
• Fragrance: Rogue Perfumery - Derviche 2 EdP

Stirling's Bash was a special edition commissioned by some wetshaving group that I can't recall (EDIT: It was South Florida Wet Shavers). It's a dupe of Grand Soir by Maison Francis Kurkdjian. Rod and Mandy were doling out samples at the Maggard meet up last year so that's where I procured them. It's a sweet ambery vanilla scent that is classy and sophisticated. The sweetness of Rogue's Derviche 2 goes quite nicely with it. I know it should be my day to shine with the daily challenge, but I just couldn't carve out any time to do one as of yet. Maybe I'll add it later.

EDIT: Wetshaving art album

wyze0ne wet shaving label compilation

Jun. 13, 2024 - doop el gang er
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts B11 Badger
Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome [5]
Lather: Oleo Soapworks - Excursion - Soap
Post Shave: Oleo Soapworks - Excursion - Aftershave
Fragrance: Chicago Grooming Co - Excursion EdP

A nice trifecta shave with a dupe of YSL la nuit de l’homme. I find this duck fat base to be so excellent. It has also been a minute since I used my blackbird Ti. Exceptional razor.

After shaving for a little while with straight razors now, many of them poorly honed (by me) it’s amazing how my bar has moved in that this razor intimidated me at first and now it almost feels mild by comparison. It’s like running with weights, I guess. Or like shaving with glass shards. Or something like that.

I love making shave labels. I love the opportunity to flaunt my most popular creation, despite its NSFW nature. I hope you all love it too! Always a good day to refresh this unobtanium.

Wood is seen in this photo both in the surface that the SOTD elements are sitting, and the trees that are yonder in the background. I also might have had wood while editing this pic.

#photocontest

User crams 4 sponsor points into single SOTD

2024-06-13 - Ozymandias

• Lather: Phoenix and Beau - Right-handed Giant
• Post Shave: Fabergé - Brut
• Fragrance: Murphy and McNeil - Green Man
• Razor: Bambaw Sea Green
• Brush: Yaqui Metal Timberwolf

Dupelgänger: Right-handed Giant is a dupe of Brut

Unifying Theme: Fougères, if you're boring.
Otherwise, a tale of a fallen, green, brutish giant.

Draw a Soap Label:
In past years (definitely last year, at least), there's been a complaint that players have only reproduced the existing label design for their soap. The intent, reportedly, was for players to create a new design instead.

However, because the wording of the challenge is unchanged, the only reasonable conclusion is that the intent of today's challenge reflects the prevailing interpretation, i.e. to draw the soap label as it exists rather than to design something new.
You have yourselves to blame for that, djudges.

I defy that decision! I have chosen to defy the intent of this challenge, and instead put my own twist on the design of Right-Handed Giant!

I don't know who or what the giant in question is supposed to be, but my brain is insistent—perhaps wrongly—that it's based on some mythological entity. I know that Green Man is supposed to be. I've taken the apparent despair from the original label, and tried to depict what I imagine him to be. Why the despair? Why right-handed? Here, once great, our fallen hero struggles to keep from rescinding into nothingness, the desperate fist of his right hand straining with what remains of his once-brutish strength as he slips away.

But I digress.

#FOF
Brut is nothing to write home about. Right-handed Giant, on the other hand, I think is an improvement over its predecessor. It has a layer of light top-notes hovering over a smooth, somewhat muted mossiness. What came to my mind is if you took Stirling's Varen and turned down the saturation dial. I like it quite a lot.
Brut is, again, nothing exceptional, and I felt unfortunate that it followed the more-pleasing Giant.
The green of Green Man leans more toward the lighter notes than the grassy core, but only slightly. Even so, the departure makes me think that this shave progressed backwards, getting further away from the part of the fougères that I appreciate most.

#photocontest Eyes
Even the giant is kind of horrified at the others.

Player gives great background on his re-interpretation of the Right Handed Giant Label

Day 13

• Brush: Boti 28mm Synthetic
• Razor: Gem G-Bar
• Blade: Gem PTFE
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Sellout Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co – Executive Man Splash
• Fragrance: Chicago Grooming Co – Gold Coast EdP

Alright, fellow shavers, it’s time to talk about something that’s been driving me up the slippery, lathered wall. Dupes. Yep, you heard me—those so-called “inspired by” scents that seem to have taken over damn near every shaving soap “artisan” in the hobby. And I, for one, am fed up with it. So, buckle up, because I need to rant on why I can't stand these dupes in my shaving soaps.

First Off, Where’s the Originality?

When I reach for a shaving soap, I want something that stands out, something unique. But no, instead, I’m bombarded with endless copies of popular fragrances. Aventus, Sauvage, Jicky, Acqua di Parma, BR540—you name it, there’s a dupe for it. It’s like walking into a concert expecting The Rolling Stones and getting a cover band that’s only good at playing Top 40 hits. Where’s the creativity? Where’s the soul? Why should my nose be subjected to a knock-off when it deserves the real deal?

Declaration Grooming Sellout, Stirling Soap Co. Executive Man, Chicago Grooming Co. Gold Coast—three different brands, and what do they have in common? They’re all cashing in on the DUPES! All three have the capability to create great, original scents, yet here we are! It’s a veritable invasion of clones! I don’t want to smell like something another company created. Something that all the bros at the club are wearing! I want something new and unique! I certainly don’t want to smell Aventus all day every day. STOP THE MADNESS!

And let’s not even start on the quality. Dupes might mimic the scent profile, but they often lack the depth and complexity of the originals. It’s like comparing a high-end steak to a fast-food burger. Sure, they’re both meat, but one is a rich, savory delight, and the other is a greasy, forgettable mess. When I’m paying good money for a shaving soap, I expect an experience, not a diluted shadow of a fragrance that was great to begin with.

What Happened to Tradition?

There’s something to be said for tradition in wet shaving. Classics like sandalwood, bay rum, and bergamot have stood the test of time for a reason. They’re timeless, they’re sophisticated, and they don’t pretend to be anything but what they are. These new-fangled dupes are just riding the coattails of popular fragrances instead of embracing the heritage of true shaving scents. It’s a slap in the face to the rich history of wetshaving, Old Spice, and the pirates who created Bay Rum!

And Another Thing…

Finally, let’s talk about the letdown. You get all excited about a new soap release, only to find out it’s just another dupe. Oh, sweet, my favorite artisan is releasing a new scent! Then, bam. It’s same old scent that’s been repackaged a zillion times by a dozen other soapmakers. It’s like unwrapping a gift only to find socks inside. Again. Sure, they’re useful, but where’s the excitement? Where’s the soul??

So, there you have it. My stand against the dupe epidemic plaguing our beloved wetshaving hobby. To the artisans out there: please, I beg you, stop the madness. Give us originality, give us quality, and give us the scents that make us want to shave every day. Because, at the end of the day, our faces—and our noses—deserve better than to be drowned in a sea of second-rate imitations. Stay unique, stay true, and let’s put an end to the reign of the dupes!

I gotta do the #FOF thing for products I just shit on. They actually do smell good, even if they aren’t original. Sellout and Executive Man are dupes of Aventus and Gold Coast is a dupe of BR540. I started with the pair of Aventus dupes which launch into fruity, sweet, leathery/woody vibes. It’s fresh and (if I’m being honest) does have a certain elegance to it. It’s a super popular fragrance for a reason. Then finishing off with Gold Coast (BR540) transforms the dynamic presence of Sellout/Executive Man into something almost otherworldly. It’s a sweet amber with a woody base. The resinous draw of Gold Coast weaved through the robust starting of Executive Man and Sellout, creating a seamless blend of fragrances that project beautifully off my skin.

For #photocontest: Steampunk

Challenge I do what I do best, fired up MSPaint, and recreated this original. It’s like I’m looking at the same picture.

iamhonestlylying’s Daily Top 5:

In honor of “Dupelganger”… The Top 5 Best Celebrity Alter Egos:

5.) Donald Glover/Childish Gambino – It’s like your mild-mannered buddy turning into a lyrical ninja at karaoke night

4.) Garth Brooks/Chris Gaines - The country music equivalent of Clark Kent putting on a wig and eyeliner.

3.) Prince/The Artist Formerly Known as Prince - It’s like an art exhibit where the title changes more often than the pieces.

2.) Miley Cyrus/Hannah Montana - Every teen's dream of having a double life without the hassle of a convincing disguise

1.) David Bowie/Ziggy Stardust - Like your quirky uncle showing up to Thanksgiving dressed as a cosmic rock god

Top 5 "celebrity dupes" was fun

no scrub detective agency case files day 13: the baffling brother-in-law of Batman Brady: the search for Los Dupe

• Razor: ruby adjustable

• Brush: MOAR

• Lather: Chicago grooming co. - AG1889

It was a cold and wet June morning. The rain spat like u/semaj3000 at Donny based Wednesday fans and out on the street the bin lorry was reversing. I'd forgotten to put the grey bin out again. It was this case. It'd been 13 days and I was still no closer to cracking the case than u/cowzilla3 was finishing the great spice off.

I stared at my reflection, skin pallid, eyelids droopy, lather dripping. I looked like u/j33pguy13 but handsome. If I didn't work it out soon I'd never find out the truth, and without the truth I'd be nothing but a scrub.

As I shaved I went over the facts.

I’d uncovered the so called batman Brady, the mountain man to Los Dupe’s Aventus, the prom king to his Le Male, but the man himself remained tantalisingly out of reach.

And what's worse was batman Brady was clearly worried about being sent to the great copyright infringement office in the sky and so after one single comment had said less than alg82’s points tally.

I had almost nothing. The well was drier than u/jeffm54321’s face after Osma, but I couldn't give up. The days theme relied on it.

I replayed the conversation in my head. over and over.

Time to lay out the facts.

• Last year's games - that rules out all ROTYs
• Brother in law - that rules out u/newtothethis
• Prize - that rules out last year's judges and alg82, artisans and u/enndeegee
• No mention of winner - could rule out u/priusaurus
• Has lots of brushes but won't share - could rule in Prius and his lather games trophy brush
• American spelling and phrasing - rules out the euro gang (except the expats)
• No mention of distance to brother in-law: rules out the expats
• No old spice dupes, that rules out u/cowzilla3

My mind twisted and turned, like one of u/bunnynator1001’s handles. There just wasn't enough info. Should I jump to assumptions, make an informed guess? I nearly nicked myself such was the distraction.

• No mention of burning desert heat. Did that rule out u/ginopono?
• No mention of sister being involved. That rules out u/ktturtlesue and u/onionmiasma
• I can't spell chrono so that rules him out.

I thought again as I rinsed my brush and razor under the hot tap and then as I looked up at my reflection on the steamed up mirror, the answer was there in front of me.

Los Dupe had already won

Private dick ndg is on the case of the undisclosed family relationship in the BatmanBrady tag team

June 13, 2024

• Brush: Yaqi – 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. – 40 Soap
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. – 40 Splash
• Fragrance: Chicago Grooming Co. – 40 EdT

Oscar Wilde said that imitation is the sincerest form of flattery. If that’s the case, the wetshaving world is VERY flattering to the fragrance world. Because dupes are everywhere.

But I can’t help but think of the classic Michael Keaton movie, Multipicity, when he makes a clone of himself, and the clone makes clone himself, who then clones himself and #4 ends up being a little slow. How they explain it is how I feel about most dupes: “You know how sometimes you make a copy of a copy… It’s not as sharp as the original…”. Dupes often don’t smell near the same as the original. Just ask u/cowzilla3.

And it can be unimaginative. I struggle to call people who just exclusively dump a preblended dupe into their soap "artisans". Sure, a dupe here and there is fun and ea$y, but if you aren’t making your own scents, at least sometimes, can you really call yourself an artisan?? What do you think? Sound off in the comments below! And it’s for this reason, I don’t have many dupes in my den. I find myself gravitating toward unique, original scents as I appreciate the artistry of those who create something new. All that being said, this dupe of 40 is Fucking Fabulous. No, like really, like, it’s so good, but it’s also based on the Tom Ford scent, Fucking Fabulous. And Vida makes damn good products, so this is so enjoyable to use.

And since 40 is a copy of a designer scent, and everyone is using copies of scents today, I figured it’d be appropriate to head to the copy machine at my office and have a nice copy shave there. This is even tougher than shaving in a park or restaurant, or Target bathroom, because I know these people! If I stranger sees me shaving on a bench, whatever. They think I’m a weirdo and go about their day. If someone I work with sees my shaving next to the copier, there’s no coming back from that. Plus, the copier is just kinda in the middle of the office, a stone’s throw away from a VP’s office. My best bet to avoid people would be going at like 5AM or staying well past working hours, but neither of those options seems appealing.

I honestly don’t know how I would explain this away if I get caught. There’s a perfectly functioning bathroom here. What excuse could I possibly have? The truth shall set you free. Explaining the Lather Games is the only way to go about this.

The copier sits directly behind the VP’s Admin Assistant, who we’ll call “Donna”. I start by telling her I’m doing an internet shaving competition and I’ve already lost her. Then I tell her I’m going to shave in front of the copy machine… And the look she gave me was a combination of bewilderment, surprise, and utter confusion. I tell her a bit more about The Lather Games and the hobby side of shaving, and end with “Don’t worry, I won’t make a mess and I’ll be done in 5 mins.” Donna doesn’t really know what to say, because (1) I doubt this topic was covered in her training manual and (2) it’s not like I report to her, so she can’t tell me NOT to shave in front of the copier. She’s not copier security. Plus, Donna is a real one. She just said “Just please make sure clean up when you’re done. [VP] will be really upset if something gets messed up there.”

