03-08 - Regret

• Brush: Yaqi 'Heavy Metal' 24mm silvertip badger
• Razor: Marianna #310
• Blade: Fromm Shaper
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave Balm

The reality of my decision has sunk in - a truly vicious bummer of a choice the cross of which I will now have to bear for the next 28 days of daily shaves, lest I be regarded by one and all as a wuss.

I'll disclose right away that the blood counter has gone up by one today - the result of a careless kiss of the blade edge with the skin beside my right ear. Silly me. My face has taken a right beating today courtesy of another day of shit lathers. I genuinely have no idea why my Mammoth lathers are so bad right now - normally I have absolutely zero issues getting a great, slick and protective coating of soap out of any Tusk-based soap. But for the past three days my lathers have been airy, wispy and fleeting, providing next to no help for this razor sharp blade applied in a way I've got no real experience in. I broke out the bowl today to lather in instead in the hopes it could help me dial in the suds a bit better, but what I was left with was only marginally better than the last two attempts, and again my blade was skipping and skittering across my face. I won't lie, there wasn't much actual hair-removing going on today, occupied as I was with making the most out of my horrid lather and trying to keep the blade steady. As a result my neck is now even splotchier than before and I'm starting to show some stubble just a scant few hours after my supposed 'shave'. But I'll chalk this one up as a learning experience - a chance to reflect on exactly what went wrong here, and to use this knowledge to prevent similar $headless challenge misfortune down the track.

So what went wrong? The short answer: everything. I was already tired and put off by the prospect of taking another beating courtesy of a Fromm Shaper blade. Then, as mentioned before, my lather sucked. So my lack of good technique combined with the other factors resulted in a truly horrible experience. When I came to bed afterwards, my wife asked me how my shave went. I could only muster a one-word reply: terrible. She dropped the topic after that. Oh, I also tried the advice of one other $MammothMafia24 member to use the balm on a damp face, but given it's freezing cold here at the moment and this leading to my face taking around twice as long to dry off, I won't be doing it again. It wasn't bad by any stretch but it didn't unlock a magical hidden aspect of the balm, so it's just not worth risking the frostbite. Would be good in summer though, I bet.

Anyway, I'm off to lick my wounds and mentally prepare for the next shave. I have a feeling this is going to be as much of a battle of sanity as it is pain tolerance.

Blood counter: 3

August 3, 2024

• Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
• Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

$RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

I am not a fan of face lathering, especially with a stiff brush. I have spotted some split bristles, so eventually I expect this to be a more comfortable brush. I would like a chonkier handle a little more. It is a good looking handle, but it swoops in a little more than I’d prefer. I played around with the blade angle a few degrees to see if I could get closer, but I’m going back to a flatter angle. I got two little weepers and lots of burning from the splash. Only 1 bristle shed today, so hopefully all the loose ones are done with shedding.

Dry brush after 2 shaves

I decided to take a picture of My Pig Pen. The Copper Scrubby is getting an amazing patina now after 2 years. It was my first Austere August brush in 2022.

SOTD 03-Aug-24

• Brush: Zenith - Unbleached Bristle 506U
• Razor: Henckels - Friodur 17
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Beloved
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Beloved AS
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Beloved Balm
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Beloved EDP

I enjoyed AA last year, but this one is shaping up to be even better. The brush last year (Semogue Taj) was already in a cracking state by now, this one will take a little longer but the funk is reducing swiftly. Reducing the soak seems to help make it a little less hungry on the soap as well, so happy days. The software as expected is excellent and I'm finding that I'm managing to fit using the straight into the morning routine fairly well. We'll see whether that continues when the inlaws arrive next week and it becomes even more of a mad house around here!

Have a grand day all!

Cheers

Marc

Tags
$MammothMafia24
$Honemeisterschaft
$FriodomRiders
$RawHoggin

Software and Brush Progress
Zenith Day 3
Soap Day 3

Austere August 2024

🦣 SOTD: 08/03/2024 🦣

Brush: TanZ “Dark Skies” 🐗

Razor: GEM 1920’s Nickel Revamp

Blade: GEM Single Edge, (3)

Soap: House Of Mammoth Sonder Puck

Aftershave: House Of Mammoth Sonder

Day 3. GEM blade breaking in nice and smooth now. Great Day 3 shave.

