July 2, 2023

• Brush: Dogwood Good Gully Maggard Black and White Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: New England Straight Razor 6/8
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Peach
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal

Vegan day? Of course, Southern Witchcrafts is an easy choice. I don't know the first thing about soap making, but I do know that their soaps are all vegan and have fantastic performance to boot. The peach scent also really hits the spot this time of year, with peach season coming up fast. I don't think the soap perfectly captures the scent of peaches, but it's just a little sweeter and creamier, making for an excellent summer scent.

For (ICan'tBeliveIt'sNot)ButterTheToast Day ... I am a bit short on single edge razors (and scrapers), but a straight razor does have one edge, so I think that counts?

​

Without Cow to the tune of Black Cow by Steely Dan

Lyrics:

In the corner

Of my eye

I saw you in r/Wetshaving

You were lathering

You were shaved

It was a cryin' disgrace

They shaved your face

On the counter

By your brush

Was a lather calendar

And your shaving soaps

One of these

Surely will shave off the sorrow

But where are you tomorrow

I can't lather more

While you run around

Shave away

Just when it

Seems so clear

That it's over now

Lather without cow

And get out of here

Write song called Without Cow in the style of Steely Dan song

LGSOTD 02-July

• Brush: Simpson Chubby 2 Synthetic Bristle #PREMIUMPLASTIC #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Wolfman - WR3 OC 0.50 #CNC #(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToastDay 
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE 
• Lather: HAGS - Undertow
• Post Shave: HAGS – Undertow

The HAGS vegan undertow is very good, I’ve had a couple of HAGS sets pass through my hands but this is the only one that remains. It’s not particularly unique, being one of a million Aventus ‘inspired’ scents, but it is just pleasant in and of itself. As a side, whether stork counts as food for the photo scavenger hunt is debatable, at the very least it remains on the vegan theme, or at least that's what my Mrs said (and subsequent googling showed) when she asked me what the hell I was doing snapping a pic of my shaving gear and a block of (not)butter in the middle of the dining table! 

I intended the slim for today just so I had something a little on the mild side after the rolls yesterday but the daily challenge must be adhered to, well at least where I can, so out comes the WR3. I have a handful of SE razors (mainly GEMS) but this is a cracker. After participating in the passaround in the UK I had to get my hands on one, despite some comparisons I've seen to droids which made me chuckle, I loved it so beauty really is in the eye of the beholder. So, in went the Google form and the wait began. Luckily the wait was short but I'm glad Tara's patience wasn't, with more than a handful of back and forths, a stunning razor with a gap that, luckily, was perfect for me landed on my doorstep. James really does amazing work. 

Great shave, smooth and smelling good. 

Sadly my ability to lyricise is sorely lacking but kudos /u/Crisp_Mango, truly inventive, well done! 

Hope everyone has a grand Sunday.

Cheers

Marc 

Ps. I have no idea whether this is the way to put links in or shout out to other users, I'm truly a reddit ludite. But if nothing else these games will be a lesson (and a giggle). 

ROTY

PhotoContest

July 02, 2023

• Brush: Beard and Blade Supply Co. - 22mm Classic Synthetic

OLDWORLD

• Razor: Gillette - King C Gillette
• Blade: Feather (3)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Tres Matres
• Post: LÚCIDO - After Shave Lotion

Lather Games off to a great start yesterday! I think I saw a lot of ROTYs - that was kind of amazing.

Nice sunny hot summer day here. Not much going on. I had a good workout in the gym followed by a quick shower and shave. I got a really good lather today and very decent shave result. The scent is great too.

Edit: almost forgot in the last second to only use the one side of the DE razor. I wonder if my shave tomorrow will be affected - I did not make a note of what side I used.

Hashtags #photocontest

Music
“Like a Brother” - hey, nothing Spotify / YouTube

Jul. 2, 2023
Brush: Simpson Trafalgar 2 #PREMIUMPLASTIC * Razor: Dovo Shavette
Blade: Lord Shark - Super Chrome
Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Manna Di Sicilia - Soap
Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - Manna Di Sicilia - Aftershave

Vegan shave and great excuse to whip out the shavette. #(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToast Day

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

Sun Jul 02 2023

• Prep: Soap and warm water
• Razor: GEM MMOC #BRASSING #(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToast Day
• Blade: GEM Carbon Steel
• Brush: Farvour Turncraft w/an Epoxy 26 MM Badger Knot
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth AS

Day 2 of the Lather Games. So far so good, thanks to a lot of help from the other competitors. Not many places help the other guy out like we do. I won the GEM in a pif. Special thanks to /u/ginopono. I really wanted to not like this razor. I kinda get set in my ways. But following his instructions I got a great shave. I could see this razor becoming part of the rotation.

ROTY

Lather Games Day 2- Veggin' Like Legends

• Prep: Hot Shower - Preshave
• Brush: Shore Shave 26mm Motherlode
• Razor: EldormR Industries MM24
• Blade: GEM - PTFE (11)
• Lather: Razor Emporium - Citrus Shave Soap
• Post Shave: Razor Emporium - Citrus Splash

I don't have many veg soaps in the collection. I could have used SV's Tundra Artica today, but it felt just waaaaayyyy too fancy for a Sunday. So out came the Razor Emporium Citrus soap and splash. Razor Emporium actually makes a strong performer of a soap in a veg base so I didn't feel like I was going to have to perform a blood sacrifice this morning to the Djudges.

Today's Challenge- (Note to Djudges- Thanks for giving us a heads up on the next day's theme. It makes it a little easier to prepare as opposed to rolling out of bed and thinking "Oh fuck, how the hell am I going to pull this shave photo/video off without the wife thinking I've lost my mind yet again) This is an Easy Mode Challenge for sure. The MM24 (aka The LG Butterknife) can be heard scraping stubble off through the whole house. My dogs run into the kitchen wondering what crunchy food item might hit the floor for them. But, alas, disappointment reigns for my canine kids as they realize it's just their dad scraping his face again.

#PHOTOCONTEST

• Lather: Pre de Provence - No. 63
• Brush: Stirling Soap Co. - Kong
• Razor: GEM - Featherweight
• Blade: GEM - PTFE
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented (Splash & Balm)
• Osma: Osma - Osma
• Scuttle: Georgetown Pottery - G20

Another day, another shave. As a judge of this contest I know depressingly little about what one actually needs to do here; I had no idea what I would be shaving with when I tucked in to shave.

The Daily Challenge was easy enough as I always shave with SEs. Well, almost always. Been using DEs a lot lately. Yesterday I used the razor that I sort of wish I could use today, if I had remembered what today was. The challenge, that is. Not the day. Point being, I wanted to use something different, and so the idea of using one of the least used razors in my den, the Featherweight, took hold.

The lather was where I thought I would end up over in the other thread. Did I have non animal byproduct soap? I started pulling apart the drawer that my soap lives in and stumbled on this nearly full pick of PdP that I’ve have for like five years. I don’t much like the scent, and my wife really doesn’t like it, and so it barely has gotten used. According to their website they don’t use animal byproducts so it seems I’m good there.

I decided to event go with my only synthetic brush, which was something of a mistake. I got this thing a long time ago, and it’s always just felt fake on my face. I always feel like I get a little brush burn from it.

The lather wasn’t great either, whether by virtue of being this lather or the problems with the brush. Nor was I pleased with the razor—somehow I felt like I had more stubble after the shave than before. I have always felt this razor was absurdly mild.

Oh well. The irritation was less than I thought. That’s good.

Ranking My Lather Games Shaves:

1. 7/1
2. 7/2

July 2, 2023 – Now Cows Harmed

• Brush: Zenith 508A XL Boar (B35)
• Razor: Ever Ready 1912
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: Argasol – Shave Soap
• Post Shave: Epsilon – Blue Mediterranean

According to the Google translation of the packaging, this soap contains coconut oil, water, olive oil, glycerin, and argan oil with all oils organically farmed. The website boasts (via Google translation) that “its fine foam will make shaving a real moment of pleasure.”

This soap does make a very fine foam in the sense that it is thin and very bubbly. Perhaps this is actually a dried out brick of bubble bath instead of proper shave soap. The fact that I managed to get any kind of decent shave should be credited to the 1912 razor and brand new GEM PTFE blade.

7/2/23

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ 24mm Manchuria Fan
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 #brassing
• Blade: GEM (2)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II Aftershave Toner
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II EdP

Vegan soaps are not a common thing in my den at all. One of the first tubs of soaps I had early in my wetshaving journey was vegan, and it was terrible. At first, I thought it wasn't bad at all. I thought the razor burn and uncomfortable shaves I was getting were a result of poor technique and an edge that lacked. One day, after posting a razor I'd made to r/woodworking, a random redditor suggested I cross post to r/wicked_edge. At that point, almost two years into wetshaving, I had no idea there was such a large online presence focused around shaving. I got a recommendation there for a tallow soap, and it just blew my mind. From then, I didn't look really at anything vegan as an option. Fast forward almost two years later, and I received a smush of GFII from u/schontzm. The scent was very unique for grapefruit. The underlying hint of decay was intriguing and complimenting. So I gave it a shot. My mind was, again, blown. By that point, I'd assumed from my experience that vegan wasn't a good performer. This smush changed my mind. Performance was on par with many tallow based soaps. This was a set I had to grab, and with the help of u/J33pGuy13, I landed a trick. I'm very happy to have this one in my den.

Only having used straights for a few years, I'd always told myself I'd try a safety razor if something unique came my way. Enter the MM24 (previously gold plated). I got this in a trade from u/EldromR. Unique and deserving of the hype. I immediately jived with this razor. Up until now, however, I used it in combination with a straight. Today marks my first full shave with the MM24. This razor also holds a very special place in my den for other reasons. During the last weeks of my fathers life, I'd given him a couple of shaves with it. Those proved to be some special and powerful moments for me. As Eld put it to me once, it was "something so profound in something so simple." The last time I used the MM24 was 12/30/22, the day my father passed. After his passing, my sister, a very close family member, and I got him cleaned up and changed so his brothers and closest friends could come say their goodbyes. That's when I gave him his last shave. Using the MM24 again today made this shave pretty emotionally charged. Bro was a fucking rebel to the end. I miss him.

#ROTY

Jul. 2, 2023
Razor: Blackland Vector Ti
Blade: Kai Captain ProTouch MG
Lather: Black Ship Grooming - Calypso’s Curse - Soap
Post Shave: Noble Otter - Bare - Aftershave
Post Shave:* Ariana & Evans - Post Shave Balm - Balm

Really nice vegan base today to be on theme. I’ve also been loving on this razor again lately so was easy to pick up for the challenge.

Shared from My Shave Den for iOS

• Prep:
• Brush: Wolf Whiskers Beehive / Maggard Premium Boar 28mm
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite SS
• Blade: Personna Comfort Coated (3)
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus
• Alum: Osma
• Post Shave: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus
• Fragrance:

Catie's Bubbles is renowned for its commitment to producing vegan soaps, catering to individuals who prioritize ethical and sustainable choices in their personal care products, as well as those who just like a darn fine shave soap. By carefully selecting plant-based ingredients and avoiding the use of animal-derived ingredients such as tallow or lanolin, Catie's Bubbles ensures that their soaps are cruelty-free and suitable for vegans. With their vegan soap options, Catie's Bubbles offers a delightful and guilt-free shaving experience for both animal lovers and environmentally conscious consumers, as well as people who just like a darn fine shave soap.

Today I shaved with my Everready 1924 with a fresh Gem blade. I used the same Maggard/AP combo as yesterday for the brush, as I don’t have a large selection. The soap, aftershave, and EDP was Southern Witchcrafts Carmilla, perfect for the dreary day ahead. Shame on everyone (myself included) for not buying more of this scent, which lead to its untimely demise. I don’t know what I’ll do when these run out, maybe grab the Pomona trifecta? Aah shit, we killed that too. I’m just not gonna think about it right now, feel like I’m starting to have a cow, man.

Don't have a cow, man!
Prep: Warm Shower
Brush: AP Shave Co - Cashmere 30mm
Razor: Parker Adjustable Injector
Blade: Schick
Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Ocean Grove - Soap
Post Shave: Epsilon - Blue Mediterranean - Aftershave
Fragrance: Dior Sauvage
A nice shave with software well suited for a humid day. The Catie's bubbles lathers up well and provides a nice shave. I hope everyone has a good day.

#(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToast Day.

