June 4, 2024 – 2024.06.04 – Lather Games Day 4: K.I.S.S.

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Matte Black with 26mm UHD Independent Fibre Knot #SHD
• Razor: Aylsworth Drakkant #CNC
• Lather: Eleven – Organic Sweet Orange
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Bell Ringer
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Sundrunk

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Daily Theme: K.I.S.S.

Theme justification: Eleven Organic Sweet Orange only has one note: “100% pure, organic sweet orange.”

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Everything in my shave today was citrus. The soap is orange (linked above), the aftershave is Grapefruit, Mango, Orange, Lemon, Lime & more, and the frag scent ”[allows] the cool citrus to wash your worries away” and has citrus notes.

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Scavenger Hunt Justification:

Razor facts: The Alysworth Drakkant is made of CNC-machined 316 stainless steel. See /u/Engineered_Shave’s post here.

Brush facts: The “26MM Independent Synthetic Knot – Bulb (UHD)” is listed is listed as Ultra High Density. Compare that to the non UHD bulb, here

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Daily/Special Challenge: Base War Stories

I joined the hobby/sub only a year ago. As a result, I missed most of the Base War drama. I’ve heard the horror stories from the elders, though, just like how my grandpa would tell me stories about his time in the war. Well, actually that’s not true. My one grandpa that saw actual combat never spoke about it, and my other grandpa was a peace-time Air Force who served as a librarian while he was stationed in Las Vegas. He got out right before Vietnam. Some of the stories I’ve heard from y’all, though, are something else. Lots of drama going on during those days.

I’ve been lucky enough to try a couple discontinued bases, though, and I have to say my favorite of those is Declaration Grooming’s Bison base. Of the current crop of fantastic bases, I think Darkwing has a slight edge over everything else for me. It’s fantastic stuff. This is not to say that any of the other artisans that are popular around here are bad, of course.

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Frag description

Sundrunk might be my favorite fragrance from Imaginary Authors. I purchased a sample pack that came with 9 different frags. Some were winners, some were not. Sundrunk is what I reached for more often than not out of the pack. It’s just a light scent that hits you with the honeysuckle right out of the gate. Reminds me of the times when I was a kid and we’d eat the honeysuckle plants in my Aunt’s yard. It then dries down to a more standard citrus note which has a calming impact on my brain.

Side note: one of the listed notes of sundrunk is “First Kiss.” Yeah, I don’t get that here. I think the IA perfumer and I had different first kiss experiences.

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Now onto the shave!

Eleven seems to be relatively new to the this sub. I think a lot of us grabbed our first products from them during the sale where the soaps and splashes were 50% off. While the base is not my favorite (as described above), it is good. It produces a nice slick lather. I also appreciate the simplicity of the scents. Sometimes you just want something that’s easy.

For the aftershave, I had to make it a little more citrus-y. I, unfortunately, did not have any more oranges in my kitchen, but I did have some lemon juice. SBS Bell Ringer already gives me a little burn, so why not knock it up another notch? How bad could it be?

Well, I mixed together the lemon juice and Bell Ringer. Please ignore: 1) the mess on my vanity, and; 2) my wheezing. My nose is currently clogged and I have a bunch of drainage going down my throat. It ended up looking like this. The moment of truth…

Surprisingly, no added stinging. Sorry to disappoint everyone, but this is not a Kevin McCallister moment. I honestly feel like it neutralized some of the sting that I typically get with Bell Ringer. The only thing I now notice is that I smell like a lemon. Thankfully it’s not too strong and is fleeting. Sundrunk will stand out despite the added lemon.

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Totals:

Razor Hashtags: 5/10
Brush Hashtags: 5/10
Hardware Sponsor Points: 1/2
Software Sponsor Points: 3/16
Number of Lather Brands: 4/30
Number of Lather Scents: 4/30
Number of Post Shaves: 4/30
Number of Frags: 4/30

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Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

• Brush: Stirling - synthetic 2 band. #composite
• Razor: Gillette - Lady Gillette.
• Blade: Gillette - 7o’clock (2).
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Lavender.
• Post: Geo F. Trumper- Coral skin food.

I’m bummed such an incredible scent is discontinued. Of course the base is phenomenal, but the scent of B&Ms Lavender is unlike anything else. It’s complex and forward. A more masculine lavender , but approachable and enticing. This is one I just open the lid to inhale at random times. There’s very few I get the urge to do that with. As for the Lady Gillette, it is a smooth, easy shave. It reminds me of the Henson and is a joy to use.