$MammothMafia24

u/Mammoth_Don

August 3, 2024 - AA24 Day 3

• Brush: Zenith 507N XSE 27.5mm x 57mm Unbleached Boar Bristle w/ Retro Black handle
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
• Blade: Personna PTFE Stainless Steel GEM (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Rumble (9)
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Rumble AS Balm (7)
• Fragrance: Paco Rabanne - 1 Million EdT
• Tags: $Discord $RawHoggin $MammothMafia24

Precision Load; Face Lather; WTG/ATG/Cleanup Passes; BBS Result; 32nd Consec / 428th Overall SOTD; MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode AA rules

I got careless and accidently dropped my MM24. Prior to the drop the left side of the comb appeared to droop a little, but I ignored it sense I didn't think it affected my shave results. After the drop, the droop was significantly greater. Luckily, I have a jeweler's pliers, so after a little tweaking the droop was gone. I was concerned that my realignment effort would affect the shave, and it did... in a good way. Today was the smoothest shave I've had with the MM24! If the next couple of shaves are as smooth as this one, then I'll be able to take credit for improving my MM24's alignment.

The 507N has smelled quite acceptable so far. Not sure if I got lucky, or if Rumble is masking the funk. Here's the Day 3 bristle break-in progress pictures taken just before the shave. Happy shaving and have a wonderful day.

Bennie and the Jets….Aug. 3, 2024
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Fly Fishing
Razor: Schick Injector
Blade: Schick Injector [3]
Lather: House Of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Soap
Post Shave: House Of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Aftershave
Post Shave: GreenBox - Alum

$MammothMafia24

Saturday shaves I normally skip unless it’s date night.

Today is my youngest grandchild’s birthday, she’s turning 6, and we are heading to “ChuckeCheese” this afternoon to celebrate.

Pray for me.

When we met Bennie, my son was holding her. His mother and his mother in law both were standing there with me. He looked at both of them, then wisely handed her to me to hold first. I will never forget get that as long as I live. ☺️

2 passes. No issues. Be well.

Aug. 3, 2024
Brush: The Ca Yuen Workshop (Etsy) Blue Meany
Razor: Razorock Game Changer .84-P
Blade: Gillette Nacet [3]
Lather: House Of Mammoth - Hygge - Soap
Post Shave: House Of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave
Post Shave: Osma - Alum Block
Post Shave: Neutrogena - Hydro Boost
Fragrance: Christian Dior - Sauvage

AA day three, and the best so far. 5 out of 5 stars today. This wasn’t the cleanest, smoothest shave I’ve ever had. But I enjoyed it from start to finish. Three shaves in and I’m very enamored with everything about this soap. It’s so easy to lather, and the scent that keeps triggering memories.

Face WTG ATG Neck WTG WTG

$MammothMafia24

August 3, 2024 – Continued Austerity

• Brush: Stirling “Less Boar” 28mm x 46mm
• Razor: Schick Injector
• Blade: Schick Injector (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Smash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Smash (Splash)
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Smash (Balm)
• Fragrance: Creed – Aventus Cologne

I’m struggling with this razor more than I should. I have to break myself of the reflex to tilt it. This thing is more flat to the face than even a gem. No angle at all. But coming around my chin, I mess that up and just tore up that area. I have a different way to stretch I might try me where I need to be. I had similar problems with my MM24 last year, so it’s just adjusting to a type I really haven’t used before. 1 minute load today and I still had to reload at pass 2. There’s a noticeable dent in this soap already (though it had a dozen or uses maybe on it?)

Let’s try all the tags right this time $Mammothmafia24 $rawhoggin $discord

Aug. 3, 2024
Brush: Zenith B36 Copper 28mmx50mm Boar
Razor: J.A. Henckels Friodur 451 5/8 Stainless Full Hollow Square Point
Lather: House of Mammoth - Alive - Soap
Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive - Aftershave

Straight shave number three. Progress on my chin today. I tried the rolling technique from the video that u/BeerEater1 shared yesterday and that helped. It still doesn’t exactly feel comfortable but definitely more comfortable than anything else I had tried. The brush is getting nice already, though still eating lather like it’s all you can eat. And bonus points: I did remember to strop today.

