July 27, 2023

• Brush: Grizzly Bay Prince with 26mm V9 Fanchurian
• Razor: Razorock Game Changer .84
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (17)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw – Lav Sublime
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal

Lav Sublime is, as its name suggests, lavender and lime scented. Both notes play very well together, making for a bright, citrusy, summery lavender scent.

I shaved on my back patio for today's challenge. Being right next to my lavender plant added a nice extra dimension to this shave and the lavender scent. I do wish that we had this challenge on Frigid Friday, because it's too damn hot outside for me.

​

Lavender Fields Forever to the tune of Strawberry Field Forever by the Beatles.

Lyrics:

Let me shave you down

'Cause I'm going to lavender fields

Nothing is real

And nothing to lather about

Lavender fields forever

Shaving is easy without eyes closed

Lathering every soap you see

It's getting hard to lather up but it all works out

It doesn't matter much to me

Let me shave you down

'Cause I'm going to lavender fields

Nothing is real

And nothing to lather about

Lavender fields forever

LGSOTD 27-July

• Brush: Chisel and Hound - 'Finned' V14 #SHD  
• Razor: Charcoal Goods - Everyday
• Blade: Wizamet - Super Iridium
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Homecoming   
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Homecoming AS

This is my first set of Summer Break Soaps, having never tried them before this was certainly an interesting day to try and do it. First up, the smell is bloody amazing. I've only got a couple of lavender soaps but this is beyond anything else I have. If there are darker scents available I can see myself getting more if they are just as good. 

My intent here was to show you a bit of my adopted homeland in North Wales, alas the climate here most days isn't exactly conducive to a comfortable outdoor shave, and today was no bloody exception. Now, had the challenge been yesterday it would have been fantastic, clear blue skies and warm. Unfortunately this was what my journey was like to my chosen shave spot!. I had wanted to go to Dolbadarn Castle but settled for lake side.

After arriving at my destination I took off into the woods bordering Lake Padarn, managed to find a relatively secluded spot so I think this will do along with a brief 360, half just to check I was alone.  

Went to work with the lather, slapped it on and snapped a pic. Though I forgot the mirror at least I had taken a pic and realised the lather was crap, I'm not in a bad mood, that's just my face and it's chucking it down. So added a bit more water and went to work. What I've now come to realise is that it's incredibly difficult to shave with a wet phone in selfie mode, couldn't get the damn thing to take a photo until the end and couldn't get the vid rolling. 

Though entertaining it wasn't the most enjoyable of outings on this particular day, I think it would have been fantastic on a sunny day.  At least I had a smooth finish and I smelt amazing. I'll be back here with my team for kayakng and paddle boarding tomorrow anyway. 

/u/Enndeegee look I think I actually used the PhotoContest tags correctly for once, about time. Admittedly not particularly difficult considering the necessity of the outdoor challenge but I'll take it. 

Hope everyone has an enjoyable outdoor adventure today! 

Cheers

Marc

#ROTY  #PhotoContest

Lavendursday

Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: Summer Break soaps - Synthetic 26mm
Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable - K4
Blade: Voskhod
Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Lavendar Sage - Soap
Post Shave: Water rinse
Fragrance: Versace - Blue Jeans

The lather and the fragrance both prominently feature lavendar. Good scent and good performance from both. Have a nice day.

July 27, 2023 Lavendursday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Chianti 24mm Synth
• Razor: Muhle R89
• Blade: Voskhod (3)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Beloved

Software is linked by being on theme today. Great shave, but confirmed again that lavender still isn't my favorite.

Challenge - Easy outside shave this morning. The bed and breakfast we are staying at made this challenge easy. Right outside our room is a table with some chairs with the pool less than 20 yards away. I don't even think I got "caught" by anyone else staying here.

Lavendursday

• Brush: AKA Fashion Olive Wood with 26 mm Maggard knot
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade Med Prep
• Blade: Kismet Rostfrei, Polymer beschichtet (4)
• Lather: CBL Soaps – Lavender & Leather
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux – Pure Lavender
• Fragrance: Zoologist Perfumes – Sloth

I wanted to begin this SOTD post writing that this is my first outdoor open blade shave, but then I remembered that of course I shaved on a construction ground scaffolding with a 3/8" straight for last year's outdoor challenge. Well, this year is much more comfortable, I can shave on the terrace under the vine-covered pergola in my parent's garden. I think last time I did anything questionable in this garden was when I was still in high school over two decades ago, and it was good to give the nosy neighbours a refresher (didn't stop doing questionable things, but moved out of my parents' house to do them elsewhere).

For today's relevant post and frag, today's software is all linked by being lavender-centric. CBL's Lavender & Leather is sharp aromatic lavender, almost grassy with a leather note similar to HoM's Almond Leather's. In typical CBL fashion, the scent on this soap is strong and the lavender really hits you in the nose. Chatillon Lux' pure lavender is a softer, more floral lavender scent, and I enjoy pairing it with Lavanille usually, but I've already used BaM and I'm going for 30 soapers. Sloth opens with a sweet floral lavender, and then turns into a sweet, fruity scent (I'm assuming those are the açai berries) as it dries down. For my fellow djudge, this means that the fragrance theme was satisfied for at least 25 minutes and becomes sus thereafter, but that's after the soap and splash have long evaporated, so this should count).

Overall, the shave went well, but the small hand-held mirror from Spearhead's khaki set is only barely large enough to be useful, and my open blade game isn't up to u/Marquis90's level where he can shave mirrorlessly while enjoying a lake-shore vista. Maybe next year I can do it without a mirror, too.

Lather Games Day 27- Easy Like Lavendursday

• Brush: Semogue 1800
• Razor: 1959 Gillette Fatboy
• Blade: Rapira Platinum Lux (5)
• Lather: Castle Forbes - Lavender Essential Oil Cream
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Lavender & Sage Splash

I have no problems shaving with lavender, unlike some of you whiny babies. But clearly, I don't shave with lavender often enough. Between the soap and the splash, I smell like a lavender bomb went off in my bathroom. Post shave, my wife looked at me strangely when she kissed me good morning. It was a look that said, "Who bodysnatched my husband in the middle of the night and brought me some dude who shaves with lavender??" My dog Opie felt the need to pee on my leg to mark his territory since I smelled strange to him. My dog Ainsley attempted to bare her teeth at me because I smelled different (fortunately, she just had her remaining teeth removed last week). Lavendursday has left my family confused. Thanks djudges. Just the way I wanted to start my day.

As to the Daily Challenge, I had high hopes of pulling off a lighthouse shave this year when Shave Outside day appeared on the calendar. I live close to one of the most iconic ones here in Maine and even closer to a smaller one that sits out on a jetty. Sadly, I have an early morning meeting and I couldn't pull it off. I'm also sad that I lost the opportunity to be the guy shaving by a lighthouse in a bunch of tourists' pictures.

User gets rejected by one family member, threatened by another, and peed on by a third because of lavender

Jul. 27, 2023
Brush: AP ShaveCo Synbad
Razor: Razorock Game Changer .68
Blade: Wizamet SI
Lather: Taylor Of Old Bond Street - Lavender - Soap

This sample has turned more into a thick paste now and I was able to rub it into my face easily enough to produce a nice face lather with the brush. Despite being a little dry it lathered up in a jiffy and still smelled really nice.

I shaved inside today, on a schedule this morning for a short day trip for work.

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

https://imgur.com/a/TzGuSpz

• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Purple Grapefruit Soap
• Brush: Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gillette Gold Ball-End Tech
• Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge Yellow
• Post Shave: Thayers Facial Toner - Rose Petal

Purple Grapefruit is the obvious shave for today. It's a soap I've grown to appreciate more and more since I've gotten it. It's more lavender-heavy then grapefruit, but it's very pleasant overall. Since it's Caties Bubbles, the performance is excellent.

The shave outside was actually really good. I brought out a mirror, but it worked well to just use my phone. I shaved on my back porch and if I caught the attention of my neighbors, I didn't notice. Picture journey below...

https://imgur.com/a/nKG214m

https://imgur.com/a/ufAto0e

https://imgur.com/a/mGjAEic

https://imgur.com/a/ukqPKIS

https://imgur.com/a/bHCvChQ

Have a great day folks!

July 27, 2023 – Lather games day 27 – AKA Acid rain shave

• Brush: Maggard 2 band Badger
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: Mickey Lee Soapworks – Jefferson Square
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Mood Indigo
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Beloved balm
• Fragrance: Ferragamo – F by Ferragamo Black

I am glad I have one Mickey Lee soap. Unobtanium is fun. Lavender is calming. Shaving outside in the rain is not. I think it worked out alright. If you want to waste 5+ minutes of your life, you be the judge. Now that I am back inside and in dry clothes, all is good. I bid you an awesome day. Hope it’s not raining wherever you may be.

#PhotoContest

Today I shaved with Barrister and Mann Lavender. I used my Proraso boar brush and a Gillette Super Speed. I followed up with Flowers in the Dark aftershave and edt. I was not outside.

7/27/23

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm Manchuria Fan
• Razor: Wade & Butcher 7/8, "The Celebrated Extra Hollow" Barber's Notch
• Lather: Mickey Lee Soapworks - Jefferson Square
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Two Kings Aftershave Splash

This smush was sent to me by the generous u/J33pGuy13, as I don't have anything Lavender forward in my own den (aside from Tabac now, but I just used that Splash yesterday).

This was my first time with anything by MLS. As far as the scent goes, just straight lavender. Not just lavender, but all the lavender. I had no idea there were so many types of lavender. English lavender, spike lavender, topped lavender, and Lavadin Grosso just in this scent alone. I guess saying all the lavender is a bit of a reach. I decided to look up how many types of lavender there are. There are over 45 different species with almost 450 varieties. I was pretty surprised by that. In terms of performance, it was okay. Nothing to write home to Mom about or anything.

