June 1, 2024 - Bonjour, Lather Games!

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Moka Express 26mm Two-Band
• Razor: Rolls Razor #FOREVERSAFETY
• Blade: Rolls Razor (1)
• Lather: Historic and Oak - Embargo
• Post Shave: Historic and Oak - Embargo
• Fragrance: 345 Soap Co. - Aces Over 8s

Imagine a professional shaving competition where the top competitors are known for their exceptional skills and technique. The "Aces" in this scenario represent the elite group of shavers who consistently produce flawless results, earning them the title of "Aces" among their peers.

An "embargo" in this situation is where the competition organizers, or what may be known as judges, decide to impose a temporary ban on using certain tools or techniques daily, effectively "embargoing" the Aces' advantage. This is done to level the playing field and give other competitors a chance to catch up or ensure the competition remains fair and challenging.

The phrase 'Aces over 8s' symbolizes the dominance of the top shavers. These skilled and resilient individuals can still achieve exceptional results even when restricted by the embargo. The '8s' represent the rest of the competitors, who may need access to the same tools and techniques.

Thus begins this year's lather games with a soap and razor style I have never used before. All tied together with the heavy tobacco note in all my software. Nothing will hold the competitors back this year!

#PHOTOCONTEST - Animal (not alive) Bella was with us for 13 years before passing two years ago, just before Christmas.

June 2, 2024 - Ahoy, Lather Games!

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: r/Wetshaving Zenith MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar) #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: L. Herder & Son Vintage Straight
• Blade: L. Herder & Son Vintage Straight (13)
• Lather: Black Ship Grooming - Black Beard
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Bay Rum
• Fragrance: Old Spice - Classic EDC

It was a fantastic day 2 of the Lather Games, my fellow enthusiasts! All of today's software was on theme, and I was using his soap, so I thought, why not invite Black Beard for a shave? (The picture happened after the shave, of course). While I had Black Beard here to honor u/Priusaurus and the incredible effort he put into last year's games, I thought I'd do a quick interview with him to get a pirate's take on shaving.

1. How would you feel if your dad participated in a shaving contest?

Disappointed because he should be busy working on my ship.

2. How do pirates shave?

With my hook or sword.

3. How do pirates feel about judges?

Steal all their gold and make them walk the plank.

4. Do pirates believe in Air Bud?

Ummmmm, yes, duh.

5. Do pirates need pre-shave?

No, they don't.

6. Splash or Balm for aftershave?

Splash, because we are always on the water and the sea splashes.

7. How do pirates feel about vegan soap?

Bad, because we only eat meat.

8. How does seawater affect your lather?

Everyone should use it.

PHOTOCONTEST - Pirates ... because Black Beard was here.

nice use of a child

June 3, 2024 - Where's the Beef?

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP400B XL Handle (AP ShaveCo) - 28mm Maggard Boar Knot #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: GEM MMOC - Gen 1 #FLIPTOP #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (1)
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. - AG 1889
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. - AG 1889
• Post Shave: Osma Alum
• Fragrance: 345 Soap Co. - 1879 Prospector

This morning started like any other Lather Games morning. Confident in my predetermined setup, which was on theme and related to the play on years, I made my way to the bathroom to get my morning going. The shave went wonderfully, as would be expected from the wonderful duck tallow base, but what happened after was truly an experience for the ages. As I cracked open the Osma Alum, excited to try it this year for the first time, I was overcome with the feeling that something strange was about to happen.

As soon as I applied the alum to my skin, I felt a strange sensation. It was as if time itself was bending to my will. I looked around, and suddenly, I was transported back to the year 1879. Where I found myself in a bustling town surrounded by horse-drawn carriages and old-fashioned street lamps. I spent some time exploring the town, marveling at the architecture, and trying to get a sense of what life was like back then.

