LGSOTD 24-Jun-24

• Brush: Blackland - Signature #PREMIUMPLASTIC
• Razor: Blackland Razors - Dart #CNC
• Blade: Astra - SP
• Lather: Santa Maria Novella - Toscana
• Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Tobacco Road AS
• Fragrance: The Essence Vault - 290 (TF Tobacco Vanille) EDP

Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

This shave is brought to you by u/TheStallionPartThree, I am very grateful for the help on this one. Despite being a transatlantic effort, he kindly sent me a number of very generous smushes, none of which I had tried before and one of which I could never try otherwise, ROTY 2023, which smells fantastic. This package almost had me rearranging my calender so I could get the ROTY in there, but sadly I have to be patient until this event is over and done.

That being said, the Santa Maria Novella Toscana is no slouch. Nice easy lather and very subtle but pleasant scent. The menthol addition is also a welcome one this morning. Along with this he'd also kindly provided some Astra blades, which of course would be rude not to set into use today as well. Excellent, shave, lovely scent and a great finish, TheStallionPartThree thank you once again, saved my calender (assuming I haven't buggered up elsewhere) and it is very much appreciated!!

Daily Challenge: r/Wetshaving Exclusives Wish List

Now, I half expect to see someone asking for a Maggards Old Spice Dupe just to cover a few bases for next year, and whilst that might be amazing I have another couple in mind. I know we've already had CGC, SW and SBS (was there a DG one as well?), how about sponsor of the day, Stirling. We already know it is one of the best in terms of bang for your cash and it lasts an eternity...anything with a smoke, tobacco or leather (or probably anything just for the novelty) and I'm in! The only request I would make if it ever happened, make the splash sans alcohol so we lowly Europeans can grab it as well!

Photocontest

This one being a tobacco scent I thought I'd try for exhaled smoke (well vape really) to show 'The Elements: Air'. I had thought about using a can of compressed air to blow stuff around and I missed my chance with a sailing yacht, but thought this would do the trick.

Have a cracking day all!

Cheers

Marc

** 24.06.2024 **

• Brush: AP Shave Co 26MM G5C
• Razor: Yaqi Remus
• Blade: Feather Professional
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Woodshop
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Woodshop
• Post Shave: Mühle alum stone

My Remus was given to one member of our shaving club to test it. This Chinese AC safety razor is a great every day shaver. So gentle but so efficient.

The only participant that I know in Lather Games is u/MrTangerinesky so I am on his mercy. Thank god he is generous and give me this Woodshop. Last year I really appreciated the aftershave scent. And I used With pleasure. I'll used on to on lumberjack fashion week.

About next sub exclusive.... Hmmmm ...... If I have to pick brands is Gentleman's Nod or Spearhead or Firs Line Shaving. But there is so much good brands to.

LG SOTD 24Jun2024

• Brush: Yaqi Bali - 24mm silver tip synthetic
• Razor: Wolfman - WR1 0.80 SB
• Blade: Treet - Falcon (1)
• Lather: Spearhead - Blackwatch
• Bowl: Captain’s Choice - Copper, standard
• Post Shave: Afta by Mennen - Aftershave Lotion, Original

Monday is here again. Welcome to the twenty-fourth shave of the 2024 Lather Games. Today's theme is Christmas in June Eve where we shave with a lather that we got as a PIF, trade, or gift.

For today's shave I am going to be using a smoosh of Spearhead's Blackwatch that was, once again, generously provided by u/schontzm. Thankyou, thankyou once more. In spite of the limitations of traveling, I'm going to take it up a notch and use PIF'd hardware (minus the bowl, nobody has given me a bowl). The Yaqi Bali brush was from a loser's PIF after my first Lather Games (2021) held by u/Cadinsor aka WetTuber Michael Freedburg. It was, up until last month, one of the den regulars but, alas, the Yaqi cat whiskers knots are really nice and the Ever-hopeful took its Tuesday spot. But, it's small and reliable so made a good pick for this trip's travel brush (it's also gone to Disneyland 😄). The razor is the Wolfman WR1 that I won in a charity PIF from u/erchamionberen (he’s deleted the account since then) and it's been neat getting to shave with something I wouldn't buy at MSRP or even close. What I do like about this razor is that it was thoughtfully engineered. I may not love shaving with this razor but I like that you can tell that every feature was considered at length and planned. Highlights why you won't see me using one of my razors during the games (or probably again)😉

Before the shave, the challenge is to vote for an artisan to make the next r/wetshaving exclusive and this is easy: Barrister and Mann. Omnibus is my favorite soap base and Will has made some of my favorite fragrances. No one better in my opinion (although acceptable alternates like HoM or ZM exist).

Now, the shave. I don’t particularly like this razor to shave with and don’t use it often. I had never used a Treet Falcon and don’t think I will again. If this were a ToB shave would say that the feedback was uncomfortable some of and unpleasant all of the time. But you can’t say it’s not efficient (and has functional lather channels! The “spoiler on a civic” lather channels on some razors a big knock for me).

The lather off the smoosh had a warm pleasant smell to it (the sandalwood probably). Lathered, what I presume was supposed to be the incense became the strongest black pepper note I’ve experienced shaving and am glad this was a smoosh and not a blind bought tub 😅. I will say that the Seaforth lather was better than I remembered.

Anyhow, It’s 2:30am and I need to leave for the airport in 30. You all have a great day!

LG Day 24- Christmas June Eve or Whatever

• Brush: Shore Shave 26mm Motherlode
• Razor: GEM Junior
• Blade: GEM PTFE (10)
• Lather: Beak & Snout - Barbershop
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit splash
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Unscented AS balm

Here we go, the last week of the Lather Games is in full effect and it's the June version of Christmas Eve. Typically, in my family Christmas Eve was more known for going out for Chinese food and catching a movie. But we're not here to talk about the best Chinese food dishes in our particular towns. No, we're here to extol the generosity/gift giving prowess/shrewd trading skills of this sub. I think my shave covers all of these traits of the sub pretty well. The only item I paid for was the blade and the balm. I guess I need to work on a balm connection for next year.

I digress. The brush was an AA prize from a couple of years ago from the esteemed u/EldrormR. The razor came in the last PIF train from u/jwoods23. The splash came out of a trade with u/oswald_heist.

And then there's the soap. This soap, as some of you may remember, came from u/hugbckt. Well, he doesn't have the soapmaking skills, but his friend in New Hampshire does. Huggy was generous in this PIF as any number of us received samples. This was right before Hug's ego took hold due to his sudden acclaim for his lather and stubble chugging abilities. Clearly his ego has continued to grow since the last Lather Games and this guy thinks he can go from subreddit stardom to some kind of viral TikToker and beyond. What else can explain his shitpost about my inability to shave in front of a lighthouse with him last week? Clearly, Huggy thought that two dudes shaving on the jetty in front of Spring Point Ledge Lighthouse was going to propel him from shaving obscurity to some kind of fame. He was definitely thinking bigger than u/VisceralWatch. Maybe he was watching fellow Mainer Julia Gagnon's recent run through American Idol and figured he had more (and different) talent than she did. I mean if he has to get inspiration from American Idol, I get it, but he definitely shouldn't be questioning my music taste at that point. Any way, Hugs had visions of reaching TikTok influencer status. Imagine a big bearded dude and a dapper non-bearded dude shaving by a lighthouse, answering questions and responding to quizzical looks from tourists walking by. The video would of course be finished off with a dual chug. Internet fame and fortune would have quickly ensued giving Hugs the ability to finally build that shaving bunker on his property. But fame and fortune were not to follow all because I had a big interview early in the morning. What was he expecting me to do? Postpone the interview on account of pursuing internet points and helping someone become a viral TikToker? Yea, that would have gone over well. But clearly, Huggy felt betrayed by my actions and...well...here we are. I hope the Hug-man is able to find happiness and internet success and the subsequent riches that will come from it. Me? I'll just continue to enjoy being a slave to my corporate overlords. I'll continue to ply my trade in obscurity in the insurance industry.

Leaving Huggy in the dust and turning to the Daily Challenge. I think there are two artisans that I would be interested in seeing make a sub exclusive- Declaration Grooming and Spearhead. Both artisans have bases that absolutely slap, with Milksteak just edging out Highland for me. Both artisans have keen scent noses and really do an amazing job of blending scent notes together. They both have signature scent styles for sure. I've only been around here for 3 years so I don't know if DG has ever done one in the past. We know Spearhead hasn't.

Those are my thoughts for the day. Try to enjoy your day and remember to be kind to one another.

OP uses many words to make excuses for not shaving in front of a lighthouse with a fellow Redditor. OP may have gotten the job.

OP uses many words to make excuses for not shaving in front of a lighthouse with a fellow Redditor. OP may have gotten the job.

LG SOTD Jun 23 2024 - A Rainy Dairy Day

photocontest

Theme: Soccer - SOTD was done in front of Stadio Artemio Franchi, home of ACF Fiorentina

• Brush: Muhle Travel Brush - Synthetic #HOLLOW
• Razor: Bic - Single Blade Disposable
• Blade: Bic - Single Blade Disposable (1)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Remote Learning - smush by u/Onionmiasma
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Le Grand Chypre - Aftershave Splash
• Fragrance: Jovoy - Remember Me - sample

STILL TALKING ABOUT FOOD, AND THE PROBLEMS YOU HAVE WHEN YOU SMELL LIKE IT

"If you want to go ahead and do it, you're out of this house!"

"But it's just a tiny smush of a NachoCheeseDorito-scented soap!"

"This is no longer a game. You have changed, I don't recognize you anymore."

"You don't understand, Americans have a different approach to fragrances, they need them to smell like food"

"Why don't they just try to cook some?"

"You know, they lack our inter-generational homecooking traditions..."

"They are just food illiterates! It's not as if they didn't have a choice! Of all the food scents and flavors in the world, why Nacho Cheese Dorito?"

"It started off as an April Fool, then u/Priusaurus made it serious..."

"Who's that?"

"Last year's champion, the guy who always shaves outside!"

"You're about to follow the same path!"

"Don't worry! You know I don't do that I want to shave quietly, in private, as a meditative moment just for myself..."

"It's not a worry. It's a statement: if you want to shave with THAT SCENT, you're out of this house! Maybe it'll teach you what it means to be as desperate as that poor online guy who feels the need to assimilate to an extinguished species!"

"But he is the Champion!"

"GET. OUT. OF. THIS HOUSE."

"But it's raining outside!"

CAREFUL WHAT YOU WISH FOR, OR: LIVING LIKE A LATHER GAMES CHAMP

Regardless of the fate I ended up facing, I wish to thank u/Onionmiasma for providing me the smush of the unobtanium Remote Learning. If only I knew, when I innocently asked for it, about the ordeal it was going to cost me...

Now I am wandering the streets around the soccer stadium.
The national soccer championship is over, and today is a city holiday, so the area is semi-deserted.
It's a different kind of champion that I am living like. Now I see it. Oh, u/Priusaurus, how little I understood your tragedy! You didn't deserve my shitposts!

To prove that I am indeed on a rainy street in Italy, I found a stereotypical vintage Vespa that immediately became my dream shaving station: the top box is good put my gear on, plus there's a nice round mirror! Modern scooters have those aerodynamically-shaped rearview mirrors that are almost useless for an outdoor shave. Long live the round mirrors!

I left the plastic bowl on the top box to slowly fill with rainwater.
Meanwhile, I tried to call all my friends to seek for a shelter.
No luck: everyone's away for the long vacation weekend.

A bunch of minutes and phone calls later, I had gathered an amount of water that felt like a little too much, but I didn't want to waste any water, and then have to wait under the rain for more drops.

I documented the first stages, then I had to rush because of a sudden increase of the downpour. Thunders approaching. Lighting striking in the distance.

Obviously, the Ancient Gods of the Mediterranean were punishing me: our ancestors offered them sacrifices of beef grease and bones. I had contaminated my offering with the blasphemous promise of Nacho Cheese Dorito.

TRAGEDY OF A RIDICULOUS MAN...

... is the title of a film by Italian film auteur Bernardo Bertolucci. Like some fellow genius filmmakers from the US, he tried to warn us about the deceitful nature of the dairy business.

My own tragedy was all for nothing: I could smell ZERO cheese in my SBS smush.

Did u/Onionmiasma try to save me by sending me a divorceproof soap replacement?

Have I been blessed by the Ancient Gods with anosmia against American Abominations?

I have now experienced the tragedy of living like u/Priusaurus, and I know I that's not how I want to end up.

The Gods gave me a Second Chance. I'll make it matter.

FROM NONSCENT TO NONSENSE

After the mystery of the Cheese Who Wasn't There, I still had to complete my SOTD routine.

As I was missing the complementary SBS Mountain Dew scented aftershave, or even actual Mountain Dew (unavailable here), I went with the best approximation.

My Special Santa, u/Onionmiasma, is on record claiming that Le Grand Chypre smells like fancy Sprite.To show him my allegiance, my SOTD rain gear (see pic in the title) included a bottle of LGC and a can of Sprite.
I smelled them back to back: in comparison, LGC smells broodier, less easygoing, more mature.
Sprite smells more "natural" than I remembered, almost as if it contained a blend of actual citrus EOs.

The convergence of the food and perfume aroma industries has Big Soda offering almost wearable scents in their beverages, and respectful artisans making soaps that smell like junk food, and potentially are made with the same aromachemicals. Food for thought.

Then, the Final Fragrance: I wanted something that could reconcile the alleged industrial dairy-ness of Remote Learning with the supposedly gourmand citrus of ~~Sprite~~ LGC.

Jovoy's REMEMBER ME felt like a signal from karma.

The name revealed my purpose: I was here to be a Martyr, a sacrificial Exemplary Witness of a Cautionary Tale that needed to be remembered for centuries to come.

The Remember Me official scent notes asked me: "How many times have you secretly wished to be that anonymous stranger who captivates merely by virtue of a perfume?"

I had sprayed it on myself, and now I was smelling just like that anonymous stranger: not the real-life u/Priusaurus, obsessed with smelling like cheese nachos and bothering homeless people with his obscene public shaves; no, the wannabe American Gourmand, smelling like a fantasy rendition of a dairy product from France.

