AA SOTD 02-Aug

• Brush: Semogue - Owners Club Taj (2)
• Razor:  Shield - Predator
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Ariana & Evans - Tobacco Road
• Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Tobacco Road AS
• Fragrance: Ariana & Evans - Tobacco Road EDP

Day 2 of AA and RawHoggin, the brush was quite soft out of the box yesterday but it is taking a bit of effort to get a decent lather. At home this thing usually explodes fairly swiftly, I'm hoping it's part of the break in but it could be the water. I'll give it a bash tomorrow, perhaps bloom the soap, then failing thatI might try some bottled water and see how I get on. 

Had to correct yesterday's every from the Sabre to the Predator, I had intended to use the sabre but switched it up last minute when I packed. Clearly I was tired yesterday morning.

Setup pic possibly to follow, we'll see whether I get a chance, it's a mad rush each morning to get the little one ready for the day of swimming and playing. 

Pre-Shave  Post-Shave 

Hope everyone has a grand day. 

Cheers

Marc

#RawHoggin

Raw Hoggin' My Way Through August- Day 2

• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Flying Wing
• Blade: Gem PTFE (2)
• Lather: Crown & Crane - Green Tea Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Spearmint Splash
• Post Shave: Crown & Crane - Green Tea Balm

This set up is definitely going to work well for me this month. The brush was ready to splay a bit more this morning and I got a much better lather. Jeez, these bristles are pretty soft to start and I can only imagine what they are going to feel like in a week. Here's the post shave view of the brush.

Time for coffee and getting my brain focused on work. Have a great day all!

#rawhoggin

Aug. 2, 2023
Brush: Omega 10029
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Personna GEM
Lather: MWF - - Soap
Post Shave:* Moon Soaps - Havana - Balm

Bit of a nicky shave, tried to get my shave done too fast and that’s not what you do with this razor. Bright side is this balm feels like liquid alum and I guess it works like it too. So far so good on the #RawHoggin front, getting softer splays a bit more.

brush album

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

8/2/23

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm Maggards Premium Boar
• Razor: MMOC
• Blade: GEM (5)
• Lather: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original
• Post Shave: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original Aftershave Lotion

Today's shave was actually the most uncomfortable shave I've had with a GEM. I'm not even entirely sure why. I speculate it was a combination of holding an incorrect angle and an underhydrated lather. When my shave was finished my face was burning a little. I got some pretty loud feedback from the Tabac splash.

The knot is progressing in baby steps. I'm already starting to see a couple hairs split. I'm certain this new knot did not overly help with todays shave.

Knot progress:

Day 1

Day 2

#RawHoggin

2023-08-02 - Day Two

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade
• Blade: Kismet
• Brush: Omega Pro48
• Lather: Barrister And Mann - War
• Aftershave: Lucky Tiger Splash
• Balm: Nivea Cooling Balm

Austere August: Day: 2
MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode
#Monthofweckoning
#RawHoggin

Dear u/PrideTwo

As I embark on the second day of Austere August, I find myself reflecting on yesterday's experience. It appears that the lingering scent of #WAR soap persisted for about 5 to 6 hours after the shave, a testament to its potent aroma.
In today's razor and blade adventure, I achieved smooth passes with the grain, which provided a satisfying start to the shave. However, I spent extra time on my against the grain passes, being cautious not to draw my own blood for two consecutive days - a feat I consider a success. Although not the smoothest shave I've ever had, it was certainly not bad, and I take solace in the progress made.
The #WAR soap proved to be a bit of a challenge during the lathering process this morning. My bathroom no longer retained the scent of war, but the brush retained the lingering fragrance from yesterday's shave. On my first attempt at loading the brush, I underestimated the amount of soap needed, leading to a rather unimpressive lather that merely trickled down my face and neck. Thankfully, I adjusted my approach, loading more soap, and successfully generated a good, slick lather.
Regarding the boar brush, I noticed a few hairs shedding this morning. While it still carries the unmistakable scent of #WAR, I am eager for it to break in and reach its full potential. The splay of the brush is a delight, and I look forward to seeing how it evolves over time.
As the second day concludes, I am gradually adapting to the nuances of #WAR soap and refining my shaving technique with each passing moment. While the challenges persist, so does my determination to persevere. Until tomorrow, my journal, I shall continue to document my journey through this austere battlefield of shaving.

