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

6/1/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian #FRANKENBRUSH #SHD
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade #WECKONISTA
• Blade Kismet
• Lather: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Dragonsbeard
• Post Shave: Ethos Grooming Essentials - Dragonsbeard Aftershave Splash

Bonjour Lather Games!

Thankfully my sense of smell is back in time for opening day of the Lather Games! Today's software comes courtesy of the generous u/gcgallant. Mr. Gallant and I not only share in our enjoyment of straight razors and overly anal honing methods, but also in scents. Tonka bean, amber, oud and vanilla definitely seem to be a common interest, and Dragonsbeard is full of it. Such a nice scent.

This was my first time trying anything from Ethos, so I figured I'd step it up and try a whole new lathering method while I was at it; The controversial GUTL. In short, in regards to GUTL: It's fine, I guess. Nothing about it wow'd me enough to stick with it. I think, if using bowl lathering, I will just stick with the precision loading techique.

The soap performance was really nice. Good slickness, both primary and residual. The post shave feel reminds me a lot of Grooming Dept splashes, and I might have gotten away with just a few drops. It's very thick compared to a lot of other splashes. The resulting post shave feel was nice, however, and left my skin feeling refreshed and hydrated.

Also new to me today, the Weck. Not only is this the first time trying a Weck, but it is the first time I have used a Shavette style razor on myself. I have, in the past and in the moments leading up to me diving into the straight razor rabbit hole, had an open blade shave from a barber using a shavette style razor.

The Weck was not bad. Its small size makes it a little squirrely, and the blade is comfortable enough. In the end, I still prefer traditional straights with an edge tailored to my liking.

Good luck to everyone this month, and may the odds be ever in your favor!

6/2/24

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar) #OLDWORLD #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Raido Star 10/8, Full Hollow French Point #STR8SNOB
• Lather: Macduffs Soap Company - Prairie Rum Runner
• Post Shave: Macduffs Soap Company - Prairie Rum Runner Aftershave Splash

Bay Rum's aren't a genre of scent I've particularly had any interest in. A big part of that being I haven't had a drop of alcohol since Dec. 31st 2011. However, when u/RedMosquitoMM sent me a smush of PRR, I immediately fell in love with it. Shortly after, I grabbed this set. I don't know if Bay Rum's are supposed to smell boozy or not, but I can certainly say this one doesn't. A wonderful blend of citrus and spices. Oranges, cloves, all spice, ginger, and tobacco. They all work so well together. Another real positive is Macduffs base. It is a damn fine performer. If you have yet to try it, remedy that. It's not one to sleep on.

When it comes to MOAR BOAR, there's only really one sentiment that does it justice: 🫦

Any razor in my current 7 line up hits the STR8SNOB tag, but for that, I chose my biggest. This Raido Star was made by Roman Kamlash out of Ukraine. The craftsmanship is impeccable, and the steel is incredible. It has that smooth and gentle feel you want from high carbon. The size of this may be a bit intimidating at first, but once you try it, it's actually incredibly comfortable and nice to handle (unless you're u/EldrormR 😭). I find it incredibly easy to index, and with so much backing behind the edge, it moves in unwavering fashion like a thicker grind razor. The biggest thing with a razor this large is that it is just maintaining zero pressure. Easier said than done for some. By the time I got my hands on this razor, I was comfortable enough in my technique to immediately jive with.

To honor u/Priusaurus today, I decided to follow in one of his most memorable themes from last year: Artisan interviews. For this, I grabbed a pencil and notepad, dawned a Fedora, and hit the streets (i.e., slid into some dm's) to get the dirty details from one of the communities' favorite artisans: u/mammothben

There's a lot we know from Ben, both in his time on the sub and discord, but do we really know Ben as well as we think?? The following interview is unfiltered, and for the sake of simplicity, I will be "M," and Ben will be "B." I hope this doesn't confuse our readers as they follow along.

M: Coke or Pepsi? B: Coke

M: Summer or Winter? B: Summer

M: Pineapple on pizza? B: Yes

A fascinating and insightful view into the world of renowned and award winning perfumist u/mammothben. Truly, this sort of hard-hitting journalism can only be found in these deepest parts of the web we know as r/Wetshaving.

6/3/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ TNS 28mm M7 Fan
• Razor: Kampfe STAR Lather Catcher #REVENANT #FOREVERSAFETY
• Lather: Declaration Grooming - Harmony
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Harmony Aftershave Splash
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z Aftershave Balm

Any excuse for me to use Harmony is a good enough one, especially in Bison. This is one of my favorite scents in wetshaving. It's simple and right to the point of one of the things I crave: Incense. It's incredibly straightforward, with the notes just being Dragon's Blood and Bamboo. The only drawback to this scent, whether in Bison or Icarus, is that it's a little spicy. I always follow this setup with Z. The menthol and frag burn seem to cancel each other out. Don't really get any cooling, don't really get any burn.