#Dial

July 02, 2023 – June Shaves

• Brush: Cayuen Abalone w/ 28mm Timberwolf Synthetic
• Bowl: Timeless Shave Bowl, Blue
• Razor: WSC – Winning Razor, mirror polished, w/ fancy Madmax titanium handle
• Blade: Gillette Winner Platinum (3)
• Lather: Pre de Provence – No. 63

Purely vegan shave with an old archive soap which I first got during the beginning of my wet shave journey. Not the best performance and not nearly as good as the top shelf brand names, but a decent enough shave for a Sunday morning.

Have a great day, gents!

#DontHaveACowMan #LatherGames

Bonus:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vnFfrxNcyYk ← The Process Of Making The Largest Hexagonal Nut On Earth. Korean Metal Factory

• Brush: Shave Prescription 28mm B10
• Razor: Blackland Sabre
• Blade: Gem Personna Stainless Steel
• Lather: Southern Witchcraft - Grey Phetiver
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcraft - Grey Phetiver, Osma Alum
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Falling Into the Sea

Hot take: Blackland Sabre has less blade feel than the Titan razor scraper.

I actually grabbed the tools for today because they match stylistically- a nice tribute to gray. I maybe should bust out the calendar at some point to make certain I am not shooting myself in the foot just grabbing things on a whim….

shave

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

• Razor: Blackland Vector Ti #CNC

• Blade: Feather Artist Club Pro

• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Lycanthropy

• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger - Aspen

• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Fox in the Flowerbed

Today's Theme: Picked out a vegan base soap with Southern Witchcrafts. Great soap from a great soapmaker.

Today's Challenge: #(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToast Day

The Blackland Vector Ti is a very enjoyable SE razor that uses artist club blades. Definitely a bit of a learning curve for me because of how sharp AC blades are, but after trying out some more aggressive DE razors (and that GEM MMOC yesterday) recently I'm much more confident with the Vector than I was when I first bought it a couple months ago.

My theme for today's shave: Animals #photocontest

So today I wanted to explore the idea of animals and how they can be part of the consumption aspect of our hobby, so each of my fragrance choices carry some animalistic theme in their design: Lycanthropy (being a werewolf), Lucky Tiger (well, tigers), and Fox in the Flowerbed (well, foxes),in addition to the Roosevelt badged C&H brush. To be quite honest, these scents clash and are quite dissonant. Lycanthropy being a classic SW scent, it's musky and earthy. Lucky Tiger's Aspen is a basic "blue" cleaning scent. And Fox in the Flowerbed is a very nice floral fragrance that just smells generally "pleasant" to my nose. I wasn't able to have the introspective epiphany about my relationship with animals that I was hoping for, but not every day is going to be a step forward on the path to enlightenment.

I picked Over the Hills and Far Away by Nightwish for today's listening. Absolute banger of a power metal album, and one of my favorite tracks ever. I thought there was a wolf on the album art when I picked it out which would have gone with my Animals theme, but I'm realizing now that I was thinking of a Sonata Arctica album. Oh well, great tunes nonetheless #FOF #ROTY

July 2, 2023 – Vegan Day

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts ‘Kyle’ SHD #SHD.
• Razor: Schick Injector G1
• Blade: Schick Injector blade (1)
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark
• Fragrance: Dr. Jon’s – Flowers in the Dark

Excellent shave today. I went full vegan stereotype and did some yoga this morning, which is always a great start to the day. I did some reminiscing about this soap and scent during my shave. This was one of the first artisan soaps I tried after immediately purchasing Proraso and TOBS when I entered the hobby. 7 years ago, I sheepishly told my wife I wanted this FITD set for my birthday shortly before the games started that year. I remember eagerly checking the ingredients to see if I could use to for “tallow day” as I tried to squeak out at least half participation in the games. I was clearly a clueless idiot, not much as changed. FITD immediately became my absolute favorite scent, and it remains near the top. It’s 100% responsible for igniting my love of lavender and opening my eyes to how awesome scents could be. I was sad to see Dr. Jon’s go this year. They contributed a great deal of awesome things to our hobby.

As far as the challenge goes, I popped a new blade in my Injector for the first time in a long time. I forgot how effortless and smooth this little guy is. Even ignited a little thrill to maybe start trying to hunt down the beautiful but elusive F type.

DAY 2 LATHER GAMES! HAVE A VEGAN BURGER!

• Prep: Water
• Brush: DS Cosmetics 30mm Tuxedo Knot
• Razor: OCMM
• Blade: GEM PTFE (15)
• Lather: Good Fellas Smiles - Sea Citrus
• Post Shave: Good Fellas Smiles - Sea Citrus Splash
• Fragrance: Bvlgari - Aqva Amara

PIC OF IR DIDN'T HAPPEN

INTRO

Oh man was I happy to hear about today's Daily Challenge, especially after yesterday #skindonor (warning false advertisement). Moreover as soon as I saw the challenge for tomorrow I knew what had to be done.... Let's get right into it!

DAILY CHALLENGE

Yes I shaved with the OCMM and why was I happy to hear about it? Well I did shave with it for 29 days through the whole of June and if I fell in love with the razor after the first few shaves(which were before Retro June, a challenge we made in the Bulgarian group), now consider it one of the best razors ever made!

Like many others today I probably used the OCMM. But why? Well we all know why. There is one person who's at fault for this! And his name is u/EldrormR ! I first purchased one of his awful two toned handles to put on a ER24, or MM24, together with a standard OCMM. He was such an asshole he sent me the stuff even before I paid, I was having money issues and told him I will send him the money at the end of the month, and then he can send them. But noooooo, he had to send them earlier, what a dick!

Later when I told him I really love the OCMM and I would like a fancier one, he found me one(look at it, it's horrible) for a super good deal and again sent it before giving him any sort of monetary compensation, I mean who does that. I tell you who.... People like Eld, awful people...this is why I decided to do write an Ode towards him. Here it is(I had some help from Schiller):

ODE TO ELD

Joy, beautiful sound of cutting

Father of the GEMS,

We enter our bathroom, bearing your craftsmanship

Heavenly One, thy GEM-liness!

Thy craft unites us

Where DE divides us,

All shavers become brothers,

Where thy gentle GEM abides.

Whoever has succeeded in using a GEM

Found out it’s to be a shaver’s friend,

Whoever has won a GEM PIF,

Add his to the party roster!

Yes, whoever also has just one GEM

To call his own on this r/Wetshaving forum!

And he who never managed it should slink

Weeping from sorrow above his sink!

All r/wetshave'rs shave of joy

At the wash basin they enjoy .

All the OCMM, all the ER12/24,

Follow their trail of sharpness.

Kisses that result in the greatest of smoothness,

A friend, proven in truthness .

Gladly, as his work ships

through the land and over the seas

Package, shavers, it’s coming your way,

Joyful, like a new toy with which to play!

Be embraced, Everyone!

His love to all the wetshaving world!

Do you sense him?

Amongst the stars he resides!

EldrormR is thy name which unites!

Now a bit of seriousness. Eld really is an awesome guy and his love for the hobby and GEM razors in particular is probably the biggest I've seen. I was infected with that love and myself now enjoy GEM razor(s) much more than previously! I enjoy them so much that some body parts may get jealous.

A bit about the razor itself. OCMM is definitely the most effective razor I've ever used, and when one gets ahold of the angles, it shaves smoothly like butter, even daily shaves can be managed quite easily, but much slower cause you need more caution. My only gripe is that I tried shaving a 10 day(give take) beard and the razor clogged like crazy, you had to open the clamp constantly.... but other than that it is sublime!!!

THE LATHER(F-ING FINALLY IT'S THE LATHER GAMES)

I think I've only used a GFS soap once before and definitely was not amused... but it fit the calendar and you know, mix and match. It's a vegan base, and it's ok, doesn't take much water, but that's normal for Italian soaps. I'm really not the biggest fan of Italian cosmetics. The scent was kind of nice though, you can feel the sea and the citrus. Gives me a reminiscence of how fried calamary smell in Greece, we have a joke about Calamari Rhodope here in Bulgaria, if anyone is curious, DM me, cause it's NSFW... But yeah, a straightforward smell, nothing special. Soap did dry my skin a bit, but that's kind of normal from what I've tried from them.

THE AFTERSHAVE

Really didn't expect the splash to have some oils in it, second day where I'm surprised by an aftershave. It did a good job of hydrating my skin after the drying up from the soap. It's nothing special in general.

​

#FOF

Bvlgari - Aqva Amara

Why did I choose this fragrance for today? Well it's simple, while GFS gives you strong citrus with hints of a sea breeze. Aqva Amara plops you on the sand puts a fan next to you so you can experience all the sea smells tenfold and when you start to enjoy it someone comes up to your face and spritzes you with a citric extract. It really is a great representation of being on the beach under the shade of an umbrella(those beach ones) and sipping a wonderful cold orange cocktail cooling you off.

EPILOGUE

Everything is going great so far, I hope I managed to give a good tribute to one of the forum's great guys who has sparked love for razors long before us and am waiting for tomorrow's day, lather and challenge!

• Daily Lather Themes: 2/30
• Daily Challenges: 2/30
• Hardware Scavenger Hunt: 2/20
• Hardware Vendor Points: 0/2
• Software Vendor Points: 0/13
• Software Vendor Bonus Point: 0/1
• 30 Different Soap Brands Point: 2/30
• 30 Different Soaps On Theme Bonus Point: 2/30
• 30 Different Post-Shaves Bonus Point: 2/30
• 30 Different Fragrances Bonus Point: 2/30

The song is "interesting". But I was also annoyed by the length of the post.

Never thought a post would qualify for above and beyond and offensive negative point at the same time.

July 2, 2023

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps – Berwyn – 26mm Synthetic Cashmere Knot
• Razor: EverReady 1912 #TWINS #BRASSING
• Blade: GEM PTFE
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Saturday Morning Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face – Gemutlichkeit Splash
• Fragrance: Thierry Mugler - Angel Men
• Music: Lionel Richie - Easy (Like Sunday Morning)

Day 2 – Don’t have a cow, man Day. It’s crazy how far vegan soaps have come. There was a time when it was thought that it was impossible to make a vegan soap that performs as good as a tallow-based soap – and it would be absolutely unthinkable that there could POSSIBLY be a vegan soap that performs (gasp) better than any tallow based soap.

But I sort of get it. How often is the vegan option ever as good as the traditional option? Anyone that’s ever eaten Vegan Bacon knows the answer to that. Now, imagine if someone made a vegan bacon that tastes exactly like real bacon... Imagine that just for a second. Because, 10 years ago, that’s exactly what Chris Cullen did with Catie’s Bubbles. It was thought to be impossible to make a good vegan soap and Chris saw this as a challenge (his words) and took the shaving world by storm with his soaps, making the naysayers forever regret challenging him to make a good vegan soap (my words). Catie’s Bubbles said to hell with normal convention and somehow made the equivalent of a Beyond Burger that ACTUALLY tastes like a real burger. His vegan soaps are phenomenal and perform just as good (or better than) many of the tallow soaps out there. In today’s world, you can have a damn fine vegan shave. I know it because I did it today. My soap is vegan and my brush is synthetic (and so soft!)

Today, I used the most fun Catie’s Bubbles scent I have – Saturday Morning! It smells exactly like Fruit Loops. Childhood Memory unlocked every single time I open this tub. As part of my #ridingwithItchy Lather Games commitment to not dickhole a single day, my scents are completely opposite, yet go great together. Gemutlichkeit is coffee with chocolate chip cookies and sugar roasted chestnuts. And let you ask you, what goes better with Fruit Loops, than a nice cup of coffee with a side of cookies? Sorry Wheaties. This is a Breakfast of Champions! To round out my #FOF, I’m wearing Angel Men by Thierry Mugler. It’s warm and has the sweetness of caramel with vanilla notes. It smells absolutely amazing and is exactly what my gourmand loving self needs. To me, sweet smelling, gourmand scents are like steroids to WWF Superstar Scott “Big Poppa Pump” Steiner in the 1990s. I get my power from them and I just cannot get enough… But I digress… Absolutely stellar shave today.

For the challenge I made sure I used one of my Gems. Last year, I didn’t have one, then I used an MMOC for AA and I went on a yuuuuuuge Gem kick. While nothing beats my Blackland Sabre, but I’m knocking the #HASHTAGS out of the way as soon as I can, so EverReady today and Gem tomorrow!

