u/gcgallant's SOTDs for challenge 'Lather Games 2024'

u/gcgallant submitted 30 SOTDS.
  1. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-01 12:59:58-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 1, 2024

    • Brush: Oumo Warhammer Iceberg 27mm Meri-2
    • Razor: River Razors 6/8 3/4 Hollow

    • Lather: Henri et Victoria - Amande - Soap

    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
    • Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - Atlantis Deep - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    Bonjour! Ça va!

    I have not used a soap from Henri et Victoria before. I picked this sample up, along with three others at this year's Maggard Meetup. Amande is very cherry and rasperry forward. There's coconut, and a touch of rose in there too. I don't normally enjoy fruity, gourmand scents but I really liked this one. I chose to take the fragrance more towards a Piña Colada with Hiatus. The rum note makes this fragrance less like a candy treat. Finally, I chose Atlantis Deep. This is decidedly an aquatic scent but it has yuzu and rose and manages to keep light enough to move away from the pineapple in Hiatus and into fragrance notes that I can feel comfortable with all day.

    Oh wait! You may have noticed the razor. Well, I have used the major razor types; being of the older persuasion and now a fairly avid wetshaver. So, for today, I thought I would use a razor form factor that I have never used before, 6/8 - 3/4 hollow, and use a razor that nobody else in the world (except for the maker) has used before.

    IRL, this razor is just stunning. The polishing is absolutely perfect, as is the file work on the spine. The Red Juma Dragon scales and Blue Juma Dragon wedge, offset by the white liners just can't be realized in a photo -- though I will try to get some glamor shots of it. While it is 3/4 Hollow, the shape is not a copy of any other 3/4 hollow 6/8 razor. This is a unique design from my friend Boris de Riviere (the artisan behind River Razors).

    In fact, he made this for me as a surprise. We had been talking about a 6/8 razor. I mentioned a French Point, and that some file work on the spine would be nice. That's all. Boris has a waiting list and I expected to hear from him about the razor in the fall; though we do correspond semi-regularly via email. The next thing I know, he emails some photos and a video of this razor. I was dumbstruck. He absolutely nailed it!

    Oh, it's a great shaver too!

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: River Razors 6/8 3/4 Hollow
    • Brush: Oumo Warhammer Iceberg 27mm Meri-2
    • Lather: Henri et Victoria - Amande
    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - Atlantis Deep

  2. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-02 13:33:23-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 2, 2024

    • Brush: Thäter Faux Ivory 29mm 2-band Silvertip
    • Razor: Koraat 14-2.0 8/8" Full Hollow

    • Lather: Shulton - Old Spice - Soap

    • Post Shave: Shulton - Old Spice - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - No. 89 - Eau de Toilette
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    God that was good! Surprisingly good lather for a 45 year old soap, and the scent is still there, though weaker. I took extra time wallowing in the goodness of Old Spice, and I presume that u/cowzilla3 would deem this the minimum required time. I have used Shulton Old Spice aftershave for many years. My father used it as well, so it's definitely a nostalgia-fest for me. No. 89 has been around forever too. Its scent blends well with Old Spice and it is also period-correct.

    I took Paleontology Day literally and used a razor that has mammoth ivory scales. This relates more to the challenge than to u/Priusaurus.

    However, I mostly participate in the Lather Games for the entertainment value of the SOTD comments, and Priusaurus' comments are consistently entertaining, or interesting. He was deserving of the win last year and I'm following his pursuit of it again this year.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Koraat 14-2.0 8/8" Full Hollow
    • Brush: Thäter Faux Ivory 29mm 2-band Silvertip
    • Lather: Shulton - Old Spice
    • Post Shave: Shulton - Old Spice
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - No. 89

  3. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-03 13:37:54-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 3, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving 31mm x 57mm Moar Boar #SUBBROOSH
    • Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2/WRH2 #CNC
    • Blade: Personna Platinum (4)
    • Lather: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889 - Soap
    • Post Shave: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889 - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: West Coast Shaving - Alum
    • Fragrance: Initio - Paragon - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Pinaud Clubman Finest Powder
       

    AG 1889 has the Darkwing (Duck Fat) base. I like everything about this soap. It is one of several top-tier soap bases in my inventory. The fragrance has really grown on me. I really looked forward to using it today.

