July 14, 2023

• Brush: Dogwood Good Gully Maggard Black and White Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Razorock Game Changer .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (7)
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Cryogen
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Rougére

It's Cryogen, it's cold. Need I say more? Also, is today's challenge just to make everyone miserable? I thought that shaving with Cryogen, crying my eyes out was about as unpleasant as a shave could get without being a "bad shave". But today, I learned something new. Menthol + super rough ATG first pass does not make for a nice and comfortable shave. I did get a close shave at the very least, though.

​

Shave Miser to the tune of Snow Miser from The Year Without a Santa Claus (1974)

Lyrics:

I'm Mister Cold Shaves

I'm Mister Menthol

I'm Mister Cryogen

I'm Mister Ten Below

Friends call me Shave Miser

Whatever I touch

Lathers up on my brush

I'm too much!

He's Mister Cold Shaves

He's Mister Menthol

He's Mister Cryogen

He's Mister Ten Below

Friends call me Snow Miser

Whatever I touch

Turns to snow in my clutch

He's too much!

I never want to know a shave

That's over forty degrees

I'd rather have it thirty

Twenty, ten, five and let it freeze!

He's Mister Cold Shaves

He's Mister Menthol

He's Mister Cryogen

He's Mister Ten Below

Friends call me Shave Miser

Whatever I touch

Lathers up on my brush

Too much!

Can we say that he is actually on meter and pitch?

July 14, 2023

• Prep: Noble Otter - Lonestar Bath Soap
• Brush: Semogue SOC Taj Resin Premium Boar
• Razor: Karve Overlander (SS)
• Blade: Feather (2)
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit - Aftershave

Hashtags #OtterSlide #photocontest

Day 14. Almost halfway. Lather Games fatigue creeping in? Or not at all???

Daily challenge was easy with the Overlander. Not 100% confident in the moustache area, but very good result. Just two passes and touch up.

Music
“By The Lake” - Pale Jay, Okonski Spotify / YouTube

edited spelling errors

LGSOTD 14-July

• Brush: Highlander - M7 Style #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Karve - CB G  
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium   
• Lather: Stirling Soap Company – Margaritas in the Arctic   
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Company – Margaritas in the Arctic AS
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Company - Margaritas in the Arctic Balm

My collection of mentholated soaps is limited. I've tried B&M Terror, and after an unfortunate incident that involved accidental cross contamination (some tears and a speedy entry to the shower), I swiftly moved it on. I've found that Margaritas is more my speed as I've mentioned before, a nice hint that doesn't last too long and so far no accidents. Though I am looking forward to other entries for today's theme, very interested to see what's out there and potentially expand my horizons. Though to be fair, price to performance, Stirling is hard to beat! 

Today's challenge was to go straight ATG, now I know the instructions were for at least half the face but I decided to do the lot. Trying to be a little sensible I thought I'd go for a relatively high gap in an effort to up the efficiency, hence employing the G plate which seemed logical to me, this was a last minute switch up before the shave but I was confident. Main face was no drama, I tend to do WTG straight to ATG, so it was a hop but not a massive leap. But as implied by the instructions the neck can be a tender area. Luckily it wasn't too bad, but there was a bit of feedback from the splash but really not much. It didn't feel like there was going to be irritation but just in case I brought in the balm (not pictured) to use after the splash just to make sure things stayed calm. 

Decent shave, but I won't be dropping the first WTG pass anytime soon, perhaps if I'm in a massive rush but otherwise I prefer the time. 

Hope everyone has a cracking day. 

Cheers

Marc

ROTY

PhotoContest

Jul. 14, 2023
Brush: Yaqi Green Obsidian Synthetic
Razor: Green Cult GC 2.0 II
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
Lather: Stirling - Margaritas In The Arctic - Soap
Post Shave:* Barbus - - Aftershave

Really enjoy mentholated shave soaps so this one is right in my alley.

Did a 1 pass shave including neck with touchups because the corners of my jaw grow in the direction of arrow keys for some reason. As for the daily challenge… I understand this was meant to be max pain so I cranked my air con on, used a pure alcohol aftershave and used water with ice cubes in it. As for ATG and going 1 pass I don’t see it as a big deal if you’re a daily shaver, especially since my last shave was yesterday early afternoon. Almost felt less irritation than my standard 2 pass + touchups. I think blade choice is important especially if you like going BBS. The whole shave lasted about 4 minutes from start of lather to applying aftershave and honestly might do it this way more often

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

July 14, 2023 – June Shaves

• Brush: Cayuen Abalone w/ 28mm Timberwolf Synthetic
• Bowl: Timeless Shave Bowl, Blue
• Razor: WSC – Winning Razor, mirror polished, w/ Timeless Titanium Crown razor handle
• Blade: Voskhod (3)
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Cryogen

A chilly start for the day. I did start with ATG on the one side of the neck, and it worked out okay. Not too bad. Felt really odd and not very comfortable but it is doable.

Have a nice Friday.

#LatherGames #FrigidFriday

Bonus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TdOWTnwN9pE ← Pagani: Lamborghini’s Biggest Mistake

July 14, 2023 – LG2023 Day Fourteen

• Brush: Jannik – 28mm SHD Badger
• Razor: Personna – BBS-0
• Blade: Polsilver (3)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Cannonball!
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Cannonball!

Some really good choices in the den for this one but I went with Cannonball which is also one of my favorite summer scents.

The scent is unique which with the mass array of scents we have available to us these days is still quite and achievement. The chlorine hits you straight from the tub and then the fruity orange and pineapple just pokes through to tease your nose a little. One of my highlights is synthetic menthol, I just prefer the creeping feeling to the old style menthol we used to get in most soaps.

The brush is from Jannik who you guys will probably know better as Wald Shaving Brushes, this one came from him a while back when I started talking to him in a German FB group, I was amazed at some of the handles he was producing “for fun” and without even having a lathe so I jumped at the chance of grabbing this one when he offered it to me.

The BBS-0 from Personna is often wrongly assumed to be the role model for the Legendary BBS-1 but alas they are not related at all, the BBS-0 is a great razor in its own right and when you get the angle spot on.

Daily Challenge: Nothing to report really a quick against the grain shave, a second with the grain pass followed by a little touch up and we are done for the day.

Frigid Fatboy Friday

• Brush: Djundjila Brushworx u/IcyPooter #FauxFur
• Razor: Mühle R 41 GS
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (2)
• Lather: Moon Soaps – Union
• Post Shave: Moon Soaps – Union
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Bay Rum

Yay, the Geo Fatboy special! I've proposed today's challenge for Theme Thursday a couple times in my early days in this sub, but surprisingly it never got enough upvotes (I naturally suspect mod misconduct).

Like wetshaving ambassador and mixed bag Geo Fatboy, I used a large R 41 for this (He used the Grande, if memory serves, and this GS is just the stainless steel version of the same razor in the same form factor), but unlike him, I didn't stop after a single ATG pass and proceeded with XTG and WTG passes myself.

For today's theme, Union by Moon soaps get menthol levels right, IMO. It's distinctly cooling without ever crossing into unpleasant territory or causing teary eyes. The balm has a bit more (at least perceived) menthol, but still at nice levels. For relevant post and frag, I'm going for a complementary theme of the frigid barbershop followed by warming up again with a warm and spicy bay rum. u/IcyPooter definitely started feeling a bit warm with that frag.

Re: #FauxFur, the knot is sold as a synthetic horse hair imitation.

Fri Jul 14 2023

• Prep: Coffee, Face wash soap/warm water
• Razor: Merkur - 34C HD
• Blade: BiC Chrome Platinum
• Brush: Chisel & Hound V13 Slant Silent Knight
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Spearmint
• Post Shave: Pinaud - Clubman AS Lotion

The glacial spearmint soap was very cooling. Awesome soap for a summer shave. I was a feather guy for a while now, But got some razor samples and really digging this Bic. Great cup of black rifle coffee!

ROTY

Today I shaved with Stirling Glacial Peach. I used my Prometheus/Synbad brush and thick cap old type. I followed up with Iced Pineapple aftershave and a shot of EMP edt. I always start against the grain.

Frigid Friday

Prep: Warm shower
Brush: Summer Break custom - Synthetic 24mm
Razor: Merkur Progress - short handle
Blade: voskhod
Lather: Lea Menthol cream
Post Shave: Adidas - Ice Dive- Aftershave
Fragrance: Adidas - Ice Dive - Edt
A refreshing shave, suitable for a warm summer day.
The Lea cream has a "just right" amount of menthol and lathers up
nicely. The Ice DIve has mint and Grapefruit off the top. Have a great day everyone.

Jul. 14, 2023 - What the Fuck Friday!

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR

• Razor: Blackland Blackbird (SS)

• Blade: Astra Green (4)

• Lather: Chiseled Face - Cryogen

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Frost Drops

• Fragrance: Bruno Fazzolari - Corpse Reviver

Alright djudges: WHAT THE FUCK? Like why couldn’t we have kept the “Desert Island” theme instead of this bullshit menthol laden day. Yeah yeah I get that “FrIgId FrIdAy” just rolls off of the tongue but did we have to?

Cryogen just sucks. I mean it’s pure menthol. And then I was mental and thought Frost Drops would be a good follow up. This is what this month does to a guy…oh yeah and y’all decided to turn it up to 11 with the daily challenge. Again: WHAT THE FUCK? I guess thank you for giving us the out for just the cheeks because that’s all I could stand even with the numbness and tingling provided by the icy software.

Corpse Reviver matches the theme in name, menthol wakes you up in the morning when you’re feeling like a corpse.

My #photocontest theme is #Technology

https://imgur.com/a/JGehBHZ

• Lather: Black Ship Grooming Co. - Shipwreck Cove Soap
• Brush: Erskine Synthetic
• Razor: Blackland Era - SB1
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge Yellow
• Post Shave: Duke Cannon - Ice Cold Balm

Glad I took a look through my den this morning. I was all set to use Proraso Green, and not looking forward to it, but I found my sample of Shipwreck Cove and swapped it out. Menthol? Check. Better performance than Proraso? Absolutely. Between the lather and balm, it was a cool morning.

With the against the grain first pass, my razor choice was definitely strategic. I've got Gillette SharpEdge Yellows loaded in all my DEs and the Blackland has the freshest blade. Strategy pays off. The pass was comfortable. No issues from the shave.

Have a great day folks!

7/14/23

• Brush: Farvour Turn Crafts w/ C&H v12 Fanchurian
• Razor: Filarmonica 14 Doble Temple 8/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Moon Soaps - Union
• Post Shave: Moon Soaps - Union Aftershave Splash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z Aftershave Balm
• Fragrance: 345 Soap Co - Fresh Cut Fade EdP

A nice chilly start to the day with one of my favorite genre of scents, barbershop.

I really like Moon Soaps, from my limited experience with them. Union has a classic barbershop scent while still being able to stand apart from others. The soap and splash have a light menthol feel to them, which came in clutch with todays challenge. I haven't done an ATG pass in almost 2 years now. My muscle memory took little bit to kick in. The lather on my first pass was a little under hydrated. My atg pass on my neck was fine, but I definitely felt that lack of slickness on my cheeks. The cooling came in clutch between passes. My second pass was XTG and hydration and slickness were a lot better. The end result was a very close shave. The Union splash felt great, but I opted to top it off with Z, for an even chillier effect. My face feels good.

