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

July 1, 2023 – Day #1 of the Lather Games

• Brush: (Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG)[https://imgur.com/a/quOx6ky] #COMPOSITE #FAUXFUR #PREMIUMPLASTIC
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird #CNC
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Tiki Bar Soaps – Spice Islands
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Alive

This is my second LG’s and am excited for another year. First and foremost, thank you to all the staff who put way more time than I probably can even imagine into making this happen /u/USS-SpongeBob /u/wallygator88 /u/Djundjila /u/walden /u/DoctorRotor /u/J33pGuy13 /u/VisceralWatch /u/merikus /u/EldrormR. And also thank you to the sponsors and prize donors for all the generosity.

Now, onto the games. I listened to the pre-games podcast and really plan on taking it to heart. I am going to play the games the way I want to play, hopefully not waste judge time, and just live in the moment of my 30-ish minutes of shaving a day (except when I have to shave my legs…..thanks).

The LG to me is more about the people. I was a lurker but felt the LG brings everyone (including me) together. One of my favorite parts is the pings to everyone. I have no clue what place I was last year but know that I made /u/OnionMiasma chuckle with a story and got an end of games ping. So, I am going to ping and comment all month long. Let’s have fun!

I got this soap from /u/wyze0ne on the ‘zaar and have been saving it for its maiden voyage today. I whipped it up with the handle made by /u/whosgotthepudding to find it has an interesting scent and performance that was fine too. I have limited aftershaves so get ready for repeats – I chose Alive because of the herbaceous qualities in both (cilantro for soap, basil for AS). I may not have everything new but my goal for this year is just better than last year. Here is to hoping I do not screw up the formatting or forget products.

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

July 3, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Almond Leather
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Samhain

Today I get to break out almond leather, simple yet pleasant. I see almonds are taking a lot of flak this year but as I have learned with lavender, there is always a way to make even undesirable scents desirable. In my best /u/RedMosquitoMM imitation, I paired with SW Samhain AS. You have the edible almonds and incense-y frankincense with layered edible nutty pumpkin and more incense. Not bad going from dryer to sweeter. Food - #PHOTOCONTEST

As for the real scent sommelier /u/RedMosquitoMM appreciation, I hope that I can do it with his style. This appreciation has to do more with presence than obvious olfactory acumen that helped propel him to be the 2022 LG winner. I enjoy the diverse knowledge in several areas but think that the interactions within the community supersede skillset and virtuosities with scent, coffee, photography, and music among others. I remember this starter guide to scents with the statement, “I encourage y’all to share your own lists below.” Undoubtedly this is one example of creating discussion amongst the community and is what makes the community whole. I have learned a lot from /u/RedMosquitoMM posts and his questions/answers in the daily question threads as well. I am thankful for someone who is able to teach, learn, and interact with us all. So thank you /u/RedMosquitoMM.

/u/RedMosquitoMM ++

July 4, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Tres Matres
• Post Shave: Australian Private Reserve – Coeur de Vert

TLDR: Abstract to my manuscript on my addition to the shaving literature below which concludes that more studies are needed for variable control in shaving. Tres Matres is the perfect choice for floral and petrichor accords, fitting for this rainy New England ~~day~~ month. I followed up with APR Coeur de Vert which has floral notes in violets and lavender, but also grassy notes which I associate with Spring. From decay to life. Happy 4th of July for those who celebrate it. Edit: pets for #PHOTOCONTEST

Background: Shaving is an activity that is commonly associated with the “Your mileage may vary” though process. However, with careful control of variable, it may be a notion that is overdue for a new thought process. This is the first study of its kind to describe shaving at our institution with carefully controlled variables which aims to propose a model for a larger, multi-institutional, double blind, placebo controlled study. With this model, we compared careful measurements of soap and water with nothing to determine a better shave. It was approved by our institutional review board, protocol #1.

