July 23, 2023

• Brush: Grizzly Bay Prince with 26mm V9 Fanchurian
• Razor: Razorock Game Changer .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (14)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Restore
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Rose Santal

Now, Restore doesn't get me a lot of compliments, but then again, what does? (my grandma says I smell nice and I'm a handsome young man, though). It is still my most complimented scent, and for good reason. I think HoM is by far one of the best perfumers in the wetshaving space, and Restore really showcases his talent. The blend of fig, honey, and rose with the vetiver background makes for a sweet (but not cloying), warm aroma. The scent is able to fill a space well without feeling overly present, and is just a very pleasant, nice-to-smell fragrance.

I generally consider myself to be pretty good at lathering. My lather today was, in my opinion, very good. Unfortunately, the picture I got of it does not communicate that well. I face lathered, shaved, and then squeezed whatever was left out of the knot, and got this. Really, this sudsy mess hardly looks like anyone could manage to shave with it, like that weird foaming hand soap that comes out looking like bubble bath.

​

I'm Smelling Good to the tune of I'm Feeling Good by Anthony Newly and Leslie Bricusse

Lyrics:

Soaps in the tub

You know how I shave

Brushes that scrub

You know how I shave

Fragrance that I love

You know how I shave

It's a new soap

It's a new shave

It's a new scent

For me

And I'm smelling good

I'm smelling good

Lathers there for me

You know how I shave

Well shaved ones are we

You know how I shave

Trifecta, set of three

You know how I shave

It's a new soap

It's a new shave

It's a new scent

For me

And I'm smelling good

Really enjoyed parody of "I'm Feeling good"

July 23, 2023

• Brush: Chisel & Hound + Maggard 24mm SHD badger
• Razor: Karve Overlander SS
• Blade: Gillette 7 O’Clock Yellow
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougère Nemeta
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougère Nemeta - Toner

The only time I got a positive feedback from my family was from this setup. My oldest son said it’s smells good. That meant a lot to me, because I see myself in that kid.

For the lather audit I followed the u/CosmoBarber precision loading technique. I know it’s painful because it takes a lot of time. I slowly add more water, just drops at the time and keep working it. In the end the lather is not thick and fluffy - it may not look good - but it works well for me - rather drippy and it feels slick. Pics

Music:
“Gabo’s Last Resort” - The South Hill Experiment Spotify / YouTube

spelling

LGSOTD 23-July

• Brush: Chisel and Hound - Casanova V11 #SHD #COMPOSITE
• Razor: Gillette - ‘New’ LC    
• Blade: Wizamet - Super Iridium   
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth Black Watch  
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth Black Watch AS

Considering the majority of my days are spent working from home, any comments I receive tend to be from the other half and my 4 year old daughter.  One thing’s for sure, neither are shy about letting me know when they don't like something, full on scrunched face, hand over nose type reaction. However, not quite so forthcoming when it is something that they really like.  So to receive any comments on any of the scents is a big thing so it sticks out, so far it’s close between this one, GN Ernest, A&E Vanille de Tabac, B&M Reserve Spice, Eucris, Fougere Nemeta and Shulton Old Spice.  All very different at least to me (barring reserve Spice and Old).  

So rather than going on a guess I popped them all out for them to have a smell off, this was already a risky endeavour as I don't think the Mrs has any real idea of how much gear I have and as mentioned she's commented more times about things she doesn't like but I think I got away with it. It seemed to be a close one but this one won out, though there were discussions and compromises. The wife loves slightly darker leather type scents and the daughter unsurprisingly likes slightly sweeter. So the leather on this appeals to the Mrs and the fruity plum appears to be what my daughter enjoys. As ever I can't go into the notes as I just don't pick them out, but my daughters comment on black watch was "It's delicious, I want to eat it all up.", so I think that's a winner! If the EDT ever makes it this side of the pond I will pick it up, alternatively I'm going to have to go searching for a close match. 

For the challenge I've tried to get pics, but the lighting is terrible. It would have been easier with a bowl but thought I'd stick with my normal effort and see what I could pull off. It's all quite dark, but a pic of the brush after first application, shot building it on and squeezed out after the 3rd pass today. This soap let's you know quickly when you don't have enough water, sticks to the razor like glue, and there was none of that.

Hope everyone has a grand day. 

Cheers

Marc

ROTY

PhotoContest

July 23, 2023 – Spark joy day

• Brush: DG 14/ Dowgood Handcraft – Sonder release
• Razor: Böker – Elite Carbon 2.0
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Fragrance: Yves saint laurent – Y

Lather audit. I put a lot of pressure on myself today. As I recently won the DG brush, I wanted to test it, and today is the first day I was able to do so. No lather challenge, except: “Try to make the best lather you can.” Maybe I am boring, or do not udnerstand this challenge. Is this the r/wetshaving pendant to r/roastme?
More importantly I was afraid of u/Phteven_j. What if he sees my lather and goes full ”Taken” mode?

#FOF
Soap:
The soap choice was pretty easy for me. Whenever I give people a den tour, as we have guests over, at some point I ll pick SSL. It is refreshing, inoffensive, but there is more depth to it than just lime. Spicy pepper, the sea spray taking you to a holiday at the beach. Unfortunately this soap is not yet available in the Highland base, but the 20.1 base does not need to hide.

Shave:
I was curious about the brush, and will focus on it, as it is new to me and DB brushes are always in the top 3 worldwide. Once soaked, I could watch how it swallowed the lather like watching a pipette pulling liquid. In my f2 mug, you can barely see any of the soap thats too dry. After lathering in my f1 mug and put the brush to my face, it was a completely new experience to me. Lots of backbone, but without beeing scratchy, without too much backbone and stiffness that make it difficult to lather my face and force me to “paint” the lather. So good.
Wait? f1, f2? What?
For my lather audit, I used the successor of u/Merikus GUTL method, the fmf method, to get even better lather.
To keep things short, we add a third mug, with to dry soap to the GUTL method and then iterate between the mugs and face as we need it.
result in the mug, result on face
Once the lather was done, the rest of the shave was no effort and fun.

Aftershave:
I did not want to clash scents and went again with SSL for reasons you read above. Lucky for us europeans, there is a toner without alcohol that we can buy from Maggards.

Fragrance:
My GF recommended me that fragrance because of Insta where it was praised at a scent that would make her “eat me up”(?). With bergamot and citrus we have a classic start, which then goes over geranium and woody accords. As I learned a few days ago, a classic fougere.
There is also some ginger and incense in it to make it a bit spicy and… the incense gives it a mysterious vibe. There is a bit to explore in the scent and I should not write down a quick first impression. Minute by minute it pulls me in and gets interessting with its combination of freshness, woody spice and the well placed incense.

Lather Games 2023 Day 23

• Prep: Warm water
• Brush: Mühle - Rytmo
• Razor: Mühle - Rytmo R41
• Blade: Gillette - Minora
• Lather: Gentleman's Nod - Zaharoff Signature
• Post Shave: Gentleman's Nod - Zaharoff Signature
• Post Shave: Mühle - alum block

OMG!!! I feel like virgin seconds before my first kiss! All wet and smelling great perfume of the Gentleman I'm in love!!! If you fallow my posts you already know my number 1 brand is "Gentleman's Nod"!!! Even make a few memes about it!! I love their base! Cardinal v4. Or C4! Like the plastic explosive! I love their strong scent and adore that this scent keeps that way in Lather and and all bathroom smell hours after that!!! Super slick, very dense foam and my skin feels great after shave! What other to say?! I am in love!!! Not only in this soap! In all of them!!!! I already wrote about "Johnny" in day 6 and I regret that I didn't included "Ernest" this month. If you never used something from this brand you have to! You must to!!! This is collaboration with George Zaharoff And his fragrance "Zaharoff Signature". Now writing this I enjoy the smell of aftershave! For the rest of you is this video.

P.S. everything was accompanied with my favorite rum " Plantation " and maybe explained the idea of video. A little bit.

ROTY

July 23, 2023 – LG2023 Day Twenty Three

• Brush: El Druida – 28mm SHD
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM (5)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Black Watch
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Black Watch

Sunday morning shaves are probably my top shaves of the week, no work, no rush to be anywhere, coffee and tunes to accompany my shave it’s just beautiful and Black Watch is a great addition this morning.

Black Watch gets a good few compliments in my house, a good reason is probably because my wife thinks most of my scents smell like dirt (Author’s Ridge & Fougère Gothique she detests) so when I where a nice fragrance like Black Watch she is always happy enough.

The Plum and Incense are what draw the most comments from this set, I get the Bergamot when I first lather and hopefully soon enough I cab get the matching frag in the den.

I paired the software with some of my more complimented Hardware.

The Brush was a custom handle from El Druida in Spain, it was designed around my family with a heartwood insert for each of my children, his logo insert represents my wife, and a two shillings coin from my later father’s birth year.

The Razor is my Gem MMOC, I had someone force a patina on this one and it’s come out beautiful, each time I post this in my SOTD people ask about it.

Daily Challenge

Prepare to be djudgey and turn your nose up at my poor lather

Sun Jul 23 2023

• Prep: Soap and warm water
• Razor: Merkur - 34C HD
• Blade: BiC Platinum
• Brush: Semogue 620
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Co. - Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead - Sea Ice Lime AS

I live alone, so I have no one to comment on my shaving scents. Ollie, my big ol Lab seems to like this well enough though. But than again he does seem to lick his neither regions a lot. So maybe he's not the best judge.

ROTY

Jul. 23, 2023
Brush: Wilkinson Sword OUMO Synthetic Tuxedo Smoky Gray
Razor: Green Cult GC 2.0 II
Blade: Rapira Platinum Lux
Lather: D.R.Harris - Windsor - Soap
Post Shave:* Stirling Soap co. - British Leather - Aftershave

Windsor is just such a clean classy scent, combined with british leather it feels sophisticated. Both the soap and AS last forever and project quite far. And Lo and behold I got a compliment from my SO.

As for my lather review, Do your worst I lather and add water until the brush glides effortlessly, for me that’s the best indicator of a good lather.