Thank you... I Hate you....
Sincerely u/Absenth

August 2, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 2

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue Super (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Shave: I did a 15 min soak, 20-count tub load & face lathered. Lather was better (more water at every step) but still not what I expect from CB (good thing I got a month to figure out my boar lather technique). Had just enough lather for 2 passes so will need to load for a few more secs tomorrow. Got a DFS+ shave but finished with a little burn. Too early to blame the blade or my technique, but it's most likely me.

Brush Update: The boar was a little more odorous today (but still nothing offensive) and didn't notice much skritchiness. The bristles are starting to split, but the knot shed a couple more hairs today (it shed four yesterday). Here's the Day 2 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures.

Still on track for Raw Hoggin' Challenge, Unscented Challenge and Ultra Nightmare Mode. Unless my lather-building improves or the Lab Blue smooths out I may be downgrading to AA Extreme Mode by the end of the week and switch blades.

Aug 2, 2023 - Mammoth Mafia

• Prep: CeraVe - Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps Grant w/Maggard 26mm Boar

• Razor: Weck Sextoblade

• Blade: Kismet Hair Shaper

• Lather: House of Mammoth - Dammusi

• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Balm

• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Sonder

Day 2 and I’m my face is absolutely on fire from the second day with the Sextoblade. I’ve gotten a surprisingly ok shave but it takes forever and my face is super raw from trying to make it presentable enough for Uncle Sam. I am nowhere near able to do a ATG pass so today was WTGx2 and XTG. Been switching hands which helps out a lot on the angles. I really just need to figure out how to stretch my chin flat enough for this.

This boar knot is going to be incredible once it breaks in! It’s already not scratchy or unpleasant but it’s eating lather like nothing! I had to go back to the tub both shaves so far! Also had to pull and reset the knot today since my glue job didn’t stick and it was coming loose on one side. Hopefully round 2 works better for me!

Raw Hoggin album

Daily tags: #RawHoggin #MammothMafia23 #MonthOfWeckoning

August 2, 2023

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps “Dundy” Maggard Boar 26mm
• Razor: Marianna #310 Hair Shaper
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

“Wow, what happened to your face!?

“You weren’t being careful.”

“You could use some makeup to cover it up.”

“I’m sorry that happened, dad.”

Just a few highlights from the breakfast table this morning. Kids say the darndest things, am I right?

Needless to say this morning’s shave was another chance for learning. I have no idea what I’m doing. I know I have no idea what I’m doing. But, we’re here to learn. u/Zimora sent me a helpful video to watch and shared this graphic and between the two and my own mistakes I learned that I have been holding the razor at way too narrow of an angle. I’ve also just not been careful enough setting the blade on my face. Three or four cuts are definitely from sloppiness at this point.

Dundy whipped up an excellent lather. There’s one hair that has to be in there upside down because it’s very pokey. I tried to pluck it, but, I don’t know if it was for sure the right one. Tomorrow will tell. Tomorrow evening, though, because this face needs a 36 hour rest. I told myself I wasn’t going to shave in the morning so I would avoid going to work looking like I’d gotten in a fight, but, my foolish pride and ego got the best of me, so, now we rest.

As for Dammusi, today, I’m trying to imagine what Ben was getting after when he set out with this and this can definitely take me to the water and wet stones. It’s bringing me here – the shores of Lake Michigan at Cave Point park in Door County, Wisconsin. This photo is a year or so old, but, it’s a very happy memory. I get the wet rocks, the damp breeze, and the dark/dirty woodsiness of the hike there and back. Love it. I don’t mind smelling this all month long!

RawHoggin

MammothMafia23

Monthofweckoning

August 2, 2023

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AKA Brushworx- 26mm Boar
• Razor: Weck Hair Shaper
• Blade: Kismet (2)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

RawHoggin

Monthofweckoning

A bit more irritation with this morning's shave. Nothing too bad though and I smell great so I can't complain! After only two uses I'm pretty sure this brush is going to end up being one of my favorites. I don't feel like the break I'm is even going to take that long.