As I walked through the town, I stumbled upon a small shop selling all sorts of goods. The sign above the door read "Osma Alum: The Secret to Changing Lives." I chuckled, thinking it was just a clever marketing ploy. But as I browsed through the shelves, I noticed that every product had a peculiar date stamped on it: 1889. Intrigued, I asked the shopkeeper about the significance of the dates. The shopkeeper smiled and said, "Ah, you've discovered our secret! Osma Alum isn't just any ordinary alum – it's infused with the essence of 1879 and 1889. It's said that when you apply it to your skin, you'll experience a transformation that will change your life."

I was again skeptical, but I decided to take a chance. I applied the alum to my skin, and as I did, a strange sensation washed over me again. When I looked in the mirror, I couldn't believe my eyes—I had transformed into a confident, charismatic version of myself.

As I made my way back to my own time, I realized that Osma Alum was indeed something special. It is now my duty to spread the word about its amazing effects. Throughout the rest of my day whenever someone asked about the secret to my success, I simply said, "It's all thanks to Osma Alum – it's not just any ordinary alum – it's the secret to changing lives."

PHOTOCONTEST - An Onion

June 4, 2024 - K.I.S.S

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Chisel and Hound w/ 26mm SynBad #FAUXFUR #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Ever Ready Shovel Head 1924 #FLIPTOP
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (2)
• Lather: Chiseled Face - Banana
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Boonana
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Mood Indigo

Kept it easy today with one of the best single-scent-note soaps out there.

I tied all my software together using last year's Berry theme.

Shave was exactly as good as one would expect using Chiseled Face.

Still wish I was around more for Declaration's Bison base, but Omnibus is my favorite for now though.

PHOTOCONTEST - Trash

Best trash shot. With a nana that makes it on theme

June 5, 2024 - Canned Shave Goop

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Omega Pro 48 #HOLLOW #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Ever Ready 1914 #FLIPTOP
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (3)
• Lather: Cremo - Bourbon Vanilla
• Post Shave: Clubman Pinaud - Whiskey Woods
• Fragrance: Parfum Belcam - Classic Match Obsession EDT

When I first started wetshaving, all I used was a bowl. Then, I started a hybrid mixture of bowl and face lathering. To save a little bit of time, I transitioned to just face-lathering and have never really gone back. Today reminded me why I used to use the bowl, as that was really the only redeeming part of my shave this morning. Either way, the shave was completed, and all software is linked by being on theme. I hope everyone had a great day 5!

PHOTOCONTEST - Money

June 6, 2024 - Thirsty Thursday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AKA Brushworx- 26mm Boar #COMPOSITE
• Razor: GEM 1912 #TWINS #FLIPTOP
• Razor: STAR 1912 #TWINS #FLIPTOP
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (4)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Smoking Bishop
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Smoking Bishop
• Fragrance: Gentleman's Nod - Musashi

The description for Smoking Bishop reads, Smoking Bishop refers to a pleasing punch served in Victorian homes during the winter season. The heated drink would ‚smoke‚ as it was served to chilled guests. Finished it off with one of my favorite tea scents.

When I first got into wet shaving, I watched a lot of videos. Not so much anymore, but one of my favorites then and still today is u/sgrdddy . He is better than u/VisceralWatch for many reasons, but the number one reason is because of today's theme, and I'm a sucker for a shot at a few free points.

PHOTOCONTEST - A Bucket

June 7, 2024 - Vetiver You Want

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Wild West Brushworks - Invasion - 26mm Oumo SHD #SHD #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: GEM Junior 1912 #FLIPTOP
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (5)
• Lather: Mike's Natural Soaps - Vetiver
• Post Shave: Wet Shaving Products - Fresh Vetiver
• Fragrance: Wet Shaving Products - Fresh Vetiver

First off, a huge thank you to u/Tetriside for the Mike's smoosh for today's shave. As far as the shave, not having used Vetiver before I was unsure what to expect. However, as I lathered in my bowl, a bowl again even after yesterday because of the sample, I was transported to a warm summer evening, surrounded by the lush greenery of a rural landscape. The earthy, woody aroma of the vetiver enveloped me, and I felt a sense of clarity and purpose wash over me. Suddenly, the worries and doubts that had been plaguing me for weeks seemed to fade away, replaced by a sense of determination and resolve. I felt a renewed commitment to being a better person, living with intention and compassion, and positively impacting the world around me. I rinsed off the soap, applied the aftershave and cologne, and began my day. I felt a sense of hope and optimism that I hadn't felt in a long time, and I knew that this small act of self-care had set me on the path toward becoming the best version of myself. Of course, that could all have been from the small amount of drugs I've taken since yesterday after potentially breaking my ankle, but I blame the vetiver.