This was also my first time trying the FCF edp. Up until now, I've only whiffed it off the bottle. The combination of Union and Fresh Cut Fade was nice.

#ROTY

July 14, 2023 – Cool Shaving with Menthol

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Superspeed
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (5)
• Lather: Godrej – Cool Cinthol Menthol Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Proraso – Menthol and Eucalyptus

This isn’t what I planned to use today. I actually use this cream-Godrej Cool Cinthol-a fair amount. In general, I have not been very fond of the cooling shaving products but this one is nice and I don’t find it as drying as some of the other products with menthol. I think this was a black friday deal and I only paid a couple of dollars for it and the regular price is around $5, so really quite a deal. Paired this with the Proraso Menthol and Eucalyptus aftershave.

For the daily challenge, I did a head shave today and the instructions said to go against the grain on your face, but I did it on my first pass on the head shave instead. So normally I do a two pass head shave but starting against the grain kind of made it more of a four pass shave. Against, with the grain, across and then back to against. So my head feels a little rough today. But for the sake of the games, I’ll take it.

July 14, 2023 – Lather games day 14 – AKA Definitely NOT the way

• Brush: Omega Pro 48 Boar #TEXASPIGSTINKMASSACRE #TOLL
• Razor: Blackland Era – Level 5 SB
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (6)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Terror
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Kryptonite

I started with an ATG pass. This is what I do when I shave my head. I don’t normally do this while shaving my face. Glad the Era is mild, even using the 5 plate. As a result my second pass (WTG) almost seemed unnecessary. Besides, I’m only cutting down 1 day of growth. So not very challenging today. I did slice my chin though. Bravo. I prefer WS-23 synthetic to the menthol that B&M uses in Terror. I can’t even find what it’s listed as on their label. Strange. Splash on that good good Kryptonite and all is even colder, but better.

#PhotoContest

July 14, 2023

• Brush: L'Occitane Plisson Synthetic
• Razor: Micromatic Clog-Pruf (Gen 1)
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (4)
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit - Soap
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Logbook - Aftershave

Ingredients:

Stearic Acid, Beef Tallow, Coconut Milk, Aloe Vera, Glycerin, Potassium Hydroxide, Castor Oil, Coconut Oil, Avocado Oil, Lanolin, Tucuma Seed Butter, Kokum Butter, Sodium Hydroxide, Fragrance, Koolada-23, Bentonite Clay, Tocopheral Acetate, Citric Acid, Watermelon Extract, Whitewillow Bark Extract, Tussah Silk.

I am not a fan of menthol, but this Koolada-23 stuff is sort of nice. With cold water rinses, it's still a bit much, but not as bad as menthol.

Fun fact, WS23, another synthetic cooling agent, was invented by Wilkinson Sword, thus the WS.

I went against the grain on my cheeks, and went a step further and hit my chin and mustache ATG too. It wasn't too bad!

There was a big thunderstorm rolling through while I was shaving, with lots of huge thunder claps. It made for an interesting mood in the bathroom, especially when the power went out.

Nice shave.

2023-07-14 My nose is froze and my ears are froze...

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps - Custom
• Razor: Phantom Blue Open Comb Slant #RAINBOW
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Rope Swing
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented Menthol Witch Hazel
• Fragrance: Davidoff - Cool Water
• Blade: Feather (3)

Rope Swing features the synthetic cooling ingredient WS-23

Relevant Post-shave and Fragrance: Keeping it frosty with Stirling's menthol witch hazel, because more menthol is always better—as long as you don't care about having feeling in your skin. Cool Water as today's fragrance keeps with the "cool" theme and matches the aquatic notes of the lather.

Obviously, I had to break out the beautiful SBS brush. u/rocketk455, everybody!
(also pointing out the hardware point; not sure if I should see it counted as such after the last use)

Challenge Accepted: I thought this razor might handle today's challenge well, and its color fits well in the photo. I've only used this razor a couple of times. I find it to be much better than the only other slant I've tried, and it doesn't have the alignment problems that I hear are so common. Let's, uh, let's not talk about where this razor comes from. K? Cool.

I wasn't worried about my neck with this challenge, but it'll be a cold day in hell that I go ATG over my philtrum, which I never do even under normal circumstances (on the other hand, I can grow a mean moustache). So I didn't ATG there or the corresponding area below the lower lip for the same reason.

All else was only ATG for each pass (3?). I don't often think about what the first WTG pass does, but it is evident that clearing that bulk of hair is quite helpful. Add on top of that that I'm not very familiar with how the slant handles, so a pass of alum was called for. Alum even looks like ice, doesn't it?

#FOF
If I'm being honest, the SBS branding theme doesn't land for me. Thankfully, though, last year's Games compelled me to try them, and I am incredibly glad for it! I grabbed Valedictorian and Rope Swing, and they both blew me out of the water. With Rope Swing, I get aquatic off the puck, and woodsy floral notes that are emphasized in the product description open up in the lather.

After the unscented menthol interlude, courtesy of Stirling, I delight in following this up with Cool Water. I love aquatics, largely due, I'm sure, to the fact that I took a liking to one as a young lad. Cool Water is a quintessential aquatic in my mind, and it triggers all kinds of pleasant brain-chemicals.

#photocontest
Photo: Sports
I'm no fisher—wait, is that something people say? "Fisher"? Fisherman is more specifically vocational, no?
Suffice it to say, I don't fish, but my understanding is that it's a sport (no less so than bar sports) and swaths of anglers will argue vehemently as such.

If you're at a "pristine mountain lake" with a rope swing (a category of which I figure a tire swing is a subset), it may well be likely that there's going to be fishing happening, as well. But probably don't jump where the lines/hooks are.

Jul. 14, 2023

• Brush: Noble Otter Declaration Grooming B10 SHD Badger
• Razor: RazoRock Baby Smooth Blue #COLOR
• Blade: Personna Super
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit - Soap
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Osma - Alum
• Fragrance: Noble Otter - Orbit

Frozen Friday…..

Because in Space, no one can hear your teeth chattering….

Honestly, this soap is very pleasant. It doesn’t have the kick that Terror has.

So today’s challenge called for shaving ATG first. Judges, I just want to know…

Who hurt you?

Using my mildest razor (Baby Smooth, my ass), I did an against the grain first pass. I haven’t done that since I was shaving out of a steel pot…. But that’s another story….

ATG/XTG 2 pass shave.

Do y’all really want to see a 60 year old balding guy shave?

Isn’t there enough trash on the internet already?

Today’s theme song….

Annie Lennox. Cold

July 14, 2023 – Cool Summer

• Brush: Chisel & Hound Badger
• Razor: Gillette Tech #Regus
• Blade: 7 O’Clock – Sharpedge (Yellow) (6)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Rope Swing
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Prom King
• Fragrance: Maher Olfactive – Sun Soaked

Picture for Regus hash. https://i.imgur.com/l1gXDMY.jpeg

Totally by coincidence I had to remove the tech from my Spearhead Shaving khaki kit. So I’m also involving today’s sponsor. It’s a great kit of you have a 3 piece and travel at all. Also helps me store my tech when it’s not in use.

Summer is an excellent time to use my 1 cooling soap. It’s not as hell here (already feels like 85F at 7:30) and it’s nice to cool my face. Rope swing is supposed to smell like jumping into a river. I prefer it it cannon ball, probably because I spent more time in rivers and creeks as a kid than at pools. Might as well do stuff out of order and finish my #fof here. I went with Prom King Next. Obviously, they’re both SBS products, but they both have cedar undertones and the grassy notes of Prom King compliment the aquatic notes of Rope Swing very well. Like the shore of the river. Lastly, Sun Soaked. This describes the summers of my youth. It also has a cedar undertone. I pick up pine perhaps too? When I put it on I was immediately transported to rolling up to the campsite and getting ready to have a weekend by the river. (the citrus notes are coming through to me as bug spray, but not in a bad way, in a “memories are better in black and white” way.)

Today’s challenge was rough. What to say about it. Well, for starters, when I started wetshaving I got horrible burn on my lower neck. Took me weeks to figure out my hair changed direction in the last 2-3 inches of my neck and grew up. So I had been unintentionally shaving ATG there causing problems. So I start each shave going up on that part of my neck. Starting with the aggressive Parker 96R, ATG was just a nonstarter. I tried it with the tech and SuperSpeed and frankly, the irritation wasn’t worth the minor increase in smoothness. But for lather games everything is worth it. The rules say half the face, I chose the left, sinister, half in honor of this challenge. Used the tech to minimize the harm. I’m also still using GUTL, which I just now realized rhymes with scuttle. Appropriate. Leaving proto lather on my face while I built my bowl lather meant I was pretty num from the coolant, and so I didn’t feel horrible during the shave. So score one more for GUTL and another selling point for u/merikus. I felt a lot of tugging, no nicks. But since I don’t go ATG normally, I couldn’t get the angles right and the shave was not good. Not even socially acceptable. I did my right pass normally, confirmed the suckiness by comparison, then basically started over with my normal routine. But the pass was completed, so rules followed with no loopholes (sorry u/airbudruler.) I have some irritation, but less than expected.

For #photocontest, entering in sources of light. My bathroom has a 4×3 window in it (yes feet not inches) that faces west. Making it easy to get this picture with back light the evening before.

Getting closer fellow #ROTY

Edited: added Regus hashtag. I already have the ones for the C&H so it's fine to let those go. Fixed tag

2023-07-14 Lather Games SOTD

• Brush: SHAVE⭐DANDY St Vincent (26x55mm Synth)
• Razor: Feather Artist Club SS
• Blade: Kai Captain Mild ProTouch MG (12)
• Pre-Shave: Proraso - Crema pre Barba (Rinfrescante conolio di eucalipto e mentolo)
• Lather: Proraso - Sapone da Barba (Rinfrescante conolio di eucalipto e mentolo)
• Post Shave: Mennen - Skin Bracer
• Fragrance: Paco Rabanne - XS

Proraso's original product was pre-shave cream - 1947 or 48 I think? Commercial soap wasn't great in those days. It was designed to add glycerin and potassium stearate to your choice of soap to make the lather more stable, creamy, and slick - all those things we look for in a good shave soap. And then when they released their shave soap the following year, it was formulated to be used in conjunction with that pre-shave cream. Modernized preservatives, fragrances, and chelating agents aside, both products are... more or less the same today as they were 75 years ago.

Modern shave soaps, on the other hand, are already formulated with healthy doses of stearic acid and glycerin, making Proraso's pre-shave creams a little pointless if you're already using modern soap. But that's not what I'm doing today, is it?

Today's ~~heavily~~ thoroughly mentholated shave was actually pretty slick. Good shave. Crema and Sapone together with a synthetic brush (almost a perfect color match for Proraso Green (the color)) works about as well for me as most late-2010s artisanal soap bases. My only complaint is that this pre-shave smells Weird. I don't know if it's something in the fragrance that the soap's base funk covers up, or if it's something weird in the pre-shave formula that adds an unpleasant element to the fragrance, but I'm not a fan of the scent.

