AA SOTD 04-Aug

• Brush: Semogue - Owners Club Taj (4)
• Razor:  Shield - Predator
• Blade: Personna - GEM PTFE (4)
• Lather: Ariana & Evans - Tobacco Road
• Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Tobacco Road AS
• Fragrance: Ariana & Evans - Tobacco Road EDP

Day 4 of AA and #RawHoggin, significantly better lather today, though still not quite the norm. I stuck with the standard tap water but decided to try and use the brush like a normal person rather than abuse it like it's done something to insult me. Seemed to work well enough, I'll stick with this and see if it continues to improve. I've not experienced this sort of thing with a new boar previously so I assume it's something else, but I might be wrong. 

Pre-Shave 

Post-Shave 

Hope everyone has a cracking day. 

Cheers

Marc

#RawHoggin

August 4, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 4

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue Super (4)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Shave/Brush Update: 15 min soak/18-count tub load/face lather/2 passes (WTG & ATG). Improved lather-making with acceptable slickness but not very fluffy. Starting to learn how to adjust my technique to take advantage of the bristle backbone and splay. Pig odor-level unchanged, and another hair shed today. Overall DFS with reduced but present razor burn.

Here's the Day 4 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Still tracking for Raw Hoggin' Challenge, Unscented Challenge and Ultra Nightmare Mode.

August 4, 2023

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AKA Brushworx- 26mm Boar
• Razor: Weck Hair Shaper
• Blade: Kismet (4)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

Nothing new to report today. #RawHoggin #Monthofweckoning

Aug. 4, 2023
Brush: Omega 10029
Razor: Gem MMOC
Blade: Personna GEM
Lather: MWF - - Soap
Post Shave:* Moon Soaps - Havana - Balm

Day 4 still #RawHoggin not much has changed, maybe more splay, lather is about the same as yesterday. Animal smell is almost gone

Brush album

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

8/4/23

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm Maggards Premium Boar
• Razor: MMOC
• Blade: GEM (7)
• Lather: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original
• Post Shave: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original Aftershave Lotion

Following a late shave last night, this mornings shave wasn't very comfortable. I probably won't be having another luxury shave this month. My wtg pass was fine, but my xtg pass definitely gave me some discomfort. Especially on my neck. Mrs. Pudding still remains resistant to the Tabac stank charm.

Knot progress:

Day 1

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

#RawHoggin

Raw Hoggin' My Way Through August- Day 4

• Brush: Zenith B16 24mm Boar
• Razor: GEM Flying Wing
• Blade: Gem PTFE (4)
• Lather: Crown & Crane - Green Tea Soap
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Glacial Spearmint Splash
• Post Shave: Crown & Crane - Green Tea Balm

#rawhoggin

The muscle memory has finally developed with this GEM making it a nice autopilot shave now. Another day of enjoying this set up. As far as the brush break in goes, here's preshave and here's postshave. I think I lost two bristles today.

On a different note, for you LG players relaxing your way through AA, yesterday I had the opportunity to meet the legendary stubble-guzzler himself, u/hugbckt. We met downtown to conclude a 'transaction'. There was an exchange of a 'product' that raised some eyebrows of passersby. As I opened the container and sniffed the 'product'...which is tester of a shave soap his friend is making...we discussed the meaning of life, this little community, what's happening in our community here in the Pine Tree state (which isn't awesome) and other topics. And it's clear he drinks other things than stubble. He's a good dude and y'all should meet him if you find yourself in search of lobster and Stephen King. Have a great day all!

2023-08-04 - Day Four

• 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
• #RawHoggin - Brush Pics: 1, 2, 3, 4
• #MonthOfWeckening

Dear u/PrideTwo

Today's morning began with the kind of chaos that only #WAR can bring. The harsh sounds of automated alerts, warning of impending doom, disrupted my typical start time, throwing my whole morning ritual into disarray.

As I face this MonthOfWeckenoning, I realize that no one leaves the battle with #WAR unchanged, and I am no exception. The disruption in my routine led to carelessness during my shave with the grain on my neck, below my ear, resulting in the first casualty of this fierce battle. My blood was drawn, marking a poignant reminder of the challenges I must endure. However, this setback only fuels my determination to complete this challenge and emerge victorious. Adjusting the angle of the blade to about halfway between the previous two days, I achieved my closest shave yet, with minimal irritation.

With a sense of urgency, I loaded my brush this morning as if I despised it. The lathering process required more water to generate the required lather, but the result was nothing short of glorious. However, the scent of #WAR has now mingled with my blood, and I fear that it has left an indelible mark upon me, becoming a part of my very being.

Despite the trials, my trusty Omega Pro48 brush remains steadfast. While it performed well, I am starting to consider a new handle for it once this grueling ordeal is over, a tribute to its resilience throughout this battle.

As the fourth day comes to a close, I am reminded of the sacrifices this challenge demands. My journey is not without its share of scars, but each one signifies my commitment to face this battle head-on. Until tomorrow, my journal, I shall continue to navigate this treacherous path with unwavering determination.

Thank you, I hate you!
Sincerely u/Absenth

August 4, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Gold Flakes with Oumo 30mm Boar
• Razor: Diane Hair Shaper – Patent 33095 78145
• Blade: Fromm Hair Shaper Blade (4)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
• Post Shave: Declaration Ghosting – Unscented Aftershave Liniment

Every day I tell myself this is a new skill and will take time. Good news is I didn’t nick or cut myself at all WTG. Bad news is ATG and XTG wasn’t so good. Also, since I’m so focused on the Weck, I’m not at all paying attention to the lack of good smells in the shave. #Monthofweckoning #RawHoggin #unscented

August 4, 2023

• Brush: Zenith B15
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer 0.84 OC
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (4)
• Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger - Lucky Tiger
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Original Liniment

I loaded too much soap. I hydrated the lather until it was slinging off the brush. The slickness is good, but not great. I wish there was more secondary slickness. This soap makes my skin dry. The brush is fantastic. The backbone feels just right and the hair is nice and soft. I'm still on the fence with this razor. It feels like there's one angle it likes. If I try to use a shallower angle or ride the cap at all, there's no cutting happening.

