Post 'Friday Austere August SOTD Thread - Aug 11, 2023' of challenge 'Weckoning 2023'

Reddit post
The number of participants is 13
  1. u/EldrormR posted on 2023-08-11 03:40:04-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    Austere August 2023 - receipt provided at the special request of a fellow Discordian

    • Brush: >!REDACTED!<
    • Razor: Munnin Woodworks Forest Moss Sextoblade
    • Blade: Kismet (11)
    • Lather: MdC Vetyver Brain Bowl (Day 107)
    • Post: CB V splash

    Another big week in usage. 8g from daily >!REDACTED!< use. I don't think I'll dip into two digit usage, so I feel like I can safely assume a new weekly average for the next two weeks.

    The shave was decent as I normally get with my Weck. Although I am still loving the Brain Bowl, being locked into everything instead of being able to change up hardware and post shave is tough. This past week has worn me down more than my last 100 shaves with the Brain Bowl.

    Unboxing, Week 1, Week 2, Week 3, Week 4, Week 5, Week 6, Week 8, Week 9, Week 10, Week 11, Week 12, Week 13, Week 14,

    Week 15

    monthofweckoning

  2. u/Old_Hiker posted on 2023-08-11 04:45:12-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023

    • Brush: Zenith 508 Moar Boar
    • Razor: Weck Sextoblade
    • Blade: Kismet hair shaper (95)
    • Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
    • Post Shave: Lucky Tiger
    • Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - unscented balm
    • Post Shave: Olay Complete

    Finishing out the work week with a nice shave. I'm spending zero time thinking about what to use. And the more I use the mutton tallow the more I like it if that's possible. Right now I can honestly state that mutton tallow is my favorite base. That opinion could change if a I used another base for days on end, but I have liked mutton tallow from the first use.

    #Monthofweckoning

  3. u/Absenth posted on 2023-08-11 05:21:36-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    2023-08-11- Day Eleven

    • Prep: Hot Shower
    • Razor: Weck Sextoblade
    • Blade: Kismet (11)
    • Brush: Omega Pro48
    • Lather: Barrister and Mann - War
    • Aftershave: Lucky Tiger Splash
    • Balm: Nivea Cooling Balm

    Austere August:

    • Day: 11

    *MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode * #RawHoggin - Brush Pics: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11 * #MonthOfWeckoning

    Dear u/PrideTwo

    Today was like a calm in the storm, a moment of respite amidst the chaos of this #MonthOfWeckenoning. It's as if the battlefield took a breath, granting me an easy two-pass shave, a welcomed break from the relentless challenges we face.

    The Weck, my trusty weapon in this shaving war, performed with precision, gliding smoothly across my face, effortlessly cutting down the stubble. The familiarity of this instrument is like finding a fellow soldier who knows the battle plan inside and out. The Weck and I moved in sync, as if we were in the heat of battle, each stroke a well-coordinated maneuver.

    Beside me, the Omega Pro48 brush remained steadfast. It's like a loyal comrade, always there when you need it, performing its duty with unwavering commitment. The camaraderie with this brush, as with any good battle buddy, is a bond forged through the trials we endure together.

    In the grand theater of this #WAR, an easy shave is a small victory, a glimmer of light amidst the darkness. It's a reminder that not every day is filled with blood, sweat, and turmoil. Sometimes, there are moments of tranquility, a chance to catch our breath before plunging back into the fray.

    As the eleventh day concludes, I find myself grateful for this moment of ease, but fully aware that tomorrow, the battlefield might become unforgiving once more. The challenges we face shape us, molding us into stronger warriors, prepared for whatever comes our way. Until the next dawn, my journal, I'll take this brief respite to recharge, knowing that the battle rages on, and I'll face it with the same determination and courage. Onward, my fellow soldiers, onward.

    Thank you, I hate you! u/absenth

    P.S. I believe Stockholm Syndrome might have set in with this soap... In September please send help...

  4. u/Priusaurus posted on 2023-08-11 07:22:06-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023

    • Brush: AP Shave Co Gold Flakes with Oumo 30mm Boar
    • Razor: Diane Hair Shaper – Patent 33095 78145
    • Blade: Fromm Hair Shaper Blade (11)
    • Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Sheep
    • Post Shave: Declaration Ghosting – Unscented Aftershave Liniment

    It has been brought to my attention that some people may be finding my Austere August posts to succinct. Perhaps because I’ve set a certain standard for myself last month that was simply not sustainable.

    Sadly, I’ve lost the will to interview people, shave in restaurants, or start spite-shave feuds. These things all take energy, and after last month, I feel like ET dying in the ditch. But, to prove the kid still has his fastball, here we go:

    First, let's chat about this soap. Eau de Nothing. Now, I’m all for minimalist aesthetics, but using an unscented soap is like watching a silent movie when you expected a musical. Technically it works, but where's the pizzazz? I was half-expecting my nose to whisper, "This stuff? Again? Why are you doing this to me?"