Anyway: chilly pre-shave, chilly soap, and chilly aftershave (with EXTRA menthol added to it, just like old man NeedsMoreMenthol taught me years ago)... I was even going to wear some BRUT because it's one of the only perfumes I know that includes straight up menthol in its formula, but I needed to save it for later in the month so instead I went with XS, the fragrance that Creed ~~ripped off~~ definitely didn't ever smell before they released their "mountaineering-inspired" Himalaya. I was underwhelmed the first time I tried it because it's so linear, subtle, and almost insubstantial in some ways, but I've come to appreciate it over time - it's like wearing fresh alpine air on a late winter/early spring day with snow melting off the trees and little streams running down the rocks. #fof for wally.

July 14, 2023 – Frigid Friday

• Brush: Stirling Finest Badger
• Razor: Baili BR191
• Blade: Astra SP (Green)
• Lather: RazoRock – Santa Maria del Fiore
• Post Shave: RazoRock – Santa Maria del Fiore
• Fragrance: RazoRock – Santa Maria del Fiore

Nice against the grain shave. The Baili was forgiving. It did not choose violence. SMdF has a nice menthol kick perfect for summer. It’s an older tub with the not so waterproof label. The soap is grainy. But it works. It’s one of the earliest trickholes I picked up in wetshaving.

• Prep:
• Brush: 28mm Maggard Premium Boar / Wolf Whiskers Beehive
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite SS
• Blade: Personna Comfort Coated (1)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co - Margaritas in the Arctic
• Alum: Osma
• Post Shave: Aqua Velva
• Fragrance:

Brrr

July 14, 2023 – Icy Day

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Kyle SHD
• Razor: Gillette Flat Bottom Tech
• Blade: Super Max Stainless (22)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Agua Fresca

Sea Spice Like plus Agua Fresca has me smelling fresh AF.

Challenge

Lather Games Day 14

• Prep: Warm water
• Brush: APSaveCo - 28MM G5A SHD
• Razor: Razorock - Lupo 95 SS #CNC
• Blade: Voskhod
• Lather: House of mammoth - KRYPTONITE
• Post Shave: House of mammoth - KRYPTONITE
• Post Shave: The Bluebeards Revenge - Alum block

Two passes against the grain! Awesome performance to Lupo! BBS!!! Soap absolutely fulfilled his name! Kryptonite is weak spot not only for Supermen but for me to. In one of my orders I order it for a club member. From the moment I sniff it I can't have peace till I have it!!! When arrived all evening I was buried my nose in the jar! Citrus, greens, cedarwood was my first impression. This combination is always sweet spot for me. Great base and awesome scent prolonging strong in lather and WS-23 gives this pleasant chill for hot summer shave. There are people who have irrigations from menthol or other cooling agents but thanks God I'm not one of them. This few days are very hot in Bulgaria and I am so happy for this series of soaps Terror and Kryptonite. Two hot days with two fresh shaves. The only reason to not buy the balm is because the scent is tho weak in it. And like everyone of my shave friends know me like " need more scent " and make jokes all the time with me. Thank God this is not the cases with aftershave. I love it!!! This time I used Bluebeards Revenge alum block because in one podcast I heard that gives +10 points if you don't use Osma hahahaha

ROTY

July 14, 2023

​

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Fragrance: Davidoff - Cool Water

Noble Otter's Orbit is wonderful. The synthetic coolant, which sounds like something you'd put in your car, gives a delightful tingly sensation, especially in this muggy weather. The closest sensation I can compare it to is putting pop-rocks in your mouth, but on your face. Finished up with the Orbit splash, and then some COOL Water. I'm unofficially starting Raw Hoggin' month early, cleared out my brush collection, and I'm not sure if the 2 new brushes I'm after will be here before LG ends, so it's the unbleached Zenith from here on out.

For today's challenge, I decided to go against the grain on my entire face, and since I've been shaving daily for LG, the stubble is short enough that it felt similar to just doing a normal 3rd pass against the grain. Second pass XTG got everything else. Zero irritation. Honestly, this might be a good move for when you need a shave in a rush. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

LG23-14: 🍌🥶 Frigid Friday 🧊🍌

• Brush: Shore Shave “Purple Ribbon” 24mm Motherlode
• Razor: Blackland Sabre
• Blade: GEM (4)
• Lather: Abbate y La Mantia - Don Jose - Shaving Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Boat Drinks - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Blackbird - Y06-S
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Coffee: West Java. Cijapati, Garut - v: Typica. Tim Tim. Catimor - p: Triple picked. Washed.
• Music: Señor Coconut - Around the World
• LG Tags: #FOF

I was going to skip today’s challenge in favor of an unscarred visage for the next few weeks, but then storms kept the dog up, which meant the dog kept me up, which meant I’m bleary-eyed and got up an hour later in an attempt to feel like a functioning adult, and now I’m way behind today and needed to make my shave quick. What was I talking about? Oh, right, shaving.

I grabbed a beloved GEM razor to maximize my chances of a smooth shave (more rigid blades than DEs), face lathered the cooling Don Jose, and skipped straight to the ATG pass. It went surprisingly well. I started at the bottom of my neck (WTG up until my Adam’s apple) and then kept going straight up ATG, upper neck, then cheeks, then chin and upper lip. The cheeks were a breeze, but the Sabre struggled with my chin and lip, leaving plenty of unevenly-cut stubble for my XTG pass. The Don Jose features an at best above-average soap base; I suspect a top-tier performer would have allowed me to chew through that hair more efficiently. No cuts and no obvious irritation by the time I finished up, rinsed, and splashed on the Stirling aftershave. I don’t plan on shaving like this again unless challenged, but it’s good to know I can without issue when I’m in a rush.

While this shave wasn’t sponsored by /u/J33pGuy13, it should have been, since it’s all-banana-everything. Everything you say? Oh yes, EV-RY-THING.

Up first, Don Jose, with its cheery mix of coconut, banana, and “menthol crystals.” It’s not a dynamic scent, but it’s a super fun one, the banana and coconut candy-like in intensity but without much sweetness. The menthol is light enough to show up as you’re lathering like a cool breeze, but not so strong as to make the whole blend smell like menthol. (And while I’m using samples today, the packaging for Don Jose is beautiful, so that’s another perk.) I followed my shave up with a splash of Boat Drinks—more banana and coconut, plus flowered rum. The combination smells a lot like boozy bubblegum when I first put it on. Give it time to breathe and it’s easier to pick out the notes, but still a cohesive blend. I like the smell on its own, but I rarely think to use my tub, and I find the aftershave difficult to wear.

I finished things up with Y06-S, which (unlike Boat Drinks) Nicole Miller stresses “is not a novelty scent” and “not a gourmand perfume,” even though it’s all creamy, metallic banana. The banana here is more Gros Michel than Cavendish, but it’s a mix of the two; ripe banana just opened, though not as artificially-intense smelling as straight-up banana ester. The electronics sizzle that crackles around the banana in the opening is attention-grabbing, olfactory sleight of hand to surprise you when the banana resolves into a jasmine and oud floral. Y06-S is like a reverse Magic Eye, starting with the banana floating out in front, then suddenly collapsing into a collage of indole, cream, and wood when you focus on it long enough.

July 14, 2023

• Brush: Boti Stump 28mm Synthetic
• Razor: Star – Silver Star
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Captain’s Choice – Nor’easter Soap
• Post Shave: Captain’s Choice – Nor’easter Splash
• Fragrance: Issey Miyake - L'Eau d'Issey Pour Homme EdT

Real talk: Who enjoys menthol? Like, who are the crazy people seeking this stuff out? I struggle to see why any sane person enjoys the feeling to coldness on their face. Maybe it’s because I live in the Northeast United States and the winters are brutal, and I seriously dislike the feeling of cold, but why is this a thing? I’m just glad the Lather Games is happening in July, but if it was occurring in January, I’d probably sit out Frigid Friday. Okay – That’s a lie. I’m too competitive to sit anything out. But I wouldn’t like it!

I’ve never used Captain’s Choice before, but this soap smells cold as soon as I open the top of the sample tub. They supposedly scented this like amber, spicy berry, lavender, and citrus. Not sure why they’d include stuff like that in a scent named after Winter storms. I’ve lived through enough Nor’easters to know that they don’t smell like berries or lavender. They smell like the diesel fumes coming from plows, with a hint of body odor of people crowding the grocery store to stock up on bread and milk. And don’t forget about the sweet scent of seasonal depression that comes from the sun rising after you get to work and the sun setting before you leave the office. F all that. And I don’t know who the people who make Captain’s Choice are, but if you’re going to make a scent and name it after a Blizzard’s little brother, at least make it so it smells like a real Nor’easter!

For the cologne, I chose Issey Miyake - L’Eau d’Issey. It’s citrusy with aquatic freshness and I thought the citrus would go good with the citrus in Nor’easter. And I wasn’t wrong. All sorts of great smells today, even if it doesn’t smell like a real Nor’Easter. #FOF

CHALLENGE

I was originally going to shave with a straight today to pick up a hashtag, then I saw the challenge and said “F THAT NOISE”. Shaving against the grain with a straight is a challenge for me on a good day. Starting off with that. No thanks. I’ll pick up that scavenger hunt item later in the Games. Used this vintage Star Silver Star and went against the grain first, then with the grain for a two-pass shave. Honestly, wasn’t as bad as I feared.

Lather Games Day 14- Frigid Friday

• Brush: Semogue 1800
• Razor: Schick M1 Adjustable
• Blade: Schick - Injector (4)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Spearmint
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Spearmint Splash
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Cooling Recovery splash
• Post Shave: Duke Cannon - Ice Cold Balm

This was an eye-wateringly cold shave. We know that Stirling's Glacial soaps have more than just a little bit of menthol. I usually do a two-pass shave so my eyes don't quite get the opportunity to water. However, with today's challenge, I ended up doing a third pass and that's when the tears started and the nose started to run. After I splash some cold water on the face and blade buff, it's time to amp up the chill factor. First up, Glacial Spearmint aftershave that I didn't cut with a damp hand. A very Roy Kent-ish "fuuuuuccccckkkk" left my mouth causing my wife to ask what was wrong from the other room. Once that dried down a bit, I figured it was time to amp the cooling up further. Nothing better for that than ZM's Cooling Recovery splash. Yup, now tears are rolling down my face and I'm pretty sure I dropped to my knees praying for mercy. Not willing to throw in the towel, being the masochist that I am, I threw on the Duke Cannon Ice Cold balm which just trapped the chill from the prior two things on my face. Let's just say, my face was nice and cool for a good 45 minutes.

Alright, on to the Daily Challenge. As u/mrtangerinesky likes to say PICS OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN!. This is the face of a man who never shaves against the grain except to please our Shaving Overlords and the djudges. I only did one against the grain pass on my face. No way in hell I was going to do that on my neck. That's crazy talk!

On to a summer day. Have a great day all!

July 14, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Summer 28mm G5C
• Razor: Blutt Rasur BR-1 (setting: 0.86 plate)
• Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (4)
• Lather: Zingari Man - The Socialite - Soap
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - The Socialite - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner

Shave excellent. Lather face. Passes 3.