Tags: $FriodomRiders $headless $RawHoggin $MammothMafia24 $discord

August 3, 2024

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Stirling 24mm Synthetic
• Razor: Blackland SS
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Embrace
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Embrace Splash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Embrace Balm
• Fragrance: 345 - hometown

Hot Saturday but it’s the weekend! It’s my 2 yr r/wetshaving Reddit birthday!! Cake???

Ya’ll have a good day.

$MammothMafia24

$Discord

Aug. 3, 2024

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser
• Brush: Chisel & Hound Tiny Boar
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
• Blade: GEM PTFE (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Everett
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder - Balm
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder

$MammothMafia24 $RawHoggin $Discord

August 3, 2024

• Prep: House of Mammoth Embrace Doppio Bath Soap
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts 26mm APSC Pure Bliss
• Razor: J.A. Henckels Friodur 17 15/16
• Edge: u/whosgotthepudding (14)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Spearhead - Sea Spice Lime - Eau de Toilette

Knot was a bit easier this morning because I didn't soak it, I just lightly wet it under the faucet prior to lathering. It still had a bit of a gush when splayed, but not nearly as much, and it didn't wreck the consistency of the lather. Blade was OK. I used a faster draw strop, and despite exceeding the count I'd normally do, it just didn't feel as smooth. This strop is great with some blades, but I think this one does better on the Bridle.

$MammothMafia24
$FriodomRiders
$headless
$Discord

August 3, 2024

• Brush: Chisel & Hound "Rob's Finest" Boar 25mm x 56mm "
• Razor: J.A. Henckels Friodur 451 5/8 Stainless
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Everett
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Everett - Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Everett - EdP

$Discord $Rawhoggin $FriodomRiders $MammothMafia24 $headless

Tried to do a quick shave this morning before basketball practice, and am going to pay for that all afternoon with an irritated chin.

Three days in I'm struck at how much more forgiving a straight is than the Weck was.

Also, I've yet to lose a single hair from my brush, so I got that going for me, which is nice.

August 3, 2024 – 2024.08.03 SOTD: AA Day 3

• Brush: Zenith 505BC SE 28mm Bleached Boar
• Razor: Razorock Hawk v3
• Blade: Schick Proline (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

The boar continues to impress. Post-shave pics of the brush.

$RawHoggin $MammothMafia24 $Discord

Austere August

SOTD- 8/2/24

• Brush: Zenith Pro Aluminum Handle Boar Shave Brush. 26x64mm Knot B1
• Razor: Razorock GC .84
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Hygge
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Hygge splash

Brush getting a lil splay, and softening up nicely.

$MammothMafia24

$RawHoggin

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts “Jurassic” handle with AP Shave Co. 28mm Pure Bliss synthetic knot
• Razor: Dubl Duck - Satinedge ⅝ straight
• Lather: House Of Mammoth - Shire
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Shire balm
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Shire

It nice here in St. Joe today. Breeze was blowing across the bluff overlooking Lake Michigan, and the farmers market was busy. Sold out of sour dough loaves.

Fuggin' A.

Lather and shave went well, although Im only doing 1 pass with the straight since I'm shaving every day. Delicious Shire never gets old.

$MammothMafia24

$Honemeisterschaft

*Edit because I can't spell.

Austere Agoust - Day 3

• Brush: Ever-Ready 200 - GDMG Black Boar 27mm
• Razor: Zwilling J.A. Henckels - Friodur 14
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder (Aftershave Splash)
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder Edp

---

$Honemeisterschaft there was no stroping like yesterday for the $FriodomRiders which shaved nicely like the first day. Better $MammothMafia24 lather with the $RawHoggin, that is stinking the soap hopefully I can forget the reek with the aftershave/Edp treatment.

Black Boar

Boar Knot Performance Chart

Day	Shed	Scent	Pricky	Stiffness
1	3	31	31	31
2	3	32	31	30
3	3	31	31	29

---

Edge Performace Chart

Day	Strop	Nicks	Cuts	Cutting	Smoothness
1	1	0	1	31	31
2	0	0	0	31	31
3	0	1	0	31	31

---

August 3, 2024

Brush: Semogue 830
Razor: Henson Ti22 Medium
Blade: Personna 74 (10)
Lather: House of Mammoth - Embrace
Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Embrace - Balm

Instead of scooping an almond sized chunk of soap, I loaded while counting to 60. I went from not having enough lather the past 2 shaves to having enough for 3 shaves. I'll try a 45 count tomorrow. But, more soap was definitely the answer.