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

July 23, 2023 – Smelling good

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Maggard Razors MR7/V3
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Cool
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face – Ghost Town Barber

Reserve Cool is the one product that consistently gets compliments. I think i used the reverse of this (Ghost town soap and Cool aftershave) earlier this month and it is a good pair, so GTB aftershave.

And of course on a day when we take pics of lather I get the foamiest, drippiest lather. Not enough soap and too much water. At least it reminds me i need to order more of this soap. I’m still nursing an old square bottle of the Cool aftershave and this is my last little bit of the Reserve base soap. It has served me well

Today I shaved with Stirling Baker Street, everyone around here seems to like it. I used my Proraso boar brush and Merkur 45 Bakelite with a Polsilver blade. I followed up with Baker Street aftershave and Baker Street edt. Stop trying to peek at my lather, creeps.

July 23, 2023 – Month of Lather Day 23

• Brush: DS Cosmetics Jade Green handle w/ DSC 24mm SHD G7 Synthetic knot
• Razor: Rex Supply Co. Ambassador XL Adjustable
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (1)
• Preshave: Proraso – Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol
• Lather: Proraso - Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol
• Post Shave: Nivea – Sensitive Post Shave Balm
• Music: Lynyrd Skynyrd - That Smell

Daily Theme: Proraso Green and Nivea Balm is my cheat code. Prior to becoming aware of "the good stuff" last year, it was what I wore at every life event involving my wife and/or daughter. Even now with a medicine cabinet full of better scents/frags I still get the best compliments from the two women in my life when I wear the cheat code.

The Challenge: Lather Audit. Public Ridicule. Ok, I'll play.

The Shave: Today's lather is a good example of focusing too much on checking boxes and not enough on doing the job right. I precision loaded/bowl-built the lather in order to capture a representative picture, yet two decades of experience tells me that tub loading/face-building Proraso gives me the best results. While the lather looked wet in the bowl, but on the face the slickness just wasn't there. Recognizing this, I kept buffing/cleanup to a minimum and finished with a CCS. #RO

July 23, 2023 – LG Day 23 – Compliments and Audits

• Brush: Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Razorock Mamba 70
• Blade: Lord Classic
• Lather: Wickham Soap Co. – Club Cola
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Monoi de Tahiti
• Fragrance: Kerosene – Unknown Pleasures

Ah, hello there! Sorry, I thought the IRS was coming tomorrow…did I miss a call saying you were coming today instead? What? You’re not the IRS? The Internal LATHERING Service? Oh, okay…well, welcome to my bathroom, I guess. Pardon the mess, I really wasn’t expecting you. I guess that’s the point of an audit, right? If I was expecting you then I would have time to hide things…not that I have anything to hide!!! No, nothing to hide here! Sorry, let me show you around.

Well, over here is my Razorock Mamba 70 razor, loaded with a Lord Classic. I know, it’s not the most popular blade, but it works just fine. It’s a pretty good shaver, mild, but it does the trick. It’s nice to be able to turn off my brain once in a while…no! I didn’t meant that, I promise — I’m always paying attention! Not falling asleep on the job, no siree, not me!

How’s my lather? Well, I used Wickham Club Cola today. 1912 vintage, vegetal…nice and cruelty free! Although tallow might make it a little softer and easier to load…but you can’t beat that smell! I mean, do you get that enchanting aroma? I get compliments on this all the time. My partner loves it. No! I mean my domestic partner. No, she’s not an employee…oh, well, I guess you wouldn’t care about that. Sorry, I really wasn’t prepared for you, I’ve been preparing for the IRS, getting files in order, all that. Anyway, this gives a slick shave, and a rewarding lather if you put in the effort.

You want to see my lather? That’s a bit personal, don’t you think? Maybe you want to hear about my splash and fragrance first. Check out this Monoi de Tahiti. Floral, sweet vanilla, some tropical coconut, ginger, lime…you’ve gotta love it. Everyone does. It just makes you imagine you’re at the beach, drinking a tropical beverage, and not in your bathroom with strangers…oh, did I say that out load? I’m so, so sorry. I don’t mind that you’re here at all! Wait, what are you writing down? I didn’t mean it, sir, I promise! Don’t you want to hear about Unknown Pleasures? Tea, honey, lemon, vanilla…it’s like being at one of those coffee shops that makes affogatos, you know? And the sweetness here really just doubles…no, triples down on my fragrances today. What a beautiful, sweet, vanilla shave. Don’t you wanna tell me I smell nice? Everybody does. That’s not professional, you say? I’m so sorry, sir. Just trying to make sure you understand where I’m coming from…but I guess you’re not here to audit my #FOF, are you…

Okay, okay, I know. You wanna see my lather. Let me just whip that up real quick…no, no, I’m gonna head lather as usual. No precision lathering, no GUTL, I don’t want you to think I’m cheating. If you see the real thing, you promise you’ll leave? You’ll close my case? I really don’t have time for another audit from you guys. Okay, okay. Here you go. Be kind, please. You want to see the back, too?! That’s not exactly what most people would call safe for work, you know…okay, okay, fine. Here’s the back. That’s all there is to see!

Now you’ve seen my lather, front and back. Are you done? I have an actual audit to prepare for. Wait a second, you never showed me any identification! Who are you really? How did you get in my house?! Why are you locking the door?!?

July 23, 2023

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps w/Maggard 28mm Silvertip Badger
• Razor: Blackland Era - Level 3 SB
• Blade: Personna P74 (2)
• Lather: Barrister & Mann - Petrichor - Soap
• Post Shave: Barrister & Mann - Petrichor - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Stirling - Varen - Balm

Dropped the ball and didn't take a pic of my sweet sweet lather. Soft heart doesn't disappoint.

First shave with my new Summer Break handle. It's gorgeous and very comfy. Also first go with a Maggard Silvertip knot. I might prefer it over the SHDs that I have. Nice knot!

Now, why would I get any compliments on Petrichor? Well, nobody, ever, ever, has complimented me on soap. Frag, maybe, but never soap. Lather games is about soap, so I picked one that gets the most compliments here on the sub. Usually if /u/onionmiasma or u/frankieIVfingers sees that I used Petrichor they'll throw me a "Petrichor++" or something similar. Proof.

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

• Razor: Blackland Blackbird

• Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum

• Lather: Noble Otter - Northern Elixir

• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Co. - Seaforth Black Watch

• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral

Today's Theme: What is that enchanting aroma? - The specific combination of Northern Elixir and Black Watch is what my fiancee calls "the sexy soap." She doesn't pay particularly close attention to the specifics of this wild and wacky hobby of mine, but if I use one without the other she's totally unimpressed, whereas the combination of the two is her absolute favorite on me.

Today's Challenge: Lather Audit - So I'm a strong believer that the zero-bubble greek yogurt crowd is severely under-hydrating their lather. But if you must, you're welcome to poke fun at my lather.

My theme for today's shave: Small Coastal Towns

So with Northern Elixir and Black Watch already set up for today, the question was how would I tie it all together in a final fragrance? Well, despite Northern Elixir and Black Watch sharing pretty much zero scent notes, one of the things they do share is a sort of coastal vibe. Both remind me of cold mornings on the Pacific coast down in San Luis Obispo where the sea spray and rocky terrain mingle in heavy fog every morning. So I picked Admiral, which is more of a riverboat scent than a coastal scent, but kind of calls to mind the smell of a coffee shop's exterior. Yes, I know that sentence sounds like a ChatGPT response, but bear with me. Admiral kind of smells like the kind of small town coffee shop's exterior where you just know all they serve is lavender lattes and old books.

OK maybe I am just a confused robot, but today's fragrance progression really does take me back to getting coffee in a small town just off the Pacific Coast Highway somewhere between Monterey and SLO where the weather is rarely hot and the mornings are always foggy.

For music, I picked Sonata Arctica's Silence. My personal favorite of theirs, although Winterhearts Guild probably gets more play from their fanbase. Great power metal album that is all about pushing through hard times, heartbreak, and the inner machinations of a stalker. If that doesn't interest you then I don't want to be your friend. #photocontest #FOF #ROTY

July 23, 2023 – You Smell Good Day

• Brush: Declaration Grooming Fae B8
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Ti
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (17)
• Lather: Chatillon Lux/Declaration Grooming– Admiral
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux – Admiral
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Admiral

I had to go with Admiral today. I absolutely get the most compliments from this scent. Primarily, Admiral smells absolutely incredible. It’s also super long lasting and carries very well. I can always still smell the splash chilling in my beard when I wash my face the next day and one spray of the fragrance under the shirt is plenty to make you smell awesome all day.

July 23, 2023 - Smelling good

• Brush: Chisel & Hound "Eosophobia" / 26mm Boti Silk High Mountain White badger
• Razor: Merkur Progress (set on 3)
• Blade: Wizamet (21)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Reserve Cool
• Alum: Osma
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Reserve Cool
• Fragrance: None

My wife and daughter (or anyone else in my life for that matter) never comment on any of my many scents, but I seem to remember getting a "You smell nice" out of this set once so that's what I'm going with. I like this scent enough, but the main reason I picked this up from the Inna sale on M&M was for the OG Reserve software formulas. They are both such great stuff it's a shame they were discontinued.

Challenge: Remember kids, if it ain't drippin' you must be trippin'.

• Prep:
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Hybrid / Maggard 26mm Premium Boar
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite SS
• Blade: Personna Comfort Coated (2)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co - Bay Rum
• O: sma
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - Vide Poche
• Fragrance:

Bay Rum is an enchanting scent due to its captivating blend of aromatic notes. The warm spices, citrus, and bay leaves combine to create a fragrance that is both alluring and intriguing. Its intoxicating aroma has a magnetic quality that draws people in, evoking a sense of fascination and allure. Bay Rum's enchanting scent has the power to transport you to another time and place, making it a truly mesmerizing fragrance experience.

Also: probably Stockholm Syndrome.

The splash I used a few weeks ago and my wife said "whatever you used smells good". I'm just gonna assume it was the splash and not the shampoo, toothpaste or jelly in my oatmeal.