Tragedy was striking again: I could not appreciate all the nuances mentioned by Jovoy's official marketing.

All I could smell was this.

FOF

TODAY'S CHALLENGE

Could SBS help me lift my curse, and make me return home with a sub-esclusive scent to be proud of?

ROTY

shaved outside soccer stadium

June 24, 2024 – 2024.06.24 SOTD: Lather Games Day 24 – Christmas in July, but in June Eve

• Brush: AKA Brushworxs Metamorphosis Kaiser-i-Hind with 26mm Turn-n-Shave Fullmoon knot
• Razor: Aylsworth Drakkant
• Blade: Wizamet
• Lather: Zingari Man – The Watchman
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Alive

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Daily Theme: Christmas in July, but in June Eve

Theme justification: Today's soap, Zingari Man The Watchman, was provided by /u/OnionMiasma. /u/OnionMiasma has participated in over 12 shaves during these Lather Games

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: The relevant theme for today's shave is a continuation of today's theme: stuff /u/OnionMiasma has gifted to me. In fact, he sent all three of these items in one box! See the note he provided for proof.. Items 1, 9, and 13. The photo has been edited to remove our names, but that is all. He sent me this care package shortly after I joined the sub. It was incredibly generous to do for a new member and showed me just how friendly this place is. You're a real one, /u/OnionMiasma.

---

Scavenger Hunt ~~Justification~~: COMPLETED

Razor facts: N/A

Brush facts: N/A

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Daily/Special Challenge: /r/Wetshaving exclusive wish list

Now this is tricky. Lots of great things out there. Do we bug /u/Rocketk455 for more meme soap? I don't think so. Not after he made You Did This. We need to let him focus on better things.

Do we pressure /u/MammothBen into giving us green goop, for whatever reason? Nah.

Seems like Stirling is already working on something in the background that might moove us.

So, I think we should leave the next exclusive to one of this year's new sponsors. Namely, I recommend Aaron from Talent Soap Factory. Now, a lot of his scents are gourmand, but I don't think that this exclusive should go that route. I think he should piggyback off of a new, sure-to-be-hit movie: Twisters

What would this smell like, you ask? Well, if you ask any Midwesterner or person who lives in tornado alley, they'll let you know that there is a distinctive smell before a thunderstorm and/or tornado. I typically associate this with Ozone, but I could be wrong. Since Aaron is in KC (according to Etsy), I'm assuming he knows this smell well. I've tried most of the "storm" scents that are popular around these parts, and nothing really comes close to what I'm thinking. Maybe it's because my sniffer is off (which is true), but I don't think it's that far off. To make it easier on Aaron, I've even drawn up a rudimentary label. Bear in mind that I'm no /u/Wyze0ne. I submit to you: "Welcome to Moore, OK!" For some reason imgur didn't like this photo, so I had to go with ibb.co.

So there you go. Aaron, if you're on reddit and see this, let me know if you're up to this. I'm happy to be a smell tester for you.

---

Fragrance description

The watchman does his some of the ozone notes I suggest above, but it's definitely more of a sea-salt and ozone vibe. Makes me want to watch The Lighthouse

Alive is not one of my top HoM scents, but it is nice. I think it is just a bit too floral for my liking. I do appreciate the apple that comes through, though. The initial opening spice you get reminds me of mulled apple cider.

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Now onto the shave!

I do enjoy Zingari soaps. While not my favorite scent, the lather was nice and the overall shave was enjoyable. I don't know if it is because of my shenanigans I've been dealing with this month, but today's lather was absolutely phenomenal. Near perfect consistency, great sheen, A+ slickness and protection. Much better than using boiling soap with added chocolate like I did yesterday. Their balms are very nice as well.

Overall, 7/10 shave today.

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Totals:

• Razor Hashtags: 10/10
• Brush Hashtags: 10/10
• Hardware Sponsor Points: 2/2
• Software Sponsor Points: 15/16
• Number of Lather Brands: 24/30
• Number of Lather Scents: 24/30
• Number of Post Shaves: 24/30
• Number of Frags: 24/30

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Contest Hashtags:

#FOF

#ROTY

2024-06-24 Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Prep: Coffee, Face wash soap/warm water
• Brush: Semogue - Pharos-C3, Black Horse Hair 21mm, Ocean Green Beechwood #HORSESASS
• Razor: Chiseled Face - Legacy Titanium with Imperial Handle, DE
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum, DE
• Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter
• Post Shave: Kosmetik R. Nuener - Alt-Insbruck

Today's Theme: Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Gotta thank u/onionmiasma for the Noble Otter Firefighter. Good solid guy!

Today's Challenge: Who would you like to make the next r/Wetshaving exclusive?

I'm gonna vote for Talent Soap Factory. They have soaps with scents that are all over the place. I have a pickle scented soap from them, another one is a garden scent, and another smells of grape bubblegum. So, yeah, I'm just curious what would happen.

Take care and have a good one.

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Aurora Grooming LG 2024 with 26mm AP Shave Co. Pure Bliss #FRANKENBRUSH #PREMIUMPLASTIC #SHD #FAUXFUR #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: 7 O’Clock – Sharpedge (Yellow) (2)
• Lather: A A Shaving – Wapiti
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Ausflug
• Fragrance: Zingari – The Watchman Extrait

Christmas eve, when the sub goes on a giving spree. Today’s smush is from u/onionmiasma, who graciously bought a tub of AA shaving Wapiti and distributed it to everyone to save us all from not getting sponsor points.

I thought I should go ahead and do several things for this shave in honor of u/onionmiasma, so I used the Aurora Grooming Brush he likes. He says it’s “Cubs colors” but I think the red is darker. I just like red. The blue does glow in the dark, kinda like it’s radioactive, which does describe September as it relates to the Cubs.

Also, for #photocontest, I’m doing woodworking. I know u/onionmiasma just loves this cutting board I won last year for Lather Games, so it’s on display today. I’m not a woodworker at all, but u/phteven_j is a miracle worker with wood.

Tying #fof into u/onionmiasma was a bit harder, but then my Ausflug arrived. As everyone is aware it was Onion’s LG prize for last year. Now connecting these together is a bit of a challenge, but they’re all scents describing “the outdoors” in some way. Wapiti is defined in terms of “cool woods” and “Musky woods” (and is meant to invoke forests of the NW.) Ausflug, while it opens with citrus is defined as having a “classic refined outdoorsy base” (meant to be reminiscent of playing frisbee in the college quad if I understood correctly.) Watchman is said to have “soft woody seashore” notes up top (For thematic purposes we’ll make a sea shore on the NW as a call back to the soap). Sandwiching a citrus in between aquatics works pretty well to boot. It’s not quite as crisp as wearing something like Clean’s Rain, but the final effect isn’t that far off.

Thanks u/onionmiasma for the assist, both for this shave in particular, and as a judge keeping LG going another year.

Turning to the challenge. I’m fortunate to have 3 r/wetshaving sub soaps and 2 #subbrooshes. (Plus, Gearhead, which wasn’t an exclusive but brough back due to the sub). While I’m looking forward to u/j33pguy13’s Stirling “Sir Irisch Baas” sub treat (and will buy a trick when it goes live), I’m especially fond of the funny sub collabs, like Remote Learning (yes, we’ll give u/priusaurus some props here for bringing this to fruition. Not like his head can get any bigger). To that end, I’d love to see what Talent Soap Factory could churn out for the sub because he’s definitely got some novel scents. But, here’s the kicker, they’re good. Fantasy Donut yesterday was a lot of fun. I took sniff of Fizz and it teleported me back to the local root beer joint we had in town with unlimited mugs of the good stuff that came with dinner. (I’d be curious what u/hugbckt thought of it, but USPS lost the package I sent him 2 weeks ago). Wolf Mother is a wonderful Coffee and Merlot blend. To that end, maybe he could take the Money Scent he’s got, mix it with a little bourbon and cigar smoke and make a sub scent called “Judge’s Backroom Deals.” (I’m out of other explanations for leg shave day on Father’s Day and outdoor shave in the middle of the week other than “someone cut a backroom deal.”) Or maybe a shave that smells like diesel exhaust called “public shave.” (Actually, no. I don’t want something that’s worse than Midnight Stag.)

2024-06-24 - The gift of giving

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Behold the Whatsis!
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Nightman
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Remote Learning
• Razor: Wolfman Razors - Guerrilla
• Brush: Summer Break Soaps

Unifying Theme: Xmas Eve in June

Xmas Eve in June:
The lather and aftershave both came from u/souleater7173 as part of Onion's PIF train late last year. Thank you, yet again.

The gorgeous brush is courtesy of u/rocketk455 from his Anosmiac Torture Parade a couple years ago. This is absoutely my favorite brush that I will ever own, but it's is one of those things where I ironically don't use it as much as I might because I want to avoid any kind of wear. Meanwhile, the frag kind of counts for Xmas in June because he threw that in as a bonus when we paid for the Remote Learning soap and a/s. So I'm counting it.

Finally, I won the Wolfman in last year's Games. Thanks to them for their continued sponsorship.

Exclusives Wishlist:
I think u/stirlingsoap was long ago playng with the idea of doing one for our little, uh, Community.
To be honest, I'm not sure what kind of scent it could be. but I would be giddier than a grapefruit goulash if they continued their established pattern of name choices by naming it something along the lines of:

Dreamatorium
Kickpuncher II
Nadir
The Darkest Timeline
Greendale Seven
El Tigre Chino

Rod's probably sick of me suggesting that, but ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

#FOF
Speaking of grapefruit, Whatsis! is all the grapefruit your grandmother can handle. I'm a fan of actual grapefruit. As grapefruit scents go, I've tried exactly two, and I think I prefer Noble Otter's Firefighter. Whatsis! is fine.

Moving on, I think I'm the third, maybe fourth person to have this particular bottle of Nightman and the corresponding tub of soap. I haven't used it more than a couple times because I've been focusing on other tubs, but maybe I'll pass it along to someone else to try.

That's not to say I don't like it though. I wouldn't say I dislike it. I would, however, say that it smells a bit like... gasoline? Or under the hood of a car? That's not quite it... some kind of rubber or plastic, maybe. Yeah, that's it; it's like the industrial smell of some newly-manufactured, nondescript thing right after you take it out of the package. Well, when I phrase it like that, I wouldn't expect u/souleater7173 to have liked it. I suspect it mellows into its "citrus-forward" components (oh, hey, it has that in common with Whatsis!), but I didn't give it much of a chance before Remote Learning.

Boy howdy, what a scent to follow that but Remote Learning! I actually haven't figured this one out. Doritos are definitely there, but does it also have the Mountain Dew? Is it like those jars that contain both peanut butter and jelly in the same jar? Do they still have those? That's not to say that I have an interest in that stuff, but I digress. It's definitely mostly Doritos.

#photocontest Onion
Yes, that's an actual onion. Seriously.
No, not the obvious grapefruit; that's an obvious grapefruit, which was as messy as it was disappointing. No, I mean the ~~pale, round, misshapen blob~~ onion in front (I promise I was still talking about the literal onion!).

Gift SOTD:

• Razor: Above the Tie Atlas S1
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (1)
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Kyle SHD
• Lather: Spearhead - Seaforth Sea Ice Lime
• Aftershave: Spearhead - Seaforth Sea Ice Lime
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Everett

When the calendar originally came out, I glanced at my collection, saw several gifts I've received, and figured I had this day covered easy. However, 10 or so days in, I began to panic as I noticed that none of my gift givers were participating this year. I quickly sent a message to u/Ironbeard_SYS, because I knew he would be kind enough to help me out. I also really wanted an excuse to use Sea Ice Lime, one of my absolute favorites. u/Ironbeaed_SYS was kind enough to log a shave for me when though he is in the middle of a basement renovation. Of course, I now realize all of this is for nought, as yet again, I failed to read the entire description and missed the 50% of shaves. This time I don't have to pivot like I did on Fougére Day, but that's alright I want to share my story anyway.

One of the best things about being an artisan, especially an artisan on r/wetshaving, is the super supportive artisan community. We are all in competition for a limited number amount of money from people who collect soap for some reason, yet I've received nothing but kindness and generosity from every single one of my fellow artisans. It is seriously an awesome feeling. Several years ago, u/Ironbeard_SYS reached out to me hoping to discuss synthetic cooling agent as he had been doing some research and experimentation. I shared my experiences creating Cannonball and he shared what he a tried up to that point, which resulted in both of (certainly me for sure) gaining a lot of knowledge that otherwise we could have had to figure out for ourselves. Plus it was just fun. It's always a great time to discuss things with other people who know what its like to be in it. Some time later, u/IronBeard_SYS sends me a package containing Sea Ice Lime, several different synthetic cooling agents for me to experiment with, and Seaforth Spiced EdP, another of my favorites. I was blown away by his kindness because, in my mind, he had helped me just a much as I helped him. The whole thing was a really cool and memorable experience. Sea Ice Lime would be one of my favorites just because it's awesome, but the story takes it to a whole new level.

Challenge: This actually works our perfect, because without a doubt, Spearhead should be the next sub exclusive. Everything u/Ironbeard_SYS had released had been beyond excellent. Plus, he is a homegrown reddit artisan. It's a win win win. Someone make it happen!

Merry Christmas You filthy Animals

Edit: was I in time with the pic u/djundjila?

• lather: Martin De Candre - Fougere

I dont know who gave me this soap. I got it in a r/wetshaving secret santa and not one where Santa reviealed themselves. Now its been a couple of years so its entirely possible that the Santa isnt playing the games, but equally its entirely possible that Santa is playing. In fact its probably that Santa didnt reveal themselves for a good reason, and we all know that there are other unrevealed pseudonyms and alt's on the sub and in the games. Could it be that u/antiGUTLLeage guy who has just posted an announcement? And if so who is their non-alt and are they playing or just a judge?

Or maybe, yes maybe, could it be that one of the active players in this years game has a valid reason for keeping their name out of my hands. That's right. Los Dupe strikes again.

Ergo I'm on theme.

Onto the challenge.

There's only two correct answers. The boring serious one, and the epic this is such a stupid idea that we need to get it made asap one.

