July 17, 2023

• Brush: Dogwood Good Gully Maggard Black and White Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Razorock Game Changer .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (10)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Weinstrasse
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Weinstrasse

Weinstrasse is by far one of the best fragrances I've ever smelled. It's crisp, green, floral, and fruity, but layered and complex with a pleasant dry down. Declaration Grooming and Shawn Maher putting the fragrance into a shaving soap is perhaps one of the greatest gifts the wetshaving world has ever received, combining an amazing scent with a great performing soap base.

As for today's challenge - absolutely ridiculous. Alum? Yeah, just let me rub a block of salt all over my face, I'm sure that'll feel great and get my face feeling silky smooth. Maybe if I was a fatty pork belly, or a crispy piece of fried chicken I'd cover my skin in salt, but as a sane person, I choose not to do such things.

​

Ain't no Lather Dry Enough to the tune of Ain't no Mountain High Enough by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell

Lyrics:

Lather baby,

ain't no lather dry

Ain't no razor dull,

ain't no splash that’s dried enough, baby

If you need me shave me, no matter where you are

No matter how far

don't worry, baby

Just call my name, I'll lather in a hurry

You don't have to worry

'Cause, baby, there ain't no lather dry enough

Ain't no razor dull enough

Ain't no splash that’s dried enough

To keep me from shaving for you, babe

Remember the day I set you free

I told you you could always shave with me, darling

From that shave on, I made a vow

I'll shave when you want me

Some way, somehow

'Cause, baby, there ain't no lather dry enough

Ain't no razor dull enough

Ain't no splash that’s dried enough

To keep me from shaving for you, babe

LGSOTD 17-July

• Brush: Highlander - Matte Chubby #PREMIUMPLASTIC #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Charcoal Goods - Gen 1 Level 3
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium 
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus   
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Cerberus   
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Cerberus  

Might be pushing my luck here, but surely 3 is better than 2.  Alternatively if the soap base was by DG, the Splash by NO and the Fragrance by HOM so was the fragrance by HOM used in the Soap and the Splash, meaning 2 collaborators on the Soap and 2 on the splash? Bugger it, it’s all I’ve been able to find in the den that meets any form of collaboration, or at least all I was able to recognise where they are also on the label!  This one is decent but much prefer the fougere release. I can use that one daily whereas this one is probably a bit much with me being at home in a room by myself typing away on a keyboard and talking on Teams, ah well. 

Threw in the Osma at the back end to meet the daily challenge. To be fair, completely forgot I even had that in the box of mystery. I very rarely use alum in any form, I just didn't feel any benefit using it routinely other than punishing me if I've been a tad over zealous. But if any razor is going to need it, then the CG Level 3 is one of them. The Gen 1 is fairly blade forward and it lets you know, very efficient though, but overall a grand shave. Tomorrow's challenge outcome should be seriously underwhelming after today's efficiency. 

Hope everyone has a good kick off to the week. 

Cheers

Marc

ROTY

PhotoContest

Happy together, NOW WITH MORE ASSHOLE

• Brush: Declaration Ghosting Piece of Shit
• Razor: Wolfman WR2 Lather Games 2021 edition #CNC
• Blade: Polsilver (1)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts and Chatillon Lux – La Forêt de Analingus for Excellence in Shitposting
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts and Chatillon Lux – La Forêt de Analingus for Excellence in Shitposting
• Osma: Osma – Osma
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts and Chatillon Lux – La Forêt de Analingus for Excellence in Shitposting

I don't know in what way u/hawns tweaked the scent of La Forêt e Liguest to make it have "more butthole. I guess", but whatever it is, I'm here for it. This is a wonderful dark scent, with a good amount of oakmoss (not quite Varen level, but you get the idea. There's citrus, without changing the warm nature of the scent, strong vanilla, but not sweet. This is one of the (many) moments I wish I had u/RedMosquitoMM's nose and powers of scent description. u/hawns, u/ptheven_j, u/kenzycat, I can't thank you enough for making this set happen and thank you /u/wyze0ne for the hilarious artwork, this is definitely the collaboration of the year in my book 😘. I get unreasonably happy and giddy when I sniff this set and it was difficult to wait all the way to collaboration day to properly inaugurate it, but I'm happy I did. Thank you!

I thought I'd use this set together with my other LG winnings, so out came the beautiful LG21 WR2 to join in on the fun. This razor immediately became a favourite of mine, and it's my second-most used razor (N°1 being the Ockmock that I used for getting 100 shaves with a single GEM blade, that stunt skews the statistics).

Using these items makes me really proud of our community and the crazy extravagance that is the Lather Games. The thrill of participating is exhilarating (and I really miss it this year, but even just following the shenanigans from the djudicial bench I'm having a blast). Our wonderful sponsors who donate their own time, effort, and money to make amazing prizes are the cherry on top. Whether it's custom software like this set, the ROTY sets by u/rocketk455 or the custom set by u/mammothben, a custom hardware piece of jewellery by Wolfman James (who deleted his reddit accout AFAIK, or I would have tagged him), or any of dozens of prizes, these artisans elevate our competition to an insane level. Thank you, sponsors!

And then there's u/declarationgrooming, the exception that used to prove the rule. He didn't make good on the pledged prize last year.

Osma is alright.

Edits: typos, adding /u/wyze0ne

Can we talk about the brush choice for this

Can we talk about the brush choice for this

Happy Together

Prep: Warm shower
Brush: Maggard 26mm Synthetic
Razor: Henson AL13 - Medium
Blade: Voskhod
Lather: Chatillon Lux/Declaration Grooming - Unconditional Surrender - Soap
Post Shave: Water rinse
Fragrance: Luna Rossa Sport - Prada
A DFS in 2 passes. The Unconditional Surrender performs well and smells terrific. Have a good day everyone.

Jul. 17, 2023
Brush: Yaqi White Handle Pure Badger #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS * Razor: Green Cult GC 2.0 II
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
Lather: Declaration Grooming - Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli - Soap
Post Shave: Zingari Man - Sego Base Unscented - Balm
Post Shave:* Osma - Alum

Collab with chatillon lux. Missed my old OSMA blok, can’t say I ever get to use it very much nowadays glad to dust it off

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

July 17, 2023 – June Shaves

• Brush: Cayuen Abalone w/ 28mm Timberwolf Synthetic
• Bowl: Timeless Shave Bowl, Blue
• Razor: WSC – Winning Razor, mirror polished, w/ fancy Madmax titanium handle
• Blade: Voskhod (1)
• Lather: Zingari Man – Barrel Proof
• Fragrance: Zingari Man – The Master

I'm not sure if this counts but Barrel Proof appears to be a collaboration between both ZM and BBS Live, with Nate and Mel. We find here heavy notes of bourbon, smoke, tonka bean, sandalwood, and warm oak wood. I positively love this scent, and it pairs nicely with my other hobby of fine scotch whisky. Another great shave to start out the week fresh.

As for alum, the only thing I've used it for is application of some small crystal alum on any canker sores I'd have as a kid (from biting the inside of my mouth). Definitely an old school remedy but it works. I don't use it for the face because my skin is better served by an unscented aftershave splash, namely that by A&E.

#LatherGames #HappyTogether

Bonus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3a48xkXT9p0 ← What If You Lived on Kepler 22-b?

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Semogue SOC Taj Resin Premium Boar
• Razor: Karve Overlander SS
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts/Shawn Maher - Gravefruit II
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts/Shawn Maher - Gravefruit II - Toner
• Non-Osma Alum: ALLUME DI ROCCA ~~NATURALE~~ POMPELMO ALUM 120G STICK

Cold, gray and rainy day today. Work sucks. I’m out of memes. And on top of that, I’m really bummed out for not being one of the cool guys in the Osma Owners Club. Stuck with this thing from deep down in my drawers. Naturale? Ugh, so boring. So I head down to the supermarket to look for some scent infusion. Banana?? Hmmmm… Ah, grapefruit!! Yes! Genius! On theme.

Back at home, filtering grapefruit juice in my Hario V60. Then onto the infusion process. I keep it simple!. And there you go! Allume Di Rocca ~~Naturale~~ Pompelmo! This thing is fantastic! How was your boring unscented Osma, Osma-weirdos?

Music:
“Cold Wind” - Ruby Goon Spotify / YouTube

edited spelling errors + #photocontest

Lather Games Day 17- Happy Together!

• Brush: Yaqi 24mm Synthetic
• Razor: Schick M1 Adjustable
• Blade: Schick - Injector (5)
• Lather: Noble Otter/APR - Texaus
• Post Shave: Noble Otter Soap Co. - Northern Elixer Splash

This was a nice little collab between NO and APR that ticks off today's box for the Lather Games. This is such a nice scent and makes me feel like I'm standing in like a wheat field. Truth be told, I've never stood in a wheat field. I think I've seen one or two in my life, but that's the image I get.

My SOTD picture is a tribute to r/wicked_edge. I don't typically include my lather, but if I was posting on WE, I'd practically feel obliged to. Fortunately, my lather doesn't look as thick and grim as some of those pictures do.

On to the Daily Challenge we go. While I'm sure there are plenty of folks preparing an updated dissertation and exaltation of designer alum, hereforth called OSMA, and are going to show off their vast collections of OSMA blocks stored in their bunkers in preparation for an apocalyptic event that will end the flow of OSMA, but not me. Here's my take. First, this is the state of alum in my den. It used to be one chunk. It was the last chunk of alum I had from several that were brought to me by a coworker who went to Turkey many years ago. And then the wife dropped the last chunk a couple of weeks ago and now it's a pretty good facsimile for crystal meth (Note to djudges and those concerned- I only know meth from Breaking Bad).

But this crystal meth-looking alum could definitely have value in this world of artisanally carved OSMA. In fact, for some around here, my sad alum might have significant value. I'm sure u/mrtangerinesky would pay quite a sum of money to have someone plant these in the bathroom of u/Priusaurus. The local police would then receive a call from someone with a heavy European accent that would be somewhat muffled by a raging river. Of course, when the police answer the phone all they will hear at first is said voice mumbling, "I bought the river, motherfucker. I bought the motherfucking river." The police, now duly informed of a meth lab being run out of a suburban home under the guise of "ice baths", would then bust through the doors and find our man u/Priusaurus having a miserable shave in a bath of "ice". Of course, when they find the alum/meth baggie in the bathroom, one Lather Games contestant will find himself being hauled off to the local police station for an interrogation and the rest of the world will hear the evil laughter of u/mrtangerinesky echoing through the ether.

So what's the point of my ramblings? You can spend $8 or $9 on your lovingly handcrafted OSMA, and OSMA will happily take your money, but I believe that my jagged bits of alum are far more valuable in this world and can be used for far more entertaining things.

PLayer regales us with a tale of the value of his jagged alum shards

Harmony

• Brush: Chisel & Hound
• Razor: Aylsworth Drakkant +
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co/House of Mammoth - Armonía
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co/House of Mammoth - Armonía
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming/Noble Otter/House of Mammoth Cerberus Fougere

One of the aspects of this hobby that hooked me from the beginning was that artisans participated in the online community. Getting to hear directly from the folks who made the products I was using gave me a sense of who they were, their process, the things they valued. In some cases it deepened my love for their work, made it more special. One of the best things about becoming an artisan myself was the chance to make deeper connections with other artisans I respected.

And so, collaborations have been a hallmark of my work as House of Mammoth. I've lost track of the full list of other artisans/brands I've collaborated with, but it's been quite a few. I've mostly slowed down reaching out to others, but I still get the odd solicitation from someone just starting out, perhaps hoping I'll put my stamp of approval on their (zero) efforts and make them some quick cash. I've been the person who did all the work in a school group project, so nah. But for Happy Together, I want to recognize some of my longest collaborators who I love and respect.

u/geekyoldrob aka Chisel & Hound has been making beautiful shaving brushes for years, and his creativity hasn't slowed one bit. I'm impressed by how he's able to work with any material, and never backs down from a challenge. He's made some of the best Mammoth coin collaboration brushes I could have imagined, and together we've been able to raise thousands of dollars for charity.