The daily challenge was an easy one as I actually quite enjoy ATG.

PHOTOCONTEST - Earth

June 8, 2024 - Small Business Saturday... but in June

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Maggard Purple Handle 24mm Synth
• Razor: Maggard MR18C w/ V3M
• Blade: Voskhod (1)
• Lather: Maggard Razors - London Barbershop
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Gothorum Tonstrina
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Gothorum Tonstrina

The soap and hardware for today were all bought from Maggard. I paired the soap with Gothorum Tonstrina because they are both barbershop scents and both made by an artisan for a vendor. Nothing life-changing today; however, since I started wet shaving, Maggard is almost certainly in the running for a vendor I have spent the most money with. Never anything too big at once, but always enough to get free shipping. The biggest order from them would have to be either when I picked off my Semogue SOC with some soaps and aftershaves added on or when I bought the starter pack with today's brush and razor with some soaps added. I know my order will always ship quickly, and if I have ever had a question, it is taken care of almost before I get around to asking it. I can't forget, the only straight I have that is shave-ready is the one I won from Maggard a couple of years ago for the LGs. I'll make it out to a Maggard meetup one day.

PHOTOCONTEST - Wood

June 9, 2024 - Shave and a Haircut - Two Bits

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Barber Pole 24mm Tux
• Razor: Gillette Slim Adjustable #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Voskhod (2)
• Lather: Eleven - Barbershop
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Seville
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Seville

I ended up grabbing this tub with two others during their black tub blowout. I'm so glad I did, and I will most certainly keep a tub or two of Eleven's stuff in my den. It has really enjoyable scents and great performance. I wrapped the shave up with aftershave and fragrance, which are also on theme for today.

When I first opened the quiz I thought for sure I wouldn't be able to get one. I got 17/32, which is just over 50%, so I'm pretty happy. It was a really cool and fun idea, too!

PHOTOCONTEST - Time

June 10, 2024 - Happy Together

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AKA Brushworx - 26mm G5C #FAUXFUR #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti #CNC
• Blade: Voskhod (1)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus Fougere
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus Fougere
• Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus Fougere

One of my favorite collabs with some of my favorite artisans.Like a Stone by Audioslave is one of my favorite songs by my favorite band so I figured what better song for today's shave.

PHOTOCONTEST - Eyes

June 11, 2024 - April Showers Bring May Flowers (Color Coordinated)

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co. 24mm Cashmere w/ Emerald Handle
• Razor: Weck Hair Shaper #WECKONISTA
• Blade: Personna Hair Shaper Blade (3)
• Lather: Noble Otter - Rawr
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Rawr
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. - Intrepid Man

Near perfect shave with the Weck today. Noble Otter was as good as it always is and the scent on Rawr is top tier. Tied it together with the daily challenge with everything, fragrance bottle included, being green.

PHOTOCONTEST - Grass

I really like how this one is framed.

June 12, 2024 - CREAM

• Prep: Warm Shower

• Brush: Yaqi Goblin 24mm Synthetic

• Razor: Starter Razor From Stirling

• Blade: Voskhod (2)

• Lather: Proraso Cream - Green

• Post Shave: Proraso - Green

• Fragrance: Acqua di Parma - Colonia Club

Quick and painless shave with Proraso green cream and aftershave. Fragnatica has Acqua di Parma as the first listed fragrance Proraso green reminds people of, so that was good enough in my book.

Den tour - You don't have to look...

PHOTOCONTEST - Fill the Frame

June 13, 2024 - Dupelganger

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AP Shave Co. Black Handle 26mm Full-Moon
• Razor: Knockoff Gilette Tech #ZAMAC
• Blade: Voskhod (3)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Prom King
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Prom King
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. - Executive Man

All software is a dupe today to be on theme and related.