Not having anything Lavender forward opted to go with more florals. Enter Two Kings. Rose and Oud with a hint of spices and a dash of incense in the back. The strong combination quickly drowned out the lavender, but it was still just ever slightly present and acted as a nice compliment to the rose and oud. I've found that I really like florals (when done right). I walked away from this smelling like a garden, and Mrs. Pudding blessing in this combo.

No daily challenge for me today, as this one just isn't feasible with what I have going today.

#ROTY

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Semogue SOC Taj Resin Boar
• Razor: Karve Overlander SS
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Reserve Lavender
• Post Shave: Australian Private Reserve - Fougère Bourbon Rose - Aftershave

I have been enjoying this soap and aftershave combination a lot. I won these precious last drops of this aftershave in a PIF on a Aussie shave forum - amazing scent.

Busy day at work, I’m tired. Funny day. Lavender and aliens, huh. Okely dokley. I’m gonna head to sleep.

Music:
“Y o Y” - Born At Midnite Spotify / YouTube

July 27, 2023 – Lavender Day

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts ‘Kyle’ SHD
• Razor: Charcoal Goods Brass Maze Level 2
• Blade: Leaf Super Platinum (13)
• Lather: Chatillon Lux/Declaration Grooming – Pure Lavender
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux – Pure Lavender
• Fragrance: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark

I used to collect about every lavender scent out there, but now this is one of the few left in my den. This is a great lavender, especially the splash as it captures the sharp darkness of the lavender.

I definitely meant to do the challenge today and shave by my sunflower forest in my backyard, but then I definitely forgot.

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Semogue 1305
• Razor: Gillette Tech (Z-4)
• Blade: Personna P74 (5)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Lavender - Soap
• Post Shave: Spearhead - Seaforth! Heather - Toner
• Fragrance: Barrister & Mann - Lavender, Interrupted - EdP

This sample still had some scent left in it, or maybe it was scented lightly from the start. Back in "the day", which was well before my time, Southern Witchcrafts had a Basic Witch scent lineup including this Lavender. I don't know how old the sample is, but I've had it for roughly 2 or 2.5 years, and it was "old" when I got it.

My post shave and frag are relevant because of the lavender connection. Heather is one of these modern fougeres that players are warned about... does it have enough lavender to be counted?

Lavender, Interrupted, has arguably the least amount of lavender in it, but it has lavender in the name. It smells incredible. Get a sample.

July 27, 2023 – Lavendursday (but which flavor of Lavender?)

• Brush: drivenlegend “Timmaayy” Elite Manchurian
• Razor: Maggard MR18c #RAINBOW
• Blade: Astra SP (Green)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Monarch
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Monarch

Monarch is Lavender + other stuff.

2023-07-27 Lather Games SOTD

• Brush: AP Shave Co Rocket (26x55mm Mühle STF Synth)
• Razor: Wolfman Guerrilla 2 Prototype
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (28)
• Lather: SHAVE⭐DANDY - Coconut Cow Cream
• Post Shave: BRUT - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Tom Ford - Beau de Jour EdP

Lavender-Vanilla soap (more lavender than I wanted it to be when I made it, honestly), aftershave that dries down to an anisic powdery lavender fougère once it gets past its harsh opening, and a vibrant lavender-centric fougère for the frag of the day.

July 27, 2023 - Lavenderp Day

• Brush: Chisel & Hound "Root Beer Float" / 26mm Maggard Razors premium boar
• Razor: Muhle R41
• Blade: Wizamet (3)
• Lather: Zingari Man x Rogue Perfumery - Bon Monsieur
• Alum: Osma
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Lavanille
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Lavender, Interrupted

While thinking about this theme yesterday (no, I didn't plan a single day of the calendar) I didn't think I had any lavender-centric soaps until I pulled out Bon Monsieur. Lavender. First note listed on the label which I should have remembered since I made the damn thing. I love this scent, but I never realized it was lavender heavy until it was in my mind and then it clicked. Lavender is definitely at the forefront and the main player in this lovely aroma. Unfortunately, I didn't shave outside because I woke up tired with a raging headache and just wasn't feeling it. Everything outside is all wet and gross from the hours of rain we had last night too. No thanks. I wish that wasn't the case because I love being outside and it would have been a fun shave if I was feeling up to it.

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

• Razor: Muhle Rocca R94

• Blade: Bic Chrome Platinum

• Lather: Mickey Lee Soapworks - Jefferson Square

• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Lavanille

• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Telegrama

Today's Theme: Lavendursday - Jefferson Square, Lavanille, and Telegrama all prominently feature different flavors of lavender. Jefferson Square is an earthy, potpourri lavender. Lavanille is that creamy, Mousse de Saxe-laden lavender we all know and love. And Telegrama is a fresh, clean lavender that kind of reminds me of liquid fabric softener.

Today's Challenge: Shave Outside Day - As you'll see in the picture below, I set up and shaved outside on my backyard patio. I decided that just because I'm outside doesn't mean I have to shave like Bear Grylls, so I set up a nice little table and chair with my scuttle, water bowl, and shaving gear. I used my phone's selfie camera for a mirror and recorded a video so that the screen wouldn't turn off. If anyone wants to watch a 10 minute video of a random shirtless schlub of a man shaving quietly while the neighbor dogs bark, well, here you go. Djudges, don't say I didn't warn you, you didn't have to watch the video. There is no punchline. There is no secret message. It's just for anyone who really wants to watch me shave quietly outside.

My theme for today's shave: Lavender

I really enjoy lavender scents, so today was a really nice way to explore three different takes on lavender. I know, I could have done the feet juice frag for my fragrance, but I haven't used Telegrama before and I already know that I love Lavender, Interrupted. MLS Jefferson Square was a smush sent from /u/j33pguy13 and it was a very nice scent and soap. Lathered up well, and the scent opened up as I built the lather. The scent is very much like a potpourri bouquet - earthy, fragrant, but not sharp or creamy. Lavanille is that creamy lavender we're all well familiar with. Slight sharpness on the open, creamy on the drydown. Now Telegrama is a scent I've been excited to check out, and now I'm sad I was too late to get on the Noble Otter Telegrama soap/splash train. It's a really nice floral lavender that's just easy on the nose and very lovely.

No music today, I wanted to just enjoy being outside and relax a little. #photocontest #FOF #ROTY

July 27, 2023 – Lavender 3 ways.

• Brush: Chisel & Hound Badger
• Razor: Valet Autostrop #selfsharpening
• Blade: Feather (SE) (1)
• Lather: Spieck – Lavender
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Bergamot Lavender
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Lavender Interrupted

You know given Will’s marketing maybe that title was a poor choice. Or a epic one? You be the judge.

Final loaner razor from u/Chronnoisseur420 to get some points. From here on out it’s u/j33pguy13’s CFL pass around (except Friday and Sunday when I need my English tech.) So I gues it’s tech on out except Saturday when I use the CFL…. Then, somehow we’re at AA… Wild how fast this went. Gonna blow off the first week of AA to test the CFL a bit more before I send it back. I’m both relieved and sad we’re reaching the end of our LG time.

Back to the valet. This thing is wild and over engineered, and it took me 10 minutes to figure out how to load it. (the blade goes on the top which flips over?) I guess if you strop disposable blades maybe it’s useful? Dunno. I borrowed it so I could hit 8/10 hardware points. This is where I stop on that because I’m out of time. (note to anyone counting, I’m counting ahead. This makes 6/10. the CFL hits CNC and Rainbow, for 8).

For the challenge. Did I ever mention I live on a corner lot? With a backyard that faces the street? This is basically shaving in public, with a nosy neighbor in that house above me who contently looks out her window at anything going on. Only difference is I can’t get thrown out of my house. Or rather, I don’t think my wife will throw me out. She’s already left for work. 20% chance my neighbor calls the cops on me. I waited to shave until after kid drop off to give me time to do this uninterrupted. Downside is it’s already 85 out. But hey shave sister ain’t that mister mister? Ah yes, that can keep me cool and moisten my stubble while I shave since this is well after showering. Got my gear ready outside, including a baby Yoda travel mirror I borrowed from my wife.

Start shaving, if I dump soapy water all over the brand-new patio, I will be thrown out by the wife. So, I have a cup to rinse my razor in. But as I lather, I stick my face in the mister to get more water. Then alternate the brush in. It works…not bad. Get a decently wet lather. OK this razor is…odd, and I can’t really stretch my skin. Boy that’s a lot of blade feel, but I can muddle through pass one. Suddenly! Sounds…oh shit, the nosy neighbor has opened her garage. Crap, she’s coming out….more sounds.. WHEW, her and her husband are having a spat trying to get in the car (nothing serious, he’s been hurt and not letting her help him get in.) They are distracted and not noticing me.* I can get done if I hurry. But once they pull out of the garage I’m busted. Best case I have to talk to them. Worst case I have to explain myself. Stick my face in the mister mister…oh crap, it’s not strong enough to get the lather off! Crap my hands are too slippery to turn off the hose and unhook Mister Mister. Quick, wet hands, rub face clean, pass 2. This pass hurts, I can’t see what I’m doing in the mirror, I’m XTG, WTG, and ATG all at once. Try to rise the razor in Mister Mister…it doesn’t work. Glad I brought the cup, but cup water is getting soapy. Make it happen, finish shave. Stick head in mister mister. Still not rinsing. HOW ARE MY SHORTS WETTER THAN MY FACE. Fine, whatever, hurriedly walk in with soapy, but socially acceptable shaved face. I did shave outside. Challenge complete, no neigbor questions. Once inside rinse off, change shirts (eff it it’s hot, soaked shorts are actually not bad.) Notice I’m bleeding in several spots. Whelp styptic time. Apply balm. Apply Frag. Roll into home office late.