I reassured her they wouldn’t even know I was ever there and looked at my shaving space for today. I sit down on the floor, get set up and begin to lather and then proceed to shave in front of the copy machine. Miraculously, no one came up to print or copy anything while I was using the space, so I only had to have that one conversation with Donna. Time will tell if she tells anyone about this. I’m considering this a test of Donna’s trustworthiness. I swear if I hear about this from my boss, I’m gonna know you’re a snitch, Donna!

My #FOF was somewhat uninspired, but still smelled amazing. Sure, trickholing a dupe isn’t exactly olfactory rocket surgery, but this scent is great. It’s rich leather and sweet vanilla, with lavender, sage and a slight hint of almond that says, "Yeah, I’m fabulous, and I know it." It has a really nice warmness to it, and one I really, really enjoy. It’s perfect for those days that I want to “just smell good”. Whether it be for a date out with the wife, an important work meeting, or attending a wedding. Every fragrance has its place in my den, and this one is for those times I want to smell Fucking Fabulous.

Challenge: I took my turn with my kids’ crayons and drew the 40 Label. I’m the worst artist in the world.

Soap Theme Justification: 40 is a dupe of Tom Ford’s Fucking Fabulous

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: 40 Trickhole

Office copier nook shave for Dupelganger day!

June 13, 2024 – Arkansas Eye-talian via Chicago

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Piacenza
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Shiloh

Starting out in this hobby I had no idea what a a dupe was. I was just tired of cartridges and started to find out how deep this rabbit hole went when shopping on Maggard for a nice affordable aftershave. Naturally as a thrifty guy I refined by sale and found Shiloh from Chicago Grooming for a nice deal. The rest was history, it’s what I generously splashed with for my first date with Mrs. Stallion, though she’s never been the biggest fan, and I’m still kicking myself for not splurging and buying a whole set of Colonia my last night in Rome at their store next to the Spanish steps. Two weeks in Italy and I was still intimidated by the luxury stores.

Going backwards I matched my lather to my aftershave. Stirlings works but once I’m done this sample I’ll have to pick up some of that good duck base from Vita.

I have a little tease in my SOTD shot of my challenge label today. Maybe like a good artisan and fragrancier, I paid homage to the Stirling packaging rather than straight dupe it. So for a little bit more jazz I took reference from another member of our wetshaving community u/wyze0ne. Thanks for the inspo and always great labels! I had a lot of fun making this. Enjoy!

OP nailed the daily challenge. Killer label drawing in the style of Wyz0ne.

June 13, 2024

• Brush: Aurora Grooming LG24 Synthetic ("Lux Emerald Green") #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Fatip Piccolo Slant Closed Comb
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (Green) (4)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Arkadia
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – Italian Citrus
• Fragrance: Oil Perfumery – Uomo Born In Roma

Stirling’s Arkadia imitates the scent of Terre d’Hermès. Citrus is a prominent note in TdH, so I paired the soap with Fine Accoutrements Italian Citrus aftershave. For the fragrance I used dupe of Valentino Uomo Born In Roma from Oil Perfumery. Haven't tried the actual Born in Roma fragrance, but based on the dupe it seems to be a light, fresh, and pleasing scent with aquatic as well as mineral-y notes. I like it enough to want a sample of the real thing to compare.

Daily Challenge: In yesterday’s SOTD I linked to a video that shows how to make shaving cream art. u/Enndeegee replied suggesting I create by own shaving cream art, and that if I don't Endeegee will “scrub” me (whatever that means). So earlier today I went about incorporating lather into an image of the Sterling Arkadia label.

It didn’t go well. Not that it started off badly. I got some art materials, then got my shaving materials, and proceeded to whip up a generous Arkadia lather using my custom Aurora Grooming LG24 synthetic. Next I spread the lather out on a plate and began painstakingly adding watercolor paint in an attempt to imitate the design of the label.

The way it works is you make a template out of shaving cream, and when it's ready you lay a piece of paper on top of the template to transfer the design. Like printmaking.

In the video I shared yesterday the shaving cream art is abstract, with swirly or wavy patters resembling colorfully marbled paper. Looking back I should’ve gone that route (the splattered paint backgrounds on some Declaration Grooming labels might’ve worked). When the design is abstract, it doesn’t matter if during the transfer process the image gets smudged or reversed (as it inevitably will be).

Like other Stirling labels, the Arkadia label is graphic design based, dominated by text and precisely detailed motifs. This proved more than I could handle.

I got this far. The text is too large, and obviously isn’t centered properly. By this point I was running out of time, so I decided to transfer the image to paper and just put a Sterling decal on the finished product. I had vision of a satisfying multimedia work.

Unfortunately, in the transfer process (NSFW) things really went south.

It looks like a cartoon chicken got run over.

Apologies to the good people Stirling. I love your products and won't misuse them again anytime soon.

#ROTY

Expectations vs Reality

June 13, 2024 – LG24 Day 13 - Dupelgänger

• Brush: Oumo Venus Red handle w/ 25mm SHD 5th Anniversary Gel Tip Badger fan knot
• Razor: Schick (Krona) Double Edge TTO Variant 2
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium (2)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Prom King
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – The Merchant Recovery Splash
• Fragrance: OriginLab - Inspired by Le Male Parfum

Daily Theme: Shaving software dups come in many shapes and forms. There are high-effort dups, low-effort dups, IP-stealing dups, and shit-bag dupers.

Prom King is an excellent example of a high-effort dup. SBS doesn't hide that this is a Jean Paul Gualtier Le Mâle dupe (its stated in the second paragraph of the soap's product page after all). Everything else, from the Prom King name, label artwork, product description, etc., maintains SBS branding continuity.

My frag is an example of a low-effort dup. The frag duper openly acknowledges that the scent was reverse-engineered in a lab, and riffs on a "generic" presentation via black lettering on a white background. The kicker is the scent's name: "Inspired by Le Male Parfum". It doesn't get much lower effort than that.

IP pirates are the scum of the earth, enough said. That leads us to the shit-bag dupers (here's looking at you A&E). To me, what separates respectable dupers and shit-bag dupers is transparency. Respectable dupers don't hide the origin of their scents. Shit-bag dupers insult our intelligence by claiming their scents are original. The only person these shit-baggers are fooling are themselves.

Relevant Post/Frag: Both soap and frag are dups of JPG Le Mâle. Le Mâle is aromatic, vanilla and spicy. I chose The Merchant as my post since vanilla and spices are two of its main accords. The Merchant is also aromatic, but in a deeper sort of way that I find very complimentary to the fresher aromatic found in Le Mâle.

Daily Challenge: I have ZERO artistic ability. My drawing effort for last year's challenge was pathetic. Here is the proof. My daughter, on the other hand, inherited her mother's artistic ability. I ~~bribed~~ encouraged her to lean into the "Inspired By" concept respectable dupers embrace and to make for me a drawing that pays homage to Prom King. She did a great job with the soap label drawing challenge. I'm a proud daddy!

Low-Effort u/Priusaurus Dup: Last games, reigning and defending LG Champion Prius innovated the now ubiquitous "10 Questions with..." interview series as part his LG SOTD write-ups. He is the original. u/tsrblke ~~riffed~~ duped the champ with a new installment of "~~10~~ 5 Questions with..." in his LG SOTD post today. The Tsar is a High-Effort Dupper because he acknowledges the original yet puts his own Tsarist creative spin on it! In collaboration with Tsar I too dup Prius' interview series, but ~~I couldn't be bothered~~ had ~~ummm~~ technical difficulties getting questions to Prius in a timely manner, so I interviewed the next best thing:

~~10~~ ~~5~~ 3 Questions with the Magic 8 Ball

Magic 8 Ball predates most of our community members. A little-known fact is that the Magic 8 Ball is a laboratory-created reverse-engineered duplication of Prius! You don't believe me? Wikipedia states it so it must be true!

1. You're from the Boston area. I spent some time in New England back in my US Navy days. Every New Englander I encountered were huge fans of Major League Baseball's Boston Red Sox. To prove that the Magic 8 Ball harnesses the essence of Prius, answer this question - Do the New York Yankees suck?

Yes definitely

2. One of the keys to your success in last year's games was having a Spite Shave War with u/MrTangerinesky. If I were to dupe you and start a spite shaveoff with another European, u/djundjila, would I have any chance of victory?

My reply is no

3. Last year you called your shot and proceeded to win the LG crown. Now you're the defending LG champ, and you dared anyone to come after your crown. We're now 13 days in the competition, do you still feel confident in repeating as LG Champ?

It is certain

Thank you, Magic 8 Ball, for taking the time to thoughtfully answering these challenging questions.

edits: typos and grammar

User hacks Wikipedia for lg glory and interviews a toy.

June 14, 2024 – 2024.06.14 SOTD: Lather Games Day 14 – Frigid Friday

• Brush: Paragon Shaving Black Synthetic 25mm in AP Shave Co. Blue & Clear handle
• Razor: Aylsworth Drakkant
• Blade: Wizamet (2)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Glacial Satsuma
• Fragrance: Simone Andreoli – Silver Marble

---

Daily Theme: Frigid Friday

Theme justification: Spearhead Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime contains a synthetic cooling agent.

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Today's unifying theme is COLD. The aftershave is Stirling Glacial Satsuma, which is loaded with menthol.The frag is Simone Andreoli Silver Marble, which is described as:

Drawing inspiration from the northern Kingdom of Niflheim, Silver Marble is an icy and crystalline composition of frozen citrus and aromatic juniper, snow-draped evergreens and frosted woods. A potent and invigorating scent, with glacial freshness, woody depth and cool elegance.

From Simone Andreoli:

An exquisite union of crisp, frozen citruses and juniper berry notes that shine like icicles in the sun. A medley of spruce and cypress needles meld with the freshness of arctic air, evoking the vast expanses of an icy tundra. Base notes of frozen woods and molecules envelope the senses like an unforgettable olfactory journey to the icy North, bringing to mind vast landscapes of snow-capped mountains and frosted fir trees.

This is about as cold as a fragrance can get.

---

Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: N/A

Brush facts: N/A

---

Daily/Special Challenge: Stacking Day

Behold! My masterpiece v2. It's not the best tower out there, but I think it is commendable.

Sadly, this challenge took a toll. In my first attempt, it fell. As a result, I (slightly) damaged one of my favorite razors.

Thankfully it wasn't worse.

---

Fragrance description

Sea Ice Lime and Stirling Satsuma are some of my favorite scents. SIL is the only tub I've killed. They fit well together, too. The citrus stands out even more over the salty ocean scent from SIL.

As for the frag, the description is pretty spot on. It smells like one of those winter mornings where you wake up, go outside, and take a deep breath of frozen air. It's nice.

---

Now onto the shave!

Well, this shave had prep that started last night. I took my fresh tub of SIL, and scooped some into my old lather bowl. I then decanted some Glacial Satsuma into a travel vial.

I then took the entire kit and placed it into the freezer

I took it all out this morning after my shower to shave. Everything was nice and frosted from its cold slumber.

Well, that's when I realized something. We need to make this a little colder, thankfully I have HoM Permafrost & Stirling Frost Drop. Let's add some of that instead of water. Well, not entirely, unfortunately. I did have to add a smidge of water, as the WS-23 & menthol just weren't producing a lather. The end result wasn't the best, but it was usable.

Spearhead's Highland base is great and produces a fantastic lather, so even with this sub-optimal lathering it was still slick. The worst part of this shave, though, was the frozen razor. Holding it was more challenging than dealing with the icicle that was on my face. I don't know if you guys know this, but stainless steel can get cold. Almost wish I had worn some mittens.

After I shaved, I used the cooled Glacial Satsuma splash. The added freezer time didn't really seem to have an impact on the splash. The added cooling agents to the soap, though, made the menthol in the splash less potent.

---

Totals:

• Razor Hashtags: 10/10
• Brush Hashtags: 10/10
• Hardware Sponsor Points: 2/2
• Software Sponsor Points: 10/16
• Number of Lather Brands: 14/30
• Number of Lather Scents: 14/30
• Number of Post Shaves: 14/30
• Number of Frags: 14/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

OP freezes all the things, should have worn mittens, and replaces (almost all of the) water with frost drops.

Day 14

• Brush: Yaqi - White 22mm – Badger
• Razor: Gillette Travel Tech
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving – Sea Ice Lime
• Post Shave: Captain’s Choice – Nor’ Easter Splash
• Fragrance: Issey Miyake - L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme EdT

Thanks u/Priusaurus for the smush!

Today I embarked on an epic, frostbitten journey that left me feeling as cool as than the other side of the pillow. Picture this: a battle of man versus menthol, where the stakes are high and feeling of ice is, well, everywhere.

First up: The Glacial Greeting

I kicked things off with Spearhead Shaving’s Sea Ice Lime. Just opening this little plastic baggy sent an arctic blast to my face. I swear I heard a polar bear whisper, “Good luck, buddy.” As I built the lather, the room temperature dropped by 10 degrees. The second that frosty foam hit my cheeks, it was like Santa’s sleigh crashed into my bathroom. The lime provided a refreshing twist, but the menthol—oh boy, the menthol! My face turned into an igloo faster than you can say “winter wonderland.”