This Kampfe Lather Catcher is a favorite of mine. Ever since I laid eyes on one early in my wetshaving days, I've wanted one. I ended up lucking in to this one for a good price.

The razor was full of patina and gunk in the head. The wedge blade had minor rust issues and a dead, crooked edge. I cleaned and polished both the razor and blade. I squared the blade back and honed it up. It has been a fantastic shaver. Feels like handling a GEM with a tailored edge.

Why I don't use Osma, or any alum, for that matter? I'm not a boomer or boomer minded, and my technique doesn't suck. Why would I?

6/4/24

• Brush: Stirling x Zenith 510 SE
• Razor: Raido Star Kamisori 8/8, Full Hollow Barber's Notch #KAMISORI
• Lather: Martin de Candre - Vetyver
• Post Shave: Gentleman's Nod - Rosé Aftershave Splash

This smush came courtesy of u/EldrormR when he was doing the community a huge service and tackling a brain bowl. Don't be alarmed! This did not come from that bowl. Vetiver has been a scent that's really grown on me. This wouldn't have been the case without Eld's enabling, and I'm thankful for that.

I decided to pair it with this Rosé splash I'd gotten some time ago from u/gcgallant. The thought process is pretty simple, something floral to go with all that Vetyver. Rosé really is a lot more, though. This is a super nice scent. I enjoy it.

The real star of the show was this Raido Star. I ordered this kami custom from Roman Kamlash, and it just showed up today. It. Is. Badass. I love the way it came out, exactly as I had pictured. His work is super clean. The edge, upon inspection, left a little to be desired. That is a non-issue, imo as I was probably going to just hone it regardless. I started on my Shobudani Suita and finished on my Nakayama Kiita. Roman's high carbon marries super well with the Nak. I stropped on my Kanoyama #80000 suede/leather. The resulting edge was wonderful. The balance on this kami feels great, and I had zero issues today.

Close and comfortable shave, no nicks or irritation.

As far as bases go, when it comes to discontinued, Bison is the answer. I only have one tub and have only tried a couple of scents in Bison, but that's good shit.

My top base would have to be Tusk. Tusk just agrees with me so damn well. It's rivaled by Highlands, but I definitely have so much more Tusk.

6/5/24

• Brush: Hand
• Razor: EldrormR Industries MM24 #FLIPTOP #MODERNGEM
• Blade: GEM (3)
• Lather: Barbasol - Original
• Post Shave: Nivea - Sensitive Post Shave Balm

I am one to either bowl or face Lather, so for todays challenge, I used my hands. I started by wetting my face, then re wetting my hands and spraying in some Barbasol. I rubbed my hands together to really get the lather going. I applied a dash of water and mixed it up before applying directly to my face. The results were mid. However, with my late Kami shave, there was not much at all to shave. This must be the u/bacconchop experience, now that he's shaving nothing daily. ✊️

The balm is fine.

The MM24 was my first safety razor. Before this, my only desire for a safety was Lather Catchers. Though, when approached by Eld about one, I was intrigued. This sparked a love affair for GEMs and GEM adjacent razors. I am, as of today, up to 6 safety razors now! 4 of which are Lather Catchers.

6/6/24

• Brush: Farvour Turn Crafts w/ C&H v12 Fanchurian
• Razor: Ralf Aust 6/8, Full Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - 42
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - 42 Aftershave Splash

I held off today's shave in the hopes of having the time to make a video, but that was not in the cards.

Today, I went with a crowd favorite, 42. At first glance, you may say, "This isn't as basic as Mtn. Dew or coffee scent, " and you're right, it's not basic. The theme for this set is Douglas Adam's beloved series "The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy"; the scent, however is totally inspired by beverages ^and ^maybe ^a ^couple ^other ^things. One is a staple of British and polite society, tea. The other is a staple of the galaxy and Hitchhikers all across the universe, The Pan Galactic Gargle Blaster. 42 was a scent that I forced to grow on me. The scent, overall, isn't my... cup of tea. After enough uses, tho, I really came enjoy it.

I like to think I have, and have had, and eclectic straight razor collection. To some folks' surprise (and maybe even my own), this Ralf Aust is my favorite. I've loved this razor ever since I first laid eyes on it. It's an incredible shaver with amazing looks. I intend to give this to my son one day.

As far wettubers and favorites, I think of my favorites is Ruds. Not because he was doing anything groundbreaking or anything, but mostly because of that unhinged ass look. That shirtless, Gomer Pyle, thousand yard stare. It really cracks me up. I'm bummed I wasn't able to make a video. I really wanted to highlight some of that. The games aren't over, though, so I still might!