Today’s #fof is pretty straight forward, Lavender everywhere. Which is good, I love Lavender. First post shave I bought: Bergamot Lavender. But I’ll go a bit deeper here with the theme and expound on types. The spieck Lavender strikes me as a more woody Lavender. This transitions nicely to the bergamot Lavender, which mixes with the citrus in the bergamot in the most fantastic way. The we move to the polar opposite of the spectrum: Lavender Interrupted. Lavender interrupted is sweet to the point I get vanilla first, and a punch of it. But it dries down to a sweeter Lavender. I want to stop and thank u/unitesstatesghost here for this sample. I was skeptical of Lavender Interrupted. I don’t like lavinille, which is nominally where Will starts here, it smells musty to me. So I didn’t jump on it. But she threw this in a PIF box to me and I’m glad because it’s nothing like lavinille. It defintely dries down more woody, but that just makes this FOF a full circle! Go me!

On to #photocontest, since we’re shaving outside, here’s an entry in holes. Specifically the hole left over from my old deck after removing the piers. It’s appropriate since I’m shaving on the patio that replaced it. I filled it in after this photo finally (one more to do done!)

Last 3 shaves remaining #ROTY folks. Who’s gonna finish strong?

*So occasionally they do notice when I do weird things and it ends not great. Which is why I’m glad I dodged it this time. About 8 years ago, I grew 4 hop vines off my back patio. She asked if I was growing pot. “Yes, I grow pot right out in the open!” When I explained it was hops, she inquired as to whether I was bootlegging because she didn’t know homebrewing was legal. When I brough home my first deer’s head to get the antlers off and did that in the back yard…yeah you can imagine how well that went over. Fun fact for u/AirBudruler I didn’t know it at the time, but I was saved from trouble by the Air Bud Rule. “Ain’t no rule that says you can’t perform cranial surgery on a deer head in your own backyard.” (As long as you legally hunted it and properly dispose of the remains, and I did both.)

Risks having police called by crazy neighbor by shaving in his own yard.

Jul. 27, 2023 - Flowers!

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps Grant w/AP Shaveco G5C #FAUXFUR

• Razor: Merkur 34c

• Blade: Personna P74

• Lather: Shannon's Soaps - Lavender Lemongrass

• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Reserve Lavender Splash

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Beloved

When I first started wetshaving I was very hesitant of floral scents and avoided pretty much everything with floral scents. Over the past couple years my opinion has changed a bit and now really enjoy some floral scents! I wouldn’t normally use a sus soap like Shannon’s but 30 brands on theme is difficult without branching out a little. Either this soap has way too much frag in it or I have a sensitivity to lemongrass because my face is a little tingly today. Thankfully got to round out the shave with two wonderful Lavender central scents in Reserve Lavender and Beloved.

For todays challenge I had a dilemma in front of me. I typically shave all natural but since I have neighbors this led me to a decision to make. Either shave outside or put on clothes. I chose the latter, threw on some shorts, walked past my wife looking at me like this and set up on the back porch. I had a great view of our 75+ feet of cut flower garden to enjoy during the shave!

Todays #photocontest theme is another no brainer of #flowers

July 27, 2023 – Mort, Morty, Motimoron

• Brush: Ap. shave Co. – purple Haze
• Razor: Böker – Elite Carbon 2.0
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Purple Grapefruit
• Post Shave: Hags – Animalized
• Fragrance: Miro – Cabal

#Fof

Soap and shave:
Bad timing for a wonderfull challenge.
Germanys weather forecast is a big middle finger towards me. Not only am I feeling sick, no, its raining the whole day.
During lunchtime, the rain stopped. I took that opportunity, grabbed my stuff and went outside. I had stropped my razor at home. Luckily, I have a small park in front of my door. With the rain stopping, all dog owners went outside with me. Since a dog jumped into my kinder wagon when I was a child, I am not a dog person, but in recent years my fear went away mostly. What I was kind of a fraid is dog owners questioning me, what I am doing in the park with lather on my face. But first things first.
I was looking for a good spot. Close to a music school, I found a place with lots of public banks. Although the spot was quite open, the rain made people avoid coming close. Who would sit on a wet bank? I had some company today. Mort, Morty, Mortimer, Mortimoron, GarlicMiasma, MrMortysky and Djungoosia.
u/OnionMiasma, because I cant stop calling them Morty now.
I placed my umbrella on the bank in case it would rain again. Two liters of Gym water were with me. I soaked my brush in it and started lathering. Did I mention that I do not like the scent of lavender. My mom used it for everything. Headache? Lavender on forehead. Can’t sleep? Lavender on top of shirt. Pimple? Drown it in lavender.
Caties Bubbles has added some nice grapefreuit to make the scent bearable for me. With some pasty lather I started my shave. Again, I had no mirror , no selfie mode or whatever. Just a weird dude in a park, shaving by memory. My chin area was too risky and I left a few spots here. The rest of the shave went surprisingly well. In the distance was a dog owner, but I think he did not see me. But there was a dad with his son. Good for me, the son was more interessted in the Mortys, than in me, so the dad did not have to explain anything. Last Christmas, I got a leather bag for a straight razor. That came in handy today.
Aftershave:
The aftershave was quite nice. Had a good portion of sweetness to it. There was some lavender in it but overthrown by the other stuff.

Fragrance:

Miro Cabal is a dupe of Le Male and has lavender as a heart note. Its sweet, with a littl bit of spice with a mild woodyness. Probably a scent for darker days or later hours, but I like it. Did not expect Le Male to be that good.

July 27, 2023

​

• Prep: Myrsol - Emulsion
• Brush: Trotter Handcrafts Bone Classic G5C
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (7)
• Lather: Martin de Candre - Original
• Post Shave: Myrsol - Formula C
• Fragrance: Hugo Boss - Hugo

​

For Lavender day, I selected the classic Martin De Candre Original, which is Lavender, Mint, and Rosemary. Complemented with some minty Formula C Myrsol. I polished up my Legacy the other day, and it feels like a totally different, brand new, premium razor. Having my second use of the new Trotter brush which has been magnificent.

For today's challenge, I need to take the L again, I live in a city, and shaving outdoors isn't a feasible option really. If I had a backyard or something, it would be one thing, but even going to a park may not be legal. Per the Gov site "Possession of a dagger, dirk, stiletto, machete, dangerous knife, or razor by anyone with the intent, which may be inferred by possession, to use it unlawfully against another is not allowed." /u/USS-SpongeBob pointed out I could take a cart, which is very true. However I'd have to go out, buy a mirror, and some other accoutrements, and then get to the park. I don't really have the time for that today unfortunately so a shave in my bathroom had to suffice. Respect to everyone who gets their outdoor shave today!

​

Until tomorrow

#ROTY

July 27, 2023 – Month of Lather Day 27

• Brush: Parker BCPB Black Plastic & Chrome Potmetal handle w/ Pure Badger knot
• Razor: Merkur 23C
• Blade: Rapira Swedish Supersteel (1)
• Preshave: Razor Emporium – Small Batch Soap
• Lather: Razor Emporium – Lavender
• Post Shave: Black Ship Grooming – Ship Wreck Cove Splash
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented Balm
• Music: The Jimi Hendrix Experience - Purple Haze

Daily Theme: RE Lavender on Lavendursday. Shave time.

The Challenge/Shave: Here in Singapore everyone lives in high-rise apartment/condo buildings. I live in a corner unit, so my balcony "technically" meets the challenge criteria because it only has one wall. Here's my setup, and if you look closely, you'll see a train at the station across from me. Here's a couple horrible attempts to capture passing trains at the beginning and during the first pass. I gave up trying to take artsy-fartsy shaving pics and took a couple straight on train shots before and after my second pass.

Prior to today I was not a fan of RE Lavender's scent. Maybe it was the outdoor air, or maybe it was because my lather-building technique has improved, but I really enjoyed today's lather. In spite of the cheap-@$$ hardware and crappy mirror I used; I ended up with a DFS. I'll take that any day. #ROTY

Thursday, July 27, 2023

• Brush: Declaration Grooming - Lavender Jefferson - 28mm B9a+
• Razor: Wolfman Razors - WR2 0.75 DC x WRH2
• Blade: Personna Med Prep
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming - Soap
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - Pure Lavender - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming - Eau de Parfum

Day 27 of Lather Games: "Make no mistake, lavender is the star here..."

Lavender Dreams

• Brush: Smilez Lavender Haze
• Razor: Maggard Razor MR5 #RAINBOW
• Blade: Perma Sharp
• Lather: Chatillon Lux - Champs De Lavande - Soap
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - Champs De Lavande - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Chatillon Lux - Pure Lavender - Balm
• Fragrance: Chatillon Liz - Lavande Poivre

Lavender Day is one of my favorites….

I am very fond of florals…

These are some of my favorite soaps and splashes today.

The last time I was required to shave outside, I had a steel pot for a “sink”. I’m not going back there. :-). Plus, it already 90 here.

Wife and I are heading to see her favorite group tonight. I am going, because I don’t want to end up like Earle…

Today’s Tune is by a “local” gal who has hit the big time. You may or may not have heard of her. But she is touring this summer.

Lavender Haze….

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Wald Stratos Haunter 29mm A1
• Razor: Parker 510 13/16" Square Point Full Hollow (Straight Shave 279)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Beloved - Soap
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Beloved - Splash
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

---

I have been looking forward to this shave and I picked from my best gear for it. Beloved captures the intended feeling perfectly (IMHO). Yes, lavender isn't for everyone but the blend in this scent manages to evoke the feeling of being with, or thinking of, loved ones. Really hard to do I think, and kudos to u/mammothben for taking this one on. I'm going to add Lavendursday to my regular rotation. [Theme Thursday++, but I don't always participate.]

After being outside in the early morning and early evening for four days, waiting for a squirrel to sit and eat a nut for my July 9 photo, I feel as if I've given the mosquito horde behind my house enough sustenance for a while. I like the idea of an outdoor shave but the mid-80's (mid-26's) temperature and equivalent level of humidity was too much for me this morning.

• Prep:
• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Hybrid / 28mm Maggard Premium Boar
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Ti
• Blade: Personna Comfort Coated (3)
• Lather: Martin de Candre - Original
• Luxury Alum: Osma
• Post Shave: Catie's Bubbles - Menage a Lavande
• Fragrance:

The soap smells like Lavender. As does the Splash.

