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

June 1, 2024 – Tabrnak, it’s The Later Games deux mille vingt quatre

• Brush: AP Shave Co Synthetic
• Razor: Pearl Slant razor
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: AA Shaving – Wapiti

Both Wapiti (and AA Shaving) as well as this slant razor are new to me. So is shaving in a car. Did not use my aftershave as planned. Québec roads suck.

Same justification as the podcast.

Like Ray said, shaving in a moving car is pretty unusual, and his banter really sells it. 'Razor is very mild, even on Quebec roads', etc. Another funny element is Ray and his partner (who's driving) joking about how pronounces words.

June 2, 2024 – Lather Games – deux  

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps handle with DG B11 Knot #FRANKENBRUSH #SHD  
• Razor: Wade + Butcher 7/8 Near Wedge  #STR8SNOB
• Lather: Moon Soaps – Trade Winds  
• Post Shave: Moon Soaps – Trade Winds Aftershave

A lovely shave and a lovely cut on the neck. To be fair I was rushing. My nautical theme is Trade Winds. Fits nicely on this day and I don’t have to suffer through Bay Rum nor Old Spice (sorry u/cowzilla3).

Today’s photo captures the photo contest theme of Wood. My step-mom makes very elaborate doll houses for all the children in the family, and this one is a lighthouse made for my son when he was a baby. Beautiful inlay floors (not pictured). Grooves well with the nautical theme of today.

#photocontest

Jun. 3, 2024 – trois fois

• Brush: Omega Pro 48 #HOLLOW
• Razor: Blackland Vector
• Blade: Feather Artist Club Pro Guard [3]
• Lather: Red House Farm - No Scrub - Soap
• Post Shave: Proraso - Green - Aftershave

Really nice head shave today with a really nice blend of lavender and sandalwood in this sub-exclusive masterpiece made by our own u/grindermonk. Happy to have a tub of this one. where's yours? This soap uses North American black bear tallow, so totally on theme, of course. Thanks as well to u/Enndeegee and u/OnionMiasma for helping to make this happen.

Despite my choice of soap today, I am just going to sit on my broke ass, here at my mother's house hangin' out.

Jun. 4, 2024 - K.I.S.S. Army
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Gully G5A
Razor: Gillette Travel Tech
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue [2]
Lather: Jordan’s - Lime - Soap
Post Shave: Chicago Grooming - Pucker - Aftershave
Fragrance: House Of Mammoth - Hygge EdP

Afternoon shaves++

Enjoyed the smush of Lime soap that u/Eructate was kind enough to send over. There is only one note to this soap, lime. You can smell it much better when lathered, I find. Slickness was good and overall was a nice shave. Props to a Canadian soap artisan!

Some pucker to round things out and a little hygge EdP to bring it all together. Lovely.

Today’s photo goes for the “fill the frame” theme. I call it: old citrus.

#photocontest

Jun. 5, 2024 - stai lontano dall'erba, maledetto pazzo
Brush: AP Shave Co. Blue & Clear
Razor: Ditzer Gold - 4/8 round point #REVENANT * Lather: Proraso - Green - Super formula cream
Post Shave:* Proraso - Green - Aftershave

Say what you will, but the ubiquitous Proraso green (this one was bought from Pharmaprix near me, years ago. There was definitely Canadian pharmacy intercom music playing) is slick AF. Must be the “super formula” attribution. This made for a great straight shave with this cute little Ditzer that I restored myself. Lots of polishing, grinding and honing was involved but in my limited time straight shaving so far this one is one of my favourites.

I squeezed some cream onto the wet brush and then face lathered. This was a reverse(ish) routine for me as I usually face lather, but sometimes bowl lather. This was my in-between. Worked out just fine albeit a little messy.

Photo today uses the theme “Grass”. I call it “stai lontano dall'erba, maledetto pazzo - tableau 1”

#photocontest

Jun. 6, 2024 - Saint Henri
Brush: Zenith MOAR BOAR B35 #OLDWORLD #SUBBROOSH * Razor: GEM Clog Pruf #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY * Blade: Gem PTFE [18]
Lather: Stirling - Iced Coffee - Soap
Post Shave:* Stirling - Iced Coffee - Aftershave

It’s a cold thirsty Thursday in my bathroom with Stirling iced coffee. Love the menthol in this one and it complements the scent so nicely. But today’s post is about a poor attempt at honouring the best wet-tuber out there the one and only u/VisceralWatch

He was my original gem-nabler and the Clog Prüf that I bought from him quickly became a favorite SE that seems to get shinier with each use.

