u/Banedon38's SOTDs for challenge 'Lather Games 2023'

July 1, 2023

• Brush: Omega Pro 49 #TOLL #TEXASPIGSTINKMASSACRE #OLDWORD #HOLLOW
• Razor: Henson AL13++ #CNC #RAINBOW
• Blade: Feather (1)
• Lather: Fine Accoutrements - Lavender Pour Homme
• Post Shave: Czech & Speake - Oxford & Cambridge
• Fragrance: Czech & Speake - Oxford & Cambridge EdP

Bonjour!

I missed out on last years Lather Games as I was mostly lurking until AA. I have used Fine's aftershaves in the past, but never got around to using their soap. Luckily I was able to find a puck of their old base in Lavender Pour Homme (I was initially trying to find the matching Czech & Speake Oxford & Cambridge Valobra soap, but no luck so far).

Due to the aforementioned discontinuation of Fine's Lavender Pour Homme, I ended up picking up the real deal Czech & Speake aftershave and fragrance of which Fine's was based on.

Good luck everyone!

#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

July 3, 2023 Almonday

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive 31mm Moar Boar #CHONK #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Wizamet (1)
• Lather: Cella – Milano Crema Da Barba
• Post Shave: Captain's Choice - Italia
• Fragrance: Maher Olfactive - Treachery

I don't end up using Cella very often, due to the sheer number of choices these days. It does however, provide a very good shave. Since Cella's aftershave does not smell like the soap, I opted to use Captain's Choice Italia, which is a dead ringer for the smell of Cella. As far as the fragrance goes, I can't say that my very undeveloped nose detects the almond in it, but it is definitely gourmand and smells delicious.

A Haiku dedicated to our own u/RedMosquitoMM

Shiny summertime

when RedMosquitoMM shaves

under the razor

#ROTY

July 4, 2023

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts "Kashyyyk" B4 #COMPOSITE #SHD
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Wizamet (2)
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Black Rose
• Post Shave: LA Shaving Soap Co. - Black Rose
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Black Rose EdP

Florals are not typically my first choice, but I do enjoy the scent of rose, and the LA Shaving Soap Co take on it. To me it is a slightly darker (I suppose somewhat indicated by the "Black") take, while still distinctly smelling of Rose.

I scooped a 3g "turd" (technical term?) of soap as u/Cadinsor has put it in his amazing videos

Spread out in bottom of bowl

Swirled wet brush for 30 seconds clockwise, then 30 seconds counter-clockwise

Sprayed 5 sprays of distilled water (hard water problems) from my spray bottle

Continue lathering

2 more sprays of distilled water

Continued incorporating water/soap until desired consistency was reached.

Leaf Elite: 95g

1/2 Wizamet blade loaded in 2nd and 3rd position

Results:

Smooth, great smelling shave.

#ROTY

July 5, 2023

• Brush: These hands
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)
• Lather: Barbasol - Original
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements - American Blend
• Fragrance: Fine Accoutrements - American Blend EdT

Not much to be said about Barbasol, though with some added water it does provide a serviceable shave. Fine American Blend is a great compliment to the scent, though much stronger. I can't say that I pick up any individual notes in Barbasol -- it mostly smells "soapy".

As far as perfuming goes, I do not know enough about individual components to even take an educated stab at it. However, as weird as it sounds — I really like the scent of citronella (at least in Stirling’s Electric Sheep). It somehow has a really fresh and invigorating note to me. I don’t know how well it would mix at all really (perhaps I should find out one of these days), but a mix of something akin to Old Spice (or maybe one of the fresher dupes/takes) crossed with Electric Sheep sounds intriguing.

Barbasol: Purchased from local Target.

#ROTY

July 6, 2023 Stack attempt

• Brush: Declaration Grooming Troll Toll B14
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)
• Lather: First Line Shave - Sutton Distilled
• Post Shave: First Line Shave - Sutton Distilled
• Fragrance: First Line Shave - Sutton Distilled EdP

The scent notes for Sutton Distilled are listed as: Whiskey, Oud, Cedar, Blood Orange, Saffron, Cardamom, Lavender, Patchouli, Cypriol Oil. To me it comes across as as a slightly sweet whiskey/tobacco fragrance. An amazing scent! The presentation with the copper look to the aftershave bottle, and the wax seal is incredible as well.