/u/declarationgrooming and u/nobleotter are two pioneers and top tier artisans in the hobby. I don't think we've yet seen another artisan who is able to make arguably the best shaving products across multiple categories the way Scoot has. And I've been impressed by Cody's quiet commitment to excellence in continuing to elevate his already successful brand when he could just rest on his laurels.

I'll save my highest praise for my production partner, /u/chicagogroomingco. Before I asked her to take on the mammoth challenge (hee hee) of production and fulfillment, and eventually formulation (Magic splash/balm ftw), we were colleagues and friends. If you love House of Mammoth, you know nothing we do would be possible without Vida.

Hope you guys have a wonderful day, and thank you again for the honor of being part of this crazy event.

Jul. 17, 2023
Brush: AP ShaveCo Synbad
Razor: Razorock Game Changer .68
Blade: Wizamet SI
Lather: Talbot Shaving - Cades Cove - Soap
Post Shave: Talbot Shaving - Cades Cove - Aftershave
Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Post Shave Balm - Balm
Post Shave:* RazoRock - Alum Stick

This is a Talbot + Maol collaboration.

I don’t have Osma and don’t know what it is, so I’m not sure why I would wish to have it besides to fit in with my internet stranger friends. I keep an alum stick and a styptic pencil on standby in the event I need it due to a rough shave or cuts. Generally speaking I don’t use these products as part of my normal routine.

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

Today I shaved with Zingari Man No. 1. I used my AP/Maggard brush and Stirling razor with an Astra blade. I followed up with Soap Commander Love balm and a shot of Cafe Rose. Alum is for suckers.

Mon Jul 17 2023

• Prep: A hot shower
• Razor: Merkur - 34C HD
• Blade: Feather HI Stainless
• Brush: Perfecto Badger
• Lather: Talbot Shaving - La Terra Verte (Catie's Bubbles - Collab)
• Post Shave: Pinaud - Clubman AS Lotion

Day 17 of the lather games. Another great shave. No alum, not sure I have ever had the need for it.

ROTY

2023-07-17

• Brush: AP Shave Co. - Handcrafted Series "Summer" with 24mm Gelousy SHD fan knot (A1)
• Razor: Gillette Sterling (7 O'clock)
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'clock
• Lather: Zingari Man - Bon Monsieur (Collab with Rogue Perfumery)
• Post Shave: Floid - The Genuine

The Shave soap:

Per Zingari Man,

"We are delighted bring to you another amazing collaboration with Rogue Perfumery. The brilliant nose behind this incredible house is Manuel Cross. We are excited for you to try this classic gentlemen’s fragrance.

Bon Monsieur is a fragrance of pure nostalgia. Having grown up in the 1980s I wanted to create a fragrance that encapsulates my formative years and that pays homage to some of the great fougeres of the time. A hefty dose of a fine lavender absolute and oakmoss form the base of Bon Monsieur. This is indeed a classic gentlemen’s fragrance.

Notes: Lavender, Bergamot, Fir Balsam, Geranium, Oakmoss, Carnation, Lily of the Valley, Cedar, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Musk"

Very nice, I enjoyed it and it did smell great.

Floid the Genuine is not a collab however - just didn't have a good fit for a collab on hand in the aftershave department.

The Gillette Sterling is an Indian market offering sold by Gillette. This three piece DE razor comes package on a card with one DE blade. Click the link on the razor if you are curious there is some more info.

Take care and have a good one.

July 17, 2023 – Lather games day 17 – AKA Osma bin Alum

• Brush: Summer Break Badger B11
• Razor: Wolfman WR2 – 1.25 DC WRH7
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (7)
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Elephant
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face – Santa Paula
• Fragrance: Zoologist Perfumes – Elephant

Elephant is one of my favorite scents in wet shaving. Something about it just does it for me. I spent some time and too much $ finding this tub, but very glad that it’s part of my den. Once my EdP sample is done I just might have to bite the bullet and get a full bottle of the frag. I am so happy that Chiseled Face collaborated with Zoologist to make this happen. It was before my discovery of this community, but oh so glad I could track one down.

I do not use alum. I have tried it but really see no point. I’ve figured out how to shave properly so do not need a block of salt to gauge where I might have shaved too close, or knicked myself and so on. Alum spelled backwards is mula, as in dineros, as in why waste you money on a block of face salt when you can just buy more soap and hoard it like I do?

#PhotoContest #SoapHoarder

2023-07-17 The Beast with Three ~~Backs~~ Heads

• Brush: Yaqi - Metal Timberwolf
• Razor: Qshave Adjustable
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus
• Post Shave: Cloe - Alum block
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Agua Fresca
• Blade: Astra Platinum (1)
• Razor: Rockwell 6S
• Razor: Weishi Butterfly

Relevant Post-shave and Fragrance:
Agua Fresca: Not only is this scent part of a Declaration collaboration, but it features the stone-fruit apricot, while Cerberus highlights stone-fruit.
Alum because I, too, am a team player!

Challenge Accepted: To find out the brand of this alum, I had to look up my order from... phew, 25 months ago. Here's the thing, though: the brand doesn't matter. It's the same stuff.

What? I mean, uh—Oh, man, how I wish I had paid 30-40% more for a block of something that is entirely indistinguishable from what I have! Everyone knows that if the package says OSMA then it automatically improves the quality of the otherwise chemically-identical block of potassium alum inside! Oh, why did I not think to pay more for nothing?! Oh, great despair!

In other news, I have found that storing one's alum block standing up on its end instead of laying it on its side helps to keep it from melting away as quickly as it might otherwise, and also helps to keep its surface smooth. Maybe this is obvious and well known, and it's likely (and encouraged) that someone will chime in with a better alternative.

#FOF
I don't tend to hold back when praising Ben; he's created some of my favorite scents (I don't think I've mentioned in a while how amazing Tobacconist is). I'm no sycophant, though, and I must be honest: my nose doesn't care for this. I think it's the fruit. The scent is almost viscous in a way that I find unpleasant. I now realize that it's been a recurring thing for me during this year's Games that I don't care for fruity scents, and it seems to me that the stone fruit is what Cerberus is all about. Agua Fresca, too: all about the fruit, albeit lighter (is it the melon?), without viscosity. Obviously (I hope), this is only a matter of my opinion and olfactory preferences. I'm sure they're both lovely for those who like fruit. Yuck.

#photocontest
Photo: Vehicles
Might as well knock this theme out, especially since the little Cerberus guy looks like it could be a bobblehead. That's set up on the dashboard of my car, in case it weren't obvious. I am, might I add, very pleased with how the colors turned out working together here.

It is pure coincidence that this is my fourth SOTD that relates to Greek mythology; I did not plan it, and I don't otherwise have a particular affinity (or aversion) thereto, but here we are. Side note: it was only the other day that I learned that our triple-noggin'd canine friend was the offspring of two snake/serpent monster things, because that makes sense.
Three heads? Three razor heads? Three razors!
I made 3 passes for today's shave, eache one with a different razor: First the Qshave Futur knockoff, because it's kind of clumsy and is definitely represented by the goofy third head. The Rockwell followed, and then the Weishi.

Now, I'm pretty sure I'm not channeling u/cowzilla3 here, but I'm pretty sure there ain't no rule says I can't use multiple razors in a single shave, especially since doing so is not in the spirit of some exploitative advantage (as would be the case for, say, mixed lathers, frankenrazors, or multiple hashtags).

7/17/23

• Brush: Farvour Turn Crafts w/ C&H v12 Fanchurian
• Razor: Wade & Butcher 7/8, "The Celebrated Extra Hollow" Barber's Notch w/ Muninn Woodworks Forest Moss Scales
• Lather: Declaration Grooming/House of Mammoth - Cerberus
• Post Shave: Noble Otter/House of Mammoth - Cerberus Aftershave Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth/Declaration Grooming - Cerberus EdP

Every single item of my shave today is a collaboration. Cerberus being, imo, one of the biggest powerhouse collabs there are. HoM, DG and NO are absolute titans in this hobby. Cerberus is (like every other scent from HoM) a very unique scent. Stone fruit and resins balanced out with earthy and woodsy notes. I can honestly see why some would find it overpowering. There is a lot going on with it.

I don't use Osma because why would I? There's nothing very appealing to me about it, and I'm not out here nicking myself every or every other shave. I'll just use a piece of toilet paper and some pressure for a second. Am I really missing out on anything? Really?

#ROTY

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Schick Injector Type G3
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Champs de Lavande
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Styptic Pencil

This is the first of two DG and Chatillon Lux collabs this week and they’re both bangers. Quick shave before work. Switched up to the G style since it’s a little more mild. Back to the badger and it’s luxurious. For the challenge the closest thing I got to alum is the styptic pencil, so I rolled it across my face like drawing with a crayon on it side. Miserable and totally unnecessary, I really only reach for this when I have a weeper that won’t stop which is infrequent. I love an alcohol forward splash so Fine always works well with me and my skin. Anise in the AB to complement to lavender blend. Keep it rad. 🤙

ROTY

Don’t have alum? Just use a styptic pencil like alum!

Don’t have alum? Just use a styptic pencil like alum!

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Maggard 24mm Tuxedo Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech (Z-4)
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox (German) (3)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming/Chatillon Lux - Weinstrasse - Soap
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - Weinstrasse - Aftershave

The label of this soap has both brands displayed.

Weinstrasse is a great scent! Milksteak is decent.

I have two Weinstrasse aftershaves at the moment. One is Chatillon Lux and the other is Declaration Grooming. I got the Dec used, and the previous owner must have dumped the entire bottle of menthol in, and it's too much for me. The Chatillon Lux one is also too much menthol for me. Menthol--

I didn't use any alum, because I don't own any. I'm sure it's a nice ritual for people, but rubbing something on my face that requires a complete rinse when I'm done leads me to believe that maybe it's not a good idea. Soap mostly rinses off, but the remaining stuff isn't bad (sometimes it's just the skin food left over). Aftershave is a leave-on product. Alum is an "apply and immediately remove" product.

July 17, 2023 – Collab Day

• Brush: Maggard Razors Timberwolf
• Razor: Gillette Aristocratic
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Gratiot League Square
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux – Unconditional Surrender

I have several collaborations but this one is always one of my favorites. I went into it with my brush a little too wet so it took a lot of work. This is an old sample of GLS so I’m not even sure what base it is, but it is very soft. To fill out the day, I went with another Chatillon Lux favorite, Unconditional Surrender. This is the second sample I’ve used in the last week or so that I think I’m going to buy a full tub. This stuff just smells great.

EDIT: thanks u/tsrblke for the inspiration: My face is already as dry as Bea Arthur and my technique isn’t shit enough to need it. So it just seems like a waste of time and money. And I’m sure somehow, someway, it is bad for the environment and probably results in the murder of more than a thousand whales a day and takes money away from those starving children. So save the whales, feed the children and put down the alum

July 17, 2023

​

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Hoffritz Slant
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Master Soap Creations - Apricot Pie
• Post Shave: Master Soap Creations - Apricot Pie
• Post Shave: Osma - Alum
• Fragrance: None

For today's collab day, I went with Master Soap Creations and Pasteur's Apricot Pie. I'm not a big apricot pie fan (and didn't know it was even a thing) but when I opened the tub on a whim, I knew I had to have it immediately. I can't devise the superlatives to describe how good it is. I'm not even sure if they have any more in stock, so I'll have to nurse this tub as long as I can. Trying to pick a razor for today's shave, I went with the Hoffritz, since it's essentially a "collab" with Merkur. Well, not so much a collab as a contractor. Either way, it was my least unfitting razor for today.

For today's challenge, I'm not a big fan of alum, but still own it. It feels impossible to wash off after the shave and feels like it keeps aftershaves from penetrating your skin. I'll only use it to dab on a weeper, but even then I don't really bother.

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 17, 2023 – Happy Together

• Brush: APShaveCo Butterscotch Swirl APLuxury Fan
• Razor: Rockwell Model T
• Blade: Astra SP (Green)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Smash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Smash

Went with the HoM and B&M collab. The rockwell still sucks. The AP Shave Co brush has some backbone from the mixed badger/boar knot.