The boring one >!MdC sub exclusive brain bowl, in a sandalwood accord approved by numbers!<

The fun one: >!https://ibb.co/3FrtsGG suggested by engineered shave!<

June 24, 2024 - Monday

• Brush: Grizzly Bay "BlackSmith" / 26mm Maggard Razors SHD fan
• Razor: Yates 921-H
• Blade: Polsilver Super Iridium (3)
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Florentine Fern
• Post Shave: Proraso - Red splash
• Fragrance: The Zoo - Amber Classico Modern EdP

I got this generous sample (among many others over the past few years) from venerable Lather Games judge the one, the only u/frankieIVfingers. To me it smells like Blugere minus the blueberry, that is to say a really nice fougere. Frankie also PIF'd me this whole brand new bottle of Proraso Red splash so I thought it was fitting to use that today as well. He's just an all around cool and generous guy. This frag sample was also given to me gratis from u/Tonality. It is quite enjoyable as well. Not full bottle worthy for me, but I will definitely use up the sample.

For the challenge I think I'm going to nominate Stirling Soap Co. for the next exclusive as long as it's not an Irisch Moos dupe because that smells like toilet bowl cleaner to me ;) Stirling hasn't done a r/Wetshaving exclusive software set, but it seems to be a good fit since he does participate here and did a huge solid with importing the MOAR BOAR brushes. ~~Runner up would be Talent Soap Factory since it seems to be gaining popularity here, but since the maker barely knows we exist (and artisan interaction is something we value pretty highly on the sub) I don't know if it would make sense.~~ EDIT: How could I overlook Spearhead? Forget the TSF stuff. The next one has to be Spearhead or Stirling. Ironbeard is a homegrown Reddit artisan who got his start here testing bases and whatnot. Hawns makes all of his scents and both have a huge following on our sub and both interact with us and even do PIFs here. Can't go wrong!

June 24 2024: Christmas In July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic
• Razor: Ever Ready 1912
• Blade: Personna PTFE (22)
• Lather: Spearhead - Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead - Sea Spice Lime toner
• Fragrance: Jovan - Musk

Soap: PIF from u/Ramjet615

Brush: PIF from u/ginopono

Razor: PIF from u/InfernalInternal

Post Shave and Fragrance: from u/scarpux travelling PIF box.

Wait a second. I paid for this blade myself, like some kind of sucker! C'mon people, PIF me some blades. Seriously though, the generosity and willingness to share and PIF and pass around is a big part of what makes this hobby so great.

Sea Spice Lime is wonderful, hard to think of anything that hasn't already been said about one of the most popular scents of the past few years. I chose Jovan Musk to go with it because it was from the PIF box but also has a lime note to it, and I regret it. This stuff sucks! I do get some of the lime but it definitely is more bitter than the lime in SSL.

What doesn't suck is today's Sponsor Spotlight, Stirling Soap. Stirling Soap fucking rules. I would love for a Stirling sub exclusive!

2024-06-24 LG SOTD

• Brush: SHAVE⭐DANDY St Vincent (26x55mm Synth)
• Razor: GEM Heavy Flat Top / G-Bar (1955-1958)
• Blade: GEM PTFE
• Lather: Spearhead - Black Watch
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented Balm with Menthol
• Fragrance: Maher Olfactive - Santal Auster

Got this Black Watch sample from /u/hugbckt and hot dang is it ever beautiful. Think I might have to buy the perfume for this one.

June 24, 2024

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: USSR Army Brush
• Razor: Profimed Saiver
• Blade: RK Stainless
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Cookie
• Post Shave: Pitralon - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Dior - Sauvage Elixir

Not only is today's lather PIFfed (is that the right conjugation?) but every item in today's shave was also PIFfed.

The lather was sent to me by u/InfernalInternal earlier this year, he was sending a microscope from u/whosgotthepudding (GBY) and threw me a bunch of smushes despite me saying I had plenty. But he insisted. GBY

The Pitralon was gifted to me by EldrormR Industries' own u/EldrormR who has also gifted me many goodies for the den. GBY

The razor I had been looking for like a year for, I finally found one across the pond on a forum, and the owner said he'd just send it to me. I insisted I return the favor and asked what he needed, and sent him some Personna Reds. It was only after he said he'd give it to me that I offered to send him something. There was no quid pro quo. GBY B&B Member

The RK blades were thrown in that Rex slant passaround. GBY whoever threw those in the box.

The brush was thrown in an order on eBay that the seller was super late shipping out, he threw in some extra goodies including the brush to make up for it. GBY friendly eBayer

The Dior was given to me by the girl at the fragrance counter at Macy's. GBY fragrance girl

And shoutout to everyone else who has Piffed me goods since the last LG, to name a few;

u/Enndeegee GBY our Scrub

u/souleater7173

And anyone else who has PIFfed GBY Everyone

While there are of course many amazing artisans, the r/wetshaving sub exclusive I want most is Irisch Moos from Stirling Soap Co. While it has been teased, and promised by u/J33pGuy13 , an Irisch Moos dupe will just be a license to print money

June 24, 2024 – LG Day 24 – Sharing is Caring

• Brush: Semogue Owner’s Club Boar, Cherry Wood Handle
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
• Blade: AccuTec Pro Premium
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Shire
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face – Summer Storm
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – 福 (fú dào)

Today’s soap is brought to you by the letter O, for u/OnionMiasma. Not only did he organize the PIF train I got this through, but he was my direct PIFer. (Piffer? PerIF? Unclear.) I believe he sent it because his wife was not the biggest fan, iirc. In my case, it’s rather the opposite. Green scents are challenging for me, but happen to be my partner’s favorite scent category, so Rawr, Shire, and the like tend only to come out at her request. Between this and the fact that I’ve somehow made it through life without seeing or reading any LOTR property, the rest of this shave is brought to you by Mrs. Hugbckt, and will be the shortest #FOF I’ve ever posted.

“Shire smells like the Shire. It’s nice, it’s grassy, it’s sunny, and makes me think of hobbits. I wanted something that smelled like wet grass to match it, and Summer Storm was the best he had. I thought 福 (fú dào) reminded me of the fireworks that happen at Bilbo’s birthday party.” #FOF

I don’t have much for PIFs in terms of hardware or non-soap software. Noteworthy, however, that my full bottle of 福 is thanks in large part to a HoM gift card I won in an Instagram raffle, so that’s PIF-adjacent I supposed.

---

Some musings on sub exclusives:

• I have never smelled Sir Irisch Moos, but I am excited for u/J33pGuy13’s collaboration with Stirling nonetheless.
• When’s the last time NO did a sub exclusive? I’m less concerned about the scent and more interested in a new costume for the otter. A banana suit perhaps?
• As others have mentioned, a Spearhead/Seaforth exclusive would be great. I would love something deep and resinous, as that’s a side of fragrance that Shawn hasn’t done for Spearhead yet, but does so well in some of his perfumery for CL/MO.
• I don’t care that it’s a w_e exclusive, I hope that Roam Two didn’t entirely eclipse the original plan. The current top comment on that thread sounds like something I’d buy in an instant.
• Kyle of SBS is a school psychologist. The yearly Shave Against Suicide is coming up; how cool would it be to create a sub exclusive for this event?! Seems like Kyle would be a great person to do this.

That’s all for now. As my dear friend u/loudmusicboy says, try to enjoy your day and remember to be kind to one another.

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Maggard 24mm G5 Synthetic #FAUXFUR #PREMIUMPLASTIC
• Razor: Wolfman Guerilla (Gen 1)
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox (German) (12)
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Royal Garden - Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead - Seaforth! Heather - Toner
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Jitterbug - EdP

Really good shave, especially considering the 12 uses on the blade so far.

This is a fun theme and makes me reflect on my first year or two, how people kept sending me stuff without me even asking. It got to a point where I started telling people "no, please, stop".

I got Royal Garden before competing in my first Lather Games in the year 2021. I started wetshaving in July 2020, so I had a full year to get hyped and stocked up. /u/ramjet615 sent me this big 2 oz Cbubs sample, along with a bunch of other samples. I think I still have some of them, but this is the only one that I specifically remember coming from him.

The #FAUXFUR hastag can be justified here. Even though this is a Maggard branded knot, it's the same "G5" type.

PREMIUMPLASTIC $31.95

Relevant post-shave and frag: This aftershave was given to me by my lovely wife as a birthday gift (along with matching soap and frag), so I didn't pay for it. Jitterbug was given to me by /u/mammothben after I helped make him a spreadsheet that changed his life forever, so I didn't pay for it.

Challenge: The next sub-exclusive soap should be made by someone who still posts on the sub. There are a lot of artisans with deep histories on reddit who have since moved on to bigger and better things. I nominate Summer Break Soaps (/u/rocketk455 ), because he still posts in the sub all the time.

Runner up would be Spearhead, because they did a PIF recently.

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
• Razor: Gillette NEW SC
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellow) (3)
• Lather: Noble Otter - Joker - Soap
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Ace - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
• Fragrance: Zaharoff - 2nd Soul - Eau de Parfum
• Talc: Yardley Gold
   

---

Today's soap was courtesy of my friend u/whosgotthepudding. We seem to enjoy the same scents so we do some trading from time to time. As always, thank you sir(!) for this one.

As for the challenge: First on my list would be another collaboration between Spearhead and Shawn Maher. I've seen other of today's comments suggest this, as well. I think it is a terrific idea.

As a backup, I certainly would not mind seeing a sub-exclusive by Noble Otter.

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Stirling Two Band Synthetic
• Razor: Van Der Hagen 85mm Safety Razor
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Ariana & Evans - Monte Carlo
• Post Shave: Van Der Hagen - Unscented Aftershave Balm

I got this from u/antwonpeachfuzz thanks big dog

SOTD * Bowl: Yates Precision Manufacturing - Sm. lather bowl.
Brush: Proraso by Omega - boar travel brush.
Razor: Henson AL13 - mild.
Blade: Treet - Platinum Super Stainless.
Lather: London Razors/Summer Break Soaps - Mountain Laurel.
Fragrance:* Tom Ford - Neroli Portofino.

Notes: Amber, Neroli, Geranium, Galbanum, Oakmoss- created as an homage to the Eastern Kentucky mountains. Soap by SBS, scent by London Razors. Okay this stuff is fantastic. This is another gift smoosh from u/pilgrim32 who saved my games and u/ShavigInCT who sent me a brush to help me be more competitive. Both are solid people and I will 100% PIF. I love florals and this one is excellent.

I’ve never heard of mountain laurel (not a native shrub to Illinois ☹️), but I would be happy smelling this all day. It’s a fresh, green fragrance with the wonderful performance that SBS is known for. If anyone has some stashed away collecting dust in your shave den and wants to start the cleansing process of decluttering, let me know!

As for fragrance- TF Neroli Portofino is as close as I have to pairing with the soap. Base notes include amber ✅ middle notes include neroli ✅ and maybe that’s it. I swear they go nicely together.

Photocontest - blooming Christmas cactus

Challenge- you can start by bringing back this soap and making it exclusive.

I’d also be stoked for an exclusive from a female artisan.

photocontest cactus

ROTY

Prep: Prorasso White Pre Shave 
Brush: Vielong Alter Brown Horsehair #HORSESASS 
Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable #ADJUSTABLE #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
Blade: Feather
Lather: Summer Break - Woodshop (shoutout u/onionmiasma)
Post Shave: Alum, Proraso - White Aftershave Balm, Taylor of Old Bond Street  - Royal Forest 
Fragrance: Ex Nihilo - The Hedonist

Jun. 24, 2024 - It Burns!

• Prep: Shower, Baxter Shave Tonic
• Brush: Chisel and Hound False Kamani Fanchurian V18
• Razor: Gillette Old Type
• Blade: Personna Platinum (3)
• Lather: Hoffman's Grooming - Burn the Ships
• Lather: Hoffman's Grooming - Burn the Ships
• Post Shave: Old Spice Classic (US)

No, that's not a typo for the double lather. I'm not one to do things in a half-assed manor like some other folks competing here. One gifted soap? Please. Two soaps but they're different? What are you even doing? The same soap gifted by two different people? Pro level.

Through entirely fault of my own, I received a sample of Burn the Ships from u/impressive_Donut114 and a tub of Burn the Ships from u/onionmiasma. I had been wanting it in Hoffman's base as my version was in Hendrix and Donut offered to send me some and I told him to just bring it Maggards. Then I forgot about that because I have the memory of an untrained seal and Onion offered to bring me a puck he just got right before Maggards. I failed to mention the fact I got two of them to them at Maggards because until Donut put his tub in my hand at the meet up I had honestly forgotten about it entirely. Then it would have been all awkward. So I just took it. And here we are today. The end result is two of the same soaps from two LG participants. Double the points, right?

u/mammothben has repeatedly told me that he will never make an Old Spice dupe/riff but if the entire sub forced him to well he'd have to do it, right? I think that should all be our unifying goal from here on out.

June 24, 2024 – LG24 Day 24 - Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: AP Shave Co. 24mm G5C Premium Synthetic fan Knot set in DS Cosmetics Queen Red handle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (5)
• Lather: Tallow + Steel - Shag
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Stirling Green AS Balm
• Fragrance: Ralph Lauren - Polo (Green) EdT

PIF Acknowledgement, Daily Theme & Relevant Post/Frag: Christmas traditions are the foundation of having a great Christmas. I have decided that Shaving with Shag would be my LG Christmas Eve tradition. I shaved with Shag last LG XMAS Eve, and I'm doing it again today. To make this tradition possible, I am 100% dependent on another LG participant having a tub of Shag AND be willing to PIF some to me. Luckily for me, fellow Midwesterner and Lather Games Contestant Extraordinaire, u/tsrblke, ~~had pity on me~~ gifted me a smush of Shag to help keep my XMAS Eve Shaving with Shag tradition alive.

The Tsar has really gone above and beyond to help me pursue as many LG points as possible. Beyond sending me a half-dozen smushes to fill gaps in my LG calendar, he hooked me up with Osma and a carbon DE blade without me asking for them! He also collected a couple of smushes from u/OnionMiasma and included them in the care package he sent to me here in the Philippines. You the Best! Thanks Tsar!