Photo is for the “Birds” (theme. Duh!)

#photocontest

Player does HD uh to uh T while playing uh unreleased HD jams

Jun. 7, 2024 - trois cent vingt deux
Brush: Dogwood Tooth Fairy B14 Badger #COMPOSITE #FRANKENBRUSH * Razor: Robeson ShurEdge “The Razor The Fits Your Face” - 6/8 spike
Lather: Catie’s Bubbles - 322 - Soap
Post Shave:* Catie’s Bubbles - Blugère - Aftershave

What a difference an edge makes! Big ups to u/whosgotthepudding for honing this razor the right way for me. Boy do I have a lot to learn.

Vetiver bomb. 322 is my birthday so this soap means something to me more than it just being awesome. This custom brush also does. It’s a mix of resin, wood, and bone. Expertly made by dogwoods and sent for knotting by declaration so works for 2 hashtags today.

TL-DR: great shave today. First proper Jnat edge.

My photo theme is Animal (not alive). See if you can guess what animal it was, and what country it came from? Also, today’s photo is called “teeth”.

#photocontest

Jun. 8, 2024 - fast and simple
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Gully G5A
Razor: Blackland Vector #CNC * Blade: Feather Artist Club Pro Guard [4]
Lather: Maggard - Lime And Bergamot - Soap
Post Shave: House Of Mammoth - Santa Noir - Aftershave

A fine evening head shave. I have always liked Maggard soap, especially this scent.

I think the most spent at Maggard was during this year’s meetup. Especially if you factor in all of the travel to get there and accommodations, etc. Then factor in that weak-ass Canadian dollar on top of it all.

Worth every penny. Even all the impulse buys. And especially to have been able to meet some of you weirdos IRL. Highly recommend.

Jun. 9, 2024 - GTB to the HYG
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Arcane Abyss Timberwolf
Razor: Boker King Cutter
Lather: Chiseled Face Ghost Town Barber
Post Shave: House Of Mammoth - Hygge - Aftershave

I rehoned this sucker and had a very comfortable shave. That’s some good forward momentum. I’m not a huge fan of the barbershop genre, Hygge notwithstanding but I do love the CF base.

Jun. 10, 2024 - fwiends
Brush: Aurora Grooming Blurple Baron Maggard SHD Badger
Razor: Chiseled Face Groomatorium Legacy Titanium
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome [4]
Lather: Summer Break Soaps x London Razors - But first… Coffee - Soap
Post Shave:* House Of Mammoth - Rumble - Aftershave

Nothing like a new badger knot. My lather scent went from a nice coffee to coffee with badger funk. I can see already that I will enjoy this knot. Also the brush handle is beautiful and just the right heft. I need to charge it up in the sun and watch it glow in the dark, but it’s been rainy here for the past few days.

This soap is a collab between SBS and London Razors. Very nice. I was honoured to do the label art for this one.

Here’s some music for you to enjoy. https://youtu.be/qWd2brkme7o?si=g4rYcmPD8xLH59rW My son introduced me to this local talent. Something about this track gets me each time. I don’t usually listen to music while shaving, but often I do right afterwards while starting my work day. This one figures prominently in the playlist for the last while.

Have a Mammoth Monday!

Jun. 11, 2024 - matchy matchy?
Brush: Maggard Razors Blue Resin 2-band Badger
Razor: Thomas Turner & Co Cutlers To His Majesty 6/8 quarter hollow square point * Lather: Declaration Grooming - After The Rain - Soap
Post Shave:* Declaration Grooming - After The Rain - Aftershave

April showers, May flowers. Ok, but we’re in June already so what the hell?!

Sometimes I love this scent but not always. Today is one of those days where the petrichor notes just ain’t doing it for me. But shaving on theme is the point of this exercise, so there you go. I spent a lot of time re-doing the edge on this razor and finally I’m getting some good results.