Methods: The study population was all face shavers at our institution from July 4th, 2023 through July 4th, 2023. There were no exclusion criteria to represent the general population as best as possible. Each shave was carefully controlled for variables. Soap was measured with 1/4th teaspoon then adjudicated with weight to confirm accuracy. Water was measured in a likewise manner. All water was carefully sourced from a bottle, to remove any inconsistencies that faucets may introduce. Bowl lathering was preformed to avoid unnecessary, non-measured water additions. Shave was performed in the usual two pass manner according to facial hair orientation, with face splashes only from bottled water^1. The primary outcome was shave satisfaction on a 1/10 scale with consideration only to efficacy. Scent, post-shave feel, and safety outcomes were also collected. The use of mean, chi-squared, fishers exact test, and multivariate regression analysis will be performed where appropriate.

Results: There was 1 patient included in this study. The shave satisfaction was rate a 9/10 with a mean of 9/10. Scent was rated an overall 7.5/10 on soap and 8.5/10 on aftershave. The safety outcome showed 1 weeper, on the neck.

Discussion: Our study was successful in demonstrating a pilot for a large study. It also showed that satisfaction is possible with control of variables. Additionally, it showed that bottle water may be better than faucet water in regards to control. Although this study was successful, there are several limitations. It was underpowered to do any statistical analysis so only descriptive statistics were used. There also was the unweighed water face splashes, although type of water was controlled. Lastly, a new blade was not used which would control for variability with razor sharpness as best is possible.

Conclusion: This study is a valuable addition to the literature as it showed that compared to nothing else, you can shave in a controlled manner. This sets up the opportunity for a a model for a larger, multi-institutional, double blind, placebo controlled study.

Disclosures: /u/nathlam15 provided the aftershave for this experiment in a extremely generous pa y it forward (thank you!!!)

References: 1. /u/merikus. Copy Pasta how to shave. Journal of /r/wetshaving. Revised 2023.

July 5, 2023

• Razor: Karve CB OC-F
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Dollar Shave Club – Shave Butter
• Post Shave: CVS – Hydrating Lotion

I used DSC Shave Butter that my wife has in the shower, bought from CVS. True to its name, its like shaving with softened butter. Should’ve used my MMOC to hit up some toast but didn’t expect it to be so buttery. It was a translucent goo that performed terribly and clogged up the razor and probably my drain. Can’t wait to snake out that black monster DSC goo from the depths of my drain hell. No scent either so that, I guess technically, didn’t stink. I decided to have some fun and pick my most aggressive razor to see how the goo did. Not good is the answer. Face is still burning as I write this. Of course I paired my AS with a CVS brand to complement the CVS DSC purchase.

Challenge: Since my nose is pretty sus, I will blend up this concoction like an amateur vitamixer at their first day of Red Mango. I first will take some Stirling Haverford because I like the tobacco/vanilla combo, maybe about 1/3rd. Add 1/3rd Wholly Kaw Amber Bomba because something in that smells really good, could it be…amber? I like a little depth, so SW Autumn Ash into the mix for that smokiness. Just 1/6th. Rounding it all out with 1/6th B&M Lavanille to complement the vanilla. Of course the Lavanille will make this a best seller because of Mouse de Saxe. Thanks /u/pridetwo for that little bit of inspiration and making me $$$. I would call it, "All that is good". Who wouldn't buy it with a name like that?

July 6, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB OC-F
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Alive
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Alive
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Alive

I have to say I didn’t expect a bunch of wetshaving enthusiasts to have the real life skill set of M. C. Escher with their gear. I hope you enjoy my comparatively sad /r/wicked_edge styled tower #PHOTOCONTEST

The soap and fragrance were obtained in a trade with /u/wudulikadrinkpackage, the decant generously thrown in. After I tried it, I had to get the AS too. To me, Alive blends tangy, sweet, and herbaceous into fresh laundry. It’s like what I expect a 30’s black and white idyllic prairie TV show to smell like as they hang their clothes on the line, for whatever reason. The cooling AS is a must in this heat wave.

July 7, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Massacre of the Innocents

/u/tetriside helped me out with this smoosh, thank you!! Top note of cinnamon which to me stands out with a woody/tobacco base, making it cinna-spicy for today. I paired with Armonía for the complementary tobacco, since I’m lacking on the spicy AS.