I used to have Osma early on until it fell on the floor and cracked apart. Realized I could live my life perfectly fine without salt on my face every shave. Not sure it ever really did anything.

2023-07-17 Lather Games SOTD

• Brush: SHAVE⭐DANDY CS Baritone (26x55mm Synth)
• Razor: Wolfman Guerrilla 2 Prototype on Maggard MR11 Handle
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (26)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw/Chatillon Lux - Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli
• Post Shave: SHAVE⭐DANDY - 4711 - Homebrew Aftershave
• Fragrance: Acqua di Parma - Colonia

Today's brush started as an older handle from an unnamed company that had a really gorgeous pour and an atrocious shape. I re-turned it into something more my style, making it a not-really-a-collaboration. Same with the razor prototype, which I've always used on a Maggard handle, and with my 4711 cologne-turned-aftershave by adding the appropriate ingredients and watering it down a bit.

The link between softwares today is that all three open with bombastic zesty citrus and then mellow into some variety of floral: rose, neroli, and jasmine respectively. Not an amazing thematic link but they smell real good together.

Challenge from a guy who doesn't use alum.

Edit: yes I am aware that salts of aluminum (e.g. Osma) are different from table salt and you would not season your supper with the same astringent crystal you rub on your face

July 17, 2023 - The OG collab that started the collab craze

• Brush: Semogue Owner's Club boar
• Razor: RazoRock German 37 / MR5
• Blade: Wizamet (19)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming x Chatillon Lux - Sni Mato
• Alum: Osma
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Bash
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Lavender, Interrupted

Ok, so this wasn't the first collab between DG and CL (that was Unconditional Surrender), but it was one of the first and it set off the idea of getting premium perfumery level artisan made fragrances into our shaving soaps. Thank Shawn and Scott for coming together as a dynamic duo. They make the best collabs that ever collabed!

As for the challenge, this isn't a challenge. I use Osma every day. I just love the feeling of rubbing that glass smooth block all over my face at the end of a shave. It's also nice to know you had a great one when you get zero of that sting. Other shitty disintegrating alum blocks don't compare. It's like ketchup. Heinz or nothing baby.

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Oumo Pandora – 28mm Badger
• Razor: Valet Autostrop – VC2 #SELFSHARPENING
• Blade: Feather FHS-10
• Lather: Storybook Soapworks & APR - Carnivale
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Bay Rum Splash
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Sni Mato
• Music: Spice Girls – 2 Become 1

Personally, I love the collaborations in this hobby. In many industries, someone that sells the same product as you would be seen as a competitor, but collaborations remind us that there is a mutual respect among artisans. There are many, many, many times where together they can develop something that is better than either one would produce on their own. Business-Buzzword-Bingo calls this “synergy”, but I call it awesome. It’s great to see our favorite artisans work together to develop the things we love. Everyone wins.

Today, I’m using Carnivale by Storybooks Soapworks & APR. Sadly, Dan from APR has passed away. And Storybook Soapworks is out of business. So, I really appreciate u/worbx sending me a smoosh. Because once it’s all used up, it’ll be just like u/MrTangerinesky’s chances of winning Lather Games: Nonexistent. To tie that theme together, for my #photocontest, I’m including an extinct animal: my fossil of a Phacops Trilobite from the Devonian Period. This little guy was crawling on the bottom of the ocean floor 400 MILLION YEARS AGO! Coincidentally, that’s approximately the last time u/MrTangerinesky had a worthwhile Lather Games Post….

The scent of Carnivale is interesting. It’s warm and kinda spicy and a little fruity. Smells like a fall fragrance to me. Almost reminds me of the craft fairs my mom used to take me to as a kid. To take those spicy notes to another level for my splash, I used the best Bay Rum on the market: Barrister and Mann’s. Actually, worked nicely together. Then, I was feeling kinda crazy and sprayed a little Sni Mato from Chatillon Lux on. I don’t think Sni Mato and Bay Rum have any scent notes in common, but from a #FOF perspective, they worked okay together. Sni Mato is floral, yet earthy, and on a base of cocoa and Bay Rum is obviously spicy. Anyone that’s ever consumed Cinnamon-Chocolate knows that’s a great combination, so it’s not THAT crazy these two scents would play well with each other. Floral-Earthy-Spicy is a great combo, IMO.

DISCLAIMER: I got this splash for free from last year’s lather games prize.

And as far as the challenge goes, I will do anything for Lather Games, but I won’t do that. I don’t own alum and have never used it. Never much saw the point or value from it. I’m trying to keep my face from drying out, so putting a salt block on it never made sense to me. If I was to ever, ever, ever, use alum, I would 100% buy Osma, the only luxury alum. Buuuutttt…. That’s not going to happen today.

And for my interview today, I have a dude who knows all about collaborations. Shawn Maher has worked with so, so many wetshaving artisans out there, as well as being the guy behind Chatillon Lux and The Maher Olfactive. I’d bet everyone reading this has used and loved the scent of several products scented by Shawn. I was so excited that Shawn agreed to take part in this series and play along with my questions. So, thank you so much, u/hawns! And Shawn – You likely missed the post, but I haven’t seen you sign up for our group buy for Doritos Soap and Mountain Dew Splash yet! For a guy who’s developed some of the most amazing scents in our hobby, you really missed the boat on this idea! ;-)

10 Questions with… Shawn Maher

1) I read that you got started in perfumery by blending essential oils to create a fragrance for a face balm you made for yourself. Most people would simply go to the store and buy whatever they have there, but you built something for yourself. Have you always been a do-it-yourself go-getter, like that?

Yeah, I've always kind of been like that. I used to be in a band where I wrote all the songs, booked all the shows, was in charge of scheduling practices and paying rent at the practice space and also was the one who had the van. Now, my main job (associate creative director of copywriting at an ad agency) requires me to learn new stuff all the time, including how retina and corneal surgery works, how welding and plasma cutting works, the scientific process for optimizing industrial janitorial services, and how shoes are manufactured, just to name a few. Plus, I was always the kind of student who got As and worked ahead when I found it interesting but got Cs and never did my homework when I didn't. But when something interests me, I go in whole-ass, never half-ass.

2) It’s actually stunning how many fragrances you’ve created within this wetshaving hobby of ours. Do you have one you are most proud of?

I would say the scents I'm most proud of usually aren't scents in shaving products since all the small nuances kind of get destroyed by the base. It's like trying to watch a movie on a screen covered in vaseline or watch something through a rusty screen, dirty windows and seven bushes. However, I would say La Petite Prairie would be the scent I'm most proud of that was made to be in a wetshaving product.

3) Spearhead Shaving’s Spiced (which you created) is one of my favorite scents. Who is your favorite Spice Girl?

I was in high school when the Spice Girls came out, and in band my trombone section thought it was really funny to annoy people by playing the instrumental hook for Wannabe. I always wondered if there was a reason why Scary Spice was scary other than because she's Black?

4) Do you have a tally of how many scents you’ve created since starting Chatillon Lux & Maher Olfactive?

I never remember them all, especially due to one-offs. It's probably been at least three dozen. Probably more, I would say, considering there are almost two dozen active scents in both lineups. Memory and organization have never been my strong suits. I like to think that's because I am always moving forward and never in the past...but probably just because I'm scatterbrained.

5) Do you have any scent notes that you don’t like working with or refuse to work with?

I'll work with anything, but I don't have the slightest interest in making scents that smell like what's already out there. So many people were pissed because they saw a coffee note in 1904 and just assumed it would smell like the generic sweet latte scent that so many people have done already. My brother in Christ, if you want that scent, then go with one of the ten million options that already exist. I don't know if there's a single note out there that I wouldn't work with. I think everything has its place if used correctly.

​

(INTERVIEW CONTINUES IN THE REPLY)

July 17, 2023 – Team Work Makes the Dream Work

• Brush: Zenith r/wetshaving Exclusive Moar Boar 31mm #chonk
• Razor: Gillette Superspeed
• Blade: 7 O’Clock – Sharpedge (Yellow) (8)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Weinstrasse
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Smash
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Weinstrasse

Collaborations. Where would this hobby be without them. Almost everything used today was either a collaboration or a part of one (the frag being the base scent for the soap collaboration.) Even Moar Boar was a collaboration of several members of this sub. By the by, moar boar is not a GUTL brush. As soon as I tried to put the proto lather on my face of started to lather. This brush was made for faces and faces only.

On to #fof. So let’s talk about this scent. Wientresse. Ah the Wientrasse. If GLS was the stomping grounds of my teenage years, then the wientrasse was my mid to late 20s. A lovely spot down MO-94 with wineries every few miles. So many memories. My wife told me we were having our second kid at one of these wineries. I connected the soap and frag with another booze themed collaboration, Smash from HoM and B&M. It worked very well. The cherry and peach of smash played off the reisling scented soap. So what’s wrong? The wientrasse doesn’t smell like reisling. Sure the wineries make some reisling but the speciality is Norton, which is a native grape, and earthy and dry. Not sweet like reisling. And Norton is one of my favorite wines. (Sometimes it’s called Cynthiana). And whether you knew it or not, norton root stock is basically the main stock behind European grapes too. Now you’re asking “why is is so adamant about this? He said reisling is great too.” It is, and frankly I love this scent. So why? Simply because reisling is more associated with Hermann, which is not really on the wientrasse. But Augusta is, and Augusta was the first place in the nation to get appellation. (Certification as a recognized growing area). Take that Napa valley. So my concern here is 2 fold. First pride for the area and second u/hawns, could you make a norton inspired scent? EdT may be a bit much but maybe something for a splash?

Rant over, #photocontest. This is for history. But it’s also a collaboration! Written by a Russell and Burch, this book forms the basis for all modern animal research ethics and regulations, including the 1984 animal welfare act. My dissertation is an updating if this work. Russell was a zoologist and Burch was, an expert in the humanities, making this some interesting reading as they weave science with, I shit you not, a citation from Alice in Wonderland. It’s amazingly well done for being from the 50s, and my updates are to correct die developments in underlying ethical theory (the rise of principlsim). They weave Darwin and other stuff through the work. When I found a 1st edition for $30 I had to pick it up. It also meant I had the only first edition in the department meaning my mentor had to check my cites with my book.

OK still doing #ROTY but vacation has started (I’m at the amtrak station now waiting for a late train. So risk is high but gonna succeed. All my shaves are planned, SOTD pics pretaken. Let’s gooooooo.

Edited oh right the challenge. I think so little about alum I forgot. I know it's the source of flame wars here. I don't use it except for my stypic pencil. So I rubbed that on my neck where I have problems. It stung. It did nothing else.

• Brush: Chisel & Hound Kuai Taper w/ V18 Fanchurian 26mm

• Razor: Muhle Rocca R94

• Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum

• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus

• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus

• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Memoirs of A Tresspasser

Today's Theme: Happy Together - I chose Cerberus for today's collab theme for all the reasons several others chose this soap. Unlike those people though, I used the aftershave liniment which carries the scent exceptionally well for a pseudo-balm.

Today's Challenge: Osma Day - I have Osma, but it is not the Osma that everyone else gets. /u/j33pguy13 harangued me for buying "lame unscented soap that dries your skin" but who's laughing now. I rubbed this puck of alum shaving soap on my skin in the usual portion of a shave routine where others would rub alum stones on their skin. It was ok. I did not lather it, so DQ police can buzz off. I simply rubbed Osma alum crystals on my face.

My theme for today's shave: Guard Dog

So in the myth of Cerberus, the three headed dog guards the entrance to Hades. Though it's generally supposed to be a big, scary guard dog, pretty much every time cerberus shows up in media it's actually quite a good boy. Cerberus in pop culture reminds me of my own dog, who's 75 pounds of pure muscle with a big ol' head. He can be a bit intimidating to people who aren't familiar with big dogs, but he's a total meatball and very sweet. I do feel better leaving my fiancee for a weekend when I know she's going to be with our big meatball of a dog. Maybe Hades just felt safer with a big dog around too.