I think my photo is quite well coordinated with blues/purples and their complimentary yellow for the tape on the labels and scales of this very old piece of steel.

User's photo looks great.

Jun. 12, 2024 - I told you to use the Cream
Brush: Razorock 400
Razor: Blackland Vector
Blade: Feather Artist Club Pro Guard [5]
Lather: MEM - Regular - Soap
Post Shave:* Proraso - Green - Aftershave

Very straightforward evening headshave after a hard day’s work. Feels great! This cream is from Israel and was given to me by a friend who lives there. Apparently only old men use it there. Fine slickness, easy to lather. Smells decent with a soft citrus note. Nothing not to like, really.

Den tour, eh? After putting these photos up on imgur, I can clearly see that it’s time for a clearance sale. Or a support group. Or a new podcast so that I can talk it out. Something.

Jun. 13, 2024 - doop el gang er
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts B11 Badger
Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome [5]
Lather: Oleo Soapworks - Excursion - Soap
Post Shave: Oleo Soapworks - Excursion - Aftershave
Fragrance: Chicago Grooming Co - Excursion EdP

A nice trifecta shave with a dupe of YSL la nuit de l’homme. I find this duck fat base to be so excellent. It has also been a minute since I used my blackbird Ti. Exceptional razor.

After shaving for a little while with straight razors now, many of them poorly honed (by me) it’s amazing how my bar has moved in that this razor intimidated me at first and now it almost feels mild by comparison. It’s like running with weights, I guess. Or like shaving with glass shards. Or something like that.

I love making shave labels. I love the opportunity to flaunt my most popular creation, despite its NSFW nature. I hope you all love it too! Always a good day to refresh this unobtanium.

Wood is seen in this photo both in the surface that the SOTD elements are sitting, and the trees that are yonder in the background. I also might have had wood while editing this pic.

#photocontest

User crams 4 sponsor points into single SOTD

Jun. 14, 2024 - use the Schwartz
Brush: Chisel & Hound Bermuda Fanchurian V10 Badger
Razor: C.F. Schwartz & Co. - Clover Four - 11/16 square point * Lather: Noble Otter - Orbit - Soap
Post Shave:* Noble Otter - Orbit - Aftershave

This morning I tried to use the Schwartz and failed (mostly). I just picked up this razor on e-bay, ground down the edge completely as there was a chip in the blade near the heel and started over from scratch. Mostly successful but still needs some finishing stone love. My prize was a cut on each jowl. Nice. I’m getting close tho. Thank you to my pudding-loving sensei for all of his wise advice!

Orbit vs cuts on the face burns more than with no cuts. Facts. Also a great scent and lather. More facts.

My SOTD photo is also my daily challenge pic. I will go for the Darkness photo theme today as, ya know, space is dark. And to try to kill all birds with one photo.

#photocontest

Jun. 15, 2024 - I almost died
Brush: Aurora Grooming Blurple Baron Maggard SHD Badger
Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 #MODERNGEM * Blade: Gem PTFE [19]
Lather: House Of Mammoth - Mood Indigo - Soap
Post Shave: House Of Mammoth - Indigo - Aftershave
Fragrance:* House Of Mammoth - Mood Indigo EdP

Good afternoon shave today with the only tub that I can see the bottom of. I have loved this tub dearly and as far as the label, it is now unobtainium. As it’s one of my favourite scents I needed the trifecta today.

I tried adding way too much water to this tusk base and it performed fine. It seems to have a great tenge of useability although there definitely is just the right amount of water to use. Always a great shave with the MM24. Happy shaver.

Jun. 16, 2024 - Father’s Day stank
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts B11 Badger
Razor: Stenger & Berliner Inc. Perfect Temper
Lather: Mäurer & Wirtz - Tabac - Soap
Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - Rebelle - Aftershave

Nice afternoon father’s day shave. My son surprised me by ordering a kamisori for me off eBay. Excited to try it when it arrives. Tabac is way older than me, as is this razor. Tabac is also easy to later and super slick great for a straight shave. I’m glad I smell more like Rebelle now though, even though I like the tabac stank.

Happy Saturday, shavers!

