u/Environmental-Gap380's SOTDs for challenge 'Mammoth Mafia 2024'

u/Environmental-Gap380 submitted 31 SOTDS.
  1. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-01 18:38:41-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 1, 2025

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Hopefully got all the tags straight. After a good clean, my new to me, but definitely not new, Friodur was already pretty shave ready. I decided to not hone, but just did about 20 or so passes on a buffalo hide strop. This is first time breaking in a new unbleached Zenith boar. My previous Zeniths were my Copper Scrubby and Moar Boar. Both of those have bleached knots. Already this new brush has shed more bristles that either brush did in the first week. It was really difficult to build a face lather. I loaded from a scoop in my bowl with as much water shaken out. Fairly dry really, but once it picked up some soap, I applied the pasty soap to my face. Many dips in the water to get that built into a lather. It took over 15 minutes to load the brush and make an acceptable lather. Not the best, but my face is very scrubbed at least. I did passes wtg, xtg for the face, and two passes xtg on my neck. I did much better on the cheeks, but the neck was not close.

    I’ll post a picture of my tub kill progress soon. I think I have between 1/4-1/3 of the tub left. I have a refill to finish the month with Sonder, so not going to try and stretch it all month.

    u/Mammoth_Don

    u/EldrormR

  2. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-02 11:52:05-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 2, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    I soaked the hog for a couple minutes today before loading. It was a little better, but it may take the whole month before it will be soft enough to splay. I like the smooth feeling of the olive wood handle, but I’d prefer a shape more like my copper Zenith. Shave was ok, but no awards for closeness yet. One thing I notice more with straight shaving, is my vision is worse when shaving the right side. I am a bit cross dominant in my eyes. That was good sometimes in Little League batting right. I’ll check my prescription, but either the astigmatism, myopia, or both are worse in my right eye. Just adds to the awkward feeling shaving with a straight. Not sure about the amount left, but I’m guessing sometime around end of week 3 to early week 4 for the soap kill. I forgot to take a before pic of the brush, but I’ll get an after one once it is a little drier.

    Brush Day 2

  3. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-03 06:59:21-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 3, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    I am not a fan of face lathering, especially with a stiff brush. I have spotted some split bristles, so eventually I expect this to be a more comfortable brush. I would like a chonkier handle a little more. It is a good looking handle, but it swoops in a little more than I’d prefer. I played around with the blade angle a few degrees to see if I could get closer, but I’m going back to a flatter angle. I got two little weepers and lots of burning from the splash. Only 1 bristle shed today, so hopefully all the loose ones are done with shedding.

    Dry brush after 2 shaves

    I decided to take a picture of My Pig Pen. The Copper Scrubby is getting an amazing patina now after 2 years. It was my first Austere August brush in 2022.

  4. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-04 08:04:29-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 4, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Ugh, forgot to take a dry brush picture again. Maybe get one tonight, but to my eye not much happening yet. Some split ends, but it mostly looks pretty new. Lather was better today. I usually shave at night and shower in the morning, but on the weekends try to shave earlier. I soaked the brush for about 5 minutes while showering. Normally, I shower after the shave. I like to rinse off the soap in the shower. Today the brush got more of a soak. It was a little softer, but picked up the soap better. Shave will again win no awards for closeness, but less stinging from the splash.

    On a sad note, yesterday our 20 year old cat crossed the rainbow bridge to be with her brother and sister. For the first time in 20 years, we have no cats.

  5. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-05 15:05:32-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 5, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    So far I’m ahead on shaves without blood 3-2. At the last second, gave a little too much pressure near my jawline, ended up with a weeper bring blood a point closer. Still better than week 1 with a Weck. Otherwise the shave went well. Loading the brush and building the lather took a long time. I think if I can find where I left the empty sample spray bottles, I’ll switch to misting my face instead of using the brush to grab water. I also shaved the back of my neck, but will need my wife to even it up. Hard to get a straight line by feel alone.

  6. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-06 15:25:50-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 6, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    It is still taking a decent amount of time to build a lather, but small signs of the bristles softening are showing. I can’t splay the knot, but it bends a little more. Shave was pretty good. Still not as smooth as a three pass DE shave, but much closer tonight. No burning from the splash! Just the tingleof the coolant. Trying to pay attention to the heel and toe of the blade. I use the toe to maneuver near my ear, but near my goatee, the heel works better. Center of my face I can use the whole edge without much trouble if the lather is slick enough. I have yet to notice much difference in the blade. I suspect when I hone, I’ll just do 8,000 and 12,000; unless there any nicks or dings in the blade.