Memoirs of a Tresspasser felt like it'd be a fun nod to the guard dog motif and it's a nice scent that kind of reminds me of Gratiot League Square. For a "collaboration" themed album I picked an old compilation album that has a bunch of songs from random small time bands. #photocontest #FOF #ROTY

User compells presiding djudge to buzz off

User compells presiding djudge to buzz off

July 17, 2023 – Friends Day

• Brush: Summer Break DeMaranville B15
• Razor: Rockwell 6s
• Blade: Ming Shi Super White (13)
• Lather: London Razors/Summer Break Soaps – Mountain Laurel
• Post Shave: London Razors/Summer Break Soaps – Mountain Laurel
• Fragrance: London Razors – Mountain Laurel

Mountain Laurel, easily one of my top 5 scents. In one word I’d describe this scent as beautiful. I think I was looking forward to this shave more than any other shave on my calendar.

Being a part of this community and an artisan has given me a lot of really cool experiences I would never have had were I not here. One of those experiences was meeting u/ahjoyc2. Many many years ago, we met and bonded over the shared terribly sad experience of miscarriage. When u/ahjoyc2 started London Razors, I quickly sent him my grandpa’s Ever Ready 1912 and he did THIS to it. When he started experimenting with candle making and scent creation he asked me if I’d ever be interested in turning a scent he made into soap and splash. I immediately agreed. He sent me several samples of Mountain Laurel and eventually landed on this amazing version. After Mountain Laurel, eventually Coffee & Contemplation came along followed by But First, Coffee. Despite the fact that only 2 of these 3 collaborations between 2 r/wetshaving artisans count as a collaboration for today….making them has been an incredible experience. It was awesome to finally get to meet u/ahjoyc2 at Maggard last month!

I busted out my old Maggard Alum block for this shave and quickly remembered why I don’t use alum, because it’s dumb.

July 17th 2023 - Lather Games Day 17

• Brush: Omega 11137
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM PTFE (9)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming/Noble Otter/House of Mammoth - Cerberus
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming/Noble Otter/House of Mammoth - Cerberus
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming/Noble Otter/House of Mammoth - Cerberus

I have been saving the last few sprays from my bottle of Cerberus and was lucky enough to recently pick up a soap and splash to go with it so today I am enjoying my first and most likely last (until I end up searching for another bottle of the frag, I love it that much) trickhole of this phenomenal scent. Milksteak is a base I'm not very familiar with, only having one other soap in it and that one I use sparingly since it is special (Slut Dragon). It is so soft! I built a nice face lather and reveled in the stone fruit and resinous goodness of a triple dose of Cerberus.

As for today's challenge, I don't have OSMA or any other (non luxury) alum. It was one thing I never picked up when I was starting out and have never felt the need for. Some cold water and an alcohol splash are how I prefer to finish off my shaves, rubbing a rock on my face seems a bit woo-woo to me. But I'm a big believer in "you do you" so if it makes people happy, keep rubbing that rock on your face. In fact, this is the only Ozma I get down with. I may have annoyed whomever is djudging this post, if they are in the pro-alum camp, so I will close with a bit of alum history.

Historically, alum was a huge component of early international trade. It was used in many things, like the manufacture of glass and dyeing of cloth. For a long time the Turks held a monopoly on the production of alum, and they grew tremendously rich from this trade. But the Turks would use the money from the alum trade to wage war against Christianity, so it was very fortuitous when a huge deposit of alum was discovered in 1453 in Papal territory outside of Rome. Pope Pius II and his successor started a new monopoly in the European alum trade, effectively banning trade in Turkish alum under threat of excommunication. The Medici bank worked with the Popes to control this trade and both parties made assloads of ducats from it. The Papacy used the money from the alum trade to wage war against the Turks as revenge.

Fast forward to the reign of Henry VIII, who broke England away from Catholicism when he married Anne Boleyn. Henry was almost always close to war with the Pope and lived under constant threat of excommunication. That put pressure on the English industries that needed alum to function, because the Pope could threaten to cut off England's supply. It has been suggested that one of the reasons Henry was pushed to ally himself with the House of Cleves for his fourth marriage was that alum had been discovered in Cleves, and securing this alliance with marriage would guarantee a non-Papal supply of alum for England.

Source

July 17, 2023 – Osma is Illuminati substance to control minds

• Brush: Böker – Synthetic
• Razor: Boker King cutter
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Voices

I still remember the hype about this release. It was more crazy than the second coming of Jesus. Sold within a minute. Some people got a refund of their aftershave, as it was already sold out. But there was a second batch. I had an alarm clock to get the release and buy the shirt (lovely shirt).

FOF

Dg makes awesome soap base and the scent is fantastic. Stone fruit, sandalwood and raisins blend together to a make me want to sit down with some dark chocolate in my leather chair in front off the chimnes, read a book and talk to my dad about cars. The aftershave is pretty similar and gave me a heartly welcome as I got on my motorcycle and put my helmet on. Inside the helmet, I could enjoy the scent of Cerberus once again. The shave was okay. I had little irritation on my neck and not the closest shave. I am still out of practice with my straights. As fragrance I used Voices today, as its a collaboration between podcatsers and a soap artisan. In my opinion, thats a great fit. I bought the soap on my motorcycle trip through east europe. 1200 km to get some HoM fragrance. Would do again. Bought it in 7scents (name of the shop) and it fits the shops theme so well. The shop is filled with more niche perfumes. Voices does barely develop its scent, and thats great. You have that mango sticky rice and the sensation of tropical heat. I have no idea how the later is possible, but its there and stays like that for hours. After around 6 hours, the damp tropic sensation fades away and I am left with a fenomenal mango wood aroma. So good. I hope my nose gets more used to the fragrance and I ll enjoy it more in august.

Daily Challenge:
Do not use Osma. Be warned! In 1776 Adam Weishaupt founded the order of the illuminati in germany . His original plan included age of enlighnenment typical anti church ideas. Later they wrote in their general statutes: “The order of the day, is to put an end to the machinations of the purveyors of injustice, to control them without dominating them.” The Illuminati stopped recruiting students and expanded their circle to include the powerful and rich, for example in the Masonic lodge. One of them was Adolph Freiherr Knigge. Today his name is synonymous with good manners in all of germany. How could you control the masses, he asked himself? His idea was to start by daily rituals. See, you can miss a lecture, you can miss your secret society meeting, but you will likely not skip to be well groomed. Unfortunately, Knigge did not find a way to truly control people. But the Illuminati do not think in years, rather in generations and lifetimes. Knigge chose to lay the foundation for his idea. He wrote a book about the bahavior among humans and chose to be the name of good manners. That book was almost put on the index by the vatican in 1820. By that time, the Illuminati had already infiltrated the spiritual powerhouses and could prevent that. More than 100 years later, Italy and Germany build an alliance in second world war. With inhumane cruel secret forbidden experiments they accelerated the knowledge about medicine and anatomy. Officially, the Illuminati were gone by that time. But we know better. A secret society with such prominent members, would not die. Via the documentation of the military doctors, the Illuminati found the substance that should bring them closer to control the masses, without dominating them. Alum! But why would people use salt on wounds? In the thirty year long war, it was a common torture to put salt on peoples feet and let goats lick that off. Their raw tongues opened the skin and the salt would add unbearable pain. Knigge paved the way! You should always be well groomed. The Illuminati, now in possession of Alum just had to find a good marketing. Like a good drug dealer knows, make the celebrities addicted and use the trickle down effect. Osma alum, the only luxury alum was born. You want proove? I ll give you proof. It’s right here, among us. Have you ever mentioned alum in presence of u/merikus without him answering like a robot? You can almost hear his eyes fade out while he says it. The ultimate marketing gag from the Illuminati. And for their devilish plan, they found the perfect stage. OUR lathergames. Year by year Osma gets promoted. Of course merikus would make free commercial for Osma. He IS an Illuminati! Need more proof? Did you know that Merikus recently bought a few squares of soil and is now harvesting plants? Why would you do that? Because he knows the rich and super powerfull will accelerate our economy into the great reset. Like the psycho historics of the Foundation sci fi books would predict, the first years after the great reset will lead to unrests among societies. When currencys and whole countries collapse, its better to have some land and be able to feed yourself with own grewn food. Case closed

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Brad Sears Arley 26mm Super Badger
• Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2/WRH2
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth/Barrister and Mann - Smash - Soap
• Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac - Aftershave
• Post Shave: West Coast Shaving - Alum

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

---

Smash is a wonderful collaboration. When I've used it before, I've thought of doing an evening shave with an actual Bourbon Smash cocktail along side. But I'm a morning shaver, and as one of those people who can only do one thing at a time, I just focus on shaving. The photo, which I made last night, has an actual Bourbon Smash in it. More specifically, it is a Bourbon Peach Smash since the first note in the soap is peach. I don't drink a lot of mixed cocktails and bourbon is more of a winter sipping drink for me (along with scotch), but I must say that the Bourbon Peach Smash was an amazingly refreshing summer drink. I have peaches, bourbon, mint, honey (for simple syrup), ice, and a muddle on hand. I see myself making more of these.

It is very hard to fault a shave done with a razor that was custom made to your own specifications. The precision and quality of workmanship for my Wolfman razor is exceptional and, not surprisingly, gives me excellent shaves. I have a WR4 on order and am looking forward to its arrival sometime this fall.

Alum. I bought my block of alum from West Coast Shaving when I transitioned from justshaving to wetshaving in 2021. After 50+ years of shaving I figured out how to shave without irritation or much blood long ago so my first uses of alum were kind of ho-hum. I did not get much "report" back on the quality of my shave, and I could not see much benefit to my skin. I transitioned to using Thayers Toner which, for me, is nicer than rubbing a block of salt on my face. So, Osma? Probably not going to happen.

My photo contest theme for today is "Drinks". #photocontest

Lather Games 2023 Day 17

• Prep: Warm water
• Brush: APSaveCo - 28MM G5A SHD
• Razor: Rolls Razor #SELFSHARPENING
• Blade: Rolls Razor Blade
• Lather: Zingari Man - Mousse Illuminee
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Mousse Illuminee
• Post Shave: Osma - alum block

"Mousse Illuminee"! Outstanding collaboration between Zingari man and Rogue Perfumery. My type scent. Greens, forest, frankincense, caught me in first snuff. Maybe my love to nature and my passion to outdoor activities is reason that I am so addicted. And frankincense if you remember from day 13 " Terror " I love it so much! My problem in this case is loosing the strength of the scent in lather and I need more slickness. But hey this is personal preferences and nevertheless this is great soap. Have same problem with aftershave. Need more scent!!! But my skin feels great after using it. The Rolls Razor looks like this steampunk tools or 19th century surgery tools or medieval Inquisitor safety razor. It's easy to work with it. Intuitive. Even if it look scary. Needs to be sharpened but because I borrow it I was not so brave to do that. Today challenge is Osma alum block! Hm.... Interesting. You are joking with us right?!?. I imaging all judges seats high in Olympus. Pantheon of shaving Gods playing with our mortal souls . .......... Use alum.... Don't use alum ..... Use Osma ..... Don't use Osma..... I'll give reward to the guy don't use it at all.... But today definitely Osma.... So today to please the masters I'll take photo with absolutely brand new one ( my spare one ) and I'll use my current one. Something like double Osma. And I'll kill a goat and drink blood to make sacrifice and .......lick some alum. And I hope to have their divine grace!!!

ROTY

https://imgur.com/a/e3U3B1r

• Lather: Declaration Grooming/Chatillon Lux - 88 Chestnut Street Soap
• Brush: Erskine Synthetic
• Razor: Blackland Era - SB1
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge Yellow
• Post Shave: Maggard - Alum Block
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - AS Balm (Unscented)

So I'm pretty sure Shawn Maher collaborated with Catie's Bubbles on La Terre Verte, but rules is rules and it ain't on the label. Chatillion Lux is prominently featured on this label for 88 Chestnut Street.

The soap is super soft compared to the rest of my samples, and it lathers up great. It also smells like Honeysuckle...which is quite pleasant. I went with an unscented balm and no frag so nothing competed with the scent. I liked it more than I thought I would. Also I just did one WTG pass with the Era today since I shaved late and need to satisfy the djudge's kink for shaved off whiskers tomorrow. I should have a decent amount to work with, freaks.