Poor attempt at stacking, but there was an attempt (and no desire to smash glass bottles)!

#ROTY

July 7, 2023

• Brush: Farvour Turncraft B15
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Mélange
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Mélange
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Spice EdT

Can't go wrong with the Spice Mélange on Fremen Friday!

As far as hobbies? Those the things you look forward to all day/week, finally get home and just sit on the couch instead because you're too tired?

I tend to go through phases of really being into something, then it will fall to the wayside for something new, and then I will end up circling back around to it. I really enjoy using fountain pens, but don't end up with much to write about these days. The big one currently is probably motorcycles given the nice weather. Shaving soaps are far cheaper.

#ROTY

July 8, 2023

• Brush: Grizzly Bay V19
• Razor: High Proof
• Blade: Wizamet (2)
• Lather: Maggard Razors - London Barbershop
• Post Shave: Maggard Razors - London Barbershop
• Fragrance: Maggard Razors - London Barbershop EdP

DQ Thread

Celebrating Maggard Razors today, where more of my money than I wish to own up to has been sent. The soap works pretty well, and smells good as well -- even if it isn't the most unique take on a barbershop. Smells great and inoffensive is sometimes the way to go.

#ROTY

July 9, 2023

• Brush: Frank Shaving 30mm Badger
• Razor: High Proof
• Blade: Wizamet (1)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Woodshop
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Woodshop
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Woodshop EdP

Woodshop opens with a very noticeable coffee hit to me, but quickly smooths out into a very wearable fragrance -- which was not what I was expecting when I first picked it up.

kitch·en

noun

• a room or area where food is prepared and cooked.

Meaning, for instance, if one had washed and prepared vegetables in a sink, or ever hooked up a microwave or hotplate in a particular room, it is now considered a kitchen?

• the percussion section of an orchestra.

Well...I'll leave this to your imagination of how this could take place in the same room.

#ROTY

July 10, 2023

• Brush: Oumo Pandora 28mm
• Razor: High Proof
• Blade: Wizamet (2)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Rebelle
• Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Rebelle
• Fragrance: Wholly Kaw - Rebelle EdP

Rebelle -- Wholly Kaw's tribute to David Bowie, with notes of Oud, Leather, Tobacco, Sandalwood, Vetiver. I can't say that I can pick up most of the individual notes, but a very pleasant, earthy scent.

#ROTY

July 11, 2023

• Brush: Frugal Shave Tiki 30mm Badger
• Razor: Henson Ti22 +++
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)
• Lather: Zingari Man - The Watchman
• Post Shave: Zingari Man - The Watchman
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Summer Storm EdP

Called out specifically as an aquatic, The Watchman also incorporates limes, berries and grapes, making for a darker summery cologne scent. I paired it with Chiseled Face Summer storm as it is also an earthy summer, citrusy scent. Both smell fantastic!

Not a great picture, but about as coordinated as I get unfortunately. The Tiki brush really makes it feel like summer!

#ROTY

July 12, 2023

• Brush: Chisel & Hound V16
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (1)
• Lather: Martin de Candre - Original
• Post Shave: L’Occitane - L'Occitan
• Fragrance: L’Occitane - L'Occitan EdT

Ah, the French and their lavenders. I love the scent of MdC Original, and it pairs excellently with the also French, L'Occitan.

Coconut oil is the 3rd ingredient, so fluffy it is.

As for the challenge -- As a head shaver, I bowl lather. I load way too much soap because I have a seemingly never ending supply. I had a few issues with trying to 'face' lather my head, due to trying to lather too much at once and drying issues. I suppose just going back to the puck is probably the answer.