    I used a West Coast Shaving alum block after the shave today. I got nothing. Why would I want to go out and buy Osma to get ... nothing.

    I have no idea why people spread salt on their face after shaving. My advice (to u/OnionMiasma) is: don't cut yourself or irritate your skin. And, if you think of wetshaving as "traditional" shaving, then you should be using a full-strength alcohol aftershave like us vintage shavers do. A block of salt is what I leave out in the woods for the deer as a salt lick. .... :-j

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Wolfman Razors WR2/WRH2 [#CNC ]
    • Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving 31mm x 57mm Moar Boar [#SUBBROOSH ]
    • Lather: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889
    • Post Shave: Chicago Grooming - AG 1889
    • Post Shave: West Coast Shaving - Alum (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Initio - Paragon

    Sponsor Uses

    • Wolfman Razors brushes or razors (Hardware Sponsor Points)
    • Chicago Grooming Co. (Software Sponsor Points)

    Podcast Candidate: An Anonymous Djudge remarked:

    User plans to poison local deer population with alum licks

  4. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-04 13:34:03-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 4, 2024

    • Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad
    • Razor: Gillette Slim Aristocrat H4 (setting: 7)
    • Blade: Personna Platinum (5)
    • Lather: Wholly Kaw - Peach Karma - Cream
    • Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff Curly Scents - Of the Immortals - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    I'm a big fan of Wholly Kaw. I think Sri does a great job of coming up with soap bases and scents [Entropy Man?!] . The vegan base used for Peach Karma is velvety and super slick, and the post-shave feel is gentle and nourished. Well done!

    The height of the soap-base wars occurred before I became interested in wetshaving. In recent memory, I think that the Spearhead 20.1 base didn't need to go. It could easily live alongside the Highland base. And, back to Wholly Kaw, for the moment it appears that the Siero base (which I quite like), is produced in parallel with the newer, and also great, Crème Fraîche base. I suspect that Crème Fraîche will supercede Siero, though, which I think would be a shame. Thankfully, I have a lot of soap in both bases.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Gillette Slim Aristocrat H4 (setting: 7)
    • Brush: AP Shave Co Lemondrop 28mm SynBad
    • Lather: Wholly Kaw - Peach Karma
    • Post Shave: Ariana & Evans - Peach & Cognac
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff Curly Scents - Of the Immortals

    Sponsor Uses

    • Wholly Kaw (Software Sponsor Points)
    • AP Shave Co complete brushes or Handcrafted Series handles (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  5. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-05 12:44:45-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 5, 2024

    • Brush: AP Shave Co Strawberry Cream 26mm G5A
    • Razor: Edwin Jagger 3One6 Grooved Blue #RAINBOW
    • Blade: Personna Platinum (6)
    • Lather: Cremo - Palo Santo - Cream
    • Post Shave: Combe Inc. - Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Whispered Myths - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Pinaud Clubman Finest Powder
       

    I purchased this Cremo at a local drug store two years ago for the Lather Games and I have only used it in the Lather Games. Since I normally face lather, I bowl lathered the Cremo today. Terrible lather. It was very foamy, but I was able to make it work. Other than that, it was a very nice shave.

    Whispered Myths has notes of oud, cantaloupe, cedarwood, muskdana, honey, and salvaged shipwreck. I live by the Chesapeake Bay and, by far, this is the best smelling shipwreck I've encountered.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Edwin Jagger 3One6 Grooved Blue [#RAINBOW ]
    • Brush: AP Shave Co Strawberry Cream 26mm G5A
    • Lather: Cremo - Palo Santo
    • Post Shave: Combe Inc. - Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Whispered Myths

    Sponsor Uses

    • AP Shave Co complete brushes or Handcrafted Series handles (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  6. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-06 12:44:09-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 6, 2024

    • Brush: Brad Sears Arley 26mm Super Badger
    • Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 #FLIPTOP #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
    • Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (2)
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Smash - Soap
    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Amber Bomba - Toner
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Creed Silver Mountain Water

     


    A bourbon smash. What's not to love. Great drink and a great soap fragrance courtesy of Will at BaM.