As for my hobbies, I love cooking and specifically I love the technique of it. I’m very particular with verbiage and how everything is made, ie I hate when restaurants called sautéed onions caramelized onions. I guess that’s my jargon since I’m not a professional. They take time to make, damn it! I’m into cooking with the seasons and using whatever I can find locally from meats, vegetables/fruits, to sauces and specialty items. My other hobby is skiing, mostly alpine but picking up cross country as of last winter. I love to fly down groomers for relaxing days and into the glades for really really fun and exciting days. Cross country is just nice for when the slopes are packed or to mix things up. We make it out to the west coast of the US at least once, preferably more, every season. Otherwise we’re heading mostly to Vermont with some Hampshire thrown in. Tons of ski jargon but I’m too vanilla to use it - pow, shred, etc. The best I got is talking about gear, like cut, flex, camber, whatever else but it’s not really jargon, just what it is.

One week down - 23 days to go.

July 8, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (1)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Fougère Angelique
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

I was actually going to use a Maggard’s Orange Menthol today but couldn’t find it. Speaking of which, I am dreading showing my den. Regardless, I do love this soap and chose Nightman to go with it to keep it in the citrus family. I have been slowing adding more menthol drops to the AS and think I got it to where I like it. Probably used about 1/2 – 2/3 of the drops into the bottle.

In honor of Maggard’s, here is the first order that I ever placed with the business on 12/27/21. Coincidentally, I used that same soap sample today: * Henson Shaving AL13 Black Machined Aluminum DE Safety Razor, Medium * Noble Otter Soap Co. Artisan Shaving Soap Samples, The Noir et Vanille * House of Mammoth Artisan Shaving Soap Samples, Mood Indigo * Barrister and Mann Vespers Soap and Aftershave Samples, Seasonal * Chiseled Face Artisan Shaving Soap and Aftershave Samples Soap – Santa Paula * Barrister and Mann Fougère Gothique / Angelique Soap and Aftershave Samples * Barrister and Mann Artisan Shaving Soap and Aftershave Samples Soap – Seville * Ariana and Evans Artisan Shaving Soap Samples L’Orange Vert – Soap * Ariana and Evans Artisan Shaving Soap Samples Peach & Cognac – Soap * Barrister and Mann Amazelnut Artisan Shaving Soap Sample – Omnibus Base – Seasonal

Daily Challenge

July 9, 2023 LG#9

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (2)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Thé Noir et Vanille
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Armonia

The Noir et Vanille from NO is a wonderful scent based on Earl Grey tea. I heard it was based on the tea from Harney & Sons, which coincidently I have as well (and Royal Palace which someone from here recommended but I cannot remember who). Armonia is paired with it due to its listed bergamot note and my college friend’s tradition of caffeine and a cigarette. Obviously, this tobacco scent is about as many times better than a cigarette as /u/USS-SpongeBob has consecutive shaves.

For the challenge today, I got to smell a fully formed breakfast at dinnertime with bacon on the stove for cassoulet while I shaved with NO’s soap in my kitchen. For those of you who may not have had a traditional French Cassoulet, I would encourage you to try it next time it is on a menu. I had my trusty scuttle and kitchen sink, an oven door mirror, and uncomfortable hardwood seat. Also, don't drink and shave. Or you get a couple nicks like me.

Edit: First wife assist in the LG getting a photo of me

July 10, 2023 – LG #10

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: GEM - MMOC
• Blade: Gem PTFE
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Rebelle
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Armonia

Another shave made possible by /u/tetriside (again, thank you!). I had to ask and look up what made this musical but am now enlightened by David Bowie’s Rebel Rebel and recognize his face on the label of the tub. I get to repeat with Armonia again to compliment the tobacco notes in this soap.

As for the challenge, I suck at drawing and don’t really have more than a couple pens at home at any given time. I still have my ~~trusty~~ clicky pen from college over a decade ago. I don’t even think they use paper and pens in schools any longer. Well, apparently, it doesn’t have any more red and the blue looks like black. Otherwise, this masterpiece may have been sold for at least tens of dollars. It still can probably be kept as an family heirloom sketch.