  7. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-07 18:14:23-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 7, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Tropical storm Debby has arrived. It’s pouring rain and lots of lightning right now.

    Shave went well until I tried to shorten my sideburns. Still more bloodless than bloodier, but now score is 4-3. Lather was better, but brush not splaying yet.

  8. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-08 16:39:09-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 8, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Ugh. Work sucked again today. Hopefully get out early tomorrow.

    Brush is making steady progress. I still don’t face lather as well as bowl lathering, but still it was decent. Shave went well. No stinging from the splash. Enjoying my month of pondering Sonder. I normally really notice the lemon, but trying to get my nose to pick up the sandalwood sooner. Such a great subtle scent. I usually describe it as a lemon cream sandwich cookie, but after it fades, it leaves a woody base. This is definitely a great scent to spend a month getting to know better.

    Added a picture of the tub to show the level of soap left. Starting to think it might have a shot at making it to the end of the month.

  9. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-09 15:46:08-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 9, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Today’s lather was the best so far this month. Shave was decent with no irritation. I’m finding sometimes my left hand feels awkward, but still better on some parts than trying to maneuver my right hand for that area. By the end of the month I should be comfortable with my sinister hand.

  10. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-10 12:14:33-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 10, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Another no fault shave, but not the smoothest shave. Lather is getting better. I can uncomfortably splay the knot with enough pressure. Still a ways to go there before it. There is definitely a difference breaking in the unbleached brush vs. my previous bleached Zeniths. Switch to a little spray bottle to wet the lather is making it less messy than dipping the brush in water, or trying to splash it on my face. The time spent working on it remains about the same.

  11. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-11 08:31:21-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 11, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Forgot a pre shave brush pic, so wet brush with my SOTD. Another painless shave brings my score to 8-3. Definitely not sacrificing as much blood as when I went a month with the MMOC.

    Have a great remainder of the weekend. It’s going to be a short week coming up for me with a trip to WI on Thursday.

  12. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-12 16:02:03-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 12, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Finally got the brush to splay, but it took a bit of effort. Almost 2 weeks in and probably equivalent to around the 5-7 use of the Moar Boar. No blood again. Did go pretty slow today. Took about 30 minutes from prep to clean up.

  13. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-13 16:45:49-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 13, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Decided to go for smooth and did 3 passes. Don’t think I’ll do that again. Yes, it is a bit smoother, but it was pretty tuggy. Don’t think it is worth the effort unless I get a lot better at this. Lathering was a little easier tonight. I didn’t shake out as much water, and the brush loaded about the same, but it took less work to build the lather on the face. Pretty decent really, and the brush seemed a lot better today. For Sonder, I haven’t brought out the EdT, but kind of want to add it to get more scent. I didn’t go with it this month because I didn’t think my sample spray would last all month. Next full size EdT may be Sonder or Voices. Haven’t decided yet, but won’t be getting both, at least not this year.

  14. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-14 16:03:56-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 14, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    I was busy packing for a short trip to WI tomorrow and forgot to take a picture of the brush. Not much change since yesterday. I slipped a little and got myself right on the jawline near my ear. Didn’t feel anything, but noticed the blood mixed with the shaving cream. Still ahead, but now it is 10 - 4. Lathering was about the same as yesterday. Until my little nick, I would have said it was the best shave this month. Still deciding if I will back my 8k and 12k stones and hone at my in-laws house, or wait until Tuesday when I get back. I’d try tonight, but I think there are a few more shaves left on this edge.

  15. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-15 17:35:43-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 15, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Almost was too tired to shave today. Just drove from Virginia yo Wisconsin. We left before 6:00 in the morning, and got here after driving for 13 hours. We get to repeat it on Monday, but will try to leave early enough to skip the morning rush around Chicago.

    Not the best shave today. A little too tired to do a good job. No blood, but the shave was lacking. At least the splash is feeling great on my face. I did bring my 8k and 12k stones, but forgot my loupe. I may try a magnification app on the phone to see the edge better when I hone tomorrow or Saturday.

    My gear for the trip

  16. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-16 08:17:20-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 16, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Managed an earlier have today without a full day drive before it. Much better today, but I think it is time to hone. Blade felt a little tuggy, so I will give it a whirl tonight. Hopefully my SIL has a tray or pan to soak the stones. I didn’t bring one with me.

    Brush before today’s shave. I tried to get a decent focus on the bristle with a three way split developing.

  17. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-17 07:34:47-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 17, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Today’s another early-ish shave. Heading up to visit more of my wife’s family near the WI Dells. Didn’t have time to hone, but plan to when we get back tonight. Definitely feeling the edge more, but it still shaves. The soap is surprising me in how it is lasting. I’ve switched to tub loading, but now it might take until the last day to kill it. I think that will get this tub to 70 or so shaves.

