The Third Day Of Weckoning is upon us

• Brush: Rubberset 400-3 with a 26 mm unbleached Zenith boar knot at 56 mm loft
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade Med Prep
• Blade: Kismet Rostfrei, Polymer beschichtet (9)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Oceana
• Post Shave: Ralon – Original
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Island Man

I just figured out that I tended to load to much these last days. I always struggled hydrating the first one or two passes enough, and it's because I had underestimated how efficiently this hard knot (it's got the strongest backbone of all my brushes, because of the very tight Will Ferrule) picks up the Soft Heart base. Stellar shave today, and I've dialed the soap in now, I think.

I also really enjoy summerly Oceana, followed by the almost literal slap in the face that is Ralon, and Island Man. Let the Austere Coasting begin.

#Monthofweckoning

Austere August 2023 - Disclaimer - No Moar Boar was used to make today's lather. It is only included as a size reference.

• Brush: >!REDACTED!<
• Razor: Munnin Woodworks Forest Moss Sextoblade
• Blade: Kismet (3)
• Lather: MdC Vetyver Brain Bowl (Day 99)
• Post: CB V splash

This brush holds so much water. Even after a squeeze and a good shake, I had water constantly dripping out of the knot when I was face lathering. Made getting my hydration right really easy.

monthofweckoning

August 3, 2023

• Brush: Zenith 508 Moar Boar
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade
• Blade: Kismet hair shaper (87)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - unscented balm
• Post Shave: Olay Complete

An autopilot shave with familiar gear. This is going to be a mellow month.

#Monthofweckoning

2023-08-03 - Day Three

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

Austere August: Day: 3MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode#Monthofweckoning#RawHoggin

Dear u/PrideTwo

As I approach the third day of this austere August, I find myself contemplating the previous day's shaving experience. In a moment of curiosity, I attempted to wash away the lingering stench of #WAR, and while it worked to some extent, my comrades reminded me that such reprieves go against the spirit of this mighty battle I'm engaged in. Thus, I shall embrace the challenges and endure the scent throughout the rest of this month.

Today, I made adjustments to my shaving technique, altering the angle of my blade by a few degrees. This small change resulted in a significantly smoother shave, although my face appears to be slightly more irritated than the previous two days. Nevertheless, I remain resolute in my quest for the perfect technique, which is the primary reason behind this #MonthOfWeckenoning.

In the realm of soap, #WAR's potent scent still looms large during the lathering process. However, today, I focused on the soap base itself, as I had not experienced the Omnibus soap base from Barrister and Mann before. To my pleasant surprise, the soap proved to be highly effective. It easily lathers and creates a protective layer that allows the razor to glide smoothly over my skin. I am impressed and can foresee using other soaps from this brand once the reign of #WAR comes to an end.

As for my #RawHoggin Omega Pro 48 brush, it continues to shed a few more hairs this morning, a reminder of its ongoing break-in process. The scent of #WAR still lingers on the brush, but it performs remarkably well for an unseasoned brush. I find myself looking forward to witnessing its evolution as we venture further into this month.

As the third day draws to a close, I am filled with a mix of determination and curiosity. The challenges may be daunting, but with each passing day, I grow more adept in my skills and more attuned to the nuances of #WAR. Until tomorrow, my journal, I shall press on in this most austere of shaving battles.

--

Thank you... I Hate you....

Sincerely u/Absenth

August 3, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Gold Flakes with Oumo 30mm Boar
• Razor: Diane Hair Shaper – Patent 33095 78145
• Blade: Fromm Hair Shaper Blade (3)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Declaration Ghosting – Unscented Aftershave Liniment

Trying to take my time and make sure my lather is nice and hydrated. WTG on my face is pretty good. The rest needs practice. We’ll get there. #Monthofweckoning #RawHoggin #unscented

August 3, 2023

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AKA Brushworx- 26mm Boar
• Razor: Weck Hair Shaper
• Blade: Kismet (3)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

Little bit of a rush this morning. Still managed a quick two pass face and three pass neck shave. Went about as well as yesterday. Going to need to be able to get a little closer on my jawline before going back to work here in a little bit, but for now I'm golden. #RawHoggin #Monthofweckoning

August 3, 2023

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps 28mm Synthetic
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade
• Blade: Personna Glide-coated Hair Shaper (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
• Post Shave: Stirling - Unscented - Balm
• Fragrance: Kenneth Cole - Reaction

#MammothMafia23 #Monthofweckoning

Passes: (Face) WTG, ATG Passes: (Neck) WTG, ATG Cuts: 3 (Running total: 14)

I've now reduced my original number of cuts by half, and today they were all on my chin, which seems to be the area that gives me the most trouble. Interestingly, the two areas I tend to struggle with a DE - my jawline and above my lip - seem to be better with the Weck. My chin is a real struggle though.

Yesterday u/djundjila gave me some tips - I reduced the angle and slowed way down, and have way less irritation - enough so that the balm pretty much killed any lasting discomfort. There was discomfort well into the afternoon the last two days, so a significant improvement.

If I have 28 more shaves like this, I'll be satisfied enough to keep with it, so unless I regress a lot, I think I'm in for the month.

Aug 3, 2023 - A Wecked Mammoth August

• 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

Todays shave managed a little better, WTG & ATG on my cheeks but still can only do a XTG pass on neck, chin and upper lip. I loaded my brush like it owed me money and was able to squeak out enough for the 2.5 passes without having to load it again!

I am throughly enjoying this knot so far! I wish I could set it a little deeper to have some more backbone but it’s not scratchy at all!