Onto Osma. I don't have it. But I was moved by somebody's review of it to look for it at one point then immediately forget about it next time I went binge-spending for shaving gear I didn't need. I used my Maggard block instead. It was ok. As I understand it, Osma is a solid piece of Alum whereas my block is the "particle board" of Alums...which is likely why it seldom makes it out of the plastic case in my den. I normally don't see much irritation these days and what little I do see us immediately soothed by either a splash or a balm...which is a better experience for me than rubbing salt on my face. Maybe I'll pick up some Osma the next time I'm feeling irresponsible to see what all the fuss is about.

Have a great day folks!

• Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar Brush
• Razor: Parker Clip-Type Shavette Dark Sheesham Wood Handle
• Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless
• Lather: 345 x Pasteur - Cairn

ROTY

Jul. 17, 2023

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Titan DG B16 Badger
• Razor: Tatara Masumune
• Blade: Perma Sharp
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts / APR - Gravefruit - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts / APR - Gravefruit - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Osma - Alum
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts / APR - Gravefruit

Happy Together Day!

Normally, I have a shave early in the morning, post my SOTD and go about the day.

Today, I realized that I had really not done enough research. I had a favorite of mine ready to go when I realized that it was a soaper that I had already used….

Working through the 5 stages of grief over my morning, I hit “acceptance” about lunchtime.

Then I realized…. I had an “Ace in the Hole”….

Today’s SOTD is the OG Gravefruit. It’s arguably a “flanker” to Fresca, and Fresca Insensa. It’s in the “Aqua Di Parma” family, but a lot more depth and nuance….

The brush is one I picked up at nearly the same time. Originally, it had a Maggard’s Badger knot. That knot is now in another brush. It’s the Titan, and was just fitted with a B16 knot from Declaration Grooming at the end of last year.

The razor is the Tatara Masumune. I ordered it in March of 2020. Yeah, I waited a long time for it. But it did eventually show up and it’s one of the few “shorter” razors I like.

Today’s Challenge: I use Alum every day. I use Osma when I am in the “Master” bathroom. I have other, cheaper options for travel and my basement den. I like it as a feedback tool. I like it when I have a weeper that won’t need a styptic pen. I shave before I shower to remove the alum and the shaving soap I’ve missed behind my ears. 🙄

Today’s Theme Song is:

“The Devil Went Down To Georgia”

(I am not a fan of the late Mr. Daniel’s as he was an unrepentant Confederate Redneck.)

So please accept this MUCH better version by Les Claypool and Primus….

The Devil Went Down To Georgia

Finally, Les Claypool also has a vineyard and winery in Sonoma, CA.

Purple Pachyderm

I haven’t visited it yet, but it’s on my list for our next trip to Wine Country.

July 17, 2023 – LG2023 Day Seventeen – Aka Alum Is Pointless Day

• Brush: Semogue – Foro Afeitado 2016 25mm Finest Badger
• Razor: Gillette – 1941 Ranger Tech
• Blade: Polsilver (5)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Smash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Smash

Collaboration day and a perfect chance to use the collaboration between two of my favourite artisans.

If Barrister And Mann was my first love then House of Mammoth is my is the mistress tempting me to stray. I don’t think Ben can produce anything that I would turn my nose up to and to be fair untill my nose fell stumbled across WAR.

For me Smash is like a slightly wayward wrong side of the tracks brother to the tamer Southern Paradise from DG, with it’s boozy sweetness coming through behind this peach bomb.

Faultless hardware today with the little Semogue (one of my grails) whipping up a perfect lather in the always enjoyable Tusk base, Ranger Tech once again giving a BBS shave with my ever present Stainless Steel Polsilvers.

• Daily Challenge:

I had to really dog through my garage den today to find this alum that I must of bought years ago, is it better than u/jeffm54321 favoured Osam? Almost definitely, will I ever use it? Nope not a chance, I didn’t even use it today. The only thing Alum block is good for is launching at next doors cat as it goes to empty it’s bowels on your roses.

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Zenith 31mm MOAR BOAR
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild (AC) (11)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Weinstrasse
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Weinstrasse
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Weinstrasse

Fantastic shave today. 2 passes, face lather. So glad I mentholated this splash. This scent never gets old and is perfect for these super hot days. Today's theme was between Weinstrasse and YRP for me today. Went with Weinstrasse since it's the first collab soap that I bought.

I don’t own a bar of Osma, so I used a bar of Maggard’s Alum I bought when I was first starting out. At some point I decided that my face doesn’t really need Alum for the post shave, and today didn’t really change my mind. At some point I will have to buy a bar of Osma to see if I can understand the hype.

Healthy Activity of the day: New PB distance today. Got a 6 mile ride in before it got too hot outside. My goal is to do 10 miles two days in a row before the month is over. We’re getting there. LG Mileage: 46 miles.

Tags: #ROTY

LG23-17: Happy Together

• Brush: Mammoth x Voigt & Cop Smash 28mm VC01 Super Badger
• Razor: Charcoal Goods Level 2
• Blade: Astra SP (12)
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. / House of Mammoth - Armonía - Shaving Soap
• Post Shave: London Razors / Summer Break Soaps - Coffee & Contemplation - Aftershave
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth / Barrister and Mann - Smash
• Alum: Osma, the luxury alum, because I'm worth it
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Coffee: Ethiopia. Guji, Werka - v: Ethiopia Landraces - p: Natural. Dried on raised beds.
• Music: Run the Jewels 2
• LG Tags: #FOF

For today's shave, I tried to pack in as many collaborations as possible. I couldn't think of a razor that met the theme, but I did use my killer Mammoth x Voigt & Cop Smash brush, and the brass Charcoal Goods matches the brass ring around the handle. I use them as a pair regularly (🦣 Mammoth Monday 🦣 gang represent!). I lathered a Chicago Grooming Co. / House of Mammoth soap, splashed on a London Razors / Summer Break Soaps aftershave, and sprayed on a House of Mammoth / Barrister and Mann fragrance.

For my music selection, I considered a pop collaboration (Broken Bells), country (Waxahatchee and Jess Williamson as Plains or the Parton-Ronstadt-Harris Trio record), or one of the 2013 Homme/Turner collaborations (if I had to choose, I'd go ...Like Clockwork over AM), but settled on El-P and Killer Mike's Run the Jewels. That first proper album slapped from the start and holds up a decade later. The sound is glitchy, the pacing frenetic, and the bars hurled with sneering, barbed precision. The woozy production can shake a room; the filthy one-liners get everyone screaming along. And I remember when Run the Jewels 2 dropped—it reminds me of good people.

For my soap, I lathered up Vida's whimsically-labeled collaboration with u/mammothben. Armonía combines a strong, pungent tobacco with an equally substantial fougère base, and I can't think of any other wet shaving scents like it (except for Shire, which is differentiated by spice, violet, and a sunnier mood). The fougère aspect of Armonía is rugged, dry, and woody (lots of lavender and cedar); it smells modern, but isn't a fresh, bright-green composition. The blending is excellent, the two aspects of this scent bleeding together smoothly in a way that doesn't obscure the personality of either. Plus, I'd forgotten how good Darkwing is. What a shave!

Which brings me to today's challenge. I don't use alum on my skin anymore, but I do have a block of Osma from years ago. I used it to tighten up my skin post shave, then cleaned up my gear before—correctly—rinsing all the alum off. I can put up with that feeling in the summer but hate it in the winter when my skin doesn’t need any help feeling tightened or highlighting redness and irritation. That's not to say alum is useless. I always have it on hand to make my fingertips tacky when handling a slippery razor (Sabre, Legacy, polished handles) and deodorant stones are great as long as you shower daily. Alum is alum tho’. Don’t @ me.

The transition from lather to aftershave and fragrance was not a smooth one. There's nothing fougère-like about Coffee and Contemplation. It's not green at all, though it is woody. There's no tobacco. However, Coffee & Contemplation is a comfortable fit with Smash. Like many "coffee" scents in wet shaving, it smells more of mocha than freshly-brewed black coffee, leading with creamy cocoa and vanilla. There's a Russian leather note to darken things up and I notice the cedar in the splash. That woodiness is a natural segue to the bourbon in Smash's peach cocktail, and London Razors' chocolaty take on coffee adds another dimension to the opening fruity-floral accord. I'm reminded of Armonía by the time Smash dries down, the tobacco dry and persistent under lingering boozy peach.

All three of these scents are heavy for a humid summer day, and the latter two are more sweet than I'd prefer to wear between May and September. I’m pretty sure fragrances wear sweeter on my skin, making products intended to be sweet overwhelming. Or I’m sensitive to sweetness and assume everyone else smells the same. Regardless, while the green fougère aspect of Armonía clashes with my gourmand aftershave and splash, it’s an equally full-bodied scent, and the pungent tobacco note alludes to the subtler one in Smash. The combination worked out surprisingly well.

This post was an absolute pleasure to read. Well written and quite interesting!

• Lather: Declaration Grooming / Chatillon Lux - La Fôret de Liguest
• Brush: Omega - Proraso Professional
• Razor: Gillette - NEW Long Comb
• Blade: Feather (1)
• Osma: Osma - Osma
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Shire 2 Splash
• Post Shave: Thayer’s - Witch Hazel
• Scuttle: Georgetown Pottery - G20

My wife hates this soap, but my wife isn’t working from home today and it’s the only collab I have so here we go. I don’t see why she doesn’t like it, it’s quite pleasant. I always enjoy getting to use it.

The NEW LC is something I dragged out of the back of my shaving drawer, and damn it’s a good razor! I got a rather good shave. No irritation, but I know it would have been closer with an SE. I’m vaguely considering using this for Austere August.

Of course, it being Osma day I had to participate.

Osma is life.

Ranking My Lather Games Shaves

1. 7/4
2. 7/1
3. 7/17
4. 7/7
5. 7/6
6. 7/2

Jul 17, 2023 - Happy Together

• Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
• Brush: Brochas El Druida/House of Mammoth Tobacconist Chisel & Hound v8 Fanchurian
• Razor: CJB GR-100B #KAMISORI
• Blade: Feather Artist Club Professional [1]
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Voices - Soap
• Post Shave: Osma - Alum Block
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Voices - Splash
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II - Eau de Parfum

Voices is a beautiful, slightly gourmand fragrance that is a collaboration between House of Mammoth and the Lather Talk podcast. Voices showcases Ben's ability to capture and distill the essence of mango sticky rice into a wearable fragrance. No small feat to pull off well, but he has the award to back it up. GF2 is a white-label Shawn Maher scent for SW, but it carried the mango note forward from Voices. The brush is also a collaboration between Brochas El Druida, House of Mammoth, and Chisel and Hound for the Tobacconist release.

My technique with this Feather Artist Club knock-off kamasori needs a ton of improvement. I finished the shave with several nicks on my neck (expected) and two weepers on my cheek (unexpected). I can't remember the last time I cut myself on the cheek. Geez!

So of course the challenge for today would be to use Osma. I've not used alum for some time, but it didn't sting like I thought it would. I think it helped that, despite the cuts, I didn't have much irritation from the shave.

#mammothmonday

Rating: 2.5/5

Lather Games Day 17 

• Prep: Splash of warm water
• Brush: West Coast Shaving Silvertip Badger 26mm
• Razor: Van Der Hagen 85MM Safety Razor
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox
• Lather: Master Soap Creation, The Razor Company - Light Blue
• Post Shave: Nivea Men - Sensitive Balm

This soap smells incredible. Bright and citrusy, they knocked this one out of the park.

July 17, 2023 – LG23 Day 17: Happy Together

• Brush: Yaqi Sagrada Familia 24mm AP 2BED (re-knot)
• Razor: Mühle R89 #TWINS
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (3)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Gratiot League Square
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Gratiot League Square
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Rose Santal

Happy together is just the way it turned out. I have a few DG/CL options with an assist from Junior_Donut and he was gracious to lend me one. I really like the historic St. Louis themes in Shawn Maher’s fragrant collaborations with Scott Stewart and I chose my Gratiot League Square set. The leathery warmth is probably better suited to cooler weather, but still nice when it heats up outside. My fragrant finish was courtesy of Junior_D and his bottle of Chatillon Lux Rose Santal; his door prize from the Maggard Meetup. The combination of GLS and RS is truly a happy one. The rose and sandalwood notes in the EdP bring a pleasant sweetness to the leathery spicy notes of the aftershave.