July 23, 2023 – My Children are my only complimenters.

• Brush: Zenith r/wetshaving Exclusive Moar Boar 31mm
• Razor: Gillette Superspeed
• Blade: 7 O’Clock – Sharpedge (Yellow) (1)
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Banana
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Traditionalist
• Fragrance: Creed – Aventus Cologne

Ok. Before any not u/j33pguy13 judge reaches for the DQ button, allow me to explain. This is not a wild gambit to get u/j33pguy13 to give me a legendary point. I had thought this out before I knew he was gonna be a judge. Today’s theme is “product that gets you the most compliments.” Now a Creed dupe or something classy from HoM would be an easy play. But also not me. I work from home 3 days a week, and my wife doesn’t care much for my fragrance choices. But if yesterday’s SOTD video showed anything it’s that my kids get a kick out of this whole thing and are always telling me what’s good, what’s bad and what they want to lather and pretend with. So I let them choose and this is the result. They love the banana. It beats out other fruit scents (Runaway) and flower scents (Rose of Phyrgria) which are distant second and 3rd accordingly. But wait there’s more! My #fof today is my craziest. Now u/pridetwo beat me to banana split yesterday, but, with due respect, it was sorta Meh (banana and an ice cream cone who serves a split in a cone?) So let me walk you through this: banana, obvious here. Traditionalist: the vanilla and musk here smell EXACTLY like the mix you put in a frozen custard machine. (The cream and eggs give an oddly musky tone to the vanilla.) Now Shawn Maher perfumed this, and he pulls from his STL experience, maybe this was intentional, maybe it’s my sus nose. But that’s what I get. Finally the Aventus Cologne. It’s not as pineapple forward as Aventus regular, but it’s citrus fruity, and it works to complete the stack. That’s right, this is my kids’ favorite set: the banana split. Complete with ice cream smells. (My wife likes the adventus too so 1 for 3).

Challenge: CF is the only soap I exclusively face lather and exclusively with a boar brush. So here’s some pics of my face and my brush. Go ahead sub, roast me, give me 1s!

For #photocontest. On the surface this looks llke a horrible SOTD post. And as a display of gear it is. The creed is basically hidden. But it was challenging to get. Since today is about my kids I bent the no kids rule to be no kids’ faces. This is my entry for “society” and can be seen 2 ways. The background is my son pretending to shave his face with my empty 96R. So it’s either shaving (something many people do every day) or parenting (also something many people do every day.) After leg day he wanted to get a picture and video shaving too. He also asked if he was gonna “win the games. ” And he’s using banana soap of course. I will refrain from the argument he’s an honorary sub member and that this should count for 30 points.)

OK #ROTY folks, home stretch, last week coming up. Let’s finish strong. No more dropouts.

Edit: many embarrassing typos.

July 23, 2023 – What IS that enchanting aroma?

• Brush: TurnNShave Tuxedo Fan
• Razor: Timeless .95 SS
• Blade: Astra SP (Green)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Valedictorian
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Valedictorian

My gf likes the tobacco scents. She says they are manly. Here’s my runny and airy bowl lather. Probably could have loaded more but it was fine.

https://imgur.com/ZcvsMhz

https://imgur.com/7mxAqn9

https://imgur.com/43VvJrj

• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Rebelle Soap
• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Gold Ball-End Tech
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge Yellow
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - AS Balm (Unscented)

So my wife, who doesn't like scents, likes the smell of Rebelle. That's really saying something. Rebelle is a combination of a bunch of stuff, but to me it smells musky (but in a clean way) and manly. I dig it. She digs it. I'll take it. Once I get past this stage of "I've gotta have a little bit of everything" I can see having a vegan tub of this with the accompanying AS in the den...even better because my better half likes it.

Lather is the second shot. I'm not the biggest fan of lathering off a sample, but this did fine for me.

Third shot is my campsite for tonight. If I don't get rained out tomorrow, you can expect my next shave to be from this adventure.

2023-07-23 What's that smell?

• Brush: Yaqi Metal Timberwolf
• Razor: Gillette Travel Tech (J3: 1964) #JETSETTER
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Oro Valley
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Oro Valley
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. - Oro Valley

Relevant Post-Shave and Fragrance: Trickhole.

What is that enchanting aroma?:
Wait, you guys are getting compliments?
I'm just going to make the excuse that I don't generally have a habit of getting close enough to people—wait, uh, close enough in physical proximity for them to get a whiff. Yeah, that's it. Not the other thing.
That said, I have presented my ridiculous soap-filled cabinet to a small few people who, after smelling a number of scents therein, request a re-sniff of Oro Valley, agreeing that it is indeed phenomenal.

#FOF
Oro Valley is a dupe of Tom Ford's Ombre Leather. Honestly, the main reason I bought this is because of the name (it's not the first time I bought a soap for this reason, and it was far from the last), plus the promise of jasmine seemed, well, promising. I assume that u/stirlingsoap chose the name because they wanted something to evoke the US southwest and isn't so close to Tuscan to cause confusion, plus Valley has an idyllic connotation to it. I couldn't help but want to find out what kind of scent Stirling would name after such a place. Once it hit my nostrils, I immediately got the whole set.
That was the direction of causality: I was curious because of the name, and after that I fell in love with the scent. Don't want anyone thinking I chose this for today just because of the place for which it's named (that part's just convenient).

I assume that the noses under which I've shoved this scent appreciate it for the same reasons that I do. My overall impression is that the leather is masculine and earthy without being too dark or rugged. Cardamom is quite prominent; it is close to being too much, but it mellows out after not too long. It seems to fill a transitional space between the leather and jasmine—so much so that I hesitate to say I can pick the jasmine out, but I believe it's there.

Side note: if you're following along (why would you?), you may recall that I had a couple other run-ins with cardamom earlier this month, at which point I was like, "I don't even know what this is!" I since just went and grabbed a jar of the cardamom spice and bam I know what it smells like. It seems obvious, but if you—like me—feel uncertain with a lot of scents, just find the thing in isolation and (if you can) compare it to scents that purport to contain that scent note. It came in super handy yesterday, when I was hesitant about the berry-ness of Spitfire, and then it was super-obvious that that scent is packed with juniper after I stuck a bunch of juniper berries up my nostrils.

Challenge Accepted

#photocontest
Photo: Scenery

I took a little trip to the soap's namesake.

There's still going to be an "outside" challenge eventually, isn't there? I was really hoping it was going to be today. We've finally started getting some rain, lowering our high to 107/42 today (during the past week, we hit 113/45 for a couple days). Obviously, I brought some drinking water—ahem, some drinking water. It turned out not being too bad, though; I left before the sun, and there was also generous cloud-cover.
(Edit: As I update this in the afternoon, now back at home, it's 110 with a "feels like" of 111 (like that matters). It's fucking death out there. Technically cooler than last week, though.)

I had no idea where I was going to go, but I noticed a sign for a state park. I thought that sounded promising, but I noped out of there after seeing signs about park fees and then a scary-looking ranger began to emerge from the ranger station. Nah, I'm sure he was a friendly chap, but I still left. I decided instead to go to the empty parking lot of a government subcontractor I briefly worked for a few years ago. I'm totally revealing too much information about myself now, but oh well.

It's too bad the depth of field in my phone's camera is limited, but watcha gonna do? I shaved there in the parking lot, eyeing a lone white van that also happened to be there for some reason, and that big bag of water came in quite handy.

July 23th 2023 - Lather Games Day 23

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: Gillette NEW Long Comb
• Blade: Derby Premium (2)
• Lather: Australian Private Reserve - Fenchurch
• Post Shave: Australian Private Reserve - Fenchurch
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder

I know that I’m a shoo in to win the Lather Games because clearly the djudges love me. Why else would they line up the calendar so that Enchanting Aroma day falls on my birthday? An excuse to use two Wetshaving Hall of Fame scents on my special day is very welcome (seriously though thanks for not making today Canned Goop day). The shave was glorious, I truly love the whiskey/leather/plum/a million other notes of Fenchurch, and it is one of the few aftershaves that sticks around long enough for my wife to notice, and smells good enough for her to remark on. One of the few others that she has complimented is Sonder, which she claimed smelled like somewhere specific at Disney. Which for her is as high of praise as it gets.

And for the daily challenge, a pair of lather audit pictures. Lather picture and one more.

Lather Games Day 23- Smelling Our Best Today!

• Brush: Shore Shave 26mm Motherlode
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
• Blade: Gem PTFE (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

When looking at how the LG calendar fell this year, I had zero issues figuring out what I was going to use for this day. Of course, it caused me to do some rearranging on some other days. But hey, I'm 23/23 for different soaps this year thus far.

And if this day requires a theme song, well, that's pretty friggin' easy

But back to Sonder. Seriously, in the summer, this scent just rocks. And my wife, who doesn't like a hell of a lot of what I shave with, definitely likes to get a little closer to her Sonder Man. As far as I'm concerned, my wife is the only opinion that matters regarding my scents. It's not like it has stopped me from using plenty of things she doesn't like. Except for Tabac splash. That is 100% verboten in this house when she is around. Those of you who walk up to strangers and ask them, "Hey, can you sniff me and tell me how I smell?" are friggin' weird. But why do I think that u/mrtangerinesky is going to drop a video of him doing this to multiple random strangers? I mean this Lather Games has already taken some weird fucking turns so why the hell not.

Shaving with Sonder, or any Tusk base soap, is so easy. It lathers like a dream. That's what my dreamy lather looks like. I'll let the djudges and the other snarky souls/Lather Games competitors mock my skills but whatever. I'm not sensitive, you're sensitive. I mean this month has been one increasing test of pushing our self-esteem lower and lower so why not just continue to head to the bottom by enduring mockery from our peers.

Time to take my Sonder-smelling self over to the wife for some self-esteem rebuilding.

July 23, 2023 – LG23 Day 23: What IS that enchanting aroma?