6/7/24

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
• Razor: C.V. Heljestrand Lather Catcher #EIGHTDAYSAWEEK #STAINLESSLESS #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Lather: Mike's Natural Soaps - Vetiver
• Post Shave: Wholly Kaw - King of Oud Aftershave Splash

This smash of Mike's comes from the generous u/wyz0ne. I've only tried Mike's once before this, and I can't say I have any complaints about performance. It doesn't blow my mind or anything, but it builds easy and gets slick. I can dig it.

The Vetiver is a nice and straightforward scent. With as green a scent as it is, I love pairing it with floral stuff. KoO fits that bill well. Oud, rose, vetiver citrus, woods, and amber. It's a very nice scent and one the Mrs. enjoys regularly. Giving it a little extra boost of Vetiver was a nice pair.

The C.V. Heljestrand Lather Catcher is a recent addition, but much loved already. I love its look and sleek 30s lines. I couldn't bring myself to polish the patina off. I think it's wonderful how it is. It came with 3 blades. Tuesday has been the only one I've sharpened so far.

For the challenge, that Swedish high carbon steel is something else with a super unique feel. One quick and easy ATG pass was all I needed. Feeling smooth.

Very nice shave this evening.

6/8/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Wade & Butcher "The Celebrated Hollow Ground Razor For Barber's Use" 8/8, Half Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Maggard Razors - Lilac
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Black Watch Aftershave Splash

Today's smush comes courtesy of u/tsrblke aka Tsar Bloke, if you're nasty. I found myself in need of something from Maggards at the beginning of the week, and he came in clutch to help. Thank you again 🙏

The scent is really straightforward, Lilac. I don't have anything with Lilac in my den (that I can think of off the top of my head). It's not really something I would have sought out on my own. I have a lot of memories tied to Lilac.

Growing up, we lived out on a dirt road kinda tucked away from everything. In the home I grew up in with my father, we had some huge Lilac bushes. My dad would always make me go in every summer and clean them out. Leaves, sticks, whatever. I hated it soooo much. Mostly because of the spiders and such. I fucking hate spiders. On summer days our whole yard smelled like Lilac and so did our little home. The smell just brings back so much. Memories of being a kid, playing in the dirt with my little cousin (who recently passed), barbecues with friends, and family. I wish I could see some of them. Hang out with them again. Smell those god damn bushes again. The scent of this soap really tied me up in a lot feelings.

Anyways, I wasn't too sure what to pair with Lilac, so I ended up googling what goes good. Florals, woods, citrus and fruits are what I got back. There was really only one thing I had that had those. Enter Black Watch. The pairing is actually super nice.

This W&B just came to me today. Normally I would've honed it with my own edge before using it, but I was just too excited. This was honed by Griffiths. The edge is good, but to be honest, I prefer mine. Soon I will give it a jnat edge.

In regards to the challenge... Ebay, man. God damn eBay. Recently, in the last like month or so, I think I've dropped like $1.5k on shaving gear there. Razors and strops, specifically. There's really nowhere else that compares, for me, in regards to big spending.

6/9/24 (1/3)

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
• Razor: Wüsthof 220 "Barber's King" 7/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Noble Otter - BarrBarr
• Post Shave: DentonMajik - Pink Floyd
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Fleur de France EdT

Barbershop day is arguably my favorite day. As faux and ill-defined genre as it is (that line really cracks me up), I love me some barbershop scents. The barbshop experience is what first got me into wetshaving.

It started with my Aunts funeral. Since I was a young teenager, I rarely cut my hair, and if I did, I would just buzz at a 2. Shaving, I did even less. I would just knock down growth with an electric trimmer and move on. My Aunt Lorraine always tried to take me a barber. She always wanted to get me cleaned up and looking good. Always offered to pay, but I never took it up. I was okay with my routine.

I was there with her when she passed in 2019. I was asked to be one of her pallbearers. Right then, I knew what I had to do. I went and bought a nice suit and shoes and scheduled a haircut and shave. I wanted to get cleaned up for her. I went in and got Fade and an open blade shave. God damn it felt so good. The dude cleaned me up nicely. When I got home, my wife was stunned. She'd never seen me cleaned up like that. She absolutely loved it. I looked good, I smelt good, and I felt good.

I had decided a month later to go again and went to the same guy. Now, I like to keep a bushy goatee. He completely fucked up my lines. Like, bad. One side of my goatee was half the width of the other. I was not happy. A month later, I tried some other shop. The shave was sooooooooo bad. It wasn't comfortable, it wasn't close, she nicked me and left me irritation.

At this point, I knew an open blade shave had potential to be good. So I said hell with it, I already had stones for my woodworking tools. I bought a cheap Chinese piece of shit off amazon and thus began the descent down the rabbit hole.

I still regularly go in for a fade, but the shaving is never done by anyone else anymore. Even if it's offered for free, I've had to drop "Thank you but no thank you, no one can shave me as nicely as I can."