July 27, 2023 – LG2023 Day Twenty Seven

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Gillette – Black Beauty
• Blade: Polsilver (1)
• Lather: Dr. Selby – Lavender
• Post Shave: Mickey Lee Soapworks – Cape Verde

So lavender day and also outside shave day, neither of which thrilled me particularly but here we go.

I thought I would take my suave on the road today so I packed my gear in my work bag and thought I would find somewhere quiet on the way home, I got nearly home and it was shit or bust time so this is as best I could manage.

Firstly forgive my breath I’m literally on my commute home, it’s up a hill and I’m a lumpy sod, also I’m rushing like mad before, neighbours, my kids, or worse my wife sees me.

Hairykopite’s outdoor shave

I would love to give some details on the soap etc but I will be honest I was rushing too much to notice other than its lavender. I got home and had to tidy a few spots up before chucking on Cape Verde from MLSW (I really wish they would return). I will revisit Dr Selby after the games as it seemed to give a good lather even with this ham fisted attempt.

Hard to believe there is only three days left and I was just starting to enjoy myself.

Day 27 - Lavendursday

• Brush: 28mm Synthetic Badger Bulb Knot Homemade Handle
• Razor: Karve - Christopher Bradley
• Blade: Astra Green
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - La Superieur Lavender
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon's - Flowers In The Dark
• Fragrance: Paco Rabanne - Phantom

Happy lavender day, I didn't shave outside, sorry. But I smell like a field of lavenders! haha. I went with La Superieur Lavender. It has such a pure Lavender smell, followed by Flowers In The Dark.

For the fragrance, I followed the Lavender road with Phantom. The lather games has made me realize that most full-size colognes I have are from Paco Rabanne. I don't know what that means, just sharing.

ROTY #FOF

LG23-27: Lavendursday

• Brush: Shore Shave “Purple Ribbon” 24mm Motherlode
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Astra SP (2)
• Lather: Chiseled Face Groomatorium - Woody Lavender - Shaving Soap
• Post Shave: Talbot Shaving - Mont Ventoux - Aftershave
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Coffee: Sumatra. Pegasing, Takengon, Aceh. - v: Gayo 1 & 2, Catimor, Abyssinia - p: Washed
• Music: Purple Mountains
• LG Tags: #FOF

For today's shave, I headed out onto my back porch for a hot and muggy shave, as is tradition for the Lather Games. I didn't run into my neighbor over the fence this year, but since we removed the Box Elder trees that were destroying the back fence, there's now a direct line of sight to the apartments behind our house. Some dude in the window of his living room gave me quizzical looks once I lathered up. I waved; he backed away into the shadows. His loss I guess.

I lathered up one of The Los Angeles Shaving Soap Company scents now available from Chiseled Face. Woody Lavender is exactly as described—rich lavender over a woody base of ho wood and amyris. With the exception of Jefferson Square (multiple layered lavenders) and Will's smoothly-pretty Lavender—which finally won me over on straight-up lavender—most wet shaving scents based around a strong lavender note combine it with a few other notes to fill out the blend. This LASSC/CF scent does the same and the results are calming and earthy. I've disliked ho wood in some other scents, but it makes the lavender smell thicker, more robust, and reedy, while amyris brings out the lavender's often-fleeting floral sweetness. Woody Lavender would be a perfect aromatherapy scent.

In contrast to Woody Lavender, Talbot's Mont Ventoux is bucolic and freshly harvested. The combination of lavender and rosemary is herbaceous, lively, and a little green. There are hundreds of varieties of lavender across many species; I'd guess the one Talbot used is both sweeter and more bristly than the one in Woody Lavender, but simultaneously brighter and less earthy. The variance in lavenders and seemingly straightforward lavender-based scents becomes apparent when you compare them side by side.

Which brings me to my fragrance, featuring my favorite lavender scent in the game. Kyle designed Homecoming to "draw out an accentuate some of the darker elements in lavender." It's the heaviest and most complex of these three scents by a wide margin, leading with a robust lavender, but texturing it with sharp black pepper, woody vetiver and cedar, and honeyed neroli. The neroli provides a significant amount of floral-citrus sweetness in the soap; the fragrance pushes it back into the blend where it has equal standing with the rest of the notes. I don't know if it's something with my current skin chemistry, or my nose is extra sensitive at the moment, but I can't get over how smoky the EdP smells today—especially as it dries down. If you want a dark and spicy lavender scent but don't like a pungent one, Homecoming is a must try. That darker style combined wonderfully with my lavender aftershave's sharply-pastoral bouquet.

• Brush: Simpson Classic #1 synthetic brush
• Razor: Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn 49 straight razor
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Lavender soap
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Bare splash
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Lavender Interrupted

ROTY

Closer still…

Today I'm using a sample of Barrister and Mann's Lavender shaving soap purchased from Maggards for today. I thought it would go nicely with the sample of Lavender interrupted they were giving out at the meet up. I'm not sure I am the biggest fan of Lavendercentric scents but everything is top notch performance wise and the combo is pleasant and unobtrusive.

I did snap some pics of my back porch outside shave. Just took the bowl of lather, my straight and a paper towel for wiping the blade off. I didn't have a portable mirror and used my reflection in a window. It was difficult to say the least and I abused my sideburns a little a gave myself a tiny wack on my chin. I don't reccomend it. At least my ⅞ width straight razor is like a snow shovel and I was able to whip out 1 shoddy pass very quickly. It's so hot in Chicago right now. At least I smell nice.

https://imgur.com/gallery/qFBeAeP

• Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar Brush
• Razor: Parker Clip-Type Shavette Dark Sheesham Wood Handle
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel "Black Beauties"
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - The Four Horsemen: Plague

ROTY

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Omega Penelli White HI-BRUSH Synthetic
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Beloved
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Alive

My backyard was hot and sweaty and uncomfortable. Nicked my neck today too.

Lavender is not my favorite. Lavanille is still the only lavender I have liked. Nothing wrong with beloved, it’s good in its own right. Just not for me. I chose it because I discovered Lavanille last year and wanted to try new stuff out again this LG. I learned a lot last year.l from trying new things. Paired with Alive because they both have a mammoth on them. My splash did one of those glug things so I put a ton of it on my face and rubbed some in my shaved pits because why not, it smells really good.

July 27, 2023 – Lavender day

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Maggard Razors MR7/V3
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (5)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Monarch
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Monarch

So I don’t like lavender scents, in general. But this one is freaking amazing. I got this as a christmas exchange gift a few years back. The soap burns my face a little but the aftershave (and the soap) smells so damned amazing that I will totally let that slide. And it lasts all day. As I am typing this, it has been over 8 hours since I shaved and I can still get a wiff here and there. Good stuff. Great stuff. There are a handful of products I never want to be without and the Monarch aftershave is one of those. I forgot to post this morning and now I don’t even remember what the challenge is for today, so I assume I didn’t do it.

Thu Jul 27 2023

• Prep: A hot shower
• Razor: Merkur - 34C HD
• Blade: Feather HI Stainless
• Brush: Perfecto Badger
• Lather: Castle Forbes - Lavender Essential Oil Cream
• Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Classic Ice Blue AS

The Castle Forbes is a great soap. Great lather and very cushioning. But the lavender scent in this soap is not very forward.

I did not try outside today. Was in a motel room and couldn't think of an option to make it work.

ROTY

Lather games 2023 day 27

• Prep: Warm water
• Brush: Mühle - Rocca Jet
• Razor: Mühle - Rocca Jet
• Blade: Derby - Usta
• Lather: Noble Otter - Monarch
• Post Shave: Marmara - Barber N1

I am so glad for today challenge! I love to spend my time in nature. I am like is modern to say "survivor enthusiast". I'll show you small part of my beautiful country.

I am not a big fan of "Noble Otter" for only one reason. Scent is not so strong. On my opinion is even weak but I know people that is what they looking for. They don't like strong fragrances and I think this brand is perfect for them because is very good soap.

Aftershave....... So here shit happened! This morning I found that I forget to take Barrister and Mann "Lavander" from my friend. And of course Mr. Murphy applied his law my friend is on vacation to the other side of country. I have to find something on way to the mountain. You'll say " what is the problem Bulgaria is one of the major producers of lavender you can find it in every corner " and you be never more wrong my friend! Only one small brand make lavender aftershave! And stop it two years ago. I call in their shop and ask if they have even one lost in storage or tester or even open and grumpy woman assured me that she will check and call me...... Still waiting her call. I write in our shaving club and my friends start to help me. "Take lavender alcohol..... Mix it with lavender oil ( o yes of course I'm gonna fuck my self for second time like in day 9 with my home made after vodka+ coffee) .... Order ....( like its gonna be delivered after hour ...in best case delivery is 4 days from abroad).... And one of them told me about this Barber! But still I have to wait to delivery on next day! Fuck! And this is forth cosmetic shop and nothing! And because this friend told me that Marmara it is Turkish brand the light bulb lit up!!! I'll check in Turkish barbershops! On the third like in fairy tales the guy have it " of course I have my friend... This big bottle .... The purple one.... But only can sell it I can not give you for free! " I was so happy that I buy two other scents to make this guy happy like I am!! Always can make a gift to some friend!! With open heart and big smile I drive to the Vitosha mountain!