• Brush: r/wetshaving Zentih MOAR BOAR 31mm #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Gillette Bakelite Handle Tech X-2
• Blade: Gillette Winner (7)
• Lather: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac
• Post Shave: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac
• Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac – EdC

“Violinists can’t help but snap up the limelight in a symphony orchestra: they’re sat right at the front, and there are a heck of a lot of them.“ — Maddy Shaw Roberts

So writes the author in Classic fm. She even (correctly) references the volume of sound produced by the trumpet players, of which I am one. Sit in front of a violin player and a trumpet player and one of them wishes they had the fortitude to damage your hearing. Yes we’re loud when called to be. And speaking of called, it wasn’t seven violinists that announced the Apocalypse envisioned by John of Patmos, it was trumpeters, by God.

The God-given ego of the trumpet player is no match for any other, tête-à-tête. Ergo all those violinists. By orchestral numbers, it takes 5 violinist egos to match the ego of a single trumpet player. We know we are enchanted. And that is why Tabac IS that enchanting aroma.

Dazzling, rejuvenating, scintillating. Words that describe the music of the trumpet are, not coincidentally I’m sure, the same that the geniuses at Mäurer & Wirtz chose to ascribe to the Great Tabac. Trumpet players know what they want and they give it to their audiences in free abound. And those audiences should want Tabac. It’s top notes of Aldehydes, Lavender, Neroli, Lemon and Bergamot dazzle with energy. The middle notes of Carnation, Sandalwood, Pine Tree Needles, Rose, Jasmine and Orris Root rejuvenate the soul. The base notes of Tobacco, Musk, Oakmoss, Amber, Tonka Bean and Vanilla scintillate for the long nights of music. Together, like the seven trumpets of the apocalypse, they shake you into awareness and rock you to the core as you await your olfactory judgement.

In homage to one of the great trumpet players and his band, and in paying tribute to one of the greatest album covers, I submit to you my Lather Audit.

Amazing Tabac tribute and album cover

Amazing Tabac tribute and album cover

July 23, 2023

• Brush: Thäter Faux Ivory 29mm 2-band Silvertip
• Razor: C.V. Heljestrand MK 31 11/16 Söderfors Extra Specialstål Full Hollow (Straight Shave 276)
• Lather: Shulton - Old Spice - Soap
• Post Shave: Shulton - Old Spice - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

---

Today's shave was immersive. I was just carried away with the process and the experience of shaving with this setup. I just cannot believe how good this Söderfors MK 31 is. It is levels above my normal MK 31 which, in itself, is a great razor. This one is a grail razor. [ I say this every time I use this razor. It is that astonishing. ]

Then there is a soap that is probably more than 40 years old. I have the box it came in and there's no date code. I believe date codes were mandated in the late '70s. Yes, this soap is not on par with the Wholly Kaws and the Zingaris in terms of skin nutrients, but when lathered heavily and pushed with hydration it performs extraordinarily well. More than slick enough for straight razor shaving.

The aftershave is 40 years old. The box has a date code of 1983. Still kicking. I was a regular Old Spice user in those days. Smells right to me now.

Then there's today's theme. I am spoiled for choice for scents that get very positive reactions. I could have gone with Black Watch, or Signature Rosé, or any of the Saponificio Varesino products I have. Then there's all of the Stirling dupes. I get great response from Bleu Man (aka Deep Blue Sea). But really (and I think u/Cowzilla3 would agree), there's only one correct selection to meet today's theme. Old Spice.

What do people like about it? I honestly think that a part of it was marketing from the old days. It is distinctive, though. Today, whenever I use it. I get comments (admittedly from those challenged for youth) about how nice and nostalgic the scent is. [ Real Old Spice has a strong scent. It's hard to miss even for those whose senses might be on the wain. ]

Photo contest theme: History. Look at this setup! I truly hope I don't have to justify the association with vintage Old Spice and shaving history (in the US).

#photocontest

Jul 23, 2023 - "What IS that enchanting aroma?"

• Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
• Brush: Trotter Handcrafts Space Portal 25mm Mühle STF
• Razor: Wolfman Razors WR4 (Aluminum)
• Blade: Feather Artist Club Professional [2]
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Boonana - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Boonana - Aftershave (Alcohol Free)
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Boonana - Eau de Parfum

Banana two days in a row. Nice! Southern Witchcrafts' Boonana is the scent that has been the most complimented this year. It's always interesting the reactions I get when I answer their question about the name of the scent. They don't quite understand the spooky connection, and sometimes don't really notice the banana note until it's pointed out. Either way, this scent is amazing, and plenty of other people agree.

I decided today would be a good day to try out this new aluminum WR4 head that I used on the Razorock SS handle. I'm not sure if the balance was exactly right, but it's a remarkable shaver. I took it slow and used short strokes.

Lather Audit Challenge

Rating: 4.5/5

Edit: #photocontest banana

July 23, 2023

• Brush: TerraFirma Soapery Deep Blue - Oumo Best 3 Color Synthetic 28mm
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Feather
• Lather: Hoffman’s Shaving Company – Cooookie Monster Soap
• Post Shave: Elysian – Maple Coffee Splash
• Fragrance: Hoffman’s Shaving Company – Affogato EdP
• Music: Sesame Street – C is for Cookie

First things first. I want to address the figurative mammoth in the room and call for a truce with u/MrTangerinesky. Wacky shaving hijinks are funny, but our Spite Shave feud clearly went too far yesterday and shaving while driving is not a good idea. So, I wave the white flag of surrender and hereby withdraw from this feud. I don’t want to be the reason anyone does anything potentially dangerous. From here on out, I’m gonna stay in my lane - and be thankful that you stayed in your lane yesterday.

Now, onto the regular post:

What is this enchanting aroma? It’s chocolate chip cookies! As the self-proclaimed Gourmand King, this shouldn’t surprise anyone following my posts. I love products that smell like delicious food *Cough, cough*. I fully recognize that a chocolate chip cookie soap isn’t for everyone, but it’s probably my favorite. Smells just like chocolate chip cookies and reminds me of my childhood, just crushing Chips-Ahoy and drowning each one in a glass of milk. As soon as I open the tub, I’m hit with a sensory blast of nostalgia. This is such a fun soap to shave with. And my wife and kids love it too. Some time ago, my wife asked how our favorite artisans can make soaps that smell like cookies or coffee or rocket pops, and I honestly don’t have a good answer. Science, I guess. But everyone in my household loves when I shave with fun, delicious scents like Coookie Monster.

I decided to stick to gourmand and use Elysian’s Maple Coffee Splash for the common theme of delicious things I want to put in my mouth today. This splash is way sweeter than I usually drink my coffee, but it smells wonderful and is a great addition to a chocolate chip cookie soap. And finally, for today’s fragrance I’m riding with Hoffman’s again, and matching the coffee splash with a different coffee frag and using Affogato EdP. It smells AWESOME! Coffee, cream and sugar – yum, yum, yum. None of these scents are the most sophisticated or most complicated in my den, but I love all three them and I get complements when I wear them. If you walked by me today, I’d smell like an upscale bakery or fancy coffee shop. #FOF win for The Gourmand King!

Quick sidenote: Did you guys know that cookies are a “sometimes food” for the Cookie Monster now?? And he only eats ONE AT A TIME??? I was reading a Sesame Street book to my toddlers and was flabbergasted when Cookie Monster started talking about eating apples, bananas, peas, corn, and healthy food! It’s not right. He’s not the “Well-Balanced-Diet Monster”. He’s the COOKIE MONSTER. He has one job and it’s to eat cookies nonstop! Ughhhh… Poor Cookie Monster…

For the challenge, audit this lather!

My #photocontest is dedicated to r/wicked_edge. Blurry Photo: Check. Feather Blades: Check. Picture of my neck: Check. Razor baseplate installed upside down: Check (but hard to see because it’s blurry because it’s wickededge).

P.S. – The fact I had to actually type out that first paragraph seems like fake life to me.

I was fortunate enough to talk to Robert Cipolla, who started Hoffman’s Shaving Company a year ago this month. The fun scents drew me into his offering and I’ve been hooked since I first tried his stuff last November. His soap base is really good and he is pumping out a ton of unique scent options. When I reached out to Robert, he asked for a phone call, instead of doing this over email because it’s more personal. That’s the type of guy he is. He and I spent like 30 minutes on the phone shooting the shit about shaving, our shared traits, and his company. It was honestly an absolute delight and I really appreciate the time he gave me for this silly series. Super nice dude who is doing his best to make his mark in a crowded space. He’s not on reddit, so I can’t tag him, but he reminded me a lot of the guys I know in real life. Really down to earth and appreciative for the people that support him.

10 Questions with… Hoffman’s Shaving Company

1) The artwork on your labels is very cool. Do you design the labels yourself, or does someone else do that for you?

I design them all. Sometimes I have an illustrator do the color work because there’s not enough hours in the day. But 90% of it is all in house. I’m a graphic designer by trade, and web designer and marketer, so it kinda makes sense to me. I like scents. I like artwork. That’s kinda how I built it. We try to make it fun and tell a story.

2) Your scents are fun. My favorite one, Coooki Monster, smells like chocolate chip cookies. You also have one that smells like Red Candy Fish and another scented like a Root Beer Float. Which is your favorite scent?

Ooof… I have my heart in all of them. Gourmand would have to be Red Hallow. It’s a red maple and French vanilla – it’s a phenomenal, phenomenal scent. Regular scentwise… I gotta go with Burn the Ships. Or The Great Reset. It’s like a Barbershop on steroids.

3) The Root Beer Float scent is called “Space Boy”. What do you think the most difficult part of being an astronaut would be?

Not making it home. I want this to be a two-way trip, you know? And also I gotta know if I’m allowed to bring my shave stuff!

4) Did scientists do Pluto wrong by stripping it of its status as a Planet?

I don’t think anybody gives a shit. If I can’t see it, I’m not concerned about it.

5) When I previously ordered from you, you included a Swedish Fish in the order, which was delicious and appreciated. Why Swedish Fish?