I'll give a little peek behind the curtain over here at Priusaurus HQ. Since Saturday Morning smells like Fruit Loops, a few days ago I decided to buy a box of to incorporate this sweet, sugary Food of the Gods into my SOTD pic. I usually wake up earlier than my wife, so I used this time to perfectly set up and take my #photocontest SOTD pic. I was very proud of the result, cleaned it up, and went about my morning of enjoying a little peace and quiet before my twin toddlers wake up.

A few minutes later, my wife woke up and started her morning routine and she noticed the box of Fruit Loops. Now, that's not the type of cereal that we regularly have in our house, so she asks "Why'd you buy Fruit Loops?"

Me: "For The Lather Games."

Mrs. Priusaurus: "Ummmm.... Okay. Do I want to know what Fruit Loops has to do with your shaving competition?"

Me: "You tell me. Do you?"

Mrs. Priusaurus: "The kids wake up in 20 minutes and I haven't had my coffee yet. I just want to tell you I hope you win and let me know if I can help you with your little games at all."

For all you single shavers and shavettes out there, find yourself a ride or die like that! While I don't love that she called this month long extravaganza my "little games" she's still supportive and doesn't question my nonsense or stifle my creativity. She let's this peacock fly free. #keeper

Now, for our daily interview: With a great variety of scents and superior performance, Catie’s Bubbles offers, it’s no surprise they are one of the OGs of the shaving world. And Chris was kind enough to participate in my “10 Questions With…” series. Thank you to u/c_bubbles for taking the time to play along and here’s to 10 more years!

10 Questions with… Catie’s Bubbles

1) Your shave soap is awesome. Everyone knows that. There are two very small details beyond your soap quality and scents that I really, really like about your offering: You offer 2oz soaps, which allows your customers to try more of your soaps without committing to a “full size” tub. And you pour your 4oz soaps in a 8oz tub (and 2oz in a 4oz tub) to allow for loading the brush in the tub without making a mess. Are you surprised more artisan soap companies don’t replicate these approaches?

Every soapmaker has different approaches to their businesses. Some offer no samples, some offer samples of the scent in little vials of an aftershave, some will send "sniffies" (basically a q-tip dipped in the fragrance blend), and other variations. I'm a one person operation so tiny samples are too time consuming for me to offer and the 2oz jars serve multiple purposes since a 4oz soap is not TSA compliant so they also work well as a safe option for air travel. As for the oversized jars with the extra headroom, that was partially a response to the biggest complain people had when I was filling the same jars to the brim with over 8oz of soap......they made a mess but now the mess is contained.

2) The name, “Catie’s Bubbles”, is named after your daughter. How often do people get mixed up and think Catie runs the business?

I've gotten many emails addressed to Catie and I've even seen a video or 3 on YouTube where they think she's me.

3) What does your daughter think about the business now? Is she providing free labor for you? How much longer until you’re working for her?

She used to tell everyone who would listen that she was THE Catie of Catie's Bubbles, that's cooled off a bit as anything Dad does is embarrassing to a 15 year old. She makes herself as scarce as possible when any production is going on but I will occasionally get her to help me make runs to the post office. She wants her future to be in the performing arts and is even attending a special high school for it so I don't think she'll ever take over the reins.

4) When you’re shaving, how often are you using Catie’s Bubbles products vs. other artisans’ shave products?

I've got a ton of products from other vendors but most of my shaves are with my own creations. Occasionally I'll dig out a jar of Mickey Lee's, Talbot, or one of the old White Label B&M soaps (still think that was their best base) but it's on the rare occasion I'm not doing QC or evaluating something I've been working on.

(CONTINUED IN THE REPLY)

July 2, 2023 – Lather Games day 2 – AKA Meat is murder

• Brush: AP Shave Co Synthetic
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (12)
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Propaganda
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon’s – Propaganda

My choice for todays shave is Dr. Jon’s Propaganda. It’s a shame that the Dr. Is no longer, I enjoy their products. Propaganda leaves me smelling like a corinthian leather apholstery factory, and I love it!

u/VisceralWatch GEMnabled me way back when by lending me and then Ultimately selling me my (now) favorite SE razor, the ClögPrüf. Umlauts notwithstanding, this is by far my favorite GEM razor (I have many). It definitely #ButtersThatToast each time I use it, and today was no exception. A smooth clean shave. The razor seems to get shinier after each use – probably because I sweat brasso, but that’s a story for another time.

Shave on, comrades!

#PhotoContest

https://open.spotify.com/album/5DM1qCdgGt2zbknnsVn1Ca?si=fWgcj-CSQWOqfldMFjXQMA

2023-07-02 This is a ~~Cow~~ Bull-Man

• Brush: Omega 343178 Synthetic #FAUXFUR #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Micromatic Open Comb (MMOC) (1st Generation)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth

Challenge Accepted: I've called the MMOC a gentle giant before, a label I straight-up stole from u/EldrormR because it's accurate. I used this for last year's August MMOC challenge, during which time it served me well, and I am become fan.
I'm definitely out of practice, though; I think I can count on one hand, with a few fingers left over, the number of times I've used it since. At the very least my approach to today's shave was a bit cavalier. I realized this during, but did not correct it either enough or soon enough to save my skin. Then again, the mystery blade that's been sitting in the razor—out in the open for some indeterminate amount of time—probably didn't help.
Don't do that, kids; don't use a questionably-old blade.

Relevant Post Shave and Fragrance: Trickhole, plus relevant brush and bowl! I painted that bowl with a minotaur motif over 20 years ago, and never has it been more apt!

Free disclaimer: This Labyrinth set was bestowed upon me by u/phteven_j last year as a Lather Games reward. The news that he would not be involved in the Games or podcast this year was a surprise and disappointment to many, but I get it. The Games are exhausting enough as a participant, I can't imagine what orchestrating and running it would take.

Brush: I haven't been able to confirm whether that model number, 343178, is right, but that is what it purported to be when I bought it, and I haven't found any evidence to the contrary (and not for a lack of searching), so that's what I'm calling it. Also, I think I'm obligated to point out that I purchased it for the low price of $0.00. It wasn't gifted to me, it wasn't a PIF, it wasn't even a promo or freebie; rather, I purchased it from an online store for that listed price. Zero was the price that the brush cost, and the price of the payment was zero.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯
But also, it is a synthetic brush, making it fit right at home for today's theme!

#photocontest

Photo: Story/thematic

Okay, I gotta talk about the Minotaur for just a second. We all know the story represented in the photo: Theseus (pictured), with his boat of questionably-continuous indentity (not pictured), heroically slew the fearsome, half-man-half-bull~~-half-pig~~ Minotaur (pictured) in his labyrinth (pictured separately, with the bowl). But I recently came across this summary of the myth, and it is... something else! Here's my further-condensed version:

Poseidon gave a fancy bull to Minos of Crete to help Minos become king, under the condition that Minos would later sacrifice the bull back to him. Minos reneged on sacrificing the bull, so Poseidon had Aphrodite make Minos' wife, Pasiphaë, fall in love with the bull.

Right, so Pasiphaë is in love with a bull. That's weird, right?. What's weirder is that Pasiphaë then had Daedalus (you know Daedalus, father of Icarus, flying too close to the sun and all that) fabricate a hollow cow suit that she could wear in order to....

And then she gave birth to the Minotaur!

What the fuck, right? Then again, this is the same general body of mythology that brought us Leda and the Swan, i.e. a popular subject of porny Renaissance art in which Zeus and Leda conceive Castor and Pollux while Zeus is in the form of a swan. Yup.

#FOF

Lather/Post Shave/Fragrance: Where was I? Oh, Labyrinth.
Anyway, it was the description of "wet stone" that first piqued my interest in Labyrinth. I'm kind of fascinated by those "non-scent" descriptions, i.e. that refer to things that don't really have any true scent or don't generally have a smell associated with them. Granted, how well this falls into that category is dubious, because wet stone may very well have a smell, depending on such things as may be on the surface of the rock, or perhaps anything in the water. It follows, too, that any generic wet stone in one's geographic area—say, Tucker, GA—may be distinctly different than what I'm familiar with here in hrmnhmrmgbrn...

I can't say whether it smells like any damp rocks of Georgia, but I can see it. What it actually reminds me of, though, is Stirling's Ben Franklin. Granted, I may be pretty far off because it's been a few years since my nose has been exposed to that.

I feel like I might be grasping at straws to draw some kind of similarity from the ingredients, but you've got the myrrh of Labyrinth and the benzoin of Ben Franklin, both tree-based resins. There's a strong temptation to relate myrrh to Ben Franklin's frankincese, but I can't tell you if those have any olfactory similarities.
I never claimed to have a refined olfactory palate.

If it were a color, I'd say it would be a desaturated, medium-light brown. Wait, that sounds like a bad thing; I don't mean it to be!
I struggle with thinking of the kind of ~~occastion~~ occasion for which this scent would be well-suited. It is not a date scent. It does not strike me as something to be worn to any kind of formal event, or even to work at an office job.
...
It does actually seem like it would be appropriate for an archaeologist. Does that make sense? I don't know any archaeologists.
Or maybe in a dark library, or something like an alchemist's lab, perhaps some tome of cryptozoological anatomy...
Actually, in my mind, that sort of image may fit right in with Southern Witchcrafts' brand.

Painted a minotaur in a shave bowl

July 2, 2023 - Cheers!

• Brush: Böker -Synthetic #COMPOSITE
• Razor: Razorock – Eco
• Blade: Permasharp (3)
• Lather: Henri et Victoria – Absinthe
• Post Shave: Epsilon – Scottish Spirit
• Fragrance: Polo – Blue

Cheers
Santé
Sláinte
Kanpai
Prost
Salud
Skâl
Saúde
Cin Cin
Kāmau
Noroc
I Sveikata
Наздраве!
Gesondheit

FOF

As my Softwares sub-theme was Drinks and booze, starting with the awesome Absinthe. Its very dominant in Anise, which is also common in a lot of liquor around central europe and even to middle east, namely Ouzo, Raki, Sambuca and many others. Anise smells very similar to licorice to a lot of people and thats why this soap is in my collection. I love the scent and it fits the cooler summer days very well. Next on my bar tour through my shaving den is u/Teufelskraft Epsilon Scottish spirit aftershave. Its dominant in whiskey notes. Woods, smoke and spices like clove, cinnamon and again anise are among its notes. Slàinte mhath! All is rounded up with patchouli to make it wearable. I did not get much of the sweeter spices, but alot of the woody patchouli notes. Suddently my bar tour takes me from the greek shores with Ouzo to an english upper middle class club. We leave the linen shorts in the suitcase and dress up to fit in among striking men. To find a booze fragrance is not an easy task, so i watched out for fragrances with ingredients which would fit into a nice drink. We stay in the english club, but switch drinks to a spicy Gin-Tonic. Polo blue starts boozy in the first seconds, then is dominant in cucumber, which is a possible ingredient in a Gin-Tonic. Once we took a few sips, we get curious about other ways to drink Gin. Its the last one for the night. Polo blue offers me herbs like Basil, also known as the Gin basil smash. It’s time to leave the bar now. Whats left is a maskuline scent thats not too dominant, not exciting, but great for your day to day life.

July 2, 2023 – MM24 in transit.

• Brush: Body Shop Synthetic #runt #smoll #ANCIENT
• Soap: TOBS - Tobacco Leaf
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Shire
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Romance in Middlesex County
• Razor: Gillette Superspeee taped on one side
• Blade: 7 O’Clock – Sharpedge (Yellow) (7)

Well this day came too early. I just picked up an MM24 that won’t arrive until Wednesday. So I had to make do with the taped up SuperSpeed. Doing this I realized how much I’ve incorporated flipping my razor into my routine. It’s basically muscle memory at this point. Regardless I got a good shave.

This was my first use of TOBS which I did not realize was a cream. There’s no ingredients on the sample but the TOBS website says all their products are vegan. The shave itself was ok but man was my face dry after. Normally I can distinguish post feel.. But now I understand.

This brush is odd. I found it in a drawer. I remember buying it with their cream to make carts bearable, deciding it didn’t. Growing a beard then finding it again when I started wetshaving, deciding it was kinda crummy (rough and no splay) getting a maggards Synth and during all this time never throwing it out. Well it’s time has come.