    We're entering into our "heavy" season here in Maryland, humidity creeps up, and even when temps are moderate the atmosphere feels oppressive, I needed to be out of the house most of the day, so the lightness of Silver Mountain Water just seemed appropriate.

    The MMOC continues to be my favorite safety razor. I love the elegant fliptop mechanism and the blade feel. I have a bunch of other safety razors in my collection, but this design was never topped IMO.

    As for a shave video ... well, maybe next year. This year, I'll need to try to find someone with more depth of shaving knowledge, a more interesting career, and better weather reporting skills than u/VisceralWatch. Clearly, there is no equal. However, Johan Granath (Shave&Butcher) tells a dad joke better, and has an equally comfortable presence in front of a camera while shaving.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: GEM MMOC Gold Gen2 [#FLIPTOP, #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY ]
    • Brush: Brad Sears Arley 26mm Super Badger
    • Lather: House of Mammoth - Smash
    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Amber Bomba
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Creed - Silver Mountain Water

  7. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-07 13:05:56-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 7, 2024

    • Brush: Wolfman WRB2 Bronze w/AP Shave Co MiG 26mm Premium Hybrid
    • Razor: Wolfman Razors WR4/WRH3
    • Blade: Feather Artist Club Professional (8)
    • Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver - Soap
    • Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Hermès - Terre D'Hermès Eau Intense Vetiver - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    Terrible shave. No cuts or irriation, and the shave result is what I would expect from one pass, but the whole Geofatboy approach (1 pass, ATG) did not work for me. Even though, I normally only do two passes, I missed the time I would take for that extra pass. I'm sure much of this is just familiarity, but I am no longer a fan of the 1-pass shave.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Wolfman Razors WR4/WRH3
    • Brush: Wolfman WRB2 Bronze w/AP Shave Co MiG 26mm Premium Hybrid
    • Lather: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver
    • Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - Desert Vetiver
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Hermès - Terre D'Hermès Eau Intense Vetiver

    Sponsor Uses

    • Wolfman Razors brushes or razors (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  8. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-08 13:14:38-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 8, 2024

    • Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf Short 26mm V22 Fanchurian
    • Razor: Thiers Issard Le Transatlantic 7/8" Full Hollow Round Point

    • Lather: Wholly Kaw - Aranceto - Soap

    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
    • Fragrance: Creed - Aventus
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    I normally take the this day off during Lather Games.

    For this shave I chose to use Aranceto which is a wonderful warm weather scent with noticeable bergamot and mandarin orange notes. The Hiatus aftershave was chosen to transition the fragrance to more of a pineapple top note presence in preparation for using Creed Aventus which is known for its pineapple note. In other words, I felt like using Aventus today.

    Today's shave was with a new razor that came in at the end of last month. The razor is gorgeous, but the factory edge was dull. I thought that the way in which it was dull was interesting. Here is a photo of it sitting next to my new River Razors 6/8, and this is the video that discusses these razors and discusses using abrasives in razor honing.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Thiers Issard Le Transatlantic 7/8" Full Hollow Round Point
    • Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf Short 26mm V22 Fanchurian
    • Lather: Wholly Kaw - Aranceto
    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Creed - Aventus

    Sponsor Uses

    • Chisel and Hound brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  9. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-09 13:45:11-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 9, 2024

    • Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
    • Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 #MODERNGEM
    • Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (3)
    • Lather: Zingari Man - The Master - Soap
    • Post Shave: Zingari Man - The Master - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - Jermyn Street - Eau de Toilette
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    The description of this scent is that it is a a dark and spicy take on a barbershop scent; the Master referring to a master barber. I quite like this scent and really need to use it more. Jermyn Street is a lemon/citrus/green sort of scent. The kind of thing you would expect from a barbershop imo. Wonderful shave today!