July 11, 2023 – LD #11

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet (3)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Cannonball!
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

Today was a bright and refreshing shave. I don’t think there is a soap that hits the theme more than SBS Cannonball! Explicitly marketed as a summer scent? Check – “creating a unique and complex scent that is truly perfect for summer” Citrus? Check – “initial burst of of Pineapple and Orange” Aquatic? Check – “quickly cut by the scents of Water, Ozone, and Chlorine” I was enjoying myself so much I made the rare third pass. Easy choice to pair as well, Nightman is metholated like Cannonball! and the lime compliments the citrus well.

I learned my lesson to not wait until last minute to post yesterday. I had a poop my pants moment when /u/Marquis90 commented ”Emergency” on my post that didn’t have a lather.

3202 ,21 yluJ

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Menage a Lavande
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Black Watch

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July 13, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Black Watch

I get a ton of rose with Y/R/P which steers me clear of it. I did try to concentrate on the others and think I can pull out the patchouli. Overall, this reminds me of a young grandma (think Blanche from Golden Girls) hugging you in a hippy shop. To round out the experience, incense from Black Watch to complete the shop smells. Both scents also from Shawn Maher.

I had to go three pass with the mildest razor I have to minimize the amount of face hair I have to prep for tomorrow’s straight-for-the-face kill shot blood bath. July 14 will forever be remembered as a day of excruciating loss, mostly skin, within r/wetshaving.

Music: Paper Planes by M. I. A.. Why you ask? Because in college, this was all I heard before and during every freshman party. It’s seared into my mind with accompanying memories of Dankness. The real sticky hippy dippy dankness that permeates your skin, hair, and clothes. Half from the actual smoke, half from the body sweat/basement wall sweat. It’s such a strange fondness to have of the memory, I am realizing, as I’m writing out how gross it was. Would never trade it for anything. Except maybe /u/whosgotthepudding casino night. That sounded awesome.

Edit: music link for your listening enjoyment

July 14, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Sea Ice Lime
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

Well, my prediction was correct. Against the grain for pass 1 was a (r/w_e style photo) bloodbath. First of all, it was not my fault and I had perfect technique. Then, I had a choice between mild or aggressive razor and against better judgement went as aggressive as I could, thinking it would be a smoother cut. Or maybe it was the better judgement, guess I can’t say it wasn’t without the comparison. What I can say is that it sucked. At least I got some challenge points.

Sea Ice lime lives up to the hype. Absolutely incredible and a nice chill to it. Topped it off with nightman for the double lime and double coolant. Those, didn’t suck.

July 15, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Le Grand Chypre
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Gravefruit II

My face is still feeling the effects of yesterdays challenge and I must broke open some of the micro wounds. This feels like straining your ankle in the middle of a marathon. Keep pushing through.

I had to go with an obvious Chypre because I can’t identify them. A lot of people saying this smells like cola and I can understand that. To me, more citrusy though. Like a lemonized cola or cola mixed with some citrusy drink to tone down the cola. So I paired it with Gravefruit II to keep up the citrus.

As for wettubing stars……I don’t really watch them. I watched cosmo’s precision lathering when I first started out and then decided it takes too long. I did recently watch a video from Sourav using a blackbird Then I got a blackbird and used it today for that reason. So, I guess Sourav is my favorite for convincing me to buy a good razor. /u/VisceralWatch did not convince me to buy a blackbird sooner than Sourav, which is why Sourav is better. Too modern of a razor perhaps?

July 16, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Seville
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

I have to admit, I don’t find barbershop scents that great. I kind of just get the feeling, “Oh yea, another barbershop”. I think I just have more exciting things I want to get to using. I would assume, however, Seville pays for all of those fun things I enjoy more. So, I’ll use my sample and enjoy it. Follow up with Nightman to keep with the citrus theme.

This one is for you /u/USS-SpongeBob. Thanks for keeping the sun honest.