Next stop: The Nor’easter Knockout

Next up, Captain’s Choice Nor’ Easter Splash. By now, I was already shivering, but hey, in for a penny, in for a frozen pound. I slapped on this splash and BAM! If the soap was a chilly breeze, the Nor’ Easter was a full-blown Arctic Circle hurricane. My skin went from chilly to “I can’t feel my face!” faster than an ice cube in a sauna. I’m pretty sure a snowman appeared in my mirror and gave me a thumbs up. The menthol was so intense, I half expected to see snowflakes forming on my stubble, while the amber, lavender, citrus scents signaled a thaw out was coming.

Finally: The Thaw Out

To finish up, I sprayed on Issey Miyake’s L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme. After surviving the menthol maelstrom, this was like finding a cozy cabin in the middle of a... Nor’ Easter. The crisp, aquatic notes were a gentle reminder that my face wasn’t actually stuck in the freezer, and the citrus notes tied the whole #FOF experience together. As I spritzed it on, I could feel my face slowly thawing out, like a snowman basking in the first rays of spring sunshine, finally escaping the cold. The woody base notes provided a comforting warmth, wrapping up this frosty adventure.

Today's shave was more than just shaving; it was a frosty rollercoaster ride through a winter wonderland. My face went on an adventure from the North Pole and back, emerging smoother than an ice rink and fresher than a peppermint snowflake.

Challenge Goddammit. A stacking challenge the day I’m using sample sizes and smush. What is this? A stack for ants? The stack has to be at least three times bigger than this!

My #photocontest theme is: Baseball

iamhonestlylying’s Daily Top 5:

In honor of “Frigid Friday”… The Top 5 Most Ridiculous Winter Olympic Sports:

5.) Ice Dancing – More like Ice-Snoozefest, amiright?

4.) Nordic Combined – Adds jumps to the Country Skiing. If there was a sport that desperately needs more excitement it’s Cross Country Skiing.

3.) Biathlon – Combining Country Skiing and Shooting. I’d say only in America, but other countries compete in this too???

2.) Skeleton – I remember sledding the hill as a kid. Now it’s an Olympic Event? I missed my calling…

1.) Curling – I mean… Come on.

OP looks up every synonym for "cold" in the thesaurus.

June 14th, 2024

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Simpson Wee Scot
• Razor: Feather DX Kamisori
• Blade: Feather ProGuard
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Menthol
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Permafrost
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Frost Drops
• Fragrance: Dior - Sauvage Elixir

What's cooler than being cool? ICE COLD. To get the formalities out of the way, Orbit contains synthetic coolant. But that's not enough. I'm adding more. It's going to be a hot and humid day here, so a perfect time for Frigid Friday. Drops are going into the lather as well as some in the splash. It's going to be a cold one.

And of course, my stack for stacking day.

OP uses every brand's coolant at once.

stacking day

OP stacks...all the things.

Don't try this at home, kids.

Frigid Stacking Friday

• Brush: Zenith 506B MB (27 mm × 51 mm Manchurian badger)
• Razor: Fatip - Lo Storto - Testa Dentata
• Blade: Mühle
• Lather: Noble Otter – Orbit
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Terror
• Fragrance: Mäurer und Wirtz – Tabac Man Gravity

We've arrived in Rome for a Friend's Wedding yesterday evening. The temperatures are already brutally hot so it's excellent timing for Frigid Friday.

Theme justification: Orbit has a healthy dose of the synthetic cooling agent W23.

Relevant post and frag: Terror has the same cooling agent, and Tabac Gravity is so close to Orbit in scent and marketing that I wonder whether M&R took "inspiration" from it. both have cool blue space-themed packaging and both are cool rose scents with fresh metallic notes.

I chose Italian hardware for this trip to blend in with the locals, with my trusty Lo Storto which simply cannot give a bad shave, and my brand new beautiful butterscotch badger. It's both my first Zenith badger and my first Manchurian badger knot. The brush has a scrubby loft with a good backbone and a bit of scritch. My initial impression of this lovely brush is great, let's see how it breaks in.

Challenge: Our friends are getting married in a bougie hotel that hands out Acqua di Parma products as their toiletry amenities. When I saw it, I knew that I had to incorporate them into the stack. In my eagerness, I overlooked half of them, so have an additional AdP mini stack.

On a side note, when I flipped through my stack pictures, I noticed a fun detail: in the background of the picture that ended up getting the nod, there is what I believe to be the first documented evidence of a free Roman Spice in its natural habitat. What a find!

Can we just talk about this hotel that hands out AdP

June 14, 2024

• Brush: AP Shave Co - Black/Gold Flakes - 30mm Oumo Boar
• Razor: Personna - New Angle 70: BBS-0
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving – Sea Ice Lime Soap
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – 1904 Splash
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving – Sea Spice Lime EdT

Today was a bit of a science experiment. So, let’s go through the Scientific Method:

Step 1: Define a Question to Investigate: Can I make a bowl of ice, build a lather in it, freeze it, and then then use it a couple days later for Frigid Friday?

Step 2: Make Predictions: Sure, why not. It’s called Sea ICE Lime. Surely, it won’t mind being turned to ice.

Step 3: Gather Data Through Experimentation:

Three days ago, made a lather bowl out of ice.

Two days ago, I attempted to make lather of Sea Ice Lime to freeze for a couple days. First, soaked the brush in ice-water in an attempt to ensure my ice bowl didn’t melt when making lather.

I got my ice bowl ready

And I tried making lather of Sea Ice Lime in the ice bowl, but it became a watery mess.

So I built it in a different bowl

Then transferred it into the ice bowl.

And put everything back in the freezer. I had no idea how it would react or what would happen.

Today, I removed the ice bowl lather from the freezer and followed Dairy Queen’s lead to ensure it was frozen solid.

Let’s lather!

Well, that didn’t really work. I just made a cold, watery mess and my brush couldn’t really pick up enough lather.

Step 4: Analyze the Data: FML.

Step 5: Draw Conclusions: Even though the soap is called Sea Ice Lime, it works best when it’s not frozen solid. This turned into a cold, watery mess of a lather.

Well, that’s the scientific method for you! You never know how an experiment is going to turn out. That’s why it’s called an experiment!

BTW – Shout-out u/Ironbeard_SYS for giving these tubs away for just the cost of shipping to newbies a few years back!

Also – Shoutout to u/jwoods23 for PIFing this razor to me.

From a #FOF perspective, these scents are absolutely perfect for each other. All the scents are lime+alittlebitmore. And it’s that littlebitmore that makes it special. It’s the salty sea breeze mixed with the zest of freshly sliced limes. As the shave continued, a scent of driftwood comes out, giving the scent of soap a little more depth. Then with the splash, the lime is the star of the show once again. Except this time it’s lime with florals, sandalwood, and a touch of coffee. It’s zesty, evocative, and takes the scent of lime to another level. Finally, going back to the scent of the soap for today’s frag, we’re back on the beach with the limes, driftwood, and salty air! This blend of bright citrus and aquatic elements really creates a refreshing, invigorating scent that creates the allure of the sea and the crisp zest of lime into a scent you can wear all summer long. As I typed this out, I realized the Shawn Maher created both of the fragrances that I used today, for different companies. I wonder if that’s why I ALWAYS pair SIL with 1904. To my nose, they are perfect for each other.

Challenge: Stacking! Pro-tip: Taking the caps off the splash and frags give a flatter surface to work with. Risk vs. reward, because WHEN the tower drops, splash will go everywhere.

Soap Theme Justification: Sea Ice Lime is mentholated, hence the word “Ice” in the name.

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Limes all around!

frozen lather

June 14, 2024 – LG Day 14 – She’s as Cold as Ice

• ~~Brush:~~ ~~AP Shave Co. Synbad~~
• Pre-Shave: AP Shave Co. Synbad, Frozen
• Brush: Omega 11047 Mixed Badger/Boar
• Razor: Gem MMOC, Frozen
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Co. – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Co. – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime – Splash
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime

TL;DR: Don't freeze your hardware. Most photos are mildly NSFW, but nothing too exposing. To make up for it, I'm adding to the cat photos that so many others have graced us with so far this month.

Frigid Friday. What to do? I'm not buying $50 of ice at the gas station just to repeat what others have already done last year. My partner suggested shaving in a beer cave (maybe next year), but I knew I wouldn't have time this morning before work. The ice kamisori, though...that was good inspiration.

Frozen Brush: This worked about as well as anyone could have anticipated. Turns out freezing the knot in a chunk of ice doesn't make for good lathering.

I tried tub loading anyway, which did a whole lot of nothing. I also tried using another brush to put lather on the ice brush and then paint it on. That also didn't really work. Ultimately, I used the ice as a pre-shave and as my water source for building an ultimately shitty lather that looks like it should have been saved for tomorrow's daily challenge. Definitely colder more because of the WS-23 than because of the ice though...it's almost like synthetic cooling agents are made to feel cool.

Frozen Razor: This was both successful and also a total failure. Successes: I could hold it in my hand (with the help of one of those rubber jar opener things). The blade/head was exposed enough to get the right angle. It was cold. Failures: Blood. Lots. Of. Blood. Full album here for your pleasure and for a couple of bonus pics.

Why I chose an MMOC for this is truly a mystery. The first cut I got is a gash that won't heal for days, but the rest are small nicks at least.

Was any of this worth it? You be the judge.

Daily Challenge: Stack seen in the SOTD photo, with close-ups also available here.

Sea Ice Lime, just like the non-cooling SSL, is perfectly pleasant. It's a crowd pleaser and an easy grab, but that doesn't mean it's not special. It begins its aromatic voyage with an invigorating burst of fresh lime and the sharp zest of pink pepper, set against the expansive backdrop of salty sea air. The heart of cedar with nuances of coriander and bay, all in perfect balance, accentuate the lime and salty nature, giving a clean, invigorating, masculine finish. In the words of a former coworker, "you smell like a MAN." As an owner of SSL soap and toner, SIL soap and splash, and SSL EdT, this is a scent I'm not ashamed to trickhole. #FOF

Epic stack.

User freezes his brush, hilarity and much blood ensues.

Jun. 14, 2024 - Brrrrrrrrrr

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Zenith 506U XSE unbleached boar

• Razor: Stirling Soap Co, Stainless

• Blade: Astra Green (1)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Cryogen

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Balm

• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Every Storm a Serenade

Another year, another frozen face! After freezing my lather earlier this month I thought about making an ice bowl and now that Im looking at this thread and see u/Priusaurus failed I'm glad i didnt. I thought I had a diabolical and unique thought but it seems that u/bmac92 has beaten me to the punch. Thankfully today is not wildcard wednesday and i wont buy a DQ for it. I just wish there was a consolation prize, like maybe the ability to feel my face at some point today...that would be great!

But anyway, onto my (apparent) copycat shave:

Cryogen, probably only second to Terror in the amount of menthol in the soap out of all the frozen soaps out there. Stirlings Glacial line is just a cool breeze in comparison to this, but even that is not enough for Frigid Friday! As I pulled my stuff out for today I realized that I havent used nearly enough of my Stirling Frost drops, despite using it as my splash last year. So for today I figured, "it's liquid, why do I need any water for my lather?"

And so, I loaded up my brush, then started adding liquid, then of course added more and since I like a drippy lather, added more!

Global warming? never heard of it! I'm pretty sure this shave has brought a new ice age upon my face! Im worried that Im going to have to watch out for a Mammoth! I feel like i might have a deadly encounter with one of those soon so better get ready!

Daily Challenge: My stack its not the best work, but I also was dodging two boys who wanted to "help" this morning.

Daily theme justification: yep, its all cold

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Winter-->Spring-->summer. Cryogen is the depths of winter cold-->Sonder is the hope of warmer weather in spring with the random chilly day from the WS-23 -->Every Storm a Serenade is the summer afternoon thunderstorm that frequents Mississippi

Player used Stirling Frost drops in lieu of water to lather cryogen.

June 14th, 2024

• Brush: Yaqi Panda 24mm Two Band Badger
• Razor: Fatip Il Piccolo Storto - Oro
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Rope Swing
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Cannonball Splash
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Daydream EdT

FOF

Today’s Theme:

One of the first soaps with synthetic menthol that I got was Rope Swing. It is a slow build of cold, so I added four drops of the menthol that I got with splashes from Declaration Grooming. Very cold from the first pass, and just got chillier and chillier after that. Cannonball splash adds more WS-23, so I gave myself two splashes of it. Definitely feeling cold today. Also, the shampoo I use sometimes has menthol as well, so I got coolant three different ways.

Today’s Challenge - Reverse Jenga?

I got this idea after getting everything out for the show your den. How tall a stack could I make from all those soaps? Well a straight up stack has been done, so what twist can I put on it? Actually, I could do a twist. I decided to make a spiral tower I’d call The DNA of Shaving. I started by stacking groups of three and then rotating the next group about 1/2” (13mm). I got several layers along before I remember to take a picture. A A few more layers after that, and I noticed the tower started to lean. I realized that, though I was making each layer from similar jars, the differences in how much soap was in each one seemed to make it lean. Plus I might have been stacking to one side. Start over this time with layers of 4 jars. This was working well and easier to judge how much to offset each row. Oh wait time for a photo. Not long after that, I ran out of full size jars that matched for a layer of I’ll go single stack from here. Another picture at the start of the narrow section. About 10 tubs more and the tower was taller than me. It was at least 6’ high. Now where did I leave the camera? I noticed my erection was leaning to one side. Better fix that before I add the last few…. Oh crap! Like Icarus flying to high to the sun, it came crashing down.