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 [#MODERNGEM ]
    • Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
    • Lather: Zingari Man - The Master
    • Post Shave: Zingari Man - The Master
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - Jermyn Street

    Sponsor Uses

    • Zingari Man (Software Sponsor Points)

  10. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-10 08:23:33-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 10, 2024

    • Brush: Chisel & Hound Classic 26mm V23 Fanchurian #COMPOSITE
    • Razor: Koraat 14-2.0 8/8" Full Hollow #STR8SNOB

    • Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus - Soap

    • Post Shave: Noble Otter - Cerberus - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    It seems fitting to pull out the razor with mammoth ivory scales, again. This time to honor the incredible Cerberus fragrance by House of Mammoth. Awesome shave today.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Koraat 14-2.0 8/8" Full Hollow [#STR8SNOB ]
    • Brush: Chisel & Hound Classic 26mm V23 Fanchurian [#COMPOSITE ]
    • Lather: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus
    • Post Shave: Noble Otter - Cerberus
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Declaration Grooming - Cerberus

    Sponsor Uses

    • Declaration Grooming (Software Sponsor Points)
    • Chisel and Hound brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  11. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-11 07:13:21-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 11, 2024

    • Brush: Wald Stratos Haunter 29mm A1 #OLDWORLD
    • Razor: Koraat 6/8" Full Hollow

    • Lather: Pasteur|Master Soap Creations - Bloom - Soap

    • Post Shave: Pasteur|Master Soap Creations - Bloom - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Tom Ford - Black Orchid - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    Bloom is a dupe of Tom Ford Black Orchid. Terrific soap base and terrific scent. Bloom is not identified as a spring scent per se, but blooming flowers are associated with spring, and the Orchid (though there are many types) normally blooms in early spring.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Koraat 6/8" Full Hollow
    • Brush: Wald Stratos Haunter 29mm A1 [#OLDWORLD ]
    • Lather: Pasteur|Master Soap Creations - Bloom
    • Post Shave: Pasteur|Master Soap Creations - Bloom
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Tom Ford - Black Orchid

    Sponsor Uses

    • Wald Shaving brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  12. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-12 09:43:21-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 12, 2024

    • Brush: Truefitt & Hill Wellington 24mm Silvertip
    • Razor: Gillette Tech English Flat Bottom
    • Blade: Personna Platinum (7)
    • Lather: Truefitt & Hill - Grafton - Cream
    • Post Shave: Unilever - Brut - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - JF - Eau de Toilette
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    Not a lot to say. I enjoy this Grafton scent, but rarely use this cream. The brush and this cream were part of a gift set that I received long ago. The razor is another gift (from u/VisceralWatch) that I really should use more often. These little FBTs are terrific shavers.

    Here are some photos of my collection of shaving stuff.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Gillette Tech English Flat Bottom
    • Brush: Truefitt & Hill Wellington 24mm Silvertip
    • Lather: Truefitt & Hill - Grafton
    • Post Shave: Unilever - Brut
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - JF

  13. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-13 09:35:15-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 13, 2024

    • Brush: Wild West Brushworks Deep Pearl 26mm Sweet Spot Badger
    • Razor: Thiers Issard Le Transatlantic 7/8" Full Hollow Round Point

    • Lather: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Succès - Soap

    • Post Shave: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Succès Skin Food - Splash
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Creed - Aventus
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    I was interested in trying Aventus dupes a couple of years ago. I tried a number of samples and actually bought tubs of some of them. Of the ones I have, I think Succès is the best. I doubt that it is note-for-note accurate but, to me, it has the best feeling of high-key freshness that real Aventus has.

    Here is my artist's rendering of the cover.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Thiers Issard Le Transatlantic 7/8" Full Hollow Round Point
    • Brush: Wild West Brushworks Deep Pearl 26mm Sweet Spot Badger
    • Lather: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Succès
    • Post Shave: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Succès Skin Food
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Creed - Aventus

  14. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-14 10:11:08-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 14, 2024

    • Brush: AP Shave Co Summer 28mm G5C #PREMIUMPLASTIC
    • Razor: Gillette Super Adjustable 109 (Black Beauty) Gold O-4 (setting: 7)
    • Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellow) (1)
    • Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Soap
    • Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - Olympus - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Pinaud Clubman Finest Powder
       

    Last year, I looked forward to Frigid Day as a way to use MiTA. This gave me a chance to prepare a mouthwatering (to me) Margarita and drink it after making the SOTD photo the night before the shave. [OK, I may have had more than one.]

    But this year, I have to chase some silly point and stack the items I used in my shave today. You did mean focus-stack, right?!