Jun. 17, 2024 - no beef Monday
Brush: Sawdust Creations Studio Floyd
Razor: Robeson ShurEdge The Razor The Fits Your Face 6/8 hollow * Lather: Zingari Man The Gypsy
Post Shave:* DG / HoM / NO - Cerberus Fougère - Aftershave

I got no beef with vegan soap. Especially when the base is a good one. That was the case today. First time trying this awfully-named soap that I got as a sample with something I bought on the bazaar, if I remember correctly. Had the slickness I needed for a solid shave this morning. Good stuff!

No knee lathering for me. What kind of sheer mania is that?!

Jun. 18, 2024 - propaganda is dead
Brush: Omega Pro 48
Razor: C.F. Schwartz & Co. Clover Four 5/8 square point * Lather: Dr. Jon’s - Propaganda - Soap
Post Shave:* Dr. Jon’s - Propaganda - Aftershave

Poor Dr. Jon. Jailed as he wasn’t really a doctor. Propaganda. It’s everywhere.

The truth is harder and harder to come by these days. But what is the truth anyways? My truth is that I really enjoy this vegan base and the scents that Dr. Jon put out. It’s a shame they are no longer making products. Great label art as well.

I finally tamed this straight razor. It just needed a little more time on the finishing stone. Today was a comfortable shave, although I’m not sure why I keep nicking myself on the cheeks. Can someone please help with some advice as to how to control this razor a little better? I know it’s only my 18th shave ever, but that shouldn’t make a difference. My cat says that my technique is just fine so what gives?

Jun. 19, 2024 - spiders from mars
Brush: Sawdust Creations Studio Garcia
Razor: Tatara Masamune/Nodachi
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome [6]
Lather: Wholly Kaw - Rebelle - Soap
Post Shave:* Wholly Kaw - Rebelle - Aftershave

This product comes from the great state of New Jersey, where baseball and potholes were invented.

Tried to get a lightning bolt thing going in my pic. Tatara is a great razor. I forget how well it performs. The soap has a sour tallow stank to it that I don’t love, but the splash makes it all better. I do love this scent.

Meme this. One made and one found. Made me chortle early this morning.

Jun. 20, 2024 - like 4/20 but in June
Brush: Chisel & Hound Bermuda Fanchurian V10 Badger
Razor: Karve Christopher Bradley SB-C
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome [7]
Lather: Barrister + Mann - Oceana - Soap
Post Shave:* Barrister + Mann - Oceana - Aftershave

Solid scent. Solid performance. Solid nature shave. Time for some cookies and a nap.

I appreciate

u/Old_Hiker.

Player takes edibles and begins recording his video just as they start to hit him.

Jun. 21, 2024 - his name ain’t Hector
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Gully G5A
Razor: Blackland Vector
Blade: Feather Artist Club Pro Guard [6]
Lather: Spearhead - Seaforth! Heather - Soap
Post Shave:* Spearhead Shaving Seaforth! Heather - Aftershave splash

There once was a bald man who’s name was definitely not Hector

Who liked to shave his head with a Blackland Vector

He used Heather up there

For it is a true fougère

Just to get some points in a contest befit for a soap collector

Jun. 22, 2024 - what a party!
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts B11 Badger
Razor: The Alberta
Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Autumn Ash - Soap
Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II - Aftershave
Fragrance:* Southern Witchcrafts - Gravefruit II EdP

Lovely shave this morning. Hosted 25 people at my house to celebrate my mothers’ 85th. That took up my day so no pumpkin carving, unfortunately.

Now I’m spent. Shave on!

Jun. 23, 2024 - rotten bananas and Maynard
Brush: Razorock BC Silvertip
Razor: Yankee Cutlery Co Magnetized #910 - 5/8 square point * Lather: Chiseled Face - Banana - Soap
Post Shave: House Of Mammoth - Sonder - Aftershave
Fragrance: House Of Mammoth - Sonder EdP

So I shaved in my kitchen with banana soap. So what?!

Despite its popularity, I don’t really care for this soap scent. I find it smells like spoiled bananas. CF base is excellent tho.

Also, I hope that u/J33pGuy13 is my judge on today’s post as the photo had him in mind when snapped.