$RawHoggin

$MammothMafia24

Aug. 3, 2024
Brush: Summer Break Steinauer 26mm Zenith Boar
Razor: Thiers Issard Evide Sonnant Extra Hollow 6/8
Blade: Edge By u/whosgotthepudding [13]
Lather: House Of Mammoth - Indigo - Soap
Post Shave:* House Of Mammoth - Indigo - Aftershave

RawHoggin and MM24

Day 3 showed much improvement on lathering. Loaded longer, had just enough for 2 passes. Might need to load just a bit longer but today was good. Started off day 1 tub weighed 190g after 3rd shave 182g. 2.666g per shave, not terrible with breaking in a new knot. Speaking of that here is day 3 progress. I’m happy with how it’s going. It’s still pokey but nothing crazy.

Headless

I’m finally getting used to the lightness of this razor. I have 4 straights that have been in rotation before AA and this was not one of them. I have not weighed them but I feel like this is the lightest of the bunch. Tried something different today, on pass 1 I did short buffing strokes worked really well. Even went as far as using non dominant hand on my cheek only, and that too was a success. Banner day all around.

Brush Progress Album

$Discord

$RawHoggin

$MammothMafia24

$headless

August 3, 2024

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps Pierce w/ Maggard 26mm Boar
• Razor: Blackland Vector Lite
• Blade: Schick Proline (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Shire
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Shire
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Shire

Another thin lather, another feeling of surprise at a decent shave regardless.

Brush Day 3

Dolla Bills: $MammothMafia24 $RawHoggin $discord

August 3, 2024 - AA24 Day 3

• Brush: Zenith - B07-P1 Boar w/ Wood Handle
• Razor: Yates Precision Manufacturing - 921-M
• Blade: Gillette - Silver Blue
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Tobacconist
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Tobacconist Splash

Much needed shave after chopping trees and yard work. This brush is still mocking me. I keep needing to reload after the second pass, but the lather is always good. I can feel my face has been more sensitive and chewed up after these last couple days. Must continue hoggin' on.

Before and after pics of Day 3

$UltraNightmareMode

$MammothMafia24

$RawHoggin

$Discord

• Brush: Yaqi - Mew Brown Synthetic, Purple Haze.
• Razor: Gem Featherweight.
• Blade: Personna - GEM ptfe coated (2).
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Everett.
• Post: House of Mammoth - Everett Balm.
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Everett EDP.

Day 3-spontaneous day including decision to bowl lather to change things up. It does keep the puck tidier & less likely to over indulge - but loading directly from the tub is so much easier and more efficient for me so now I’ve confirmed. Beyond the bowl, I also took a last minute trip to Wisconsin to visit my BIL and fam. on his gorgeous new wake boat. I could get used to this! Hopefully we’ll be back very soon and have time to stock up on cheese and New Glarus. Hope the weekend is treating you well.

$MammothMafia24

Aug. 3, 2024
Brush: Zenith 505BC
Razor: Maggard V3M/MR5
Blade: Astra SP [3]
Lather: House of Mammoth - Everett
Post Shave:* House of Mammoth - Everett

$RawHoggin

$MammothMafia24

2024-08-03 Austere August Day 3

• Prep: Coffee, Face wash soap/warm water, and stroping, and stroping
• Brush: Shore Shave - Player Custom with 24mm Blond Boar
• Razor: Ralf Aust - Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point Straight Razor
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Uitwaaien
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Uitwaaien (Splash)

Shave was okay today. Skin is still a bit tender. On a plus side I don't look like I had a fight with a disgruntled house cat. The bloodletting has been negligible.

Now, about the new boar. Lots, heap / crap tons of shedding today. It did not do so the last two days (which is weird but okay) Today, bristles everywhere. All that said - it is getting a wee bit more fluffy (wee bit).

As always, take care and have a good day

$MammothMafia24

$RawHoggin

$headless

8/3/24

• Brush: Farvour Turn Crafts w/ C&H v12 Fanchurian
• Razor: Raido Star Kamisori 8/8, Full Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Splash

$MammothMafia24

$headless

Another fine shave. There's a number of different things I like about the profile of this blade.