#ROTY

July 13, 2023

• Brush: ZJchao 20mm Amazon Special #RUNT #SMOLL
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (2)
• Lather: St. James of London – Mandarin & Patchouli
• Post Shave: St. James of London – Mandarin & Patchouli
• Fragrance: St. James of London – Mandarin & Patchouli

I purchased this brush over a year ago on a whim -- turns out it squeaks in (my measurements, none given on the purchase info) right at the 20mm mark to qualify for the tags #RUNT, and 45mm loft for #SMOLL.

I don't pick up a ton of the mandarin from this scent, but it does smell quite nice, I definitely get more of the patchouli for better or worse. I have been pretty pleased with St. James of London creams, they give a me a very good shave, even if I do tend to lean more towards soaps.

#ROTY

July 14, 2023

• Brush: DG Troll Toll B14
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (3)
• Lather: Stirling – Glacial Electric Sheep
• Post Shave: Stirling – Glacial Electric Sheep
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Limon Eau de Cologne

Stirling mutton tallow is a winner. I love the smell of Electric Sheep, and the lemony menthol of B&M Limon is very nice as well.

As a head shaver, I typically go against the grain on the top/back of my head already, quite handy for this challenge. I have to be a little more careful around the neck/sides of my head as they are more prone to irritation.

#ROTY

July 15, 2023

• Brush: Farvour Turncraft B15
• Razor: Supply Pro #DIAL
• Blade: Supply Black Label
• Lather: Ariana & Evans – Spartacus
• Post Shave: Ariana & Evans – Spartacus
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man EdT

Spartacus is a dupe of Creed Aventus, which is apparently a chypre. Not that I fully understand what a chypre is nor what it smells like. Apparently B&M has quite a few that classify (Death, War, Le Grande Chypre...etc.) but already used them for Fremen Friday.

I am also not sure that I get the hype behind Aventus, though it does smell pretty nice to me. Finished off with Executive Man, which is also a dupe of Aventus.

As far as shaving YouTubers go...I have seen quite a few recommendations for u/Cadinsor, which I fully support as his videos were quite helpful when starting out with lathering. Also if you are looking for a very 'spirited' YouTuber and into head shaving and some other shenanigans Subie Shaves (u/luvmy07subie) is worth a look. I believe he was the one who first pointed me towards being able to use GEM blades in my OneBlade Genesis.

#ROTY

July 16, 2023

• Brush: Grizzly Bay V19
• Razor: OneBlade Genesis
• Blade: GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Barrbarr
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Barrbarr
• Fragrance: Noble Otter – Barrbarr

I think it may be a toss up between Barrbarr and Ghost Town Barber as to which is my favorite barbershop scent. Hard to go wrong with either one to be honest. Barrbarr is such a nice, clean, warm scent.

#ROTY

July 17, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co. G5C 28mm
• Razor: OneBlade Genesis
• Blade: GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus Fougere
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus Fougere
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus Fougere

I love the smell of Cerberus Fougere. This collaboration (and Cerberus before it) between Declaration Grooming, Noble Otter and House of Mammoth is pretty incredible. What will they come up with next?

I have never used Osma, but I do have a block of Maggard's alum from when I first started. I use it occasionally if I have an 'oopsie' that won't stop bleeding, but mostly forget about it. Maybe one day it'll run out and I'll see what all the fuss is about.

#ROTY

July 18, 2023

• Brush: Chisel and Hound/Mammoth Voices V16
• Razor: OneBlade Genesis
• Blade: GEM PTFE (3)
• Lather: First Canadian Shave – Jack
• Post Shave: First Canadian Shave – Jack
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts – Samhain

While First Canadian Shave may be better known for their soap based on the literary works of Charles Dickens -- Jack is "A wonderful fall scent with notes of pumpkin spiced bourbon, scotch, sandalwood, and oak moss.". Definitely a warm, boozy, gourmand fall scent.

Southern Witchcrafts' Samhain is likewise a warm and boozy, slightly less sweet fall scent. I think they pair quite well.

#ROTY

July 19, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Independent 28mm
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: BIC Chrome Platinum (1)
• Lather: Antiga Barbearia de Bairro – Principe Real
• Post Shave: Antiga Barbearia de Bairro – Principe Real
• Fragrance: Antiga Barbearia de Bairro – Principe Real

I really enjoy this cream, and the fragrance is very nice and refreshing. It consists of bergamot, orange, lemon, mandarin, wood, and spice notes. It also contains lanolin, which my skin really seems to like.