That was it for me. After about an hour of organizing and stacking, I wasn’t feeling like rebuilding. There was one casualty. My tub of Sonder from last Austere August broke part of the lid. Time to put it all away. I sorted it all by brand and Noble Otter, House of Mammoth, Summer Break Soaps, Declaration Grooming, and Stirling Soap Co each got a tub. Everything else was put in the leftover spaces. Pretty successful reorganization at least.

Oh the Smells:

In yesterday’s dupe day, u/rocketk455 mentioned that other than Prom King, he didn’t go into dupes, but thought he was most known for Cannonball. I decided Cannonball needed to be in the mix. I almost went with it as the soap, but decided that I liked the Rope Swing/Cannonball/Daydream progression. I’m on a summer vacation and swinging out over the water on the rope swing. It is on a lake surrounded by woods. After getting exhausted, head back to the resort and hang out with the family at the pool. Of course my daughter has a Pineapple Fanta, while I have an Orange Fanta. A bit later decide to have a more tropical cocktail with some passionfruit and citrus. Hanging out now on the deck near the bar, I still get the clean scent of the woods wafting over me. Oh crap, I didn’t reapply my sunscreen soon enough. This is going to burn, but I have just the thing to cool me off today.

User spends so much time stacking tubs only to have it crash

LG SOTD Jun 14 2024 - EYES EYES BABY

photocontest

Theme: Eyes (Eyes in the sky, Eye ring on Hydra, Eye-shaped background to contain bowl that contains shave sample)

• Brush: Alpha Brush & Shaving Co. - Bully Boy 28mm
• Razor: Henson - AL-13 Medium Blue #CNC #RAINBOW #STAINLESSLESS
• Blade: Treet - Carbon Steel [2]
• Lather: Seaforth - Sea Ice Lime - sample
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon's - Hydra - sample
• Fragrance: Etro - Lemon Sorbet - Eau de Toilette - sample

I had almost forgotten how good Seaforth base is.

I had been skeptical about the scent, on the (misleading) base of an off-the-tub whiff, which felt a little plasticky. Once lathered, the scent is remarkably good, with the spicy/mossy drydown nicely balancing the citrus top notes.

However, Sea Ice Lime's cooling component feels already too much for me, so at present (while temperature is still below 30°C) I'm not planning to go full tub. I am usually not interested in open refrigerator effect. But things may soon change once the heat becomes unbearable.

Unbearable heat was the circumstance that made me appreciate Dr. Jon's AS cooling properties last year, when I managed to lay my hands on some remaining stock at Maggard's and TOC, after Dr. Jon ad gone RIPped.

Hydra offers a tart, kind of unripe-lemon citrus accord, that is better on its own than layered on Sea Ice Lime (which provides a more perfume-like, three-dimensional smell). Wish I had dickholed here.

I got this Etro Lemon EdT sample a few years ago in a department store, and then forgot about it, until I found it at the bottom of a samples container. Being inspired by a lemon-flavored crushed ice recipe, it felt like the perfect complement for my citrus / cool shaving products.

With this EdT I was expecting a shallow sweet citrus accord, and was pleasantly surprised to find out that the fragrance also features aromatic green notes: with respect to my low expectations, this felt pretty good, a lemon + herbaceous fougere that on my skin didn't feel fake or chemical. I am not a big fan of lemon-forward frags, but this was a more than decent final step for today's shave

FOF

SPECIAL CHALLENGE: my chaotically-stacked Tower of Babel, a reminder of humankind's doomed dream to have one comprehensive shaving horizon that may put together all preferences and languages.

ROTY

This is a truly impressive stacking of wares.

DAY 14 LATHER GAMES! STAAAAACK OOOOOON MEEEEE! STACK ON ME

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Omega 10049 #TOLL #HOLLOW
• Razor: Henson - AL13 Medium #RAINBOW
• Blade: Nacet
• Lather: Proraso - Green
• Post Shave: Proraso - Green Splash
• Fragrance: Captain Fawcett - Booze and Baccy

Today was a very special day for me, and it‘s why I am writing this post so late. Today I lost my virginity! That’s right I popped my cherry! It’s something that happens once in a lifetime so it’s a special moment I cherished. Thankfully I was with 5 close friends with whom I enjoyed the experience. We set the ground rules and in the beginning I was really awkward, but as the time passed I loosened up and it became quite enjoyable. The whole thing lasted around 7-8 hours. By the end we were all exhausted but it was all worth it. All of us liked it so much that we even talked about doing it again in the near future. To anyone who has never tried, I urge you. Dungeons&Dragons is a great experience and is a great way to spend your evening!

Now onto today’s topic. At this theme day last year, it all started, THE HOLY SPITE SHAVES, with me and u/Priusaurus. It was the beginning of something special, fun and exciting. I really have fond memories of last year's LG, and I hope around this time this year, I start to get more active and interact more.

So, for the first time in three years, I will not use Cryogen as the theme based soap, sad but that’s life. Something I did not consider last year, was how much to raise the bar, cause if you participate on an annual base, one should always try to improve. I see mentholated day as a way to punish myself, and last year, talking in front of the camera as I put Cryogen on my balls, is pretty hard to follow…. Well early in the morning I figured it out. Too bad I didn’t have time earlier in the day to do it, but I guess even late in the evening will suffice! There is this thing in Bulgaria, called Karmolis, it’s basically the equivalent of Cryogen in terms of strength of menthol. So what did I decide to do?

Well ladies and gentlemen, here is a VIDEO, of my stupidity for your entertainment!

And now the explanation. I decided to apply Karmolis to my whole body, wait for the effect to take place and then take a cold shower(water here is pretty cold), which as you know when you’ve used a mentholated product, the sensation of cold water amplifies. So yeah, shave under the cold shower blasting me, all while the cooling effect of Karmolis had set in with full force.

Let me tell you what I learned... IT FUCKING SUCKED!!! If I participate next year I have no idea what I'll do, BUT IT AIN'T GONNA BE THIS. To anyone crazily intrigued and curious to try, go on right ahead, but I think you'll be sharing my views. It's 86 F in my room at the moment, and I'm still shivering....

Challenge for the day:

HAVE YOU SEEN A 7 STACK!?!? The holy unheard of 7 stack? Well HERE it is(same picture as SOTD photo), pretty proud this year that I made such a big tower and that I didn’t break anything! Stacking day is awesome, one of my most favourite challenges of the LG. Simple, clear, and yet challenging!

Daily Lather Themes: 14/30

• Daily Challenges: 13/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 18/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 2/2
• Software Vendor Points: 7/16
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 14/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 14/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 14/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 14/30

OP builds the mythical y-stack and also freezes himself from tip to taint.

https://imgur.com/a/Wpk9ium

• Prep: PAA - Bubble Gube
• Bowl: Naked Armor - Silver Fox Scuttle
• Brush: Ariana & Evans - Retro Shaving Brush Synthetic
• Razor: Karve - Overlander
• Blade: Rockwell - Swedish Stainless Steel
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
• Post Shave: HAGS - Resurrection

Another fine shave today using my Karve Overlander. The House of Mammoth lathered so thick, I made way too much! It had a mild cool from the WS-23 synthetic cooling agent. I used a Rockwell blade I have never used before and it went well.

Stacking Day Challenge: I call this my Tower of Terror. It wasn't very tall. but I was terrified my just delivered today and never used Alpha Spirit SE razor would fall and break into pieces. I wanted to be unique and I used 4 scuttles (Why do I have 4 scuttles? I don't know!) and one shaving bowl. I have a second bowl, but my son has claimed it and was afraid I would break "his" unbreakable bowl. So, I was stuck with only one bowl. Kids!

https://imgur.com/a/w6sN2XX

Still have been using a different blade, razor, brush, aftershave and soap brand every day.

ROTY

User uses PAA. Djudge in need of trauma counselling and a second "offensive" button

June 14, 2024 – LG 14: Frigid Friday

• Brush: CaYuen Cosmic Abalone 24mm Maggard SHD Fab #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Gillette Blue Tip Super Speed
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (11)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Norther Elixir
• Post Shave: Wholly Kaw/House of Mammoth – Iced Tea
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Saint Julep

Sorry, no ice kamisoris today. For our #FOF we have a nice mint though line today in all 3 software forms that is quite prominent. NO NE packs a heavy minty eucalyptus punch. Hints of earthy lavender and cedar wood give it a foundation, but the peppermint, frost, and eucalyptus really shine and dominate this scent. The iced tea follows with a zesty yuzu and refreshing cucumber combo. The mint and basil gives it an herbal quality while simple black tea lingers beneath. Lastly, saint julep is modeleed after the mint julep beverage. I don’t get a lot of the bourbon, but there is plenty of sugar and refreshing sweet mint featured in the scent. A little one dimensional, but pleasant nonetheless. The cooling of soap and balm are way less intense than typical splashes on this day, but are notably refreshing.

As for our #PHOTOCONTEST, elements: fire seemed fitting. A nice juxtaposition against today’s frigid. A Song of Ice and Fire for the fellow fantasy nerds out there. Currently making my way through a second ‘read’ with the Roy Dotrice audiobooks. Plus, it was fun to get the inner child pyro going with the lighter and hairspray.

Today’s challenge. Tried forever to get the tub on edge, but it wouldn’t cooperate with the others. Still dig the outcome though.

soap brands 14/30, post shave 14/30, frag 14/30, post/frag linked 14/30, software sponsors 10/16, hardware sponsors 8/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 14/30, daily challenges 12/26, special challenges 2/4

Legit stack

Near Death Experience

• Brush: Zenith 506B MB (27 mm × 51 mm Manchurian badger)
• Razor: Fatip - Lo Storto - Testa Dentata
• Blade: Mühle
• Lather: Mickey Lee Soapworks – The Kraken
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Nomad
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Every Storm a Serenade

Theme: The Kraken was a PIF I received three years ago and it's a true zombie: it qualifies as "Near Death" by this year's theme definition (Photographic evidence with podophilic material for my co-djudges u/J33pGuy13 and u/VisceralWatch) and qualified as dead ("Rest in Pieces") in previous iterations for being unobtainium by a defunct vendor.

Relevant post and frag: I'm leaning into the nautical theme here. Kraken is (aside the obvious branding) an aquatic scent, Nomad is a Bay Rum, and Every Storm a Serenade is a green aromatic scent, that is still nautically themed for some reason, inspired my an obsession with Ulv, a Danish Seafarer.

Challenge: I went pasty today. Really a sad affair with this new to me Zenith brush (second use today) which encouraged me to take my time and build a beautiful wet lather. Alas, tomorrow, my pretty butterscotch.

Judge seems to forget that stacking day was the day before. Additionally, Judge provides photographic evidence of his NDE soap by posting a photo of it that includes his feet and perhaps some hair (or maybe my laptop screen is dirty). Finally, for the record I get teary-eyed whenever MLS comes up.

Near Death SOTD:

• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Leaf Super Platinum (4)
• Brush: Rubberset 200-4
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - History 101
• Aftershave: Summer Break Soaps - History 101
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral

I've been on a kick of killing soaps off over the last couple of years. I usually rotate between a random soap and one I'm killing. This year I've killed off my OG tub of Teacher's Pet and a DFS Exclusive done by Barrister and Mann. Prior to the Lather Games I was focused on killing off the matching splash to the BaM exclusive. Since I didn't have an active kill in progress in the soap department I went with my OG History 101 as I believe it is probably the lowest of the soaps on my shelf. This tub actually comes from the very first production batch of SBS shave soap ever, so it is OG as OG gets in the SBS world. I'm still trying to decide what I'm going to kill off after the games are over. The top contenders are probably Rawr and No. 22 as I've never killed off a tub of NO or CG.

Challenge: Yeah, I totally forgot about the challenge today, but I would have struggled with it because this soap base is just so good it's hard to make bad lather with it. I really should tell the maker how awesome he is.

OP tells it how it is. Indeed, great soap base.

who is your god now

• Razor: ruby adjustable set to 1
• Lather: barrister and mann - Seville
• Brush: no scrub industries HAND brush #topl #oldworld #composite

I have a confession to make.

Its something a bit embarrassing and I've been a bit ashamed to talk about it on the sub. It's hard to admit but I've been visiting since other subs. In incognito mode. I've found myself staring at the ceiling wondering how the lather got their and wondering if there's another way. I've been worrying about your judgemental attitude and well I just can't do it anymore.

I'm u/enndeegee and I'm dry-curious

I'm not dry dry, at least I don't think I am, but I do think that you know, every now and then going dry is the right thing for me. Or at least I think it's an attractive proposition.

So today with the appropriate daily challenge, I figure why not satisfy my urges. Soap because it's my first time and I want to go easy. Smart for the razor setting.

I know that's not going fully dry but baby steps.

Rub soap on face (twice because you fuck up the video), then a one pass shave like youve never had a one pass shave before. After the first little irritating bite it was the smoothest shave known to man. ^1

u/iamsms has been dethroned.