BarrBarr is one of the GOATs. I think it perfectly captures that western Barbershop vibe. It's sweet, powdery, and refreshing. Pink Floyd is a spot on dupe of Clubman. One of the OG barbershops. Citrus, musk and powder. You just can't talk barbershops without bringing Clubman into the conversation. It is a S tier scent. Fleur de France is, for me, a unique Barbershop, but it hits the marks. It's super clean and refreshing, and that's what I want. The pairing of the 3 was fantastic.

Of course, the razor. What other razor was I going to use today other than the BARBER'S KING?? I wasn't, and I love this razor just for that. It's a huge plus that it's also a fantastic shaver. Comfortable and easy to handle. The steel is fantastic. No notes.

Close and comfortable shave, no nicks or irritation.

For the challenge today, I got 7/32. 6 more than I anticipated.

OP shares a heartwarming origin story. 🥲

6/10/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ TNS 28mm M7 Fan
• Razor: Wade & Butcher "The Celebrated Hollow Ground Razor For Barber's Use" 8/8, Half Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts/ Australian Private Reserve - Gravefruit
• Post Shave: Noble Otter/House of Mammoth/Declaration Grooming - Cerberus

I showed up to the APR party a little late. I didn't smell this OG Gravefruit til last year. Before that, I had already gotten a trick of GFII. I like GFII, but damn, the OG is just fantastic. There's a little something different about it. I'm sure someone more articulate could better describe. It's good tho and I like it.

This is some OG Cerberus, I dont think it's any different from the second release. Cerberus is that stronk, but it's good. I'm glad it doesn't give me overload and an accompanying headache. I couldn't use it daily, but I do certainly enjoy the occasional wear. The pairing with Gravefruit wasn't as wild as I had thought it was gonna be. Pleasant in its own way.

This M7 brush is one of my favorites. It feels so good. I really like the density. It has just a little bit of gel. It's a terrific knot.

This W&B has gotten a lot of use already since Saturday. Last night, I refreshed it on my jnats and man... what a fantastic shaver.

Would you shave me? I'd shave me.

6/11/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Wüsthof 220 "Barber's King" 7/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Noble Otter - Two Kings
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - Two Kings Aftershave Splash

I have several florals in the den, but Two Kings is one of my favorites. Partly because it's one of Mrs. Pudding's favorites. It's a crying shame that it's been discontinued. I've surprised myself with how much I actually enjoy a floral scent on a sunny day. It's unique for someone to show up to a construction site smelling of flowers, but I do it anyway.

I chose the Barber's King to go with the side challenge today. White. Gold. KING!!! How could I not?

Side challenge: Three Kings SOTD

6/12/24

• Brush: Fuller Brush w/ 20mm Soft Tuxedo #RUNT
• Razor: Raido Star Kamisori 8/8, Full Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Proraso - Green
• Post Shave: West Coast Shaving - Chypre Aftershave Splash

Proraso Green is the only cream in my den. It's a damn fine cream, though. Especially for its cost. Menthol and Eucalyptus is pretty easy to get along with.

When thinking of a splash pairing, Chypre kept coming to mind. My first try with a Chypre was Le Grand Chypre, and to be honest, I did not like it. I'd considered that maybe a Chypre wasn't for me. Til I got a smush of this one. It's a unique style of scent, but very nice. Citrus and resins, I mean that's a pretty good combo. It paired well with Proraso Green, kinda to my surprise.

For the side challenge, My Den

6/13/24

• Brush: Stirling x Zenith 510 SE
• Razor: Hadoson Matsukura 60 7/8, Frameback Square Point
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - Deep Blue Sea
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. - Deep Blue Sea Aftershave Splash
• Fragrance: Bleu de Chanel EdP

Oops... All Dupes!

Allow me to explain:

Stirling x Zenith 510 SE: This Stirling x Zenith Brush, no matter how you look at it, is a dupe of the MOAR BOAR. This brush followed in the wake of MOAR BOAR after Rod got talking with Zenith. It's a good brush, but it's just chasing the dragon.

Hadoson Frameback: The Frameback Style is a dupe. Invented by Swedish razor makers in an attempt to compete with superior machining capabilities coming out of Solingen and Sheffield and their full hollow grinds. This style of Frameback is considered 2nd generation. The 1st gens just had a piece of material fixed to the spine of the razor. These 2nd gens had a piece of quality steel fixed to a complete frame.

Deep Blue Sea: A more obvious one. This is a dupe of Bleu de Chanel and a pretty good one at that. It doesn't quite hit as well as BDC, but it's good.

Nice shave this evening.

Side challenge: It's a "Deep Blue C". Get it??