I have fond memories of walking the boardwalk as a child with my dad and everytime we would go to the boardwalk at Seaside, NJ, I would try to win this 5lb box of Swedish Fish. And we’re all chasing that nostalgia and I want people to knonw we’re a fun company and make getting a package from us fun and exciting.

6) You also have a Swedish Fish scented soap/splash/EDP, so you seem to be up for anything. Are there any scent notes you won’t produce because you’re not a fan of them?

Anything menthol. I want nothing to do with it. Hate it, hate it, hate it.

And I’ve had people ask me to do a motor oil scent and I’m just like “Noooooope”

INTERVIEW CONTINUED IN THE REPLY

July 23, 2023

​

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Declaration Grooming B13 Butterscotch
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (3)
• Lather: Stirling - Barbershop
• Post Shave: Stirling - Barbershop
• Fragrance: Stirling - Barbershop

Only 3 times since I've gotten into the hobby has anyone mentioned how much they liked the scent I was wearing, once was at the post office where a couple mentioned "it smells like Christmas in here" when I had on DG Convergence. The other two times was with one scent; Stirling Barbershop. I was gathering with friends I hadn't seen in a long time, and as they all hugged me one by one, they remarked how good I smelled, being echoed by each friend. Barbershop is just such a clean and fresh scent, while also being sweet. If you haven't smelled it yourself, I HIGHLY implore you to try it.

As for today's challenge, here is my immaculate lather

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

What IS that enchanting aroma

Prep: Warm shower
Brush: Omega Professional boar-10098
Razor: Henson Al13 - medium
Blade: Astra stainless
Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Bell Ringer - Soap
Post Shave: Warm water rinse
Fragrance: Calvin Klein - CK One

Bell Ringer smells like clean citrus. My SO likes it. Nobody comments on my shave soap bur l find Bell Ringer offers a nice transition to most of my summer fragrances. Have a good day everyone.

July 23, 2023

https://imgur.com/gallery/YpUQ1dj

Prep: Proraso - Refrescante Preshave Cream

Brush: Simpsons - Commodore X3 Best Badger

Razor: Rockwell - 6S R6 plate

Blade: Gillette - Nacet (2)

Lather: Noble Otter - Logbook Shave Soap

Post Shave: Noble Otter - Logbook Aftershave Splash

Logbook is definitely the scent that gets me the most complements. I think the reason why is because it's a very "mature" scent without being too "old man smell".

Challenge: Laugh away fellow shaving nerds

#ROTY

Jul. 23, 2023
Brush: AP ShaveCo Synbad
Razor: Razorock Game Changer .68
Blade: Wizamet SI
Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougere Nemeta - Soap
Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougere Nemeta - Aftershave
Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougere Nemeta

This is the only soap I have a matching EdT for, so I get complimented on it the most. The soap, splash, and EdT all smell the same to me, and I love it! I think people probably like it for the same reason I do, it’s a really fresh, bright, scent that is full of life and joy. Three days in a row with this soap.

I’ve also been getting fabulous shaves with this razor. It’s really mild and with shaving every day this month it is doing a great job of keeping my face looking and feeling good.

Great lather today too, loaded heavy since I knew I was going to take a picture, and I face lather so much was still on the face.

Edit: also want to give a shout out to today’s sponsor. I have more full tube of NO than any other artisan. Great quality of products and all the scents are agreeable to me.

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

JULY 23, 2023

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gillette - King C. Chrome
• Lather: Spearhead - Seaforth BlackWacth
• Post Shave: Spearhead - Seaforth BlackWacth splash and Toner

Finally today has arrived!! I love Seaforth BlackWatch scent. This is a match made in heaven by Shawn Maher of Chatillon Lux and Maher Olfactive. An amalgam of bergamot, plum, leather notes all adds to this unique and long lasting retro scent. Oh I can only imagine what luxury in the 1950s would be like! Well maybe not…. Still this is the only scent in my small Den that is tolerated at work and at home.

TODAY’s CHALLENGE: My lathering technique is not 100% yet but getting there. I am a fan of using a little bit of the splash when bowl lathering. Read that somewhere on this sub but can’t remember who said it so sorry for not giving credit where credit is due. That being said I think it got a pretty good amount of fluffyness (which I believe is the official measuring term!) I have to realized that not every base is created equal. So this is my best attempt using Seaforth Highland base. Although not a lot of froth it’s crazy slick PIC which makes all the difference to me. Ya’ll have a good one.

ROTY

LG23-23: "What IS that enchanting aroma?"

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts 26mm AP Shave Co. Gelousy SHD
• Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2-DC 0.95 SB / 1.25 OC #CNC
• Blade: Voskhod (16)
• Lather: Zingari Man - The Essentials - Shave Soap
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon's - 53 East and 51st - Aftershave Tonic
• Fragrance: Day Three Fragrances - Midnight Whisper
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Coffee: Burundi, Kayanza - v: Red Bourbon, Jackson - p: Washed
• Music: Chromeo - Fancy Footwork
• LG Tags: #FOF

I shower after I shave; any compliments I'm getting are about my aftershave or fragrance (probably the latter), not my soap. Fortunately, my wife always reacts favorably to a few, and one of those options stood out as the best fit for today's theme.

The Essentials was a fundraising release that resurrected ZM's older Lothario scent, a fresh blend of tobacco, bergamot, and bay leaf. The bay leaf tames the tobacco's pungent qualities, while the zesty bergamot makes it lively and invigorating, instead of heavy and smoky. It's a handsome combination. I'm not one for gendering fragrances—that's all culturally-defined and full of normative baggage anyway—but Essentials/Lothario smells like it's intended to read as masculine. Brian Fantana approved.

While I'm on the topic of shave soap, today's a good day for a lather audit. I didn't shave my face yesterday (🧼🪒🦵) and have more stubble to mow down than usual; that's the kind of shave that puts a crummy lather to the test. I thought mine was a good one, but you be the judge. I also snapped a photo of my lathered brush and all the lather squeezed out of the brush after my shave. No stiff peaks, lots of shine, minimal bubbles, and protective density.

I followed up my shave by taking our suave playboy into the evening, splashing on a nightcap aftershave and finishing with a seductive night-out fragrance.

Dr. Jon's 53 East and 51st is a Jazz Age black tie affair, carnation boutonnieres pinned to midnight-blue jackets, expensive cigarettes weaving fragrant lines of smoke through the music-filled air. There's a chilly gin martini sitting on the glossy bar—no lemon slice, heavy on the juniper and, strangely, cedar. Not his usual brand. Our subject takes a sip, and with a twinkle in his eye, leans in to kiss his partner's cheek. He's staggered by the gorgeous floral perfume wafting from neck and chest. "Should we go back to my place?" The decision is immediate and unanimous.

Appropriately named for what's to come, Midnight Whisper leads with a jewel-toned rose, lush and heady. I'm not a rose guy, but gosh, what a rose it is. The opening also includes subtle citrus, but this dark, dreamy fragrance is all about the simmering drydown. Fine bourbon in a snifter mixes with creamy sandalwood, supported by an oud-amber base and just enough decadent vanilla to reinforce that caramel dram. Lingering traces of rose flash like crimson satin in low light. If you like warm, captivating fragrances, Day Three does them exceptionally well.

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Mammoth coin Rumble brush 

• Razor: Dubl Duck Satin Edge Straight Razor

• Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Felce Aromatica soap

• Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - Felce Aromatica aftershave lotion

ROTY

I usually wear Felce Aromatica during the springtime and it always gets me lots of complements. I enjoy the scent alot and feel like the soap performs really well. This puck is pretty hard but lathers easily for me with minimal fuss and stays down in the lather bowl for a nice slow release. I really like the aftershave lotion too. Leaves my skin feeling fantastic.

I probably over scoop this soap but the lather today was to my liking. I'm curious to hear what others here much more experienced than I think. Usually I just go with if its not runny all over my chest and it's still rinsing clean easily from the blade im hydrated well enough? Lather shot below.

https://imgur.com/gallery/eJeRj68

July 23, 2022 - What Smells So Good?

• Brush: Yaqi Dandelion Green 24mm Cashmere
• Razor: Fatip Classic Grande Nickel Open Comb
• Blade: Gillette Minora Stainless
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - 42
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - 42 - Splash
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - 42 - EdP
• Music: Herb Alpert and the Tiajuana Brass
• Book Recommendation: “Last Chance to See” - Douglas Adams

FOF

Today Theme:

This was a bit of a thinker for me. I usually shave after work, so my coworkers never say anything. Plus, I haven’t been into the office since May, and I don’t wear EdP if I do go into the office. Now most of the time, just about anything I use my wife and daughter like. I picked 42 because every time I use it my wife and daughter tell me I smell good. I set up my gear for the picture, and our cat Phoebee came over and knocked the tub over. I think she was saying good choice, now pet me. When I stepped out of the bathroom after the shave, my wife did say, “Ooh, that smells good.” That’s a win in my book. She told me she likes the lemon, and I told her it is from the Pan Galactic Gargleblaster. She said, “So I was right.” I love that she knows the reference.

Today’s Challenge:

I had the idea for this brewing in my head since the last lather games. Wouldn’t you know it, u/Impressive_Donut114 beat me to it by a bit over an hour. My whipped soap and other delights. I had to promise my daughter I would return her Hermione doll back the way I found it. For the photo, I needed a lot of lather, and to keep it thick. For the shave, I added some water in the remaining lather to get a well hydrated lather.

Today’s Shave:

After my bloodbath yesterday for leg day, I wanted an easy shave, but something that could handle a bit more stubble. The Fatip was a good choice for me. I find it pretty easy to use, and the open comb keeps it from getting clogged. I moved the blade from the Karbe over to the Fatip. Still plenty of shaves left in it. Great shave and now my face is as smooth as my legs.

Today’s Fragrance:

When I first started posting and reading SOTDs, It was close to Towel Day. I read a lot of posts using it, but it wasn’t available until a few days after. I set a reminder for the drop, and got a the trifecta plus Towel. Barrister and Mann threw in a sticker and bath soap. From the first use, I really liked this scent, and my family agreed. Unfortunately, I don’t bring it out often enough. With LG, AA, Sample September, and Moarch Madness, theres a big chunk of the year gone. I truly do like this one. From the first hit of citrus, to the petunias (my favorite flower that we plant every summer), later comes the tea. It is a great tea scent, and tea themed scents are among my favorites. I do need to use the EdP more often. The lemon lasts longer than it does from the soap.