On to #FOF: The shire plays off the tobacco notes in the soap (though the soap was not what I expected for a tobacco) And as I mentioned the discovery sets only get you a little over 2/3 of the way so I’m backfilling. All my tobacco frags are earmarked for better days so I thought I’d continue the intended progression from tobacco to lighter spring tobacco mixed with air and grass go the fruits and florals of RIMSC and… It didn’t really work. It’s not bad, they are (edited this should read "aren't") totally clashing but they don’t blend. Oh well. But there was also a subtle second reason for this choice. My choices spell out my initials. (I actually swapped my frag to make this happen.)

And to #photocontest I’m still not sure how many of these I’m going to take. But as I mentioned in practice LG we’re a family of weirdos so we all goof along in each other’s hobbies. My kids especially love helping with photography and smelling my new soaps. So for the architecture theme we used their train setup which is full of buildings (some custom made for this shot) and they composed the shot. Which is why it’s a wide angle, because “it all has to be in there dad.” they wanted to be in it too but the wife and I nixed that because we’re putting less pics of our kids on the interwebz.

Lastly, shout out to all my fellow 23 #ROTY. Let’s have some fun!

Edited: this post was DQ'd because I effed up formatting but replaces it for u/wallygator88 and FOF.

July 2, 2023 – LG 2: Don’t Have a Cow

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: GEM (35)
• Lather: Black Ship Grooming – Captain’s Reserve
• Post Shave: Apex Alchemy Soaps – Champagne and Strawberries
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – EMP

Cell reception at the campsite, so LG posting can continue! Now to awkwardly explain to my fellow campers and friends why I’m out here shaving in the bush and posting it on the internet… mixed results and enthusiasm, but people got a kick out of it.

Black ship is not my favorite base, bit airy for me, but still serves its purpose just fine. As a Bay Area native, vegan folks and food offerings are plenty. And although vegans in my experience are not typically frat boy club goers, that is what sort of links my shave scents together today. Captions reserve and EMP of course both being creed aventus dupes, the basic b**ch cliche of scents. Seems like most artisan fragrance makers despise it at some level, yet most find a dupe at some point or another making it into their line up. So today I channel my inner vegan frat boy club goer, get my aventus dupe, have my champagne and strawberries in the VIP club room, only to coat myself in yet more aventus nectar. I’ve honestly never smelled the original, so don’t hate me, but I sort of enjoy the EMP. Quite fruity and smoky, and works well with the fruit forward apex alchemy. Extra smoke from the morning fire. #FOF

Synthetic brush today too, cause you know, no harming animals. I still sort of suck with GEMs, and I think I may used mine for AA then retire it to the shelf. Also, had to borrow u/mammothben patented lather plate (SFW if you’re ok seeing faces) with Nalgene to get the shave going this morning. #photocontest (scenery). SOTD photo please, not lather plate.

soap brands 2/30, post shave 2/30, frag 2/30, post/frag linked 2/30, software sponsors 0/15, hardware sponsors 0/2, razor hashtags 1/15, brush hashtags 0/15, photo contest 2/30, daily challenges 1/25, special challenges 1/5

July 2, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co G5C #FAUXFUR
• Razor: Schick L Type Injector
• Blade: Ted Pella PTFE Injector
• Lather: Omega - Eucalyptus
• Post Shave: Geo F Trumper - Eucris
• Fragrance: Floris - No. 89

I had originally planned on doing a James Bond themed shave today, but after checking my HC&C Bond last second, one of the last ingredients was silk, so I had to change it up. I planned on using a different razor as well but with today's challenge being an SE razor, I improvised. I also had a brush I wanted to use for this, but it hasn't even shipped yet. So in a way, I feel like I'm having a cow.....man.

I selected Omega Eucalyptus shaving cream as it's one of my favorites when I'm in more of a rush, as it lathers in seconds, and it's very cheap.

Trying to keep it as the James Bond theme I had in my head, I went with the razor from the film Live And Let Die, and in the novels, Bond used Trumper's Eucris, although I believe it was the hair tonic and not the aftershave, although its been some time since I've read through them. Novel Bond did however wear Floris No. 89 after the author himself.

While the character of James Bond certainly loves his meat, it makes him almost the antithesis of today's theme, but in reality, to get fit for Bond, Daniel Craig had a diet that was heavily plant based; totally cutting out the tallow (not counting cheat days) Since non-tallow soap is only one day this month, he has definitely had 1 day in a month of not eating anything with animal byproducts; full circle

#(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToastDay #ROTY #FOF

July 2, 2023 – Don’t have a Cow, Man!

• Brush: WildWestBrushworks – Copper Shaddow – APShaveCo Cashmere Fan 30mm #CHONK #FAUXFUR
• Razor: Dscosmetic Z0
• Blade: Astra SP (Green)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann/Zingari – Nocturne
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann/Zingari – Nocturne

Clean one side of a DE blade shave with the Zingari Vegan base. Went with a giant Syth brush as well. Now I smell like smoke.

https://imgur.com/a/NBgrE8y

• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Carpathia Soap
• Brush: Maggard Timberwolf Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Ever Ready 1912
• Blade: GEM PTFE Coated
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Carpathia AS

So day 2...this one was actually kind of difficult. Most of my den is vegan, so I actually had too much to choose from and didn't completely decide on this until I got out of the shower.

Ultimately, I went with this setup because u/Phteven_j is such an intergal part of the Lather Games. Not to mention that this set is really good. Smells like wet stone with some wood scents mixed in. It's nice. Plus the performance is really good from both the lather and the witch hazel based aftershave.

Shaving with the SE was pleasant. It's normally my razor for Mondays, so the shave was nice and it always delivers a quality result without too much discomfort.

Have a great day folks!

July 2, 2023 – Vegan Day

• Brush: Dogwood Badger
• Razor: Mongoose – Mongoose SE
• Blade: Schick Proline (5)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Arcane Abyss
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Arcane Abyss
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts – Arcane Abyss

So Vegan day just so happened to land on the day I was doing the most English thing possible. Watching the cricket, cooking roast beef on the BBQ in the rain so I thought I would capture it in my picture as that must tick a box or two on the Photo Contest.

The software today however was vegan and I would imagine most of the posts today will feature Southern Witchcrafts as for me they are a top tier base and being vegan is just a bonus for many.

This Trickhole (although the brush being a Dogwood Arcane Abyss would make it a matching 4 piece so not sure what that makes it) was from my first PIF (Hosted by the Grand Master Of Stag Himself u/phteven_j ) win shortly after me first LG a couple of years ago. I’m a big aquatic fan and this one is brilliant, and being SW it couldn’t just be your normal run of the mill scent. For me this scent is a warm jumper (sweater for you non uk folk) that you put on after a day at the beach while you are sat around an open fire on the shoreline, it’s has a real warmth to the scent that I really enjoy.

Today’s challenge was a winner, most of us head shavers love a SE and I went with the Mongoose today. It’s big, bulky, not overly pretty (yup we are still talking about the razor) but boy it gives a great shave.

Have a great rest of your weekend guys.

photocontest

He mentioned cricket. As an Indian, I am contractually obligated to bring up cricket in any conversation.

July 2, 2023 - Don't Have a Cow, Man / Shave with an SE

• Brush: Noble Otter 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Valet AutoStrop Model VB1
• Blade: Feather FHS-10 (2)
• Lather: Col. Conk - Amaretto
• Post Shave: Proraso - Unscented - Balm
• Fragrance: Geo. F. Trumper - Paisley

Daily Write-Up
We're all on this planet to learn.

From day one until the eighth time I'm hit by a car as a pedestrian and the machines finally win, I intend to spend every day on this planet learning.

For example, this morning I've learned two things. * I'm an idiot * When faced with grievous bodily harm, I don't actually learn my lesson

On the first point, it seems that I loaded the blade in my Valet incorrectly yesterday, which caused the misalignment and blade slippage issues. Mine is not defective or broken, and u/cowzilla3 is not at fault (this time). So, I could have spared myself the #skindonor hashtag if… well… I wasn't stupid.

On the second point - not only have I been struck by a car seven times and continue to cross streets, I tried the Valet, found it wanting and dangerous, and yet here I am again because of imaginary internet shaving points.

I had three options for using an SE today, since I didn't pack one: go home early and use my beloved MM24, tape off the tech I brought, or… this monstrosity. Everyone voted for the third option and here I am.

Only yesterday, I had the benefit of a very good soap. Today it's the Conk. Little blood was shed this time, but my face is ANGRY. The blade stayed in place, but I got the second-worst shave of my adult life. It's not patchy today like yesterday, but it's not at all close. Warning - w_e-style photo ahead And did I mention that my face is angry?

So, though I've committed to learning every day, I'm actually pretty bad at it. Luckily the rest of you guys aren't so bad. There are a handful of wetshavers who make it their goal to educate the masses on wetshaving, to make it easy for the rest of us. Our own /u/cosmobarber, /u/VisceralWatch, and /u/Cadinsor are giants among them. But we all know and love them, so I'm not talking about them today. Instead, I'm reflecting on the role that GeoFatBoy has played in my wetshaving journey.

I'm sure most are familiar with his videos. They're ostensibly a way to get people to his site, ShaveNation, but are entertaining and informative nonetheless. Particularly on /r/wicked_edge I see his videos recommended for newbies.

Sure, I learned a lot from GFB's videos. But, the main impact he's made to me? Filling my den. You see, ShaveNation is my local shave shop. That's right, until about a month ago, I lived 2 miles from their location. Now I'm about 4 miles away. Bored with my den? Ok, I'll pick up a new tub of Stirling in 20 minutes. Want to try a new razor? I can be shaving with a Rockwell shavette or a Henson in less time than I spend on my morning poop.

Now, I'm not advocating that everyone shift their spend to SN. Granted, I find their prices reasonable (esp. because I don't pay shipping), and they've always been awesome to work with. No, if you're going to order online, go ahead and support the LG sponsors.

But, if you have a local shaving store- let's keep them in business. It's great to be able to try something without waiting- let's give vendors a reason to stock good products. If your barbershop sells B&M or Rockwell products, buy from them if you can. You'll save shipping, and make it so others might see the products, become interested in the hobby, and learn something along the way.

Soap Theme Justification
Col. Conk is vegan, and terrible. But vegan nonetheless.

Post-Shave and Fragrance Relevance Notes
Theme: All items from ShaveNation.com. Conk purchased for Almonday in 2022 Lather Games using my own money, hidden from my wife. Aftershave and cologne provided by SN as a sample gift with purchase.

The Razor balm is ok. Not as good as Nivea, and several steps worse than artisanal balms.

I like the Paisley way more than I expected. It's a Woody Aromatic with citrus notes. It's a bit strong, because I accidentally spilled most of the sample on my hands as I was opening it.

• Prep: Warm Shower

• Brush: Van Der Hagen Boar Brush

• Razor: Van Der Hagen 85mm Safety Razor

• Blade: Shark Super Chrome

• Lather: Pinnacle Grooming Flower Power

ROTY

July 2, 2023 - Don’t Have a Cow Man!

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive 31mm Moar Boar #CHONK #OLDWORLD
• Razor: MM24 #BRASSING
• Blade: Persona GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: Zingari Man - The Traditionalist
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Valedictorian
• Fragrance: Maher Olfactive - Treachery

Day two of the Lather Games, and I already am feeling very unprepared. I have my lathers planned out, but left most post shaves and fragrance tbd. I have a couple “cheat code” post shave products that are unscented or mild enough to go with anything, but I’m trying to be creative and build up on the lather base. I don’t have a lot of vegan soaps, so my choices were limited. I went with The Traditionalist to get an LG sponsor and vegan soap. I looked up the notes on The Traditionalist and decided to lean into the tobacco. Off the soap, I don’t get much tobacco, but when I smelled the Valedictorian splash, I felt it echoed the base notes of the soap and played up the tobacco. The fragrance from Maher Olfactive - Treachery took the tobacco note from the splash and ran away with it. I am getting a strong tobacco scent with warm spices. I think it brought it around full circle to the soap, as I do get a hint of spices and pepper from it. I’ll give the scent matchups a B+/A-. Right on the edge there, but not perfect. I think they did well together, but the mild scent off the sample of soap really left a lot of room to match with other things I have. Noble Otter - Plunder would play well with it. That choice would lean towards the spice more.