Shag is described as "Dirty, Smokey, and Green". Polo (Green) opens green and fresh and has a woody heart that is decorated with notes of patchouli, oakmoss and vetiver. The green, woody, patchouli, and vetiver notes make Polo (Green) my choice for today's post and frag, and the "You smell nice" from Mrs Worried is an added bonus.

Daily Challenge: When I saw today's challenge, one soap artisan immediately jumped to my mind - Stirling Soap Co.! Stirling has mastered the inclusion of frag dupe soaps in their catalogue. Most of my favorite frags have associated Stirling soap dupes, but there is one glaring omission in Stirling's soap dupe catalogue: Sir Irisch Moos. I beg of you u/stirlingsoap, please add the Moos to your catalog and free us r/wetshaving heathens from considering getting our Moos soap fix from a less worthy artisan.

SOTD Pic Note: My SOTD picture was staged prior to flying out the Philippines to Bali. I brought with me samples/smushes/decants of all needed software for LG use during this trip. Here's a pic of today's wares taken just prior to shaving.

Jun. 24, 2024 - donut talents
Brush: Chisel And Hound Fú Dào Fanchurian V15 Badger
Razor: Wolfman WR2 1.25 DC / WRH7
Blade: Personna platinum chrome [9]
Lather: Talent Soap Factory Fantasy Donut
Post Shave:* Noble Otter - Bare - Aftershave

This smush was kindly sent over by u/bmac92 with another TSF smush of Oktoberfest which I haven’t tried yet. Both smell in-line with their names and Fantasy Donut performed nicely. It had been a minute since I used the WR2, still a close smooth shave. What a beautiful implement.

I think that Spearhead should make the next sub exclusive. I’m not sure they have (at least during my time here). In highland base, of course.

6/24/24 Lather Games shave

• Brush: Jayaruh #440 / AP Shave Co synth

• Lather: Lisa’s Natural Herbal Creations - Mariner (sample)

• Razor: Blackland Brassbird (lite plate) w/ Astra SP

• Post Shave: Stirling - Sharp Dressed Man AS

This Lisa's sample was courtesy of u/cowzilla3, who graciously PIF'd off some samples from his spice-off selections. And I totally agree that this Lisa's soap is not a spice soap at all, it's kindof just a straight-up aquatic. She does make good soaps though, I've had a couple of them and really liked the performance.

For the next sub exclusive, I'd love to see something from either MacDuffs or Grooming Dept. In part because I think they're both great artisans that don't get as much love on W_S and would probably benefit from interacting more with the sub.

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts - Gold/Blue/Black - 26mm Mags SHD Badger
• Razor: Chiseled Face - Legacy
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit Soap
• Post Shave: Elysian Soap Co – Shaved Ice Splash
• Fragrance: Kenneth Cole – Mankind Rise EdT

From Merriam-Webster (the dictionary people):

Exclusive (ik-ˈsklü-siv) adj. 1 a: excluding or having power to exclude; b: limiting or limited to possession, control, or use by a single individual or group. 2 a: excluding others from participation; b: snobbishly aloof

On a day to celebrate community, togetherness, and gifting things to each other, here the judges go sowing division amongst wetshavers everywhere. Now, I am fully aware when I get into Lather Games mode, I can come across as brash, arrogant, insufferable, intolerable, egotistical, pompous, conceited, braggadocious, smug, and possibly a tiny bit self-important. I think self-awareness is key to life, and I am nothing, if not self-aware. I am not going to be everyone’s cup of mountain dew during the Lather Games. I get that. However, today, I hope r/wetshaving realizes that I will, once again, be the one who stands up for what is right. I’ll be the one to take the heat. The one who is critical of the judges, on the behalf of the little shavers everywhere who have never won the Lather Games but are trying their best out there.

Why the desire for sub-exclusives? Why do we want to exclude others from the certain joy that comes with a carefully crafted scent? Is our hobby not niche enough that we need to separate ourselves into “us” and “them”? Those who belong and those who don’t? Why can’t we be inclusive, instead of exclusive?

Has anyone out there ever been excluded from something? Whether you weren’t invited to a party? Or didn’t make the school basketball team? Or not being able to buy bomb-ass scented products because you didn’t know r/wetshaving existed? Now, I’ve never personally experienced anything like that, but I’m sure it isn’t a good feeling. So today, I propose we do away with sub-exclusives! First, we exclude people because they aren’t part of our little shave group, then what other reasons are we giving for excluding people? Dare I speculate?? Excluding people because they aren’t part of “my group” is wrong and it’s a slippery, slippery slope and I won’t stand for it!

So today, I’m speaking up for those who can’t speak up for themselves. We need to include people, not exclude them! Lest we forget:

First, they excluded r/wicked_edge, and I did not speak out - Because I was not a member of r/wicked_edge.
Then, then they excluded Shave Dad, and I did not speak out – Because I was not a member of Shave Dad.
Then they excluded The Brotherhood of The Holy Black, and I did not speak out – Because I didn’t get tattoos of a shaving brand tattooed on my body.
Then they excluded r/wetshaving – and there was no one left to speak for me.

So, join me, in saying: We’re done with sub-exclusives and we’re moving forward together with sub-inclusives! Who's with me!!!???!!!???

Now, I must get off my soapbox and onto my grooming routine: First off, thanks to u/Tetriside for this smush of Orbit. Orbit is designed to remind its users of clean, cool, outer space. I love a lot of what Noble Otter makes, but Orbit didn’t really do it for me. Instead of making me feel like Matt Damon in The Martian, it honestly just kinda reminded me of the dish of potpourri my mom kept in our house when I was a kid. It’s probably the Eucalyptus and Rose notes, but it did not scream outer space to me. Granted, I’m not an astronaut and admitted don’t know what space smells like, but I’m guessing there’s no Eucalyptus there. No surprise, it’s performed wonderfully and the cooling agent gave it a refreshing kick - but the scent wasn’t for me. It’s probably because it just doesn’t remind me of space at all. I used Elysian’s Shaved Ice Splash because is mentholated and shares Eucalyptus as a scent note. Quite honestly the scent of Shaved Ice smells more like clean, cool outer space than Orbit does. The splash is minty, fresh, clean and… Out of this world! (sorry, I had to). My fragrance was Kenneth Cole’s Mankind Rise. From the first spray, I immediate got a whiff of eucalyptus to tie the whole experience together, then the rest of the fragrance was like my interstellar space ship landed in a forest. It’s a woody aromatic scent that’s not bad, but not really something that is especially unique either. It’s fine, but nothing special I like the fragrance to be the special scent to carry me through the day, and this just kinda was there. Overall, while the scents of today didn’t bring me my favorite shave this month, a galaxy away from the worst. #FOF

Oh, and if Summer Break Soaps and Southern Witchcrafts ever do a combined-sub-exclusive-dual-release of a fragrance that share all the same exact scent notes, but the two scents are each unique to their brand/vision/style, please disregard everything I said in the first half of my SOTD and sign me up for a set of each. I think u/rocket455 may have mentioned that at some point? Or maybe is was u/phteven_j? I don’t know… Maybe I dreamt it? But I would love for it to happen.

Soap Theme Justification: Tetriside was so kind to send this to me.

Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance: Eucalyptus in everything. Bonus Eucalyptus fun fact: Eucalyptus is the only thing that Koalas eat. Everyone knows that. But did you know that they will also only eat the leaves off the branch. If Eucalyptus is on a plate or in a bowl, a koala won't recognize the only food they eat as food. It has to be coming directly from the branch or they won’t touch it.

Day 24

• Brush: SmilezforMiles - Synthetic Brush
• Razor: Gem G-Bar
• Blade: Gem PTFE
• Lather: Zingari Man – The Merchant Soap
• Post Shave: Ogallala Bay Rum - Sage And Cedar
• Fragrance: Cartier - Pasha Edition Noire EdT

Once again, thanks to u/Priusaurus for the smush. He’s sent a few my way this year.

This is an awesome theme because it “forces” interaction between participants. And by “force” I mean, it is totally optional. Like everything else in the Lather Games. This isn’t a frat house and no one is forced to do anything they don’t want to do. The beauty of the Lather Games is anyone can participate, and you can interact with the community as much or as little as you want. You can be a u/Enndeegee, a u/alg92, or anything in between. Shit-post, insightful post, whatever - just make it good. Or don’t! Just please don’t make it long and boring. This theme last year got me out of my comfort zone and “forced” me to DM Prius, because he offered soaps in the smush trading thread. And I’m super glad I did. It got me off the sidelines and interacting with people right off the bat. And this year, I made sure to check the smush threads somewhat regularly to see if I could help anyone. And I’m glad I was able to help a couple different people complete their calendar this year.

We are a community of 153,000 members strong! And probably 300 or so of those members are humans! And we have DOZENS of active members! And our human members are from all across the globe. Sure, our commonality is shaving the way our grandfathers did, but we connect on much more than that and represent people from all walks of life – people of different races, religions, political beliefs, professions, ages, music tastes, hair color, eye color… You get the point. All here to share in the way we shave and come together as people… And participate in a marathon internet competition dedicated posting entertaining descriptions of our shaving routines in the hopes of impressing another person tasked to judge your description of your shaving routine. If you did a good job, they give you points. And if you have a lot of points, you’ll maybe win a prize. Behold: THE LATHER GAMES!

So, for today’s description of my shaving routine:

I really enjoyed The Merchant. When I opened his smush, it was like I was greeted by a complex aroma that transported me to a bustling bazaar, filled with exotic spices and treasures from distant lands. As I lathered it up, the scent continued to develop, revealing layers of warm spices, amber, sweetness, and on a base of woods. It felt like embarking on a grand voyage, with each stroke taking me further into the heart of the merchant's world. I kept the spiciness and woodiness going with the splash – it’s a robust, woodsy fragrance. The classic bay rum warmth, combined with the earthy sage and cedar worked in harmony with the soap. This is something that the Merchant would sell at the bustling bazaar! To cap off the shave, I used Pasha Edition Noire EdT. The fragrance opened with a burst of green citrus, quickly followed by deeper notes of amber and cedarwood. It perfectly complemented the earlier scents, adding a final layer of complexity and brightness. Not every shave this month has been a winner, but this one sure has! #FOF

Sidecontest: #photocontest: Prius. Removed the dealership advertisement because I don’t want to give away free ads. If the dealership pays me, I’ll remove the censor.

Challenge: I’m pretty sure House of Mammoth is contractually obligated to create a sub soap by winning March Madness.

iamhonestlylying’s Daily Top 5:

In honor of “Christmas in July, but in June's Eve”… My personal Top 5 Favorite Christmas Movies of All-Time

5.) The Muppet Christmas Carol – An all time classic where the guy that plays Scrooge is acting like he’s going for an Oscar while being like the only human cast.

4.) The Santa Clause - Nothing says 'Merry Christmas' like accidentally knocking Santa off your roof and having to take over his job

3.) Elf – The classic tale of a human, raised as an Elf, trying to find his real dad.

2.) Christmas Vacation – An absolutely perfect Christmas Masterpiece. Clark Griswold's quest for the perfect Christmas light display proves that sometimes it's okay to blind your neighbors with holiday cheer.

1.) Home Alone - Little Kevin McCallister shows that the best way to celebrate Christmas is by turning your house into a booby-trapped fortress against burglars.

(Editors Note: If you’re one of those people that say “Die Hard” to be cute or an attempt to be funny… Shut up.)

LG 24 - Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Rasierpinselei CoolDog - SHD-Manchuria
• Razor: Leresche RADIEUX
• Lather: Signature Soaps - Capra Isurium
• Post Shave: MacDuff Soap Company - Rosmary - Sea Salt
• Fragrance: Guerlain - Vetiver

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Today's shave, courtesy of u/OnionMiasma who was generous enough to send me the Signature Soaps sample at the last minute to save me from a DQ, thank you, man! I've enjoyed the soap, I'll buy a full one.

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LG23-24: Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Maggard Razors Gray and White 24mm Synthetic
• Razor: Edwin Jagger DE86
• Blade: Astra SP (34)
• Lather: Zingari Man - Bon Monsieur - Shaving Soap
• Post Shave: Pacific Shave Co. - Caffeinated Aftershave Balm
• Fragrance: Rogue Pefumery - Fougere L'Aube
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Music: Islands - What Occurs

Judge, FOFmaster, and all around friend of the sub u/wallygator88 hooked me up with this sample of Bon Monsieur. Fougere L'Aube is still my favorite Rogue Perfumery fougère, but Bon Monsieur works well as a soap, and I’m not surprised this collaboration was a hit.

I’m traveling this week for work, so back to my dopp kit setup.

Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Dogclaration LG 2022 Mystery Brush (B16)
• Razor: Wardonia Possibly a "Rugby Set"
• Blade: Personna Platinum
• Lather: Eleven Shaving Blue Spruce
• Post Shave: PannaCrema Nero
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company Seaforth! 3 Scots

Christmas Eve! This sub is so damn generous that I had lots of choice today ♥

Theme: All around great guy and Chief Podcast Djustice u/OnionMiasma has a 100% participation rate so far in this year's Lather Games. Thank you for letting me try this soap from a new-to-me soaper, Onion!

Relevant post & frag (and razor, and brush...): Everything in this shave was received with no exchange of currency involved from someone who is involved in the games in some way: The post shave was a gift from u/VisceralWatch, my friend and one of the two wettubers I follow. He donates his time as a Lather Games Djudge and Podcast Guest Djustice. The razor is from my friend u/Semaj3000, who gave me this piece of Sheffield history and serves as a Djudge in the SOTD Photo Scavenger Hunt. The brush was my prize from u/declarationgrooming after I OnionMiasmaed the 2022 Lather Games, and 3 Scots was a PIF from u/Ironbeard_SYS, both of which are sponsors in this year's games.

Challenge: I'd love a sub exclusive straight razor from Ulrik of Koraat. A big full hollow 7/8 with blacksmith finish and MOAR BOAR-green scales. (Think Sparschweinchen, but full hollow).

June 24, 2024 – Lather Games!