August 2, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Gold Flakes with Oumo 30mm Boar
• Razor: Diane Hair Shaper – Patent 33095 78145
• Blade: Fromm Hair Shaper Blade (2)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Declaration Ghosting – Unscented Aftershave Liniment

My technique still sucks, but I’m taking my time and it’s going okayishkindasorta. We’ll get there. #Monthofweckoning #RawHoggin #unscented

Aug. 2, 2023
Prep: Splash of cold water
Brush: Zenith Unbleached 506U XSE 27mm
Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (yellow) (2)
Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter
Post Shave: Noble Otter - Firefighter
Fragrance:* Tommy Hilfiger - Tommy for Men Eau de Toilette

This unbleached boar brush is very unusual. It shed two hairs today, has had no stink at all, doesn't eat very much lather, and already feels very soft. I'm not really sure what's going on here, but so far I really like it. #RawHoggin

August 2, 2023 - Austere August Raw Hoggin Mammoth Mafia Weckoning

• Brush: Semogue SOC Cherry
• Razor: Weck Hair Shaper Glitter Scales
• Blade: Kismet Rostfrei (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash
• Daily Tags: #Monthofweckoning #RawHoggin #MammothMafia23

Today’s Picture - After 1 shave

Second day trying to learn this Weck. No blood, but my neck is not liking my shaky hands. The cheeks to jawline are going just fine with either hand. Left hand is slower though. The neck feels like I’m trying to do everything upside down and backwards, especially shaving up towards the chin/jawline. Two passes wtg/xtg on the face, and xtg/other xtg on the neck. I’m just shaving north to south and south to north on the neck. Splash gave me a bit of burning, but at least I didn’t get any nicks tonight.

Nothing new on the Sonder use. Still getting a lemon creme cookie scent. My wife says she smells vanilla, but didn’t get any citrus. She didn’t smell it very soon after I shaved.

Aug. 2, 2023
Brush: Zenith B-35
Razor: Karve CB C Plate
Blade: Astra SP Green
Lather: Noble Otter - Rawr - Soap
Post Shave: Noble Otter - Rawr - Aftershave
Post Shave: Zingari Man - Unscented - Balm

RawHoggin

https://imgur.com/a/poYvhaO

August 2, 2023

• Brush: Zenith B15
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer 0.84 OC
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)
• Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger - Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Original Liniment

I forgot to mention yesterday, one reason I chose Saponificio Varesino is because it's somewhat fluffy and easier to lather with a new brush. The other reason is that I've only used this soap base 4-5 times before now. AA is a time to dial things in. I hope to become very familiar with this soap by the end of the month. I've loaded directly from the puck both days. Yesterday I loaded for about 1 min 15 seconds until it looked like I had enough soap and ended up with a bit more than I wanted. Today, I tried loading for 45 seconds. I was enough lather for 2 passes. I'm curious if more soap would aid slickness. Today, I tried to speed up my lather time. I worked on painting water into the lather and spent less time working the brush. The knot is splaying more easily. It's eating a bit of lather. The face feel is good. The scritch I felt yesterday seems to be gone.

#RawHoggin

AUGUST 2, 2023 DAY TWO BUT BETTER

• Brush: r/wetshaving Zentih MOAR BOAR 31mm
• Razor: King C. Gillette Chrome
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Smash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Smash Splash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Smash Balm

So today was a little easier than yesterday. Improved my technique slightly to where when face lathering with the hog I actually got more lather then yesterday!!! Still a funny smell but read that this is normal. But the soap is just amazing. Ya’ll have a good one!

RawHoggin

MammothMafia23

August 2, AA 2023

• Brush: Semogue 2000
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Sonder splash

Use Progression: Unboxing, New, 1, 2

Today went a little better with the new boar, thanks to u/putneycj. Still need to work on the lathering a bit, but got a much better shave.

Tags: #MammothMafia23 #RawHoggin

August 2, 2023 - Day 2 AA

• Brush: Omega Pro 48
• Razor: Weck Med Prep
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (2)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - War
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - War
• Post Shave: Zingari Man Sego Balm
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Tres Matres EdP

Brush break-in album: Daily Progress

So day 2 was pretty uneventful as far as the shave goes. The brush seemed to loosen up a tiny bit and not make me work as hard for a slick lather compared to the paste from yesterday. I do believe it only took that 1 shave for war to consume the pig stank. I didn't exactly inform my wife of the choice of software for the month, but she stopped me on the way through the house with a concerned look on her face. She's not happy at all for this scent and all I could tell her was I'm not happy with it either, but here we are. This is life for the next month.

Tags: #RawHoggin #monthofweckoning