Base wars: I’m too new to miss any no longer in production. My favorite- I really really love several so it’s hard to pick just one, but I’m going to go with Catie’s Bubbles luxury shaving soap base.

One of my fav. hobbies is gardening. This is lavender I grew from seed last year which has nicely spread a bit. If anyone has grown lavender from seed knows, it is a PIA to germinate, so I’m happy to see it thriving!

photocontest Hobbies

ROTY

Jun. 4, 2024
Prep: Cremo - Coconut Mango Shave Cream - Preshave
Brush: MÜHLE Vivo Plumwood Pure Badger
Razor: Merkur 39C
Blade: Astra Green [2]
Lather: Mühle Shave Care - Sandalwood Luxury Shaving Soap - Soap
Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Pistachio - Aftershave
Post Shave:* Tower 28 - SOS Rescue Spray

ROTY

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

June 4, 2024 - K.I.S.S.

• Brush: Omega 10077 #HOLLOW
• Razor: Yates Precision Manufacturing - Merica
• Blade: Gillette - Silver Blue
• Lather: Proraso - Coarse Beards (Red) Cream
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements - American Blend Splash

Sandalwood is the only scent described in Proraso Red. For a $10 tube of cream, I really like this scent and can see why it is a staple for many people. I personally like soaps better, but the price, performance, and scent of this is pretty good.

As for the challenge today, I don't think I've been wetshaving long enough for a soap base to be discontinued. I have tried samples of B&M's Reserve base and always liked it, so I would probably say Reserve. However, my current favorite base is definitely Summer Break Soaps base. I love the firmness of the soap itself and the shaving properties are excellent. The post shave slickness is incredible and it holds water super well and develops a nice thick layered consistency that offers great protection. Good job to u/rocketk455 and anybody who else helped make this base.

ROTY

LG2024- June 4 “Kiss of lime and Kisses”

• Brush: Elite Razor- Custom Birch 24mm Timberwolf Synthetic
• Razor: Razorock GC .84
• Blade: Astra Green (4)
• Lather: Stirling- Lime
• Post Shave: Wholly Kaw- Eroe splash
• Fragrance: Acqua Di Gio Parfum

Shave: I’m typically not much for fruity notes. I like the darker stuff. Lime is the exception and Stirling does it right. As a dad of 4 daughters Eroe and Rawr were a few of my first purchases after getting into the hobby a few years ago. I loved Rawr but something in it didn’t agree with me. Eroe is somewhat similar sharing a generally bright citrus and a few notes of musk and cedarwood. Paired very well with the lime.

Challenge: I haven’t had the pleasure of trying many bases that have been DCed. Since I enjoy Barrister and Mann so much, I have acquired a few scents that feature the Excelsior base which is top notch.

For me it’s toss up for best base between Omnibus and the current Macduffs base. Omnibus is so easy to dial in and work with. Whenever I use it i question why I need anything else. Macduffs starts out very soft and almost sticky but once it’s hydrated enough it is simply perfect. No other soap leaves my face in better shape than Macduffs. BM scents for me are unmatched so I will give them the title.

Today’s viewing: the only thing better than chocolate is chocolate during Christmas and The jingling kisses is an all timer. It airs every year and has been since 1989.

ROTY

K.I.S.S.

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Vitae Taper w/AP Shave Co 26mm Pure Bliss™ SHD Premium Synthetic Knot #COMPOSITE #FAUXFUR #FRANKENBRUSH #PREMIUMPLASTIC #SHD #TOLL
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 #FLIPTOP #MODERNGEM
• Blade: Personna PTFE Coated Stainless GEM
• Lather: Jordan's - Black Licorice
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Presto Aftershave Splash
• Fragrance: Hendley Perfumes - "Untitled"

Daily Gratitude
Thanks to ShavinginCT for the ~~soap and~~ just the fragrance sample. Thanks to EldrormR for including some free blades with my MM24. Thanks to our wonderful judges and other people for putting this whole thing together. EDIT: I just realized that it was former president Donald Trump (cowzilla3) that gave me the shave soap for today, so thanks.

Daily Mistakes
I should have shaved earlier because now I am speedrunning writing this SOTD because my brother has a zoom meeting on this computer in 10 minutes and I work in a couple hours. EDIT: In my haste to finish this I didn't realize that it was infact Cowzilla that gave me the soap sample for today.

Daily Writeup
If you didn't see yesterday I will start only doing the SOTD videos on weekends. I'm back to work today so this has to be super quick. Jordan's base is alright, kind of reminds me of how Arko performs.

Daily Theme Points
Black licorice is the only scent note named in the marketing for this soap. It is actually a really nice scent if you like black licorice.