Just want to make sure J33P didn't miss this photo:

https://imgur.com/DpeaOel

Jun. 24, 2024 - donut talents
Brush: Chisel And Hound Fú Dào Fanchurian V15 Badger
Razor: Wolfman WR2 1.25 DC / WRH7
Blade: Personna platinum chrome [9]
Lather: Talent Soap Factory Fantasy Donut
Post Shave:* Noble Otter - Bare - Aftershave

This smush was kindly sent over by u/bmac92 with another TSF smush of Oktoberfest which I haven’t tried yet. Both smell in-line with their names and Fantasy Donut performed nicely. It had been a minute since I used the WR2, still a close smooth shave. What a beautiful implement.

I think that Spearhead should make the next sub exclusive. I’m not sure they have (at least during my time here). In highland base, of course.

Jun. 25, 2024 - meat head
Brush: Summer Break Soaps DG B11 Declaration Grooming B11 Badger
Razor: Fatip Retro
Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome [9]
Lather: House Of Mammoth - Santa Noir - Soap
Post Shave:* House Of Mammoth - Santa Noir - Aftershave

Pretty Christmasy shave, I must say. Great base, great scent and a meh shave. This razor looks good but is inefficient. I like the long handle.

Only a meat head would shave in a hat. Sheesh.

Jun. 26, 2024 - wildcard pivot
Brush: AP Shave Co. Blue Lagoon Tuxedo
Razor: Merkur 34C
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue [1]
Lather: Eleven - Lemon
Post Shave:* Eleven - Lime And Basil - Aftershave

I was all set up to use lime and basil but alas, I was not the only genius to hatch that plan. So a last minute pivot to Lemon of which I still had a smush. Thanks to u/schontznm. A good shave was had by all.

When I feel the need to clean a brush it’s as easy as a vinegar/water solution. Let it soak a little and then rinse well. Can’t go wrong, really. I have never tried a commercial brush cleaning product.

Jun. 27, 2024 - fruity tooty
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Gully G5A
Razor: Blackland Vector
Blade: Feather Artist Club Pro Guard [7]
Lather: Zingari Man - The Brewer - Soap
Post Shave:* Summer Break Soaps - Day Dream - Aftershave

Lots of notes for this soap on the product page of Zingari Man’s website: Guava, mango, pineapple, passionfruit, apricot, kumquat, orange, juniper, hops, musk.

If I close my eyes and focus really hard, I swear I can smell each one. This soap smells great and always performs. I find it likes lots of water too. Add some Day Dream splash to that and holy fruity tooty Batman! The hops note doesn’t even seem present today, whereas in previous uses it figured quite heavily to my nose.

Effortless head shave this morning. My head smells fruity.

Jun. 28, 2024 - cheapskate
Brush: Wilkinson Sword Boar
Razor: Flying Eagle Gillette Tech Clone
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue [2]
Lather: Razorock Green Label
Post Shave:* Booster Barbershop Classics Polar Ice

By far the cheapest and crappiest stuff in my den. It was a shave. Cheap crappy picture too.

Jun. 29, 2024 - there’s sand in my wood
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts B11 Badger
Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24
Blade: Gem PTFE [20]
Lather: Oleo Soapworks - Sandalwood - Soap
Post Shave:* Noble Otter - Bare - Aftershave

This is quite a mild sandalwood scent. But the canard base is great. MM24 made for a fine rainy afternoon shave. That’s about as exciting as things got today. Happy Saturday!

Also, not doing the judges’ work. We are all winners here! But baconchop does stand out to me these games.

Jun. 30, 2024 - bye bye June, it’s been warm
Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Arcane Abyss Timberwolf
Razor: Blackland Blackbird Ti
Blade: Gillette Silver Blue [3]
Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Valedictorian - Soap
Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Valedictorian - Aftershave
Fragrance: Summer Break Soaps - Valedictorian EdP

I live in French Canada so today I shaved in French.

I’m going mostly US with today’s shave, damn the torpedos. Soap, splash and frag are from the US, as is the Blackbird razor and the Dogwood handle. The actual synth brush is likely from China, and I believe my GSB blade is Russian. There ya go. I needed Valedictorian to close out my lather games as it’s just so perfect to me, both the base and the scent. Happy I did it.

It’s been a fun month of shaving. Thanks to everyone who played along, in whatever capacity you could!