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. / House of Mammoth – Armonía
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. / House of Mammoth – Armonía

Armonía is great. And darkwing is probably the best name for a soap base that there is. After reading /u/RedMosquitoMM write up, I may have to give Shire a try too.

Osma on the other hand – not even worth giving it a try. There are whole stories and curses of why you don’t sow salt after cutting everything down. Just bad juju. I don’t need bad juju. It isn’t needed as an antiseptic either – you are literally washing your face with (shaving) soap. I don’t know how someone got the idea that what you can use to tan animal skins into leather would be a great idea to rub all over open wounds to make leather face, and we all know where that leads.

July 18, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Autumn Ash
• Post Shave: Macduffs Soap Company – Autumn Cabin

This is gross, enjoy!

I went with the autumn part of the theme today. I definitely don’t use this soap enough. It has just the right amount of smokiness and dampness reminiscent of a fall day. After a long day outside I felt like coming back to the fireplace in the autumn cabin. I got an enormous amount of pineyness upfront (I thought I grabbed Tis the season by accident for a second). It really settled down to a beautiful piney/woody smoky maple sweetness. The two scents have been by far the best complimentary scents I have used. My wife who dislikes 90% of everything I use and then gives an “it’s alright” for 9.5% said she couldn’t get enough of smelling my face today. Looks like I got a new favorite too.

July 19, 2023

• Brush: Nike Portugal Soccer socks #ANCIENT
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Proraso – Sandalwood
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Samhain

Socks. Next year will be underwear (please, for the love of god djudges don’t do that for the videos that would be made). Proraso is the only cream I have so today is the day it shines. Paired with Samhain, the only AS I have that has sandalwood as a scent note. My knot today is >10 years old. I know this because I dressed up as Christiano Ronaldo my freshman year of college in 2008. I begrudgingly kept these socks since I spent an absurd amount for them on my college budget, which was probably 20-30 dollars. I honestly don’t know any longer. They built a lather, technically. Hard to see but its the first time I used a red Proraso Red. Maybe I can trade my knot on the ‘zaar for a tub of Dammusi…seems fair.

July 20, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Ariana & Evans – L’Orange Verte
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

I have a couple samples of A&E that I bought when I first started trying out soaps. This was before I was aware of some of controversy. Now, I stay away from them, mostly to make sure my face stays safe. Anyway, base isn’t bad and the couple of sample soap scents I have don’t bother me so I am going to use them until they are gone. L’Orange Verte is a dupe of Terre D’Hermes Eau d’Orange Vert. Even the name is a dupe. In the description, however, there is no mention of the original which does bother me since it is a dupe. Instead, there is a description of how the scent was created by A&E, ironically enough. I paired with more citrus in Dayman, which is becoming my go to AS. Apparently I really like citrus.

As for the challenge, I made a pasty lather. I started off with normal soap and a little less water. Then I decided it was not pasty enough, so I added more soap and kept going. It ended up at the stiff meringue peak stage and streaked across my face. The perfect Gillette commercial consistency. Honestly, shave was not terrible but could have been better.

July 21, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta
• Post Shave: Australian Private Reserve – Coeur de Vert

Finally having a nice and relaxed shave after the past couple days. Fougere Nemeta smells like grandma off the tub to me, but opens up to something much more enjoyable. I picked this AS since they both smell Spring-y to me. It did overwhelm the soap completely, though, so won’t do this combo again.

Haiku:

Leg day tomorrow,

/u/Newtothethis helped us all,

Leg Osma? Hell no.

July 22, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB OC-F
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Zingari – The Rambler
• Post Shave: Zingari – Unscented

Well, gotta get challenge points. My pits smell great. Per the description,”This soap is scented with a complex olfactory combination. Like taking an amble on the summer hills, this scent has notes of ripe summer fruit (strawberry, raspberry, currant, plum), rich florals (rose, amyris), a bit of spice (anise, peppercorn, coumarin), a hint of earthiness (tobacco, hay, tonka) and the warmth of vanilla.” I get a TON of strawberries and raspberries. I used this last year for tobacco day and realize I probably shouldn’t have gotten points for that one. This year though, definitely berries. It’s so fruity. Also has peppercorn in there, another berry. Triple berry armpits.