For the shave, the choice was easy. What better to butter the toast than a MM24? That Ever Ready Shovel Head seems to be the perfect configuration to amplify the sounds of the razor mowing the stubble. Even on finishing passes and buffing, it has loud, crunchy feedback. Good thing it is a pleasure to shave with. Not sure how well the brassing shows in picture, but the edges of the head are devoid of plating, and the top has thinned to where the plating looks like a slight wash over the brass. The yellow of the brass is shining through the nickel (or chrome?), giving it the appearance of low karat gold.

For the brush (not pictured), what more can be said about the beast that is the Moar Boar? I think I am around 50 shaves in with it. The brush is getting pretty soft now, but still is a hungry pig. I scooped twice what I normally would, and the brush could have taken more. I did get enough loaded that I could get lather out of it, but wasn’t releasing much at the end. Probably should have used the cashmere brush to be more vegan, but at least the lather was.

Second Haiku for the fragrance.

Big tobacco scent,

Like at Eads News in Boulder,

Alas, it’s gone now.

#FOF

Day 2

• Prep: Wholly Kaw Green Tea Deodorant
• Brush: Maggard Razors Black Resin Handle Synthetic Shaving Brush, 24mm
• Razor: 1920s Era Gem 1912 Head Knurled Handle Single Edge Razor #BRASSING
• Blade: Husky... again, ugh. Don't judge me, I want the SE point
• Lather: Wholly Kaw Vor V vegan base
• Post Shave: Wholly Kay Vor V splash
• Fragrance: Wholly Kaw Vor V EdP

I am a big fan of Vor V. The combination of raspberry and darker scents is fantastic. The vegan base is THIRSTY. I am done with those blades. haha. My neck can't handle it another day. Sorry, I am not as articulate as some of you.

The fragrance choice today was easy. I wanted to complete the lineup with all three Vor V products. It is a little ambery for a hot summer day, but the raspberry and spices will pair nicely with my day. Farmers Market, then the office to catch up on some work, followed up with some afternoon drinks.

(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToastDay #ROTY #FOF

LG23-02 - Don't have a Cow, Man!

• Brush: Maggard Razors 24mm Synthetic
• Razor: Edwin Jagger DE86
• Blade: Astra SP (24)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Desairology - Shave Soap
• Post Shave: Dr. Jon's - Blood Oath - Aftershave
• Fragrance: DSH - Become the Shaman
• Passes: WTG, XTG
• Coffee: Traveling and therefor whatever's in the Mr. Coffee
• Music: Brightblack Morning Light
• LG Tags: #FOF

Today's theme is one of the more utilitarian days on the Lather Games calendar, but it's one of my favorites, because it's a useful reminder of how good vegan shaving soaps are these days. When I first started getting into the hobby, I had this inaccurate misconception that tallow-based soaps were inherently better than their vegan alternatives. That's simply not true.

The Southern Witchcrafts soap base is arguably the very best evidence of this; it's slick, kind to the skin, a breeze to lather, and quick to rinse off, all at a modest price-point. On top of the soap quality, the perfumery is intentional, varied, and opinionated—what the very best artisans bring to the table. I really should use their products more often, because I'm delighted every time I do.

For today's SOTD I started with the brand's unusual take on barbershop scents. I love how Desairology starts with some expected notes—musk, a bit of citrus, oakmoss—and then interprets the scent of a barbershop through the lens of ritual and apothecary, applying poultices and balms, burning holy resins and smudging white sage. Desairology competes with Valley of Ashes as my favorite Southern Witchcrafts composition and defines the barbershop category for me with just a few other wet shaving standouts.

I just have the one razor with me in my travel kit (an Edwin Jagger DE, my very first) so I couldn't Butter the Toast, but I happily simplified my shave and stuck to one side of the blade. Spinning the razor around always feels like an unnecessary pain in the butt anyway.

Continuing with the idea of chanted rites, protective sachets, and the power of ancient medicine, I sprayed on some aftershave from my sample of Blood Oath. Dr. Jon's was one of the other wet shaving artisans producing top-tier vegan products up until a few months back; it's a shame they had to close up shop and I wanted to make sure I included the brand in my Lather Games calendar. Unfortunately, while Blood Oath is a perfect thematic match to Desairology and an interesting scent, I'm happy it fades quickly. I don't mind its medicinal, herbal qualities, but I think it's a combination of ho wood and marjoram that smells overwhelmingly musty to my nose and the citrus isn't the bright, cheery, easy-to-love zest of solar citrus. Still, it's on theme for both the Lather Games and my SOTD.

I finished up my shave with a perfect segue and ideal capstone. Like Desairology, Become the Shaman highlights burnt palo santo incense, enhanced a bit by "copal, tobacco, and sappy milkweed." I enjoy it's straightforward progression and dramatic imagery—I can see the scene in my mind's eye. Dawn is at her best when working in a conceptual, avant garde mode.

July 2, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad
• Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 #BRASSING
• Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (7)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Peach Karma - Cream
• Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
• Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac - Aftershave

2 passes. Bowl lather. Excellent shave.

---

I definitely would have used Peach Karma and my trusty MMOC more than once this summer. What a joy to use them together today.

I purchased Peach Karma when I saw it released in the summer of 2021. As a huge fan of Wholly Kaw tallow soap products, I wanted to see what Sri would do with a vegan cream. I like fruity, citrusy scents in the summer, and this one is a nod to the Tom Ford Bitter Peach fragrance, so it wasn't much of a gamble for me. And, of course, after trying it, I loved everything about it. This is one of two travel creams that I take with me. On travel, I put some of it on the brush, then face lather. Today, though, I took the time to bowl lather it; carefully alternating adding water and agitation. The result was a beautiful, light and silky lather that felt wonderful on the skin. And I love the fragrance. I really should try Bitter Peach at some point.

The MMOC is an old friend. Unlike many folks, this razor was a love at first use experience for me. I have another one in chrome that I should PIF, but this gold one is staying put with me. I used it in last year's Austere August during which I developed the 2-pass shaving pattern that I used today. The gold plating on this razor is starting to wear off in areas. In the photo, I've oriented the razor so you can see two such areas on the top cap.

Enjoy your Sunday! I'm off to stream F1.

Theme: Don't have a Cow, Man! #photocontest

07.02.2023 - Don’t have a cow man!

• Prep: PAA Cube

• Razor: GEM 1912 Junior #BRASSING

• Blade: GEM PTFE Coated

• Brush: Zenith B3 #TOLL #OLDWORLD

• Lather: Captain's Choice - 45th Parallel Soap

• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Adagio

Much better results than yesterday. I had more vegan options than I thought I did but never using Captains Choice before I gave it a shot. Grabbed this sample from their booth at Maggards last month and lathered this up in a Timeless bowl that was on the PIF table at the end. I’ve always assumed their stuff to be mediocre but if gave a good shave and slickness was nice. To complete the cherry theme I went with the B&M Adagio splash, I got the set when it came out but haven’t used it so this was the first time it was used. I’ll still need to try the soap but the splash was more lime than cherry which works for me. It’s been a long time since I used any of my GEM razors and was going to use the MMOC but after yesterday I wanted something milder and this one qualifies for the #Brassing hashtag in the scavenger hunt.

Instagram SOTD pictures: let's talk about why it's a bad idea

July 2, 2023 – LG23 Day 2: Don’t Have a Cow, Man! But how can I make butter for my toast?

• Brush: Maggard Midnight Blue G5 26mm #PREMIUMPLASTIC #FAUXFUR
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (1)
• Preshave: Golden Irish – Spreadable Butter
• Preshave: Turano – Pane Turano
• Lather: Zingari – The Traditionalist
• Post Shave: Proraso – Sandalwood
• Fragrance: Guerlain – Santal Royale

I think I was having a cow. In the dream I had Friday night. Right before the Games. We were anxiously awaiting the start of the Maggard Meetup. The opening event was some rando motivational speaker that I had no idea about why he was there. It was motivational, alright. I couldn’t actually see what was going on, but we all were hyped up. By the buzz in the next room, things were getting exciting and that is where I needed to be. But why?? Inside the cavernous, empty room were presumably Brad Maggard and hippyish, black-plastic-spectacled person named Andrew, who spoke with an accent and half-way resembled a supervisor I had at a job 30 years ago. What the…!?! I paid good money for this?!? I got pretty bent out of shape about it. Right away Brad changes his tone going into sales pitch mode. As if to reassure me, he says to, “follow the maze,” whatever the hell that means. Passageways open in the walls and the already grayish room goes dark and that’s probably when the dog kicked me in the back as she was hogging the covers. Again.

So much for waking up in the middle of the night to check the opening of the Games.

What a difference a day makes. This morning was night and day over the plucky skin donation from day one. Like a stout team of oxen pulling a sharp plow through an unturned field, so did the u/EldrormR Industries MM24 cut through the plot of whiskers on my face. And that field, when planted, did produce the bountiful acres of flowing ryegrass upon which the herds of Kerry cattle did happily graze. And the milk those happy cows produced was churned into sweet, creamy goodness that melteth in the crannies of the toast upon which it was spread this joyful morn before my shave.

This morning is almost entirely a PIF shave: Soap from Maggard Meetup, Splash from the Ohio Meetup, Fragrance from the u/scarpux traveling box of samples (which will travel again!) The sandalwood journey from start to finish was exquisite and I particularly enjoyed the opening notes of the Guerlain Santal Royale which I found to be reminiscent of the benzenous sweetness of gasoline as it gave way to a green woody essence.

Here’s to a happy shave and perusing last year’s posts by u/RedMosquitoMM to pay an appropriate tribute tomorrow!

EDIT: forgot my damn hashtags…again. #photocontest

Listed butter as a preshave, exciting all who noticed. It turns out he just had bread and butter.

Nice story comparing the whiskers on his face to a field of grass which was eaten by cows who made cream which was turned into butter.

JULY 2, 2023

• Brush: Stirling - Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gillette - King Chrome
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - X
• Post Shave: Thayers - Witch Hazel w/ alcohol
• Fragrance: none

Well second day for me and went back to my usual armamentarium. Yesterday shave kicked my butt. X has so much rose. It’s new for me but very nice! Ya’ll have a good one.

ROTY

July 2, 2023

• Brush: Omega s-brush

• Razor: Edwin Jagger EJ89

• Blade: Astra SP (Green)

• Lather: La Toja

I guess it is not a popular choice, but for a vegan day I use the La Toja. BTW it is one of the best sticks I have used.

Frankly speaking, I prefer tallow soaps and dairy products in my daily routine.

Tags: #ROTY #photocontest scenery

July 2, 2023 – LG Day 2 – Don’t Have a Cow

• Brush: Stirling Two-Band Synthetic 24mm
• Razor: Gem MMOC
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Anne Bonny
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Gin & Tonic
• Fragrance: Arquiste – The Architects Club

Today was almost my first significant error of the Games. The soap I had chosen definitely had tallow in it, because I neglected to read beyond the first like three ingredients in my flurry of last-minute planning. Thankfully I double checked this morning, and we pivoted!

Deepest apologies to jeffm, but bay rum is not my favorite. I have this soap which was a hand-me-down from my FIL’s collection, and it’s one of the dusty, back-of-the-shelfers that I only pull out occasionally. It’s not that I dislike bay rum, but I don’t crave it — and with all the other options I have…well, it gathers dust.

Due to this, I didn’t have an easy grab for my pairings. Looking at the cover of the soap tin, the process of elimination occurred. West Indies Bay? Nothing. Black Tea? I got rid of my only tea-centric splash as I didn’t like it. Dark Rum? Nope. Lime? That. That I can work with.

Most of my other limey splashes are already booked for later in the Games, but Gin & Tonic has the added bonus of also being booze-themed. Although the lime in G&T seems a bit artificial and cloying to my nose, it doesn’t clash with Anne Bonny by any means. The thing I miss most from this splash is actual gin. I don’t get much for juniper or really any botanicals that cause gin to be my liquor of choice. Thankfully, I have The Architects Club to help me out. Thought a vanilla frag at its core, it does give me the “cool dry gin opening” as advertised. This opening was lovely when upon its initial hit, and now that the vanilla has really started to show, it accentuates the sweetness of the rum and the lime that are lingering from my shave. This #FOF was a good reminder to me that I can trust my intuition a bit more when pairing scents. They don’t have to share an obvious note or be in the same family to work together. I panicked when TTS went down, because it was my biggest help in pairing scents every day. Now, I realize that this was, in a way, a gift to me — a lesson to trust my gut, try things out without overthinking, and just go for it.

Now I want a Gin & Tonic.