#ROTY

July 20, 2023

• Brush: Yaqi Rocks 28mm
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: BIC Chrome Platinum (2)
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Shiloh
• Post Shave: RazoRock – XXX
• Fragrance: RazoRock – XXX

Shiloh is a dupe of Acqua Di Parma Colonia, and to me it is a very fresh smelling cologne scent. RazoRock XXX is also a dupe of the same scent. A very nice overall shave.

A pasty lather? As a head shaver I already have problems sometimes with the lather drying out if I take my time. I gave it a shot, and things got rather...sticky at times. I don't think I will be reverting, and I definitely prefer a wetter/drippier lather.

#ROTY

July 21, 2023

• Brush: DG Troll Toll B14
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: BIC Chrome Platinum (3)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Fougere Nemeta
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta

Not fully familiar with the fougere category of scents, but off the top of my head its a toss up between Cerberus Fougere or Fougere Nemeta as to which my favorite is. Fougere Nemeta has a sharper, biting quality to it when first lathered/applied, but an extremely enjoyable scent!

Haiku

Many many soaps

Which one do I choose today

Make judges happy

Bonus Haiku (not mine)

I am so tired

where did all my money go

my back is hurting

#ROTY

July 22, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co G5C 28mm
• Razor: Henson Ti22 +++
• Blade: Wizamet (1)
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Blugère
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles – Blugère
• Fragrance: Catie’s Bubbles – Blugère

Another new one for me, but been wanting to try it for awhile. Blugère, as the name would indicate, is a blueberry topped fougere. I also quite enjoyed the soap base, as it is a cream soap and somewhat easier to lather since I am traveling.

Also noping out of the leg shaving -- not sure I want to explain a shaving contest to the bachelor party.

#ROTY

July 23, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co A3 28mm
• Razor: Henson Ti22 +++
• Blade: Wizamet (2)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime

Sea Spice Lime is my girlfriend's favorite scent so far, bonus that I really enjoy it as well. Very lime forward and refreshing. Probably the scent I think of first when it comes to summer.

#ROTY

July 24, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co G5C 28mm
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: BIC Chrome Platinum (4)
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory – Frankie Mermaid
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Necromantic
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Weinstrasse

Huge shoutout to u/loudmusicboy for generously sending me todays sample. I was very late to getting prepared for the games and he immediately offered to help me out!

I would also like to shoutout u/OnionMiasma for many of the reasons that others have mentioned. He also offered to help me out with my calendar at the 11th hour, and has done an excellent job of making people feel included in this community inside and outside of the games.

For todays shave, Frankie Mermaid is a very sweet grapey scent. Certainly very interesting but probably not one I would go to very often. Fortunately, the Talent Soap Factory base is very very good, and provides an excellent shave.

I decided to go with the grape theme as best I could -- Necromantic is a much darker, earthier scent as with most of their offerings. Necromantic uses red wine as a scent, and wine is from grapes!

I finished it off with Chatillon Lux Weinstrasse, which is a fougère with a white grape top note, and another excellent fragrance.

All in all a great shave, and great smells.

#ROTY

July 25, 2023

• Brush: Grizzly Bay V19
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue(1)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Santa Noir
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Santa Noir
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Santa Noir

Merry err, Christmas?

Santa Noir is a wonderful holiday fragrance, glad for the excuse to use it out of season as it is just a wonderful scent all around. The Tusk base needs no qualifiers, it is definitely at the top of my list, and always provides me with a good shave.

Even when trying left handed. Luckily this razor pivots and is likely more forgiving than a traditional DE, but the shave definitely takes even longer and is more frustrating than I am used to. Shaving my head already takes long enough.

#ROTY

July 26, 2023

• Brush: Oumo Pandora 28mm
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue(2)
• Lather: Banedon38's – Tobacco and Bay
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Tobacconist
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Tabaconnist

Like many others during 2020/2021 I found myself with some free time and decided to give making my own soap a go. Still make my own bath bars from time to time, but I have so much shave soap that I don't really make it all that often.