Daily Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance Points
Presto has licorice root extract in its ingredients. For the fragrance I didn't have anything that had only one scent note so I decided to do something "untitled" instead.

Daily Challenge
I haven't tried any discontinued bases that I know of but my favorite soap base is the soap base found in Seaforth! Roman Spice, it says it is the highland base but it is definitely different because it loads incredibly fast and lathers even better.

Hardware Scavenger Hunt
No new hashtags so if you want to know about these ones you can see my previous posts.

Photo Contest
This is my favorite teddy bear, "Teddy," for the animals not alive theme.

TL;DR
Short SOTD because I have work. I win rookie of the year thank you very much give me my prize.

Side Contests

photocontest

ROTY

Jun. 4, 2024

• Brush: The CaYuen Workshop Diablo Badger

• Razor: Blackland Blackbird

• Blade: Personna Lab Blue [3]

• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - Ménage a Lavande

• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles - Ménage a Lavande

• Fragrance: Christian Dior - Dune Pour Homme

K.I.S.S.

I’m just gonna say it, it’s to God Damn hot here in Florida. It’s miserable, it’s sticky, it’s just gross out. Just needed to get that off my chest.

Today’s shave was just what I needed. Work has turned it to 11 out of nowhere. CB Ménage a Lavande is the perfect Purple Haze to calm the nerves. Blackland is today’s Sponsor so I decided to go with the satin Bird with original base plate. I own 3 Blacklands and also the lite bird base plate. My favorite of the 3 is the Sabre I use that more than any of my others.

Soap and Splash Justification: From Cb site “A limited edition luxury cream soap scented with a blend of 5 high end lavenders from around the world. Designed with the sole intention of being the "Ultimate Lavender Experience."

Fragrance: I really don’t have a lavender scent, so I chose Dior Dune Pour Homme now there is not a single drop of Lavender in Dune as the ingredients are “Top notes are Fig Leaf, Cassis, Sage and Basil; middle notes are Fig Wood Bark, Rose and Mignonette; base notes are Sandalwood, Cedar, Tonka Bean and Vanilla.” But to my nose the rose really stands out, and for me it’s the perfect frag to finish the shave.

So for today’s challenge is to talk about our favorite base. I have a few, let’s start with ACE, they did see the sign. There was also Rob he was not internationally known, but was known to rock a microphone. I was in my 20’s in the 90’s so there was Free which if you were with the right girl would lead to fifth base again the 90’s…. I should call her.

Oh thats not what you meant. Sorry.

I am an admitted CB whore. The lux base is just so smooth, but the Premium IMO is just perfection. I have never had a bad shave with a CB soap and I have alot (10) in my den.

I have not been wet shaving long enough to have anything stoped being made to were I would miss it.

Photo contest Fill the Frame

#ROTY #FOF #photocontest

June 4, 2024

• Prep: Hot shower
• Brush: Badger brush I've had forever with the maker's mark rubbed off #SMOLL
• Razor: Muhle Companion
• Blade: Astra Green (Indian)
• Lather: Muhle - Sandalwood

This puck is advertised with just the one scent note, and frankly, it barely even has that scent, so I think I'm on theme. I bought it before (re-) discovering the world of artisan soaps, and it mostly hides under the sink in shame.

Base war stories: I haven't really been paying attention to soap bases long enough to lament the discontinuance of any, but I have strong memories from my childhood of my grandad and my dad routinely gifting each other Crabtree and Evelyn shave soap. At some point, probably in my early twenties, I started using it, too. Was the base any good? We'll find out when I bust out my 15+ year old puck later this month. Current favorite base: Sudsy Soapery Supercreamed Triple Butter.

(Image to confirm brush measurements: https://imgur.com/a/4uiXpmm)

ROTY

04JUN2024 K.I.S.S.

• Brush: Aurora Grooming Baron w/26mm SynBad Fan
• Razor: GEM Pushbutton
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE [6]
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sandalwood
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Barber Shop

Well it's KISS day. I spent a lot of the day worrying that one of you degenerates was going to break into my house and try to make out with me, but then I read the description...

I opted for Stirling's Sandalwood. As a huge fan of all scents Sandalwood related it was EXACTLY what I was going to want out of my soap today. It smells almost sweet and woodsy at the same time which made it even more of what I was looking for. This soap took me straight to Hawaii. Unfortunately, I don't have the Sandalwood splash :/ (ohhh noooo), which meant it was time for another favorite of mine. Barber Shop. Ohh I just cannot get enough of it. Smelling like a fresh haircut is possibly one of my favorite things EVER. One of the things I absolutely love about this hobby is the variety of smells involved (this also happens to be my daughters favorite parts. Imagine getting a new soap and suddenly a 2 year old is in your face going "daddy I smeww?")