Raw Hoggin album

Daily tags: #RawHoggin #MammothMafia23 #MonthOfWeckoning

August 2, 2023

• Brush: Munnin Woodworks w/AP Shave Co 24mm Titanium Synthetic
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade (Straight Shave 284)
• Blade: Kismet (3)
• Lather: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Soap
• Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
• Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum  

2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.

Kismet Blade - Losing My Edge
A #Monthofweckoning

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Beautiful shave today. The Kismet blade is so thin yet so stiff you can really keep a low angle and lighten the pressure. I have a light touch, anyway, but today I just let the edge lightly float on the skin and I have a BBS result. I'm going to tinker with this. A DE blade is thinner and should cut with less effort, but I've never had this feeling of lightness and efficiency with a DE blade.

I updated the album again today. I'm starting to see a tiny (and I mean sub-micron) bit of wear at the edge.

August 3, 2023 - Austere August Raw Mammoth Weckoning

• Brush: Semogue SOC Cherry
• Razor: Weck Hair Shaper Glitter Scales
• Blade: Kismet Rostfrei (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash
• Daily Tags: #Monthofweckoning #RawHoggin #MammothMafia23
• Passes: Face - wtg/atg Neck - xtg up and down

Today’s Picture

Ugh, I forgot to take my pic before the brush was wet. Getting a bunch of split ends going now, mostly around the outside of the knot. I’m surprised at how few bristles have fallen out with no loss at all today. This brush is definitely stiffer than my two Zeniths. It took a while of face scrubbing with many splashes of water to get a decent lather tonight. I tried atg tonight for the second pass. That was too soon in this journey. Lots of burn from the splash. Just an ok shave, not super close, but unless I totally mess up, won’t do any touch ups with this razor. Maybe if I get to where I feel it is much easier.

Sonder is still quite nice. Just getting lemon and vanilla (I guess from the benzoin), but I think I’ll get more from it by the end of the month.

Gotta finish up some work tonight. Hoping to enjoy another “Summer Friday Hours” tomorrow, but half of the things I did today messed up. If I can get things to where they can be finished by 1PM tomorrow, I can cut out early.

Update: I didn’t notice it other than the burn from the splash, but I had a spot of blood on each side near the jawline. Cut total: 3. I think I’m still better than average for a newbie. Last year the MMOC took some blood several times in the first week. I think I was less cautious last year since it was closer to what I was familiar with in razors.

August 3, 2023 - Day 3 AA

• Brush: Omega Pro 48
• Razor: Weck Med Prep
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (3)
• 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

Day 3 - Uneventful aside from finding a bump or something on my cheek and getting a little nick. Other than that War is still kinda meh, the brush is still feeling better and Personna blades still suck.

Tags: #RawHoggin #monthofweckoning

August 3, 2023 – Is this the end?

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps “Dundy” Maggard Boar 26mm
• Razor: Marianna #310 Hair Shaper
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

I am not enjoying this hair shaper at all. Literally 0%. In fact, I actively dislike it. Will I continue with it tomorrow? I doubt it. I’m not quitting tonight. I don’t have to quit tonight, I already shaved with this piece of garbage. Tomorrow I might pick up that glorious Blackbird Lite and shave it all off and end it. That will mercifully free me from the Weckoning and sadly end my Mammoth Month (although I’ll continue to use Dammusi all month and donate at the end). I’ll still be in the Raw Hog group, though. So there’s that.

Anyway – shave sucked tonight. Dundy and Dammusi were great, but, this hair shaper in my hands is just not good. Don’t like it, don’t care if I like it, don’t want to use it. Sometimes it’s best to let others speak on your behalf. Like The Grinch.

Here’s brush pic 1 and pic 2 from tonight. Dammusi is excellent. I love it. This Maggard boar is excellent, I love it. It’s already breaking on beautifully and it’s shave 3.

Hair shapers? Get out. Maybe I’ll run a PIF and gift it to some unsuspecting fool. I apologize in advance.

Then again, maybe I’m stupid and I’ll keep going. I hope tomorrow me listens to tonight me and quits. I really do.

#Monthofweckoning #RawHoggin #MammothMafia23

Edit 1: Tags Edit 2: I did multiple passes. Same as last couple - with the grain followed by across on my face and then a hyrbrid of across/against on my neck becuase honestly idk how any of you do 3 passes with this monster nor do I know how to maneuver this well enough to get it in all 3 directions on my neck. woof.

August 3, 2023

• Brush: Zenith 31mm MOAR BOAR
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Sonder
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Sonder

Better shave than yesterday, still not fun. Did my face in quadrants today so that I could force myself to focus on blade angle and pressure without lather drying out (so did one cheek, then the other, then a neck side, then the other neck side doing both passes at for a quadrant before moving). It seemed to help a lot with the troublesome neck spots, ended up with only one bleeder today, but it made the shave take forever. I also tried glasses on for the neck sections. That helped a lot too.

AA MIleage: 18 miles.

Tags: #Monthofweckoning #MammothMafia23

August 3rd, 2023 - AA Day 2: Month of War

• Prep: warm water

• Brush: Declaration Grooming Goldmember B6

• Razor: Weck Sextoblade

• Blade: Kismet (4)

• Lather: Barrister and Mann - War - Soap

• Post-Shave: Barrister and Mann - War - Aftershave

• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Fougere Gothique - EdP

Live shave with /u/chrisdabombz, got some super nice drippy lather going and had a relatively clean shave with a couple minor scratches. We'll see what tomorrow brings.

#Monthofweckoning