July 2, 2023

• Pre Shave: Proto Lather
• Razor: Supply SE
• Blade: Supply Black Label (4)
• Brush: Supply Silvertip
• Lather: Southern WitchCrafts - Samhain
• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger Aftershave and Face Tonic
• Post Shave: Nivea Sensitive Cooling Balm

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Mammoth coin Rumble brush #COMPOSITE

• Razor: Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn 49 7/8 Straight Razor #STR8SNOB

• Lather: Dr. Jon's - Eucalyptus and Spearmint soap

• Post Shave: Dr. Jon's - 8th Dimension splash

• Fragrance: Catie's Bubbles - Blugere

ROTY

Man super bummed Dr. Jon's is no more. I bought a bunch of samples when he announced he was done and everything lathers well and easily and I loved his simple scents in the essentials line. All are fantastic options for daily drivers. His products are vegan so should fit the bill for today's theme.

My single edge shave today was provided by my first ever straight razor acquisition, the Friedrich Herder Abraham Sohn 49. It was purchased and restored from the Razor Emporium and It has seen me through the first butcher jobs to getting super good enough shaves haha. Every once in a while when my stropping is just right and my technique is good I get shaves that surprise me in their quality and they always make a smile reach across my ugly mug.

Shaving everyday is definitely new for me though. After the karve shave yesterday, I just did a single pass against the grain. Worked out pretty, pretty, pretty good. I hope everyone is enjoying the first week of the Lather games.

Good luck and God's speed.

July 2, 2023 – Now cows, huh?

• Brush: Paragon Plisson Type 28 mm
• Razor: Gillette Old Type
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (3)
• Preshave: Baxter Shave Tonic
• Lather: Ginger’s Garden – Old Spice Type
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Indian

Am I not allowed to participate today? You call out the Air Bud Rule and crush me and then the second day of the Lather Games is all about not having cows around? I can take a hint. I know when I’m not wanted. And yet, I stick around like that guy who won’t leave your part and keeps trying to talk to you about this great shaving soap he found and you’re like, “Dude, I don’t care about shaving” but he’s all like “And the lather was just crazy.” and you’re like “Who cares?” but he keeps talking. That’s not something that’s ever happened to me, of course, but other people you know… definitely other people.

Anyway, clearly I am shaving today again and there is no Air Bude Rule shenanigans. Just an Old Spice dupe with a Vegan base and a lovely photo that everyone should check out or not… since clearly the judges don’t want me here. Don’t have a cow… I’ll show you a cow. Razzafrazza mutter grumble.

July 2, 2023

• Brush: Boti Stump Hybrid with 28mm Synthetic #COMPOSITE
• Razor: GEM 1912 #TWINS
• Blade: GEM Blade
• Lather: LA Shaving Soap Company – Vanilla, Eucalyptus, Mint
• Post Shave: Hawaiian Shaving Co – Pepamina Alani Splash
• Fragrance: Versace – Eros

Two days posting in a row! It’s so impressive to me that so many of you post every single day, whether there’s a Lather Games or not. At two days, I’m at my longest streak ever! Wahhhoooo! As Freddy Mercury would say: Don’t stop me now!

And my debut Lather Games is off to a roaring start. Thanks for u/jeffm54321, I’ve now realized there is a rookie side contest that I somehow missed the announcement of and didn’t include #ROTY in my post yesterday. Ooopsssss. Oh well. Can’t change the past and can only go up from here.

I used a vegan soap today from Los Angeles Shaving Soap Company. I guess vegan soaps are more rare, but I have a confession to make: it took me months of wetshaving before I realized that there was a big difference in the ingredients of shave soaps. Like, I knew every artisan had their own formulas or whatever, but I never put any thought into: is this soap made using dead animal fat? Literally had no idea that’s what tallow was until like 3 or 4 months ago. I guess I’m just blessed to start wetshaving now and not 15-20 years ago like a lot of the old-timers here. So yeah, I never had any preconceived idea that vegan soaps were bad or inferior or whatever. Hell, I’ve been using vegan shaving gel since I started shaving, so really, tallow lathers are more unique to my face! The hardest part of today for me was going back and looking the ingredient list of all the soaps I’ve acquired over the last 8 months to see what was vegan. Fortunately, this sample from LA Shaving Soap Company is Vegan.

The mint in this soap actually reminds me of toothpaste. Right off the sample, if I close my eyes, I’d swear I’m smelling Crest. When I shave with it, some of the vanilla and eucalyptus shows through, but not nearly enough to attract a koala bear. Mint is still the star of the show. For that reason, I went with a Splash from Hawaiian Shaving Company, called Pepamina Alani, which translates to Peppermint Orange. Aloha, my good people – I can speak Hawaiian. In my opinion, this is much more balanced. The peppermint still shows through, but the orange provides a really nice addition. Since I had mint on mint with the soap and splash, I had to use a fragrance that had mint listed in the scent notes, so I went with Versace Eros. There’s a lot of scent notes listed for Versace Eros, and quite honestly, I’m not sure I can actually smell the mint in it. To me, Eros smelled like a pretty standard, going-out-on-the-town cologne. Not bad as all, but I wouldn’t call it unique, by any stretch. Overall, I had a good shave. #FOF

I used one of a two GEM razors I have. Fortunately, I actually (unintentionally) have a set of twins. A couple months ago, I was at an antique shop and they had some of these 1912s, but since they were from different companies, I thought they were different. And they were like $5 each. As it turns out, Gem and Star made the same exact razor under each of their brands. Weird, but the world was a different place a hundred years ago.

July 2, 2023 – Vegan Day

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Phrygian Rose

Finally home after a 14 hour drive. A really nice shave with this GEM. Only the second time I have used it so today’s challenge gave me the perfect excuse to break it out. A really smooth shave. And I always love Dr Jon’s soaps. I had every intention of using the Tobacco soap but couldn’t find it so this was a last minute addition. And I’m not normally a fan of floral but this one smells great

July 2, 2023

https://imgur.com/gallery/4498iu6

Prep: Proraso Green

Brush: Spiffo! Steinway

Razor: Rockwell 6s R6 Plate

Blade: Treet Platinum (2)

Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Manna Di Sicilia soap

Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - Manna Di Sicilia aftershave

My first lather games is off to a good start. First day I got to try something new, and today right on to one of my favorites. Can't ever go wrong with this scent or SV performance.

#ROTY

2023-07-02 Day 2 - (Vegan Day)"No Animals Were Harmed...

• Brush: Maggard Razors - Maggard Blue Swirl, Timberwolf Synthetic, 24mm
• Razor: Ralf Aust - Ralf Aust 5/8" Round Point Straight Razor
• Lather: Dr. John's - Sunday Funday January 2022: Blue
• Post Shave: Thayers - Witch Hazel Facial Toner - Rose

Picked a known vegan soap maker for today. Dr. Jon's. The Sunday Funday - Blue is from a series of batches that appeared / were intended to continue to appear, testing scents out. This particular one was Dr. Jon's first crack at a "blue" scent. Of note it hits the blue scent trope quite well however projects a mint note a little heavier than I am used to in "Blues". That said it is an enjoyable composition and backed up with a top notch vegan base. Sad to see Dr. Jon's end it's run.

I followed it up with Rose facial toner from Thayer's as I like the rose blending in with what lingers from the soap as I stand cleaning my shave up.

The brush uses a plastic handle and synthetic fibers.

The Ralf Aust features no animal products and while not an SE is at least a single sharp blade (no, I'm not gonna win any arguments but, eh).

____________

Surely you have noticed in the credit roll at the end of a film phrase "No Animals Were Harmed"...

In 1972 the phrase "No Animals Were Harmed" was coined by the American Humane Association (AHA). The society first took an interest in motion pictures after a horse was forced to jump off of a cliff during the filming of Jesse James (released 1940), breaking it's spine from the 70 foot drop and was put down as a result.

The AHA operates under a contract with the Screen Actors Guild and monitors films using Screen Actor Guild members (roughly 70% or US made films). The phrase "No Animals Were Harmed" is trademarked by the Human Society and can only be applied by it.

Note: the label "No Animals Were Harmed" is not a blanket guarantee that in fact no animals came to harm in the making of a film. The AHA can not guarantee for unplanned accidents, individual trainers, and similar items. Largely it means the production followed AHA guidelines and a representative was on site act some time during production.

As with any organizeation that grants a moral judgement the AHA has from time to time had scandals and detractors (including famous animal activist Bob Barker). That said perhaps something is better than nothing?

If you are at all interested here are some interesting articles regarding the topic. To be clear I do also enjoy a tallow soap so I'm not saying much on my end. Still there is probably little need to stampede a horse off of a 70 foot cliff just to get a shot.

https://www.businessinsider.com/what-does-no-animals-were-harmed-mean-2023-4

https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/general-news/animals-were-harmed-hollywood-reporter-investigation-on-set-injury-death-cover-ups-659556/

https://highschool.latimes.com/orange-county-school-of-the-arts/analyzing-the-history-of-animals-being-harmed-in-hollywood-films/

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/American_Humane

____________

Take care everyone and have a good day.

Ed: forgot to add an SOTD pic.

Thanks for the community award.

Included interesting information about the history of the phrase "No Animals Were Harmed" as it pertains to making films.

Sunday, the 2nd of July, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co. 26mm G5C #PREMIUMPLASTIC #FAUXFUR
• Razor: Karve brass Christopher Bradley, SB-C #CNC
• Blade: Gillette Rubie (20)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougère Nemeta
• Post shave: Talent Soap Factory - Toki
• Fragrance: Talent Soap Factory - Switchback

Don't have a cow, man. Or a pig, or duck, or buffalo, or deer, or donkey, or horse, or worm, or goat, or chicken... has anyone used beaver fat in shaving soap? Don't have a beaver either, man. Just murder those fruits and vegetables. Today's shave was brought to you by the cruel crushing of many nuts, the dastardly dismemberment of fruit, and the senseless slaughter of leaves.

I therefore also selected a synthetic brush, using the fine G5C knot from AP Shave Co, in a "raspberry" ebonite handle. After the shave, I picked a splash and perfume from another company selling vegan products, Talent Soap Factory.

I dunno that anyone markets "vegan" razors, but I'm pretty sure no animals were harmed in the making of Karve's Christopher Bradley... it's also probably the closest to the dominant label color on the soap.

It was a quite nice two pass shave, although I did carelessly open one very small weeper on my neck in first pass, alas. Then, I also completely forgot about the challenge by the time I started my shave. I was using both sides of the DE, to my detriment.

It also turns out this is a pretty interesting scent combination. I didn't plan it, but it kinda works. I may have to try this out again after the Games are over... as much as I dislike the alcoholic splash, I do like the scents.

I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday!

July 2, 2023 – LG Day 2 – Vegan

• Brush: r/wetshaving Zentih MOAR BOAR 31mm #chonk
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #brassing
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Labyrinth
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Seville

Phteven is maker of all things excellent and that includes he and Courtney’s vegan base. Soft and creamy, Labyrinth lathered up like a dream, no tallow needed.

While the base was vegan, the brush was not – it was a whole lot of hog. Rounding out at a whopping 31mm, this thing lathered up Labyrinth with ease and gave a super smooth and moist base which was absolutely necessary because of the SE challenge of the day.

I won a PIF of this old and worn MMOC from u/OnionMiasma last July and consequently used it to win DJ’s AA side challenge – but, like, I still hate it. 2 passes was all I risked and even then I had a nice little throat nick. How you monsters enjoy MMOC razors is beyond me; but, I digress.

Alas, my summer cold is in full swing and I could barely smell Labyrinth or Seville, but, the scent notes tell me that they should at least be loosely connected by some citrus; Labyrinth clearly a darker and more subtle citrus scent with Seville rocking that orange right out the gate.

FOF Haiku of the Day

Paired here by citrus

Subtle connect it may be

Can’t smell anyway

Jul. 2, 2023

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps Otoe Badger
• Razor: Yates 921-M #CNC
• Blade: Perma Sharp
• Lather: Doctor Jon - Hydra - Soap
• Post Shave: Doctor Jon - Hydra - Aftershave
• Post Shave: Osma - Alum
• Fragrance: Doctor Jon - Hydra

​

Dr. Jon’s Hydra is a great scent, in a good vegan base.

Delaware, Ohio was the home of Dr. Jon's until they relocated in 2022. Then they closed up shop this year.

Delaware, Ohio's other claim to fame is "The Little Brown Jug". It is the final race of the "Triple Crown Of Harness Racing". It's held in late September every year and it's a BFD.

