u/throwa-waaaay's SOTDs for challenge 'Rookie of the Year'

July 1, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Simpsons Wee Scot #SMOLL #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS #RUNT
• Razor: Rolls Razor #SELFSHARPENING
• Blade: Rolls Razor
• Lather: Henri et Victoria - Cognac & Cuban Cigars
• Post Shave: Derby City Chop Shop - Winter Reserve
• Fragrance: None

First lather games post ever. First time using the Rolls Razor ever. I received this Cognac & Cuban Cigars sample with an order I placed god knows where, and it's been sitting unused. I didn't have real Cubans to put in the photo, so hopefully some assorted cigars from other nations will suffice. I also didn't have Cognac, but I did have a bottle of Armagnac. Point is close...... but no cigar.

Trying to knock out some hashtags, and the Wee Scot, despite its stature, had the most hashtags. Looks can be deceiving.

The splash is marketed as a bay rum, but with bourbon instead. I felt it was the most complementary splash to the soap out of my collection.

Looking forward to tomorrow!

#ROTY

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 3, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE #TEXASPIGSTINKMASSACRE #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy #CNC
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Moon Soaps - Amaretto
• Post Shave: Moon Soaps - Amaretto Balm
• Fragrance: None

I was on the fence today about which soap to go with today, as I have both MS Amaretto and Cella. Ultimately I went with the Amaretto as I have the matching balm. It was an impulse purchase some months ago, I opened up the tub, and knew it was fate. It smells absolutely amazing, to the point you want to take a spoon to it and eat it. I usually use a measuring spoon for a bowl lather, but for this soap specifically, I have to use double the amount I would normally use. Keeping it Italian themed, the lather will be whipped up with an Italian brush recommended by /u/J33pGuy13

To honor /u/RedMosquitoMM victory, I will be using a CF Legacy for the first time; the same used in this SOTD just days ago.

There is nothing wrong with the almonds in the photo. They are coconut almonds from Trader Joes, and they are also incredible.

#ROTY

July 4, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Silvertip #SHD
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable #DIAL
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: RazoRock - Irish Countryside
• Post Shave: RazoRock - Irish Countryside
• Fragrance: Davidoff - Cool Water

Nothing screams Spring like greenery, allergies, and Green Irish Tweed. And when there isn't a soap of GIT, the next best thing is RR Irish Countryside. The only other GIT dupe I've tried is Stirling's Sharp Dressed Man, and I prefer the RR. Topped off with Cool Water which was created by the same person who created GIT.

Now, for some science, bitch. I scooped up exactly 1/4 teaspoon and smushed it into a bowl. My brush was soaked in precisely a crystal-skull-full amount of water. After ONE carefully calculated firm shake to remove the excess water, the lather process commenced and lasted precisely 30 seconds (maybe more, maybe less, I didn't actually time it). After completing 3 passes, I used an eye dropper to extract what I presume is 1.5 mL (IDK, the dropper stops showing lines after 1 mL) of the splash. Finished with exactly one spritz of Cool Water on my chest. And just like that, Science.

#ROTY

July 5, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: None
• Razor: Merkur 34G #RAINBOW
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Edge - Sensitive Skin Gel
• Post Shave: Old Spice - Original
• Fragrance: None

I bought this little travel sized Edge can of gel at a local CVS last year to keep in my travel kit, before I realized I could get a soap stick, so I picked up some Tabac and threw the Edge under my sink without ever using it. This is the first time I've used it, and probably the first time since my teens using a gel. If I would've deliberately picked up something for canned goop day it would've probably been Barbasol. I was super disappointed with the caveat of no Pasteurs, but it is what it is. I did however pick up the 34G from Pasteur's, which is local to me.

The gel itself is certainly useable, but I much prefer the brush-needing counterparts. I must say I do enjoy the translucency of it, makes it easier to line up. Finished up with an easily accessible splash of Old Spice Original. Easily accessible in this case if you're in India, because that's where this bottle came from.