    😉

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Gillette Super Adjustable 109 (Black Beauty) Gold O-4 (setting: 7)
    • Brush: AP Shave Co Summer 28mm G5C [#PREMIUMPLASTIC ]
    • Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic
    • Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Margaritas in the Arctic
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - Olympus

    Sponsor Uses

    • Stirling Soap Co. (Software Sponsor Points)
    • AP Shave Co complete brushes or Handcrafted Series handles (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  15. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-15 10:13:15-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 15, 2024

    • Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
    • Razor: Iwasaki 13/16" Full Hollow Square Point Tamahagane

    • Lather: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Soap

    • Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    I normally use a very wet lather, so today I went pasty and really did not like it. It did not affect my shave result much, but made rinsing and cleaning the straight razor more of a hassle. One benefit, though, was that the denser lather delivered more of the soap's fragrance which I (clearly, if you look at the photo) love.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Iwasaki 13/16" Full Hollow Square Point Tamahagane
    • Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
    • Lather: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary
    • Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary

  16. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-16 10:22:40-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 16, 2024


    OK, so you whippersnappers have a clear advantage in this challenge. The only soap I have where the product's introduction predates me is Old Spice. I have already used that as (what everyone would agree) the optimal choice for Ahoy! day. And, I want to use the Stank® this month. While Tabac was introduced to the world a few years after I was, Mäurer and Wirtz was established long before. So I've got that going for me ... which is nice.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: C.V. Heljestrand MK 31 11/16 Söderfors Extra Specialstål Full Hollow
    • Brush: Elite Razor Honduran Rosewood Burl 24mm HMW Fan
    • Lather: Mäurer and Wirtz - Tabac
    • Post Shave: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac

  17. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-17 12:42:38-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 17, 2024

    • Brush: Simpsons Chubby 2 Jade 27mm HMW
    • Razor: Dovo Bismarck 6/8" Full Hollow Round Point

    • Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus - Soap

    • Post Shave: Combe Inc. - Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Initio - Paragon - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    I have a knee-jerk negative reaction to the idea of lathering on my knee. Waterlyptus was the perfect way to start this hot, humid day here in MD. Chris had a stroke of genius with this scent.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Dovo Bismarck 6/8" Full Hollow Round Point
    • Brush: Simpsons Chubby 2 Jade 27mm HMW
    • Lather: Catie's Bubbles - Waterlyptus
    • Post Shave: Combe Inc. - Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Initio - Paragon

    Sponsor Uses

    • Catie's Bubbles (Software Sponsor Points)

  18. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-18 12:03:23-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 18, 2024

    • Brush: AP Shave Co White 26mm Gelousy #SHD
    • Razor: Puma 89 #2 11/16 Full Hollow

    • Lather: Australian Private Reserve - Ozymandias - Soap

    • Post Shave: Imaginary Authors - Telegrama - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Telegrama - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Pinaud Clubman Finest Powder
       

    As far as I'm concerned a Wicked Edge looks like this.

    Very nice shave today. APR was out of business when I entered the hobby and it is a shame what happened there. I got this smush/sample from u/VisceralWatch a while ago. A really nice, interesting, soap and scent, and today I used up the last bit I had of it.

    The razor is my second Puma 89. This one was a deal I could not pass on. I put a coticule edge on it. Here is the video of that.

    Detected Items:

    • Brush: AP Shave Co White 26mm Gelousy [#SHD ]
    • Lather: Australian Private Reserve - Ozymandias
    • Post Shave: Imaginary Authors - Telegrama
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Imaginary Authors - Telegrama

    Sponsor Uses

    • AP Shave Co complete brushes or Handcrafted Series handles (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  19. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-19 08:30:12-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 19, 2024

    • Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
    • Razor: Tanifuji Spalding 0411 6/8" Full Hollow

    • Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch - Soap

    • Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch - Eau de Toilette
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    I could not miss an opportunity to have a Black Watchday. Also, I believe that Spearhead is in Ohio; a state that fought for the Union.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Tanifuji Spalding 0411 6/8" Full Hollow
    • Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
    • Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch
    • Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Black Watch

    Sponsor Uses

    • Spearhead Shaving (Software Sponsor Points)
    • Wald Shaving brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  20. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-20 10:26:17-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 20, 2024

    • Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/AP Shave Co 24mm Titanium Synthetic
    • Razor: Weck Sextoblade #WECKONISTA
    • Blade: Kismet (1)
    • Lather: Chiseled Face - Summer Storm - Soap
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive - Splash
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - Elite - Eau de Toilette
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    The cool scales on this Weck were made by u/whosgotthepudding to match the brush. By far, the scales are what make this razor. I find hair shaper/shavettes to be rather souless in general.