I used the only single-edged razor I own yesterday. One of the thing I hope you can appreciate about the lather games is it does force one to "try new things". This year, I've purchased a NOS injector razor. I am contemplating a purchasing a "real" single edged razor. But, I still draw the line at a straight razor. Those of you who use them. You have my respect.

Two passes for a DFS. This is one of two full versions I have of this razor. I think I prefer the longer handle, but this one fits into a travel case a lot better. It's heavy, but not overly so.

Edit: Right razor, wrong day…. Today's theme song, complements of Dr. John...

Right Place. Wrong Time.

Plus one for u/misplaced_texan

Iko Iko

** Lather Games Day 2** 

• Prep: Splash of warm water
• Brush: West Coast Shaving Silvertip Badger 26mm
• Razor: Viking Revolution Long Handle Safety Razor
• Blade: Viking Revolution Stainless Steel
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts- Druantia
• Post Shave: Nivea Men Sensitive Balm

When it comes to vegan shave soap I would argue that Southern Witchcrafts is among the very best. Druantia is really good, not as good as Pomona or Samhain but another solid offering from a solid artisan.

ROTY

2023-07-02 Lather Games SOTD

• Brush: AP Shave Co × SHAVE⭐DANDY Rocket (26x55mm Mühle STF Synth) #FAUXFUR #PREMIUMPLASTIC
• Razor: Schick Injector E2 (1936-1938) #RAINBOW #BRASSING
• Blade: Schick Injector (1)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts / Shawn Maher - Fougère Nemeta
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented Balm with Menthol
• Fragrance: Hanae Mori - Hanae

I design handles for AP Shave Co from time to time. This is one of them. ("Review" disclosure: I bought it... just because I designed it doesn't mean I got it for free.) I drew this rocket-engine shaped handle as a joke but Andrew loved it, so now it's A Thing. And I gotta say - it's a lot more comfortable and practical to use than I expected it would be. I really like this handle. And the knot? Well, I hate how these STF knots look (they remind me of cheap old synth knots) but it feels So Good. I would probably describe them as my favorite Synth knot if they weren't so dang ugly.

Went with an Injector instead of a GEM for my single-edge challenge today; just felt like it. I'll use GEMs later. I like this one; the '36-'38 version has the spring you can easily pop sideways to open up the head and clean it out, unlike all the later versions of Injectors.

Anyway, this vegan soap smells like strawberry candy over a misty-fresh green fern (the petigrain gives it a nice grainy-green touch to my nose) and I think it's cute. Ain't got any strawberry aftershaves so I went with an unscented vegan balm, and then followed it up with more strawberries in one of my few girly frags: Hanae opens with a delicious "wild strawberries and toffee" accord... so cute, so tasty. The soft fruity-woody-vanilla heart is cute too. So much cuteness! I smell so pink right now. The drydown though... ehh. Not so great. It falls apart once all the sweet elements have faded and only the cleaned-up mostly-woody patchouli is left over, so I'll probably be cursing and scrubbing my arm with soap in a couple hours.

02 July 2023 Non Complementary Non Dickkhole Dr. Jons Krampus - Lather Games Day 2

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Some Making Required 26mm SMR V1
• Razor: MM24 #BRASSING
• Blade: GEM (11)
• Lather: Dr. Jons - Krampus (21)
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Joker A/S, Thayer's Concoction, Cold River Soapworks Sandalwood Post Shave Lotion, Chicago Grooming Co Project Lawnsdale Balm,
• Fragrance: Zara - Leather Jardin

Fun pairings today.

Enjoyed reading the interview that u/Priusaurus has been doing

Sad that Dr.Jons no longer exists. They always had fun scents.

Cheers

Don't have a Cow, Man!

• Brush: Chisel and Hound Ambrosia Maple #Composite
• Razor: Schick Type B Repeating Magazine Razor #Brassing #IllFuckingDoItAgain
• Blade: Schick Vintage 20 Injector Magazine (2)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw – Dulci Tobacco
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Valedictorian
• Fragrance: Tom Ford – Tobacco Vanille

Dulci Tobacco was my first vegan product by Wholly Kaw (The bison in the background of the SOTD pic have not been harmed in any way), and I love the scent of it. Sweet and gourmand, it's the starting point for a little tobacco scent excursion, followed by earthier, smoky Tobacco of Valedictorian, and the drier fuller Tobacco scent of Tobacco Vanille. This one sparked joy.

While it doesn't have the satisfying toast buttering sound of the GEM SEs, the Schick Type B is one of the coolest SE razors in existence. You basically get a year of shaving out of a full magazine, a total nerd snipe for a mechanical engineer like me.

For the #photocontest, I'm shooting for the Pets theme. Now, we don't have pets of our own (the closest I have to a pet is Djunior), so we had to go visit our tax payer-funded pets at the local zoo.

July 2, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co. 26mm G5C
• Razor: Blackland Vector #CNC
• Blade: Kai Captain Titan Mild (AC) (4)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw – King of Oud
• Post Shave: Wholly Kaw – King of Oud

Went with Wholly Kaw’s Vegan base today. Absolutely love this scent, and the soap performance was great. I definitely prefer an alcohol based splash, so this one is not my favorite. The scent makes up for it. I’ve got one more WK soap in my calendar for the month and I’m already looking forward to it.

Used the Vector for today’s SE challenge. This is 100% my favorite razor. It’s so efficient, and the head size is so nimble that it makes it super easy to get under the nose on a face shave and around the ears on a head shave. I guarantee this will be my most used razor this month, barring daily challenges.

Healthy Activity of the Day: Walked the dog this morning. Forecast is too hot for him to get an evening walk. I’m going to suffer the evening heat later today on my bike. Mileage is constant from yesterday, but tomorrow’s number will include this evening’s ride. LG Miles so far: 3.

Tags: #ROTY

July 2, 2023 Where's the beef?

• Brush: AP Shave Co G5C 28mm #PREMIUMPLASTIC #FAUXFUR
• Razor: GEM MMOC #BRASSING
• Blade: GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: Kaliflower - Citrus and Cedarwood
• Post Shave: St James of London - Cedarwood & Clarysage
• Fragrance: St James of London - Cedarwood & Clarysage

Not very experienced with the MMOC but still managed a decent shave, albeit with some irritation. Another soap that is new to me, but overall performed admirably. A nice combination of sweet citrus and cedarwood from the soap, with a slightly less sweet finish from the post and fragrance.

#ROTY

Lather Games 2023 Day 2

Prep: Warm water

Brush: APSaveCo - 28MM G5A SHD knot

Razor: Blackland - Vector

Blade: Chinese blade

Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Carpathia

Post Shave: Osma - alum block

Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Carpathia

Like I said yesterday wetshaving for me is pleasure and relaxation. When I am working I didn't shave. If I am too busy with some projects I skip it. Today shaving was in my lunch break because I am serious about LG and don't want to miss a day. I got strange looks in toilet from Some of my colleges. Now I'm working for TV show "The Voice of Bulgaria" known more in USA like "The Voice". Vegan and SE day challenge! I was thinking to use DE razor with duck tape on one of the sides to be more creative but I am rookie i don't want to push my luck and want to be more exact. On other hand will be pleasure to use this amazing Vector razor one more time before I return it. Machining is really good and design is top. Gives a great filing when I shave. Definitely there's some spell in this soap because I love it so much. Some dark witchcraft make me to want it more and more! Combination of black Tea, musk, herbs and forest create atmosphere from fairy tales. I was there in Vlad castle and smell is different but this one is like from movie. If you watching Dracula on 4D they have to use that scent. Magical influence. I don't know yet what make one soap good. From my experience I want good slickness with good cushion and not to dry my face. I don't know which ingredients make that but I'm here to learn and communicate with you guys and take any help from you people with more knowledge and experience. By the way the cup is not from the catering. I put it with purpose because I like how our traditional colors fits in this Carpathia soap and because is from my country. The soap are Inspired by famous Dracula character. The real person lived in region of Carpathian mountain in Romania. ( In fact our Northern neighbors ). BTW I really steal guitar feather from our band. 😈 My disappointment today is that I have to be quick and don't have enough time to enjoy enough this magnificent soap. But aftershave is amazing! Strong and long lasting and my face feels great. One of the best on market! Southern witchcrafts make great products but my problem is .... I hope they not gonna read this or if they do not to be offended because they are one of great artians and their products are top level.... but Carpathia is the only scent that I like from their brand. Just preference don't be mad I love you guys 😍

User steals guitar pick from band and proceeds to using it in the production of extremely bubbly lather in a roadie bath room

Jul 2, 2023 - Don't have a Cow, Man!

• Prep: Coffee
• Prep: Klar - Activated Charcoal - Face Soap
• Brush: AP Shave Co. Ruby Ripple 22mm Faux Horse Knot #FAUXFUR
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE [14]
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Spice Route - Soap (Vegan)
• Post Shave: Zingari Man/Shawn Maher - The Merchant - Splash
• Fragrance: Zingari Man/Shawn Maher - The Merchant - Extrait de Parfum

The MM24 was an easy pick for the #ButterTheToast challenge--smooth and efficient as always. The faux horse synthetic brush created an excellent lather from the Wholly Kaw vegan soap base. The mix of sandalwood, cinnamon, clove, jasmine, and hay between Spice Route and The Merchant created a really pleasant overall shave.

Rating: 4/5

Edit: My daughter has been infatuated with Highland Cows recently, so when she learned of the theme, she insisted her cow make it into the photo.

July 2, 2023 – Day #2 of the Lather Games

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Clog Pruf #BRASSING
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Gravefruit II
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Gravefruit II

Don’t have a Cow, Man! What I do everyday when I open this and look at the bottom theme, which is for tomorrow, and think I effed up today.

I used my set of SW Gravefruit II which was the first full tub of artisan soap that I bought after my sample pack purchase from SW early 2022 when I got into wetshaving and was bored with MWF. An incredible base and scent from creative genius Courtney and /u/Phteven_j, Grand Master of Stag and PIFs so complex I only understand type 3 numbers and something happens (sorry, don’t know Courtney’s username). Commonly referred to as the best vegan base, it is nothing short of one of the best bases, period. When I started to dabble in AS this year, it was a clear choice that I needed the full set of this scent before I couldn't get it any longer. And of all that I have tried, it feels the best. No sting required. Still keeping an eye open for the OG SW/APR so if anyone decides to make a terrible decision and get rid of it, hit me up.

Happy to be theme for the daily challenge today too. Slow indoctrination by the GEM cult. A good lather is key to a good shaving experience, and SW + GEMs made it happen today. #(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToast

Hope my first non-toilet bowl photo is not terrible #photocontest

Jul. 2, 2023 -To Moo or not to Moo, that is the question

• Prep: CeraVe Hydrating Facial Cleanser

• Brush: Stirling Soap Co. 2 Band Synthetic

• Razor: GEM MMOC #BRASSING

• Blade: GEM PTFE

• Lather: Soap Commander - Courage

• Post Shave: Lucky Tiger - After Shave & Face Tonic

• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Unscented Balm

• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - The Cobra and The Canary

Day 2 and unfortunately I have to pull out this Soap Commander soap to fulfill the theme, I don’t have an issue with vegan soaps on principle but this one just doesn’t live up. I recently used this soap and was reminded of how mediocre it is. There are some absolutely great vegan soaps out there! I could’ve pulled out a Southern Witchcraft or Catie’s Bubbles soap and had a much nicer experience today but I already have those brands elsewhere in my calendar so here we are!

#(ICan’tBelieveIt’sNot)ButterTheToast day sponsored by u/OnionMiasma. I got this MMOC in a PIF from him last year with the requirement of using it during AA. Had a great August taming the beast and it helped kickstart my GEM collection! I had a fair amount of choices for todays razor and almost grabbed my MM24 (my favorite GEM) but decided to use the MMOC instead. Working to get some hashtags going early on and this one has more brassing on it!

For my #photocontest submission of the day could there be anything other than a cow in the picture? The only question is what day does it qualify for? #Food? Not really, I eat my fair share of beef but not sure this really works here. #Pets? I know people with pet cows but also have had packs of ground beef in my freezer labeled “Beaufort” so this doesn’t work either. That leaves the #WildAnimals tag for today. Yes I know that cows have been domesticated and aren’t totally “wild” anymore but I would say this qualifies. The only little issue is the Note saying “alive only” but seeing as that is a note and not a rule I’m opting to ignore that in my quest for greatness! #AirBud Also tried to pull in other items in my shave with the Lucky Tiger aftershave and The Cobra & The Canary fragrance!