ROTY

July 27, 2023

• Brush: TerraFirma Soapery Deep Blue - Oumo Best 3 Color Synthetic 28mm
• Razor: EldormR Industries MM24
• Blade: GEM PTFE
• Lather: The Holy Black – Lavender Creeper Soap
• Post Shave: Maol Grooming – Wilde Flowers
• Fragrance: Prada – Luna Rossa
• Music: Taylor Swift - Lavender Haze

I love the scent of lavender. I love it in my cleaning products. I love it in my coffee. And I even like to grind some up occasionally and sniff it to give me the boost I need to get through the day. I’m always happy to shave with it! It seems to be somewhat divisive within the community, but I enjoy it. Maybe I should ask Doritos how many people need to commit to buying a Lavender flavored chip for them to make them… ANYWAYS…

A few days ago, during the challenge about hydrating lathers and I started to second guess myself a little bit. Am I adding enough water to my lathers? I like to think that, generally speaking, my lathers are pretty balanced, but what if I added moar water? Would I get a better shave? Would the lather be slicker? Today seemed like a good day to test out that hypothesis (I know, this is sounding sciency and science day seems like a lifetime ago). Shaving outside would allow me to add so, so, so, much water. But I would need an assistant. Then I saw him. The perfect little guy to help me make sure my lather stayed adequately hydrated during the shave. I gathered my shaving supplies for the day.... And… Hold onto your butts... See the results for yourself:

Video of today’s outside shave

So, while the expression may be, “if your lather ain't nearly drippin', then you must be trippin’”, I think I found the point where it becomes too much drippage. My faithful assistant had turned against me and his constant barrage of water was too much for the lather to handle. Each pass, hell each stroke, was a race against time, as my little buddy diligently did his best to keep my lather (and everything else in his line of sight) very well hydrated! Even took the opportunity to inadvertently bloom the soap. Fortunately, I was using my MM24 which mows through whiskers like nobody’s business, and it is perfectly balanced with the old MMOC handle. Such a great razor (more on that later). At the end of the day, I determined that my regular lather is plenty hydrated enough and this much water does not do much to improve the quality of the shave. Hypothesis that I need MOAR water proven wrong.

The scents I selected today were all lavender because, well, it’s LAVENDER DAY! Lavender Creeper is a nice, mentholated Lavender Scent – the menthol is very nice of a hot, summer’s day. Wilde Flowers is floral and very lavender heavy - there are supposedly other scent notes in Wilde Flowers, but my sus-nose only picks up lavender. And finally, to close out today’s #FOF, Luna Rossa is lavender-centric with a little bit of mint. This is a perfect scent for an outside summer shave.

For the #photocontest: The Law. Welcome to the lobby of the Massachusetts State Police Museum and Learning Center. Want to learn how to become a MA State Trooper or just learn about the history of the longest running State Police Organization in the country? This is the place to go!

For today’s interview, I have someone who is no stranger to this sub. The man who made the razor I used today. He’s a man that has enabled us and pushed us out of our comfort zones with MMOCs, Boar Brushes, and now a Wagaiaouzet thingy. He’s currently working his way through a Martin de Candre brain bowl and using NOTHING else until all 230 grams (8.11 ounces) of it is gone. He needs no introduction, but he got one anyway. I’m really happy to have u/EldormR join me for today’s interview. Thank you so much, Eld, for agreeing to participate, and for being such a positive influence on r/wetshaving!

10 Questions with… EldormR Industries

1) Many people shave with vintage razors and some even wish they were better. But few people create a new razor from two old ones. What made you want to combine the powers of the 1924 Shovelhead and the MMOC? Did you expect that anyone else would want to buy one, or was the original MM24 simply for yourself?

I loved the quality of shave I would get from the 1924, but hated the tiny handle that it came on. It made the maneuvering tough and uncomfortable for me. I wished there was a way I could change it, but never really spent much time thinking about it.

It wasn't until I found a broken MMOC in a razor lot I picked up that I found my solution. When I got that MMOC, I decided to take it apart to see how the internal mechanics worked. After absolutely destroying it in the process, gotta learn somehow, i realized that I could modify an "intact" MMOC handle to fit the 1924 head.

I started off by just making one for myself, then a few more for some friends to try and get feedback. After word and a few pics/reviews got out, people started reaching out to me to make more of them. I never really had any idea they would be so popular and am humbled by their reception from the sub.

2) How many MM24s have you made? Ever think of adding a serial number to them to keep track of your creations in the wild?

Unless I missed recording one or two, I've made 39 and shipped out to 5 countries. I've thought about doing serial numbering, but never pulled the trigger on actually starting it.

3) What other Frankenrazors are you currently tinkering with or dreaming of?

I'm long overdue on a promise for a friend for a Gem G-bar handle with a 1924 head.

4) Someone is about to take over the world – would you rather it be aliens or robots?

Aliens, hands down.

5) I didn’t try a boar until last Austere August, thanks to your Raw Hoggin Challenge and I know I’m not alone. Before your challenge I was almost intimidated by them based on what other people said about them. So, thank you for running that. What is your favorite boar brush?

My favorite boar brush has to be my Zenith Moar Boar sub brush. That 31mm Hog is fantastic. Before that came along, I would reach for my Rubberset 400-3 with a 26mm Zenith knot I refurbished or my Zenith B36 (28mm x 50mm) Scrubby. I've tried a lot of other manufacturers, but Zenith has always been my favorite.

(INTERVIEW CONTINUED IN THE REPLY)

July 27, 2023 – LG23 Day 27: Lavender Day Huge Outdoor Shaving Announcement

• Brush: Opus 12-ball Mother Lode 28mm
• Razor: Timeless AL45
• Blade: Gillette Winner (6)
• Lather: Ach. Brito – Lavanda
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Bergamot Lavender
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Lavender Interrupted – EdT

Daily Challenge Shaving outside in two familiar locations and one brand new one!

Today was one of those moments of Lather Games fueled lucidity and possibly some of my most important work to date.

u/VisceralWatch take notice!

Carrying the Lavender theme through three different flavors.

Have a great day!

Dude shaved outside the future Ohio meetup spot

July 27, 2023

https://imgur.com/gallery/aaEu3PS

Prep: Proraso - Refrescante Preshave Cream

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

Razor: Gillette - Slim Adjustable Prospector Edition

Blade: Treet - Platinum (1)

Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Purple Grapefruit

Post Shave: Antiga Barbearia de Bairro - Principe Real Green Aftershave Splash

This soap is kind of a weird blend of scents to me, but Catie's Bubbles is an awesome soap base so this was, of course, a DFS.

No challenge for me today.

#ROTY

July 27th 2023 - Lather Games Day 27

• Brush: Zenith MOAR BOAR
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM PTFE (14)
• Lather: Tallow and Steel - Sàsq'ets
• Post Shave: Tallow and Steel - Sàsq'ets
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Beloved

I received this set in a trade, mostly because lavender is very underrepresented in my den and I had never tried anything by Tallow and Steel. And still hadn’t, up until this afternoon, as I never got around to actually using this set. The performance is totally standard, slick but nothing out of this world. And the scent is…lavendery, I’m not a huge lavender guy so it doesn’t do a whole lot for me. Maybe it’s the Mammoth fanboy in me but I like Ben’s take on it in Beloved more. I’m gonna have to upgrade my sample size of the EdP to a full size at some point.

I waited for my wife to go pick up my daughter from camp, grabbed my gear and headed out to the back porch. It’s way too hot to shave outside, but it’s the Lather Games and sacrifices must be made. I sweated into my lather but ultimately persevered.

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Zenith B36
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild (AC) (16)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Lavender
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Lavender

This is my desert island scent. If I could only use one scent for the rest of time it would be this. It’s not my favorite, but it’s definitely the best all around. Shaving outside made it hard to smell the soap.

I shaved on my patio. I didn't use a mirror, and I'm surprised that the hardest part about that was actually getting a good lather, not the shaving itself. I wish shaving outside was the stupidest thing I had to do this week, but I think tomorrow is going to win that title.

10 more miles today. Met my most recent goal of 10 miles two days in a row. Next goal is to make this 10 miles feel a lot easier. LG Mileage: 111 miles

Tags: #ROTY

2023-07-27 Don't Get Assaulted Day

• Brush: Omega 343178 Synthetic #FAUXFUR #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Treet Starline
• Lather: Shannon's Soaps - Lavender Lemongrass
• Post Shave: St. James of London - Lavender & Geranium
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux - Admiral

Free disclaimer:
I have no desire to get into whether certain soap-makers deserve the hate they get around here. Parasitic business practices are pretty deserving. Being an anti-vax psychopath is also pretty damn deserving, so I have not and am unlikely to ever purchase anything from Shannon's Soaps. I think this sample came from The Gentle Shave when I got my brush for Raw Hoggin' last year, after which I smushed it in this tin where it has since waited.
Also, the Treet razor was a freebie thrown in with a WSC order.

Lavendursday: The soap is indeed lavender-forward, alongside lemongrass.

Relevant Post-Shave and Fragrance: The Lavender & Geranium obviously matches the Lavender scent.
Meanwhile, Admiral both features and is prominent (to my nose, at least up front) in lemongrass, the other main element of the soap.

#FOF It's lavender. It's lemongrass. 'Nuff said.

At the time of receiving this sample, I was pretty pleased; I had just used the lemongrass-prominent Port-au-Prince on Desert Island Day, and I was ever a fan of lavender. I'm kind of over lavender. Have I ditched it for jasmine, much like Yukon Cornelius' change of heart vis-a-vis precious metals? Lavender is fine, but it's been done! To be fair, this paricular soap mixes things up with lemongrass, which strikes me as a counter-intuitive combination, but it's not terrible.

Moving on to St. James Lavender & Geranium aftershave, the most remarkable thing about it is that it's a gel. It's a bit unusual, but my unverified assumption is that it, like balm, makes an effort to be more hydrating than alcohol-based splashes. Meanwhile, it unsurprisingly introduces another floral note to the mix. I'm not really familiar with geranium, but it pushes harder into floral than I think I care for. I think it's the geranium that ended up lingering around all day, too, reminding me that I do not care for it.

Challenge Accepted: So stepping into the pure liquid agony that is the outdoors isn't enough anymore, is it? Hard to say; you guys forgot to define "nearby"! I went ahead and assumed that my weird little "yard" doesn't qualify for the challenge; I don't mean to argue that point, but as a thought experiment: If I move to the other side of the outside wall, does the wall of the building still count as "nearby", thus meaning that I'm not "outside"?
To avoid the question, I packed up a big ol' bag of water and headed to a nearby park. I mean, it's several hundred feet away, but it's still "nearby", so you figure it out.
Yes, "park." Rocks and dirt.