6/14/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ TNS 28mm M7 Fan
• Razor: Wüsthof 220 "Barber's King" 7/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Kryptonite Aftershave Splash

Kryptonite was one of my first HoM purchases. Back when I was still playing it safe with scents. Lime was my big one. I had a lot of lime. I decided, one day, to go wild and get some Lime with some woods. It's a very easy to get along with scent. I don't use it very often these days. Maybe this AA for Mammoth Mafia. This was also my first soap with any menthol. This whole set just slaps hard on a summer day.

For the side challenge today, I present my Stacked SOTD. u/Tonality, I await your judgment.

6/15/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Raido Star Kamisori 8/8, Full Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime Aftershave Toner
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving - Seaforth! Sea Spice Lime EdT

SSL kinda goes hand in hand with my Kryptonite post yesterday, and my playing it safe early on with Lime scents.

SSL was the first "abstract" or "complicated" scent I bought. The Lime sold me. I was sure what to expect, but I was blown away by how good it was. SSL EdT was also the first frag I bought for myself. In my entire life. I don't use it very much these days. I used it once when I was sick, and now the scent throws me off a little. It's still really good, however, and Mrs. Pudding still loves it. It doesn't mess with me like it used to.

This tub is also closest to Death.

For the side challenge: I, like a lot of open blade users, prefer a thicc and drippy lather. So today, I used a paste. It was a lot quicker, but it was ass. That's not what I want in a lather. I never got into this with the thought that I was going to save time or money. I like spending the time to dial in a lather, almost to the point of breaking it. Wet and slick, that's where it's at. If I had used an alcohol splash, I would have finished this shave with tons of feedback. It's also kind of a pain to rinse off my blade, I want it to slop off with gravity and a splash of water. The proof is in the pudding.

Good shave today, all things considered.

6/16/24

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
• Razor: Wade & Butcher "The Celebrated Hollow Ground Razor For Barber's Use" 8/8, Half Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Pinaud - Clubman
• Post Shave: Pinaud - Clubman Aftershave Lotion

Pinaud is one of the GOATs. Doubly so Clubman. It's such a staple in barbershops that it almost sets the bar for barbershop scents. Musk, lemon, and powder. Classic and clean. The performance of the soap is meh, but it definitely works and is easy to build. The scent of the soap is a lot different than the post shave.

Busy day today, however, and I barely had time to get this shave in, much less my legs. Happy Father's Day to everyone, though! I hope your day was good and full of delicious food.

6/17/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ TNS 28mm M7 Fan
• Razor: Iberia 14 Doble Temple 8/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts - Labyrinth Aftershave Splash

Wow, my schedule these last few days is just messed up. I'm getting my shaves in later and later. And I forgot about the daily challenge. Woe be upon me.

I do have me a vegan soap, tho! Labyrinth is my favorite SW scent. It's right up my alley. Hopefully, I can put some energy in earlier tomorrow and buckle back down!

6/18/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ Maggards 24mm Silvertip #COMPOSITE #SMOLL
• Razor: Wade & Butcher "The Celebrated Hollow Ground Razor For Barber's Use" 8/8, Half Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Australian Private Reserve - Coeur De Vert
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming - Trismegistus Aftershave Splash

For today's shave, I went with the only real choice for an open blade shave, a vintage razor 🕑👨‍🦳💈😂🤌💪

As anyone who knows anything about straights will tell you, that's the only real choice. They just don't make em like they used to. You just can't find good quality steel these days 🙅‍♂️😢💈🚫 Everything back then was better. Everything. Both quality and equality really reached their peak back then. By back then, I just mean any old time, that's not now! 🥱😡😤

Today, in the spirit of the games, I'm going to share my proprietary honing method that comes from the blacksmiths of old 🕕🧔💪. People today may think they know how to put an edge, but they just don't compare. My proprietary honing method is inspired by Jarrod from The Superior Shave. The Convex Hone. But it is MY Proprietary Honing Method. Some folks may have opinions on Jarrod, like that he has a persecution complex. He's irrationally emotional and all too often tears up or gets wildly mad at any comment that may disagree with him. He uses alts on a regular basis to try and sway folks and then rapidly deletes any when someone disagrees. And THAT MAY BE TRUE! But boy, does he make a point 💯🍵🥲😂😭🤣

No one can hone like old blacksmiths do, except maybe me and Jarrod. That's because we use convex honing, just like blacksmiths of old. You see, only someone working a round stone wheel could ever get anything sharp. Now, you may say, "Pudding, Japanese are world famous for their edges and flat stones!" Well, that doesn't mean anything. Ignore that and anyone else who has used anything flat. They were WRONG 🙅‍♂️🚫💯💪🤣 Cause a true master of an edge used a wheel.