Today’s Haiku:

Answer: 42.
And the ultimate question?
What really smells great?

July 23, 2023

• Brush: Boti – Stump – 28mm Synthetic
• Razor: Star – Silver Star
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving – Spiced Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving – Spiced Splash
• Fragrance: Hugo Boss – BOSS Infinite

I love, love, love, love, love this scent. When I first started down this hobby everything about this set called to me. The label and branding, the scent notes, the story, and the great reviews of the performance all made me blind purchase a full set. And I’m really glad I did! This soap and splash did not disappoint! It smells like a spice bomb went off in my bathroom whenever I use it. And whenever I use it, there’s a woman that I work with who ALWAYS compliments me. Guys don’t get random compliments too often, so I take notice of things like that. I remember years ago, I wore a pair of jeans and a striped sweater, nothing fancy, but nice-ish, and a girl who I’m friends with complemented my outfit. I wore that same set up nearly daily for like the next 2 years. Why? Because no one ever complements guys on stuff like this. When we get a complement, we take notice.

I used Hugo Boss EDP today because it’s a spicy fragrance with strong cinnamon notes, just like Spiced does. I’m feeling great, and I know if I went into the office today, I’d get a compliment from Susan. And that makes me happy. #FOF

CHALLENGE

Here’s my Lather

Day 23 - Sex Panther

• Brush: APShaveCo - Butterscotch Handle with Synbad Knot
• Razor: Karve - CB
• Blade: Astra - Green
• Lather: Noble Otter - Roar
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Roar
• Fragrance: Paco Rabanne - Invictus

60% of the time, it works every time. Noble Otter is why I'm here. Roar was the first soap I bought when building my own bundle from Maggard. I've been hooked. I received a few compliments about the shaves, but they knew how excited I was for the box.

For the fragrance, I have a group of fragrances I consider safe for all occasions. Invictus is one that gets the most complements.

ROTY #FOF

2023-07-23 Lather Games SOTD

• Brush: SHAVE⭐DANDY Maple Baritone (26x55mm Synth)
• Razor: Schick Injector L1 (1967-1972)
• Blade: Schick Injector (21)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sandpiper - Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Sandpiper - Final 7 drops from an aftershave splash sample
• Fragrance: Yves Saint Laurent - La Nuit de l'Homme

I only spent about a year wearing fragrances in public before Covid-19 turned my job into a work-from-home position, so I am rarely in the presence of other humans who aren't my family members. With that limiting factor in mind I shall say: the only scent that has ever garnered unprompted compliments (from people outside my family) has been La Nuit de l'Homme. My favorite example was from one of the few rare days where I was actually working at the office... one of our big managers stopped dead in her tracks and double back to my cubicle to ask what smelled so good. She told me it smelled like spiced cookies and fancy lavender. I'm surprised she could even smell it, considering the thick haze of rosy perfume that always surrounds her.

Anyway my wife hates this stuff and it's wicked hot out today so this was a bad idea.

What IS that enchanting aroma?

• Brush: AKA Fashion Olive Wood with 26 mm Maggard knot
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade Med Prep
• Blade: Kismet Rostfrei, Polymer beschichtet (1)
• Lather: Acqua di Parma – Barbiere
• Post Shave: Acqua Di Parma – Barbiere
• Fragrance: Acqua Di Parma – Colonia

This ADP set was a Christmas gift from my wife a few years back, and she mostly bought it because she likes the scent. I think it's the fresh, clean citrus that she likes. Historically, it's definitely the set that has gotten me the most compliments, although I think that Desert Vetiver is catching up.

Alas, today I'm not going to get any compliments, I'm currently traveling with Djunior while she is on a work trip. Djunior couldn't care less about how I smell as long as I read him dinosaur stories and help him fight the T-Rex with a fire truck.

For relevance in post and frag: as far as I can tell, the Barbiere line of shave products corresponds to the Colonia line of fragrances, and they smell very similar: fresh citrus and florals.

For the challenge, here, have a bowl of my best w/e lather to laugh at.

• Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar Brush
• Razor: Parker Clip-Type Shavette Dark Sheesham Wood Handle
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel "Black Beauties"
• Lather: HAGS - Eulogy

I chose this scent because it's something simple that everyone could like. Who doesn't love coconut?

ROTY

July 21, 2023 - Enchanting Aroma

• Brush: Shave Forge 28mm Boar
• Razor: Blackland Razors Era
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (2)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - Toner
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime - EdT
• Music: Rimsky-Korsakov - Flight of the Bumblebee

Daily Write-Up:
Lather Audit Pic

I very infrequently get comments about my wet shaving scents. In fact, I can think of 5 places I've gotten feedback:

• My mother-in-law hates anything scented. She particularly scrunches up her nose at SSL. I'm at her house today, and she's annoying me. So, happy I had the trickhole today.
• Mrs. Miasma has very strong opinions. Generally, and in scents specifically. Montrose Beach, Alive, SSL, Watchman++. Cerberus, Autumn Ash, War --. Stag or Peach Chypre, GTFO.
• Random 60-year-old woman with a nicotine-stained snaggletooth who works at a local plumbing store had really strong opinions when I wore Cheshire one day. In fact, "You smell real nice. Can I come around the corner and smell you closer?". No… no you can't, just sell me a shower valve, please.
• My brother's wife. The last time we saw her was during AA, "you smell amazing, you should share that with your brother."
• Bees.

Yep, that last one isn't a typo. Bees love (or hate, not sure) SSL. Prior to last August, I had been stung by a bee thrice in my life. That number is much higher now.

Some background- I won a full set of SSL from my 2022 LG performance. It arrived shortly before August, and I decided to rock the trickhole for the month. Very quickly I noticed weird behaviors on my patio. A carpenter bee had made a nest in our gazebo; but that's typically fine, as they aren't usually aggressive towards humans. But every time we'd go outside, this bee would not leave me alone. All throughout dinner, he'd be dive bombing me.

Later that month, I went to Atlanta for a work event where we spent several days on a lake. On one individual day, I recorded 13 bee stings. 13 - they just would not leave me alone, and were super aggressive. Everyone else hardly noticed them.

Then, towards the end of the month, I was loading up SmallestMiasma in the car for daycare, and out of nowhere a bumblebee started swarming us and being really angry. I ran SmallestMiasma to the car, which she thought was HILARIOUS, and had Mrs. Miasma buckle her in while I cowered in the driver's seat

After August I grew a bit tired of the scent, and parked it for a while. But today, I seriously considered going to a family member's farm where they keep bees, to prove that SSL really does attract them, but was stopped from that by two reasons:

• The admonition from the judges from doing anything patently unsafe in the name of the LGs.
• The fact that while I was loading up my car to go home a bee flew in my shirt and stung me in the small of my back. A little insect-given tramp stamp to take back with me.

Soap Theme Justification
* Bees

Post-Shave and Fragrance Relevance Notes
* SSL Trickhole

SSL is most complimented by... bees. He has noticed an STARK increase in bee activity in and around his vicinity while wearing SSL, including getting stung today, and 13 times on another day. Also attracts snaggle-tooth hardware store ladies.

July 23, 2023 – Lather Games day 23 – AKA Just sea spiced lime

• Brush: Dogwood Synthetic – AP Shave co. G5A
• Razor: Wolfman WR2 – DC 1.25 WRH7
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (8)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime

Sea spiced lime has always done it for me. Fantastic summer scent says everyone. I’m heading out to dinner then a show. It’s Nuits d’Afrique festival here right now with amazing outdoor stages and lots of great music. And I’ll smell fantastic too.

Great shave to prep me for that 100 degree weather out there. My lather is good. You do not have to see it. Hope you had a lovely weekend.

#Photocontest

2023-07-23 Enchanting Aroma

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps - Mountain Laurel, synthetic 26mm Maggard knot (from London Razors Mountain Laurel release PIF)
• Razor: Parker 11R - (3 Piece, horn handle)
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'clock Super Stainless (green), DE
• Lather: Noble Otter – Lonestar
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Lonestar

Got a bit lucky with this one. The sponsor of the day gets me probably the most compliments. Really the only compliments I get are from my wife. She is not a scent fanatic - in fact quite the opposite. She is not a big fan of scented products unless they are on her own terms (something she selects). Out of my shaving products most of the scents she likes are gourmand or with gourmand scent components, or even novelty soaps*. Noble Otter Lonestar is probably the most prominent example of a scent she regularly compliments me on as I am shaving that does not smell like food or have gourmand scents worked into it.

I mean the notes listed for Lonestar are: Lemon, Sage, Magnolia, Texas Cedar, Oakmoss, Leather, and Hay. I mean yes lemon can be gourmand but it is not treated as such here. I'm not gonna go suck a lemon, it's not the kind of sage used in dressing at Thanksgiving and I'm not chewing on the rest of the scent components - so no I really don't consider this gourmand or gourmand leaning.

And with this one I get actual compliments. Not snarky ones either.

Interestingly enough one of her most disliked scents also comes from Noble Otter which is Two Kings. She is not big on floral at all.

Picked the Parker 11R today because I thought the cow horn handle went along with a Lonestar themed shave quite well.

Anyhow.

Today's Challenge: Reporting with a Lather Audit.

Have a good one and take care.

__________________________________

*^(Yes she is full on excited about ")^(Remote Learning)^(" and is also the reason I own a) ^(Pickle) ^(and a) ^(Bacon) ^(Scented shave soap.)

7/23/23

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm Manchuria Fan
• Razor: Ralf Aust 6/8, Full Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Massacre of the Innocents
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Massacre of the Innocents Aftershave Splash
• Fragrance: Herod by Parfums de Marly

MOTI and Herod are easily the products I get the most compliments from. It probably helps that I wear it to my most crowded events. Like holiday get togethers, for example. In my line of work, guys will never tell me if I smell good, only if I smell bad.