• Brush: Cayuen Abalone w/ 28mm Timberwolf Synthetic.
• Razor: YPM – Winning Razor Mk2, polished, tattooed ("The Emperor's Razor!") #CNC #TITANIUM
• Blade: Gillette Winner Stainless (1).
• Lather: Maggard Razors – London Barbershop.
• Aftershave: A&E – Ultima Unmasked Unscented Splash

I had to think about this for a while, but I seem to recall that OnionMiasma PIF'd this soap to me via the recent meetup. It works quite well, and I had wanted to get a copy of my own for a while but never got around to it. Personally I think barbershop scents are excellent and timeless to behold. I wish I could collect them all, but I already have more than I need.

The shave is sublime and the razor is always fun to work with. Have a nice Monday.

#Challenge: I'd like to see ZingariMan offer an exclusive soap for the sub. I like her soap base and she seems genuinely pleased to hang around all us maniacs.

#LatherGames

Bonus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2bm5ivctdB4 ← Were The Azores Home To An Ancient Civilisation? – BBC Reel

June 24, 2024 - Christmas in July's Eve

• Brush: Bundubeard Sekelbos Hoss
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Wizamet (38)
• Lather: Tallow + Steel - Rainforest
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Mûir(e) Wood
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Confluence

Challenge: How could the answer be anything other than Stirling? How has there not been a Stirling exclusive, yet?

Today’s lather was given to me by /u/Priusaurus. This is the fourth sample he sent me that I’ve used in the Games. So, thanks for being so generous! I’ve used T+S before. T+S uses essential oils for their fragrances, a fact I learned thanks to the short lived Muh Oils theme. In the past, those essential oils have been very strong and headache inducing for me. Namely, Boreal.

Now to the fragrance. I smell a very strong patchouli note. It's overpowering. Dirty vetiver and sweet grass make the fragrance earthy. There's a note of incense lingering around the patchouli. There's a slight sweetness. This doesn't fit “rainforest.” I was hoping this would be mossy. But, it's an earthy patchouli bomb. I don't care for it.

I’m going for a woodsy fragrance theme today. For the splash, I picked Barrister and Mann Mûir(e) Wood. A sweet, jammy note of Blackberry greets me as soon as the fragrance hits my nose. I smell balsam, vetiver, and a bit of oakmoss. There’s an impression of fresh air. This doesn’t smell like an attempt to perfectly replicate woods. It’s more of an homage. I think it’s all the better for it. I love the mix of jammy berry and airyness with mossy and coniferous notes. It feels homey. It’s like if Smucker’s grew on trees.

Rounding out the woodsy fragrances is Chatillon Lux Confluence. This fragrance has aromatic top notes. There are sharp green notes contrasting coniferous ones. I smell layers of woody notes with resinous sweet undertones. The strongest notes to my nose are spruce and juniper. It’s very woodsy. There are a lot of elements. Yet, it feels cohesive and balanced, and detailed. It smells fantastic. It's a realistic woodsy fragrance that works for both genders.

#photocontest - birds. I took this as a safety pic. But, I managed to get one with a real bird. Zoom in the top right corner.

#FOF

Jun. 24, 2024

• Brush: Chisel & Hound Strata W/TnS Quarter Moon Synthetic

• Razor: Feather AC DX Kamisori #KAMISORI

• Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild Pro Touch [1]

• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co - Armonía

• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Co - Seaforth! Roman Spice

• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Co - Seaforth! Roman Spice

Christmas in July, but June’s Eve

Today was a day of a few firsts for me. Starting off with Armonía that was sent to me by u/Infernalinternal as well as the Kamisori out on loan for the games. Unfortunately for my wallet I really liked the Kami, so now I have to buy mine and send him back his. I have a bunch of samples from infernal that I plan I trying in July. Also even though I have used Roman Spice before, I still credit Infernal with turning me onto Seaforth! when he sent me a sample of 3 Scots a few months ago.

I was nervous going into today’s shave, not gonna lie. But I went for it, slow and steady, and I am happy to report 2 passes no blood no irritation. Definitely the opposite of when I used a Weck for the first time.

I’m going to need to grab a tub of Armonía, I love HOM tobacconist but this has a different tobacco scent to it that I really dig. It’s not in your face but it’s noticeably there. I like that very much.

Son update, I think we are in the home stretch. No throwing up two days in a row, and he’s eating normally again. Super stoked about that.

Today’s Challenge I am an admitted Catie’s Bubbles fan boy. I would love to see a sub exclusive made by u/C_Bubbles. I have not tried a soap from CB that I don’t like. I have 10 different ones right now and a back up of 1.

Photo Contest: Theme Air. I had some trouble figuring out what to do with this one, but then it hit me. Fans move air, and we have a few Japanese folding fans and the DX is made in Japan so why not go that route.

#ROTY #FOF #photocontest

Jun. 24, 2024
Brush: AP SHAVECO AP400B XL 28 mm (G5C)
Razor: Karve CB SS SB (D Plate, First Pass; B Plate, Second Pass)
Blade: Astra Superior Platinum [3]
Lather: Spearhead - Seaforth! Black Watch - Soap
Post Shave: Spearhead - Seaforth! Black Watch - Aftershave
Post Shave: Zingari Man - Unscented (Sego) - Balm

Thanks to a PIF from u/ClearlyAbstract and u/Ironbeard_SYS, I discovered this wonderful scent and the magical Highland base.

Challenge: I think Spearhead Shaving Company could produce something we would all enjoy, with or without collaboration.

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

Christmas in July, but in June’s Eve

• Brush: Yaqi Ferrari
• Razor: Qshave Adjustable
• Blade: Astra
• Lather: Southern Witchcraft - Lycanthropy

I am just another 2024 Lather Games contestant. So a soap from u/kitaecw shoud be eligible in my opinion. Jokes aside, I just could not get any soaps from other members of community in time, so here it is.

photocontest

The Elements: Earth

Today’s Challenge:

r/wetshaving exclusives wish list In my opinion, it should be The House of Mammoth

24 June 2024 Complementary Non Dickkhole Eufros Yuzu Santal

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Ouomo Unsullied 25mm
• Razor: Razorock Gamechanger 0.84
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (37)
• Lather: Eufros - Yuzu Santal (1)
• Post Shave: N/A A/S
• Post Shave: Thayer's Concoction
• Post Shave: Good Oleo
• Post Shave: Barrister & Mann - Sandalwood Balm
• Fragrance: Diptyque - Tam Dao

Got this sample from u/frankieIVfingers.

Really enjoyable powdery sandalwood, I don't get as much yuzu, but still nice.

The Unsullied knot exfoliated me today.

Cheers

Jun. 24, 2024 - Thankful!

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Omega 10049 Boar

• Razor: Blackland Era SB LVL 3

• Blade: Derby Premium (1)

• Lather: Areffa Soap - Yuzu Melody

• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger - After Shave & Face Tonic

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - 福 (Fú Dào)

Today’s shave is sponsored by u/worbx as almost everything used today came from him. The razor, blade, brush, aftershave and fragrance all came from his Adventus calendar PIF in 2022! While he has taken a step back from the sub lately I will never take for granted the generosity that has been shown me by people on this sub!

My journey down this rabbit hole all started one fateful day when I opened a package of crack that I u/MrLamper1 snuck past the DEA. I have tried to pay that generosity forward in kind but know I’ll never match what I’ve been given!

Daily Challenge: What if I were to tell you I’ve seen the future and it’s exciting! 🐮 I am very grateful for the soap makers out there who have taken the time to make a special release just for us weirdos here on this sub! If I were to make another wish I would love to have a Spearhead exclusive soap! But if I was really dreaming it would be in his 20.1 base since it’s so good RIP

Daily Theme Justification: This soap sample came from u/bmac92! As can be seen in the Djudge portal he has posted every day so far this month! Thanks again for the sample! It got lost in my basket of samples and only saw the light of day thanks to today!

Relevant Post Shave & Frag: Everything from my shave today was gifted to me by another r/wetshaving member! The soap came from u/bmac92, everything else came from u/worbx

June 24, 2024 - Christmas Eve in ~~July~~ June

• Brush: Semogue Owner’s Club Cherry
• Razor: Karve CB C solid bar
• Blade: Treet Classic Carbon Steel #STAINLESSLESS
• Lather: Tallow & Steel - Shag
• Post Shave: Tallow & Steel - Shag Toner
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Limon EdC #FOF

Today’s Theme:

My smoosh, spritzer, and blade all came from u/tsrblke. He must have gone through a ton of stamps from all the smooshes he sent out. I only sent out a couple smooshes myself and a big box of samples, blades, razors, and a brush. I’m not sure who sent out more smooshes, The Tsar or u/OnionMiasma. I bet their inboxes are blowing up with notifications.

Today’s Challenge:

I have read a many of the suggestions so far. Currently I have exclusives by House of Mammoth and Summer Break Soaps. There might be a smoosh or two,or one I’m forgetting. I also have an Aurora Grooming LG 2024 Brush and the Moar Boar.

I have a few I think would be cool, but one might be another importing issue. Seeing how u/djundjila got a Bigger Badger in his Moar Boar handle, is another Subbroosh a good idea? Maybe a 29 or 30mm badger (Fan please) to really start eating up more soap. The Moar Boar isn’t as hungry after a good amount of breaking in. For soaps/fragrances I think I’d go with Spearhead Shaving Co. or Stirling Soap Co. Both are active here and it would be interesting to see what they can dream up.

FRAGRANCE:

I feel like this should be in all caps, but I’ll refrain. This came about because somehow last year I didn’t think Shag was that strong a scent. Sure my home office smelled of patchouli for a couple weeks, but when I lathered it up, the scent mysteriously faded to almost nothing. The winner of the Shag set, up/tsrblke, asked if I wanted a retry with the splash too. I was game. In the last few years I’ve learned to appreciate patchouli more thanks to scents like Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli and its use in many tea inspired scents. I was game for an extra challenge. As I mentioned when I got the package, it conveniently was labeled as Hazardous Materials. Like last year,opening up the mail was a hit of patchouli, and everything in the box smelled of it. Would this year be stronger? I would think it would be the opposite as aromatic oils evaporate over time. I was so WRONG, but not in the way I expected. The patchouli is much more present than I remember, but there is a dark grassy earthiness to it too.p, almost leathery or even rubbery. I’m picking up smoke too, but not jazz cabbage that I associate with patchouli from college. It is more a burning leaves in the fall kind of smoke. The aftershave really brought it all out. I’d say this is up there with the ode to masculinity - Stag. So fitting since they rhyme. As soon as I got the package I had one fragrance I thought would work to take it the YRP direction - Barrister and Mann - Limon. The citrus and rose fragrance could fill in the YR to go with Shag’s patchouli. Again, I was WRONG. When I first splashed some on, sure it brightened things up, but the EdC faded quickly. Maybe if it was parfum strength. I may give myself a couple more splashes. Getting harder to type as my eyes are tearing up a little.

All that said, and I don’t dislike the fragrance which does surprise me as I favor brighter scents. Still there is so much going on with it, that it is giving me a bit of a lesson in scents. Crazy.

June 24, 2024 – LG 24: Xmas in July but in June

• Brush: Rx Shaving Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: 3D Printed Half DE Razor
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (4)
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory – Razberri and Tomato Leaf
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Bash
• Fragrance: January Scent Project – Folk Tale

The soap was a free smoosh from u/onionmiasma on the LG thread. I know part of the games is poking fun at judges, and onion gets his fair share having finished 2nd last year. Ironic, considering that’s better than 99% of people, but being number 2 is a tough spot. Super generous guy and single handedly allowed for half this sub to score that AA sponsor point with wapiti. Helped folks caravan to the maggard meet. We also share a love of DMB, so that’s cool too.

The splash was tossed in for free from I believe u/fuckchalzone when he was kind enough to send me his lavender interrupted sample (also free) from I think last years maggard meet.

The frag was a gift that was extra and included in my LG FoF 1st prize package last year curtesy of u/wallygator88. A pleasant surprise and means I got 3 bottles last year.

The razor was won in a PIF on r/wixked_edge curtesy of u/wrong_coyote_9525. I know his 3D printed bowls get a lot of praise as well. If you check his history, lots of cool printed things and giveaways.

The brush was a r/wetshaving Xmas/gift exchange that came from u/rdthedo that he turned himself. Very cool and thoughtful.

The blades were from a free personna giveaway sometime back if you ~~gave them feedback~~ shilled a bit.

For #FOF I’ll be honest, the folk tale leaked so it all smells pretty much like that. It’s a lovely bright scent. I get some light citrus, some florals, and a touch of powdery-ness. The TSF was a bit candy like, with some earthiness, but again had been a bit saturated by the frag. The Bash is a MFK Grand Soir dupe, super heavy on the vanilla.

For #PHOTOCONTEST went with animals. These are my cousins dogs, well, a picture of them.

For the challenge, let’s go with todays sponsor in Stirling for a sub exclusive. Namely because they are awesome (helped make the sub broosh happen too!) and I already have several soaps others from other artisans as exclusives.

June 24, 2024 - Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Rubberset 400 w/ Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Yates Precision Manufacturing - Merica
• Blade: Gillette - Silver Blue
• Lather: Barrister & Mann - Reserve Spice
• Post Shave: Old Spice - Indian
• Fragrance: Old Spice EdC

Today's Theme: Thank you to resident Spice Lord u/cowzilla3 for creating a giveaway back in January of some Old Spice dupes. Reserve Spice was probably my favorite of the bunch and the soaps opened up my eyes to the beauty of Old Spice. I've picked up a few different Old Spice splashes, use the Classic scent deodorant, and now have the Old Spice EdC because cowzilla3 and his giveaway. Despite his hijinks and cantankerous shenanigans during the Lather Games this month, I owe him my thanks.

Today's Challenge: I think Spearhead Shaving Company would be my top pick for the next r/wetshaving exclusive. I personally have yet to experience exclusives as I'm still pretty new to this community, but I would be the first in line for this one.

ROTY

DAY 24 LATHER GAMES! MUH PIFS!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: Yaqi Atlantis 24mm synth
• Razor: Goodfellas Smile Bayonetta
• Blade: Nacet
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving - Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z uncented splash
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Sundrunk

This is probably gonna be a long one, hope at least it's fun to read. Sorry judge...