Today’s razor, the Mühle R89 I picked up for a steal at TJ Maxx, is half of twin days and is the first “official” 89-style razor I owned after trying half a dozen Chinese clones. With an Astra Green, I got a no-nonsense shave. I’ll expect another one tomorrow with twin EJ DE89.

Daily Challenge

I used some RazoRock alum today. It helped keep the razor handle from slipping in my fingers. I so wish it was Osma Alum, though. So much so, I wrote a song.

“O Osma Day” (To the tune “O Christmas Tree” or “O Tannenbaum” for my Deutschsprachige)

O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
How lovely are your crystals!
O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
How lovely are your crystals!
Your quality is recognized,
Your purity not compromised.
O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
How lovely are your crystals!

O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
Of all the alum most lovely;
O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
Of all the alum most lovely.
You even come in pencil form,
Your styptic qualities perform.
O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
Of all the alum most lovely.

O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
Rough shave relief is right away;
O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
Rough shave relief is right away.
That skin is smooth and sure refreshed;
Your properties will soothe the flesh.
O Osma Day, O Osma Day,
Rough shave relief is right away.

This may be the luckiest draw of a judge ever. O Osma Day is right up my alley.

This may be the luckiest draw of a judge ever. O Osma Day is right up my alley.

Jul. 17, 2023
Brush: AP Shave Co G5C
Razor: Karve CB
Blade: Astra SP Green
Lather: Stirling - Baker Street - Soap
Post Shave:* Stirling - Baker Street - Aftershave

Baker street. Great scent from strop shoppe that they and Stirling collaborated on. Today I didn’t use alum because I only use it when I draw blood. But that being said I have never used osma. I have a 3yo alum block from maggard that is slowly crumbling away. Maybe I’ll snag an osma bar when that finally crumbles since it is clearly superior according to this sub.

ROTY

July 18, 2023 - Collaboration Day

• Brush: Shave Forge 28mm Boar / AP Shave Co - BMW Blue
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (3)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Unscented - Balm
• Alum: Osma - The only luxury alum, as heard on ShavePod
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Cerberus

Daily Write-Up:
Today’s soap is Cerberus, the Declaration Grooming / House of Mammoth / Noble Otter mashup.

I know that u/Merikus is looking to have Osma sponsor the ShavePod podcast. Given that I am ~~easily swayed~~ a slave to celebrity endorsements, I made sure to have my very own Osma bar for today’s shave.

Unboxing pics: * Luckily, my local shaving store had Osma, the only luxury alum in stock. I picked up a bar, and brought it home.

• I got the box out. It was much smaller than I expected. (That’s what she said.)

• I used the Osma after the shave. I felt no stinging, and it seemed to do absolutely nothing.

• As u/merikus suggests, I then put it back in the box for safe keeping.

Did /u/Merikus and /u/Jeffm54321 lead me astray after all these years? I’m not certain, but signs point to maybe.

Soap Theme Justification
Cerberus is a collaboration between DG, HoM, and NO. All their brand-specific characters can be found on the very cool label.

Post-Shave and Fragrance Relevance Notes
* For the frag, I dickholed the Cerberus EdT. I really like the EdT version of this. I get a lot of vanilla in the EdT that I don’t get in the soap. * For the AS - I have been looking for Cerberus AS to no avail. Since I’ve been unable to find it, I substituted an unscented balm so as not to disrupt the scent profile the artisans were trying to build. I used the Barrister and Mann version instead of the Stirling or Zingari ones because the labeling looked better in my shot.

Bonus Content * /u/airbudruler (meme content here) had asked for equal time since I priusaurus-style interviewed /u/cowzilla3 earlier in the games. However, the noble djudges have made it clear that brevity is important to my score, and since I want to beat /u/priusaurus, I’m not willing to potentially lower my score for airbudruler. * However, in the interest of upholding the spirit of the long-defunct FCC Fairness Doctrine, I’ve agreed to interview him, and have added the content as a comment to this post.

July 17, 2023 – LG Day 17 – Together Again

• Brush: RazoRock 400 Plissoft Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Gold Ball-End Tech
• Blade: Gillette Rubie (1)
• Lather: Zingari – Mousse Illuminée
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Carpathia
• Fragrance: Maya Njie – Nordic Cedar

A delightful collaboration between Zingari Man and Rogue Perfumery today. This is a really wonderful scent that I wish I had grabbed a sample of the actual fragrance for. Today would’ve been a great excuse for it, but I just didn’t plan ahead well enough. I’ll keep it fairly short. The lather was a little bit weak, but I think that was user error on my part as I haven’t used ZM very much, and I probably just needed moar water moar soap. The fragrance was, as mentioned, a delight. Carpathia added some dank, wet stone, which felt appropriate given the significant note of moss in the soap. I struggled a bit to figure out what fragrance to use, but out of my options in my den, Nordic Cedar was the best fit. The perfumer describes it as earthy, due to the patchouly, but the base of cedarwood and musk is what I get most, which certainly fits the mid notes and base notes of Mousse Illuminée. The match works, but just doesn’t emphasize the moss, which I think is so cool about this particular lather scent. #FOF

And now, I present you some properly cringe-worthy jokes about alum:

Where does u/jeffm54321 store his SOTD pics? >!In a photo alum!!<

What’s the difference between a chef and an alum user? >!Where they put the salt.!<

What do you call someone who uses Osma alum to help their skin? >!Delusional. !<

Why did the alum user get a job as a dermatologist? >!Because he wanted to help people with their skin problems, even if he couldn’t help his own.!<

Jokes were kinda putting salt on a burn wound.

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Boti Totem Pineapple Swirls with Green Tuxedo 25mm Synthetic Knot
• Razor: Gillette Executive Fatboy
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: House of Mammoth with Barrister and Mann – Smash Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth with Barrister and Mann – Smash Splash
• Fragrance: Tiffany & Co – Love

Smash came out pretty much when I was getting started wetshaving and I believe was the first full size set I bought after I ran through my first stirling sample. So this one will always be a winner for me. I’ve since learned that the guy behind House of Mammoth is a really stand-up guy. Donating a portion from each sale to charities. On every tub, it says “End Human Trafficking” and I think it’s awesome this guy uses up valuable space on the products he sells to help stand up for people that can’t stand up for themselves. My hat’s off to Mammoth Soaps for seemingly doing the write thing, even when no one is asking you to. It doesn’t hurt that his soaps are absolutely fire! And he worked with Barrister and Mann for this release, who I also really like. Together, they created an absolutely wonderful soap and scent!

I paired this set with Love from Tiffany & Co because I thought the warm woody nature of Love would be good with the bourbon from Smash, because, well, bourbon is made in wood barrels. It’s a good scent and a nice, inviting combination. It’s also fitting because I LOVE Smash! #FOF

CHALLENGE

I’ve never used alum and don’t think I need it. Honestly, if my starter kit came with it, I may have given it a go, but from what I saw what people on the internet were saying, the consensus seemed to be that it was unnecessary and honestly, I think I’m doing just fine without it.

Day 17 - Happy Together

• Brush: Maggard - Black and White Synthetic Knot Homemade handle
• Razor: Baili - BR179
• Blade: Astra - Green
• Lather: Declaration Grooming/Chatillon Lux - Sunrise on Lasalle
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming/Chatillon Lux - Sunrise on Lasalle
• Fragrance: Regime Des Fleurs - Rock River Melody

Osma Day... I... Have never used an alum block. I am not against it, I just never purchased one. Describing it as "salt on your skin after you shave" doesn't sounds appealing to me. I am not sold on alum blocks.

For the fragrance, I wanted to pick something that played nicely with the Sunrise on Lasalle. I picked Rock River Melody from the description. This is the first time I have smelled/used it. They paired nicely. The RRM brought it some more green and amberey notes.

ROTY #FOF

• Prep:
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Hybrid / Maggard Premium Boar 26mm
• Razor: Wolfman WR1 OC SS
• Blade: Personna Med Prep (1)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming / Chatillon Lux - Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli
• Alum: Osma
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming / Chatillon Lux - Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli
• Fragrance:

Challenge: Cmon.

2023-07-17 - Collaboration Day:

• Prep: Hot Shower.
• Brush: Semogue 2020 Best Badger.
• Razor: Parker 96R.
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue.
• Lather: Declaration Grooming x Chatillon Lux - 1904.
• Post Shave: Osma - Alum.

Since I both actually remembered this morning and also had a soap that fit the daily theme I took a break from sampling all the things from my Henri et Victoria sample order (it was hard to do because as most people here can attest, when you get a mail call of all kinds of new things you want to try them all out as soon as you possibly can! And I'm unfortunate/fortunate not to need to shave more than once per day; so that means a whole day before I can try out more stuff from it...and tomorrow's theme too if I don't forget). Tangent aside, 1904 isn't my favourite scent; probably because I was hoping my nose would pick out coffee notes. Instead, all I smell is cardamom and jasmine (thankfully it's not what I initially smelled off the puck before lathering...ask me about it if you wish). Despite being far from my favourite scent, the performance of this soap makes me keep wanting to use it! Nothing I have lathers better!

Daily Challenge: Osma day!

In honour of Osma Day I used Osma alum and only Osma alum for my post shave. Normally I only use it for when I nick myself or irritate my skin from a rough shave, or for gripping my razor handle better; well today my face probably could have gripped the razor handle!

Jul. 17, 2023 - 3 is better than 2!

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Omega 10049 Boar

• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24

• Blade: GEM PTFE (17)

• Lather: House of Mammoth/Declaration Grooming - Cerberus

• Post Shave: Osma - Alum

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sandalorian

Cerberus was one of the biggest hyped collaborations that has happened in the relatively short time that I’ve been wetshaving. Three of the biggest brands coming together each working on a piece of this project. I love how they split up the different parts of the trifecta so everyone had a part to play. Unfortunately I only have the soap but I get to enjoy House of Mammoths incredible scent in the great Milksteak base from Declaration Grooming! I used Sandalorian which was the pre-cursor to Cerberus and a super short run fragrance. This was the last spray in my decant and I just recently missed a whole bottle of it by about 15 minutes. Thankfully I was able to work out another decant of this which I should have soon! Sandalorian is a bit more stone fruit forward and a little “too weird” for a general release and eventually became Cerberus.

It’s an awesome coincidence that today is House of Mammoth’s sponsor spotlight as I had this set out a long time ago for today! House of Mammoth is my overall favorite artesian for a lot of reasons. To begin with, Ben does incredible stuff with scents! The way he captures an idea and puts it into fragrance is amazing! But beyond that, the way he centers his whole brand around supporting causes that he believes in is something that I want to throw my entire support behind! I about cried this week when he announced Everett and that will be pre-ordered the instant he opens that up!

I don’t typically use alum, but I do have a bar of Osma LuXuRy alum that I used today. TBH I’ve never used anything else so I have nothing to compare it to. Very little feedback from it today which was nice! The MM24 is another instance of something “Happy Together” as great papa Eld married two razors together to create the best GEM razor that I own!

Todays #photocontest jumps on board with the “happy together” theme with #pets.

DAY 17 LATHER GAMES! HAPPY TOGETHER WITH MY OSMA

• Prep: Water
• Brush: DS Cosmetics 30mm Tuxedo Knot
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Chinese(6)
• Lather: Zingari Man - Mousse Illuminee
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - Mousse Illuminee
• Fragrance: Pino Silvestre - Pino Silvestre Original

​

PIC OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN

​

Right time to get back to normal Lather Games for a bit!

​

INTRO

Collaboration day! I think that one of the most amazing things in our hobby is how tight the community is, even vendor wise and how people just want more and more collabs!!! Some of the best things produced are the love child of two awesome artisans, OR 3! Three artisans working on one product!?!?! That's amazing!

SOAP

We all know how good Heather's soaps and scents are! Rambler and Navigator, FIREEEEE!!!!