To the Mrs, it smells almost chocolaty and she loves it for that. Mostly I just get general compliments about "Wow you smell good" and "What is that? Smells wonderful".

Some pics of my lather. Please judge me.

#ROTY

July 23, 2023 – What IS that enchanting aroma

• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm Satin Juma Smoke
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Astra SP (2)
• Lather: HAGS – Darkside (Donkey Milk)
• Post Shave: HAGS - Darkside splash
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Yuzu Rose Patchouli

The Soap: I will admit, I bought this soap simply for the label art. As a Star Wars fan I just couldn’t pass it up, but I had high hopes for a dark masculine scent. I had never used HAGS soaps before and I briefly read the scent as being a woody floral. Upon arrival my perception of the soap had definitely changed as the floral notes overwhelm the scent right off the tub. Thankfully it dries down to a fantastic scent.

The Lather: For me, Darkside is tricky to get the lather right. It’s a very soft soap and I find it easy to over hydrate. That said, if lathered correctly it produces a slick and cushioning lather.

The Shave: The shave was nothing short of spectacular. The Blackbird Ti shape reminds me of a light saber, and not the Chapelle version, so of course it adds to the Darkside shave experience.

Post Shave/Frag: Being such a great scent there was of course no other option than to follow it up with the matching splash. To match the floral notes of Darkside I decided to follow it up with Chatillon Lux YRP. The two blend well together and have me feeling like a new man.

Theme: Today’s soap choice was fairly difficult for me. You see I work with 16 women and 1 man so I get a fair number of women weighing in on any scent choices I make. In the end, HAGS Darkside won due to the way it was received by the office ladies. One even went to far as to tell me “If this is what Darth Vader’s helmet smells like, I’m in.” Whatever that means.

Challenge: This is the lather you were looking for.

#ROTY

July 23, 2023 – “What IS that enchanting aroma?”

• Brush: That Darn Rob White w/ Blue Ferule w/ Fanchurian
• Razor: RazoRock Lupo SS .72
• Blade: Wizamet (14)
• Lather: Zingari – Mousse Illuminee
• Post Shave: Zingari – Mousse Illuminee
• Fragrance: Rogue Perfumery – Mousse Illuminee

Challenge: way too much soap. Not my best work 🙁.

Someone sent me a smoosh of this soap last year. I loved it, and ended up accumulating the trifecta over time. I received the soap as a birthday gift and everyone who smelled it really liked it. Soon after, I bought the soap and then ended up getting myself the fragrance for Christmas. It’s garnered multiple compliments.

I used the fragrance before I left the house early this morning. I didn’t have time to shave until later in the day. Below are my thoughts on the fragrance.

#FOF

Mousse Illuminee is striking. It is dark and seductive and has an air of mystery about it. At first it smells mossy with a tonka-like smokiness and a cumin-like spice. Given some time to dry down, a prominent civet note makes itself known. I feel foolish for not picking it out sooner. Lavender is faint but present. florals are kept to a minimum. Once it gets down to base notes, the civet is faint, leaving mostly moss and bit of tonka.

July 23, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Macduffs Soap Company – Autumn Cabin
• Post Shave: Macduffs Soap Company – Autumn Cabin

I planned on using Samhain dickhole today but after Fall day last week, I got endless comments on how good Autumn Cabin AS smells from Mrs. schontzm. So, I made a mid-season LG audible. Toasty maple, yet woody. The soap smells like a fireplace while the AS smells strongly of evergreen upfront before it calms down to a similar maple/woody scent. As I was squeezing out the last of my lather, I felt a little knot wiggle. Unfortunately….this happened. It was the first knot I set (with silicone). I probably do not have time to do it again for a bit but hopefully attempt 2 will be better than attempt 1.

Challenge: Here is my broken lather to go with my broken brush and broken spirit.

DAY 22 LATHER GAMES! ENCHANTING? AIN'T NOBODY GOT TIME FOR THAT!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: DS Cosmetics 30mm Tuxedo Knot
• Razor: Wolfman WR 2 1.25
• Blade: Gillette Minora (16)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Fougere Gothique
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Fougere Gothique splash
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Fougere Gothique EdP

​

PIC OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN

​

INTRORight, after yesterday I want to say sorry! I will not endanger anyone else for LG points! The Spite Shave wars with u/Priusaurus will have to be put on hold. Truce! Of course he has to be the smug one who waves his flag and gets the moral high ground... Figures... But as we said, none of that anymore!

​

DAILY THEME

It was tough to pick out a winner, cause my most compliment getter, is a tie between Tobacconist and Fougere Gothique, I think I would have used Tobacconist, but this damn callender man.... I love both a lot and whenever I wear either of them get compliments for the scent I am wearing. More on this in the #FOF

​

DAILY CHALLENGE

You want to laugh at my lather? Here! I hope that Mr. Lather brings a smile on your face!

​

#FOF

It is not an accident that this is one of my favourite scents. Where do I even start. I bought the soap, it was a blind buy, a full tub blind buy. The first whiff I got off of it my face made a face, but with every second of prolonged exposure to this scent I grew fonder and fonder of it. At the end of the day I knew, I HAD TO GET THE FULL TRIFECTA!!!

All three products have different emphasis on what is the dominant note. The soap is the most mushroomiest, after that the aftershave really puts forward the ash and smoke scents and the EdP in the end is adding the leather, wood and oakmoss, and this ain't no ordinary oakmoss. It's a cave damp oakmoss!

Lots of people compare this scent to what a grave might smell like, I wouldn't say so. It evokes strong memories of when I was picking mushrooms with my parents in the woods. The mushroom part is quite present.

When combining the three products one after another you get something quite unique that is neither the soap, aftershave or EdP. It just mixes everything and becomes a reaaaaaally unique scent. Funny thing is, that the aftershave is stronger than the EdP, at least to my nose!

​

​

• Daily Lather Themes: 23/30
• Daily Challenges: 23/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 16/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 2/2
• Software Vendor Points: 12/13
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 23/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 23/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 23/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 23/30

EDIT: Jokes were brought to you by u/Emmenias. You can find more genius jokes of that user, here!

Personified his lather so we could "laugh at it". Lather told jokes.

July 23, 2023 What IS that enchanting aroma?

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Teton Shaves w/ 26mm Motherlode
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Clog-Pruf Gen 2 ""Peerless"
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus (Dec/HoM/NO Collab)
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus (Dec/HoM/NO Collab)
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus (Dec/HoM/NO Collab)

Not only do I get compliments from people I work with everytime I use Cerberus, but my wife has said anything other than Cerberus for date night is strictly not allowed.

Challenge - I bowl lathered this morning just to make the lather Audit easier. Turned out a little fluffier than I like, but the water at the inlaw's house is different than what I'm used to so I'll take what I can get

• Brush: Shave Prescription 28mm B11
• Razor: Tatara Nodachi #CNC
• Blade: Personna Israeli Red
• Lather: Imaginary Authors -The Soft Lawn shave soap
• Post Shave: Imaginary Authors -The Soft Lawn aftershave splash
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors -The Soft Lawn EDP

I can only offer the highest gratitude for our judges- especially having abused the rules for two weeks without even knowing it. I never want to inconvenience anyone, and I got a message a couple of nights ago that I had been violating the post format which makes extra work. I skipped yesterday intending, honestly, not to participate any more, not out of malice for being called out, but because I know I’m just a dude and I’ve missed a few shaves and I don’t want to make extra work for the seriously fantastic group of guys that do this each year.

So before our walk this morning I spritzed a couple sprays of Soft Lawn on, and carried on downstairs. My daughter stopped- looked at me- and then said “Daddy, what did you do? You smell good.”

That’s what this is all about. Respecting yourself a bit so you can bring joy to others. This might even be my new favorite scent.

Judge team, props to you guys for dealing with morons like me that think we have copy pasted appropriately but goof up even simple things. You guys rock.

shave lather

Jul. 23, 2023 - Smelling good in the neighborhood

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR

• Razor: Karve Christopher Bradley SB-C

• Blade: Astra Green

• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Cedrati

• Post Shave: Spearhead - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime Toner

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder

There are quite a few scents that could qualify for this theme but this pairing evokes a great memory from last fall. This is the exact setup that I wore for my little sister’s wedding last year and I got several comments that day from my family about it! Cedrati is “uplifting fresh and citrus with woody notes forming the anchor” and pairs really nicely with Sonder and its “bright citrus opening…and a delicious creamy woody base.” These two play really well together but then I’ll pair Sonder with basically anything because it’s just that damn good! SSL toner just magnified the citrus theme of the day and is the next top contender for complements!

This is the only Wholly Kaw tub that I have, for whatever reason I haven’t really tried many of their stuff. I know that this one is a dupe scent which doesn’t bother me but would be nice if they put that on their product description. The Siero base is pretty good and while I don’t use it often, I think I will pass the audit of today! All of the proof I need is this picture of my lather running down my arm.

Todays #photocontest theme is #drinks. Built a little soda fountain station complete with cups, condiments and a trash can!

July 23, 2023 – That Smell Again?

• Brush: Chisel and Hound False Kamani Fanchurian V18
• Razor: Hoffritz of New York OC
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (2)
• Preshave: Baxter Shave Tonic
• Preshave: Baxter Shave Tonic
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Trade Winds
• Post Shave: Old Spice -1980s

My wife married me and we’d been dating for a good long while so she knew what she was getting into in terms of the constant smell of Old Spice after shave even before I was wet shaving. To that end, she clearly likes the smell of Old Spice so I could pick up any tub out my bin and be in the free and clear today.

Then again, at this point it could all be some sort of Stockholm syndrome where she’s just suffered through Old Spice for so long she thinks she loves it. I haven’t especially gotten a compliment on the scent in a long while. In fact, the last time I recall one was with Chiselled Face’s Trade Winds, which tosses in a bit of cucumber to the fun. She definitely smelled it and asked if I was wearing something different. I explained that it was still Old Spice but a bit mixed up and then began diving deeper into it until I noticed her eyes had glazed over. Glazing over from enjoying the scent of Old Spice so much, no doubt.