Right I'm gonna start off by saying a great big thanks to my friend u/djanovshaving for providing me with this sample of SSL, I was too lazy to label it so I just carved "SSL" with a knife on the cap. He really adores Spearhead, it's his favourite artisan together with Gentleman's Nod.

Today is the day that we celebrate PIF day and what a glorious day it is. The wetshaving community is one of the most generous communities I've come across, but more specifically this one. If it were not for this one, I would not have found my love for GEM's and SE razors in general and I would have not been able to experience what great bases B&M made before Omnibus! r/Wetshaving is just a pool of endless possibilities and chances to learn and find something new and interesting. I also want to thank the Bulgarian community that we have for their generosity and the opportunities I've had thanks to them!

Now the shave, it was my first time using the Bayoneta, and in general when speaking about wetshaving, I'm not a big fan of almost anything Italian. I've tried the Sintesi and the Valynor, the first is a copy of the Henson so it worked well, second one I found it to be more of a looker than a shaver. So I was hesitant to try the Bayonetta, but I was proved wrong, it gave me a great shave, a simple and easy to use razor, the only thing that I would fault it(and this maybe true for all brass razors, haven't tried that many), is that it didn't really glide too well on my face when going ATG. It like got stuck at some places on my face, I have no idea why. Because I chose SSL I decided to add a sea themed brush and because the brush was yellowish at the bottom I chose the Bayoneta, so that the colour and topic themes could intertwine.

Daily Challenge

• My king, My king!!! The scrubs are planing a coup to overthrow you!!!
• What!?!?!? WHY!?!?!
• They say they haven't gotten a new Sub Exclusive in like a week...
• I see... It's time...
• Sir you don't mean?!?
• Yes!
• But sir..
• GATHER THE WIZARDS NOW!!!

The king did not like to deal with the wizards of the Lather Table for they were deities surpassing time and space and the price to summon them put a huge dent in the crown's treasury, but there was no choice.

As soon as he heard that they had gathered in the Lather Hall he went to greet them and explain the situation, but when opening the door he was blinded for a second, due to their glorious stature. All of them were there Will Barristus of Mann, Ben House of Mammoth, Kyle and April Summers of Break, Scott Declaration of Grooming, Ron Chiseled of Face, Rod and Mandy Stir of Ling and everyone else a mere mortal could imagine.

When the king's vision returned to normal he opened his mouth to welcome the guests, but before he could speak he heard in his head:

• Get out of here scrub, we know why we're here, leave us be.
• BUT I AM THE KING!!!! YOU CANNOT SPEAK TO ME LIKE THIS!
• You're a scrub, GTFO!

The king felt a pushing sensation and was thrown out of the hall by a mysterious power and the doors closed in front of his face. The only thing he could do was press his ear on the doors and tried to listen to what was taking place, but it was hard due to all the arguing and could not understand which voice belonged to which wizard...

• What do these guys want, we gave them plenty of sub exclusives, we gave them Doritos, we gave them Christmas scents.
• Didn't they say it smelled like piss?
• Tomato Potato, we gave them everything they wished for and yet they want more... Does anyone know what their demands are?
• I think they're searching for something new and bold, never been done before?
• Hmmm new and bold.... I think I have an idea. Let's get the honorary wizard here!
• That pervert, really?
• Yup get the J33p Guy from Thrirteen.

Now J33p Guy from Thirteen was not an actual wizard but due to his ingenuity and creativeness for lather and wilingfulness to experiment, they had given him the title of honorary wizard.

And so they summoned him:

• Yooo whadup guys, why'd you summon me. You guys need some unobtanium?
• No J33p Guy of the Thirteen, we need your help to create a new scent for the sub exclusive, something bold, something exciting, something riveting!!!
• Ya man I gotchu, just make feet scented soap, them scrubs love feet! You make that and they'll be eating from the sole of your foot!!!

And that was how the Kingdom was saved. Foot scented soap, with a nice foot fetish label. The scrubs had been finally satisfied and their hunger for exclusive was satiated for years to come.

THE END

Now for my personal prefference, since I have a new flame in terms of base, Mystic Water. I think that would be an awesome sub exclusive with a personalized scent profile. I actually might even start that train going, we'll see how it fairs. Other than that, I don't know if Ron from CF has done a Sub Exclusive, but would love to see one!

If I had to be objective(if possible). Should(or when) there be a new sub exclusive I think it should be an artisan that isn't very popular and has very interesting views on scents, TSF comes to mind on a whim. Dunno, but would love to have something very interesting and different made.

Daily Lather Themes: 24/30

• Daily Challenges: 22/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 20/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 2/2
• Software Vendor Points: 14/16
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 24/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 24/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 24/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 24/30

Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Vitae Taper w/AP Shave Co. 26mm Pure Bliss Knot
• Razor: Yates Precision Polished Winning Razor
• Blade: Personna - Comfort Coated
• Lather: Eleven Shaving - Unscented
• Post Shave: Old Spice - Classic Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral

Daily Video

Daily Gratitude
I do the basic gratitude every day so I thought I would do something special for today, I will say what I enjoy about each person I thank. First person to thank is u/Cowzilla3 who PIFed me the soap smush, I like that he does the fun old spice thing without being annoying or obviously up for DQ. Next up is u/ShavinginCT who deserves a ton of thanks for sending me almost every frag this month including today's as well as he sent a ton of soap smushes and he helped me plan, I like the way that he isn't too active but everyone still knows him so when he messages everyone is pleasantly surprised. Thanks to u/Engineered_Shave for doing the razor passaround, I respect that he can be active and participate in the lather games here but he is still active in r/wicked_edge without losing too much culture. Thanks to my mom for the aftershave, I thank her for getting excited about my wacky hobbies but she makes sure to send hints when I am rambing on too much. Thanks to Rob @ Chisel & Hound for setting the knot at no extra cost, I like that he has a presence here and in the discords but he isn't too active so he keeps the imfamous cool big company guy role.

Daily Mistakes
I should have gotten a table or something to capture an easier to see photo.

Daily Writeup Happy Christmas Eve in June July or whatever the hell today is. My family's relationship to the holidays is a bit weird so get ready for a massive story time that may have major gaps because this is just what I remember people have told me, my grandparents on my mom's side left the USSR as refugees seeking asylum on terms of religous prosecution as part of jews for grain where USSR would sell grain to Russia if they let jews leave, but because my grandma was German and they weren't both Jewish, they could only go to USA or Canada for some reason, my grandma said that if she was Jewish then they could have gone to Australia or something. So then the whole family went to Canada, but my grandpa wasn't religious at all, but the rest of his family was Jewish so my mom still grew up with that, but because my grandma isn't jewish, my mom isn't jewish, so we only kind of celebrate chanukah. Now on to my dad's side, he doesn't really talk about it but I'll see what I can remember, his dad was crushed by a giant concrete pillar or something when my dad was only like 6 and I'm pretty sure it was on Christmas Eve so my dad isn't big into Christmas but here in Utah everyone has been, is, or will be Mormon at some point and our family was Mormon until I was about 3 when my dad decided that the church is actually really messed up (nothing against anyone who is mormon) so my dad decided to leave, then my mom didn't like that or something so they divorced, then a year later or something my mom left the church, but we celebrate Christmas every year. So now we kind of celebrate Chistmas and Chanukah without being religous about either. Where was I going with this, idk, maybe I did it all as filler or just to practice typing on colemak because I have only been using it for like 4 days.

Daily Theme Points I got the smush for free from cowzilla.

Daily Relevant Post Shave & Fragrance Points
Old Spice because it wouldn't be a shave with something from cowzilla without it. The frag sample was sent to me at no cost from ShavinginCT.

Daily Challenge I've been thinking of my two wishlist exclusive soaps all day. 1. "Stirling Soap Co. Wetshaving Man" and I want it to be a pretty decent batch on their website because the chance of seeing that at my local shave shop that sells stirling would be crazy, coming up for the name of something there would instantly cop me that job. 2. Something from Spearhead because all my favorite soaps are from them.

Hardware Scavenger Hunt
Nothing today.

Photo Contest
I spent 30 minutes with all my shave stuff in one hand watching this bird feeder for a hummingbird, I only got the one crappy shot but all my stuff is there and if you zoom in you can see the bird.

TL;DR
Gratitude, crazy family history, free stuff, bird watching, I win rookie of the year thank you very much give me my prize.

Side Contests (but hopefully formatted good) #photocontest #ROTY

• June 24
• Brush: Chisel and Hound – 26mm AP Shave Co Synbad
• Razor: Aylsworth Razors - Drakkant
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum
• Lather: Noble Otter – Monoi de Tahiti
• Post Shave: Hoffman’s – Road Trip
• Fragrance: Azzaro – The Most Wanted

Thanks to u/Priusaurus for today’s smush.

Today’s theme is pretty cool because it encourages trading and interacting among participants. This being my first Lather Games, I don’t know many people on reddit, but thanks to the help of a few people, including Los Dupe, I’ve been able to fill every hole I had in my calendar (I think.)

The scent of Monoi de Tahiti, immediately transported me to a sun-drenched beach, where the scent of exotic flowers mingled with the sweet aroma of coconut. The fragrance was a perfect blend of flowers, vanilla, and a hint of tropical fruit, evoking images of lazy days by the ocean. The lather became a slick foam that felt like a tropical breeze against my skin. As I shaved, I couldn't help but smile, imagining myself sipping a pina colada under a swaying palm tree.

With the shave complete, I used Hoffman's Road Trip splash. Which smells like the drink I should be sipping on, while laying at Monoi de Tahiti Beach. It’s creamy rum, banana, pineapple coconut milk, nutmeg, cinnamon, and vanilla. I honestly don’t know what is in a pina colada, but this smells like one to me. The splash dried down into a subtle, invigorating scent that lingered just enough to keep the adventure alive without overpowering. It was a perfect complement to the tropical notes of the Monoi de Tahiti soap, adding tropical layer that made the whole experience feel dynamic and exhilarating.

Finally, to cap off the journey, I used Azzaro’s The Most Wanted. The fragrance was a woody spicy scent with a huge serving of vanilla and ginger, creating a bold, captivating scent that was both warm and enticing. It added a touch of maturity, while the vanilla and ginger give a nod to the tropical and adventurous notes of the soap and splash, making the overall experience feel complete.

The interaction between the sweet, tropical notes of the soap, the warm, sweetness of the splash, and the deep, interesting fragrance was nothing short of spectacular. It was like finishing a perfect day at the beach with an elegant dinner under the stars.

Challenge: I’m not sure I’m qualified to answer this, but Spearhead Shaving makes some pretty good stuff. I’d like to see an exclusive soap from them.

SOTD 2024-06-21 Diamonds are Forever; until they aren't

• Brush: Semogue 2020 Best Badger
• Razor: Karve Overlander (copper)
• Blade: Dorco Prime Platinum (3rd use)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Diamond
• Bowl: Captain's Choice Standard Copper Bowl

So I want to start off by thanking u/Impressive_Donut114
This was one of the two smushes in the very first wetshaving PIF I received.
Around this time last year it was.
Very timely I must say.
Extremely.

On to the first chapter of my review of Diamond.
Not that this will be a novel or anything.
Even I get bored sometimes.

Made of the Excelsior base;
And not Omnibus.
Really makes a difference, din'it?
Like, it's good; but it's not as good a base as Omnibus.
Even I can tell that!
Yes, I'll admit that it could also be the fact a 5 year old soap being
Stored in wax paper for a year might be a factor.

Guarded this soap was, in my cabinet.
Haven't used it in some time.
Of course, I needed to save it for a special occasion.
Some such one as a Lathergames shave.
Though this would be the last of this smush.

Maybe I could have eked out another shave of it.
Already there wasn't much left though.
Really, I'd used it for a couple shaves already.
Little bitty bit left;
Enough for two passes.
Yes, even three would have been pushing it.

Well the scent is pretty nice.
As I recall, I emailed B&M to ask if they'd consider doing another run.
Said that I really liked it I did.

Did I hear back? Yes.
Even was a quick reply if I remember correctly.
And sadly, it was that the soap would not be remade.
Diamonds don't last forever it seems.

This soap would join the annals,
Of unobtanium forever.

But all is not lost;
Even a fool's hope can be had.
Given that the illustrious u/Cowzilla3 has reported that the
Industrious u/mammothben would create an Old Spice dupe if,
Nigh all of r/wetshaving were to band together to request it!

With this hope in view,
Instilling our hearts with courage,
Tusk-based Old Spice may even be nigh at our doorsteps!
How has it not happened yet, one can scarecely imagine.

There may yet be hope for Diamond to be ressurected.
Have courage my fellow friends of baseball-scented soaps.
Even though there was another similar themed soap.
Really they smell nothing alike.
Even that one was discontinued.

Is there really no room for two baseball-themed soaps?
Seems to me a missed opportunity for a seasonal soap.

No doubt that it would be amazing; imagine:
Omnibus Diamond.

Diamond smells like... It smells good.
Of course it's got a theme of "America's pastime" on it.
Undeniably a selling point as well.
But the scent feels refined and complex.
This wasn't something I was expecting.

Whether Diamond or Batter's Up smells more like baseball is one that
Has been up for debate.
As smelling like playing baseball I'd put it for
The Noble Otter soap.
Even still, Diamond is a soap that
Very well invokes the sensation of being at a game.
Ever wonder if one was designed to be like a fan vs one on the field?
Really makes you think if there was some collaboration going on.

About Christmas,
Being in July.
Of course it isn't.
Unless...
That's just mattress sales pitches.

The real question is:
How come we don't celebrate the spirit of Christmas
All year 'round?
That seems like a good thing to me.

The spirit of giving,
Having thankfulness in our hearts.
Even caring for one another.

Really, I think we have lost a lot of the sense around
Even the beginning of sense.
Getting presents is great and all, but it
Isn't the purpose.
So superficial and materialistic.
The thought is upsetting.
Even if we keep the presents; giving is a joyful as receiving.
Really, it's probably more.

Of course, who doesn't like PIFs?
Fact: We all love them.

Happiness in giving is a really feeling.
It's just natural.
Science even shows it; probably.

Because we like surprises.
Unless you're someone who doesn't like surprises.
Really I don't get that.
Isn't it fun?
Are they really upset that they were surprised?
Like, they probably read all the spoilers for movies too.