I AM YOUR INDIAN LATHER GOD NOW

^1 It definitely wasn't because the razor became almost immediately clogged and wasn't cutting at all

Judges: Seville is my nearest death tub - check out my pre games shaves for proof it's the one I'm trying to kill

My hand is made of lots of different materials and my nails are a different colour to my skin so qualifies for composite, the fingers are longer than 60mm so they're toll and I'm from the old world.

NDG really delivered with the video here.

And surprisingly, appears to be on theme.

June 15, 2024 – 2024.06.15 SOTD: Lather Games Day 15 – Near Death Experience

• Brush: Paragon Shaving Plisson knot (28mm) with Paragon handle
• Razor: Blackland Era (SB 3)
• Blade: Wizamet (3)
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Banana
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime
• Fragrance: Yves Saint Laurent – L’Homme

---

Daily Theme: Near Death Experience

Theme justification: Chiseled Face Banana. After using it almost exclusively last month, this is the soap that is closest to death. It's the only one where you can see the bottom of the tub.

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: I'm continuing the near death theme. Sea Ice Lime is the splash I have that is closet to its death, and Yves Saint Laurent L'Homme is the frag I have that is closest to empty.

---

Scavenger Hunt ~~Justification~~: COMPLETED

Razor facts: N/A

Brush facts: N/A

---

Daily/Special Challenge: Water Day

I typically go with a wet lather (though not full GUTL). So today, I went with a nice pasty lather. I decided to use some special water for today too. See below for more info.

Pic here of my pasty (airy) lather. I'll be honest, it doesn't look too bad, but it's not great. Probably should've used even less water than I did (which wasn't much, I just dipped my brush in the water), but It's very dry and airy. Provided near 0 protection or slickness.

---

Fragrance description

The soap is the odd ball here. Laffy Taffy banana doesn't really mix with citrus and spice. YSL L'Homme is great. I get a lot of spiced ginger, but then it dries down to a nice woodsy scent. I think I've also received more complements with this frag than any other (though, I used to wear it a lot more, so that might be why).

---

Now onto the shave!

Since today was water day, I figured I should use some special water^TM. Thankfully, I always keep a stock of it in my bathroom. It's in a hidden place that nobody ever thinks to look. There's the good stuff!

So I scooped out some of my secret special water^TM and got to work. I'm going to let out a little secret: I'm not a huge fan of the CF base. Though, since Banana is my only tub, it could be that I'm just not a fan of Banana. Regardless, that is why I set out to kill it. With that out of the way, let's get back to today's shave.

I added just enough of my super secret special water^TM to make an airy paste.

Overall, not the worst shave I've had. Without the Special Water^TM it would've been even worse on (what is essentially) bad lather day.

---

Totals:

• Razor Hashtags: 10/10
• Brush Hashtags: 10/10
• Hardware Sponsor Points: 2/2
• Software Sponsor Points: 11/16
• Number of Lather Brands: 15/30
• Number of Lather Scents: 15/30
• Number of Post Shaves: 15/30
• Number of Frags: 15/30

---

Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

OP shaves with literal toilet water. Somewhere an angel lost its wings or whatever.

😬

** 16.06.2024 **

• Brush: AP Shave Co 28MM G5A SHD
• Razor: Karve Shaving Co - THE CHRISTOPHER BRADLEY OC-B, OC-C, Razorock Lupo .95 OC
• Blade: Perma Sharp
• Lather: Taylor of Old Bond Street - Tobacco leaf
• Post Shave: Taylor of Old Bond Street - Tobacco leaf
• Post Shave: Mühle alum stone

Most of artisan that I know is younger then me so thank God I have this Tobacco leaf in my shaving goods cabinet. I don't know is here anyone that is not familiar with TOBS. If you are not you can Google it. They start in 19h sentry ..... Yes I am old but not that old that's why I pick them to be sure! Last year I have to explain to everyone why my legs are shaved. At firs I explained about Lather Games but after few days i was tiered of it and I was saying that I loose a bet. And here a go again. This time I'll start directly with lost bet. I don't know why do this (watching men's legs) to your self but you asked for it and I delivered. After 2 hours and 3 bowls of lather I was ready! Maybe you are wondering why I have so much safety razors in description? I started with Karve OC-B plate after a few strokes changed to OC-C plate and after few strokes I get cardinal decision and I take Lupo 95OC. Karve was effective but washing the hair was a bitch because of the teeth because of the "hooks". Lupo doesn't have it and was super easy to clean. And "Find out how the another side lives" is not so correct. After i finish I make a conversion with girl. She said that use shower gel to shave her legs when she take a shower and she is ready for less then 10 minutes ( and believe me she has a very long legs). She doesn't have so long hair on her legs. Not so dense and thick. Comparing my and her legs it's not fair. Even if my shaved legs are so sexy!

OP argues it's easier to shave his coarse leg hair than the woman he spoke to. Might be worth discussing if someone in the know can chime in. I've only shaved my legs once.

LG SOTD Jun 16 2024 - Boundaries

photocontest

Theme: Black and White

• Brush: [unknown] - Boar Bristle
• Razor: Gillette - Slim Twist
• Blade: Gillette - Silver Blue
• Lather: Santa Maria Novella - Crema Pre-Dopo Barba
• Post Shave: 4711 - Echt Kölnisch Wasser Original Eau De Cologne - After Shave
• Fragrance: Knize Ten - Toilet Water

One of the most important influences from my father has been his insatiable curiosity.
Seeking to know more.
And therefore, be skeptical about what others may take for granted.
Embrace facts, but challenge conventions and question authority.

The documented facts are as follows:

1. Santa Maria Novella, nominally est. 1612 but the monks' pharmacy dates back to 1221
2. 4711 has a complicated history, but in spite of their Farina-related claims, in any case the brand was established in the 19th Century
3. Knize, est. 1858 (for some initiatory reason, the English version of the company history is in German nonetheless)

Enough to know they are all older than me, but also enough to realize how hard it is to define something as apparently easy as a formal beginning.

We strive for clean-cut truths. Distinction through separation, like looking at the world in black and white, and then deciding that one is bad, and the other is good. This is the attitude that fueled Scientific Racism, a self-asserted "scientific" dogma that cherry-picked some incomplete "evidence" and then reframed it into a worldview to try and legitimize agendas of oppression and domination.

Dem Bones is a spiritual composed by James Weldon Johnson and his brother, J. Rosamond Johnson, two great African-American artists and activists who contributed to a more open culture during the first half of the 20th Century. The song evokes the resurrection of the army seen by Ezekiel in the Bible (no, not this bit), and offers an obsessive progression into the interconnectedness of the various bones of each body.

Its message of connectedness has an anti-establishment vibe that has been reflected in its use in a memorable episode of The Prisoner; on the other hand, the satyrical film The Ruling Class underlines the word DISCONNECT to bring about a message of fear and oppression.

This brings me to TODAY'S SPECIAL CHALLENGE: I am here to make a stand against any oppressive view based on black and white, polarizing disconnected-ness.
I first thought about going on strike against the auhtoritarian, frat-house attitude of "daring" people to submit to the request of doing something on a specific part of their body in exchange for a reward. Talk about toxic peer pressure. And what is with your voyeuristic insistence on looking at my body, my house, my intimacy?
But I remain a team player, I am not going to butt heads against you.
Rather than joining u/AirBudRulian in his paranoid solo antagonism, my most positive response is to share some sociable yet chaotic anarchism, just like the rebellious Number 48 interpreted by Alexis Kanner.
We are all connected.
Your thigh bone is connected to your hip bone.
As controversial as it may seem, butt is leg.
Your leg bones are literally part of your butt.
So, that's what I shaved today. Unfortunately, pics are not only NSFW, but posting and/or soliciting them may be considered a crime in most countries.

SOTD WRITEUP: A SPA(RTAN) SUNDAY

I had already used the S.M. Novella as a post-shave on Cream day, but today I used it for the first time as a soap replacement: its officicially listed use also as a shaving cream perfectly fits today's question about boundaries.
Both my razor and brush for today were my father's.
On my face, the brush felt as soft as sandpaper, and was pretty useless in getting a lather: in fact, the S.M. Novella cream seems to reject oppression, and doesn't want to be whipped. As I wanted to be a trooper and do every step in TODAY'S SPECIAL CHALLENGE, I still used the brush on my butt, which proved to be less caring about the scrub (u/Enndeegee, this is dedicated to you).
After the shave, the alcoholic splash felt like a slap on my face (I had no visible cuts, but I got that burn that makes you feel like a good Spartan: no pain no gain!), but just a tingle on my butt.
In the end, all four cheeks feel soft and relaxed.
I could definitely wear the shortest of shorts, like hot pants or some vintage Tom Ford Gucci Summerwear, and people would notice my clean and thorough shave.
Mission accomplished.

THE FRAG CONNECTION

The transition from the powdery soapiness of S.M. Novella to the classic cologne of 4711 to the leathery-animalic notes of Knize is less audaucious as some may think, as Knize's top notes are actually super-cologney: once again, there's no disconnect, just an organic transition, a continuum of awesomeness.

FOF

ODE TO THE RULEMAKERS: As part of this Sunday's supplement, here's a hint to solve the hidden puzzle in my SOTD entry from Day 4: today's ode to the rulemakers is contained under the title of that post, in the first 9 letters after the word "THEME". Additional hint: the first of the three words is KISS.

ROTY

user shaved butt/leg. beautiful SOTD photo also!

LG 16 - Father's Day

• Brush: Rubberset - original vintage Boar #HOLLOW #RUNT
• Razor: Gem Micromatic OC
• Blade: - Personna GEM
• Lather: Old Seaforth! - Heather
• Post Shave: The Razor Company - POMP
• Fragrance: Guerlaine - Habit Rouge EDT

---

Seaforth! Heather, it's totally unscented, well not exactly it has some rancid stink, but it can give a good lather for shaving still. The Rubberset suffers from galloping alopecia, I should replace the old-boar.

I had a sleeping witness of leg shaving, Looking at the photo I should go over some remaining hairs.

.#FOF Rose

---

Player absolutely triggers a judge by saying once of his favorite scents has a rancid stink; judge them realizes he's using the original from 50+ years ago, forgives player.

2024-06-16 Father's Day

• Prep: Coffee, Face wash soap/warm water
• Brush: Rubberset - "Plastiset" 3IONT Nylon
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable - Date Code J3
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum, DE
• Lather: Combe, Inc. - Williams Mug Shave Soap
• Post Shave: Maria Teresa & Proenca, LDA - "444"

Today's Theme:

But is it older than you? Today I went old school. I broke out an old scuttle, dropped the Williams (1840) puck in, lathered with my Rubberset "Plastiset", and settled up matters using part of a tube of Maria Teresa & Proenca "444".

...and yes the Williams shave soap has a few more years upon this blue marble than I do. Believe it...or not! (I really can't think of that phrase in any other voice than that of Jack Palance's)

Yes, that was a full 14:43 of Jack Palance saying "Believe it, or not!"

Today's Challenge:

No, I am not lazy. The real reason is I fight with eczema a bit and while it has been kind to my face and even my neck. Up there it ususally allows me to get away with anything. The eczema does however, bother me on my hands and legs so I am leaving the legs out of it. So I will follow along with u/Priusaurus and a few others today.

Take care and have a good one.

OP shaves will old stuff.

Jun. 16, 2024
Brush: AP Shave Co G5C
Razor: Karve CB
Blade: Rapira Super Stainless [1]
Lather: Cella - Red - Soap
Post Shave:* Cella - Red - Balm

Always love me some cella.

While I understand the purpose of today’s challenge is for us to appreciate the art of leg shaving, I am going to have to refuse to take part this year. I respect the leg shave especially after I mangled my legs last year. But given it is Father’s Day I refuse to take part out of respect for my own legs.

Do you not respect the men and women of your local fire department? Does that mean once a year you should run into a burning building to show your respect? Absolutely not. In fact, rule 3.4 of the lather games explicitly states that you will be disqualified if you ‘engage in behavior during your shave that could have caused grievous harm to yourself or others’.

By participating in leg day I would be disqualifying myself.

Happy Father’s Day to all the fathers!

User argues shaving their legs is akin to "running into a burning building" and would therefor DQ themselves by participating. Nice try, still no challenge point.

June 16, 2024 - Father’s Day

• Brush: Yaqi Surf 22mm
• Razor: Yates Precision Manufacturing - 921-M
• Blade: Gillette - Nacet
• Lather: Proraso - Eucalyptus Oil & Menthol Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Clubman - After Shave Lotion

Today's Theme: Believe it or not, I was born after 1908, so Proraso was a perfect choice for today. I’ve been using it a decent amount for the Lather Games and I’ve been enjoying it a lot.

As for Father’s Day, my dad passed about 2 and half years ago. He had chronic health issues related to the military and his own personal choices (e.g. smoking). When I was growing up, as most teenagers do, start to become annoyed with their parents because my dad wasn’t perfect, but nobody is.

As his health started to decline over the last year of his life, I really started to try and make an honest effort to be closer to him. We had a vacation planned to California, but his health landed him in the ER for a couple days. Miraculously, he got good enough to meet us out from the Midwest and we got to visit Yosemite together. This was kind of a defining moment for us because we both kind of opened up a little bit to each other, which neither of us were accustomed to.