    It's hot here. We could definitely use a summer storm, but the forecast suggests that is not in the cards for us.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Weck Sextoblade [#WECKONISTA ]
    • Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/AP Shave Co 24mm Titanium Synthetic
    • Lather: Chiseled Face - Summer Storm
    • Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Alive
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - Elite

  21. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-21 11:43:20-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 21, 2024

    • Brush: Brad Sears Scotsman XL 28mm Super Badger
    • Razor: Dubl Duck Pearl Duck 6/8 Full Hollow

    • Lather: Martin de Candre - Fougère - Soap

    • Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Heather - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Creed - Green Irish Tweed
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    It is kind of hard to describe, but loading MdC Fougère from its container has a sophistication to it. Neither a soap mug nor a plastic tub has this effect.

    I'll spare u/enndeegee a limerick so he can get back to his scrubbing.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Dubl Duck Pearl Duck 6/8 Full Hollow
    • Brush: Brad Sears Scotsman XL 28mm Super Badger
    • Lather: Martin de Candre - Fougère
    • Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company - Seaforth! Heather
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Creed - Green Irish Tweed

  22. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-22 11:29:35-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 22, 2024

    • Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
    • Razor: River Razors 14 8/8" Full Hollow

    • Lather: Barrister and Mann - Hallows - Soap

    • Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Hallows - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Hallows - Eau de Toilette
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    I enjoy Hallows, even in June. However, today is hot, so it is not the best match for the weather.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: River Razors 14 8/8" Full Hollow
    • Brush: Elite Razor Neo-resinate 26mm Mother Lode
    • Lather: Barrister and Mann - Hallows
    • Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Hallows
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Barrister and Mann - Hallows

    Sponsor Uses

    • Barrister and Mann (Software Sponsor Points)

  23. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-23 17:18:51-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 23, 2024

    • Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf Short 26mm V22 Fanchurian
    • Razor: Gillette Fatboy E4 (setting: 7)
    • Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellow) (2)
    • Lather: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus - Soap
    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - El Dorado - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    I think that if a soap has a gourmand scent, the soap base should also have a gourmand name. So, Crème Fraîche it is! Lovely fruit notes in this scent that are moderated only slightly by the base notes. A perfect choice for the 95°F day we had today.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Gillette Fatboy E4 (setting: 7)
    • Brush: Chisel & Hound Gulf Short 26mm V22 Fanchurian
    • Lather: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus
    • Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Hiatus
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Elysian Soap Shop - El Dorado

    Sponsor Uses

    • Wholly Kaw (Software Sponsor Points)
    • Chisel and Hound brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  24. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-24 10:45:45-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 24, 2024

    • Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
    • Razor: Gillette NEW SC
    • Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellow) (3)
    • Lather: Noble Otter - Joker - Soap
    • Post Shave: Noble Otter - Ace - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff - 2nd Soul - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    Today's soap was courtesy of my friend u/whosgotthepudding. We seem to enjoy the same scents so we do some trading from time to time. As always, thank you sir(!) for this one.

    As for the challenge: First on my list would be another collaboration between Spearhead and Shawn Maher. I've seen other of today's comments suggest this, as well. I think it is a terrific idea.

    As a backup, I certainly would not mind seeing a sub-exclusive by Noble Otter.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Gillette NEW SC
    • Brush: Zenith B15 (506 U/L) 27.5mm Boar
    • Lather: Noble Otter - Joker
    • Post Shave: Noble Otter - Ace
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff - 2nd Soul

    Sponsor Uses

    • Noble Otter (Software Sponsor Points)

  25. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-25 12:05:14-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 25, 2024

    • Brush: Wild West Brushworks Blue Space 26mm Cashmere
    • Razor: Koraat 7/8" Near Wedge Spanish Point