As for my perfect, original scent, I like the combinations of sweet and spicy. Looking at notes from Fragrantica, I would pick cinnamon, clove, tobacco, vanilla, butterscotch, peach cream, smoke, and a touch of musk. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 6, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: EverReady C40 Boar #ANCIENT #HOLLOW
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade #YTHO
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper
• Lather: Stirling - Barbershop
• Post Shave: Stirling - Barbershop
• Fragrance: Stirling - Barbershop

I have many sets, but the only trifecta I own is Stirling's Barbershop. It is an absolutely incredible scent. Keeping with the classic scent theme, I went with a classic brush that I picked up NOS. It's a great little brush. And for the razor, it's my first time using the Sextoblade, and I must say, I love the weight of it. The Personnas are certainly sharp, but no nicks, no cuts.

The biggest struggle of today's shave was taking the stacked picture. The caps on the Barbershop Splash and EDT aren't perfectly flat. After several attempts to stack the EDT on the splash, I threw in the towel, it just wasn't happening. Having them side by side, stacking the Weck was fairly easy, but stacking the brush wasn't, it took probably 5 tries for me to get the brush up and snap the picture before it inevitably fell. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 7, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Gillette - Travel Tech #JETSETTER
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Seaforth - Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: Seaforth - Sea Spice Lime
• Fragrance: Hugo - Hugo Boss

When I think of spice, I think of more than a hot pepper, I also think of something that has spice right in the name. Cue, Sea Spice Lime, a lovely scent that requires no introduction here. It makes me think of a spicy marg. Complementing the SSL with Hugo by Hugo Boss, which has a scent profile including fresh spicy and citrus

As far as other communities, there are none that I consider weirder; once you start talking about the base of a soap, that's as weird as it gets, and I love it! I am part of the watch community, and there are some more pejorative terms rather than technical terms such corking and BBS. For one, a Swiss Shitter, which is a term to describe high price watches in a negging sort of way. Other than that, every term is either the name of a part, or function. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 8, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Semogue Premium Boar Butterscotch
• Razor: Feather DX Kamisori #KAMISORI #RAINBOW
• Blade: Feather Proguard
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Convergence
• Post Shave: Ogallala Bay Rum Double Strength
• Fragrance: None

Always had great experiences with Maggard Razors, and this is my first time trying the DG Convergence, a really nice scent. I wanted to make the rest of the shave as Maggard as possible, so I went with a SOC Boar brush I purchased from them. Also trying a Feather DX for the first time, with Proguard blades which I purchased from them. I must say, the Proguard blade is amazing, it's somehow sharp and gentle at the same time!

For DQ appreciation day, I've answered a question here. Haven't had to ask as much in the DQ threads as usual due to getting great info from the Discord group. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 9, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Merkur 34G
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Barrister And Mann - Cheshire
• Post Shave: Historic & Oak - Italian Soda
• Fragrance: None

I do enjoy tea, but I'm primarily a coffee drinker. Shout out to /u/tsrblke for hooking me up with B&M Cheshire. A great scent, it smells like what I think a really classy boutique would smell like. I finished up the shave with H&O Italian Soda, which I find complements the scent very well.

As for today's challenge, I am blessed enough to shave a mirror in my kitchen, so no serious issues. Actually, quite the opposite, way more counter space than in my bathroom. Although it was less than practical doing a 180 from the mirror to the sink to rinse. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 10, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: EverReady C40 Boar
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Dr. Jon's - Runaway
• Post Shave: Historic & Oak - Italian Soda
• Fragrance: None

2nd day in a row with a shout out to /u/tsrblke for hooking me up this time with Dr. Jon's Runaway; a Joan Jett inspired soap with strong notes of cherry (after The Runaways' Cherry Bomb). Finished up with a splash of Italian Soda, it complements the Runaway very well.

As for today's challenge, I can't draw to save my life, and I don't know how to use Photoshop. I do however know how to request AI to generate me an image, which I understand is a very contentious topic. However, whatever I would've drawn would be such an eyesore that I didn't want to ruin your day. I did actually have to do a surprising amount of back and forth with the AI, at first it was spitting out spray bottles, and even then it still didn't seem to understand the prompt. Anyway, here is what it spat out. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 11, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Mysterious Space Silvertip Badger
• Razor: Feather DX Kamisori
• Blade: Feather Proguard
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Fragrance: Davidoff - Cool Water

Orbit; in Noble Otter's own words it's "Perfect for hot summer days!" If lather games wasn't happening this month, I'd likely have used it every day for it's cooling properties in this absolutely brutal summer. Not only is it refreshing, but the scent is wonderful.