I used the only open comb I have to help out. And I actually started off dry on the second pit as it just kept clogging with the lather for pit #1. Can’t say I got a BBS but think I did not half bad.

Below pics. After pics

Update: I am getting some intense whiffs of rambler hours after I used it. Noseblindness basically isn’t a thing with pit shaves I guess. Might have to keep it up.

July 23, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Macduffs Soap Company – Autumn Cabin
• Post Shave: Macduffs Soap Company – Autumn Cabin

I planned on using Samhain dickhole today but after Fall day last week, I got endless comments on how good Autumn Cabin AS smells from Mrs. schontzm. So, I made a mid-season LG audible. Toasty maple, yet woody. The soap smells like a fireplace while the AS smells strongly of evergreen upfront before it calms down to a similar maple/woody scent. As I was squeezing out the last of my lather, I felt a little knot wiggle. Unfortunately….this happened. It was the first knot I set (with silicone). I probably do not have time to do it again for a bit but hopefully attempt 2 will be better than attempt 1.

Challenge: Here is my broken lather to go with my broken brush and broken spirit.

July 24, 2023

• Brush: Omega Penelli White HI-BRUSH Synthetic
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Kryptonite
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

Comfortable shave with double lime software. This smoosh was from /u/whosgotthepudding from a trade we did a while back, I have been saving one shave’s worth of soap for today. It probably sent me down the HOM hole and now I have tried quite a few of them. Unfortunately I pulled the knot out of the fantastic handle he made (my fault, I set it) or else I would’ve used that too. Like I always do because it is awesome. Special thanks to /u/tetriside for 3 other smooshes I used this LG’s as well.

I know there are a lot of kind words today, but I feel the community has a lot of unsung heroes. So, kind words for everyone in the LG who has been participating. Its a lot of work before and during. Thanks Djudges for all that you do as well, from the backend portal stuff to the podcast.

July 25, 2023

• Brush: Omega Penelli White HI-BRUSH Synthetic
• Razor: Karve CB SB-B
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Noble Otter – Tis the Season
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Tis the Season

I love Christmas and Holiday scents. I haven’t found one that I haven’t liked yet. They range from the classic scents of pine and candy canes to grandpa and reindeer musk. To me, ’tis the season is the Whoville equivalent of scents. Its bright and exciting, piney and fruity. Even the artwork is glitzy. I was fortunate to get a set when it went on sale and have not regretted it one bit, other than I did not get to use it all of December.

Challenge: I am right handed. Heavily right handed. I can barely do anything lefty unlike my fortunate left handed wife who is basically ambidextrous from growing up in a righty world. So I did not expect a great shave but just wanted to not mangle myself. Zero pressure (like apparently I am supposed to do then never do) it is. Overall – survived the usual 2 pass.

July 26, 2023

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks purple burl AP Shave Co. 24mm MiG
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Maggard Razors – Orange Menthol
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Nightman

Well, I effed up up my schedule. I originally had Maggard’s soap on Maggard’s day but couldn’t find it. So I had an innocent enough sub of Fougere Angelique, which I love anyway so no big deal. About 2 days ago, I realized I would miss Maggard sponsor points and therefore the software bonus point. So enjoy my boring post and here is to hoping someone doesn’t post Maggard’s while I write this up. Obviously, Nightman pairs together since they are both citrus. It also adds some complexity to an otherwise pleasant but basic scent. As basic as my “wild card”.

Challenge: Going back to Maggard day again, I ironically was dreading showing my den since I lost this soap. Well, this couldn’t have worked out better I suppose. My den is a cubby hole with a side den otherwise known as the drawer that I throw stuff in until I put it back. My organization is a small sample box and a big sample box. A stack of tubs left and right with scattered Stirling samples everywhere so they do not scent bleed. AS’s in the middle with razors. Blades and bath soap to the right. Drawer – just chaos. Karve plates are kept there with a pack of blades, then it is about the past week or so of whatever I just used (plus some other samples I want to use after LGs).