Well, we can't really get wheel stones much these days, not like how they did way back, when everything was always better and the world knew peace. So I gave mine a convex on my own 🤣🫡🤯🥱💯

I rubbed the edges of my stones on some concrete til they were well worn. Then, I rubbed the faces along the concrete in radial motions to get that ideal radius carved in. I started on my 1k (now convex) stone. I, of course, added a generous layer of electrical tape to the spine. I wouldn't want to wear this timeless piece any. I could have shaved off of this edge, as it is common knowledge that you should be able to easily pass a HHT at this point. I wanted to go the extra mile, though. So I moved to my 4k (obviously already convex 🤣🤩❤️‍🔥💪). At this point, I'd worn a hole in my electrical tape. So I added another layer. From there, I did 350 laps on my 4k. Anyone else would call this good, but I want great. So I pulled out my strops.

These are just some scrap pieces of leather I found in my grandads shed, next to an old box of drivers licenses and small bits of clothes. One has a tattoo, but I'm certain he was just practicing once, and there is certainly no foul play there. He's from back when, when everything was better and we were free to ingest lead. WHICH I'M POSITIVE IN NO WAY HAS ANYTHING TO DO WITH HIS FREQUENT AND VIOLENT OUTBURSTS 😡😤😩💀🤬☠️

Anyways, I loaded one piece of leather with Chromoum Oxide and gave it 250 laps. My next piece, I loaded up with Iron Oxide and gave it 500 laps. I then loaded diamond paste on to last and gave it 1000 laps 😵‍💫🤯🧐👹. I never strop on clean leather cause blacksmiths of old never had clean leather. That's it! I did it! Sharp as could ever possibly be, and all I did was take a note from history, history that was always good. God, I wish I was a boomer 😢😭🫦🧑‍🦳🌽⭐️

The resulting shave was amazing. It only tugged in the areas that had hair, and I only gave myself several small cuts. When I applied my post shave it felt like my face was on fire. Just how I like it. It reminds of when my grandad held my face over the fireplace that one time I waved at a POC. What a trip down memory lane 🥰😍😘🤪😝🤣😭

The soap was fine, I guess. It's no TOBS and smells like a field. I don't get it, but whatever 😅😁🤨😬🙄

Well, there you have it! My proprietary honing method. If I find out you used it, I will fucking sue you. 😠😡🤬💀☠️💩🤡😅

Player shares their "proprietary honing method that comes from the blacksmiths of old," and made this Judge wonder if the Blacksmiths of Old used emoji.

6/19/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Iberia 14 Doble Temple 8/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. - AG 1889
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. - AG 1889 Aftershave Splash

Another late shave, but a damn fine shave. AG 1889 is such an awesome scent. To me, it's powdery with some citrus and woodsy notes and reminds me a lot of a barbershop scent. Might be crazy to say, but I'm saying it.

This Iberia is something else. I think it really just may be the best razor I've ever used.

For the challenge, here's a meme. Synthetic edges, no matter how well they're done, feel synthetic. They lack a certain je ne sais quoi you get from jnats.

6/20/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ TNS 28mm M7 Fan
• Razor: Raido Star 10/8, Full Hollow French Point
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Shire 2
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Shire 2 Aftershave Splash

Shire is the only scent in my den described as something summer. There's days where I really pick up that "summery tobacco", mixed with the vetiver and grass notes, it takes me right to the Shire. It's such a good scent. Mrs. Pudding is not always a fan.

6/21/24

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
• Razor: Hadoson Matsukura 60 7/8, Frameback Square Point
• Lather: Mäurer and Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos
• Post Shave: Mäurer and Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos Aftershave Splash

The Moos is the only Fougére in my den, and I'm happy to have it. I really enjoy the way the scent changes from soap > to splash > edt. The further down the line you go, the spicier the combination gets. I have no complaints about performance either.

A limerick for the man himself:

In a contest of shitposts, he'd boast, Calling others mere scrubs, utmost. But his memes were quite lame, They brought laughter and shame, For the champion of scrubs, he could boast!

6/22/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Ralf Aust 6/8, Full Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts - Samhain
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Z Aftershave Balm

This is one of those soaps I wish I had a splash to go with. It's a super interesting scent, and it surprised me. I also wish I had more to say. It was a super long day, and I am beat!

6/23/24

• Brush: Farvour Turn Crafts w/ C&H v12 Fanchurian
• Razor: Iberia 14 Doble Temple 8/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: House of Mammoth - Voices
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth - Voices Aftershave Balm

Gourmand scents are just not my thing. Voices, however, hits the Gourmand theme it goes for without being overwhelmingly sweet. This is one of the few scents my wife loves every time she smells it. It just blows her mind how Ben was able to get the rice note down perfectly.

6/24/24

• Brush: Zenith Two Band Fan
• Razor: Gen. 1 MMOC
• Blade GEM PTFE (??)
• Lather: Caties Bubbles - 322
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Cool Aftershave Splash

My whole setup for the day is sponsored by r/Wetshaving!