Really lucked out on timing with today's Color Coordinated challenge, as I have a brush that perfectly matches this full size soap and splash. I picked the theme of Cool-Blue-Space. And there's no one cooler in space than James Bond in Moonraker (Listening to Blues?) Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 12, 2023

• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Simpsons Chubby 2 #PREMIUMPLASTIC
• Razor: Merkur 34G
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Saturday Morning
• Post Shave: Catie's Bubbles - Saturday Morning
• Fragrance: None

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Saturday Morning from Catie's Bubbles; Stearic Acid, Water, COCONUT OIL, and whatever else is in it, in that order. It feels childish using this soap, but I absolutely love the scent, and totally understand why it may not be for all. It really smells like fruit loops. Trying to pair an appropriate brush (and an excuse to use a new one) I went with a Simpson Chubby 2 Platinum, since I figured the purpose of today's theme was somewhat animal-less, so I went with a synthetic.

As for today's challenge, I typically do both face and bowl lathering, but more often use a bowl, so today I will face lather. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 13, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Hoffritz Slant #UNICORN
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Los Jabones De Joserra - Masala Connection
• Post Shave: Los Jabones De Joserra - Masala Connection
• Fragrance: None

"A surprising and daring combination of sparkling bergamot and earthy patchouli. Spiced with cinnamon and black pepper on a woody and slightly sweet base of cedar, tonka bean and leather."

The patchouli comes through strongly and prominently in this wonderful scent. I came across it at Pasteur's, and as a huge fan of The French Connection, I was intrigued. From the name, I expected a chai tea like scent, but it wasn't at all what I expected, it was even better. It's definitely a pricier soap, so I use it sparingly, and only on special occasions, like Hippy Dippy Baloney day.

For today's challenge, I was feeling quite spirited this morning, and since the soap is Spanish, I went with a song that's IN Spanish. Click here to start grooving.

#ROTY

July 14, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Orbit
• Fragrance: Davidoff - Cool Water

Noble Otter's Orbit is wonderful. The synthetic coolant, which sounds like something you'd put in your car, gives a delightful tingly sensation, especially in this muggy weather. The closest sensation I can compare it to is putting pop-rocks in your mouth, but on your face. Finished up with the Orbit splash, and then some COOL Water. I'm unofficially starting Raw Hoggin' month early, cleared out my brush collection, and I'm not sure if the 2 new brushes I'm after will be here before LG ends, so it's the unbleached Zenith from here on out.

For today's challenge, I decided to go against the grain on my entire face, and since I've been shaving daily for LG, the stubble is short enough that it felt similar to just doing a normal 3rd pass against the grain. Second pass XTG got everything else. Zero irritation. Honestly, this might be a good move for when you need a shave in a rush. Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 15, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Barrister And Mann - Le Grand Chypre
• Post Shave: Myrsol - Formula C
• Fragrance: Hugo - Hugo Boss

Picked up this sample of B&M's Le Grand Chypre from Maggard, having never tried a Chypre before. I must say, it's quite wonderful. To me, it smells exactly like a snow cone from the ice cream truck back in the day. I get very fruity notes from it, which I thought would be well complemented by Myrsol Formula C.

For today's challenge, I'm unable to video myself. I probably follow most of the well known WetTubers, and can't say I have a favorite as I feel it would be a disservice to others in the space. The first I ever watched was GeoFatBoy as I received a tub of proraso, and had no idea how to use it. I enjoy KenSurfs as well, as I'm also a huge James Bond fan, and I find him to be very kind.

I found a brush online I was very interested in, and as one would do, I went to look up reviews of it on youtube. Couldn't find anything, except for a video by /u/VisceralWatch. It was a great and informative video, I've even messaged him to ask questions and he is so helpful! Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 16, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Stirling - Barbershop
• Post Shave: Stirling - Barbershop
• Fragrance: Stirling - Barbershop

For barbershop day, it simply had to be Stirling Barbershop. While I haven't tried every barbershop out there, Stirling's is my favorite of the one's I have tried, honestly, It may be my favorite scent of all time, it's just so clean and sweet. Whipped up the lather using a traditional barber style knot (boar). I've been having such good shave with the CF Legacy Aluminum that I'm using it for the third day in a row.