Whatever; I'm not going to be bummed by it.
As someone who likes both, I was pleasantly
Surprised by this community's generosity.

So much so that I was inspired to do PIFs also.
I must admit, I have meant to do far more than I have.
Given that I procrastinate that's no surprise.
Now that I've put my foot in my mouth I should do another one at the
End of Lathergames.
Did anyone also one a "gag prize" PIF?

BTW the gag prize is really terrible.
Yes, like the worst wetshaving products I've ever used.

That settles it; I'll need to do at least two!
Have one for the gag prize and another one that
Everyone else wouldn't shy away from.

Clearly I should have been a novelist.
Let's hope that Reddit doesn't have a character limit on
Extraordinarily ~~wonderful~~ verbose posts.
Really I should have thought this through more rather than
Grievously plagiarize classic literature.
Yes you may have noticed.
Maybe you haven't though.
And no I'm not going to stop.
No, you can't make me.

The definition of insanity is:
Having the idea of using the Midnight Stag trifecta for an
Entire month!

Consequently, I haven't actually tried it; but Pine Tar was painful.
Leviathan was also very much not for me.
Even still, Leviathan did evoke a
Really clear image from what I smelled.
Knights of the Stag are really something else.

This leads me to realize that I
Haven't the faintest clue what I'm doing anymore.
Ever get lost on a tangent?

Understand that the mind is a terrible thing to waste.
Notwithstanding, there are times when it is appropriate to let loose.
Did you notice I spelled "loose" correctly?
Every time I see people spell "lose" as "loose"; freaking "loosers".
Really...
They are usually native English speakers too.
And it's not like they have the excuse of
Knowing any other languages.
English; only English.
Right. Venting complete.

And I think I was doing a review about how this was
Not an Old Spice dupe made by House of Mammoth. No, it was
Diamond, by Barrister and Mann.

The soap, that has a pretty baseball field on the tub.
Has on the tub; I just had a smush in wax paper.
Even without the graphic, I really appreciated it!

Cognisant of my obsession with tins,
How fortunate I am that most are sold in plastic tubs.
If they were in metal tins I would have so many that
Even I would have no idea what to do with them!
For the best it is then.

Moving on in my rambling is how Excelsior is not as good as
Omnibus, when it is 5+ years old and has been sitting in
Unideal conditions. I'm not sure if that's the correct usage.
Really, "unideal" is a word. I looked it up.
Nevertheless (I like that word too), it still worked well.
Excelsior is a good soap base and still had scent.
Really, I'm always impressed when old soap still has fragrance.

Why is this so long

June 24, 2024

• Prep: House of Mammoth Embrace Doppio Bath Soap
• Brush: Wolf Whiskers Custom LJ 28mm Declaration B13
• Razor: Wolfman WR2 1.05mm/WRH1
• Blade: Lab Blue (?)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Indonesian Leather - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Stones - Aftershave Toner Prototype
• Fragrance: Montblanc - Explorer - Eau de Parfum

Not a full player this year, but I'm still incredibly humbled by u/Tonality and his gift of Indonesian Leather, Marine, and Cookie. Using this today makes up for no points. Toner is thanks to u/mammothben, and Explorer thanks to u/Brokenjaw622.

Cheers, all!

Edit: Oh, maybe we could get our own CB Premium? That would be dope. Or a sub exclusive full run of HoM Avocado Cream

June 24, 2024 - Christmas in July

• Brush: Stirling Soap Co. - Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Schick - Krona 1960s TTO DE
• Blade: Personna - Platinum
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Woodshop
• Post Shave: First Line Shave - The Weight
• Fragrance: First Line Shave - The Weight Edt

SOAP Summer Break makes awesome stuff so it’s no surprise here of how nice this soap really is. I must say the main scent I get right off the bat (pun intended) is Bourbon. I do get the woody notes as the shave goes on but the whiskey is really pronounced so I decided to pair it with a whiskey rich scent like FLS the weight! Lots of whisky there which complemented so well I finished the shave with the Edt as well.

RAZOR - Still alive and kicking!!!

THE THEME - So I got this soap smush from u/curbside_champ so big shout out to him. I also got the a sample of The Weight from him like a year ago and liked it so much I went and bought the whole set! Big fan of bourbon here. In fact u/curbside_champ is the main reason I follow this sub and started wetshaving in the first place back just over a year ago. We have known each other for a while and he saw that I was planning on getting a laser hair removal procedure in my face so i wouldn’t have to shave anymore. Why?

Because I HATED shaving! It was ingrown hair galore, rashes, inflammation, dryness, then the itchiness aftermath. He noticed my agony and told me there was a better way. In my mind the better way was laser all my whiskers away!! He mentioned this new niche of trend making a comeback call wetshaving! I was like you mean barbershop style with sharp blades next to your neck! NOPE!!!! All I could think was “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street” and Johnny Depp slicing throats!!

But after multiple attempts to convert me in finding the holy grail myself he actually bought me my first brush, soap & splash (stirling) set. Gave me instructions on how to prepare the correct lather and introduced to me r/wetshaving which I could get help in all things related to wetshaving.

I got hook to wetshaving like a crack addict. Long story short and a few months later I was doing a shaving competition for a whole month. And for the first time in my entire life I find myself sad that I don’t grow enough facial hair to be able to shave twice a day!

Thanks u/curbside_champ you rock!

CHALLENGE: I pitched this last year, and I know ya’ll gonna think I’m crazy, but how about a Pinesol Scented Stirling Soap? Anyone!! Come on!!! That would be a super easy dupe for Rob to make!! Hey at this point I will take Fabuloso as well their Lavender scent is killer…. of germs. Well I have a feeling that this won’t be a popular opinion but I had to try it. I mean who doesn’t want to smell squeaky clean….

June. 24, 2024 - SOTD 

• Prep: Splash of warm water
• Brush: Oumo O4 Venus SHD Badger Brush 26MM
• Razor: King C Gillette
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Heritage Hill - Patriot
• Post Shave: Nivea Men - Sensitive Soothing Aftershave Balm

Thanks to u/rebdoomer88 for the sample

June 24, 2024 – Lather Games 2024 Day 24: CIJBIJ Eve

• Brush: DS Cosmetic KenSurfs 2021 Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gillette Super Speed Red Tip B-1
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue (3)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Tis the Season
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Christmas Eve
• Fragrance: Amouage – Fate Man

Use of Theme: Christmas in July, but in June’s Eve

Why is it Christmas in July as opposed to Christmas in June? Before we tackle this burning question, we should first thank fellow shaving degen u/Schontzm for his contribution to today’s shave. As he has in the past, he graciously sent me the smoosh I needed to meet the theme today—Noble Otter ‘Tis the Season. Christmas is one of my favorite times of the year and the good smells are many. At this juncture of life, the fruity, berry accords combined with the green pine really do it for me. Tis the Season might possibly the perfect Christmas scent for me, having tried sample offerings from other artisans. However, this may call for a 12 Christmas Soaps evaluation very soon. If anyone has a burning desire to contribute, start sending Christmas themed soaps my way!

A very apt paring of aftershave is Stirling Christmas Eve as it shares the pine and fir notes but goes a more spicy direction than fruity. The scent is very Christmas-y without being a solitary pine fragrance. Lucky for me it was still in stock at Maggard and I’m glad to have another Christmas-themed product to fill a void in my arsenal.

Fragrantly finishing today’s shave is the non-Christmas, but very complimentary, Fate Man fragrance from Amouage. Particular notes from the perfumer’s palate that seem to tie things together are ginger, Manarin orange, incense, and cedar–all Christmas-y scents to me.

Let us return to the question at hand. June would seem more logical as it is half-way to December. A Quora user posits that June is only the beginning of summer, and technically not summer, as the solstice falls closer to the end of the month, thereby making sense to celebrate it in the middle of summer as we yearn for the colder days of December and the holiday. But, still, why?

Modern thought leans toward the commercialization of the holiday as retailers race to the next season in an effort to boost their bottom lines, though Black Friday is historically the day in which the retail industry begins to actualize profits for the fiscal year. Though the connection of retail business and the Christmas holiday is linked, it turns out that in 1933 the first physical celebration of Christmas in July happened in Brevard, North Carolina where Keystone Camp held a two-day event complete with “fake snow, presents, carolers, and a Christmas Tree,” according to a 2022 report by North Dakota CBS affiliate KX News.

It’s unarguable that we’ve taken to having a “second Christmas” though wouldn’t it be, chronologically, the first as it occurs before December? Regardless, it’s a nice reason to wear some different scents in the summer just for fake Internet points.

Daily Challenge: r/Wetshaving exclusives wish list

I’ll admit, one of the alluring facets about our sub after I first became active was the sub exclusive. Talk about pumping the FOMO and fake status. Imagine being able to have something unique only to us, and it is exciting. With everything available to us these days, we are certainly not at a loss for products. That said, should something come into being that was truly worth acquiring, I would jump on the chance. Particularly if it would come from Stirling Soap Company, who, as I understand, has always wanted to do a sub exclusive. So, there. My wish list is complete.

Have a great rest of your Monday and be kind to one another.

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts / DG B11 26mm
• Razor: Gillette Ball End Tech
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory - Razberri Tomato Leaf
• Post Shave: Talent Soap Factory - Razberri Tomato Leaf - Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Voices

I have a double PIF here.

u/Redmosquitomm sent me a smush of this soap back in January. I liked it- wished it was more tomato leaf-forward, but liked it regardless.

Then in May I traded a bunch of stuff, and ended up with this set in a trade with u/Wyze0ne.

I riffed off of the raspberry and decided to stay with fruit and went with Voices, which has a strong mango scent.

This was not a good pairing.

As for who I'd like to see a sub exclusive from- I'm very excited about the sub exclusive for the 2025 Shave Against Suicide that was promised by u/rocketk455 earlier.

Otherwise, I'm here for all the sub exclusive stuff.

LG2024- June 24th “gratitude”

• Brush: Elite Razor Custom Birch Synthetic
• Razor: Razorock GC .84
• Blade: Lord Platinum (2)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw- DFS 2021
• Post: Wholly Kaw- Eroe Splash

Shave: First go around with this scent and Wholly Kaw base. Siero base performed very well. I’m a sucker for tobacco scents and this is one of the better ones I have ever smelled.

I simply wouldn’t have been able to do the games without a very generous PIF from u/kind_simian last month. Soooo many great samples. And has broadened my horizons for spending even more money. Thank you!!!

Challenge: My vote will always be Stirling. I think I find others that are better and then I use one the many soaps I have from them and wonder why I buy anything else.

ROTY

June 24, 2024 – Thanks, Reddit!

• Brush: Omega 10065 #HOLLOW
• Razor: Maggard V3
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Remote Learning
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice Original

So tonight’s shave really is a bit of research on my end. I had never tried this infamous “meme” soap but have enjoyed seeing it pop up now and again on the sub. Most memorably in the Great Spice Off review by none other than u/cowzilla3. So when I saw him on the smoosh trading thread evangelizing his spicy wares I had to take him up on it. Like I mentioned before this is a bit more of research on my end, I know how “Doug” performs from my various SBS soaps, what I wanted to feel tonight was the je ne sais quoi. Because the more I spend time on this sub and especially during LG, I wonder, what can I bring to the table. There are so many talented people on this sub, maybe I set out my own path in this community and really dive into territories unknown… dupes. I really dont want to give to much away but it might be ready sooner than later. Hold on to your butts.

Not much else to say here about this shave that wasnt covered by cowzilla. Just of note had to show off my new acquisition from Maggards this weekend, nice little plastic Omega jawn. I started my boar adventure with a Zenith as per the dictates of this sub and wanted to try the cheap shit, and hell it was on sale. And what a better way to break in a stinky ass unbleached fresh out of the plastic box shedding italian boar brush than with the heavens scent of Remote Learning. What a time to be alive.

For the challenge… who should do the next sub exclusive? Proraso, I hear it’s really slick. Plus, the green styling and italianess will go with the subbroosh.

Enjoy your shave between the blades!

Jun. 24, 2024
Prep: Cremo - Coconut Mango Shave Cream - Preshave
Brush: Omega 10049 - 100% Boar Bristle - RED #TOLL #HOLLOW * Razor: Edwin Jagger DE86RC14bl Black Rubber Coated
Blade: Personna Platinum [3]
Lather: Spearhead Shaving Seaforth - Sea Spice Lime - Soap
Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Revolution - Aftershave
Post Shave: Tower 28 - SOS Rescue Spray

The soap was a smush sent to me a long time ago from u/tsrblke - thanks again for welcoming me to this community!

ROTY

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

6/24/24

• Brush: Zenith Two Band Fan
• Razor: Gen. 1 MMOC
• Blade GEM PTFE (??)
• Lather: Caties Bubbles - 322
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Cool Aftershave Splash

My whole setup for the day is sponsored by r/Wetshaving!

This Zenith I won in a PIF from u/ConquerorChromatic. I think a couple of years ago now? They haven't been around for some time now. RIP. Nice brush, though! I mainly use it anymore for the wife's legs.

This 1st Gen MMOC was gifted to me by community giant u/EldrormR. The MM24 was my first GEM razor and my first safety razor. I still have yet to try a DE. This blade is even one Eld hooked me up with long ago. It is not holding up well.

322 comes as a gift courtesy of u/InfernalInternal. This is actually my first tub of Caties Bubbles. This is a dank scent. Mrs. Pudding is not a fan. I like it, though. I'm going to have to get the splash now. Woe is me.

Cool comes as a gift from u/J33pGuy13. I love me some barbershops, and when some Cool came around, he didn't hesitate. It's a really nice barbershop. Makes me wonder about Floid Blue. Am I missing something? Is it just one more that could've been in the collection? Oh well, I have some Cool and, we'll, I just think that's pretty Cool.

I appreciate all of these guys and so many more of you as well. I really have enjoyed my time with the community. Here and in Discord. I've learned, I've taught. I've laughed, and I've laughed more. What a weird hobby, huh? I dig it.