Draw a Label is probably the family favorite daily challenge each year. The kids all get involved and take a shot at drawing with me. Always pretty fun to see what they come up with!

PHOTOCONTEST - Darkness.

Coupled the black brush handle with a black background to make everything as dark as possible while still keeping enough light to not just be a poorly lit photo.

June 14, 2024 - Frigid Friday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Stirling Soap Co. - 22mm Synthetic
• Razor: Muhle R89 #ZAMAC
• Blade: Voskhod (3)
• Lather: Tcheon Fung Sing - Barber Soap
• Post Shave: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Ghost Town Barber

It's not the best-performing soap in my den, but I have grown to like mentholated soaps more and more, so it's not all bad. I paired it with Ghost Town Barber using the fact that both have Barber in their names—I know, super creative.

PHOTOCONTEST - The Elements: Water

June 15, 2024 - Near Death Experience

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Razorock F400 #TOLL
• Razor: Supply Single Edge SE
• Blade: Black Label (4)
• Lather: Ariana and Evans - Vanille de Tabac
• Post Shave: Ariana and Evans - Vanille de Tabac
• Fragrance: Parfum Belcam - Classic Match Bold Tobacco

Since I started wet shaving, I have only killed two or three tubs. One of them was the used tub of Vanille de Tabac I bought off the bazaar. It really is no surprise that this replacement tub is the only one in my den with a ring of death, either. It is at or near the top of my whole family's list of favorites. The fragrance is a dupe of the same Tom Ford scent, and while done a little differently, it pairs nicely.

I wish you vile, cruel, mean, and unforgiving judges would leave my lather alone. Not sure how water day equals this pasty terrible mess you made me use this morning. At least I am confident that I am doing something right in this hobby after today.

PHOTOCONTEST - Cactus

June 16, 2024 - Father's Day

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Semogue Pharos C3 Horse Hair #HORSESASS
• Razor: Gillette Tech (Gold)
• Blade: Voskhod (4)
• Lather: Maurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original
• Post Shave: Maurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original
• Fragrance: Maurer & Wirtz - Tabac Original

A quick Google search and a Wikipedia click later: "The family business was founded by Michael Mäurer, and his stepson Andreas August Wirtz, who established a soap works in Stolberg in 1845. The company initially produced soft soaps, curd soaps, and fine soaps, which were sold in a local grocery store." The company has been around since 1845, with Tabac being produced since 1959. Some love it, some hate it, and I am one of those who love it. Not only do I like the scent, but I manage to get top-tier performance every time I use it. Semogue started in the 1950s, and Gillette in the early 1900s.

After last year, I told myself I would do leg day this time. I had to get out the door early this morning, so I didn't have time, and by the time I got back, I had talked myself out of it. My loving wife told me that was probably for the best since shaving your legs is the worst. She said I would cut myself a ton, which would be a terrible experience. Naturally, I had to prove her wrong. The problem was that the challenge states it has to be high enough for shorts, and short shorts raise your lifting max by at least 10 pounds. That means I have to shave at least high enough for my shorts that have a 5-inch inseam; oh boy. So I figured while I was at it, I should shave my chest again like last year, and quite frankly, the only hair I have left at this point is on my arms, armpits, and head. Obviously, there is only photo evidence of the chest and legs, but oh well. NSFW, seriously you don't want to see this NSFW.

PHOTOCONTEST - Black and White

June 17, 2024 - Don't have a Cow, Man!

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Arctic 24mm
• Razor: Blackland Dart #CNC
• Blade: Voskhod (5)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth

I've been looking forward to today's shave for the last few days. I love SW, and Labyrinth is one of my favorites from them.

Then you had to add (NSFW?)this stupid daily challenge(NSFW?) and ruin a good thing. How am I supposed to get the glorious lather from my knee to my face? Oh well, I figured it out and don't think the shave suffered at all.