For hardware: duh, I used my matching Baron, and the 26mm SynBad Fan from AP Shave Co. is probably one of my favorite knots currently. It's soft but has the backbone I always want, and the splay is perfect for my face. Again using my GEM Pushbutton which I basically only use at this point. After 5 shaves with it, it's become my favorite razor. Even surpassing the Karve Christopher Bradley which is shocking.

All in all, today's shave was 10/10. As for today's challenge..........yeah I know nothing of soaps. I'm really slacking on these daily challenges. I refer to my comment yesterday, about how I am questioning my entire life.

ROTY

https://imgur.com/a/2GhWsG9

• Prep: PAA - The Cube 2.0
• Bowl: Naked Armor - Silver Fox Scuttle
• Brush: Naked Armor - Swedish Black Wood Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette - Super Adjustable Black Beauty #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Personna- XSeries
• Lather: Saponificio Annamaria - Fillide
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Almond Creme
• Post Shave: Omega - Alum Stick

A nice shave with a trusted Gillette Super Adjustable True Black Beauty! Smooth and close on setting number 5 using a Personna X-Series Blade. Wonderfully simple Almond scent from a nice lather. Almond Creme aftershave from Stirling to top off a very pleasant shave!

I truly miss Tabac base with Tallow! I was able to buy a Tallow shave stick and love the rich creamy lather. I will be extremely sad when it is completely gone. Current favorite base is Ethos F base, although I hear there is a new base coming out soon. Looking forward to it! I also enjoy PAA CK6 which seems to work synergistically with the Cube preshave.

ROTY

Jun. 4, 2024
Brush: Omega 10049 #TOLL
Razor: Segal Gold Tone #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY * Blade: Astra SP * Lather: Chiseled Face Groomatorium - Banana * Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - SoCal Hipster
Post Shave: Osma - Alum
Post Shave: Jack Black - Double-Duty Face Moisturizer

CF Banana….just banana 🍌. Followed up with SoCal Hipster which featured more banana 🍌….and some pineapple.

Base War Stories: Best base no longer made: B&M White Label. Seville in white label was one of my first soaps. So good. My top base today I’d go with Spearhead’s Highland, although there are so many great ones.

ROTY

SOTD - 2024-06-04

• Beard Growth: 24 Hours
• Prep: Hot Shower
• Pre Shave: None
• Brush: Yaqi - Mysterious Space Synthetic
• Razor: Parker Variant Adjustable (Open Comb) #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Derby Extra Green
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - Menage a Lavande
• Post Shave: Mario Badescu - Facial Toner (rosewater)

• Fragance: Southern Witchcrafts - Tres Matres EDP

• Comments: Menage a Lavande for today courtesy u/tsrblke , first time trying the Catie’s bubble base, liked the soap and the texture. Good slick lather I have a few more samples of this base around looking forward to trying those out.

Post shave alum to stop a few weepers, finished off with Mario Badescu facial toner (rosewater), I guess this is one scent as well

Parker Variant Razor - have mixed feeling about this one, I started off wet shaving with this but I just don’t love it anymore. I don’t need an adjustable at all now that I know what kind of aggression my face likes. Anyways it’s still a great razor, maybe I should bring it into rotation again.

#ROTY

June 4, 2024

• Brush: Sterling Soap Company Finest Badger 24mm Fan Knot
• Razor: Fatip Piccolo Slant Closed Comb
• Blade: Gillette Super Platinum (Black) (4)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Pompelmo
• Post Shave: Gentelman's Nod - Zarahoff Rose
• Fragrance: Hermès - Pamplemousse Rose

Grapefruit is amazing. Especially the peel. If you haven't tried it, I recommend using grapefruit peel as a garnish for drinks (like in a Manhattan).

Both the lather and the aftershave above are single note. Zarahoff Rose is the most potent, fragrance-y aftershave I've come across—it's a bit much. Sort of like rose water, incense, and spices filling up an entire room. Pamplemousse Rose, while not single note, was intended to harmonize the previous two.

The featured work in today's edition of Brush Strokes is Nebraska, a 1960s minimalist painting by Brice Marden.

I'm still learning about bases. Thus far I'm partial to Omnibus—was surprised by someone's comment earlier today implying that opinions on the sub are divided.

#ROTY

EDIT: added ROTY tag