    The brush remains the beacon of hope in my AA shaves. It broke in far quicker than I ever expected and is an absolute joy use every day. It’s like me: 🥇Gold🥇, completely oversized personality on the outside and maybe a little too brash for some. A lot of people would look at this brush on the surface and think “this is a bit too much” and say “maybe tone it down a bit.” But on the inside, it’s soft, gentle, and humbled to be where it is.

    But let’s move on to the star (or perhaps villain) of today's show: the Diane Hair Shaper – Patent 33095 78145 with Fromm Blade. Now, I’ve given it a fair few tries, hoping our relationship would evolve. But nope. Every time I use it, it's like the universe playing a prank on me. If razors had personalities, this one's the rebellious teenager that's forever in a mood.

    I don’t know what it is about this razor, but 11 days in, we still just don’t vibe. If it was a date, it's the type where you both reach for the check not because you're trying to be polite, but because you can't wait to say goodbye and never see each other again. Sure, she’s more tolerable now than she was on the first date, but at some point, you have to wonder: Am I wasting my time when I need to put this much work into a relationship? I know there are far more compatible options out there…

    So, after what felt like an eternity of cautious swipes, avoiding any potential disasters with the Diane Hair Shaper – Patent 33095 78145 with Fromm Blade, and my nose yearning for SOME scent (come on, even a sneaky lavender or citrus), I finally emerged... Once again struggling to achieve a shave that one would call “enjoyable”.

    Finished everything up with the Declaration Ghosting Unscented Liniment that I also don’t enjoy. The performance is fine, but there is sneaky unpleasant funk with this balm. That is okay when I use scented splashes with it, but on it’s own, the funk is all too present. I wish I had planned for AA a little better, and had enough of any other unscented aftershave to last the month, but alas, here I am: Happy to make a dent in a couple products I don’t often use. #Monthofweckoning #RawHoggin #unscented

  5. u/Eructate posted on 2023-08-11 07:59:57-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023

    • Prep: Warm Shower
    • Brush: AKA Brushworx- 26mm Boar
    • Razor: Weck Hair Shaper
    • Blade: Kismet (11)
    • Lather: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
    • Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag
    • Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

    Another no fuss shave this morning. #RawHoggin #Monthofweckoning

  6. u/djundjila posted on 2023-08-11 08:09:45-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    The Eleventh 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 (17)
    • Lather: Barrister and Mann – Oceana
    • Post Shave: Ralon – Original
    • Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Island Man

    The study of the Solingen Syndrome continues and I'm enjoying my shaves and following along with everyone's AA posts.

    #Monthofweckoning

  7. u/jwoods23 posted on 2023-08-11 08:14:13-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    Aug 11, 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

    Managed to go ATG everywhere but my upper lip today! My chin is still my real trouble spot. Even with two passes and a little buffing work I still didn’t get a super close shave there. I need to watch some more videos and pay particular attention to the chin, I’m struggling to get it stretched flat enough to get all of the stubble.

    Raw Hoggin album

    Daily tags: #RawHoggin #MammothMafia23 #MonthOfWeckoning

  8. u/gcgallant posted on 2023-08-11 10:12:30-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023

    • Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/AP Shave Co 24mm Titanium Synthetic
    • Razor: Weck Sextoblade (Straight Shave 292)
    • Blade: Kismet (11)
    • 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
    #Monthofweckoning


    Today I decided to see what u/sgrdddy's slurry lather could do to provide me with an efficient 2-pass shave. I put my synthetic brush in a mug of water, looked at my phone to get the time then turned the phone to hide the display.

    I opened the soap, loaded my slurry, and shaved. I completed my full-face shave including aftershave and EdP 10 minutes later when I looked at the phone again. After this, it took almost 3 minutes to clean up, though, so I need to figure out how to make less of a mess.

    Nonetheless, I'm completely happy with this. A 2-pass BBS shave in 10 minutes with no nicks or irritation is totally acceptable with a straight razor. With the Weck, I don't need any cleanup on my neck and I don't need to take chances and be Weckless (u/djundjila) to achieve this this result.

    And there are definitely areas for improvement in this process. Perhaps I can cover more facial area between rinses. Maybe I can modify my patterns so I change hands less often. This will be fun to play with.

    I spent a lot of time looking at the blade with the microscope today; comparing edge condition with previous photos. I am seeing very slight wear on the edge overall but this is in areas that I haven't imaged before. The heel, center, and toe sections of the blade look very similar to past photos. There are now 10 areas of noticeable degradation, albeit very small. Until today, there were 8. I cannot feel any of this during the shave.