Today's Meme Challenge

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 17, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Hoffritz Slant
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Master Soap Creations - Apricot Pie
• Post Shave: Master Soap Creations - Apricot Pie
• Post Shave: Osma - Alum
• Fragrance: None

For today's collab day, I went with Master Soap Creations and Pasteur's Apricot Pie. I'm not a big apricot pie fan (and didn't know it was even a thing) but when I opened the tub on a whim, I knew I had to have it immediately. I can't devise the superlatives to describe how good it is. I'm not even sure if they have any more in stock, so I'll have to nurse this tub as long as I can. Trying to pick a razor for today's shave, I went with the Hoffritz, since it's essentially a "collab" with Merkur. Well, not so much a collab as a contractor. Either way, it was my least unfitting razor for today.

For today's challenge, I'm not a big fan of alum, but still own it. It feels impossible to wash off after the shave and feels like it keeps aftershaves from penetrating your skin. I'll only use it to dab on a weeper, but even then I don't really bother.

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 18, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Merkur 34G
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Samhain
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Samhain
• Fragrance: None

Samhain; Lord Of The Dead. I would have never known without seeing Halloween II. This scent encapsulates the spirit of halloween perfectly. A boozy pumpkin smell with hints of oatmeal. I don't have an orange razor to match, but figured gold would be closest.

For today's challenge, I'm both disgusted, and in a rush for jury duty, but points are points. Here you go

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 19, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Taylor Of Old Bond Street - Avocado Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Myrsol - Formula C
• Fragrance: Hugo - Hugo Boss
• Sock: Hanes - X-Temp Black Ankle

Had a few creams to pick from, but decided on this TOBS Avocado, it smells like no other lather I've encountered. Keeping it "green," Myrsol C fit in nicely, it's very sweet and IMO complements the avocado. After the sweetness wears off, it has almost a burnt rubber smell which is very interesting. Topped off with some Hugo and it was a great shave.

When the challenges first started happening, I was excited because they added a new facet to make things even more interesting. Whipping up lucious avocado cream with a sock is not what I had in mind. But points are points. I used the brush to paint my face, but whipped up the lather in a bowl with a sock. And by whipped up, I mean stirred around a wet goop combo of water and cream. What a waste of a sock. Here you go

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 20, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: RazoRock - Irish Countryside
• Post Shave: RazoRock - Irish Countryside
• Fragrance: Davidoff - Cool Water

Green Irish Tweed, Razorock Irish Countryside, 2 peas in a pod, or one dupe in a container. I've smelled a handful of GIT dupes, and the RR one is my favorite. It's a very fresh scent, comparable to the original. Speaking of the original, I finished up with some Cool Water, which was created by the same person who created GIT, they're also comparable scents as well.

I always build a good lather, so naturally not enthused with today's challenge. Here is my pasty lather that I begrudgingly shaved with.

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 21, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Declaration Grooming B13 Butterscotch #SHD
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (1)
• Lather: Martin de Candre - Fougère
• Post Shave: Myrsol - Formula C
• Fragrance: Hugo - Hugo Boss

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After listening to the podcast, I learned that judges prefer more unique selections rather than the basic ones for the theme, I'll try to nail that for next year, but already made my acquisitions for this year. MDC Fougere, a wonderful and pricy scent, complemented with Myrsol C. My first shave ever with a DG brush and a Personna blade, and let me say they live up to the hype!

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Haiku Challenge;

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new pesonna blade

in chiseled face legacy

great shave with fougere

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Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 22, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (2)
• Lather: Daveli Farms - Cranberry Vanilla Pomegranate
• Post Shave: Historic & Oak - Italian Soda
• Fragrance: None

For berry day, going with Daveli Farms Cranberry courtesy of /u/tsrblke
It's actually quite a nice scent, reminding me of those Cranberry Bliss bars Starbucks sells during the holidays. Paired with a complementing Italian Soda splash, which has strong notes of vanilla.