This Zenith I won in a PIF from u/ConquerorChromatic. I think a couple of years ago now? They haven't been around for some time now. RIP. Nice brush, though! I mainly use it anymore for the wife's legs.

This 1st Gen MMOC was gifted to me by community giant u/EldrormR. The MM24 was my first GEM razor and my first safety razor. I still have yet to try a DE. This blade is even one Eld hooked me up with long ago. It is not holding up well.

322 comes as a gift courtesy of u/InfernalInternal. This is actually my first tub of Caties Bubbles. This is a dank scent. Mrs. Pudding is not a fan. I like it, though. I'm going to have to get the splash now. Woe is me.

Cool comes as a gift from u/J33pGuy13. I love me some barbershops, and when some Cool came around, he didn't hesitate. It's a really nice barbershop. Makes me wonder about Floid Blue. Am I missing something? Is it just one more that could've been in the collection? Oh well, I have some Cool and, we'll, I just think that's pretty Cool.

I appreciate all of these guys and so many more of you as well. I really have enjoyed my time with the community. Here and in Discord. I've learned, I've taught. I've laughed, and I've laughed more. What a weird hobby, huh? I dig it.

For the side challenge, I'd really like a sub exclusive from House of Mammoth. I know Ben isn't into doing LE or FOMO drops. The rare occasion he does something and he does it for charitable purposes. Ben's original perfumery is just fantastic, though. Like a lot of us, I'm always curious about his new scents. Do I always like them? No, but they're still original. I'd love to see him capture r/Wetshaving in his temporal medium.

6/25/24

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
• Razor: Raido Star Kamisori 8/8, Full Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Noble Otter - The Night Before
• Post Shave: Noble Otter - The Night Before Aftershave Splash

I LOVE TNB. It is such a nice scent, and I could easily wear it all year round. I wish I had this in an EdP. I would go through a bottle so fast. Honestly, to me, it doesn't make me think of Christmas. If anything, I get a more incense-y vibe from it. It's good good.

I gave myself a small nick with the Kami today. Nothing crazy, but damn, it feels like it's been a hot minute since I've done that. Maybe it had something to do with the hat??? Either way, I am solidified in my choice of hardware for AA, having done that.

For the side challenge, I wore my Outback Korona. These cowboy style hats are S Tier. I never had any interest in them until I started working outside all the damn time. I'd been given a brim extension for my hard hat, and what a damn difference. Ended up buying a Stetson collapsible, and I ran the wheels off that thing. This Outback has been going strong for years. Work, camping, fishing, whatever. It's a good damn hat.

6/26/24

• Brush: Hands
• Razor: Elk Ridge Bowie Knife 17/8, Sabre Grind Drop Point
• Lather: Anchor Lube Lubricants LLC - Anchor Lube
• Post Shave: Beefimus - Beef's Clean Laundry Aftershave Splash

Today's shave is something I've always wanted to try. We've all seen it in movies and such. Some machismo bro shaving with a Bowie out on the plains. The calm before the storm. So I did. It was awful.

It was awkward, and I didn't take this to my Jnats, just synthetics and a pasted strop. That synthetic progression only takes me up to 8k. I figured, "What the hell, I've shaved off an 8k edge before," but damn... I should have spent way more time changing the angle of the bevel. I mean... it shaved (kinda)... it just wasn't great.

For my lather today, I went with a favorite product of mine: Anchor Lube. Some of you may know, I'm a Journeyman Carpenter. More so on the commercial side of things, I work with a lot of metal. Primarily when doing doors and hardware. This involves lots of drilling and lots of thread tapping.

Typically, guys will use cutting oil to drill, thread or tap. I'm telling you here now... that's trash. Especially if you're fighting gravity. It burns up super quick, it's hella runny, and all in all, it's pretty mid. Some other guys also like using wax. Wax has a place when working with wood, but never metal, in my opinion. Folks that use wax on metal are also the same ones that need instructions drawn in crayon.

I digress. This stuff sticks super well and doesn't burn up like oil. Absolutely an S Tier product. It feels slick enough that I thought it might do for a lather. That may have been the case with an appropriate shaver. But I couldn't tell shit as I hurried along.

The proof is in the pudding. This wasn't my best shave. Maybe I could've done better? I'll never know, cause I'm probably not going to do it again. It was one pass and done. My neck is on fire.

My post shave today was made by my dear friend Beefimus (he's real. u/J33pGuy13 has Helldived with him). He sent this along with some shave soap and beard oil. All scented the same. To me, it smells like clean laundry. Today, it burned like hell. Think Home Alone type burn.

All in all, it was an experience.