---

"This is not the Way". Maybe not, but for a daily shaver it possibly could be. I chose to do a full-face, reverse-order shave; ATG, XTG, WTG. It felt weird, especially the final WTG pass. My result is full-on DS-BBS but I had BBS in most areas after the first pass. A fun stunt, but I think I'll revert to my normal behavior tomorrow. The shave was surprisingly comfortable. I opened a tiny weeper on my neck on the third pass, but it closed with my cold water rinse.

Photo theme: Vegetable. Yeah, I know that the Socialite has scent notes of gin, lime, and ice. The obvious theme for this is "Drinks", and next in line would be "Fruit". But that's what you'd expect me to do.

You'll notice that there's cucumber in the gin and tonic. Hendrick's gin is a premium gin that includes infusions of cucumber and rose. They recommend that a gin and tonic be made with slices of cucumber. It's different. I love it. So, this relates to today's shave through one level of indirection. I'm calling that good. Now, technically, a cucumber is a fruit. I think that it is more commonly considered to be a vegetable, so I'm going with that.

#photocontest

Edit: The cooling agent in The Socialite soap and splash is listed as Koolada-23. I'm assuming that is a rebranding of WS-23.

Beautiful studio shot. Someone to watch if you appreciate pretty sotd pics

Jul 14, 2023 - Frigid Friday

• Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
• Brush: Summer Break Soaps Hopper 28mm Boti Stone Middle Flower SHD Knot
• Razor: Blackland Razors Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Voskhod [4]
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite - Splash
• Fragrance: Maher Olfactive - Sun Soaked - Eau de Parfum

Here at Luther Corp. we pride ourselves in developing novel methods of neutralizing new and increasingly more powerful threats to humanity. The latest threat that has captured the attention of the media are the exploits of the Man of Steel. However, there is no need to fear his powerful capabilities because our R&D team has discovered multiple ways to keep his powers in check:

1. He gains his powers from the light of a yellow sun, so trapping him in the cold, darkness of space will greatly weaken his abilities.
2. A rare mineral from his home planet will rapidly diminish his powers to provide us greater opportunities to take quick and effective actions against him.
3. If he completely absorbs the light of a red sun, like the one of his home planet, he will be rendered completely powerless.

Today’s demonstration showcases how our latest technologies have been distilled into everyday products. With common elements of synthesized cold and notes of cedar, the combined effects can be harnessed to help incapacitate this new threat.

ATG Challenge: TIL the TiBird is a capable single pass shaver. Going ATG on the first pass was not what I would call comfortable, but it did take down most of the growth. I managed only one small nick on my neck from the first pass. Comparing one side to the other, both sides ended BBS. This is not something I'd want to do everyday, but I guess if I was really in a hurry, only had a single day's growth, and needed a close shave, the TiBird would do the job.

#photocontest superman

Rating: 4.5/5

Love the Superman theme!

Love the Superman theme!

July 14, 2023 – Freeze! I said freeze!

• Brush: Ap. shave Co. – purple Haze
• Razor: Razorock – Eco
• Blade: Permasharp (3)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Rope Swing
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Rope Swing
• Fragrance: Davidoff – Cool water wave
• Song to hype myself up: Amon Amarth - Embrace the endless ocean (Metal)

I knew this day would come. In anticipation of this challenge, I trained myself one year.
After last years frigid friday, it became clear to me that I have to go lower.
I started my work in home office before 7 in the morning so I could sneak outside at 8 when stores open. Not many people around at this time.
Here I was looking for something that would top my shave in comparison to last year.
Weeks before I scouted the fridges if they have it. Yes, they do.
When I am already in the store, lets get some breakfast, something for my 3pn coffee and cake and some sweet milk for my escalation gaming friday.
The crushed ice is in a box to keep it cool, while I walk home.
My girlfriend already made me a nice tub of cold water. Mmhhh, just the way I enjoy it. No better way to start into the day. I take cold showers for a few years now(except my head). Since the start of the Ukraine war, I only use warm water to make tea.
soaking my brush
I lathered outside the tub. On my way to the store, I became a bit anxious, back at home I was hyped and was looking forward to freeze myself off.
4 kg of crushed ice in my bathtub
Mr. Ice bath Link giving me a judging look
“Why doesn’t he wear his hat?”, asked my girlfriend
“It will get wet” said Mr. ice bath Link
“But the ducks still have their hats?”
“They are ducks! The can swim with their head above the water”
After we cleared that up it was time to get to business!

Even 4 kg of ice cooled the water down by a good amount. Hurry up!
The following pictures show me in bath shorts!!! NSFW!!!
Lather into my face
Ohh, Marquis is really enjoying the scent of rope swing. He closed his eyes, so he can focus even more on that nice dandelion ozone. Hrm
Scent becomes more and more enjoyable
Starting with an ATG shave. I have never done it, but thought about it often. Why do we do the first 3 passes, although they never leave us clean? Thanks lather games to give me the opportunity to explore.
ATG as first pass picture proof You can see some 7 o clock shadow as beard.
Going ATG from the start is so enjoyable
First pass done. The legs are getting numb. At least they do not feel that cold anymore. Did it hurt to start ATG? I don't know. I feel like in the Major Pain movie and I cant feel my face
Well, if only I don’t have to get that lather out of my face.
Deep dive. I took my hands off later, but then had some ice water run into my nose.
To do the dive, I had to tug my legs , as I do not fit in this tub. Thanks mom
So the legs were exposed to fresh warmer air. When they got back into the water for the second pass, I felt the cold of my bath again.
I want to get out. But Lathergames rules are two passes (except for u/airbudruler). Speed lather for the second pass. It’s runny crap. As a mirror I used the shower head like last year
My brain seemed to be freezing, as I did a WTG pass now. Out, out out! How was the WS-23 in the soap with the cool water? I felt nothing. When everything is that cold, you barely feel the cooling agent.
After I got dry and applied the aftershave, I was able to feel the cool breeze from it. Got back to my desk and felt slightly nauseous. Thats what the r/coldshowers talked about. It might happen. After afew hours it was gone. The shave was not good. It looks clean enough, but does not meet my standards. The aftershave was more heavy on the dandelion, and less on the woody parts in it.
Did I mention we have a LG tub kill?

FOF

Because of the theme I went with Davidoff Cool water waves. I heard there are a million successors to davidoff cool water. This one is my jam. Fruity and bitter grapefruit with maritime notes fade down to a over fresh evergreen notes to classic sandalwood and patchoulli.

Jul. 14, 2023
Brush: Maggard’s Synthetic
Razor: Blackland Vector Ti
Blade: Kai Captain ProTouch MG
Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit - Soap
Post Shave: Noble Otter - Bare - Aftershave
Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Post Shave Balm - Balm

This is a really mild razor and I’ve been shaving every day, so all in all not the end of the world having to shave against the grain on the first pass. Thanks for the free pass on the neck, that would have been brutal.

This soap has the perfect amount of cooling agent in it for me. I don’t think I could go much cooler than this.

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

July 14, 2023 – In for a P(AA)enny…

• Brush: PAA Synthetic
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (3)
• Preshave: Baxter Shave Tonic
• Lather: Phoenix Artisan Accoutrements – Cold Spices
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Indian

If there was every a time I’d truly regret saying “There Ain’t No Rule…” it’s today. As the only mentholated Old Spice dupe on the market, this is my only option for shaving today despite the subs valid distate for the brand. I am, actually, shocked there is no rule against using PAA soaps in the games, though I suppose it leaves it more open for those that do choose to buy from them since not buying from them is simply suggested not a rule in general. I figured if I was going in on the soap I might as well use the brush I bought from them before realizing they suck as well.

Still, I feel like it’s an unstated rule to not use PAA stuff. Doing a quick search through I’m not finding much of it at all and I know judges DQ things just for being lame AF and there’s nothing lamer than PAA so… another day with no points? Who knows! Am I that one negative guy they mentioned on he podcast? Is there a prize for the lowest score ever? How long can I keep self-sabotaging? Answers to these questions and more on the next exciting installment of Cowzilla3’s Lather Games Posts!

Good thing is I don’t even especially like the soap. The menthol shave is not for me and their base, despite the bold proclamations on their site, is middle of the pack. Still, it held up fine to an ATG shave. My hair isn’t all that stiff not was it all that long from shaving so much so going ATG on the first pass wasn’t all that horrific for me. Neck is fine and dandy and maybe even a bit closer than usual?

• Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar Brush
• Razor: Parker Clip-Type Shavette Dark Sheesham Wood Handle
• Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless
• Lather: West Coast Shaving - Pear Brrrr

ROTY

July 14, 2023 – LG 14: Frigid Friday

• Brush: CaYuen Cosmic Abalone 24mm Maggard SHD Fan
• Razor: Space Ice Kamisori #YTHO #KAMISORI
• Blade: Feather FBS10 (2)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Northern Elixir
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Every Storm A Serenade

Mid month lull, nah, let’s turn up the heat, or in todays case, turn it all the way down. Let’s jump straight into a razor making story, which I guess technically began last night. Today I join the ranks of homemade kamisoris, pioneered by u/impressive_donut114 and his chopsticks last year, someone did a fork along the way (edit: credit to u/mrtangerinesky)and most recently in spatula form by u/onionmiasma for his kitchen shave. Thanks for being trailblazers in this space. Today, in honor of frigid Friday, I made my razor out of ice.

Now, this wasn’t my first idea initially, as showcased by whatever the hell this kitchen thing is. Those pics show it clearly wasn’t going to work. Then, a lightbulb went off, and I had my idea – ice ice baby.

I searched for handle shaped things, like aforementioned kitchen device, to try to freeze to no avail. Then it me, let build a mold from LEGO.. I wedged the blade in between some bricks, and filled with water. I was clearly getting some leaking but it was still worth a try. I def lost some volume, but it was at least frozen!. So I topped it off and back in the freezer it went. This morning, I got the brick separator and was ready to carefully remove the mold. First few pieces gone, minor cracking sounds. Making good progress, I had one layer down with integrity remaining. My next speed bump, the initial leakage made for a healthy ice seal along the edges. Ran a little water carefully on seams, and looking better and cleaner at the seams. I can taste it now, almost there. Couple careful slick Jimmys and the space ice kamisori was ready!.

I had to move quick for my SOTD. Thankfully I’d prepped the other components in place. Then I went to put my razor on ice while getting my other gear to the bathroom. If you actually want to watch me miserably fail at shaving today, that’s the video. Upon watching myself, I came to the realization I might have been using the ~~wrong side~~ non-traditional side of the blade for portions of passes, but that’s neither here nor there. That fucker was slipping around left and right.

As for our #FOF I love NO Northern ElixEr, that’s right, I have one of the cool misspelled prints. Loads of eucalyptus, mint, and herby lavender up front, with some woody undertones. It’s for sure the first 2 that are most prominent and remain throughout to my nose. Followed with the lightly mentholated Dr Jon FitD (RIP). It’s a fresh but dark, crisp but murky, stringent but soft – a really neat take on lavender. The cedar wood and ozone make it match and build on NO NE perfectly. Lastly, to keep with a sort of dark/night theme, I went with every storm a serenade. Off the bat, it was hard to smell as my nostrils were heavily mentholated, but I did pick up more eucalyptus and sort of green pine. It also has that ozonic component due to the calone. About an hour later, and as the NO and FitD gave way, I get loads of damp green forest, curtesy of the spruce and vetiver. It has some aquatic saltiness to it as well, similar to the smells of coastal NW forests I leave nearby.