  18. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-18 07:15:04-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 18, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Put off honing another day since I didn’t want to have a mess to clean at my SIL’s house. It still shaves, but the quality has declined. Lathering didn’t go as well. I’m looking forward to shaving at home tomorrow. We are meeting up with some friends for lunch this afternoon. Then going to go load up on some Usinger’s Summer Sausage to bring back to VA.

    Brush after shave 17

  19. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-19 15:37:00-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 19, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Just finished the 750+ mile drive back from WI. Decided to hone tomorrow. Too tired to do a good job of it. Probably should have taken a nap before shaving. Not the best I’ve done at all. Looking forward to honing this and 3 other razors tomorrow. I’m going to touch up the two I previously honed and fixed some small chips. A razor I got from Duke City that listed as shave ready and tested, but it didn’t cut hair on my arm which is much thinner than my beard.

    Brush before tonight’s shave

  20. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-20 18:10:19-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 20, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Tried my hand at honing tonight. I started with 3 of my other vintage razors that needed a better edge. The two I honed before seem a bit better now. The third I think needs a whole new edge. The honing on the higher stones didn’t improve the edge very much. I’m going to go down to 1000 grit and work backups again. The Friodur honed up pretty well. I used 8000 and 12000 before stropping. Might not be as good as the edge it came with, but wasn’t bad at all. It shaved much better than the last few shaves for sure. It was probably the smoothest shave this month. I need more practice, but so far feel like I haven’t wrecked any of them.

    Here’s the brush after 19 days. I got a great lather tonight. It still takes some effort to splay, but tonight had the best lather of the month.

  21. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-21 18:24:01-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 21, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    2/3 through now I’m getting a bit closer. Still haven’t matched my best efforts with a DE razor. I tried a third pass again tonight. That was pushing it a bit, but also helped get close to a damn fine shave. I still really like Sonder, and I have another jar after I finish this one. A ring of death is starting to appear. Maybe a nickel sized spot in the middle has a bare smear of soap. I’ve been contemplating what could work well with Sonder. Depending on how newly applied it is, I go from a lemon creme cookie, to a more sweet sandalwood as the lemon fades. I’m trying to think of how to play up the sandalwood more.

    Brush Progress

    The brush is starting to feel a softer. I think the taller loft now is what is keeping it from being easier to splay. Still, much better than the first week. Still slower to break in than my two previous Zeniths. I’d say good progress though. Lots of split bristles now all over.

  22. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-22 15:59:36-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 22, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    There’s a few scents in my collection that I think I wouldn’t get tired of using. Sonder is on the list of course, and I’d add Barrbarr, Alive, Shire 2, Rawr, 42, Cheshire, Y/R/P, Thè Noir et Vanille, Roam 2, Black Watch, 3 Scots, Bell Ringer, Prom King, and Roman Spice. A lucky 15 listed there, and while there are other scents I really like too. Oh wait Baker Street plus Lavender & Bergamot. Well, I guess there are more, but that’s a great line up for me. I think if I include samples, I can go at least 5 months without repeating a soap. That is both the hardest and best parts of Austere August. Difficulty, no variety for a whole month when there is an abundance of choice, but great that I don’t have to choose too. I only have 1 shave planned for September so far, so I will have to deal with the hassle of choosing each day.

    Shave was again very good today. Lathering is getting easier now, but it still takes longer for me to dial it in compared to bowl lathering. Not much irritation, and have an insurmountable lead with 18 bloodless shaves to 4 with blood. Unless I miss counted. It might be 17-5.

    Forgot to take a picture again. Not much difference from yesterday’s shot here.

  23. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-23 13:14:24-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 23, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    I didn’t do as well today as the last couple shaves. Not horrible, but just didn’t feel like I was shaving my neck very well.

    Brush before the shave.

  24. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-24 17:26:52-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 24, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    One week left now. I do think I’m getting a little better, but no where near the ease of effort with a DE razor. Not sure I’ll kill the tub by next Saturday. If not, I’ll have it for Mammoth Mondays until it is killed. I do like that the Mammoth logo is peaking out of the ring o’death.