#RawHoggin

AUGUST 4, 2023

• 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

The lather has again improved. I must say there is a learning curve in face lathering for sure. Had a visitor this morning and you can see her sniffing smash in the PIC 🐱. Not sure if she liked it but I do! Ya’ll have a good one.

RawHoggin

MammothMafia23

Aug 4, 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

Changed up my grip a little for my second pass and was able to go ATG on my cheeks. Still struggling with even getting a clean XTG pass on my chin and neck but managed to not draw blood today!

Super pleased with my software of the month! Getting to use Dammusi is such a treat! Got it just before the Lather Games started and didn’t fit it into my calendar for that so really enjoying it!

Raw Hoggin album

Daily tags: #RawHoggin #MammothMafia23 #MonthOfWeckoning

August 4, AA 2023

• Brush: Semogue 2000
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Sonder splash

Use Progression: Unboxing, New, 1, 2, 3, 4

Realized in my rush yesterday I forgot to update my blade usage. I am in fact still using the same blade and on day 4 and so far so good. This is the point I normally bin the blade and get a fresh one, but not this month. While the lather continues to get better with the boar brush I still find it doesn’t hold anywhere near as much lather as my badgers. Still smelling a little ripe too, but I guess that’s to be expected. Tags: #MammothMafia23 #RawHoggin

August 4, 2023 - Austere August Mafia Hoggin’ Weckoning

• Brush: Semogue SOC Cherry
• Razor: Weck Hair Shaper Glitter Scales
• Blade: Kismet Rostfrei (4)
• 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 Pic

Today I managed to finish work a little early. Instead of having an early shave, decided to run to Costco thinking it wouldn’t be busy at 3:00PM on a Friday. So it is an after dinner shave today. My wife thinks I’m crazy trying to shave with the Weck. She might be right. Cheeks and jaw are mostly problem free, but the neck is where all my coordination goes away. It’s like I mess up my depth perception when shaving there. I was going along cut free, but hit my neck just below my Adam’s Apple and drew some blood. Sonder is still performing well even if I’m not getting as wet a lather as I would in a bowl. Scent wise, I haven’t gotten past lemon and vanilla creme. The SOC is a pretty nice brush, but still very stiff. Definitely getting split ends, but I’d say this brush has the most backbone out of all my brushes.

If I win the Mega Millions, would it still count if I hired a barber to do my shaves? Not going to happen (hiring a barber, I’m totally winning that $billion+ jackpot).

August 4, 2023 – The grind continues

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps “Dundy” Maggard Boar 26mm
• Razor: Marianna #310 Hair Shaper
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (4)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

I don’t quit. That’s a thing about me. It’s probably from the way my dad raised me and how he always told me the things I “should” do and on and on and so I feel this stupid sense of commitment to this dang shaving thing but screw it I’m going to keep going. Because I don’t quit. If you’re thinking about quitting like I was, let Goggins inspire you.

You’ll notice a new addition to the SOTD pic today – a styptic pencil. I’ve never needed this before. Because I’ve never cut my face this many times in my freaking life. And you know what? I didn’t need it tonight, either. A few nicks and a slight scrape of a previous cut was all there was. No new cuts tonight. How? Well, I made my lather wet, then I added more water until it was wetter, and then I did it again. And it was too wet in my book, but, I’ve read some of y’alls advice and maybe it helped. My chin is still a mystery – how anyone gets that thing smooth with a hair shaper is beyond me.

Dundy – I almost feel bad about how nice this knot is already. But, I don’t. If I were using something easy to shave with I’d be sad I didn’t choose a tougher boar, but, given the beating my face takes on a nightly basis, I’m good with the boar being easy, breezy, and beautiful. That handle was made for a boar knot, I’m convinced. It looks so dang good.

There’s much to say about Dammusi, but, tonight I simply say I don’t know how you all doing this Weckoning thing without a Mammoth splash are managing. The slight cooling after effect is sublime after you slice and dice your flesh. If you don’t have a cooling Mammoth splash you need to do yourself a favor and get one.

Monthofweckoning

RawHoggin

MammothMafia23

Aug. 4, 2023
Prep: Splash of cold water
Brush: Zenith Unbleached 506U XSE 27mm
Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy
Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (yellow) (4)
Lather: Noble Otter - Firefighter
Post Shave: Noble Otter - Firefighter
Fragrance:* Versace Man - Eau Fraiche Eau de Toilette

I really gotta trim that one long hair on the brush. #RawHoggin

August 4, 2023 - Day 4 AA

• Brush: Omega Pro 48
• Razor: Weck Med Prep
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (4)
• 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 4 - Actually a decent shave tonight overall. It's certainly not my best shave, but can guarantee it won't be my worst of the month. I was able to navigate my mapping a little bit better than I have in the previous few shaves, but I'd say that's likely due to slacking on my open blade usage prior to AA. Slowly getting to the point of being nose blind to the War and it's getting less and less offensive every shave. Unfortunately I'm sure the people around me likely wouldn't say the same, but it's making things tolerable at this point.

Tags: #RawHoggin #monthofweckoning

Aug. 4, 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/22UBHKW