PHOTOCONTEST - DIY

June 18, 2024 - RIP in Pieces

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Chisel and Hound Kingfisher - V12
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy Titanium Razor #CNC
• Blade: Feather (1)
• Lather: K Shave Worx - Saratoga
• Post Shave: K Shave Worx - Saratoga
• Fragrance: Chiseled Face - Midnight Stag

For today, I used my absolute favorite K Shave Worx scent. This is one of those scents that I don't want to use because I don't want it to be gone, but I want to use it because it's just too good. I have been looking forward to pairing this set with Stag because, to my nose, Saratoga is just a sweetened version of Stag. The leather from both mixed better than I thought, and I will almost certainly be using Stag every time I use Saratoga.

As for the shave, I think I am doing something wrong. For some reason, I am getting these bumps after I shave. You can barely see them, but they are there. I used the alum like I have been told, but I am getting quite a bit of razor burn followed by the bumps. Any tips would be great! I also don't understand why I have this growth after just a couple of hours. I used Feather blades today because I want to be able to go three days with no growth, and I figured since the Feathers were so sharp, that would help. Could it have something to do with this razor? I keep hearing something about riding the cap, but then I feel like I am rubbing the bare cap across my face. It isn't until I lower the angle again that it seems like I am cutting any hair. Honestly, I will probably get one of those slant razors from PAA because I hear those are more aggressive and should help. If anyone has any experience with one of the PAA razors, I would appreciate your opinion. If I go that route, when I order the razor I could also pick up some soap from them and the cube since lack of pre-shave might also be my problem.

PHOTOCONTEST - Baseball

Really nice shot

June 19, 2024 - Juneteenth

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Omega 11047 Mixed hair brush #MISTURA #SMOLL #RUNT
• Razor: Blackland Brassbird #CNC
• Blade: Voskhod (6)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw - Merchant of Tobacco
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Tobacconist
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Tobacconist

I told myself that I would get to post early today since it was a day off. Obviously, that did not happen, but the shave today was great, so no complaints here. I tied it all together with the tobacco wordplay.

For your amusement, I give you memes.

PHOTOCONTEST - Hobbies

June 20, 2024 - Sunny Days

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Cavern Lake 24mm Two Band
• Razor: MM24 #MODERNGEM
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE (6)
• Lather: AA Shaving - Wapiti
• Post Shave: Catie's Bubbles - Summer Solstice
• Fragrance: 345 Soap Co. - Hometown

Today was my first go with AA shaving, and I really enjoyed it. The scent on this one is great, and the performance was fantastic. All software is related by all being on theme as summer scents today.

Today was actually the perfect day for an outside shave, as it has been either cold or rainy almost all year so far. The kids were already ready to play with the water balloons we had set out last night, so I gathered my gear and hiked out to the small field we have next to our house, where they could play while I shaved. I lathered up, feeling the smooth, rich texture glide across my skin like a warm breeze on a summer day. As I shaved, the sun cast its golden light upon my face, making the experience feel like a spa treatment. The warm breeze carried the scent of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass, adding to the sensory delight. The world seemed to slow down, and for a moment, all was right with the world.

Then suddenly, I remembered where I was, and seemingly out of nowhere, I was bombarded with balloons and screams from the children. They thought it would be funny to watch carefully and wait until the moment I finished to ambush me. Little did they know, I had expected this and quickly wiped the last little bit of lather from my face before reaching down and grabbing a couple of balloons I had strategically hidden in anticipation of this exact moment. I rained down my wrath, claimed myself victorious, and after playing with them for a bit, returned to apply aftershave and fragrance to finish off my shave for the day. It is not often I shave outside, but I could not have asked for a better experience than today's!

PHOTOCONTEST - Soccer

June 21, 2024 - Fougere Friday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Stirling Soap Co. - Zenith 31mm Boar
• Razor: Stirling Stainless Standard Head
• Blade: Voskhod (7)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Varen
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Varen
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Fougere Gothique

Chose Stirling Varen to shave with flair,

Paired with Fougere Gothique, perfect pair.

Yup, the scents did entwine,

A fragrance so divine,

A nice, refreshing routine to share.

Side Contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - Water Vehicles. I ended up sneaking a picture of this person's boat in the housing area across the way.