Last but not least, #PHOTOCONTEST, going with the space theme who seemed fitting for a northern lights inspired soap. Complete with Women of Nasa and cool space spray paint graffiti art. Now if only I had contacted Cosmo… that can be for cosmos and not just cosmetology.

soap brands 14/30, post shave 14/30, frag 14/30, post/frag linked 14/30, software sponsors 8/13, hardware sponsors 2/2, razor hashtags 8/15, brush hashtags 8/15, photo contest 14/30, daily challenges 12/25, special challenges 2/5

Judge, seeing razor: Yo what the actual fuck

Over the top in every way. ATG-first challenge. Ice water menthol shave. Color coordination. Home made shavette with autostrop blade despite having almost no experience using shavettes. And he filmed the shave.

July 14, 2023 - Frigid Friday

• Brush: Noble Otter 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (2)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Cryogen - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Company - Glacial Citron - Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Alive
• Music: Obadiah Parker - Hey Ya

Daily Write-Up: Two really distracting things going on during this shave.

First. The cold. I went with this sample of Cryogen, which is the coldest soap I own. I considered using this for some… um… shoring of the plums as well given the hilarity I’ve read in years past when people tried that. But even having it on my face and neck, I noped right out of that idea. Also, I had forgotten that the smell is basically Vicks Vaporub which is not great. The Glacial Citron only existed to further the cold and prolong it. What's cooler than being cold? Ice cold. Also, Stirling Glacial on top of Cryogen. Sadly that lyric didn't really fit. After all this cold, I allowed myself my favorite frag.

Second. The backwards shave.

To know how to backwards shave, I figured it was high-time to finally actually map my beard. I know this is the first thing we tell people on the DQT and on Wicked_Edge, and I have a good idea of what my beard pattern is, but I’ve never actually done it. And it turns out, there isn’t really a good tool to use. So I made one in Microsoft Paint. Everyone feel free to use this to map your beard. Your shaving will thank you. Just draw on it in Paint.

Now that I’ve mapped my beard, I’m ready to go. Notice how my beard is super symmetrical, and doesn’t have any weird twirls or anything? Yeah, I’m really thankful for that. I think it’s mostly because I am fundamentally a beautiful person. So, now I just need to shave the opposite of these red arrows on the first pass.

Yes, I have lots of mild razors, because I tend to favor them. But, I only have another week with the CFL, so I used it instead. Maybe not the best choice. Probably not the best choice.

I could have made so many better decisions today. But I didn’t have a go at the ol’ ball bag, so I'm considering it a win. I’m sure /u/tsrblke is thankful for that as well, as he’s getting this razor next.

The soap is borderline painful. Shaving backwards using an aggressive razor with which I’m unfamiliar is borderline painful. This is not enjoyable. What am I doing with my life? The second pass, WTG, seems almost pointless.

But Alive is amazing. So… not all is terrible. Another 4/10 shave.

Soap Theme Justification
Per the product page: Coldest soap on the market.

Post-Shave and Fragrance Relevance Notes
* Aftershave of Glacial Citron doubles down on the cold, and adds a lot of citrus. * Alive partners with the fruit in the Citron using its own Bergamot and Apple, and then brings us back to earth. You definitely feel awake and alive with all that menthol on your face - the frag is a good reminder how thankful we should be of that fact.

user creates a beard-mapping template in Microsoft Paint, resulting in a semi-hilarious image.

user creates a beard-mapping template in Microsoft Paint, resulting in a semi-hilarious image.

DAY 14 LATHER GAMES! FREEZE YOUR BALLS OFF DAY! LITERALLY!!!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: DS Cosmetics 30mm Tuxedo Knot
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Chinese(4)
• Lather: Kanatitsa(Канатица) - Wild(Див) with Menthol and Eucalyptus
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Cryogen balm
• Fragrance: Hermes - Terre d'Hermes

​

PIC OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN

​

DAILY CHALLENGE+EVERYTHING ELSE

​

YOU GUYS WANNA SCRUB IT UP!?!?! LET'S FUCKING GO!!!!

So to be in the spirit of the theme of the soap today, I took a cold shower today, and I mean COLD, as cold as it could get, it took me around 15-20 minutes to get the dial to the coldest point it could get, BUT I GOT THERE! Having in mind it's 90 F in the apartment it was pleasant to go out of the bathroom shaking like I'm about to have hypothermia and be welcomed by nice and pleasant apartment heat....

Let's get one thing straight, I don't do cold showers, the amount of times I've had cold showers I can probably count on the fingers of both of my hands, so it's a very rare occasion!!

Now I wanted to use Cryogen soap, cause it's wicked sick, buuuut I had other plans for CF so had to opt for a Bulgarian artisan, which is of course, COCONUT BASE... Funnily enough, MUCH BETTER than ABYLM from yesterday....

NOW! For the challenge!

Here's a video(warning, cut my lip and it got bloody) of my challenge(don't worry it's short)

So you know, habits are a great and terrible thing. Usually I start WTG and then whatever else follows, and when you're starting WTG, your hand always goes down towards the floor, right? RIGHT! And when reading the challenge yesterday I was thinking "Wow.... How am I gonna be able to do this, I mean my habits won't let me start moving my hand towards the ceiling....", but then I HAD A GENIUS IDEA! What if I shaved ATG while doing a headstand, that means my hand will go towards the floor and I'll be able to complete the daily challenge and get the points. So that's just what I did and recorded it, for the sake of science and facts!

It went kind of like what I'd expect to happen, but I was reminded, that maybe I should strengthen my neck....

BONUS ROUND(YUP THERE'S MORE) WARNING NSFW

​

Now last year(link to my post from then), when we did this they had a different daily challenge and a lot of people moaned about it, buuuuuut I shared a colourful story there of how I once used Cryogen on my privates, and u/Marquis90 just wanted me to suffer by insisting I should re-create that. And as stupid as I was I of course promised him, I remembered today that I did promise but did not deliver, well so I shaved my privates today and then made a video:

Video of me from the torso up with a shirt talking about the LG so far while I put ULTRA MENTHOLATED products on my freshly shaved privates and experience their effects to the MAX!

Yup this was definitely an experience I did not enjoy at all, but I wanted to go all out on the daily theme and challenge so yeah, hope I managed to do that!

​

#FOF

Nothing really goes with mentholated products so I just used Terre d'Hermes, which is a wonderful all round fragrance! You like oranges! Well this is having an orange thrown at your face while someone sprinkles black pepper on your head! It's just good!

• Daily Lather Themes: 14/30
• Daily Challenges: 14/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 12/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 1/2
• Software Vendor Points: 6/13
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 14/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 14/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 14/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 14/30

u/Enndeegee WHERE'S MY NO SCRUB AT, SCRUB!!!

Jesus Christ this post. This is my favorite post so far of the games. It’s amazing.

Jesus Christ this post. This is my favorite post so far of the games. It’s amazing.

July 14, 2023

• Brush: Yaqi – Evil Zebra 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Rockwell 6s
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword
• Lather: Zingari Man – The Socialite
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger - Aspen
• Fragrance: Boucheron – Jaipur Homme
• Music: Foreigner - Cold As Ice

Brrrrr…. It’s cold in here! There must be some menthol in the atmosphere! It’s Freeze Your Face Off Frigid Friday. Today, we have a day dedicated to being frigid, so let’s ice this shit up today! When I was thinking of what to do for today, I was talking to Mrs. Priusaurus:

Me: “I need something fun to do for our menthol theme day. Something to make my post stand out. Not sure how to show a best show the coldness of mentholated soap.”

Her: “Can you even see menthol?”

Me: “No…. But you can see ice.”

And that’s when this idea was born.

Because I don’t want to be remembered for just doing interviews every day, or getting asked to leave restaurants for shaving in them, I decided to bring the heat to this shave. And by heat, I mean cold. And by cold, I mean shaving in an ice bath. Since a gag like this could be easily faked by just taking a picture or two and calling it a day, I’m including a video as proof of this stupid idea. And sitting here, a few hours later, I can definitely say, this was a stupid, stupid idea. Warning: A lot of NSFW language was said throughout this video and it was all inadvertent. Sorry to all the children watching. In the interest of time, I sped my shave up 1.5x, because I really only wanted to use the video as proof that I was dumb enough to actually do this. I’m not trying to become the next geofatboy or ScoobyShaves with this one. But if you want to see a dude suffer in an ice bath, while trying to shave, and struggling to put together coherent thoughts because his brain and appendages are frozen, do I have a video for you!

Not one 10-pound bag... Not two 10-pound bags... But three 10-pound bags of ice! 30 pounds – that’s 13.6KG for those not in America – of icy, cold, torturey, goodness. Hey u/Marquis90 – Get.On.My.Level. And final temperature reading of 36.7F – that’s 2.6C for those not in the USA. I not only froze my face off, but I think I may have frostbite.

Not gonna lie. Mistakes were made. I thought it would be extra fun to make lather on a bed of ice chips, but that just made the lather too watery, so I abandoned that idea after the first pass. If I had unlimited time and a tub to load from, it could have potentially worked better, but given the icy circumstances, my pain threshold, and just using a sample jar, the ice-bowl lather was a bad idea. Also, I’m pretty sure the two bags of ice would have had the same effect. I probably didn’t NEED bag number three, but now I can say that while u/Marquis and I had the same idea, I went 3x as hard. Also, I have a MASSIVE headache right now. Apparently, that can happen with ice baths. AND BTW, there are people out there that do this on the regular! Ummmm… No f’ing thank you. #neveragain #itsbeen6hoursandimstillcold

Let’s talk about the shave: The first pass was a bit to watery, as we’ve discussed, but the 2nd pass was great. The Socialite smells like a gin and tonic with lime. It’s extraordinally unique and phenomenal. I’m glad this was not the first time I used this sample because I really didn’t get the chance to enjoy it much for this go round. The menthol is present but not overpowering (but that could be because the rest of me was freezing). This is such a refreshing scent. Perfect for summer. The Lucky Tiger Aspen splash sucked. Smells like a hospital room and looks like Windex… But it has menthol! And to close out the ice bath shave, I sprayed a couple spritzes of Jaipur Homme by Boucheron. Originally, I picked this frag because Aspen says has “a fresh, spicy aroma”. WRONG! But I didn’t know that until I put it on my face. Jaipur Homme actually has a nice spicy amber scent to it and was just enough to cover the smell of the splash. Most days, I want the frag to compliment the splash, but today, the great feat for this fragrance to do is eliminate the stench of Aspen. #FOF – not every day can be a winner!

Originally, I was going to use a different razor today, but then I saw the challenge and when going against the grain first, in a bath of ice, I opted to go for the mildest plate on the Rockwell 6s. Call me wimp, but we aren’t yet halfway through the Lather Games and I’m not about to make my face and neck look like a r/wickededge post on day 14. No thanks. Live to fight another day. Shaved Against the Grain, then with the Grain for a extremely cool two pass shave.

And for #photocontest: Water. In its solid form.