I believe the recipe I used was:

50% Stearic acid, 30% Beef Tallow, 10% Coconut Oil, 5% Lanolin, and 5% Cocoa Butter.

It works rather well and provides a good shave, though not up to the bases these days. Fragrance was something that I picked up from Nature's Garden or Bramble Berry I believe.

As far as my den goes, I have stuff stored all over the place. A bookcase dedicated to soaps/splashes/frags, with brushes on the top. Storage containers that can be hidden under the bed. Overflow under the sink, and probably more...

Save money they said...

#ROTY

July 27, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co Independent 28mm
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (3)
• Lather: Castle Forbes – Lavender
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Lavender
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Lavender, Interrupted

Castle Forbes shaving creams actually work pretty well for me. Not cost effective compared to soaps really, but their lavender smells incredible. Paired with Barrister and Mann's lavender aftershave, another great smelling fresh lavender. Topped off with Lavender, Interrupted -- a dirtier, heavier take on the scent.

#ROTY

July 28, 2023

• Brush: Omega Pro 49
• Razor: Maggard Razors DE Safety Razor MR1 Stainless Steel V3
• Blade: Astra Superior Platinum (1)
• Lather: Arko – Shave Stick
• Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Ice Blue
• Fragrance: Antonio Puig - Agua Lavanda

Arko -- $2.99 for 75g

Aqua Velva -- $4.98 ($0.71 / Fl Oz)

Astra Superior Platinum -- $8.09 ($0.08 / Blade)

Omega Pro 49 -- $9.99, my cheapest brush

Lavanda Puig -- 14.99 for 25.5 Oz ($0.59 / Fl Oz)

Maggard Razors V3 -- Don't remember how much I paid for this exactly, currently listed at $24.95 and easily my cheapest razor.

All in all a pretty good shave, none of them are my favorites these days but definitely useable. If I really was in this for saving money I would mostly be happy with these products, but variety is the spice of life.

#ROTY

July 29, 2023

• Brush: AP Shave Co A4 26mm
• Razor: Leaf Elite
• Blade: BIC Chrome Platinum (1)
• Lather: Haslinger – Sandelholz
• Post Shave: Captain’s Choice – Sandalwood
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Sandalorian

Didn't get around to trying the original Haslinger base, but the newer one works quite well. Somewhat difficult to lather without pulling out of the container I have it in, since it is a much smaller puck than average these days. A nice sweet and light take on sandalwood. Captain's Choice sandalwood is a very straightforward scent, but Sandalorian is a masterpiece. A fruity, funky Sandalwood, and the dry down is amazing.

I have not been as engaged as I hoped I would be this year. With the games moving to July and an unexpected job change I have not had nearly the bandwidth that I would have liked.

That being said, I have really enjoyed u/Priusaurus interviews with the various vendors, and once again u/OnionMiasma for engaging (or attempting despite my lack of time/effort), being entertaining, and just generally a stand-up guy.

#ROTY

July 30, 2023

• Brush: Yaqi Rocks 28mm
• Razor: Henson Ti22 +++
• Blade: Wizamet (1)
• Lather: Mäurer & Wirtz – Tabac
• Post Shave: RazoRock – Santa Maria del Fiore
• Fragrance: Kosmetik R. Nuener - Alt-Innsbruck Eau de Cologne

Yaqi Rocks -- China

Henson Ti22 -- Canada

Wizamet -- Russia

Tabac -- Germany

RazoRock -- Italy

Alt-Innsbruck -- Austria

I live in the United States, which is also where most of my shaving products are from these days. I don't think Tabac needs any introduction, and this is the older tallow version. I decided to go along with the tobacco theme, and Santa Maria del Fiore is a much sweeter cologne scent than Tabac. Alt-Innsbruck however, brings us back to the stank(ish) we all know and love, with the only notes being tobacco (flower) and mint. It is sold as an Eau de Cologne which is typically stronger than an aftershave, but some also use it as an aftershave.

#ROTY