June 22, 2024 - Spooky Season

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Semogue SOC Butterscotch #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Tatara Masamune Handle w/ Nodachi Base and Head #CNC
• Blade: Voskhod (8)
• Lather: Soap Commander - Heritage
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Hallows
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Hallows

I had a great shave with the Tatara today. Soap Commander always performs well enough for me, and the pair with Hallows was perfect. My wife and I celebrated our 14-year anniversary today, and she even commented how she was glad I used Hallows.

Halloween in June?! Fine, here you go. It is not quite a pumpkin, but you may not even know if you squint.

Side Contest: #PHOTOCONTEST—The elements: fire. This evening, I built a fire so the wife and I could spend some time outside talking after the kids went to bed. I figured I might as well take advantage and grab a picture.

June 23, 2024 - Sweet Sunday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: AKA Brushworx - 26mm Cashmere Fan
• Razor: Yaqi Pink Razor #RAINBOW
• Blade: Voskhod (9)
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Saturday Morning
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Remote Learning
• Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Remote Learning

I pulled out the trusty mirror again for today's kitchen shave. Nothing special today except the now-normal "not this again" from the kids. Great performance from Catie's Bubble's sugary sweet Saturday Morning. Paired it with the equally sugary sweet Remote Learning aftershave and the Remote Learning fragrance, which matches the aftershave in name.

Side Contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - Sugar and Sweets

June 24, 2024 - Christmas in July, but in June's Eve

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Wild West Brushworks - Shock - 26mm Timberwolf
• Razor: Schick Black Handle DE (Pre-Krona)
• Blade: Voskhod (10)
• Lather: Dapper Dragon - Terre du Dragon
• Post Shave: 345 Soap Co. - Trench Lines
• Fragrance: 345 Soap Co. - Trench Lines

Overall, I had a great shave today and zero complaints. Now, I suggest buckling up for this one. Until last night, I had planned to use a smoosh I received before starting the lather games. I checked last night to ensure I had the day right and was ready before bed. I haven't had much time to Reddit stalk, so I figured it wouldn't hurt to jump on and ensure the person I got it from has participated in at least 50%. It was then that I realized how much trouble I was in as the person I got the smoosh from does not meet the criteria. Then, panic ensued as I realized I had nothing for today.

I searched my den, and every smoosh I encountered was either from someone not participating or from an artisan I had already used. Until I came across this little Dapper Dragon from the big box of samples, I won in a PIF two years ago. I had forgotten about it because I only scooped enough for one shave to send the rest and the box to the next winner.

As my last hope, I looked back to see who I won it from. What I found did not bode well, as the person I won it from is not participating in the games either. So I took one more shot in the dark and looked at who that person won it from. It was u/oswald_heist who added the Dapper Dragon to the box. With that being said, u/oswald_heist, since I technically got this from you, thank you for the smoosh and saving my lather games! Seriously, though, this sub has been amazing for the last couple of years since I found it. I am not as social as some, but I'm here every day because the people here are so kind and generous.

Terra du Dragon is a Terred'Hermes dupe, from what I found. Terre d'Hermes means 'Earth of Hermes.' Since you need earth to dig trenches, I paired the soap with Trench Lines from 345. Plus, they are both dupes, so they are also related that way.

Regarding r/wetshaving exclusives, I instantly thought of three or four I would love to see. The challenge calls for one, though, so I think I would have to choose Stirling. Stirling was the first soap I ever purchased and one that will permanently be in my den.

Side contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - The Elements: Air

June 25, 2024 - Christmas in July, but in June

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Yaqi Red Marble 26mm Tux
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Stainless #CNC
• Blade: Voskhod (11)
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Santa Noir
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Santa Noir
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth - Fu Dao

This is undoubtedly one of my favorite Christmas scents and an amazing performer, as always. All software is linked by being on theme today. Today's daily challenge has been one of my favorites for the last couple of years, and I had to default to the red top hat again because something about watching myself shave in a big red hat starts my day off right. Not to mention, I could not find the Santa hat I had been looking for the night before bed.