And, of course, we have an interview today! I was fortunately enough to touch base with Heather Melton, the founder of Zingari Man. Zingari Man’s soaps are great, and her post shave products are even better, in my opinion. I have yet to find a post-shave balm I enjoy more than her unscented balm. I use it most every day. Heather was kind enough to take the time and put some real thought to my questions. Thank you so much u/ZingariMan (but really a woman). I really appreciate you taking part and thank you for being such a great member of this community. I’m so looking forward to seeing what you release next!

10 Questions with… Zingari Man

1) How often do people assume that Zingari Man is owned by a man?

ALLLLLL the time! I actually have "but I am really a woman" under my reddit name because of this. I’ve tried posting on the lady wetshavers sub and was mansplained by a man that women do not need a man telling them how to shave or what to use. Ummm hello sir, I have a lot of personal experience here haha. I have been called bro more times than I can count. But I just laugh at it anymore, it is an easy assumption.

2) What is your favorite scent that Zingari Man has put out?

My all time favorite scent would be Watchman. I believe it has been out for almost 3 years now and I love it as much as I did when we released it. Shawn Maher really did an amazing job nailing exactly what I wanted in that scent. The runners up would be Coconut Nanas and Mousse Illuminee.

3) Where do you get inspiration for the names you come up with for each scent?

I like to tell a story and make scents about a person/job/action. I want the copy, label and scent to tell a story and use all 3 to pull it together. The Watchman, for example, is a dark and stormy aquatic. We paired that copy with the lighthouse and a stormy coastline visual on the label. But the lighthouse has to have someone that works it, aka The Watchman. The hard part is when I make a scent that I really like but It was not intentional(no plan) so I have to create something that will go with it. I have a group of testers that is great with giving ideas and helping me brainstorm if needed.

4) If you had to live the life of one of your scent names, which one are you choosing?

Hmmm... let's see. The Royal would be nice. Being pampered and having all the wine I can drink sounds pretty tempting. The Watchman sounds exciting but I think my fear of heights would be an issue. So I am going with The Explorer. We have always been an outdoor family-camping, hiking, archery etc so I think that would be a great fit.

*We’ve named this scent for he who dares to venture into the unknown in search of new takes on tired ideas, in search of novelty in the familiar: The Explorer.

(INTERVIEW CONTINUES IN THE REPLY)

Shaved in a bath with 30lbs of ice.

Shaved in a bath of ice.

July 14, 2023 - Frigid Friday

• Brush: Yaqi Dandelion Green 24mm Cashmere
• Razor: GEM Junior Chain Handle #TWINS
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Iced Tea
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder EdP

FOF

Today’s theme:

I paired up a mentholated soap with a splash that also has coolant. I looked up the ingredients to be certain. The soap has menthyl lactate, which is made from menthol and lactic acid. It is primarily used as a coolant in cosmetic products. The splash has the WS-23 synthetic coolant. My face is definitely freezing today.

Today’s challenge:

Ok, shaving with ATG on the first pass is contrary to all the recommendations on how to wetshave. Still, points are at stake. I used the second half of my twins set today. At first, I was apprehensive about using a GEM and starting ATG, but the 1912 head design is a very mild shaver for me, plus the blade has a few shaves on it. No worries about the new blade harshness I sometimes get. Even though not really part of the challenge, but in spirit of the theme, I decided to really freeze my face (helps that it is quite hot outside today). I have a couple menthol droppers that I got with Declaration Grooming splashes. For the first pass, I added a drop of menthol into the lather (made with cold tap water). I proceeded to go atg for the entire first pass (yes, even my neck). This GEM razor handled the atg pass very well. A little tricky on the neck, but no real issues. My beard growth is mostly centerline out on my cheeks and neck. Going ATG on the neck meant finishing around the Adam’s Apple where I am most likely to get a nick or weeper. Not today, no nicks or faults.

A rinse with cold water, and added another menthol drop for the next XTG pass. This one I did top to bottom. Really starting to feel the coolant. I think last time I used Iced Tea, I didn’t really feel freezing until rinsing the third pass. Today, those two drops really brought the chill faster.

Another cold rinse, and another drop of menthol. Pass three was XTG bottom to top. Did I say it was getting cooler, now we are getting frosty. Still, awesome lather out of the Siero base. Third pass verdict, cold and face getting as smooth as ice.

Still I felt there was more to do. Rinse with more cold water, and add another drop of menthol to the lather. It was a 4 pass shave today. Finally going WTG giving me a nice and smooth shave. 4 drops of added menthol was crazy strong now. My eyes were stinging a bit. Gotta say, my cheeks are the smoothest they have been all month. My neck is almost bbs, some more ATG buffing and touch up could get it there, but DFS is plenty for me. The splash added another wave of chill to the face. No burning from the alcohol, just the tingling cold of the WS-23.

Today’s Fragrance:

I am a tea drinker, so picking up tea themed soaps is an easy choice. However, currently living in the South, and seemingly a lifetime ago outside New Orleans, I have never liked sweet tea. I know, so blasphemous. Adding sugar to tea really changes the flavor. I’m not a coffee drinker, and for the longest time my caffeine delivery was from Coca-Cola. A while ago, I had to cut down my soft drink consumption. I can’t stand the flavor of artificial sweeteners, so no diet drinks. Tea became my new habit. Started with lots of lemon, but quickly got to drinking black tea. Not liking sweet tea kept me from picking up Wholly Kaw - Iced Tea for a while. I feared it would come off too much like sweet tea. I didn’t need to worry, it is more a citrusy tea scent, but not getting that sugary tea I don’t like. To pair it with splash and fragrance, I went to House of Mammoth for the wonderful Sonder. It gives me a creamy lemon scent. Kind of like a nice lemon curd filling (I finally learned how to make some for a cake last week. Yum!). I also get a bit a vanilla in it. So today I smell like a fruity iced tea served with the lemon bars my mom makes when we visit. Feeling pretty good.

Today’s Haiku:

A cold frozen face,

Lemon freshly brightens things,

Perfect for summer.

July 14th 2023 - Lather Games Day 14

• Brush: Zenith MOAR BOAR
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox (7)
• Lather: Stirling - Iced Coffee
• Post Shave: Stirling - Iced Coffee
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Tobacco Vanille

Don't have a lot to report, sadly we had to have our dog euthanized last night so just kind of faking my way through work in between bouts of staring into space and feeling sad. The shave was nice, I was able to concentrate on something else for a bit and that was a relief. I wasn’t in the mood to shave Not the Way though, the last thing I need today is irritation. Iced Coffee is probably my coldest soap, the menthol effect builds during the course of the shave until the third pass sometimes has my eyes watering. And the splash is both cold and stings, which I actually enjoy in a "hurts so good" way. Got a nice Bonus Stack in my picture today, since everyone knows shave wares precariously piled is the true meaning of the Lather Games. And yes I frequently use that beer mug for my coffee since it holds more coffee than a regular mug.

Tobacco Vanille paired well with Iced Coffee, though they don't share any specific scent notes they both have a muted sweetness to them and fall firmly into the "brown" scents category I have in my head.

July 14, 2023 – LG23 Day 14: Frigid Friday

• Brush: Shave Forge Celestial Blue G5C 24mm
• Razor: Gillette Travel Tech K-4
• Blade: Gillette Super Stainless (1)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Co. – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Co. – Sea Ice Lime
• Fragrance: Juliette Has a Gun – Moscow Mule – EdT

Day one on the road coming to you from lovely southeastern Ohio and putting the Travel Tech to official use. I can’t say I’d enjoy it every day, but in a pinch it works. That said, having to shave ATG right off the bat for the Daily Challenge was not all that nice. Keep in mind, I have never used, nor researched the vintage Super Stainless blades. I found the one that came with the razor to be a bit harsh. I’m glad today was Frigid Friday and I opted for ice water to accentuate the theme of the day. The numbing effect of the synthetic menthol and ice water probably saved me from more severe razor burn.

I test shot a few SOTD photos as possible scavenger hunt contenders, one being for #photocontest r/Wicked_Edge. Had I skipped the ice water…. Before my shave though, I spied a pair of Whitetail fawns and a doe coming out of the woods for #photocontest wild animals. So I did what any self respecting shaver would do… ran and grabbed my stuff to take a not-quite-properly-framed photo with the subject matter of the contest so defocused in the background that no judge in their right mind would believe what I was submitting. The image remaining in my mind is way better, and by the way, I’ll be relaxing by that pool soon enough.

The fragrant finish
Sea Ice Lime and it’s warmer cousin are quite possibly my favorite rendition of lime, hands down. I had a few leftover limey samples from the past two years and I wasn’t really thrilled about pairing them up. That said, I set out to find something new and Moscow Mule from Juliette Has a Gun is very delicious and delightful, just as it’s namesake drink. Now, mind you, I thought I was getting a men’s fragrance, but I think it turns out not to be. It does have enough lime to carry like it is a fitting partner for SIL. I only have a small spray sampler, so no great loss. If you and your significant other like to go twinsies on fragrances, this would be a fitting choice.

EDIT: Formatting and photo links

July 14, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 14  

• Brush: Zenith Boar  
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Cryogen  
• Post Shave: Duke Cannon – Ice Bath  

A long time ago, I traded my B&M Terror soap for Cryogen. I’ll just say, it’s cold or burning hot depending how you react to that much menthol. Either way, there is a decent chance it will bring a tear to your eye. Fortunately, menthol doesn’t have long lasting effects on my skin.

Shaving against the grain during my first pass is something I do on a regular basis. I once saw a YouTuber (Ruds?) state that going with the grain wasn’t necessary in his opinion. It was quicker to get it all done the first time. When shaving my face, I agree; i always shave against the grain on my first pass. My head is a different story. I go with the grain on the first pass and then go against the grain on the second pass. My hair is courser on my head, so this is a better approach for me.

PS – My Cryogen was and still is very “soupy*. It isn’t remotely solid, and is a little harder to use because of it. I thought it may have melted, but it never solidified again. It works fine once lathered, as far as I can tell. Any ideas?

Frigid Friday 

• Prep: Splash of warm water
• Brush: Noble Otter Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Viking Revolution Long Handle Safety Razor
• Blade: Treet Silver
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit balm

Almost shaved with Cryogen today but if it's frigid Friday then I gotta go with the best cooling soap of them all. Orbit is my soap that I would choose if I could only use one for life.

It’s those who follow in the pioneers’ footsteps who are the innovators!

July. 14, 2023 - SOTD 

• Prep: Splash of warm water
• Brush: Oumo O4 Venus SHD Badger Brush 26MM
• Razor: West Coast Shaving Multi Titanium Collection Razor
• Blade: King C Gillette
• Lather: Zingari Man - The Socialite

ROTY

July 14, 2023 – Orbit Day?

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Noble Otter – Orbit
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

I’m hitting a wall mid lather games and am phoning it in for this middle week. But a quick not on the shave. Orbit was the first soap that really wowed me after getting a bunch of samples from maggards. The scent was more muted than I remembered but great performance. Dammusi finished the shave nicely with a crisp and briny splash to the face with again more menthol. These both have just enough and don’t think I could handle much more.

For the challenge I was worried about absolutely murdering my face ATG but lol went pretty well, I think I’m in that sweet spot with my Personna injector blade, 4? And I shaved late last night. Smooth work on the face and I even went xtg on the neck for my first pass.