I always appreciate smiling edge, doubly so when they're short. They make getting around your lips a breeze with going xtg. I also enjoy the profile of the heel. I super enjoy aggressive toes and heels. They make lining and fine-tuning areas a breeze. They can humble you quickly, though.

Close and comfortable shave, no nicks or irritation.

SOTD 08/03/24

https://imgur.com/a/2xBJ77y

• Brush: Bristle Brushwerks w/ TurnNShave Shoat Knot

• Razor: Henckels Friodur 472

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder

• Post: House of Mammoth - Sonder

Tags: $MammothMafia24 $FriodomRiders $headless $RawHoggin $discord

August 3, 2024 * Preshave: Hot Shower
Brush: Chisel & Hound "Rob's Finest" Boar 25mm x 56mm
Razor: Henckels Friodur 451 No Stain
Edge: Pudding (3)
Lather: House of Mammoth Everett
Post Shave: House of Mammoth Everett Splash
Post Shave: House of Mammoth Everett EDP

After listening to Pudding's advice to hit the skin while the blade was moving vs. starting from a stop on my skin I had the best first pass of the three so far. And, subsequently, the worst second pass. I was probably overconfident and should have slowed down some, but I need to go to bed and I'm sloppy. I also shaved very shortly after a workout and that usually doesn't go super well even with a DE, so, maybe it was that.

But also there were parts of the shave where it felt quite tuggy - I can't imagine this razor is dulling at all after just 2 uses and I think I'm stroping correctly so it should be fine. I'm sure it's user error and I'll learn.

Brush was noticeably better than the first shave as it starts opening up. I guess even inexpensive boars will break in. Here's the Album. I did change the name in my SOTD to be consistent with the other homies using Rob's Finest - but, it's the same brush.

Everett is still Everett - great.

Here's hoping the blood I'm donating to my sink stops flowing so freely (though I certainly need to order another styptic here soon) and that none of these cuts scar. Speaking of - I should probably figure out some anti-scar moisturizer or something...

Have a good night folks.

$MammothMafia24

$RawHoggin

$headless

$FriodomRiders

$discord

03AUG2024

• Brush: Aurora Grooming Nebula (r/Wicked_Edge Sub Brush) w/28mm AP Shave Co. Gelousy
• Razor: Sheffield Straight Razor
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Everett
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Everett

$MammothMafia24

$headless

$discord

Okay. So today's shave was much smoother than yesterday, much thanks to some tips and tricks that I received from multiple sources! I did continue to slice my face, and it took multiple passes but it was better than yesterday. I am seeing why people love straights so much. They're so relaxing, you know, besides the continual face slicing.

There's something about the prep. The stropping, specifically. I really love this. So let's hope I can keep it up. I may even, after August is over, buy some synthetic honing stones and learn to hone my Razor so I can learn every aspect of maintenance. I may also start looking at making scales.

All in all, 6/10 Shave today, but as I get more used to it I'm sure it will get better. I'm glad I decided to participate.

Duty tomorrow, let's look into getting a Navy duty day sotd pic I guess! Happy Saturday all!

Photo Album

• Brush: Omega 10098
• Razor: Panhandle Barbershop Company Tonsorial Gem
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Indigo
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Indigo
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Indigo

Not often that I shave at my dad's house but the water heater is a lot better here lol. Today was the first day I didn't have to reload for the 2nd pass. Acne is slowly going away. It's strange but my acne is way worse on one side of my face, and one side grows facial hair faster.

$MammothMafia24 $RawHoggin $headless

August 3, 2024

• Brush: Dogwood Good Gully Maggard Black and White Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Razorock Game Changer .84
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (Green) (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Ausflug
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Smash

$MammothMafia24

August 3, 2024 – AA 3 Mammoth Month

• ⁠Brush: r/wetshaving Zentih MOAR BOAR 31mm
• ⁠Razor: Blackland SS Osprey
• ⁠Blade: Personna Lab Blue (5)
• ⁠Lather: House of Mammoth – Sonder
• ⁠Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Sonder
• ⁠Fragrance: DR Harris – St James’s 1684

$MammothMafia24