Obviously, I went before sunrise—because the fucking sun—which was, strictly speaking, when the park was open. There 's a sign that says it's closed from dusk 'til dawn, and dawn had begun, hence open.

I shaved in Pei Wei, and I shaved in a parking lot in Oro Valley. Neither of those were as unnerving as this situation I found myself in this morning. At this hour, your general passerby isn't going to be a person you want to get near. That is, there's a decent chance that it'll be a vagrant whose brain is in a, uh, altered state. Now, I don't carry very often—partly because I don't feel the need that so many stereotypical Americans do, and partly because I like form-fitting clothing, so I don't tend to have anywhere to put one—but I armed myself this morning.

There was one old man who passed me by who seemed nice enough, but I have no idea what that woman who snuck into the above photo was up to. In any case, I got a couple of passes in.

#photocontest
Photo: Flowers
Those are lavender buds.

July. 27, 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: Taylor of Old Bond Street - Lavender Shave Cream
• Post Shave: Nivea Men - Sensitive Soothing Aftershave Balm

ROTY

DAY 27 LATHER GAMES! JUST ME AND MOTHER NATURE!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: DS Cosmetics 30mm Tuxedo Knot
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Chinese(12)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Post Shave: Clubman Pinaud - Lilac Vegetal After Shave Lotion
• Fragrance: Black Mountain Shaving - Vernal Equinox
  PIC OR IT DIDN'T HAPPEN

To start off things, one would think that when going to the mountains to such a beautiful place, one would not forget to make an awesome picture. Yep, well I'm stupid, might have been the 2 hours of sleep I had been since the previous night...
Anyways. Lavender day. It is a scent that comes up in a lot of fougeres etc. but somehow lavender on it's own never really took a special place in my heart. I mean I like it when it's in cleaning products and essential oils, but in a soap, pure lavender scent. Naaaah... Sorry peeps.

DAILY CHALLENGE

I was so happy when I read about the shave outside daily challenge, cause I had been waiting for it for some time, and coincidentally it aligned with a free day(so to say), so I got the chance to go to the mountains above Sofia, the Vitosha mountains in a special spot I found and shave there and afterwards relax.

VIdeo of shaving outside

I was thinking of making this a loud spite shave, but I heard from the podcast that u/merikus enjoyed someone shaving outside and he explained it was a really calming experience. So I decided that since I am surrounded by nature I should remain calm and not meme it up. It was serene and just like a meditation. I was the first time in a long time that the temperature had cooled down and there was wind blowing, while a gentle sun was tickling my face. Just bliss!! Thank you for this challenge!

​

As far as Spite Shaves go, NO ONE SAID I CAN'T DO IT HERE IN WRITING!

SPITE SHAVE

Spite Video

u/OnionMiasma YO WHERE YOU AT YOU TWO TIMING STEALING BASTARD! You haven't even shaved!!! I gotchu today brother, you're probably gonna shave in your backyard like a scrub! Guess what I BOUGHT A FUCKING MOUNTAIN BROTHER! WHERE'S YOUR MOUNTAIN?!?!?! HUH? HUH??

You shouldn't have messed with me yesterday man! You'll regret it!

You can't outdo me man! You just brought the heat on yourself!!! Three more days, I'll destroy you brother.

You'll beg the Gods for forgiveness, for fucking with me!

All them fumes from yesterday, must've screwed with your head!

I ain't done with you!!

​

#FOF

Now today was a fucked up day. You know why, cause I never tried Lilac Vegetal and that shit smells like the water from a vase that has had roses in it for 3 weeks. RANK... Straight up swamp smell. I thought the Lilac would compliment the Lavender.... Disregarded that stuff and chose something that would go wonderfully with the mountains during the summer! Vernal equinox is a delightful caption of what I just described, it even has Lavender in the middle notes! If you want a classy woody smell, with a fair amount if citrus influence I suggest this one. It's a good one! The blackcurrant in it is a banger!!

• Daily Lather Themes: 27/30
• Daily Challenges: 27/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 19/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 2/2
• Software Vendor Points: 13/13
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 1/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 27/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 27/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 27/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 27/30

July 27, 2023 - Lavendursday

• Brush: Yaqi Balu 24mm Synthetic
• Razor: Game Changer .68 SP
• Blade: Gillette Minora Stainless
• Lather: Martin De Candre - Original
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Barrister Reserve Lavender Splash
• Fragrance: Mäurer and Wirtz - Tabac Man EdP

FOF

Today’s Theme:

All three products used have lavender listed as one of the first scents. The soap by Martin De Candre only has three listed - Lavender, Mint, and Rosemary. Tabac Man has lavender listed first in the scent notes on Fragrantica. The splash has it all in the name.

Today’s Challenge:

The link above is the pic of my shave gear in place on my deck where I performed my shave. This year, I forgot a portable mirror, so I used my sliding glass door. The mixing bowl held the water to build my lather, and was used to rinse the razor. I forgot to bring out a towel to clean up after the shave, but I dropped a lot of lather on my shirt anyway. I just took off the shirt and cleaned up with it. I felt going back inside to clean up was not in the spirit of the challenge. A couple sprays of the splash, and then a spritz of Tabac Man and my shave was over. There was a strange thing about using the glass door as a mirror. I was seeing a double image of my reflection. It worked, but I wouldn’t recommend it. It was 97F this afternoon as I went to pick up my daughter at her camp. We ended up getting a late afternoon thunderstorm. Luckily, the storm broke before sunset. I wouldn’t have wanted to shave outside when it was dark out. The mosquitoes would have eaten me alive. The good thing about the storm was it really cooled things quite nicely. Temp was more like 80F when I made it outside.

Today’s Fragrance:

Lavender is not a favorite of mine. I don’t have much in my den that is really focused on it. I picked up a sample of the MdC soap to try the brand and for the lavender. The splash I got in a box of samples, and Tabac Man I got because it is Tabac. The soap is just the three scents and lavender is right out front. The mint is very light, but gives it a cool sensation. The rosemary gives a familiar pine scent that blends well with the lavender. The splash is just a spray of that purple flower. It was the strongest lavender scent I used for sure. For the Tabac Man, I’ll quote the description from Fragrantica.com:

“Tabac Man by Maurer & Wirtz is a Aromatic Fougere fragrance for men. Top notes are Lavender, Orange, Bergamot and Mint; middle notes are Coriander, Vetiver, Cardamom and Geranium; base notes are Nutmeg, Sandalwood, Vanilla and Patchouli.”

I don’t feel like this really is a pure Fougére. There isn’t that moss and fern note I associate with the category. This fragrance is more floral to me. The first thing I noticed was the lavender. Maybe I was looking for it, but it is still present an hour after I sprayed. Maybe some of the citrus is there in the background. I haven’t been able to distinguish the sandalwood or patchouli. If anything, the scent is very similar to the MdC Soap, but with a hint of the citrus and other florals and green scents besides the lavender. I’ll have to see how it holds up. Those bottom notes may come out as the lavender and citrus fades.

Today’s Haiku:

It’s not my first choice.
I have to use lavender.
But at least Tabac!

Edit: Follow up a few hours later. I can still smell lavender from the Tabac Man, but not really getting the sandalwood or patchouli yet. Tabac Man is pretty good though. Maybe time to explore lavender some more, but in Sample September.

July 27, 2023 – LG Day 27 – Lavender grows outdoors

• Brush: Stirling Two-Band Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gillette Gold Ball-End Tech
• Blade: Gillette Rubie
• Lather: LA Shaving Soap Co. – Blackfern
• Post Shave: Tallow + Steel – Sàsq’ets
• Fragrance: Noble Otter – Monarch

I was really looking forward to shaving outdoors, actually. Last year, I wasn’t comfortable with it due to living in an apartment and the outside facing the neighbors. This year, I’m a homeowner! With no neighbors in sight.

Lavendursday, on the other hand, is not a day I was looking forward to. Lavender is one of my least favorite scent notes, at least when it’s on its own or at the forefront. Blackfern is a very lavender-forward (in my opinion) fougere. Other notes listed are geranium, patchouli, labdanum, and “hints of” clove, eucalyptus, orange and peppermint. Even with all these notes, though, Lavender is what I smell. The others round it out to make it the least upsetting lavender scent I’ve tried. But trust me, judges, this really is lavender. It’s not the same lavender as Sàsq’ets, though. It’s a much darker lavender, meant to evoke the forest, but to me it just highlights lavender oil in a big, big way. Trying/hoping to rectify this, I sprayed a hefty amount of Monarch EdP, which was a gift from a friend. It’s a powdery lavender, providing a needed reminder that lavender doesn’t have to smell like Sàsq’ets. I often forget that Monarch is a lavender scent, actually, because I actually like it. However, despite this, all I smell now is lavender essential oil. I guess that’s the theme of the day, but it’s not ideal for me. #FOF

I may shave outside more often. It was refreshing, relaxing, and made me feel closer to nature. Here’s some photos, including “found footage” style pictures my partner took. She was thoroughly entertained by this daily challenge, and I was happy the rain stopped so I didn’t have to shave in a downpour.

JULY 27, 2023

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gillete King C. Chrome
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Post Shave: Thayers - Witch Hazel w/ alcohol

This is my first time trying Summer Break Soaps and I am hooked. I feel much better now in signing up for Doritos & Mtn Dew combo. Today all I can smell in the lather is lavender. There is a little bit of vetiver that caught my nose but I couldn’t decipher anything else aside from lavender.

DAILY CHALLENGE: What a pleasant morning shave surprisingly. It is crazy hot in my part of the country so the air was crisp the sun was out and the heat was high. To my surprise as soon as I started to shave the sprinklers for my backyard lawn kicked in and I got this refreshing mist the whole time. Just as relaxing as it could have been. Did I mention I suck at taking pictures. This is the best I could do!