I’m going to enjoy the last hour now before I head back into work after a beautiful vacation and start a night shift stretch.

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 14, 2023

https://imgur.com/gallery/UgKwmF2

Prep: Proraso - Refrescante Preshave Cream

Brush: Antiga Barbearia de Bairro - Principe Real Green Boar Brush

Razor: Rockwell - 6S R6 plate

Blade: Gillette - Treet - Platinum (2)

Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit soap

Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit aftershave balm

I loves me some NO Orbit. This is the only soap with a cooling agent that I own, and I really dig it.The scent is great, and the NO base performs well every time.

Challenge: My neck on the right side is prone to bumps and ingrowns, so I did the first pass on my left side against the grain. Can't say I noticed a real difference, but I "took one for the team" per se.

#ROTY

Day 14 -Frigid Friday * Brush: Maggard Razors - Black Resin Handle Synthetic Shaving Brush
Razor: Karve - CB * Blade: Astra - Green
Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit * Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit * Fragrance: Seaforth - Heather

It is a nice day for a frozen shave, we are feeling the heat outside. The shave was slower, with a LOT smaller strokes going against the grain. I will probably change out the blade today.

For the fragrance, I went with the sponsor spotlight, Spearhead. I went with Heather. I was concerned by the description because I love oakmoss. But it is definitely still there. I think it paired well with the Orbit.

ROTY #FOF

July 14, 2023 – Frozen Friday

• Brush: Hucklaration B3
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Glacial, Wintergreen
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Glacial, Wintergreen

4 mile run this morning in the Florida heat. Came back inside and had a nice Glacial Lemon Chill shower followed by a Glacial Wintergreen head shave. You know you’ve got the Stirling Glacial soap properly hydrated when it really starts to freeze your skin. If your Glacial lather isn’t actively chilling you, then you have not properly hydrated.

2023-07-14 Frigid Friday or, How to Feel the Brrr..n

• Brush: Stirling Soap Company - Li'l Brudder, Synthetic 22mm
• Razor: Stirling Soap Company - Stirling Stainless Steel "SSS" (Austin Handle / HA plate)
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum, DE
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Obsidian
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Black Ice

Glacial is menthol, at list for me approaching icy-hot. Almost a numbing agent is that cold. So the challenge for today, "This is not the way" being to shave in an order not usual to your normal way of going about things could prove somewhat tricky to get a great shave. I can get a great shave out of this soap and with this razor but in messing up the order the feedback is kind of a mess for me.

Easy enough if normal = WTGxXTGxATG (Buff) then today = (Buff) ATGxXTGxWTG.

Okay the buff part seemed a bit ornamental. How do you touch up something that has yet to be touched? I dunno so I hit my usual problem spots with a mostly non-directional volley of short strokes.

Next to go against the grain. I have a new blade in and this is a rather aggressive head - Stirling's ST head offering - it should plow through fine. It did. However any miss is not going to get another ATG pass so unless the XTG catches it there is an unlikeliness that the WTG is gonna level it. So, yeah that took down a lot.

The cross grain run was more comfortable but still left a few stands of my stubble in a couple places upon checking.

WTG did manage to clean up a few remaining pockets of stubble but upon rinsing this was still a rather rough landscape.

So we will just touch up this! Nope, already did that. Did that first. So yeah the most visually telling was the small strip of stuble thinly residing over my left upper lip.

Not ideal, and what made it harder was that with the power of "Glacial" I could not as easily feel the out of sync WTG pass.

Have a good one.

Player embraces the daily challenge with gusto and begins his shave by buffing problem-spots.

July 14, 2023 – Frigid Friday * Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm Satin Juma Smoke
Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti * Blade: Astra SP (1)
Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit * Post Shave: Noble Otter – Orbit spalsh * Fragrance: Duke Cannon – Midnight Swim solid cologne

Glad it’s Friday and I'm ready for the weekend.

The Soap/Lather: Orbit smells fantastic and lathers up just as great. No issues getting a slick and cushioning lather.

The Shave: The shave scared me a little bit as ATG for a first pass is definitely not the way. I was reminded why today as I felt the blade grab in during the first pass across my face. I definitely wouldn’t recommend this as a daily shaving process. After doing my first face pass ATG I decided to complete my neck and subsequent face passes as I normally would. Thankfully the cooling element of Orbit helped to comfort the skin a little during the shave.

Post Shave: Followed up the shave with the matching splash for continued cooling and a little Midnight Swim to give me the cold late night swim feel.

Theme: Noble Otter’s Orbit contains the published synthetic agent Koolada-23. Midnight swim fits in with one of the scent notes being cold water and thus making todays mix a Frigid Friday swim.

Challenge: My first face pass was against the grain, and I did not enjoy it.

#ROTY

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Mammoth coin Rumble brush
• Razor: Karve Shaving Christopher Bradley
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Terror
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Company - Iced Pineapple Glacial
• Fragrance: Catie's Bubbles - blugere

ROTY

My first time using Terror and I loved it. Like ice cubes on my face during my shave. It's hot today too. I have been afraid of the glacial splash but for today I decided to go for it. It was frigid cold but had no irritation on my face or anything and I was complemented on the scent. It's a keeper for summer shaves on hot days!

For the challenge I went against the grain for the first half and just continued on for the whole shave. Maybe a testament to the Christopher Bradley. It really is a fantastic piece of kit. I have gotten better at using it during the lather games too.

July 14, 2023

• Brush: DG Troll Toll B14
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (3)
• Lather: Stirling – Glacial Electric Sheep
• Post Shave: Stirling – Glacial Electric Sheep
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Limon Eau de Cologne

Stirling mutton tallow is a winner. I love the smell of Electric Sheep, and the lemony menthol of B&M Limon is very nice as well.

As a head shaver, I typically go against the grain on the top/back of my head already, quite handy for this challenge. I have to be a little more careful around the neck/sides of my head as they are more prone to irritation.

#ROTY

14 July 2023 NOn Complementary Non Dickkhole Barrister and Mann Adagio

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Summer Break Soaps Springview 28mm Zenith Bleached
• Razor: Schick Injector Type E
• Blade: Schick Injector (7)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Adagio (2)
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Presto A/S
• Post Shave: Thayer's Concoction
• Post Shave: Cold River Soapworks - Sandalwood Post Shave Lotion
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co - Project Lawnsdale Balm
• Fragrance: D&G - L'Imperatrice No 3

Loved this pairing of Presto and Adagio. I should have used it for Music Day but I decided to save the mild amount of mentholation for todays hot start to the day.

Can anyone beat SoSusDavid and his threat to beat people at a wetshaving meet?

Or when SoSusDavid said he could do make brushes better than established artisans?

Don't you love some dramz? u/Visceralwatch does no drama. All his videos are to the point, informative and unbiased.

Cheers

• Brush: Zenith B28 #OLDWORLD #HOLLOW
• Razor: Tatara Masamune
• Blade: Personna Israeli Red
• Shave Soap: Chiseled Face - Cryogen shave soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Cryogen aftershave splash
• Fragrance: Tommy Bahama - Set Sail to St. Barts

This was my AA set a few years ago (plus Set Sail), but it seems to have lost some of its bite as I wasn’t left crying like before. I may need to get a new tub. I missed yesterday and am somewhat annoyed at myself for valuing sleep more than LG, so I took a three pass shave entirely against the grain to punish myself for my follies.

shave

July 14, 2023 – Frigid Friday

• Brush: APShaveCo w/ 24mm Cashmere Fan
• Razor: Muhle R41 Grande
• Blade: Wizamet (9)
• Lather: Gillette – Pure
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Chaipre

Challenge: I shaved against the grain on the my sideburns, cheeks, and around my chin which was the most difficult part.

This is the APShaveCo brush available at the razor company.

Gillette Pure is marketed as a “soothing shave cream with aloe” on the label. Menthol is among the listed ingredients. I’m not sure if Gillette still sells this. It’s not on their website. This was their premium shave cream that could be found in Walgreens. The instructions say to rub the cream on your face and lather with your hands or a brush. It doesn’t say anything about adding water, but I decided it needed some. It didn’t begin to lather until i had worked some water into it. Like canned goo, this dried out quickly on my face, despite my efforts to hydrate it. Slickness is better than Barbasol, but there’s not really any secondary slickness; not ideal for today’s challenge.

There’s nothing special with the fragrance of Pure. It’s a generic powdery barbershop that smells like baby powder. It smells clean.

This is an older Declaration Grooming splash that includes menthol in the ingredients list. It's a pleasant level of cooling for someone like me who isn't a Cryogen masochistic. Chaipre is an awesome fragrance, probably my favorite original fragrance from Scott. I get a mixture of cardamom, citrus oil, fresh green notes similar to eucalyptus, moss, sweet citrus, and tea. This bottle goes with a tub of soap in the Icarus base. I think that makes it the OG Chaipre. I’m curious how V2 compares.

I don’t know if there’s such a thing as cooling cologne. If there is, I certainly don’t have any. Instead, I’ve chosen something thematically chilly, Snowy Owl. There’s a note in this that’s meant to smell like snow. I kind of get that, but there’s a honeydew melon quality to it. The fragrance right now is soft and clean, with slight vanilla sweetness. I detect a bit of a musk, and a hint of an animalic note.

After drydown, the musk and animalic notes are easier to smell. Some amber and incense come out. It’s a nice fragrance. It’s somewhat feminine. It feels elegant.

#FOF

JULY 14, 2023

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: GEM MMOC #BRASSING
• Lather: The Holy Black New York - Coconut Creeper
• Post Shave: Stirling - Margaritas in the Artic

Frigid, frigid, freaking frigid. My face has frozen over and it’s awesome. Thanks goodness so I don’t feel all the cuts I did to myself more on that in a bit. This soap tricks you!! It’s all coconutty at first and smells great then the cooling effect creeps (hence the name) all up on yo face and then I can’t feel your face. Pretty frigidily cool in my opinion.

TODAY’s CHALLENGE was not fun!! BUT I DID IT!!! Lol …. I shaved the whole left side of my face ATG. Since I have started this addiction of wetshaving I have nick myself very seldom (complements of having a large fat face). But this morning shave I nick and sliced myself more than I have ever done! Weepers everywhere and lots tissue paper to manage the bloody spots. Needless to say I will stay WTG from now on. Learned my lesson. Ya’ll have a good one.

ROTY

Jul. 14, 2023
Prep: Proraso - Green - Preshave
Brush: AP Shave Co G5C
Razor: Karve CB
Blade: Astra SP Green
Lather: Proraso - Green - Soap
Post Shave: Proraso - Green - Aftershave
Post Shave:* Proraso - Green - Balm

One of my first few wet shaving items I bought. It’s like 110 today where I live so this shave after work in the elements all day was wonderful. I never shave against the grain and the only spots I can even barely tolerate it is on the cheeks so that’s what I did lol. Hopefully no bumps tm!

#ROTT

EDIT: forgot to include pre shave

July 14, 2023

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic Li’l Brudder
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: K Shave Worx – Snow Dog
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Co. – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime – Splash
• Fragrance: Bon Parfumeur – 803 Sea Spray, Ginger and Patchouli

Today’s theme and challenge were clearly combined for the express purpose of torturing Lather Games participants and entertaining the djudges, like the jesters we are.