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Omega Penelli White HI-BRUSH Synthetic
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Beloved
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Alive

My backyard was hot and sweaty and uncomfortable. Nicked my neck today too.

Lavender is not my favorite. Lavanille is still the only lavender I have liked. Nothing wrong with beloved, it’s good in its own right. Just not for me. I chose it because I discovered Lavanille last year and wanted to try new stuff out again this LG. I learned a lot last year.l from trying new things. Paired with Alive because they both have a mammoth on them. My splash did one of those glug things so I put a ton of it on my face and rubbed some in my shaved pits because why not, it smells really good.

July 28, 2023

• Brush: My Neanderthal hands
• Razor: Air Canada – We lost your luggage courtesy disposable razor
• Lather: Air Canada – We lost your luggage courtesy cream
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Samhain

This no-name razor and cream were given to me when Air Canada lost our luggage and skis for a couple days. It was as awesome as this combo was to shave with. If I were to put a value to these items, even an inflated value, they are 100% going to be cheaper than everything else I own. The disposable razor is probably like a dollar and realistically less. The cream, I can’t imagine it would be more than 50 cents an ounce. Even if it is doubled it would still be cheaper than anything else I have or wife has. Its complete trash that clogs the razor worse than pasty shave day did. It does have a relative pleasant maybe minty smell to it though. I have for the most part purged my den of cheap stuff but have kept this razor and cream since March planning on using it for the LG. If any of you ever want an XXL plain white shirt and cheap-o shave and toothbrush kit, just lose your luggage with Air Canada (through Toronto if case anyone cares). Paired with Samhain, because it is travel size just like the other gear (and obviously is is per oz the cheapest AS I own).

July 29, 2023

• Brush: Omega Penelli White HI-BRUSH Synthetic #OLDWOLRD
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandalwood
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Samhain

Sandalwood from Stirling because, well, sandalwood. It also happens to be one of my favorite sandalwood dominant scents. Samhain because it has a sandalwood note.

I think there are a few out in front and it may come down to the legendary bonus. u/onionmiasma, u/crispmango, u/Priusaurus, u/impressive_donut114 and u/chronoisseur420 all got a shot. Onion has been consistent with some dedicated crazy posts, Prius with the interviews – good and funny ones, mango is obvious with the songs, donut has a certain flair and videos are very enjoyable, chron used an effing ice cube kamisori….

I haven’t followed fof as closely but u/redmosquitomm always has fantastic write ups.

For ROTY, u/tsrblke has been consistently putting in his dues. Except that one day when he forgot to post his lather.

I think u/gcgallant has some great photos with u/chronoisseur420 again.

For some good memorable posts, u/hugbckt with his sip of the essence of LGs in a glass. Of course u/newtothethis with honorary scrubbing and the leg day how to were great. I can’t stop laughing at virtually every one of u/alg82 on theme posts – incredible 20 second read in the Tolkien length LG SOTD daily threads. Never missed one.

July 30, 2023

• Brush: Omega Penelli White HI-BRUSH Synthetic
• Razor: Karve CB SB-D
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: WestMan Shaving – Adamastor
• Post Shave: Australian Private Reserve – Coeur de Vert

Me: Made in the United States

Brush: Made in Italy

Razor: Made in Canada

Blade: Made in Russia

Soap: Handmade in Portugal

AS: Made in Australia – I don’t know where to find this link but its right in the name

I’m from the United States and luckily had everything for this challenge ready to go. Soap has notes of Rhubarb, Melon, Sea Salt, Cut Grass, Damp Earth, Vetiver. I get a lot of what I consider green scents and rhubarb, which has kind of a tart and tannic taste. I somehow got that in the soap. Performed well too. It’s not something I would buy a tub of but would be willing to try some more based on this sample and experience. The pairing had to be Coeur de Vert, both for the challenge and it’s the grassiest scent I own.

Thanks everyone for a great LG this year. Hopefully as the years go on, I can slowly move up the ranks and more importantly, become closer to the community.