Fast forward 8 months, I’m leaving for class in the morning and he wishes me a happy birthday as I walk out the door. He could hardly breathe, but he still managed to tell me happy birthday. Later that day, he was admitted to the hospital and succumbed to his cancer a couple weeks later. He was intubated, so the happy birthday wish was the last thing I ever heard him say. A testament to a father’s love in spite of his own acute troubles.

I hope all the dads, step dads, grandpas, male legal guardians, and fatherly figures all get celebrated duly today. I’ve learned a lot about my dad after his death and he was a much better man than I ever knew. He had his own issues but he always did his best to take care of my siblings, his grandchildren, and I. Remember to hug the men in your life while you still can, this shit goes by much too fast.

Today's Challenge: No thanks.

ROTY

Skipped the challenge, but the most heartfelt post I read for this theme. Lovely tribute to a challenging relationship.

DAY 16 LATHER GAMES! HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Semogue Hereditas 1305
• Razor: Valet Autostrop - VC1
• Blade: Valet
• Lather: Arko - Shaving soap stick
• Post Shave: Maurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original after shave lotion
• Fragrance: Dior - Fahrenheit

Happy father's day to everyone! Love you dad, thanks for being there for me!!

Now for today's shave, EVERYTHING in it is older than I am!

The Valet Autostrop, alongside with the Soluna, will definitely be one of my top contenders for "Retro July"(a shaving event we made in the Bulgarian FB group). What makes it interesting is that I have 10 carbon Feather blades, each one honed by a friend(that has been honing for 35 years and is a JNAT nut) on a different stones. So I think exploring how the different edges of the blades perform throughout the month of July will be exciting. I decided to do a shave with a vintage Valet blade, also honed on a stone(don't remember the name of it atm, it's written on the piece of paper of the blade), it performed quite well and gave me a smooth shave, although depth could have been better, it was a near ideal BBS.

Arko! Urinary puck? Naaaaah. Smell of childhood turking soap(DURU)? YUP! I like Akro, was a bit skeptical in the beginning, but as soon as I tried it I changed my mind and never looked back. Scent is perfectly ok, performance is great! Cheap, good lather, great longevity!

Tabac.... I still haven't used Tabac shaving soap, and it's probably cause of the smell. It's not that it's repulsive I just really dislike it. Tabac smells like an old soviet lady with an old leather bag that has had cheap perfume spilled inside of the bag many times... It's no for me dawg.

Shaves like these sometimes make me question WHY, did I purchase all that I have purchased, then I remember of course, WHY, but once again it proves that some of these really old soap manufacturers are just that darn good and that you can't beat consistency!

Daily Challenge

Now, this year I had to ask up until where should I shave both my legs, cause last year up to the knees was good, but was told that this year it's almost the whole leg, well as much as is needed to wear shorts and not see hair. That was a bit too much for me and I decided not to do it.

Little side track but very important. I know this is "See how the other half lives/shaves", but I don't need to shave my legs to understand that, furthermore I have done that already in previous years I know what it takes and I do appreciate what the ladies do. While we're on the topic of what ladies do, feminine beauty and standards are crazy high to maintain. Now what's important to know here, is that everytime I've had a girlfriend after the first 1-2 months when she gasps and says "Oh no I forgot to shave my legs", I tell her "I like you not because you shave your legs, but for who you are, I know how hard it is to maintain your beauty and believe me I'm ok if you have hairy legs, doesn't bother me a bit". After that conversation I get the biggest smile and hug back at me! So my appreciation of women is that I'm ok if they don't have the time to keep something maintaned or "perfect". Life is life, love is love.

Well don't think I didn't do anything stupid, then it wouldn't be interesting. I had thoughs of making the Daily challenge part of my post of how I shaved my third leg, but it seemed too boring, obvious. So I opted for another idea. Do you see this guy? Now I'm a fairly hairy dude, so just imagine the area of what those boxer briefs cover is shaved. That's right I shaved myself some boxer briefs, or at least I shaped it like that. Much better than shaving one leg up to the knee. Sadly I cannot share pics, cause of NSFW(A)(Not safe for work(anyone).

Daily Lather Themes: 16/30

• Daily Challenges: 14/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 19/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 2/2
• Software Vendor Points: 8/16
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 16/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 16/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 16/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 16/30

User shaves his body in the area and shape of his boxer briefs. Mercifully he does not share the NSFW picture.

• Day 16
• Brush: Maggard 30mm Synthetic
• Razor: Gem 1912
• Blade: Gem PTFE
• Lather: Cella - Shave Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Boonana Splash
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts – Boonana EdT

What is old stays old. Cella has been around for like 400 years. This stuff has seen it all—from the rise and fall of empires to internet shaving competitions. Cella in shave dens everywhere for over a century, enduring world wars, disco fever, and the questionable hairstyles of the 80s and 90s. Using Cella is like stepping back in time partaking in a centuries-old ritual, connecting you with a lineage of shavers who probably did and thought a lot of fucked up stuff. But, it’s best not to dwell on that because we’ve come a long way since then! Cella is the granddaddy of shaving soaps, proving that some classics never go out of style.

What do I pair a classic like Cella with? I decided on Boonana because both are a little sweet. Cella is like Almond Biscotti and Boonana reminds me of Banana Bread. Thanks to u/Priusaurus, we’ve learned no matter how good your lather smells, I know it won’t taste good. But I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t still a big part of me that would love to take a big bite of Boonana. The #FOF is simple today: smelling like delicious baked goods.

photocontest: Donuts

Challenge: Ugh…. Should I do it? Should I do it? Ughhhhh… WHY IS THIS A CHALLENGE?????

Barely had enough soap to cover it, but I managed. Last year, I was kind of intrigued at this challenge and had time to mentally prepare. This year, I honestly was debating whether or not to participate. But we gotta go all out for the Lather Games!

BTW - Just because I shaved my legs, I assume I'm still supposed to spray the frag on my neck? Or does the frag go on my legs too??? Maybe I'll go back and spray my legs just to be sure.

iamhonestlylying’s Daily Top 5:

In honor of “Father’s Day”… My Top 5 TV Dads of All-Time:

(Editors note: If I were to make this list 10 years ago, Bill Cosby would have easily been #1. But we’ve learned a little bit since then, thus he will get NO credit on my list. I’m sure he’s heartbroken.)

5.) Al Bundy – My mom didn’t allow me to watch Married with Children growing up, but I’ve since watched enough to know that Al Bundy is great dad who did his best to take care of his family. Sure, maybe he’s a little rough around the edges, but aren’t we all?

4.) Danny Tanner – Never met a problem that couldn’t be solved in 22 minutes.

3.) Mike Brady – Life could not have been easy as a closeted gay man in the 1970s, but that didn’t stop Richard Reid from being the gold standard of TV dads.

2.) Carl Winslow – Imagine being a cop and going to work every day, then coming home and having this weirdo neighbor kid always hanging around, creeping on your daughter? Carl took it all in stride.

1.) Phil Dunphy – The perfect balance of humor, wit, acceptance, and love made him a perfect TV dad. Danny Tanner walked so Phil Dunphy could run.

Don't think it's come up yet, but IAMHONESTLYLYING has included these Top Five lists in a lot of posts. Fun twist.

June 16, 2024 – Father’s Day

• Brush: Edwin Jagger Classic Best Badger #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS
• Razor: Gillette RFB 44
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: Gillette - Island Breeze Shave Gel
• Post Shave: Kenneth Cole – Black Aftershave Gel
• Fragrance: Yves Saint Laurent – L’Homme EDT
• The Lather: Not much to say about the lather here considering it’s a shave gel and I leg lathered it on. It’s as standard a canned goo shave gel as it gets.
• The Shave: Well this is where the fun really begins. Last year I took berry day quite literally and shaved from the berries up. This year I decided I’d just go berries down like a sane person. So I got myself I nice picture of my quite hairy legs before I started and just did it a little at a time. Unfortunately long leg hair really does a number on a razor and it was stop and go the whole way so I could unclog. I was rather surprised at how hard it is to shave behind the knee, but alas I prevailed in the goal.
• Aftershave/Frag: Since it’s father’s day I went with an aftershave brand and frag brand that were both created before I was born (1962 and 1982 respectively). The scents were fine, but the amount of aftershave my legs took made the Kenneth Cole a little overpowering.
• Theme: Gillette was definitely founded long before I was born.
• Challenge: Well this apparently is where we separated the men from the boys. Not only did I have to shave my legs, and yes I went all the way up (PROOF), but I also had to explain to my father why I was doing it. You see, I always try to see my father on father’s day. It may be a long drive to get there, but the older I get the more I realize what little time I have left with him. That meant I was staying at his house for the weekend, and I had to try and make shaving my legs make sense to a man who worked in oil and gas his whole life. I’m not gonna lie, if I wasn’t married with children it would have been even worse.
• Acknowledgements: Thank you u/2SaintsDude for the frag for today’s shave.
• Rant: Having seen so few people actually complete the days challenge is pretty weak. I expected to see some people not do it, but not in droves. Honestly, it’s a little disheartening to know that it’s very likely the winner of the games (possibly all top 10) won’t even have attempted one of the challenges. I’m a firm believer that every challenge should count enough to make a difference. Now I’ll get off this soap box lest everyone notice my shaved legs.

Player calls out fellow players who are not bringing their A games.

LG SOTD 17Jun2024

• Brush: AP Shave Ocean Waves - 26mm synbad fan synthetic
• Razor: Henson - Ti22 Medium
• Blade: Personna - Viking’s Sword (2)
• Blade: Rise - Classic (2)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Druantia
• Bowl: my left kneee
• Post Shave: Stirling - Aftershave Balm, Unscented

Monday has come again so let’s make the best of it. Welcome to the seventeenth shave of the 2024 Lather Games. Today's theme is “Don’t Have a Cow, Man!” where we shave with a vegan lather.

I’m a biologist - you aren’t going to sell me on vegan shave products strictly on ethical concerns. Nature and the universe does not now nor has ever given a flying fart how many aware beings are crushed, eaten alive, starved to death, drowned, tortured, etcetera. In fact, the notion of living beings having any differential value over non-living things seems to be a bias held by a small number of particularly clever living beings. There is certainly no indication that nature makes any such distinction.

But we do. It’s part of what makes us interesting as a species. We may very well cause the largest mass extinction in hundreds of millions of years, but we might also avoid or at least mitigate it because we are the first mass extinction causing phenomenon in the billions of years life has been creeping along the planet to be aware of what is happening and have some ability to affect it. Neat, right 😅

Which is to say that all things being equal, I would choose the vegan or at least vegetarian soap over the tallow based one. All things are not equal though. While there are excellent plant based shave soaps, it appears it’s easier to hit performance milestones with animal fats so there have been more tallow soaps in my den than non tallow by a wide margin.

Southern Witchcrafts has the best vegan base I’ve tried. Their base is great, period, top five of any base for me probably. Unfortunately, the Venn intersection of scent aesthetics for Southern Witchcrafts and my tastes is narrow. I’ve tried fourteen different scents from them and liked only one: Druantia. Fortunately, I love it, but wish they made other scents I liked. Druantia is obviously the lather for today’s shave.

Being that it’s Monday and on my way to work, should have skipped the challenge, but after going back and forth, decided that may as well try it because then I can really protest what a brain dead, not fun, waste of everyone’s time this challenge is.

Worked out that the only way to achieve this was to shave before the shower. Then, because of that, needed to move day’s shave gear to upstairs bathroom where normally shower because can’t very well go walking around the house with lather knees making a bigger mess than already. Then got to work. The shave itself was fine, typical blade face off in the Henson Medium. After the shower and cleanup I regretted the unscented Stirling - had picked to not clash with Druantia, but that was long gone in the shower by time I applied balm.

Ultimately, this is face lathering with extra steps. You literally can’t build up the volume of ready to go lather as in a bowl, so instead you treat it like a palm lather on the knees and transfer the goopy protolather to the face and then finish it there.

So, ultimately the challenge is about face lathering for bowl latherers and face lathering for face latherers while a wholly time wasting and unnecessary step is introduced for both to make it technically different than the challenge to change up your lather routine we already had.

I learned nothing, nothing about the challenge was better than slightly silly, and visually and prose-wise it’s boring to present. The only way to possibly make this challenge interesting for the audience would be to make us build on the knee standing up while the whole thing is filmed, and there is nothing that can be done to make it interesting for the shaver because it’s just needless disruption of routine for an arbitrary 0.2 points.

The “New All the Things” shaving challenge introduced the participant to a different class of razor. Reverse Lather pushed us out of comfort zone to lather up with a different but still standard method. The ATG highlighted the value of following your hair’s normal growth patterns. Pasty Lather Day served to remind us of the importance of proper hydration. Even yesterday’s leg day gave insight to most about shaving a body part that only one gender is normally expected to maintain.

But what did knee day accomplish? Nothing. Is this to build empathy with someone with only one arm and leg and an aversion to straight face lathering? There is no lesson, good or humorous, to be found.

Enjoy your day!

——

Tournament of Blades Fight 420, Round 2: Personna - Viking’s Sword (Israel) vs Rise - Classic (Bangladesh)

For the second round, the Rise gave a near perfectly smooth shave. The Personna had no faults but it had more noticeable feedback.