    • Lather: Barrister and Mann - Vespers - Soap

    • Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Vespers - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Creed - Green Irish Tweed
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    Very nice shave today. Vespers is associated with a Christmas market in Germany (IIRC), but I always find it kind of refreshing and adaptable to any season. Anyway, clearly my red Red Hat hat was in order for today's shave.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Koraat 7/8" Near Wedge Spanish Point
    • Brush: Wild West Brushworks Blue Space 26mm Cashmere
    • Lather: Barrister and Mann - Vespers
    • Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Vespers
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Creed - Green Irish Tweed

    Sponsor Uses

    • Barrister and Mann (Software Sponsor Points)

  26. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-26 12:31:40-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 26, 2024

    • Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts with Declaration Grooming B10 #FRANKENBRUSH
    • Razor: Puma 89 #2 11/16 Full Hollow

    • Lather: Eufros - Rosa Oud - Soap

    • Post Shave: Eufros - Rosa Oud - Aftershave Balm
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Maison Francis Kurkdjian - Oud - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    Wonderful shave. Perhaps I'm missing it, but I don't see a lot of Eufros used around here these days. I only became aware of it because of u/VisceralWatch. Rosa Oud has a very unique, and kind of haunting, scent.

    Brush cleaning. I do all my cleaning under running water. First, I take the brush and gently squeeze out as much soap as I can. Then, I hold the brush knot-up directly under high(ish) pressure running water from the tap. In this position, I compress the knot with my hand until I see only clear water running from the base of the knot. At this point the knot is cleared of all soap. Then I simply dry the brush with an ultra-plush microfiber towel (that is normally used for car detailing).

    The razor for today's excursion was my new (to me) Puma 89 #2, and today's shave was a test shave. It went very well. Here is a video of me playing with this cat.

    Detected Items:

    • Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts with Declaration Grooming B10 [#FRANKENBRUSH ]
    • Lather: Eufros - Rosa Oud
    • Post Shave: Eufros - Rosa Oud
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Maison Francis Kurkdjian - Oud

    Sponsor Uses

    • Dogwood Handcrafts brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)
    • Declaration Grooming brushes (any brush knotted by DG) (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  27. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-27 12:25:46-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 27, 2024

    • Brush: WSP Stubby 26mm Extra Dense HMW #SMOLL
    • Razor: Puma 89 #2 11/16 Full Hollow

    • Lather: PannaCrema - Nuàvia Nero - Soap

    • Post Shave: PannaCrema - Nuàvia Nera - Balm
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender - Toner
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff - Evening Mystique - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    The PannaCrema fragrances that I have tried have been amazingly fresh and clean, but complex. Here's what I mean. These are the fragrance notes of Nuàvia Nero:

    The fragrance opens with top notes of mandarin orange, bergamot, black pepper, lavender, and cardamom.

    Body notes are cinnamon, mugwort, sandalwood, jasmine, and patchouli.

    Base notes are amber, tonka bean, vanilla, and white moss.

    The fragrance blend is subtle and very refreshing. I have trouble picking out individual notes, but I like the overall scent very much.

    More cat tricks with this razor today. This was another test shave, so no leftorium beyond the usual. (I normally use both hands to shave and have for many years.)

    Detected Items:

    • Brush: WSP Stubby 26mm Extra Dense HMW [#SMOLL (DQed) ]
    • Lather: PannaCrema - Nuàvia Nero
    • Post Shave: PannaCrema - Nuàvia Nera
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Lavender (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff - Evening Mystique

    Podcast Candidate: An Anonymous Djudge remarked:

    These microscope image videos are long, as GG mentions, but not something I've seen before from other players.

  28. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-28 13:45:24-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 28, 2024

    • Brush: AP Shave Co Strawberry Cream 26mm G5A
    • Razor: Parker A1R Travel Razor #ZAMAC
    • Blade: Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (Yellow) (4)
    • Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man - Soap
    • Post Shave: Combe Inc. - Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue - Aftershave

     


    If I'm to do a frugal shave, then it will be a straightforward, no frills affair. So, no witchhazel, or talc. That's for sissies.