As for today's challenge, I need to take the L. I thought about shaving something else, but couldn't figure out an area that the judges would like. Prior to today, I had completed every challenge, but I just can't do this one :(

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 23, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Declaration Grooming B13 Butterscotch
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (3)
• Lather: Stirling - Barbershop
• Post Shave: Stirling - Barbershop
• Fragrance: Stirling - Barbershop

Only 3 times since I've gotten into the hobby has anyone mentioned how much they liked the scent I was wearing, once was at the post office where a couple mentioned "it smells like Christmas in here" when I had on DG Convergence. The other two times was with one scent; Stirling Barbershop. I was gathering with friends I hadn't seen in a long time, and as they all hugged me one by one, they remarked how good I smelled, being echoed by each friend. Barbershop is just such a clean and fresh scent, while also being sweet. If you haven't smelled it yourself, I HIGHLY implore you to try it.

As for today's challenge, here is my immaculate lather

Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 24, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Merkur 34G
• Blade: Personna 74 (4)
• Lather: Stirling - Scots Pine Sheep
• Post Shave: Brut - After Shave
• Fragrance: None

Shout out to /u/Priusaurus for hooking it up with the Scots Pine Sheep. This was one of the days I asked for a smush in the Discord, and he was quick to send me a smush. I really like the scent, I hadn't smelled it before, only the regular sheep, which I might prefer.

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Since the scent of the Stirling made me think of old world, I went with Brut, which I hadn't used before, but see why it's still a classic after all these years.

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For Community Tribute Day, not only did I want to shout out /u/Priusaurus, I wanted to shout out /u/tsrblke as well for sending me smushes. Both really helped me fill out my calendar for my first lather games.

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Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 25, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Trotter Handcrafts Bone Classic G5C
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (5)
• Lather: Stirling - Scots Pine Sheep
• Post Shave: Cooper & French - Santa's Workshop
• Fragrance: None

Shout out again to /u/Priusaurus for the Scots Pine Sheep; a fine pine-y Xmas tree scent. Whipped up the lather with a brand new Trotter synthetic, the handle is nice and heavy. Diving further into Xmas in July by topping of the shave with some Santa's Workshop balm, one of the few items I've bought again once the first ran out. Really puts you in the spirit when you're cooling off by the air conditioner after.

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For today's challenge, I went with my non-dominant hand for the entire shave. I have some experience using the other hand from using a straight, so it wasn't too bad, maybe a little more awkward since the CF Legacy needs a wider angle.

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Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 26, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Declaration Grooming B13 Butterscotch
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable
• Blade: Personna 74 (6)
• Lather: HC&C - James Bond
• Post Shave: HC&C - James Bond
• Fragrance: Floris - No. 89

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I went with another James Bond themed shave today. The soap and splash are self explanatory (and EXCELLENT). The fragrance is original to the character from the 50's novels. And the Slim Adjustable was used on screen in Goldfinger. I searched out a date code that was current when the movie was released in 1964 to keep it as authentic as possible.

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When everyone zigs, you zag. I wanted to think of something unique that no one would use, but the more I thought about it, the more I didn't want to risk it. I decided the only way to secure a point was to shave in the wee hours of the morning. I've been awake and decided to shave at 1:30 AM. I then set an alarm for just now to post as soon as the thread went live. And yes I even put on the fragrance before going to bed. This was me shaving

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For today's challenge, here is my den. I've shipped out a few sets recently so it's not as full. The only set I'm waiting on that's not pictured is a certain junk-food-snack and soda themed soap and splash from a certain artisan.

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Good night and until tomorrow

#ROTY

July 27, 2023

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• Prep: Myrsol - Emulsion
• Brush: Trotter Handcrafts Bone Classic G5C
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (7)
• Lather: Martin de Candre - Original
• Post Shave: Myrsol - Formula C
• Fragrance: Hugo Boss - Hugo

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For Lavender day, I selected the classic Martin De Candre Original, which is Lavender, Mint, and Rosemary. Complemented with some minty Formula C Myrsol. I polished up my Legacy the other day, and it feels like a totally different, brand new, premium razor. Having my second use of the new Trotter brush which has been magnificent.