    Brush soaking and state of the soap

  25. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-25 13:42:35-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 25, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    A late afternoon shave after doing some yardwork and housework. Managed to finally install the LED replacements for the pot lights in the kitchen. Don’t want to think on how long I waited on that, but the old spot light bulbs finally failed, so if I wanted enough light, now was the time. Shave technique is getting better. Trying a little steeper angle, and getting a bit better results, but really feel the blade more than a flatter angle. I think it would be easier to get a bad nick, so really slowing down. The brush has felt about the same the last few shaves. Almost like I’m getting a stall in the break in progress. I think after raw hoggin is done, I’ll give it a longer soak and dry completely between shaves. The unbleached knot, besides being darker and more of those really black bristles sprinkled in the knot, feels stiffer which I wouldn’t expect from a taller knot. Lather is better though in the last week, but I want this brush to feel a bit more like my copper scrubby (which is actually less scrubby than this one) or like the Moar Boar. I’m sure it will get there, but I’m surprised that the progress has been much slower than my other boar experiences.

  26. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-26 15:57:54-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 26, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    I got a little over confident I guess. Didn’t notice during the shave, but gave myself a little nick on my cheek near my upper lip. I guess the score is about 21-5 in no nicks vs. some blood. Didn’t even sting from the splash. Very slow weeper, so I put a touch of alum on it. Frustrating as it was a fantastic lather and otherwise the shave felt good, but was buttering the toast as loud as a Shovelhead. No faults of the soap, and now I have a nice lemon/vanilla-ish, and sweet sort of sandalwood scent to enjoy. Maybe I’ll get my spray out to give it some oomph.

    Picture of the brush and developing ring o’death

    Because of the uneven scooping before I started tub loading, the bottom breaking through isn’t a nice circle.

  27. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-27 18:17:02-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 27, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Backed off the angle some after the nick yesterday. A bit better tonight, and lather continues to be pretty good. Still I miss bowl lathering. I feel like I’m scrubbing the heck out of my face. Shaving exfoliates plenty already, don’t need this scrubby brush doubling up on that.

    More logo peaking through

  28. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-28 18:19:38-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 28, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Wow was it a hot one today. At 5PM it was 98F here. Our community pool closes after Labor Day, so it was the perfect time after work to take my daughter to the pool. It was great. After an hour in the pool, came home and shaved before I was fully dried off. Great shave to cap off the evening. Lather was very good. I’m seeing more of the logo peaking through, but not going to kill the tub this month. It may take a few more shaves than August. I’m guessing I will have around 75-80 shaves total on this tub of Sonder by the time it is emptied. The splash still has at least two thirds left too. I’m guessing I average under .5ml per application.

    Picture of the brush and tub before the shave.

  29. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-29 15:35:07-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 29, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    Today wasn’t as good as the previous couple shaves. Just felt a bit rough, and probably needed a little more water in the lather. Taking a 4 day weekend so no more work until next Tuesday. Haven’t figure out what to do besides bbq a chuck roast this weekend. Probably do that on Sunday.

    More of the logo showing at the start today.

  30. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-30 10:38:04-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 29, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    The penultimate day of Austere Augustis here. I’m off work today, so I slept in a little. Decided to get my shave in earlier than normal for me on weekdays. The ring of death is now a waning crescent moon of death. The thinner part broke off and merged with the other half. Sonder just wants to try and hang on much longer than this month. Shave was better than yesterday. Not going to hone again, but probably wouldn’t be a bad idea to smooth the edge some soon.

  31. u/Environmental-Gap380 posted on 2024-08-31 08:31:38-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    August 31, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith 507u xse unbleached boar
    • Razor: Friodur 72 1/2
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Sonder
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Sonder Splash

    $RawHoggin $FriodomRiders $HoneMeisterschaft $MammothMafia24

    We made it to the last shave for August. I definitely need more practice honing, but happy that I didn’t make the razor worse. Straight technique has gotten more comfortable, but wouldn’t consider it mastered or even a good journeyman in the skill. Maybe rank myself as advanced novice. Sonderhas been a joy to shave with for the month. I was surprised I didn’t kill the tub. I tried to pick up the sandalwood more. The citrus and vanilla like notes are right on top, but the sandalwood takes longer to emerge. I’m thinking if there is another sandalwood theme day, use the splash with my selection. The brush has been stubbornly slow to break in to a level similar to my other Zeniths. I took a picture with it next to my Semogue 1800, SOC, Moar Boar, and Copper Scrubby. The 1800 was kind of soft day one. I think that’s because it is not as dense a knot as the others. If I break it in more fully, it will be a soft pouf of a brush. The Copper Scrubby and Moar Boar have a similar number of split bristles, but the raw Zenith seems to be stiffer from the start. Lots of black bristles are scattered throughout the knot. I will let this brush dry completely over several days before going back to it. I think my Yaqi Cashmere will rotate into the den for a while. I’ll add in a badger too so I can have some extra variety.

    Small album to be added when I upload it to imgur.

    Here it is.