July 2, 2023 – Don’t have a Cow, Man!

• Brush: Paladin Chief 26mm Satin Juma Smoke

• Razor: Schick Injector

• Blade: Schick Injector SE Blade (2)

• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - X

• Post Shave: Thayer’s - Unscented

Special thanks again to u/2SaintsDude for the use of the Injector.

Today went a whole lot smoother than yesterday, pun intended. I may actually be getting the hang of the Injector, or the loss of blood yesterday gave less for me to lose today.

The Shave: This was my first time using Catie’s Bubbles, and I struggled a little bit. The soft soap took both more water and more elbow grease than I expected. That I was ok with, but what got me the most was the overwhelming scent of Fruit Loops I got from the soap once it was lathered. Now I like Fruit Loops as much as the next man, but smelling like them made me feel like I was scented like on a small child.

The Post Shave: My post shave consisted of Thayer’s unscented. Why unscented when I smell like a bowl of cereal? I wanted to use something that I felt matched the spirit of the day’s theme (more on that later).

Smelling Like a Man: Given my lack in frag options and my desire to smell better I turned to the only other thing I have with a scent, deodorant. I have a small collection of Hoffman’s deodorant and I generally use a scent that is unobtrusive to my shave fragrance, but not today. I went with the only thing u/cowzilla3 would approve of, Burn the Ships. Now my wife may hate the smell of Old Spice, but it was a necessary addition to my scent today to make me feel like a grown man.

Theme: Today’s theme is all about not using animal products and I decided to take it a step further and go plant based. Catie’s Bubbles is a well known vegan soap base so that was no issue. Splashes however often include the use of alcohol which is often derived from fermentation (microorganism byproduct). I wanted to stay as true to only plants as much as possible so I opted for the alcohol free unscented Thayer’s.

Challenge: Schick Injector Se used

#ROTY

July 2, 2023 – From Italia With Love… And No Cows.

• Brush: Extro Comesi Synthetic 26mm Italian Flag
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector (1)
• Lather: Panta Rei – Ibla
• Post Shave: Panta Rei – Ibla

A quick rushed shave for today as I’m cleaning the house and getting ready for three 12 hr shifts in a row and then off to LA the morning after. I also put my foot in my mouth early this morning and am in the doghouse, so am trying to make up for it around the house. Here’s to thoughts of better times and our first big vacation together, Italy. The brush comes from a fragrance shop right outside the Vatican and the Panta Rei Ibla set from a vape shop in Venice. Panta Rei’s products are made by Tcheung Fung Sing and use a coconut base, so a big fluffy lather with a generous bright oriental scent. I first shaved with this set after picking it up while wandering around the city in the morning while my girlfriend slept in. We went out for our last meal in Venice that night, capping off a whirlwind trip that we embarked upon after only being together for 6 months. This splash puts me right back in our chairs outside of a queit trattoria with a gentle rain in the background. Here’s to memory, scent, and all those in the future.

Podcast of the Day: WTF with Marc Maron- Kyle Kinane. I dont keep up with this pod as much as I used to but I love the familiarity between this two and the fact that Kyle can push back a little with Marc. Fun light listen.

Cheers! Shaka emoji.

ROTY

July 2, 2023 – Don’t Have A Cow, Man!

• Brush: Summer Break Sheridan w/ 26 mm Synbad
• Razor: GEM 1912 #TWINS #BRASSING
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (6)
• Lather: Henri et Victoria – Cognac and Cuban Cigars
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Tobacconist
• Fragrance: Maher Olfactive – Treachery

I wanted to make a Chick-fil-a joke about cows. However, all the images of cows say “eat more chicken,” which isn’t vegan 🚫 🐔 .

Challenge: used a SE. I don’t know if I’m supposed to tag both razors, but its twin will be used tomorrow. Here’s a closeup of the brassing.

I prefer natural hair brushes. However, a synthetic knot fells more appropriate for vegan. So, I figured now was a good time to get a hardware sponsor.

I was originally planning to use Phoebus Lilas for this shave. But, in the midst of a tiny meltdown over which soap ingredients are truly vegan, I changed my plan and grabbed the sample that says “vegan soap,” instead. Although I received confirmation that Phoebus was safe, I stuck with this, as it was easier to pair complementary fragrances to (I don’t have many floral frags). Cognac and Cubans is the most cigar-like soap I’ve smelled. It smells of spicy, cured tobacco leaf reminiscent of smelling a strong, dark, stogie. I don’t really get any cognac. I hadn’t used this in a while. I remembered liking the fragrance. I forgot about the frag burn 😳 .

Tobacconist is sweeter, and much less spicy. I smell vanilla and get a floral impression. It’s probably just the balm, but I got a clay note as well. This one is lighter and more balanced, but I kinda miss the big, in your face, tobacco.

Treachery: I love this fragrance! It’s decadent. It’s bold. It’s sweet. It’s spicy. At first smell, it’s predominantly boozy with a bold whiskey note that’s smooth yet strong like a barrel proof dram. The whiskey blends with a caramel-like sweetness, with a hint of vanilla. Spicy tobacco offers some contrast and comes out more fully after the dry down. The tobacco in this feels more like pipe tobacco than a cigar. It becomes more spicy over time, with traces of chocolate becoming noticeable. It’s dessert, an after dinner aperitif, and a leisurely smoke.

#FOF

July 2, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 2

Brush: Yaqi Rocks Synthetic #COMPOSITE #PREMIUMPLASTIC

Razor: Blackland Blackbird #CNC

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Necromantic

Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Necromantic

SW Necromantic soap smells like dirt to me. It’s not bad, but certainly has an earthy scent that may not be for everyone. The AS though, smells more like red wine. I don’t really smell any dirt. Honestly, I’m not sure if I like the earthy scent or the red wine scent better. To me, both are pleasant. My fam thinks the AS is ok, but hates the soap.

I haven’t used my Blackbird in quite awhile. It was previously my favorite razor, but then along came the Karve Overlander SS. The Blackbird is still my 3rd top razor (I’ll be using my number 2 on another day), but it just can’t compete with my Karve (especially, when shaving my head). I know others will disagree, but for me, the Karve is just smoother.

#(ICan’tBelieveIt’sNot)ButterTheToast Day

It says we could use only one side of a DE razor for the special challenge. Maybe I’m the weirdo here, but am I the only one that uses only one side of a DE blade per shave anyway?

July 2 2023 - Lather Games Day 2

• Brush: Zenith B28
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #BRASSING
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - Waterlyptus
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles - Waterlyptus
• Fragrance: Stirling - EMP

Vegan day and I’m glad to represent fellow New Jerseyans Catie’s Bubbles which IMO has one of the best bases in wetshaving, vegan or otherwise. Also a big shout out to the Wizard of Waterlyptus Place u/jeffm54321 for recommending this awesome scent. I paired Waterlyptus with Stirling’s EMP as both are fruity and summery, ‘twas a good pairing.

I’m a proud two-time MMOC Whisperer and was reminded today why this is one of my favorite razors because I had a really great shave with it. Once you get over the learning curve with the MMOC it is hard to beat.

July 2, 2023 – Month of Lather Day 2

• Brush: Frank Shaving Butterscotch Classic handle w/ DS Cosmetics 24mm SHD G7 Synthetic
• Razor: Merkur Progress
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (5.5)
• Preshave: Proraso – Aloe and Vitamin E Cream
• Lather: Henri et Victoria – Deuce
• Post Shave: Nivea – Sensitive Post Shave Balm
• Fragrance: Chanel - Allure Homme Sport EdT
• Music: John Denver - Leaving On A Jet Plane

Daily Theme: I stuck with a tropical vibe since about an hour from now the family unit is traveling to a small island (Boracay) for some fun in the sun. HeV Deuce has a tropical element (citris lime!) and vegan so it's up today.

Daily Challenge: I'm still a caveman at heart so I've never evolved into SE shaving. Since using one side of a DE is acceptable (yet admittedly lame-@$$), I cut off one edge of yesterday's blade, put the remainder into the Progress and dove into the shave.

Very enjoyable DFS. First time using HeV and it produced a slick lather with minimal effort. The Progress did its job holding the partial blade. The only one who didn't do their job well was me. I was so thoroughly enjoying the shave I overbuffed around my chin and gave myself a bit of razor burn. Someday I'll get my act together. #ROTY

User chooses lame-@$$ mode of challenge participation, adapts, improvises, overcomes lame-@$$ery creatively

July. 2, 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: HAGS - Memento Mori
• Post Shave: Chiesled Face - Natural Artisan Aftershave Balm

ROTY

July 2, 2023 Don't have a Cow, Man!

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Chisel and Hound w/ 26mm SynBad
• Razor: RIRON Barber Feather Razor #KAMISORI #ALLNATURAL
• Blade: Red ProTouch mg (4)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley of Ashes
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley of Ashes
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Valley of Ashes

Not only one of, if not the best, vegan bases out, but still one of my favorite bases to date.

Challenge: #(ICan'tBelieveIt'sNot)ButterTheToast Day - The SE shavette was pretty painless this morning and left me with a pretty decent shave and no complaints.

Jul. 2, 2023
Brush: AP Shave Co G5C
Razor: Bic Single Blade Disposable
Lather:* Captain’s Choice - Lime - Soap

Lather games day two! Today was a hasty shave as I was short on time. I thought what a perfect challenge to steal my wife’s emergency stash of single edge disposable razors. First time using captains choice and it backfired! With having been spoiled by softer soaps that are easy to lather and With limited time on the clock this soap took forever to get a decent lather! It was airy and thirsty as I whipped up a barely acceptable lather. The razor was acceptable but I’m glad I was short on time because I did not dare attempt a second pass. With my face rinsed and the clock ticking, I forgot to put any balm on and rushed out the door. Posting this now some 12~ hours later I will pay for the haste as I have some neck irritation. 3/10 but gotta do what you gotta do for the games! #ROTY

Sunday, July 2, 2023

• Brush: Maggard Razors - Midnight Blue - 26mm Quartermoon
• Razor: Wolfman - WR2 0.75 DC x WRH2
• Blade: Personna Med Prep
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit - Soap
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit - Splash

Day 2 of Lather Games: Gravefruit. Nothing else needs to be said.... except maybe that SW's base is always wonderful. Went with the APShaveCo x Muhle brush for more vegan-ness.

July 02, 2023 * Brush: Summer Break Soaps Handle w/ 28mm Silksmoke Knot * Razor: Razorock Hawk V2 Aluminum * Blade: Schick Proline (AC) * Lather: Dr. Jon's - Anne Bonny - Soap * Post Shave: Dr. Jon's - Anne Bonny - Aftershave * Fragrance: Seaforth! - Sea Spice Lime - EdT

Pour one out for Dr. Jon's. I've recently started enjoying bay rum scents a lot more, probably due to old age. I don't know what it is about Anne Bonny that makes it one of my favorite of the category. Maybe it's just the proportions of bay, rum, cloves, etc. They also list black tea as a note and maybe that's it. Performance wise, it's perfectly serviceable, though not something to write home about. There are better quality vegan soaps in today's market. Sea Spice Lime is my closest bay rum fragrance to match. I used the Razorock Hawk for today's single edge challenge. Not the biggest fan of the aluminum version as it's too lightweight. Synthetic knot for an extra layer of animal free.

• Brush: AP Shave Co Gelousy
• Razor: EldormR Industries MM24 #Brassing
• Blade: GEM PTFE
• Lather: Southern Witch Crafts - Samhain - Soap
• Post Shave: Thayer's Witch Hazel

Pretty wonderful little leg shave today. The MM24 never disappoints there. Been hella busy to start LG so posts are gonna be pretty barebones for now but I have something fun planned for later.

ROTY

July 3, 2023 –   

• Brush: Stirling Synthetic  
• Razor: Maggard V3  
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue   
• Lather: Dr. Jon’s – Lemongrass & Geranium  

Dr.Jon’s seems to have more staying power with their scents. Their lather takes a long time to build into anything usable. Maybe it’s that my sample is older and the soap was pretty hard. Either way, I do love the smell.

Challenge: I choose my maggard’s razor because it’s variegated colors. One side is purple and green while the other side is actually a rose/gold and green. It helped me to remember what side was the chosen one for this scrape. It’s purple and green btw.