Winner of Round 2 and Fight 420: Rise - Classic

User uses a lot of words to chastise judges for a wholly pointless daily challenge.

** 17.06.2024 **

• Brush: AP Shave Co 26MM G5C
• Razor: Karve Shaving Co - THE CHRISTOPHER BRADLEY OC-B
• Blade: Gillette Minora
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Carpathia
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Carpathia
• Post Shave: Mühle alum stone

I love the Southern Witchcraft base. I am not so in this "tallow vs. Vegan" but I notice that I have more tallow base soaps. To be fair scent is the leading! Tallow or vegan if the base is good has no difference to me. SW soaps are supreme quality! And the reason that I have only one of their soaps is because this is the only scent that I like. But I love it! When I open the lid the aroma is bringing me back to my grandmother village house in the moment when I open the doors of old kitchen cabinet and the smell of all spices mixed through the years catch my nose. That's why this soap is so dear to me because brings precious memories and make them so vivid! This soap always will attend in my collection ( hope they not stop making it)!

This two days I feel like Kim Basinger peppering for shooting commercial.

My legs itching 🤬 In their wisdom judges put "knee day" after "leg day" because the view of long hair in lather is not so pleasant and they solidified my opinion they are pervert foot fetishists.

This was the first knee lather video I saw and I just found it hilarious. Also the point about knee day after leg day also made me laugh.

June 17, 2024 – LG Day 17 – Don’t Have a Cow, Have a Banana

• Brush: Stirling Two-Band Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
• Blade: AccuTec Pro Premium
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Boonana
• Post Shave: Murphy and McNeil – SFWS South Beach
• Fragrance: Blackbird – Y06-S

Vegan soaps – they’re not hard to find, and it’s increasingly easy to find a good one. Catie’s Bubbles and Southern Witchcrafts are the GOATs, but ~~Vegemite~~ ~~Vegan Bussy~~ Veggiebus is supposedly very good, and I’ve enjoyed other vegan bases littered throughout my den. As previously stated, the base race is slowly destroying us. Vegan bases are a good thing, because it brings us one day closer to BEEF DAYS becoming a reality.

Today is an ode to the banana. Did you know that the bananas we eat today (the seedless, sterile Cavendish variety) is at risk? It turns out that cloning plants isn’t great for keeping diseases away. The cavendish may go the way of the Gros Michel, which was itself destroyed by fungus in the 50s, and only meaningfully exists today as the basis for the “banana candy” flavor. In the meantime, bananas still seem to be bafflingly cheap, and I imagine they will continue to be so with the next cultivar, should the cavendish meet its peril.

Three distinct takes on the banana. First, a peanut butter, banana, and honey sandwich (sans peanut butter), my favorite type of sandwich as a child, and which still brings me joy when I eat one today. Honey isn’t in the notes list, so it’s possible that the florals and maybe bourbon are doing tricks on me, but that’s what I get from the puck – banana and honey. It lathers and dries down into a much more “normal” scent, not a gourmand by any means, and on the tame side for SW. Full tub worthy for sure. Next, SFWS South Beach. I described the matching soap a couple days ago, and the splash is the same, sunscreen scent, but with a bigger punch of synthetic banana, unlike the soap which leans more coconut. Finally, Y06-S. This might be the weirdest fragrance I’ve ever worn. It “starts off as friendly floral with a clear and contrasting electronics note to distract you from the fact – that what you are truly smelling is banana.” No, Lauren, what I’m smelling is burning plastic. I sprayed this and immediately became worried that this is definitively not something one wears to work. Alas, they weren’t totally wrong. It did indeed dry down into some soft, white florals (mind you, with a synthetic/plasticky backdrop), and something reminiscent of banana. Not the banana you think of when you think what a banana smells like. More like the smell of green banana skins, not yet ripe, sitting on the grocery store shelf having just been unboxed by an underpaid employee. This fragrance is an enigma. #FOF

I lathered on my freshly-shaved knee. I then scooped the lather onto my head and painted it with the best I could with my brush. I resisted the urge to build a better lather once it was on my head, and only had enough for one pass with some cleanup, but that’s okay as my MMOC scars are still healing.

edit: fixed broken link…again

I really enjoyed Hug's description of scents in this write-up. He has a definite knack for engaging copy - and I found this post particularly enjoyable.

June 17, 2024 – Lather Games 2024 Day 17: Don’t Have a Cow, Man!

• Brush: r/wetshaving Zentih MOAR BOAR 31mm #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Gillette Bakelite Handle Tech X-2
• Blade: Gillette Winner (8)
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Porch Drinks
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles – Tonsorial Parlour
• Fragrance: Azzaro – Pour Homme

Use of Theme: Don’t Have a Cow, Man!

I was always using Catie’s Bubbles for today’s shave and am happy that they are today’s sponsor. My first choice was Tonsorial Parlor since I think it has become my favorite barbershop scent and I have the matching aftershave to go with it. However, in light of today’s daily challenge, I called an audible, pulling out Porch Drinks instead. In certain parts of the country, drinking on the porch goes hand-in-hand with playing music. Porch drinks also smelled pretty good when coupled with Tonsorial Parlour, so that was a nice surprise. Fragrantly finishing our little porch jam is Azzaro Pour Homme which actually has a Cardamom note in common with Porch Drinks. I’m quite certain there would also be plenty of moss on the oak trees surrounding our little cabin in the woods.

Daily Challenge: Knee Lather

I come from Forked River with a lather on my knee.

Jr_Donut’s banjo makes an encore performance in this year’s knee lathering daily challenge. Just know that I’m sparing you all the grueling 10 minutes of lathering.

Happy picking, happy shaving, and be kind to one another.

Player attempts to knee lather while simultaneously playing the banjo. Neither are done adeptly.

LG SOTD Jun 17 2024 - Leather Lather Memories

photocontest

[Theme: Kipple, sometimes also called Trash]

• Brush: Black & Yellow Merit 99-5 by Heritage Collection Shaving / AP Shave Faux Boar Synthetic 24mm #FAUXFUR #FRANKENBRUSH #RESURRECTIONBRUSH
• Razor: Muhle - R103 Tortoiseshell OC #ZAMAC
• Blade: Muhle - Stainless Razor Blade
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Lancaster Leather - Luxury Cream Soap
• Post Shave: Catie's Bubbles - Lancaster Leather - After Shave Lotion
• Fragrance: Memo - Oriental Leather - Sample

"Come in. Sit down."
"Ok if I talk? I'm kind of nervous when I take tests..."

MEMORIES OF GREEN

Vegan. No animals.
Cruelty. All there's left.
Green. Memories.

Memories. Are they mine? Are they real?

I have no recollection of the reason why my username here is MudAccording.
Did a Reddit bot suggested it for me? Not a clue. 

Could I be the bot?
I took the test before accessing the forums.
The other shaving forums, where they call me deckard.

An intrusive memory pops up in my brain:
“They don't advertise for killers in the newspaper. 
That was my profession. Ex-cop. Ex-blade runner. Ex-killer.”

After a chain-reaction of extinction events, big corporations like Tyrell flooded the market with synthetic replicas of animal products.
Some small artisans had started earlier, mostly for conscientious objectives, trying to raise awareness about the impending risks.

Awareness.
Risks.
Truth.
Objectives.

None of it matters anymore.
Nor does objectivity.
Objects are all that's left.

So. Many. Objects.
If entropy is irreversible, might as well make the most out of it, right?

Kipple.
Useless objects, like junk mail or match folders after you use the last match or gum wrappers or yesterday's homeopape. When nobody's around, kipple reproduces itself. For instance, if you go to bed leaving any kipple around your apartment, when you wake up the next morning there's twice as much of it. It always gets more and more.

No hope.
Hope was a trap invented by those in power. Still, it provided a sense of purpose.
No longer.
No more life, just survival.

Like many others, I have trouble remembering.

Objects. Collectibles from a past that is long gone.

My razor.
Handle is supposed to be tortoise.
Another intrusive memory: 
“Tortoise? What's that?”
“You know what a turtle is?”
“Of course!”
“Same thing.”

My brush.
Faux boar, it says.
From before the Third Boar War, I guess.
And the handle is advertised as a replica of Merit 99-5, a lost artifact from before.

Objects and memories. That’s all we live by.

I keep trying to recall the smell of leather.

Today I opened one of the most precious artifacts in my collection.
A sample of Catie’s Bubbles Lancaster Leather shaving soap.
Just the Luxury one, not the Premium, still missing from my collection.
There was always the promise of a better version, back then.
Sample tub will soon be done.

Philip K. Dick,holed in his apartment, wrote some of these words already.
Obsessed by old memorabilia.
After the shave, here's one of my proudest finds: the matching splash.
Full bottle, it was. Each time I use it, I regain some memories, but lose a bit more of what was left.

It's too bad, she don't last, eh!
But who does.

SOTD WRITEUP

Brand new razor. I always wanted to try the R41 OC head. Thanks to an online offer, the tortoiseshell handle was just a few bucks more than just the head. Too bad it’s the most stupid handle I ever tried. A perfectly cylindrical slippery surrogate of all the gravitas an actual tortoise stands for. The weight of the head is not balanced by the plastic material, nor by the length of the handle.
Loved the head: with the Muhle sample blade that came in the package, I got a nice close shave, without irritation even after an ATG pass.
Loved the head, but that handle is already turning into kipple.

SPECIAL THEME

No rule-subversion today.
As Captain Bryant reminded me: “Stop right where you are! You know the score, pal. You're not cop, you're little people!”.
Sometimes you have no choice but bow. So I kneeled and knee-lathered. All I learned is that I wasted more of my precious soap than if I had been bowl-, hand- or face- lathering.
All that lather has been lost in vain, like tears in rain.

THE SCENTS

Dick.hole today.
CB Lancaster Leather embraced me in its suede leather accord, soft-hearted beneath its HarrisonFordian aura of ruggedness. Frankincense, Cardamom, and what seems like a touch of aromatic wood (Agarwood?) provide a glimpse of Orientalism.

The melting pot overflows in the AS. My brain is electrocuted by sudden memories of dried fruits, candied citrus and spices that are used in many traditional Italian Christmas sweets. Also Vanilla and bergamot, like in Miracle, but there's so much more here.

I picked Memo Oriental Leather to complete the animal-free reinvention of a tanned animal hide.
What a surprise! While the fragrance per se used to reflect the idea of an oriental leather, today my brain's and nose's leather receptors have been satiated by Lancaster Leather, so all I can smell in Memo's fragrance is the patchouly drydown. I almost thought I had accidentally sprayed a fresh reinvention of Givenchy's Gentleman.

No, Memo was not a false memory.

I still feel human.

I hope.

FOF

END TITLES

ROTY

OP has watched C-beams glitter in the dark near the Tannhäuser Gate.

DAY 17 LATHER GAMES! NO MOO!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Razorock 400 #RESURRECTIONBRUSH
• Razor: Parker Adjustable Injector
• Blade: Schick P20
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Tres Matres
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Tres Matres splash
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Tres Matres EdP

Vegan day! Now I know that a lot of people will use Catie's Bubbles cause that's their whole thing, "I'm gonna do fucking vegan soaps and prove they can be as good as tallow soaps", that he did, he even overdid it. His premius base is just TOO good! Buuuuut, the manufacterer that debunked the Tallow vs Vegan myth was Souther Witchcrafts. That's why I use it on vegan day. This is the third yeard in a row I think I'm using SW Tres Matres on vegan day. It will probably die this year, cause the ring of death is almost upon it. Bought this soap 3 or 4 years ago, so it's had quite the impressive journey!

Even though I don't think I'll ever be a vegan, in today's spirit I tried to do as many vegan things as I could, just so I could get in the mood of the whole ordeal. I went for lunch to a very nice vegan indian restaurant near work, where I had some Lobia Masala and Dhal Tarka, both are quite interesting and a refreshing change of "scenery" for me. Afterwards while going around doing tasks I stopped and had a coffee with some soy milk. Now that wasn't my thing, but hey, one should try something new at least once. And I'm finishing the day off with a nice glass of an Old Fashioned cocktail, which is also vegan!

Other than destroying the tallow vs vegan myth, Southern Witchcrafts, while not my top tier base(believe me it's not a slouch, easily an S tier) somehow it always makes my shave special. I recently made a video on my channel that is called "If I HAD to chose one setup". Guess which soap I chose, yup, it was SW. Really can't explain it, shaving with this artisan is magical!

Daily Challenge

Here's a video of what I did, before you read what I wrote.

Knee lathering.... All this foot stuff, really makes you wonder how much of a foot fetish the judges have, even though I don't judge for such things. I find the whole feet obsession a bit, disturbing, question mark? I mean I'd much prefer penis/vagina lathering or butt lathering. Those would be helluva good challenge photos!

So, I had a great idea today, but time didn't allow it. What I envisioned was going to a friend that has a FWD car. Strapping the brush to the cented of the hub cap, lifting the car on two jacks and let that mf'er ref them tires while I put my knee there so I could get lather.

Alas it did not happen, what I ended up doing and FAILING(in some sense) miserably was putting my own car on a car jack and spinning the wheel by hand while I placed my knee in front of the brush. It was a very lenghty process but in the end there was lather of some sorts. I put the car down got back home and shaved, wasn't the best, buuuut hey it worked, somehow.