    I was surprised to find that this AP Shave Co brush is, at $60, my least expensive brush. It is equal in cost to several other synthetics I have, and tied with my cheapest badger brush. I've given away brushes that cost less so I'm left with rather high-end bristles. Anyway, here's the cost rundown of my setup:

    • Island Man - bought off the 'zaar so not fair, but Stirling is definitely the best cost/gram shaving soap I have. I make up for the great value by owning more tubs than I'll ever be able to finish. Oh, did I mention how great the soap actually is?
    • Parker A1R Travel Razor - $30
    • AP Shave Co brush - $60 (this one was best for the photo)
    • Aqua Velva - $5

    Cheap gear, absolutely excellent shave. It's the blade that does the cutting. The better you wield it, the better your shave.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Parker A1R Travel Razor [#ZAMAC ]
    • Brush: AP Shave Co Strawberry Cream 26mm G5A
    • Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Island Man
    • Post Shave: Combe Inc. - Aqua Velva Classic Ice Blue

    Sponsor Uses

    • Stirling Soap Co. (Software Sponsor Points)
    • AP Shave Co complete brushes or Handcrafted Series handles (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  29. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-29 13:05:56-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 29, 2024

    • Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
    • Razor: Parker 510 13/16" Square Point Full Hollow

    • Lather: Barrister and Mann - Sandalwood - Soap

    • Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Sandalwood - Aftershave
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose - Toner
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - Santal - Eau de Toilette
    • Talc: Yardley Gold
       

    Great shave. In terms of today's theme, it's all in the name, isn't it.

    As for today's homework? I don't know. A bear ate my homework. Apologies, but I pay no attention to what the point system is for the various challenges, and I don't read the posts from the perspective of a judge.

    However, as in past years, I am extremely impressed with the spirit of this community and with the grace with which the Lather Games is run and played. The commitment and fun that everyone (participants and judges) has in this global, text-based environment continues to amaze me. The players and the judges are all winners in my book.

    This year my post reading has been sporadic at best, and I'm still several days behind realtime but the content I have read has been terrific!

    However, in particular, I feel it necessary to point out u/whosgotthepudding's post on his honing technique on June ?? (yeah, I don't remember). Some of his other posts like shaving a friend and shaving his wife's legs, and using a bowie knife to shave, fit well in the LG context. However, only if you've done a lot of honing, seen posts on sharpening forums, and if you have interacted with Jarrod (the primary proponent convex honing), can you fully grasp this masterpiece shitpost on razor honing. Personally, I owe Mr. Pudding an apology. When I read that post (and I'm sure it related to the daily challenge), I thought, "Oh, I need to comment on this!". Naturally, I forgot until just now. A bear ate my memory.

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Parker 510 13/16" Square Point Full Hollow
    • Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
    • Lather: Barrister and Mann - Sandalwood
    • Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Sandalwood
    • Post Shave: Thayers - Rose (DQed)
    • Fragrance: Floris of London - Santal

    Sponsor Uses

    • Barrister and Mann (Software Sponsor Points)
    • Wald Shaving brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)

  30. u/gcgallant posted on 2024-06-30 10:35:54-07:00 (Pacific Standard Time). Reddit Comment (See markdown)

    June 30, 2024

    • Brush: Wald Nimbus Bloodline 27mm J3
    • Razor: Smart Helix Apollo (setting: 0.85mm Plate)
    • Blade: Feather Hi-Stainless (1)
    • Lather: WestMan Shaving - Alma - Soap
    • Post Shave: PannaCrema - Nuàvia Verde - Balm
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff - Signature Rosé - Eau de Parfum
    • Talc: Yardley Classic
       

    Another Lather Games is done! Congrats to all those who participated! My goals for the games were, make a shave-related photo each day, and enjoy the craziness. I'm happy to have accomplished both goals.

    Thanks so much to the judges and organizers. You guys rock!

    Oh! * Me: USA * Brush: Germany
    * Razor: Ukraine * Blade: Japan * Lather: Portugal * Post shave: Italy * Fragrance: France * Talc: United Kingdom

    I'm out!

    Detected Items:

    • Razor: Smart Helix Apollo (setting: 0.85mm Plate)
    • Razor: Ukraine (DQed)
    • Brush: Wald Nimbus Bloodline 27mm J3
    • Brush: Germany (DQed)
    • Lather: WestMan Shaving - Alma
    • Post Shave: PannaCrema - Nuàvia Verde
    • Fragrance: Zaharoff - Signature Rosé

    Sponsor Uses

    • Wald Shaving brushes (Hardware Sponsor Points)