For the side challenge, I'd really like a sub exclusive from House of Mammoth. I know Ben isn't into doing LE or FOMO drops. The rare occasion he does something and he does it for charitable purposes. Ben's original perfumery is just fantastic, though. Like a lot of us, I'm always curious about his new scents. Do I always like them? No, but they're still original. I'd love to see him capture r/Wetshaving in his temporal medium.

June 24, 2024 – Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Semogue 2000
• Razor: Blackland - Blackbird Lite
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue (2)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Remote Learning
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Remote Learning splash
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps – Remote Learning EDP
• The Lather: Summer Break Soaps produces a fantastic lather. It’s easy to produce that picture perfect creamy lather in record time even with a soap from 2021. The scent, however, is a mixed bag for me. It takes me back to childhood and touring the Frito Lay plant as it smells identical to fresh chips. Unfortunately, for an Old Spice dupe, I think it really misses the mark.
• The Shave: The nostalgia of smelling chips hot off the line combined with an awesome lather made todays shave a breeze.
• Aftershave/Frag: Mountain Dew as an aftershave. Well I never liked Mountain Dew, but here I am smelling like it after a nice shave. The Pièce de resistance of today’s shave had to be the Remote Learning EDP. I mean who doesn’t want to smell of cheese on top of Mountain Dew. I feel and smell like I just left a 90’s LAN party.
• Theme: I have in my possession the most PIF’d tub in existence. It came into the sub when u/rocketk455 first PIF’d this tub 3 years ago to u/iampermabanned as part of an April Fools PIF. It then was PIF’d to u/TheRealSheikYerbouti when he had decided to be rid of it. The next PIF went to u/chronnoisseur42O who likewise PIF’d it to u/2SaintsDude via Lather Cat. 2SaintsDude in his excitement also bought a set at that same time from the recent release for god knows what reason. As he and I are good friends, he thought it would be good idea to give me a set since I didn’t have one. He was also kind enough to pass along the frag that he got with his purchased set. Long story short, this trifecta was a ~~curse~~ gift bestowed on me by a fellow lather games contestant (2SaintsDude).
• Challenge: All things considered I would really like to see a Spearhead Shaving sub exclusive soap. I have smelled almost all of the Spearhead offerings, and have yet to find one that isn’t good. Moreover, u/Ironbeard_SYS engages with the sub and generally seems like a good guy. Who better to score our next fix from.
• Acknowledgment: Thank you 2SaintsDude for the chance to smell like Doritos and Mountain Dew today.

OP has the most PIF'ed tub in existence.

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Schick Injector
• Blade: Schick Injector
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory – Peppermint Patti

One cancelled flight, one missed flight, 2 standby failures and one delayed flight plus 32 hours later, I am home from one of the worst airport TSA experiences ever. Luckily, because I didn’t have any of my themed soap which was graciously sent to me by u/impressive_donut114, I’m making it home in the nick of time. It’s the first use of TSF for me and it’s decent. I originally was expecting a chocolate peppermint based off the name of peppermint patty candy, but then I realized it’s peppermint Patti so must be Patti mayonnaise. The mayonnaise is for the creamy lather. Could this be a base race with Doug? Not quite in my opinion. It’s a very peppermint forward cooling soap, not really much otherwise. But there are different types of mint, this one leaning more towards peppermint gum scent. Clean and fresh. Not vegetal or medicinal, nor is it toothpasty or bathroom cleaner mint. Just pleasant. One of those if your in the mood for it scents. As hinted, this reminded me of blue peppermint orbit gum. I have memories of this gum for a weird reason. It was a gum of choose for a bit in junior high school especially during track and field meets. The weird thing, however, is the gum would eventually break down and turn to goo. Pretty quickly and unexpectedly. Looking into it, I was not the only one who experienced disintegrating gum. Well, it was the only sport with coed practices.

Challenge: Honestly all sub exclusives are pretty cool. And they have developed into some pretty awesome ideas. I would probably pick Barrister and Mann, closely followed by HoM or Spearhead. I think these all have the most hits for me scent wise.

Today the photo theme is stale wordplay humor (see above) #photocontest

fof

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Noble Otter 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Henson AL-13 Medium
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Atomic Holiday

Everything I used today was courtesy the ever-thoughtful u/OnionMiasma . My trusty Henson was officially a gift, and I think the soap was as well. I started using the brush and it just kind of became mine. And the blade was pilfered from his stock. At this point there's kind of an unspoken agreement that I use whatever else I want, provided I don't start doing TOO much math as I'm digging through the shave den.

June 24, 2024 - Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Wild West Brushworks - Shock - 26mm Timberwolf
• Razor: Schick Black Handle DE (Pre-Krona)
• Blade: Voskhod (10)
• Lather: Dapper Dragon - Terre du Dragon
• Post Shave: 345 Soap Co. - Trench Lines
• Fragrance: 345 Soap Co. - Trench Lines

Overall, I had a great shave today and zero complaints. Now, I suggest buckling up for this one. Until last night, I had planned to use a smoosh I received before starting the lather games. I checked last night to ensure I had the day right and was ready before bed. I haven't had much time to Reddit stalk, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to jump on and ensure the person I got it from has participated in at least 50%. It was then that I realized how much trouble I was in as the person I got the smoosh from does not meet the criteria. Then, panic ensued as I realized I had nothing for today.

I searched my den, and every smoosh I encountered was either from someone not participating or from an artisan I had already used. Until I came across this little Dapper Dragon from the big box of samples, I won in a PIF two years ago. I had forgotten about it because I only scooped enough for one shave to send the rest and the box to the next winner.

As my last hope, I looked back to see who I won it from. What I found did not bode well, as the person I won it from is not participating in the games either. So I took one more shot in the dark and looked at who that person won it from. It was u/oswald_heist who added the Dapper Dragon to the box. With that being said, u/oswald_heist, since I technically got this from you, thank you for the smoosh and saving my lather games! Seriously, though, this sub has been amazing for the last couple of years since I found it. I am not as social as some, but I'm here every day because the people here are so kind and generous.

Terra du Dragon is a Terred'Hermes dupe, from what I found. Terre d'Hermes means 'Earth of Hermes.' Since you need earth to dig trenches, I paired the soap with Trench Lines from 345. Plus, they are both dupes, so they are also related that way.

Regarding r/wetshaving exclusives, I instantly thought of three or four I would love to see. The challenge calls for one, though, so I think I would have to choose Stirling. Stirling was the first soap I ever purchased and one that will permanently be in my den.

Side contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - The Elements: Air

OP frantically digs through the sample boxes and relies on some dubious logic to be on theme.

June 24, 2024: All You Need is Amare

• Prep: warm splash of water
• Brush: Yaqi Sagrada Familia Tuxedo 24 mm
• Razor: AtT S1
• Blade: Gillette Blue
• Lather: Grooming Department - Amare
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Latha Oceana
• Fragrance: none

Won this in a PIF a few years ago and still grateful to have it!

Forgot to shave this morning but required to tomorrow morning/in a few hours. Might knock it down to the 1 plate tomorrow morning.

Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks Turkish Walnut 24mm Golden Nib Silvertip Badger Knot
• Razor: Ever-Ready 1914 Little Lather Catcher
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE [13]
• Lather: Australian Private Reserve - Velours Noir - Soap
• Post Shave: Gentleman’s Nod - Cosecha Catalana - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Hermès - Terre d’Hermès Eau Intense Vétiver - Eau de Parfum

This APR Velours Noir sample was generously provided by u/walden. What an absolutely beautiful scent! The scent notes are listed as White Grapefruit, Orange, Lime, Bergamot, Yuzu, Cedarwood, Ginger, Lavender, Haitian Vetiver, Sandalwood, Mahogany and Agarwood.

The Little Lather Catcher was a gift from my Dad. He thoughtfully looks out for vintage razors while he's at estate sales, flea markets, and antique stores.

Challenge: I would love a sub exclusive provided by u/C_Bubbles. Incredible bases, creative, original scents, active in the community, what more could we ask for?

June 24, 2024 - all aboard the USS Wetshaving

• Brush: Zenith 31mm MOAR BOAR
• Razor: Gillette Flat Bottom Tech
• Blade: Wizamet
• Lather: DentonMajik - Hot Laguna Nights
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - 42
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Jitterbug

A while ago, I won a pif for this razor from /u/BossHoggins10. In that package he included the soap sample that I used today. So huge shoutouts to the Boss Hog for today's shave, both lather and razor. This post shave was pif'd to me by /u/jeffm54321 a very long time ago. I love this scent. It matches up well with the soap as a fresh scent. Lastly, I picked this frag because, to my nose, it smells very very very similar to 42. So we're going with some summer-y florals and citruses this evening and I'm quite enjoying it.

The shave went well. I think I've pretty much decided that boar brushes should always be bowl lathered for my face. All my boar struggles don't seem to exist when I bowl lather them, so that's going to be my tactic moving forward. This soap base was pretty good. It lathered very easily, the slickness left something to be desired, but there was plenty of cushion to make up for that. I'm sure there's somebody out there for whom this is their favorite soap base, but I'd rather it be slicker.

I really want House of Mammoth to make a rose centric scent. I know that he would do that note justice, and tusk is an awesome base. So House of Mammoth is my vote for the next sub exclusive.

Today's photo contest theme is Water Vehicles. I don't have access to any full sized vehicles so I made a paper boat, christened it the USS Wetshaving, then set it afloat in my sink. This picture was a huge effort in timing. Race against the clock for the paper to waterlog andd then sink, for it to be facing the right way, and for the razor leaning up against the splash to not fall over. I went through 5 or 6 boats before everything worked in my favor. I feel like this idea was a good match for today's lather theme as well. This community is very good about sharing with each other in order to enable us to try new things we've never tried before. The USS Wetshaving is my metaphor for that community pillar. #photocontest

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Zenith Boar 24 x 48 mm
• Razor: GEM Damaskeene (“Screwy”) #FLIPTOP 
• Blade: Personna GEM (3)
• Lather: eleven – Organic Sweet Orange
• Post Shave: Proraso – Eucalyptus and Menthol aftershave
• Fragrance: Hermès – Terre d’Hermès EdP

For the second time during these Games I was graciously given a boost by u/OnionMiasma , who sent me a smush of Eleven Organic Sweet Orange (he also sent me the smush of AA Wapiti that I used on Day 1). The orange smell here is fairly subtle, especially after whipping up a lather. I followed that with Proraso Green aftershave which was much more intense—definitely bracing and cool. Finally I used the famous Terre d’Hermès EdP, which has a wonderful mix of contrasting notes, both earthy and citrusy, with orange being especially noticeable.

The mix of eucalyptus with citrus may need some explaining. I never thought the smells had much in common. On trips to California we drove once or twice through a grove of eucalyptus trees—a memorable experience just for the overpowering fragrance. Since then I’ve come to like grapefruit a lot, both the pulp and the peel, especially in drinks.

It turns out that grapefruit peel has distinct characteristics, different from grapefruit pulp or juice. In his book Nose Dive Harold McGee writes: “Citrus fruits have split personalities: the peel and interior have very different structures, flavors, and culinary uses.” But among lemons, oranges, limes, and other citrus fruits, only grapefruit peel has significant quantities of eucalyptol, the molecule found in eucalyptus leaves (as well in leaves of the camphor laurel and bay laurel).

Finally, grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) originated as a hybrid, created by crossing pomelo with … wait for it… sweet orange.

Daily Challenge

Many people today picked Spearhead, which is a great choice, but I always want to pick something different from everyone else. So it seems sensible to choose Eleven, whose recent releases have bold, colorful graphic designs on their packaging (good for depicting citrus fruits). In addition to Sweet Orange, Eleven already has Lime & Basil and Sicilian Lemon. My suggestion would be a eucalyptus-grapefruit scented soap. Maybe with other scents mixed in.

Today in Brush Strokes we feature a botanical painting by the Florentine artist Bartolomeo Bimbi. If you click on the image you can see a much larger version, including the legend at the bottom which names the various citrus fruits depicted.

#ROTY

Jun. 24, 2024 * Brush: Chisel & Hound Quartermoon
Razor: Everyday Shaving Stinger
Blade: Gillette 7 O’Clock Sharp Edge * Lather: AA Shaving - Wapiti - Soap
Post Shave:* Zingari Man - The Watchman - Balm

This shave was almost entirely furnished by u/OnionMiasma. The AA Shaving and Zingari balm were both gifted and the Everyday razor is on loan. I appreciate your generosity towards me and to this hobby as whole. Thank you! 🙏

Daily Challenge: I’d like to see what Chiseled Face could bring to the table for a sub exclusive. Just spit balling here I’m thinking mix two stunners together and give us Midnight Banana! 🍌

ROTY

June 24, 2024  

• Brush: Dogwood – Badger  
• Razor: Maggard V3  
• Lather: Red House Farm – Lumos  

Theme: This little sample was PIFd to me by u/kind_simian. I was PIFd this glow in the dark soap in its original run when I won the naming contest. I still think it’s a solid name.

Challenge: spearhead. I remember Spearhead’s experimental soaps and I think the sub would be a great place for and exclusive run. Come test us on! Willing guinea pigs abound!

Close second: Southern Witchcrafts. You’ve don it before so we know good things come of it.

No picture. The Internet here is not good enough to successfully upload a pic and I don't have the energy to fight it tonight.

June 24, 2024

• Brush: Prometheus Handcrafts w/ 28mm Synthetic

• Razor: Razorock Gamechanger .84

• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue

• Lather: Proraso - Sandalwood - Soap

• Post Shave: Sir Irisch Moos - Irisch Moos - Splash

• Fragrance: Sir Irisch Moos - Irisch Moos - EdT

Today's soap was gifted to me by Mr. u/frankieIVfingers in the original running of the April Proraso Red Train Month, my thanks to you again Frank. I can't believe we ran this soap for a month. The scent is amazing. I hear the cream performs better than the soap and I'll probably give that a try at some point. I actually won this razor in a PIF on the sub as well, though that user has now deleted their profile.

It goes without saying that the artisan who's most deserving of a sub exclusive is Stirling Soap Co. But I know what's cooking right now and I know it'll be a good one. Looking forward to having a full set of Irisch Moos scented products. u/J33pguy13 is on a roll, first with his involvement on the Zenith sub brush and what he's got planned for the future.