For today's challenge, I need to take the L again, I live in a city, and shaving outdoors isn't a feasible option really. If I had a backyard or something, it would be one thing, but even going to a park may not be legal. Per the Gov site "Possession of a dagger, dirk, stiletto, machete, dangerous knife, or razor by anyone with the intent, which may be inferred by possession, to use it unlawfully against another is not allowed." /u/USS-SpongeBob pointed out I could take a cart, which is very true. However I'd have to go out, buy a mirror, and some other accoutrements, and then get to the park. I don't really have the time for that today unfortunately so a shave in my bathroom had to suffice. Respect to everyone who gets their outdoor shave today!

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Until tomorrow

#ROTY

July 28, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Gillette - Slim Adjustable
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Arko - Stick
• Post Shave: Old Spice - Original
• Fragrance: Stirling - Barbershop

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For today's frugal shave and challenge, I went with my "cheapest" items. Cheap of course being relative, but I picked the items that cost the least amount at MSRP. Starting with the Zenith brush, which costs $20.72, a Gillette Slim Adjustable which costed $1.50 when new, Gillette Platinum blades which were 100 for $10, an Arko stick at $2.99, Old Spice from India for $8.99, and finishing it up with some Stirling Barbershop EDT for $23.95. Coming in at a grand total of $58.25 if you only calculate the cost of one of the 100 blades. But the true metric would be cost per use, as the Arko and Barbershop EDT have a finite number of uses, while the razor doesn't. The Arko itself comes out to 4 cents per gram, which is probably one of, if not the cheapest price per gram for a soap.

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Honestly, saving money always feels nice, but I didn't get into the hobby for savings. Some of these products, such as the Arko, are a legit bargain, as well as the cost of the blades. Compared to other hobbies however, it can be very affordable, and you can spend as much or little as you'd like. Anyway, a good "frugal" shave today

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Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 29, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Declaration Grooming B13 Butterscotch
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Aluminum
• Blade: Personna 74 (8)
• Lather: Taylor Of Old Bond Street - Sandalwood
• Post Shave: Floid - The Genuine
• Fragrance: None

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I'm a big fan of classics and staples. There is probably nothing more of a staple or classic than TOBS Sandalwood. I know the judges are probably rolling their eyes at something so basic, but I genuinely enjoy it. Whipped up with my new B13 that I'm enjoying, it provides such a luxurious experience. I decided to finish up the shave with another classic; Floid. It is slightly cooling, which is perfect for summer, and smells like what your Grandfather's Grandfather would wear. But still very enjoyable.

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For today's challenge, /u/MrTangerinesky has been killing it. The effort he puts in is unparalleled. But not to discredit anyone else. There have been some amazing posts. Like shaving in a certain restaurant. I think I did pretty well for my first Lather Games, think I'll have a legit shot for ROTY, but think I'll miss out on the regular standings on account of missing a couple of daily challenges. It's tough to actually quantify the contents without access to the data, but the djudgeme portal has been amazing. Seriously props to the mods for setting all of this up and putting in countless hours in daily, and shout out to all of the other contestants for putting up such good quality posts!

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Until tomorrow!

#ROTY

July 30, 2023

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• Prep: Shower
• Brush: Zenith 507U XSE
• Razor: Hoffritz Slant
• Blade: Gillette Platinum
• Lather: Mitchell's - Wool Fat
• Post Shave: Mandom - After Shave Lotion
• Fragrance: None

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Born and raised in the good ole USA. And knocking out the final theme and challenge, we're going to take a trip to Europe and Asia. Starting with the lather; some tallow Mitchell's Wool Fat from England, whipped up with a Zenith brush from Italy. Popped in a Russian made Gillette Platinum into a German made Hoffritz slant. Finishing up the shave in Japan with some Mandom aftershave.

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Thank you again to all of the judges and sponsors for making this happen. It was my first Lather Games and it was a blast not having to make my own decisions for what to use on a daily basis. I can't wait for next year. Well done by all of the other participants, and may the best shaver win!

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Until Next Year!

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#ROTY