Daily Lather Themes: 17/30 * Daily Challenges: 15/30 * Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 20/20 * Hardware Vendor Points: 2/2 * Software Vendor Points: 9/16 * Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1 * 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 17/30 * 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 17/30 * 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 17/30 * 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 17/30

taped brush handle to a tire and then lathered his knee

Jun. 17, 2024

• Brush: Chisel & Hound Strata W/TnS Quarter Moon Synthetic

• Razor: Blackland Sabre

• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE [19]

• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley Of Ashes

• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley Of Ashes

• Fragrance: Bath & Body Works - Graphite

Don’t have a cow man!

Well we had a cow today. My wife called me and said she was bringing my son to the emergency room this was at 11:41 this morning. By that point he had been sleeping since 3:30pm (15:30) yesterday. I left work and drove there. When I got there he was sleeping but woke up long enough to say hi to me and went back to sleep. They ran every test they could on my poor boy, even a catheter because he could not pee, a CT Scan and a Spinal Tap. Thankfully everything came back normal other than he has an ear infection. They were worried he had a brain infection but nope nothing. Tested him for drugs that came back clean. But just like that after the spinal tap and catheter he was wide awake. My boy has ADHD and he never took his meds this morning so he super hyper fixated on not being able to pee. But he asleep now, we are taking him to see his primary doctor tomorrow and he’s now sleeping on the couch because thats where he is most comfortable because he’s sore. I did have to laugh when they came and got me after the tap and cath, he said “Dad, they put a tube up my pishadeel. Tell them not to do that again”.

Anyway I did shave, no knee lather, 2 challenges in a row I have not completed. SW is tied with CB for my favorite vegan soaps.

Frag is sage, leather and bergamot and goes really well with VOA

Photo contest theme Fire. I half assed it. I had a plan for today fire and ash like a valley of Ashes but, my kid had other plans.

Now I’m gonna just sit here and sleep in my chair in case he wakes up in the middle of the night and needs anything.

#ROTY #FOF #photocontest

OP had a cow of a day.

2024-06-17 Cow's, Don't Have One

• Prep: Coffee, Face wash soap/warm water
• Brush: Maggard Razors - Maggard Blue Swirl, Timberwolf Synthetic, 24mm
• Razor: Karve Shaving Co. - Bison #RAINBOW
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'clock Super Stainless (green), DE
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Miracle
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles - Miracle

This new base from Catie's Bubbles is just so good. The scent on this is...overall think incense but not heavy. Great set! Should have picked up the Edt and had the whole shebang...I'm not always the brightest.

Today's Theme - Don't Have a Cow Man!

And I won't, though I often do. But not with this great Moo, snort, and quack free all veggie shave soap. It is free of all that!

Today's Challenge:

Well, I skipped leg day yesterday. Not out of embarrassment or being lazy, just out of an abundance of caution. I suffer from eczema (mostly hands but also legs). Yep, my own body decides let's be a jerk to itself and why does a body do that? Hell if I know. Things are reasonably good on the legs but I don't want to trigger it. Face and neck have always been free of it but if I ever go dark that would be why. So, I will go with the shoulder. I hope this is acceptable, however if it is not, all is good. Rules are rules.

So with that said, here is a shoulder lather pic. I do, weirdly think the knee might have been easier.

Scent notes for those interested:

Catie's Bubbles Miracle (both soap and aftershave) - Bergamot, Lavender, Amber, Vanilla

By the way, per the maker - In a round-a-bout way the soap is named after Miracle Max (played by Billy Crystal) in the Princes Bride, who wishes us to "Have fun storming the castle!". If you like a good movie - The Princess Bride has held up quite well and is still fun.

Take care and have a good one.

User convinces judge to give daily challenge point even though he couldn't physically do the challenge since he did a more difficult version of the challenge.

June 17, 2024  

• Brush: Dogwood – Badger  
• Razor: Merkur 34C  
• Lather: Zingari – The Traditionalist  

Theme: The Traditionalist in Zingai’s vegan base. I think I don’t react well to this one, my shoulder is red and itchy and the part of the leg I shaved tingles.

Challenge. See SOTD picture. Lathered on shoulder. Took awkward shower picture. Shaved leg. Called it a day. The knee is the better surface for lathering. Would be willing to try elbow lather next year.

Other thoughts: the problem with the big bin of samples is that you have to paw through it like a trash panda every day to find the one you are looking for. Or you paw through it to discover if you have something on theme. Next year, instead of den tours the challenge should be to dump your den software into a container and then dig through it to find the next three days of themes. Extra points for those who can and are willing to take tasteful photographic evidence of Scrooge McDucking it through their hoard.

user proposes scrooge mcduck sample challenge

LGSOTD 18-Jun-24

• Brush: Simpson - 'Colonel' Best #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Blackland Razors - Tradere SB #CNC
• Blade: Feather - Hi-Stainless
• Lather: Williams - Mug Shaving Soap
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon Astringent
• Fragrance: The Essence Vault - 283 (Creed Viking) EDP

I wanted to share my experience with this new (to me) Williams Shaving Mug Soap. I don't know whether anyone has ever tried this before, but it has utterly blown me away. As soon as the brush touched the puck it exploded with volumous slick lather It's the best shaving experience I (or anyone else) have ever had. To my utter shock though I've found that this has gone out of production, how could that possibly be!? This is the best thing ever and nothing else can ever compete.

To add to this, I tried using these new Feather blades. I've never experienced anything quite like it. So sharp and smooth, the razor barely had to touch my sensitive skin to remove my tough wirey hair. This is my new go-to blade, and I will never use anything else ever again.

To top the shave off, finished off with the Thayers Lemon. Now I don't know whether anyone else has cottoned on to this little gem, but it is amazing. My skin has never felt so soft and smooth.

All of this is thanks to everyone's amazing advice, I wouldn't be where I am without all of your amazing input...

Now, I hope that was somewhere in the right ballpark, but if I've completely missed the mark then ah well. That was an acceptable shave, the soap scent is just that...soap, I mean I suppose that's the only real need. The lather was just about passable, and I hate feathers, expensive (relatively) and rough for me, but I do actually like Thayers, so I have that going for me. Of course being a complete tit this morning, I was in a rush and didn't remove the blade for pics!

Photocontest

In honour of the theme, I'm aiming this one at 'Darkness', this being the end of the line for this Soap, and likely it's existence in my den.

Have a grand one all.

Cheers

Marc

Williams is still in business and sells Aqua Velva, for instance.

User still gets djudged on theme because of following miscarriage of djustice

LG Day 18- For All My Dead Soapies

• Brush: Leavitt & Pierce 22mm Silvertip
• Razor: Karve Brass CB SB-C
• Blade: Rapira Platinum Lux(8)
• Lather: Storybook Soap Works - Coffee Spoons
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles - Retreat
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Unscented AS balm

I got coffee in my nose before I got coffee in my belly with this shave. Thanks to u/Tetriside for the smoosh of Coffee Spoons. I'm not sure I was familiar with this soaper in the 'Before Times' when I spent more time cruising B&B. But I understand why some of you get all misty-eyed when SSW hits the SOTD feeds. That was a great shave and that scent would have been a winner for me back when it was out. Don't ask me to dump out my fresh cup of coffee for them; however, I will at least raise my cup and thank them for their service to this hobby.

Now I'll flip the script a bit for today's challenge...

Hey there. Been lurking for awhile and figured I'd finally pop my cherry with some questions and thoughts. So, some guy reached out to me and offered me a 'smoosh' of a soap. Is that code for something? Are smooshes legal? Seems kind of shady to be getting an offer like this via DM but any way I accepted his offer because I like living on the edge.

A couple of days later, the 'smoosh' arrived at my house. My wife opened the envelope before I got home from work and apparently thought I was getting drugs in the mail. Of course, it would have been nice if she hadn't thrown all my clothes out of the house before asking me the question of what was actually in the baggie. I pleaded with her to just open it up and touch it and sniff it. Would you guys tell your wife to do that? And hey, where do you you get those drug-sized baggies? She was on the verge of flushing it down the toilet when I snatched it out of her hand and ripped it open to prove to her it was actually soap. I guess the coffee scent calmed her down and she was able to feel that it was actually soap.

Any way...how do you guys use a smoosh? Are you supposed to open the wax paper and rub it all over your face? How do you avoid getting the wax paper stuck to your face? I mean like I had a lot of the wax paper on my face. Wouldn't it be better to use tin foil? I've only used Proraso and it's awesome but I just squeeze the tube on my face, rub it in with my hands and shave. This smoosh thing seems more challenging. So after rubbing the wax paper smoosh on my face I grabbed my cool Viking Beardmaster War Machine Razor that my wife bought me from Amazon because it had 5 star reviews and it looks cool as hell. Is it a cool as hell razor? Should I upgrade to something better like the Viking Pillager Open Comb? Or what do you guys think about Henson or Supply? I see their ads all over my feed. Is their SEO game good or are their razors good? And what would be a good choice for shaving my junk too?

So yea, the shave. It took me some time to select the right blade for the shave. I kept changing blades with each stroke. I was able to try the Feather, Astra, Gillette SB, Treet, Winner, Lord, and I can't remember what other blades. I've read around here that you should try one of each blade in a sampler before settling down. I don't know how you guys survive the inital transition to a DE. I now have to wake up at 4 a.m. because it takes me an hour and a half to shave with all of the between-stroke blade changes. How long does it take you to shave? How many days a week do you shave? Overall, even with all of the different blades, the shave ended up being good, but I don't know why you guys spend so much time tracking down smooshes of dead brands. Doesn't PAA make a coffee scented soap? They seem like a cool company and they keep showing up in my social media feeds so they have to be good, right?

I think I'm going to stick to my Proraso and hopefully I'll find one blade that I can use for a whole shave so I can go back to waking up at 7 a.m. Those are just my thoughts and your feedback is appreciated.

Wicked edge user says something vaguely offensive, gets confused by smushes, questions a sponsor, and uses all of the blades.

June 18, 2024 – Place a rose on the grave

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Bangalore V20
• Razor: Wolfman WR1
• Blade: Feather (DE) (1)
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Rose of Phrygia
• Post Shave: D.R. Harris – Pink Aftershave
• Fragrance: Noble Otter – Two Kings

It always sucks when a brand we love dies. I actually arrived on the scene right as Dr. Jon’s was closing shop. Everyone was upset, so I decided to grab some things from Maggard’s clearance and understand why people were sad to see it go. Rose of Phrygia is an incredible rose scent. He nailed the realism. This doesn’t smell like grandma’s purse with her rose perfume spilled, synthetic and too strong. It smells like walking through a rose garden.

For #fof I’m going to continue that theme, laying a rose on the grave of this brand so to speak. DR Harris Rose aftershave, and Noble Otter Two kings (which is Rose and Oud, but heavy on the rose to my nose.) It’s a bit of a rose bomb, yes. And I’ve probably passed over the “unisex” line here, but ultimately it smells good. And it is thematic for the day.

Since we’re talking about death (in a sense). Let’s use time for #photocontest today. After all we’re all subject to it’s unyielding march. Included in this picture is a pocket watch given to me as a groomsman present at my friend’s wedding. I love that you can see the mechanics of it as it runs. I need to carry it more.

For the challenge. You want a W_E post? I’ll give you a W_E post. My very first, W_E post, so it has to be my best. A post in the style of our current sub exile u/pridetwo over at r/wicked_edge. Go see it for yourself (Assuming u/impressive_donut114 doesn’t pull it down to stop my point spree!)

User makes an actual wicked edge post.

2024-06-18 - RIP

• Lather: Dr. Jon's - Black Label
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Hallows
• Fragrance: Guy Laroche - Drakkar Noir
• Razor: West Coast Shaving - Midnight 78B
• Brush: Maggard Razors - Synthetic Tuxedo

RIP in Pieces:
I hadn't fully decided on what to use today, but Dr. Jon's took it. Not much more than a year ago, Dr. Jon's was apparently killed by Volvo. Volvo please fix.

Unifying Theme: Black Labels
What do we have here? Hmm... Black Label has vaguely yellow lettering, an aesthetic that would make it perfect for tomorrow... but it's also literally called "Black Label."

So, too, do Hallows and Drakkar Noir. Plus, the latter is literally called "Noir." The skull of Hallows is appropriate to the day's theme, too. Finally, a black brush and a black razor called "Midnight."

# photocontest Darkness
Because black.

# FOF
I affirm that winging it is a pretty good way of putting these things together.

I knew that Black Label is a tobacco scent, possibly of the floral variety, but definitely with some added fruitiness (strawberry, if memory serves) that may give it the impression of being the floral kind of tobacco.

I hadn't anticipated that the dark, mossy character of Hallows would be such an excellent complement to Black Label. I also didn't consider that the "fern" notes of Drakkar Noir, being a fougère, would transition so well from the oakmoss and vetiver of Hallows, while rounding back to the lightness of Black Label.

Wicked Edge:
This challenge needs to be retired. You can acheive whatever it is you're going for here with a private room, a closed door, and a sock.

In the spirit of celebrating r/wicked_edge instead of mocking them, I put up a PIF especially for our new Games players who came to this sub from r/wicked_edge.

I was one such player a few years ago, for an iteration of the Games that was overflowing with exclusion. After seeing that, I honestly don't know what compelled me to come back the following year, but I think it had something to do with the judges acknowledging that past negativity and making an earnest effort to correct it.

But I digress.