  9. u/OnionMiasma posted on 2023-08-11 11:06:32-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023

    • Brush: Summer Break Soaps 28mm Synthetic
    • Razor: Weck Sextoblade
    • Blade: Personna Glide-coated Hair Shaper (11)
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: Stirling - Unscented - Balm
    • Fragrance: Kenneth Cole - Reaction

    #MammothMafia23
    #Monthofweckoning

    Passes: (Face) WTG, XTG
    Passes: (Neck) WTG, ATG
    Cuts: 0 (Running total: 19)

    I managed to three-peat the bloodless shave. Definitely my best shave to date with thing. BBS on my chin and upper lip. My jawline isn't quite as good, but progress is definitely being made.

  10. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2023-08-11 16:31:14-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023 - Raw Weck Mammoth

    • Brush: Semogue SOC Cherry
    • Razor: Weck Hair Shaper Glitter Scales
    • Blade: Kismet Rostfrei (11)
    • 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
    • Blood: 1 weeper (total of 5 this month)

    Brush inspection before shave 11

    I planned to shave earlier, but I woke up with a headache this morning and stopped working at 11:00 to go back to sleep. Oh well, headache is mostly gone now. I thought the shave went ok on my cheeks, and a little improvement on the neck, but I had a weeper on my face. The splash didn’t stop it, so a spot treatment of alum to staunch the blood flow was needed. I am not getting the smoothest shaves yet. I am trying to keep my angle a little under a 30 degree angle. To shallow and the blade grabs, but much steeper and the blade feels like it scrapes more than shaves. Lathering is getting better, but is so much messier than bowl lathering. Not much new on the scent today. About an hour post shave the scent seems to be a creamy sandalwood once the citrus notes fade. Earlier in the month I’d have said the citrus was more lemon than bergamot or grapefruit, but while I don’t get a distinct bergamot yet, the citrus is more a general citrus scent. More like being at the grocer with a stand with a variety of the citrus fruits. It has been interesting how the scent has been evolving for me. Previously I’d say it was a lemon cream sandwich cookie, but while it still gives that, there is more to unpack. AA is similar to the LG Feats of Fragrance, but focused on learning one scent, instead of exploring various scents, and how they interact.

  11. u/putneycj posted on 2023-08-11 19:07:35-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023 – fine shave

    • Brush: Summer Break Soaps “Dundy” Maggard Boar 26mm
    • Razor: Marianna #310 Hair Shaper
    • Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (11)
    • Lather: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

    It was fine. I suppose that’s about as good of a compliment as this Personna blade is going to get. Nicked myself once on the right upper cheek which was painful and annoying, otherwise it was fine.

    Nothing really new to report. 2 Passes as usual, basically one straight down and one straight up, save for some weird multidirectional gymnastics on my chin. It’s mostly a with the grain and then against the grain or across the grain pass depending on which part because my hair is far from uniform, but, I don’t ever see myself attempting more than those angles on my neck.

    Brush Pics – continues to be excellent.

    Dammusi – Still great. I doubt I’ll tire of this scent, which I’m glad of. Sonder was a real winner last year and this is as well. Probably become a staple in my den as Sonder did.

    Tags: #MammothMafia23 #RawHoggin #Monthofweckoning

  12. u/souleater7173 posted on 2023-08-11 20:29:40-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023

    • Brush: Zenith 31mm MOAR BOAR
    • Razor: Weck Sextoblade
    • Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (11)
    • Lather: House of Mammoth – Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Sonder

    It says a lot about how far my technique has come that I spent the whole shave today bemoaning today's too dry lather, yet I had the absolute least amount of splash feedback for the whole month so far. Today’s bad shave is a week ago’s good shave. Progress.

    I can’t help but think that I’m approaching the cliff with this blade, though. Once the technique caught up the blade became tolerable. Pretty sure one day next week it’s just gonna die and I’m in for 2 more weeks of terrible shaves.

    AA Mileage: 52 miles. One more rest day today, looking to do a long ride tomorrow morning.

    Tags: #Monthofweckoning #MammothMafia23

  13. u/Zimora posted on 2023-08-11 21:32:00-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2023 - Day 11 AA

    • Brush: Omega Pro 48
    • Razor: Weck Med Prep
    • Blade: Personna Hair Shaper (11)
    • 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

    Days of disapproval: 2

    Day 11 - Late night shave that I kinda had to force myself to do. This one was mostly okay, but I was in kind of a hurry to get it over with and laid the blade straight down and got a tiny nick. Nothing that wasn't easily fixed, but still annoying when it happens.

    Tags: #RawHoggin #monthofweckoning