ROTY

July 27, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Independent 28mm
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (3)
• Lather: Castle Forbes – Lavender
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Lavender
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Lavender, Interrupted

Castle Forbes shaving creams actually work pretty well for me. Not cost effective compared to soaps really, but their lavender smells incredible. Paired with Barrister and Mann's lavender aftershave, another great smelling fresh lavender. Topped off with Lavender, Interrupted -- a dirtier, heavier take on the scent.

#ROTY

July 27, 2023 - Lavendursday

• Brush: Noble Otter 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: King C. Gillette
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (1)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming - Soap
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Lavanille - Splash
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Lavender Interrupted - EdT

Daily Challenge/Write-Up:
Time to revive the mobile shave den! I learned some lessons from the trip to Wisconsin earlier this month: * Take a brush that you aren’t as fond of, so you’re not constantly worrying about dropping or scratching it * 10 passes is excessive for a shave * A mild razor is the name of the game when you’re out and about * Quiet, not heavily trafficked places are the best places to get your shave on.

Ooh…. about that last one.

Astute eyes may have caught an important detail of my shave den yesterday. Something was missing. As a refresher- here’s the pic of my bathroom. Note the little vanity mirror - all the mirrors in our house are on order, and aren’t here yet. So, for 70 days (and counting), I’ve not had a big mirror for shaving.

And that makes for a much less-comfortable shave. While I’ve gotten fond of the little stand mirror, I’m done with shaves where I’m either hunching over the counter or attempting to use the selfie mode on my phone.

So… I brainstormed about where I could find a good mirror to use and meet the theme of today’s daily challenge.

Train? Done before, and they have 4 walls. Next!

In my garden, using the reflection on the privacy window tint I recently installed? We just moved, so I need to ease my neighbors into the crazy. No Betty White-themed backyard shaves just yet. Speaking of which, it’s crazy to me that u/priusaurus had the same idea last year as I did. Great minds, am I right?

I need to clear my head. I throw my mobile shave den into the back of the Ultimate Shaving Machine™, asked my lather assistant if she wanted to accompany me, and we hit the road to think it through.

Can I use the reflection on the water at “Montrose Beach”? No, too choppy, and unlike u/Marquis90, I don’t befriend the geese.

Then it hit me! I know the perfect spot! I quickly piloted my car onto the expressway, and headed towards the city as quickly as traffic would let me. Well, shit.

Admittedly, it's not the best weather for an outside shave. And the traffic was bananas. Made me wish we had taken the L, but I would have been too tempted to shave in the "air conditioned" train. So we soldiered on.

Getting closer! Time to exit!

We parked and walked into the park…. There was a security station checking bags and I panicked. But u/ktturtlesue talked me down, and they completely ignored the KCG. Score!

Once in the park I laid eyes upon the mirror I'm going to use for my shave. Cloud Gate, or "The Bean", a beloved landmark of our city.

We took a touristy photo, and then I searched for a spot.

I found my spot, and put together my SOTD Photo. Something looked off, so I quickly added something to finish the pic, given that Lavender Interrupted was in the photo. Here's the final result.

Then I proceeded to the shave. I lathered up, and completed a very quick and pasty shave. The couple next to us saw what I was doing, and loudly exclaimed, "look, that dude is shaving!" I explained my mirror predicament, and they laughed and walked away quickly.

Great shave today, in a lovely park in the middle of the greatest city in the country.

Soap Theme Justification
Lavendursday. One of the sub’s foremost experts on fragrance said that Homecoming is his “favorite lavender scent in the game” and that the soaper, “designed Homecoming to ‘draw out an accentuate some of the darker elements in lavender.’"

Further, he continues, “It's…complex… leading with a robust lavender, but texturing it with sharp black pepper, woody vetiver and cedar, and honeyed neroli. The neroli provides a significant amount of floral-citrus sweetness in the soap; the fragrance pushes it back into the blend where it has equal standing with the rest of the blend. I don't know if it's something with my skin chemistry today, or my nose is extra sensitive at the moment, but I can't get over how smoky [sic] the [Homecoming] smells today—especially as it dries down. If you want a dark and spicy lavender scent but don't like a pungent one, Homecoming is a must try…”

Post-Shave and Fragrance Relevance Notes
* Today’s theme is “Lavender, Three Ways” * The soap is Homecoming, described by u/RedMosquitoMM above. * The aftershave continues the dark lavender notes with Lavanille, described by Barrister and Mann as “... our version of Mousse de Saxe with lavender, vanilla, cedar, and the elegant musk Exaltolide…” * Finally, the fragrance finishes with a slightly brighter lavender in the Lavender Interrupted.

User has mirrorless house, proceeds in the only sensible way and uses The Bean instead

User has mirrorless house, proceeds in the only sensible way and uses The Bean instead

July 27, 2023 – LG 27: Laventhrusday

• Brush: Maggard 24mm 2 Band Badger
• Razor: Karve CB
• Blade: Personna Super Stainless (3)
• Lather: Mickey Lee Soapworks – Jefferson Square
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming/Chatillon Lux – Champs de Lavande
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark
• Post Shave: Imaginary Authors – Telegrama
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Lavender
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Semicolon
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Prom King
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Lavanille
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Tuesday
• Post Shave: Mickey Lee Soapworks – Jefferson Square
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Lavender

Lavender is legit, I love it. We all know u/velocipedic did a cool lavender shootout on r/wetshaving, but who the fuck has time to read all that. In todays video I managed his multi-years work in u/wallygator88 fashion in about 5 minutes. I went Between Two ~~Ferns~~ Lavender style, making for a great lavender surrounded set up shave.

Quick #FOF. MLS Jefferson square is a quite bright and green lavender to my nose. It’s strong and sharp, and quite true to putting one’s nose in an actual plant. Champs is a bit spicy and herbaceous, bordering on that medicinal quality, likely the eucalyptus. It has an earthiness quality, and brings in some rosemary as well. To me, reserve lavender is one of the OGs that got me to go down the artisan rabbit hole. It’s classy and sophisticated, a bit “cologne like,” but has layers that leave one always going for another whiff. I’ve never smelled the Caldey Island Lavender it’s based on, but it Reserve Lavender will always have a place in my den.

For my #PHOTOCONTEST, went with flowers, duh.

Edit to add: posted pretty late yesterday and today, but can enter a PIF here if interested in getting some remote learning and helping out a good cause, I’ll tally it all up tomorrow and figure it out this weekend.

Edit 2: Oh, and I’m wearing reserve lavender hair pomade today too. Also, while at work MsChronn sent me this, as I leave a tech in the shower she uses for legs and tell her to use whatever soap she wants. Lavender family today, but I was the mastermind behind my brilliant photo.

soap brands 27/30, post shave 27/30, frag 27/30, post/frag linked 27/30, software sponsors 13/13, hardware sponsors 2/2, razor hashtags 11/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 27/30, daily challenges 24/25, special challenges 3/5

Contestant goes all in on the lavender theme in their video of shaving outside. Going “Between Two Lavender”, contestant used lavender at many parts of the shave to enhance their experience.

Contestant goes all in on the lavender theme in their video of shaving outside. Going “Between Two Lavender”, contestant used lavender at many parts of the shave to enhance their experience.

Jul. 27, 2023
Brush: AP Shave Co G5C
Razor: Karve CB
Blade: Astra SP Green
Lather: Barrister And Mann - Lavender - Soap
Post Shave:* Proraso - Green - Aftershave

It was 96 degrees outside when I shaved today. Loved the lavender scent from this tub. I actually purchased it last week off Amazon for this challenge specifically(which is why the meme for today is a funny coincidence). Used the proraso aftershave because it’s the only mentholated aftershave I own and it’s hot as fuck outside. I really need to invest in a set of mentholated soap/after care because it’s 100 degrees plus for 2-3 months where I live. Suggestions? Anyways cheers!

ROTY

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Smilez4Miles 24mm Synthetic
• Razor: Star – Silver Star
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark Soap
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Lavanille Splash
• Fragrance: Paco Rabanne - Phantom

Lavender, lavender, lavender. I distinctly remember my mother having several lavender plants growing up and always making lavender tea with the fresh flowers. She would keep several ziplock bags of previous years harvests in them, each with a piece of duct tape on the bag with the year they came from on it. She SWORE she could taste subtle differences in the different years’ yields. This scent takes me back to those days.

My mom was sort of a hippy and used lavender like old Greek people use Windex. It was a cure all for any ailment one may be experiencing. Headache: lavender. Upset stomach: lavender. Stressed: lavender. Broken bone: Emergency Room, but we're drinking lavender tea on the way there. I'm not sure how much of that she actually believed, versus the fact that we had so much lavender that she just wanted reasons to use it. At any rate, the scent of lavender reminds me of my childhood and my crazy mom's loving, caring nature. So, for this reason, today felt kind of like a special shave for me. All the products I used today extremely lavender-centric. #FOF

CHALLENGE

I already shaved outside earlier the games, and I came home from work, planning to do it again. But there were severe thunderstorms and torrential downpours, so I had to wait until after dark to get it done. I told myself I didn't want to skip any challenges, so if a late night shave it how to do that, that's what I'm gonna do! Plus, it's kind of appropriate that I'm using Flowers in the Dark, well, in the dark. If I was more creative, I’d try to come up with a story that I wanted to shave at night, in the dark because of the name of the soap, but in reality, it’s because I had to wait for the rain to pass. Luckily, the spotlight in the backyard is pretty bright and the rain cooled the weather down substantially tonight. All-in-all - it's fun to shave outside.

July 27, 2023 – Lavendursday

• Brush: Maggard Razors Aluminum handle 2-band badger 22mm
• Razor: Karve CB
• Blade: Wizamet (16)
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Menage a Lavande
• Post Shave: Thayers – Lavender
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Lavender Interrupted

Challenge: I shaved on my back deck. My SOTD pic is in a planter I recently set up. I spread my shave cream in my sample bowl, loaded my brush, then filled the bowl with water for lathering and rinsing. The lather turned out well. I tried to use the reflection in the glass to shave, but it was hard to see what I was doing, so I mostly went by feel. Album.