This one is no exception, it even goes beyond that! Rouge Perfumery has created an amazing scent which made my face squint at disgust at first(I think it was too much cypress at once), but when you give it some time to open up, oh boy is it so good! It's mature, like whiskey, fresh like lemons, and deep like Confucius! Soaps like this one really made this hobby even more awesome! Looking forward to many more collabs, especially one between A&E+PAA, that would be the best!

Cerberus Fougere is also another favorite of mine, it's even a TRI-COLLAB! I would have wanted to use it today, but LG Callendar...

I see some people have used the whole Cerberus trifecta and it won't screw up their 30 different things, which is quite ingenious! I hope to try the original Cerberus one day!

​

DAILY CHALLENGE

Well that better challenge than showing how much you love OSMA!! I won't bore you with empty words of my love for OSMA, I did enough odes and poems so far!

Actions are stronger than words(Did I say time to get back to normal)

THIS is how I show my love for OSMA!(kids don't do this)

That's right, I have been an OSMA addict my whole active shave life.... I even tried OA(Osma Anonymous) but that led to nowhere! I can't even imagine having a shave without it, I've never skipped using it ever since I started! It's just how it makes you feel, the smoothness, the lacking of dryness like other crappy alum.... It just gives meaning to my life, I can't stop myself!!!

​

SPITE SHAVE™

u/Priusaurus yo buddy what happened, did I come at you too hard yesterday?!?! No comeback? And if you call your post today a comeback, you clearly haven't seen one!! Silly remarks about points, I GET ALL THE POINTS BROTHER!!!

Awww don't cry, not all of us can be manly and snort alum in their free time! I imagine how your pride and ego crumbled like my OSMA alum when I dropped it(RIP 14.06.2023)... I'll leave you alone though, guess you can't handle it...

#FOF

For today I chose Pino Silvestre cause I wanted to add a bit more forest to the whole experience. Why more forest, well more coniferous forest to be exact cause this one definitely gives me the deciduous vibes, and somehow MI points my nose towards a fawn strolling through a coniferous forest. So while mixing totally opposite type of forests I do feel the combination works great!

• Daily Lather Themes: 17/30
• Daily Challenges: 17/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 14/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 1/2
• Software Vendor Points: 8/13
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 17/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 17/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 17/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 17/30

Holy shit he did a line of Osma.

Holy shit he did a line of Osma.

Monday, July 17, 2023

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts - Bone - 28mm B16
• Razor: Wolfman Razors - WR2 0.75 DC x WRH2
• Blade: Personna Med Prep
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - 88 Chestnut Street - Soap
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - 88 Chestnut Street - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - 88 Chestnut Street - Eau de Cologne

Day 17 of Lather Games: This is from the Icarus days. Such an awesome collab!

I don't use alum, but if I did.... maybe I'd like Osma.

July 17, 2023 - Happy Together

• Brush: Oumo Passion Warhammer
• Razor: Karve CB C Solid Bar
• Blade: Gillette Minora Stainless
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Smash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Smash Splash
• Non Luxury Alum: Green Blok
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Smash
• Cocktail: Bourbon Peach Smash

FOF

Happy Together:

Well, now I’ve got the Turtles song stuck in my brain. Maybe the cocktail will drive it out. Smash is a wonderful collaboration of those geniuses behind House of Mammoth and Barrister and Mann. They were probably having cocktails at a secret meeting of the shaving illuminati, and said “Let’s make this cocktail into a scent!” Some mixing and magic later, we got Smash. I went for the trifecta + cocktail. I made a bunch of these at my sister’s house last year for Thanksgiving. Unfortunately November isn’t a great time for peaches, so frozen had to do. I picked up a box of peaches at Costco after work tonight.

Today’s Challenge:

I don’t know which is more divisive in the community, using Osma or GUTL. I land firmly in the middle on alum use. I tried it when I was newer to wetshaving, but was pretty meh about it. I still keep it since it does a decent job of stopping the weepers. Today’s use of alum wasn’t bad. A bit drying, but no stinging from it or the splash. I might need a bit of lotion later.

Today’s Sponsor Spotlight:

I’ve already read many great praises of House of Mammoth, and I have to echo them. Last year, I used Alive for Austere August: soap, splash, and balm. If you don’t have it, pick it up if you get the chance. I finally killed the tub from last year just before the LG started this month, but I already had a spare. One thing I can’t praise enough is their commitment to charity. I still haven’t won a raffle, but I’ll keep trying. Even if I don’t win, I feel ok since I helped them raise more money. I do regret not jumping to get the Voices soap when I was more financially stable, but hopefully things will turn around soon, and I can get the soap at least. I also foolishly let Jitterbug slip from my grasp. I had it in my cart for about a week, and when I finally decided to go for it, too late. Not like that feeds the FOMO at all. There are a few artisans making shaving software that I will blind buy, and have not regretted or been underwhelmed by what I got. House of Mammoth so far has exceeded my expectations every time I decide to go for it. They also give me something to look forward to on Mondays. (Except when points are involved.)

Fragrance of the day:

Smash is a set that I wanted as soon as the release was announced. Also, decided I had to try the cocktail when u/mammothben included the recipe in the announcement. So a new liquor was added to the cabinet, a small bottle of St. Germain. BTW, the cocktailis awesome, and so is the scent that resulted from the collaboration with u/BostonPhotoTourist. The soap gives me a slightly smoky scent of the bourbon and tobacco with a slight hint of the peach. The splash brings up the peach and sweetness. The EdP brings out even more peach and sugar, but I can still get the bourbon and tobacco. The scent notes include hedione, but not sure what that should smell like. Fragrantica says it is a “fresh floral fragrance reminiscent of jasmine with green nuances.” I think that is representing the St. Germain in the cocktail. It smells floral and herbal. Having read the description, I’m not quite isolating it from the tobacco and bourbon.

I might be a bit off on the recipe but here is a haiku of my cocktail:

Muddle peach, sugar,

Add St. Germain, Bourbon, ice,

soda splash - enjoy!

July 17, 2023 – Admiral is goated

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Declaration Grooming B16
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (0)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Admiral
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux – Admiral
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Admiral

We’re leaving on a 12-13 day trip tomorrow so this post will be brief – still some last minute details to take care of!

There isn’t a better collab out there than Declaration and Chatillon doing Admiral. The only thing that could make this glorious trifecta better is if they would bring it back in Milksteak. It’s just that good.

Osma is luxury and while I’ve moved away from fully slathering it on my face after every shave because the painful feedback is not worth it, when I do get a little bleeding I’m very glad I have the Osma around. To avoid the terrible-ness that is that feedback, tonight I added it after my aftershave and that seemed to tone it down just a bit, which was a nice change.

Went with the Dogwood/Declaration B16 for another collab in this one and, as always, just excellent. I know it’s hotly debated, but, it’s hard to imagine something beating B16.

Anyway – that’s all for now, folks, have a great night!

FOF Haiku of the day

Admiral is best
wife loves that smokey river need that Milksteak tub

July 17, 2023 – Happy Together

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Matterhorn w/ Maggard 28mm SHD #COMPOSITE #SHD
• Razor: RazoRock Lupo SS .72 #CNC
• Blade: Wizamet (12)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus

Challenge: Rub salt on my face? Why stop there? Everyone who knows a bit about cooking knows salt is only half of the basic seasoning regiment.

After only getting a sample size decant of Sandalorian, I was hyped when Cerberus was announced. It might not be exact, but it’s 90-95% there. For this release, House of Mammoth made the fragrance, Noble Otter contributed their aftershave formula, and Declaration Grooming provided the soap, bottled the fragrance, and sold everything through their site. Since this is a three way collaboration, it was given the name Cerberus after the three headed dog from Greek mythology, most famous for portraying Fluffy in Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone.

Cerberus smells so good. The fragrance presents well in all three products. Big juicy fruits mesh perfectly with sandalwood. The fruit smells like bright juicy apricot. The sandalwood note is on the dry side. There’s a note that's warm and sweet that helps blend the two.

After about half an hour, the edt smells less bright, and less fruity. The apricot is mostly gone. The warm sweetness has amped up. It smells like honey. There’s something resinous in there, too.

While I’m glad to have this in my den, I’ve definitely been reluctant to use it. Upon reference my shaving spreadsheet, I’ve only used this soap a couple of times, and the aftershave and fragrance one or two additional times. Having unobtainium is a double edged sword.

#FOF

Guy used a salt mill on his face

Guy used a salt mill on his face

July 17, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 17

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus

I have to say, I’m a little disappointed with this set (I do not have the EdP). It’s not that it is bad in any way, actually it’s very decent. Milksteak is a great base, so the performance is top notch. The scent is just ok to me though. It honestly smells like something I’ve smelled before (Leviathan?), and just doesn’t smack it out of the park for me. Like I said, nothing terrible, just not the best.

As for the challenge, I no longer use alum. I did so when I first started shaving, but found that it irritated my face more than it seemed to help. I found that witch hazel was a much better substitute, and I never looked back.

JULY 17, 2023

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gillette King C. Chrome
• Lather: House of Mammoth - SMASH
• Post Shave: Tayers - Witch Hazel

This is my first experience using House of Mammoth! The soap is a bit hard but boy does it lather well which is all that matters to me. Great scent as well. Wish I had more and now my list of favorites just increased. Wondering if Ben ( u/mammothben ) will work with William ever again? If so then sign me up! Wait have they already?

TODAY’s CHALLENGE: I have never used an Osma or any other alum on my face. From the research I have done from listening to all the wetshaving professors that are part of this group I just have not seen a need. I have a fat face so unless I am shaving with a GEM MMOC ( special thanks to u/ginopono) I don’t usually cut myself. But now I feel like I am missing out! Must get some.

I DON’T PUT SALT ON SKIN AFTER I SHAVE BECAUSE IT WILL DESICCATED MY SKIN. That’s a no-no on my book. I want moisture, more moisture and then some more moisture. Ya’ll have a good one.

ROTY

July 17, 2023 – Month of Lather Day 17

• Brush: DS Cosmetics Jade Green handle w/ DSC 24mm SHD G7 Synthetic knot
• Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador XL Adjustable
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Smash
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• Music: The Traveling Wilburys - Handle With Care

Daily Theme: Smash is collaboration between House of Mammoth and Barrister and Mann, with both artisans' brands are prominently featured on the logo. Thanks goes to u/tsrblke for providing the smoosh of Smash I'm using today.

The Challenge: Over the four plus decades I've been shaving I've purchased three (3) blocks/sticks of alum (none of them Osma). Prior to today challenge, collectively I've used alum only once. Why? For the same reason I have enough soap and blades to last my lifetime, my son's lifetime, and most likely the yet-to-be-conceived grandson's lifetime. Because someday I might need it. Like for Lather Games 2023 Day 17.

The Shave: The HoM Tusk base performed flawlessly and helped deliver a BBS. Shaving complete, I broke out the alum stick and rubbed it all over my face à la u/Impressive_Donut114 on Goop Day, all the while thinking to myself: "Boy I wish I was using Osma." Absolutely pulsating!

Seriously, I was pleasantly surprised by today's alum experience. My previous alum misadventure happened during a bout of severe razor burn (due to pi$$-poor lather and shaving techniques). I left it on my skin WAY TOO LONG, which made the skin irritation worse. This time I did my homework before use, "smartly" applied the alum, and rinsed off the excess salt residue once the alum dried. What a difference! My skin and pores tightened right up. I'm not a convert yet, but I may need to reconsider my view of alum. #ROTY

• Brush: Zenith MOARBoar #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Titanium
• Blade: Kai
• Shave Soap:Declaration Grooming / Chatillion Lux Le Petite Prairie shave soap
• Post Shave: Noble Otter/Declaration Grooming/House of Mammoth - Cerebus aftershave splash
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming / Chatillion Lux ale Petite Prairie EDP

What a miserable shave today accounts for. My family tries for a post reflective of our efforts moving forward towards dual citizenship but meets barriers unnecessarily

shave

Monday, the 17th of July, 2023

• Brush: Yaqi Professional 24mm badger
• Razor: Gillette gold "fat handle" post-war Tech #RAINBOW
• Blade: Gillette Rubie (28)
• Lather: Storybook Soapworks - Carnivale
• Post shave: Highland Springs Soap Company - Eclipse
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus

I'm now in day four without power. They say they're working eastward, and will be back making repairs in this area tomorrow... but at this point I'm no longer optimistic. This is the longest outage I've experienced since 2007, I think. Or maybe that was 2008? I forget now, but it was a many years ago.