Are you happy now? Happy that we’re playing your little games, like toys for your amusement?! Hmm?!!!? Are you?!?!

Despite menthol indeed being in the ingredient list for Snow Dog, it’s not at all the chilliest soap I’ve used. I would have used Arctique if I hadn't already used B&M another day this month (gotta chase that 30 brands point). The shave itself, although not that cold, was a bit rough with having to go ATG on my damn head, something I never do (a normal shave for me is WTG and XTG). I hope it’s not off-challenge that I didn’t shave off the beard I’ve had for the last ten years. Maybe I wasn’t extra kind to myself by picking the MMOC as my razor for the day, but go big or go home, you know?

I certainly made up for the lackluster chilliness with Sea ICE Lime. Sea Spice Lime, the scent I love so much that I bought the cold version, too. The WS-23 is very effective at creating frigidity without forcing the menthol scent which I can easily take or leave (but certainly does not make sense in tandem with all fragrances). Thinking about the mint notes of the soap and then using a splash that’s generally a summer grab for me, I immediately thought about winter walks on the beach, something my partner and I love to do. 803 is described as a “frosted patchouli,” but the other notes of the fragrance were what really brought together my lather and splash. The aquatic/marine accord, what 803 uses for its “cold” notes, was evocative of my lather, while the ginger, pink pepper and juniper felt like they worked beautifully alongside the notes in Sea Ice Lime. With the warmth of patchouli representing the scarf, sweater, and coat that are necessary for a winter beach walk in Maine, the end result was just what I was hoping for. #FOF

Friday, the 14th of July, 2023

• Brush: Omega 20106
• Razor: Gillette travel Tech
• Blade: Gillette Rubie (27)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Cryogen
• Post shave: Declaration Grooming - ? (Puzzle 2019)
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Company - Haverford

OK, confession time: I'm not really a menthol-head. I can appreciate a little menthol, and I've actually started adding frost drops to a lot of lathers this Summer. But even some of Stirling's regular mentholated soaps are a little much. I got one sample of a "glacial" soap and it was... too much.

So I don't know what I was thinking when I got this sample.

You can see little crystalline structures in the soap. It is, as advertised, very cold. But... now I wonder if using more menthol more often is building up a tolerance. This really isn't as bad as I remember my glacial sample being. Oh, no, am I becoming a menthol lover?

I did take the challenge today: first pass was ATG on both cheeks, and most of my neck. It was... irritating. I did the one pass mostly ATG, then a second cleanup pass. There's one spot on my neck which is prone to irritation, and it was bugging the hell out of me after today's shave. So... no, this is definitely not the way.

We had a thunderstorm roll through today. Winds up to 70MPH, I think. It did a ton of damage, and my power's been out since. I have enough juice left to post this, at least.

July 14, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

Well, my prediction was correct. Against the grain for pass 1 was a (r/w_e style photo) bloodbath. First of all, it was not my fault and I had perfect technique. Then, I had a choice between mild or aggressive razor and against better judgement went as aggressive as I could, thinking it would be a smoother cut. Or maybe it was the better judgement, guess I can’t say it wasn’t without the comparison. What I can say is that it sucked. At least I got some challenge points.

Sea Ice lime lives up to the hype. Absolutely incredible and a nice chill to it. Topped it off with nightman for the double lime and double coolant. Those, didn’t suck.

July 14, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co. 30mm SynBad
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild (AC) (10)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Arctique
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Arctique

Late night 2 pass head shave, ATG – ATG. Fantastic shave.

So far the best thing about Lather Games is that I’m learning which soaps should be bowl lathered and which should be face (or in this case head) lathered. Turns out that creating a flying mess of nuclear cold lather by using your head as a mixing tray is a bad idea. I currently have menthol in places I definitely shouldn’t. My one complaint with these uber-mentholated soaps is that I can never tell if I’m getting a great shave because my head is numb, so I can’t feel anything going wrong, or if I actually had a good lather. I think this time I actually had a good lather. Arctique hasn’t missed on a shave yet, glad I bought a whole tub.

I went ATG for both passes today. Honestly, the second pass was touchup. I was 90% to BBS after the first ATG pass. It’s been almost a week since my last head shave, too. I don't think I'm going to keep doing first pass ATG, unless I start daily headshaves, but I'm glad to know it works. I think I can finally say that I’ve got the Vector technique fully dialed in for head shaves.

Healthy Activity of the day: had to take another rest day today. This is the first day I’ve woken up still sore from the day before. I also have plans to meet with a friend and try an extra long ride tomorrow. After that I’ll probably take a couple more days off. I really like this feeling though of wanting to get back out there. In the past, taking a day off of exercise was an excuse to stop completely, and I really don’t feel that way this time. LG Mileage: 35 miles

Tags: #ROTY

July 14, 2023 – Cry-ogen

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Declaration Grooming B16
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Cryogen
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face – Cryogen
• Post Shave: Stirling – Glacial Unscented Balm

I’m crying. I shaved 10 minutes ago and here I am, crying. I can’t stop it. It’s not sadness, or anger, or pain – it’s just – I’m crying. This unholy trinity comes on slow but strong. My oh my – I thought it was going to be fine. I saw the crystals and I know there’s so much menthol in here that if Ron adds another measure the soap falls apart. Still, I was so brazen I shaved with cold water. Foolish boy. Here I sit, menthol leaking from my pores, snot from my nose, and tears from my eyes. This stuff packs a punch.

As for the quality? Well – somehow the CF base is still among the easiest and quickest to lather, even when it’s loaded with all that menthol. Smooth shave, easy.

As for the challenge, well, I forgot. See – I was planning it all out, I got out of my cold shower, I was ready to boast about how the Blackbird Lite is undefeated in smoothness and it wasn’t an issue. Then, as I was building my lather, the last 1000 shaves came into play, my mind drifted to the fact that my daughter broke her arm tonight and I relived that, and wouldn’t you know it I finished a whole first pass before realizing what I had done. I did shave the second pass against the grain and the third across the grain, but, I don’t think that’ll net me any challenge points.

So, like the rest of my evening, this shave was quite discombobulated. What can you do, such is life, on and on.

FOF Haiku of the day

Menthol smells real clean Some hate it, but not this guy Will my wife? We’ll see.

I still don’t understand Haikus and these rarely have a lot to do with in depth details of the scent so I’m surely not going to win any FOF prizes, but, if I’m honest I’ve really enjoyed coming up with these 17 syllables every day.

User uses daughter's broken arm as excuse for missed challenge. (Dismissive gavel sound)

July 14, 2023 Frigid Friday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Chisel and Hound Kingfisher - V12
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Voskhod (7)
• Lather: Tcheon Fung Sing - Barber Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber

I have a few mentholated soaps but chose this one for today to make hitting 30 artisans a bit easier. This soap doesn't have the most menthol but it is definitely noticeable. I actually think this stuff contains pretty close to just the right amount for me. The scent isn't super strong, but what is there is good. The performance is what is lacking a bit for me. Of course, that could be the ice in the lather again this year. The software is related because the barber tin, ghost town barber being a barbershop, and the word barber in each name. Not to mention the aftershave has menthol in it too.

Challenge - A year ago Rod from Stirling posted a video comparing a super mild razor with his hyper aggressive razor. In the video he shaved half his face with the mild and half with the hyper aggressive and timed how long each side took to shave. I thought he was crazy when he did his first pass with the hyper aggressive ATG on his neck to start the shave. Fast-forward to this morning and if I'm being honest it wasn't bad at all. I did the first pass ATG both neck and face and then XTG with a couple small cleanup passes. I felt like I saved a little bit of time and didn't have any of the irritation I thought I would when all was said and done. 9/10 will try this challenge again later on my own time.

July 14, 2023 – Month of Lather Day 14

• Brush: Yaqi 30mm Tuxedo Synthetic #CHONK
• Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador XL Adjustable
• Blade: Gillette Minora Stainless (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Cryogen
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Varen Balm
• Music: Cream - Strange Brew

Daily Theme: CF Cryogen lists Menthol as the fifth ingredient, and its web page states "We put a ridiculous amount of menthol in here". Should I be concerned?

The Challenge/Shave: Strange. That describes today's shave. It started normal: precision load the Chonk, bowl-build lather until shiny, shift to face lathering. And then weirdness set in. When Chonk touched my face tears started flowing. Waterfall level tears. So many tears that I didn't add more water as I face-built the lather. My tears provided the perfect level of hydration, and the lather was awesome. Because of the tears I didn't notice my face had become numb. The last time my face felt like this was when I way flying in Antartica (it's a long story and to avoid djudge's I'll save it for another day). Shave time. First time ATG on first pass so I dialed the Ambassador to Tech-level mildness and started. Surprising effective on my neck and cheeks. On my chin the razor started playing hopscotch, but I powered through without incident. I rinsed my face, re-lathered, experienced more waterfall tears, dialed the razor to Adjustable @4-level, and did a WTG pass. Checked my face and wow, pretty smooth. Minor cleanup around the chin and bingo! DFS. I finished up with Stirling's Varen balm. Why Varen? Why not? Everything else was strange, so why do normal for the post shave. #ROTY

User hydrates lather with cryogen tears.

• Brush: Naked Armor Mahogany Wood Shaving Brush

• Razor: Gillette Travel Tech

• Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum

• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Co. - Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime

• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Co. - Seaforth Sea Spice Lime

• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Falling Into the Sea

Today's Theme: Sea ice Lime has a nice cooling agent

My theme for today's shave: Aquatic Citrus, overall a good fragrance progression. #photocontest #FOF #ROTY

July 14, 2023 – Face Day  

• Brush: Dogwood Badger  
• Razor: Maggard V3  
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue   
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Orange Chill  

I once made the mistake of getting a glacial soap. Lessons were learned and I now tap out at Stirling’s Chill level. Added bonus of the orange working on washing away the stank of shag from yesterday.

Challenge: well, challenge specified face. Is this the counterpoint to leg day? I gave myself a fantastic beard of lather and ‘shaved’ up in what I’m assuming is against the grain. My face is cool and tingly. Least satisfying shave yet.

July 14, 2023 * Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts w/ Declaration B11 * Razor: Lady Gillette #RAINBOW * Blade: Gillette Nacet * Lather: Noble Otter - Northern Elixir - Soap * Post Shave: Noble Otter - Northern Elixir - Aftershave * Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Gloria - EdT

It's a shame Norther Elixir was canned, I get it though. The scent doesn't have as much going on as Orbit. The Otter with the sorting hat on was one of my favorites though. I added a few drops of Stirling Frost Drops since the temperatures outside are high 90's. The lady Gillette was an easy choice as for Not the Way Day as it's incredibly mild, it's also baby blue for the #RAINBOW. I don't typically do ATG at all, let alone with the first pass. We'll see how my face fares tomorrow, for now everything is a-ok. Since Norther Elixir doesn't have any crazy notes jumping out, I paired it with Chatillon Lux Gloria. It's a wonderful combination of blueberry, honeysuckle, and vanilla. It goes on a little sweet, but once that initial spray wears off, it's lovely.