For the side challenge, I just clean my brushes with a little bit of dawn and water. I used to use a clarifying shampoo that seemed to work great, but I'm out and haven't bought more.

shaved with a knife

6/27/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Wüsthof 220 "Barber's King" 7/8, Extra Hollow Square Point
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps - Prom King
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps - Prom King Aftershave Splash

Prom King scent notes:

• Lavender
• Bergamot
• Mint
• Cinnamon
• Cumin
• Orange blossom
• Vanilla
• Tonka bean
• Sandalwood
• Cedar

10 on the dot with this. I was glad to be able to fit this one into the month. I really like Prom King, though I have yet to sniff Le Male. I think I'd like that too. SBS is really good, too. It's really easy to get a good, slick lather out of it. Which I needed today.

Not only because my face is still feeling the effects of my poor decision to not further hone that Bowie, but (SIDE CHALLENGE WARNING) because it was left hand day. I am one a straight user who does not use his left hand. I'm able to comfortably use one hand for my entire shave. There's no need for me to use my left hand.

It was slow goings. And I mean SLOW. I did not want to mess myself up today. The quality of the shave lacked. The coordination just isn't there. I don't believe that it will ever be either, because I just don't care to learn. I like my shave to be comfortable, not challenging.

Overall, it was fine, I guess.

6/28/24

• Brush: Stirling x Zenith 510 SE
• Razor: Kampfe STAR Lather Catcher
• Lather: Arko Shave Stick
• Post Shave: Pinuad - Clubman Aftershave Lotion

Stirling x Zenith 510 SE: $22.80

Kampfe Lather Catcher: $50

Arko Shave Stick: $2.87

Pinuad Clubman: $9

Total: $84.67

This is the cheapest shave I could manage. I have some things that may be valued at less, like a brush or some GEMs, but I didn't pay for those. Either gifted, traded, or won. Everything in this shave I paid for.

After having had a MOAR BOAR, I at least had to get one of the Zenith x Stirling boars. I went with the 28mm since MB was already 31mm. Just to change it up a little.

This Kampfe I picked up off the zaar for a crazy good price. I've always loved lather catchers, and this was my first. It is such a beautiful razor. It is also the cheapest razor in my rotation.

This stick of Arko I picked up for last years LG for "So Fluffy..." Day. It's a cheap soap, and the smell just smells like hand soap. Performance is mid. If I had to only use Arko, I'd just grow a beard.

Clubman is one of the 🐐 imo and should be in every den. It's also my cheapest splash. I love this scent, and it's a good performing splash. My skin always feels hydrated and refreshed after using it.

6/29/24

• Brush: Muninn Woodworks w/ C&H V19 Fanchurian
• Razor: Wade & Butcher "The Celebrated Hollow Ground Razor For Barber's Use" 8/8, Half Hollow Barber's Notch
• Lather: Barrister and Mann - Midnight Special
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann - Midnight Special Aftershave Aftershave Splash

One thing I don't have much of in my den is Sandalwood forward scents. Thankfully, there's Midnight Special. I'm gonna be real honest, I didn't by for the scent, but for the idea behind it. I have been a huge nerd for Cowboy Bebop since it first aired in the US in 2001. I'm a big fan of westerns of all sorts, honestly. Space Westerns slap on another level, though.

It's not a bad scent, thankfully! It's unique, and I enjoyed it enough to eventually put together a trick.

As far as strong contenders this year: u/tsrblke, u/Priusaurus, and u/MrTangerinsky have been crushing it. u/hugbuckt has been doing great in FoF. u/bacconchop has put a lot of heart into it. Special mention for u/alg82 because this just cracks me up.

6/30/24

• Brush: Zenith r/Wetshaving Exclusive MOAR BOAR (31 mm × 57 mm bleached boar)
• Razor: Hadoson Matsukura 60 7/8, Frameback Square Point
• Lather: Kepkinh - Zeus
• Post Shave: Oaken Lab - Earth of Mankind Aftershave Splash
• Post Shave: Los Jabones de Joserra - Passion Incense Aftershave Balm
• Fragrance: Mäurer and Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos EdT

Bon Voyage Lather Games!

What a fun year. I feel like I stepped outside of my more usual box this year than I did last year. With larger posts and more effort. This year, I also only needed a couple of smushes to make it work. I already look forward to next year, and I hope to not need any smushes. I also want to shoot for 30-30 on soaps and splashes.

I really enjoyed some of the competition this year. Watching some step up to their full potential and watching others have their psyche completely broken. What a roller coaster.

To the meat and potatoes of my post:

• Location: US
• MOAR BOAR: Italy
• Hadoson Frameback: Japan and Sweden
• Kepkinh: Greece
• Oaken Lab: Indonesia
• Los Jabones: Spain
• Mäurer and Wirtz: Germany

I am 7/6 on countries and products. How many other players will have that ratio? Hm?

This whole scent lineup was also a roller coaster. Kinda works all together... It's unique, to say the least. The entirety of it is STRONK.

I look forward to next year's LG, and I also look forward to just chilling for a month with whatever I'd like. Congratulations to those who finished the month out!