July 23, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co A3 28mm
• Razor: Henson Ti22 +++
• Blade: Wizamet (2)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime

Sea Spice Lime is my girlfriend's favorite scent so far, bonus that I really enjoy it as well. Very lime forward and refreshing. Probably the scent I think of first when it comes to summer.

#ROTY

Jul. 23, 2023
Brush: AP Shave Co G5C
Razor: Karve CB
Blade: Astra SP Green
Lather: A&E - Monte Carlo - Soap
Fragrance:* Dior - Suavage

I get laid every time I wear this scent. So pretty big compliment lol.

https://imgur.com/a/en3s0Ei

ROTY

July. 23, 2023 - SOTD 

• Prep: Splash of warm water
• Brush: Oumo O4 Venus SHD Badger Brush 26MM
• Razor: West Coast Shaving Multi Titanium Collection Razor
• Blade: King C Gillette
• Lather: Ariana and Evans - Asian Plum
• Post Shave: Nivea Men - Sensitive Soothing Aftershave Balm

It's probably my biggest compliment getter. What can I say? Apparently, ladies love Asian Plum.

ROTY

Jul. 23, 2023

• Brush: Wolfe Whiskers B10 Badger
• Razor: Karve Stainless Steel Christopher Bradley
• Blade: Personna Super
• Lather: Declaration Grooming/Chatillon Lux - Yuzu Rose Patchouli - Soap
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - Yuzu Rose Patchouli - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Yuzu, Rose, Patchouli

After the blood bath that was yesterday’s shave…

I wanted something I really enjoy. This is it.

Today’s tune is by Shawn Mullins.

It was a “hit” when I was relocating from Columbus to Nashville

Lullaby

July 23, 2023 – Compliments?

• Brush: Chisel and Hound v19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Merkur 34C
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Island Man
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Island Man

I don’t think I’ve ever got a compliment about how I smell from someone other than my wife. I’m very much ok with that. So – what does she compliment me most on? Island Man, and it’s not close. If I wear this, I hear “you smell good” or “have you used this before, whatever it is it smells good” or something along those lines. It’s not an aggressive compliment, it’s not really personal, but, like many of your posts indicate – that’s about as good as it gets. And, hey – for somebody who is not remotely interested in wetshaving wares to even express that much, I guess I’ll take it.

Solid shave. Feel free to rate my lather but it’s tough to mess up in that Stirling travel bowl. V19 performed admirably, as always, and the Merkur was smooth. I did manage to shave off the top of a little bump on my neck and it bled for a long time, but, I spared you the pictures. Remember – we have dignity over here on r/wetshaving. This isn’t that other shaving forum.

Anyway – solid shave today overall and, per my wife, I smelled at least “good.”

FOF Haiku of the Day

Tropical Island
Dupe or not, I don’t care much
Island Man: banger

July 23, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co. 26mm G5C
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild (AC) (13)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Lonestar
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Lonestar

Late night headshave. 2 passes, about a week’s growth, Vector does good work.

Lonestar is by far the most complimented scent I have. This is the only scent I’ve been stopped in public by a stranger for them to ask what I’m wearing and where I got it. Not totally sure why other people like it so much, but every time I smell it I get a vivid flashback to little league baseball on a Texas summer evening, with the hay field just cut nearby and a big heat lightning cloud over the trees on the other side.

Here's my lather, did a head lather today, so the first pass is already on my head. There’s enough on the brush for 2 more passes, even though I only did one more. Not quite as slick as I’d like, but it did the job.

Healthy Activity of the day: Took another break after yesterday’s long ride. Bought a bike computer so I can start keeping track of more things than just heart rate and distance. LG Mileage: 80 miles

Tags: #ROTY

July 23, 2023 – OoooOoooOoohhh my favorite!

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian #composite
• Razor: Gillette Super Adjustable #dial
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (1)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Hamami
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Hamami

This was my first purchase with my partner first in mind and consideration. She has familial roots where hammams are commonplace. Plus the jasmine and wet stone intrigued her. It wasn’t at first but over time it’s been a more difficult scent for me to wear. But sure enough tonight when I came up from my shave den her eyes lit up as soon as she smelled me. I do this hobby first for me, but I love doing it for her too.

Late to the party with the scavenger hunt and going to try to fit it all in this last week. So with my other photo I also have dial and composite.

Have a great night all. 🤙

ROTY

Sunday, July 23, 2023

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts - Bone - 28mm B16
• Razor: Wolfman Razors - WR2 0.75 DC x WRH2
• Blade: Personna Med Prep
• Lather: Grooming Dept - Mallard - Soap
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Bare - Aftershave

Day 23 of Lather Games: This is one of the few scents that my wife consistently comments on, chocolate and sandalwood. It smells amazing.

July 23, 2023 – LG 23: Enchanting Aroma

• Brush: CaYuen Maple Opal 26mm Silvertip
• Razor: GEM MMOC #BRASSING
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (33)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta

I think I get the most compliments on this because it is a fairly safe, albeit unique, scent. It’s captivating without being too adventurous to the average person. As much as we love the world of perfumery here from our fragrancers and soap makers, there are a lot that aren’t for everybody. Off the top of my head, I’ve gotten compliments on this from GF, her parents, my parents, my brother and his partner, and 2 co-workers. This set was a PIF during LG for label artwork I drew, 2 years ago from u/youarebreakingthings. I almost immediately got the EDT to add. The razor a PIF from u/eructate. Here’s some pics of the brassing, not a ton but there.

As for #FOF, fougere nemata is a crisp and green scent. It has its noticeable strawberry addition, smelling of not just the ripe fruit but of a warm plant that’s been basking in the sun. There is a slight bitterness, perhaps the petitgrain. Plenty of sharp lavender florals but more subtle blossoms too. Anchored all by a mossy base, with some woody vetiver.

For my #PHOTOCONTEST, I went with insects. Some ants passing through. Just in case you can’t see them in the photo, here’s a short video, easier with movement. Lastly, here todays lather audit. I’ll be honest, ‘‘twas a touch dry even for me.

soap brands 23/30, post shave 23/30, frag 23/30, post/frag linked 23/30, software sponsors 12/13, hardware sponsors 2/2, razor hashtags 10/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 23/30, daily challenges 20/25, special challenges 3/5

July 23, 2023 * Brush: Viking Soaps w/ 28mm Badger * Razor: Karve CB OC B * Blade: Gillette Silver Blue * Lather: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber - Soap * Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber - Aftershave * Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber - EdT

Out of all the soaps ever since the start of wet shaving, this is the scent that gets comments from the boss. I'm close to killing this half tub of Ghost Town Barber, maybe after August. Chiseled Face lathers up super quick. All of the premium bases need so much water, but not this. It may not be as thick and cushion-y, but it sure gets the job done and is nice and slick. Looking forward to a month of Chiseled Face starting in 9 days.

Sunday, the 23rd of July, 2023

• Brush: Semogue 2000 Hereditas
• Razor: Gillette triangle slot, fat handle Tech
• Blade: Gillette Rubie (31)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Denarius
• Post shave: Wholly Kaw - Denarius
• Fragrance: Storybook Soapworks - Shaken

What has got me the most compliments? Well, I don't think anyone's ever complimented what they can smell of whatever lather I used. But I have heard a compliment after using just Denarius balm (no perfume on top). It is a pretty strongly scented balm. And I happen to have the matching soap, which I will use along with the balm. Very few other post shave scents get comments of any kind.

But Shaken also gets a lot of compliments. Between these two scents, I don't have all three products, so I cannot use a trifecta of a compliment-garnering scent, but these two are definitely at the top of my den, at least as judged by other people (those who let me know about it, anyway).

Both of these are kind of rich scents: Denarius is "leather, vanilla, clary sage, geranium, patchouli, ionone woods, anise," and is "our interpretation of Mousse de Saxe." That bit right there, I suspect, is what makes it appealing. It's why I bought it. Mousse de Saxe is a very appealing accord.

Shaken is "gin, tobacco, carnation, gunpowder, paper money, sandalwood and musk." An homage to Ian Fleming's James Bond, I can only imagine it really does embody the character. Doesn't everyone love Bond?

**July 23, 2023 – **  

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic  
• Razor: Ever Ready 1912  
• Blade: GEM   
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli  

Theme: So last year, I forgot to pack deodorant for camp. But it was during The Games so I had a pile of soap with me. Y/R/P was my backup and I used it as deodorant instead. Do I fully recommend a layer of lather paste as deodorant full time – hard no. Will it get you through 5 days in the woods – yes. The folks I was sharing a cabin with appreciated it. Most people don't recognize yuzu so they think it's overall some type of floral. One person thought it was grapefruit.

Challenge: see picture to judge my lather. Judge away.

23 July 2023 Complementary Non Dickkhole Barrister and Mann Atomic Holiday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Dogwood Cadinsor 28mm Zenith Unbleached
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird SS
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (18)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Atomic Holiday (4)
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Electric Mayhem A/S
• Post Shave: Thayer's Concoction
• Post Shave: Cold River Soapworks - Sandalwood Post Shave Lotion
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co - Project Lawnsdale Balm
• Fragrance: D&G - L'Imperatrice No 3

Got a fair number of compliments from friends when I went out with what I used yesterday, so I decided to just use it again.

Cheers

July 23, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 23  

• Brush: Zenith Boar  
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandpiper  
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandpiper  
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandpiper  

Sandpiper is based on YSL La Nuit de l’Homme, which is a fantastic cologne. My fam loves this scent most out of all my soaps/aftershaves. I even bought the EdT to use for everyday use (I use the original cologne on special occasions), and have been asked on occasions as to what I’m wearing. If you aren’t a fan of colognes, this will not be something you may gravitate towards. However, if you are, you can’t go wrong with Stirling Soaps Sandpiper.

Behold a pic of the best lather you will ever see if you compare it to one that was made by a drunk monkey high on cocaine:

Lather Done Wrong