Anyway, it's a good thing I'm not relying on an electric shaver! Today's shave is all about software collaborations. Carnivale is a scent produced by Australian Private Reserve (RIP), put into soap by Storybook Soapworks (the company is also gone, but the owner not deceased, at least as far as I know). It's a lovely scent, and I really regret not getting the perfume when it was available. This is a soap which lathers up fast, although I'm not in a hurry today, and the shave was great.

After the shave, I turn to another APR collaboration, this time with Highland Springs Soap Company, Eclipse. It's a much darker scent, befitting the name, and also much more potent. Even the soap is quite a bit more potent than Carnivale. Finally, another dark scent, albeit with a spot of bright fruit, Cerberus. This one didn't involve APR, but was a three-way collaboration between House of Mammoth, Noble Otter, and Declaration Grooming.

As for the challenge, I still have never bought alum. Well, not for myself, anyway: I have sent someone else alum I bought, but not used alum, oh, no. You know that stuff's dangerous. And even though I don't do it often, nicks happen on occasion. I mean, if I wouldn't reuse a bandage, why would I want to reuse alum, when it would get bloodied after a nick? I don't think I need it for feedback: my skin will certainly tell me, even without alum, if I've overshaved. So, what's the point?

July 17, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co. G5C 28mm
• Razor: OneBlade Genesis
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus Fougere
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus Fougere
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus Fougere

I love the smell of Cerberus Fougere. This collaboration (and Cerberus before it) between Declaration Grooming, Noble Otter and House of Mammoth is pretty incredible. What will they come up with next?

I have never used Osma, but I do have a block of Maggard's alum from when I first started. I use it occasionally if I have an 'oopsie' that won't stop bleeding, but mostly forget about it. Maybe one day it'll run out and I'll see what all the fuss is about.

#ROTY

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. / House of Mammoth – Armonía
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. / House of Mammoth – Armonía

Armonía is great. And darkwing is probably the best name for a soap base that there is. After reading /u/RedMosquitoMM write up, I may have to give Shire a try too.

Osma on the other hand – not even worth giving it a try. There are whole stories and curses of why you don’t sow salt after cutting everything down. Just bad juju. I don’t need bad juju. It isn’t needed as an antiseptic either – you are literally washing your face with (shaving) soap. I don’t know how someone got the idea that what you can use to tan animal skins into leather would be a great idea to rub all over open wounds to make leather face, and we all know where that leads.

July 17, 2023 – Happy Together

• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm Satin Juma Smoke
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Astra SP (1)
• Lather: Storybook Soapworks/APR - Carnivale
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth/Barrister and Mann – Smash splash

I was really excited to get a sample of Carnivale to try for the lather games from u/2SaintsDude as I have seen Storybook Soaps go up for sale on bazaar, but they are always instantly sold. Let’s just suffice to say high expectations.

The Soap/Lather: On first smell I really wasn’t too sure about the scent on this one. The woody and fruity notes play fairly well together, but there is something underlying that I cant quite put my finger on. As far as lathering, it is superb. It lathered quickly with little effort and produced a great lather.

The Shave: The lather carried over into a great shave with no nicks or irritation.

Post Shave: Normally I don’t use my alum stick unless I manage to cut myself, but today was different. I went ahead rubbed that bad boy all over me today though. Thank god no one was there to see me though as I probably looked like a blind lady trying to put on lipstick. After that I decided to top off one collaboration with my favorite collaboration splash Smash.

Theme: Collaborations abound, both soap and splash are collaborations.

Challenge: Yep I used my alum and I wish instead of the phallic/lipstick shape it was an Osma block. At least for days like today where I have to run it all over my face.

#ROTY

July 17, 2023 – LG 17: Happy Together

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Coprolite B15
• Razor: Tatara Nodachi Handle/Top Cap Masamune OC, Plated by London Razors
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (11)
• Lather: Zingari – Mousse Illuminée
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Cerberus Fougere
• Fragrance: Rogue Perfumery – Mousse Illuminée

Not only was my soap and AS a collab. But my brush is a Dogwood and DG collab and my razor Tatara and London Razors collab, just saying. The frag, which I actually had before the soap, of course then became a collab between rogue and zingari for the soap.

Per the podcast, I’ll spell out the connection today, since perhaps not as clear: mossy, resinous, green. #FOF. In soap form, mousse illuminee is very stunted compared to the frag. I would say it’s a fairly easy going and a “safe” soap, whereas the fragrance packs a bit too much of a punch on application. Super resinous, mossy, and I’d venture to call it medicinal- but like questionable ancient medieval medicine. It’s sharp and bitter. Dried down not my favorite, but a safer warm woods, like walking into a sun baked forest or meadow. The Cerberus fougere, although dark compared to man fougeres, has a bright apricot note upon application. Then it delves into the mossy undergrowth, spice (I get anise), and the sappy resins. A bit balsamic and herbaceous.

As for the challenge, never used alum, never will. Why rub salt all over your face? In my video I went for an even stupider alternative.

I’ll be honest, I was really struggling for a #PHOTOCONTEST for today. So I revisited the list to see what I had left that I hadn’t already slated for a day. I was at a loss, as I idly waited, hoping a bird would land nearby, or a squirrel for that wild animals shot. After what felt like 30min of no luck despite hearing chirps, my lightbulb went off. I started rewatching Suits as some background noise while the GF was away this weekend, good background noise show as I can’t watch “our” shows while she’s away. In Suits, we have non other than The Duchess of Sussex herself (aka Meghan Markle for you plebs out there). I just clicked on an episode, waited for a scene, and bam, ROYALS.

soap brands 17/30, post shave 17/30, frag 17/30, post/frag linked 17/30, software sponsors 9/13, hardware sponsors 2/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 8/15, photo contest 17/30, daily challenges 15/25, special challenges 2/5

Player rubs race with large styptic pencil in lieu of alum, hates every moment of it

July. 17, 2023 - SOTD 

• Prep: Splash of warm water
• Brush: Oumo O4 Venus SHD Badger Brush 26MM
• Razor: West Coast Shaving Multi Titanium Collection Razor
• Blade: Treet Platinum
• Lather: Barrister and Mann/House of Mammoth - Smash
• Post Shave: Nivea Men - Sensitive Soothing Aftershave Balm

It was a controversial scent when this one came out too many people said it smells of cough syrup. I never got that scent. So if you have some extra go ahead and send it my way lol

ROTY

17 July 2023 Complementary Non Dickkhole Zingariman Bon Monsieur

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Dogwood Cadinsor 28mm Zenith Unbleached
• Razor: Razorock Gamechanger 0.84
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (19)
• Lather: Zingariman - Bon Monsieur (1)
• Post Shave: Zingariman- Bon Monsieur 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: Declaration Grooming - Cerebrus Fougere

Cheers

July 17, 2023 Happy Together

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Paladin 26mm B13
• Razor: Rockwell 6s plate 5
• Blade: Voskhod (10)
• Lather: Talbot Shaving - La Terra Verte (Catie's Bubbles Collab)
• Post Shave: Talbot Shaving - La Terra Verte (Catie's Bubbles Collab)
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus Fougere (Dec/HoM/NO Collab)

I have saved this soap for collab day the past three years. While I prefer the Catie's Bubbles base this scent is too good to complain about anything. I paired it with its matching aftershave and Cerberus Fougere. All the software is on theme as collaborations and also all fougeres.

Challenge - Luckily I still have this alum sitting around from when I first started wetshaving and thought I needed it. I now know that unless its Osma alum I actually don't need it at all.

In fact that reminds me of a story I heard once of Osma saving a marriage. Their names were Tanya and David and they had been married for around 10 years if I remember right. They had two beautiful children together and had always been happy. However, over time, they began to drift apart, and their relationship became strained. They grew apart, and their marriage started to fall apart. They argued over small things, and they no longer felt happy in each other's company.
One day, Tanya came across an article about the benefits of using Osma alum in personal hygiene online. She was intrigued and decided to give it a try. After a while of using it, she noticed some unexpected changes. She noticed her skin was softer, and she felt fresher and more confident. She felt more attractive to her husband and felt that he was more affectionate towards her.
One day, Tanya's husband David asked her what had changed. He wanted to know what was making her so attractive and confident. Tanya told him it was the Osma alum that she had been using. David was surprised but decided to give it a try too.
David began using the Osma alum, and over time he also noticed the changes. He felt that his skin was clearer and smoother, and he felt more confident and happy. The couple began to bond over their newfound love for the Osma alum, sharing tips on how they used it and discussing their internal experiences.
As they continued to use the Osma alum, Tanya and David began to rediscover each other. They started talking more and spending more time together. They found instances of small joys in everyday life, which they hadn't noticed before. They began to understand each other's needs and started to work on their relationship together.

Thanks to the Osma alum, Tanya and David's marriage was saved. It gave them a common interest and helped them reconnect, becoming a team of two and working through any problems together. They fell in love with each other once again and learned to appreciate the little things in life. They taught each other how to be better people and better spouses. They still use the Osma alum and credit it for saving their marriage. Some have even said the Osma alum made them, Happy Together.

Boy, how I wish my alum was Osma alum.

Great ad for Osma

Great ad for Osma

• Brush: Simpson Classic #1 synthetic brush

• Razor: Karve Shaving Christopher Bradley

• Lather: Elysian Soaps - Smilez Elixir M soap

• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Bare splash

• Fragrance: Catie's Bubbles - blugere

ROTY

At work still writing this post on my break. The soap I used earlier this morning was Smilez Elixer M which was a collaboration between the wet shaving store and Elysian Soaps. They are both prominently featured on the label. This soap is power floral and it's sprinkled with gold dust? Fantastic.

I have already been advised to get osma alum on the sub but I havnt bought any yet because my crumbling maggard alum block is still holding on. So I do in fact wish it was osma alum but alas I am cheap and refuse to buy another until this one has disappeared entirely from existence.

Nighty night.

July 17, 2023  

• Brush: Century – Pure Bristle  
• Razor: Gillette Tech  
• Blade: Astra SP (Green)   
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – 88 Chestnut Street  

Theme: D.G + C.L

Fun fact, I mixed up days and did a shave before this. Got as far as going to post it and realized. So I dragged myself back to the bathroom to shave my knee. Just my knee. Just one knee. My legs are a total patchwork thanks to the games. I’ve also been really digging my smoll set with sample sizes.

Challenge: I don’t own alum, I thought it was for if you cut yourself. I can count on one hand the number of times I’ve ever cut myself shaving.

As for why I don’t rub straight salt on my skin? Other than the sheer silly-ness, we simply don’t keep enough of it in the house for such things. My dad’s heart is bad, like transplant list bad. When you have cardiac issues sodium is the enemy. So mom bought a case of salt shakers, filled them up from a Costco container and now controls the shakers. Only one is allowed out into the house at a time. Where the rest are hidden? Only she knows, probably with a collection of t-rex and Godzilla figurines we keep sneaking into her nativities and she keeps disappearing.

July 17, 2023 * Brush: AP Shave Co. 26mm Synbad * Razor: Karve CB OC B * Blade: Gillette Silver Blue * Lather: Storybook Soap Works - West Egg - Soap * Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - West Egg - Aftershave * Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder - EdP

West Egg is an r/Wetshaving exclusive collaboration between Storybook Soap Works and Chatillon Lux. Unfortunately, Storybook is no longer. Their base is still great by today's standards. West Egg and Shaken are two of my favorites in this base. West Egg smells so delicious. It's incredibly creamy while still having a touch of that champagne bite.

I do not have Osma, but I do have a block of Maggard Alum. I've told myself I've got to finish this regular alum block before treating myself to Osma. Alum is definitely something I do not use every day. I mainly use it as a gauge to test irritation or if I know my blade/lather was bad. If the shave was uncomfortable at all, then I'll alum. Today's shave was great, so I got zero feedback with my alum use.