Which flavor of lavender is my soap? I can’t say for sure, but the short answer with Menage a Lavande is several. It smells soapy off the tub. Once it’s lathered it’s a multifaceted lavender extravaganza. There’s fresh laundry lavender. There’s green lavender. It’s aromatic, sweet, and vibrant. This is the most lavender I’ve smelled packed into one fragrance. Truthfully, I’ve only kept this for lather games, but the fragrance is growing on me.

I’ve had this bottle of Thayers for a while. I bought it early on in my wetshaving career. I used to think this was a great product. Now, this is an underwhelming post shave. It feels very watery and like it’s not doing much for my skin. I’m tempted to try and use it up, but it’s the only lavender post shave I have. The lavender is in this is somewhat anemic. The lavender is green, a bit bitter, and floral. It’s drab in comparison to Menage a Lavande. It’s in line with what I think of when I read lavender in commercial products.

I don’t know if Lavender Interrupted will be considered for fragrance of the year since it’s not in soap, but it’s my favorite new thing so far. I’m smelling all sorts of things: lavender, sandalwood, amber, vanilla, smoke, hard wood, tobacco, incense, a bit of leather. I smell patchouli but it's hard to separate from the incense. Remember the other day when I said mousse de saxe was like wetshaver crack? Well, it’s here, too. It's smells really nice. After about an hour it's mostly lavender and mousse de saxe. This is a fragrance you can spend a lot of time diligently sniffing through it picking out notes. It’s dark, but balanced enough not to be too heavy. It’s intriguing, yet approachable. I know I said Vespers was Will’s best work a couple of days, but this is in contention. I anxiously await the opportunity to buy a full bottle.

#FOF

July 27, 2023 – “you’re literally dog-water”

• Brush: Chisel and Hound v19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite
• Blade: Feather (DE) (1)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Champs de Lavande
• Post Shave Stirling - Island Man

One time I was gaming and a kid, no more than 15 years old, told me I was dog-water. That was weird, but, it stuck with me.

Tonight, my shave was “literally dog water” – kind of. I found this dog bowl in the back yard at my cousin’s place so rather than the Stirling dog bowl, I used an actual slow feeder dog bowl. Side note, my cousin and her family are due back to the house we’re staying in this evening at like 11:30pm local time and I was a wee bit concerned as I knelt on their back patio wearing just my boxers that they would arrive home early. It would have made for an epic post, but, like – how do you even recover from seeing your cousin and her husband for the first time in years like that? Anyway.

I began by rinsing my face from the spicket, smushing my smush into the bottom of the dog bowl, taking a manly “I shave outdoors” tough guy pic, soaking my brush in icy cold water, and building that dog water lather. It turned out to be a great bowl with a built in mirror for lathering – just swirl that brush around in there and pick up that smush – but I did get some weird blue stuff on my hand in the process. Whatever – this is part of outdoor shaving, amiright?

Shave was smooth as can be with no real issues to speak of. The fresh feather was sharp and easy and L&L (Declaration) whipped up a perfect Lavender Scented Lather – this base is for sure my favorite Declaration line based I’ve used. I did get a little motion sick trying to use that built in mirror, but, if you don’t shave by feel once in a while then you’re not really living. I tried to just stick my head under the faucet but that wasn’t going to get it done, so I just rinsed off in the 90+ degree heat and that cold water sure was refreshing. A little kick of tropical bliss from Island Man rounded out an excellent shave. Overall I give shaving outdoors with ice cold water in the extreme heat a 10/10.

FOF Haiku of the Day

Lavender is bomb
Smooth, Creamy, Soft, and Gentle
Who wouldn’t enjoy?

Edit: Added Splash, oops.

July 27, 2023 – On the Porch on Lavendursday

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #brassing
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Homecoming
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – American Blend infused with Lavender Flowers

This shave was one of those Kurt Vonnegut moments, one of this, well if this isn’t nice I don’t know what is moments. I really enjoyed this challenge as I sat on my front porch. Still warm and humid as anything. Quiet slow easy city night.

A special appearance tonight is the shaving storage box made by my father. Apparently this was based off of civil war shaving kits. The mirror folds back in and it closes up. This is my first time using it for its intended purpose.

u/eructate was kind enough to send me the smush of SBS Homecoming and how nice it was. Clean and beautiful. Restrained. I was really impressed and this may be the first purchase to come from smush trading. For the shave I thought the Gem would be the most appropriate as it’s the most “old timey” shave outside razor of mine. For the aftershave I added flowers from my girlfriends French lavender plant and let them infuse for the evening. AB is already so potent so I was worried nothing would come through but it actually added an initial layer of earthiness to the splash and later what smells like a bubblegum sweetness, but not in a bad way, in the middle.

Fine shave on a fine evening. I’ll be sad to see LG go, just soaking up the last couple. Cheers mates. 🤙

ROTY

July 27, 2023 – Lavendursday

• Brush: Edwin Jagger Silvertip Badger
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Astra SP (3)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Cerberus Fougere
• Fragrance: Duke Cannon – Sea solid cologne

Early morning outdoor shave, what could be better than watch the sun come up while being eaten alive in 80 degree weather.

The Soap/Lather: The scent on homecoming is quite clearly lavender, and I like it. Todays smoosh, courtesy of u/worbx was quite generous, so I went over to the hose and added some water and got going on some nice thick lather.

The Shave: I learned from my kitchen shave and grabbed the kids iPad instead of my wife makeup mirror and set up shop on their table. Just I was beginning my shave I started to itch, and low and behold the damn mosquitos were biting my legs even though I lit 3 citronella candles. Needless to say this put a bit of a damper on the enjoyment, but I soldiered on. While I had initially planned to use my bowl of water for rinsing the razor I happened to have the sprinklers turn on and begin to soak me during the shave. Apparently they aren’t terribly well aimed, but they did provide a nice way to rinse the blade.

Post Shave/Frag: Soaked and poorly shaved I wrapped it up by using Cerberus Fougere. While not the most lavender forward scent, the blend of lavender and greenery easily matched the days shave. I finished it off with Sea as it only seemed right to match the days sprinkler shower shave.

Challenge: I did shave outside on my back patio. I wish I could have gone to a more scenic place, but as my shave took place at 5:30 this morning I didn’t feel like dealing with the sheriff at the parks.

#ROTY

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic
• Razor: Karve Overlander
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Lavender Sage
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Lavender Sage

Lavender Sage is a harmonious blend of just that. It’s a strong scent off the puck, and remains that way throughout the shave. If you don’t like lavender or sage, you should steer clear of this. I think it’s great though. The aftershave is also strong and smells just like the soap to my nose. Stirling makes quality products, so you know it will be a nice lather unless you did something stupid to screw it up.

Shaving outside for today’s challenge was a monumental pain in the butt. I mostly shave in the evening, so I figured I’d shave a little earlier to beat the sunset. I did, but the heat from the day had not yet dissipated. Sweat, quick drying lather, insects, and horrible humidity made me want to quit and go inside. I powered through though (still wondering if I’m a can short of a six pack for doing so), but this was just as awful as the Legs Day challenge.

July 27, 2023 – Shave in a Tree House…Two Bits.  

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic  
• Razor: West Coast Shaving – Bride of Frankenrazor  
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue   
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark  

Theme: I used to make lavender soap with my mom and grandma, smells like that.

Challenge: See SOTD picture. Yes, my lather is dry and sad, I had a bottle of water off photo.

Shaved in my treehouse. It’s become overgrown by climbing ivy and ants…so many ants.

Thursday, the 27th of July, 2023

• Brush: Zenith 502BC
• Razor: Gillette gold "fat handle" post-war Tech
• Blade: Gillette Rubie (33)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Homecoming
• Post shave: Barrister and Mann - Lavanille
• Fragrance: Wholly Kaw - La Fougère Parfaite

Lavender. I like a good lavender scent, but it's not one of my most favorite notes. There's a, well, I'm not quite sure how to describe it... a lot of lavender smells almost astringent to me, on its own, or at least in some where it's by far the most prominent. I'm not always in love when a perfumer turns it up (and thanks to u/curbside_champ for the video).

But I do enjoy lavender in many scents! Homecoming is one example of this. While lavender is by far the primary note here, there's a few others blended in, and it's a nice scent to shave with. It's a very good soap, also, and today's shave was excellent. The splash to follow, Lavanille, is a little less lavender forward, as vanilla is I think also a primary note, and the whole Mousse de Saxe accord is also quite prominent. But there's no mistaking the lavender, and this, despite the alcohol, burned quite a bit less than the Barrister and Mann Eigengrau splash did a couple days ago.

Shaving with my right hand may have helped here, too.

Finally, to continue the pattern of reduction, I picked a perfume which includes lavender, but where it is a minor note in the symphony: la Fougère Parfaite. Here I have to really work to find the lavender, and the overall composition is appreciated without being able to pick out each piece.

27 July 2023 Complementary Non Dickkhole Caties Bubbles Purple Grapefruit

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: 3D Printed Lady with Pot Landmark Knot
• Razor: Blackland Dart
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (6)
• Lather: Caties Bubbles - Purple Grapefruit (2)
• Post Shave: Australian Private Reserve - Lavioletta 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: Amouage - Meander

Cheers

Jul 27, 2023 - Lavendursday

• Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
• Brush: Chisel & Hound/House of Mammoth Beloved 26mm v15 Fanchurian
• Razor: Rotbart 5031 (1950s)
• Blade: Gillette Platinum [6]
• Lather: Australian Private Reserve - Lavioletta - Soap
• Post Shave: Ethos Grooming - Lavender Suprême (Lisse Collection) Skin Food - Splash
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Beloved - Eau de Parfum

These three picks are a beautiful mix of lavender scents: the powdery, floral APR Lavioletta with French, Spanish, and Australian lavenders; the crisp, sharp Ethos Lavender Suprême with lavender grown in the fields of Provence, France; and finally, French lavender wrapped in a creamy, woody base via HoM Beloved.

Rating: 4.5/5