Side Challenge: #PHOTOCONTEST - Bokeh Balls

June 26, 2024 - Wildcard Wednesday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Omega S-Brush Silver Beehive - 24mm Synth
• Razor: Yaqi AC Blade Excalibur
• Blade: Red ProTouch mg (8)
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory - Cakehole
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II

I had such a fun idea planned for today. However, because of the audible, I had to call on Monday; I am using my Talent Soap smoosh to count towards software vendors today since it is the only day left it can be on theme. That said, I stayed up late to shave and get this posted. Software is all linked by being a gourmand scent.

As far as brush cleaning goes, I have always soaked any that needed cleaning in some Dawn, lathered it, and rinsed it. When I used the egg on Wildcard Wednesday, though, I just had to pull the knot and replace it, as nothing I did got it completely clean. I hope everyone has a great rest of the day.

Side Contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - Donuts

June 27, 2024 - Information Overload

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Craving Shaving Red Vintage Set Brush
• Razor: Gillette Super Speed - Red Tip
• Blade: Voskhod (12)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Spiced
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Spiced
• Fragrance: Parfum Belcam - Red Classic Match

Seaforth! Spiced scent notes include Mandarin, Aldehydes, Carnation, Anise, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Benzoin, Tonka, and Vanilla. Spiced was the only Seaforth that met today's theme and is probably my favorite Seaforth scent. I paired it with the spicy Polo Red dupe for a play on spice and matching red.

Today's challenge is better than the first time I did it. At this point, the only hard part is the right side of my neck. I escaped the shave with no issues and couldn't have had a better morning because of it!

Side Contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - Steampunk

June 28, 2024 - Frugal Friday

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Zenith 80R Boar Brush
• Razor: Bevel Essentials Disposable
• Blade: Bevel Essentials Disposable (1)
• Lather: Arko
• Post Shave: Aqua Velva - Classic Ice Blue
• Fragrance: Parfum Belcam - Classic Match Polo EDT

Arko - $7.98 for a 2-pack comes out to $0.05/gram; Zenith 80R I bought off Amazon a couple of years ago for $7.99; Classic Match Polo can be found at Walmart for $7.98 or $3.19/oz; Bevel Disposable and Blade normal price is $8.46 for five or $1.69/ea.; Aqua Velva from Walmart is $4.98 or $0.71/oz.

I have come to like today's theme quite a bit. Like many, when I first got into wetshaving, I did it intending to save money. However, I quickly jumped off the deep end. Today's theme reminds me, as I tell the people I try convincing to wetshave, that wetshaving can be cheap and still enjoyable. I am so glad I saved money with today's shave, and of course, I had to remind my wife that it was shaves like today's that got me into the hobby!

Side Contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - Humor

June 30, 2024 - Bon Voyage, Lather Games! (previously International Day)

• Prep: Warm Shower
• Brush: Omega Model 11126 Ovangkol Wooden Handle Boar 24mm
• Razor: Yaqi SE (Half DE)
• Blade: Voskhod (13)
• Lather: Westman Shaving - Nirvana
• Post Shave: Master Soap Creations - Bloom
• Fragrance: Paco Rabanne - One Million Elixir

Omega Brush is made in Italy, Yaqi Razor is made in China, Voskhod Blade is made in Russia, Westman Soap is made in Portugal, Master Soap Aftershave is made in South Africa, and One Million Elixir is made in Spain. All are from different countries, none of which are from the U.S., which is where I am from.

I always tell myself that this year will be the year I can put more time into the LGs, and then the LGs come and work or school rears its ugly head. Watching the amount of effort everyone else puts in is always a blast and one of my favorite parts of the community. Thank you to all participants this year for the fun posts and, at times, questionable shaves!

To the judges, thank you again for the time and effort you all put into making this happen. None of this would be even close to successful without the work you all do behind the scenes, and I am truly grateful for all of your hard work!

Side contest: #PHOTOCONTEST - A Prius. I had to wait for the dealership to be closed today to get this picture. However, it might have been more valuable if I had dodged the salespeople while trying to get the picture.