u/AdWorried2804's SOTDs for challenge 'Raw Hoggin 2023'

August 1, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 1

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue Super (1)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Wow, just like that Austere August is upon us. The challenges I will pursue are the Raw Hoggin' Challenge, the 5th Annual Unscented Challenge, and AA Extreme Mode. I've never used a blade beyond a week so a side-challenge to myself is to see how many shaves I can get on the blade before I cry uncle. If I make it to 10 days I will shoot for Ultra Nightmare Mode.

Raw Hoggin' Challenge: It's been two decades since I've used a boar brush, and the ones I've did use were so cheap (Van Der Hagen and equivalent) that I never learned to appreciate them. I expect that to change this month. Here's the unboxing picture collage of my virgin boar. RazoRock doesn't state it on their web site, but it sure looks like the RazoRock 506U is a rebranded Zenith 506U SE. Time will tell if the RazoRock breaks in as easily as the real deal Zenith.

Unscented Challenge: Here's the ingredient labels for my unscented preshave soap, shaving soap and post shave balm.

The Shave: I soaked the new boar for 15 minutes, tub-loaded for about a 30-count and then started face lathering. The lather started pasty but after adding a $H!+ ton of water the lather started to slicken. I should have added a bit more water but got impatient and jumped into the shave. I've had smoother shaves, but I can't argue with the two pass DFS result. Tomorrow I will add more water at the start of lather-building to get the lather closer to what I normally achieve with CB.

The Brush: I was pleasantly surprised by the lack of offensive odor from the boar. It did smell "natural" but nowhere near as stanky that some have experienced. The bristles had lots of backbone and splayed nicely so overall I'd say Day 1 was a success. Here's just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures.

Thank you u/EldrormR for organizing the AA2023 Raw Hoggin' challenge, and u/rocketk455 for sponsoring your 5th Annual Unscented Challenge.

August 2, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 2

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue Super (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Shave: I did a 15 min soak, 20-count tub load & face lathered. Lather was better (more water at every step) but still not what I expect from CB (good thing I got a month to figure out my boar lather technique). Had just enough lather for 2 passes so will need to load for a few more secs tomorrow. Got a DFS+ shave but finished with a little burn. Too early to blame the blade or my technique, but it's most likely me.

Brush Update: The boar was a little more odorous today (but still nothing offensive) and didn't notice much skritchiness. The bristles are starting to split, but the knot shed a couple more hairs today (it shed four yesterday). Here's the Day 2 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures.

Still on track for Raw Hoggin' Challenge, Unscented Challenge and Ultra Nightmare Mode. Unless my lather-building improves or the Lab Blue smooths out I may be downgrading to AA Extreme Mode by the end of the week and switch blades.

August 3, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 3

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue Super (3)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Shave/Brush Update: 15 min soak/20-count tub load/face lather. Boar lather-making technique improving but still work in progress. A bit of pig odor, bristles continue to split, no hair shedding, descent splay/backbone today. Another DFS but again a little razor burn. Here's the Day 3 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures.

Still on track for Raw Hoggin' Challenge, Unscented Challenge and Ultra Nightmare Mode. May still consider downgrading to AA Extreme Mode and switch blades if I can't get the lather and blade to work together.

August 4, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 4

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue Super (4)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Shave/Brush Update: 15 min soak/18-count tub load/face lather/2 passes (WTG & ATG). Improved lather-making with acceptable slickness but not very fluffy. Starting to learn how to adjust my technique to take advantage of the bristle backbone and splay. Pig odor-level unchanged, and another hair shed today. Overall DFS with reduced but present razor burn.

Here's the Day 4 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Still tracking for Raw Hoggin' Challenge, Unscented Challenge and Ultra Nightmare Mode.

August 5, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 5

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Personna Lab Blue Super (5)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Shave/Brush Update: 15 min soak/15-count tub load/face lather/2 passes (WTG & ATG). Getting better with how much and when to add water, resulting in slick drippy lather. Also getting better with how to use the backbone/splay when lather-building. Minimal smell and no hair shed today. BBS but too many weepers for my liking so will change blades tomorrow.

Here's the Day 5 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Still tracking for Raw Hoggin' Challenge and Unscented Challenge. With blade change tomorrow, Ultra Nightmare Mode is dead and AA Extreme Mode is the new target.

August 6, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 6

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (1)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Shave/Brush Update: 16 min soak/15-count tub load/face lather/2 pass (WTGx2). Slick drippy lather again today. Now that my lather is well-hydrated, I am noticing that the brush is still a bit scritchy. Bristle hair splitting and knot blooming slowly continues. Minimal smell and no hair loss today. An easygoing SAS was the result.

Here's the Day 6 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Still tracking for Raw Hoggin' Challenge, Unscented Challenge, and AA Extreme Mode (today's blade change ended Ultra Nightmare Mode).

August 7, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 7

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: Today was the easiest I've ever made lather. I used Michael Freeberg's wet method of tub-loading for about a 16-count and almost immediately upon face lathering, slick drippy lather appeared. Knot break-in is ongoing, so I'm looking forward to the lather-building experience when the brush is fully broken in. 2 passes (WTG+ATG) plus some cleanup gave a BBS result.

Here's the Day 7 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 8, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 8

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: It's déjà vu all over again! Boar soak, wet method tub-loading, face lather-building, slick drippy lather, 2 passes (WTG+ATG), BBS result. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot slowly blooming, minimal funk smell and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 8 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 9, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 9

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (4)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: It's déjà vu again again! Boar soak, wet method tub-loading, face lather-building, slick drippy lather, 2 passes (WTG+ATG), BBS result. Bristle hairs continue to split, knot continues to slowly bloom, and one hair drop today.

Here's the Day 9 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 10, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 10

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (5)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: No déjà today. Got complacent with face lather-building and made the lather too foamy/bubbly. Was too stubborn to accept that the lather was not hydrated enough and overconfidently proceeded with a 2 pass (WTG+ATG) shave. Got BBS results but also got some razor burn. Another hair dropped today.

Here's the Day 10 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 11, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 11

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (6)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: Better lather today but it was still too foamy/bubbly. Powered through with a 2 pass (WTG+ATG) DFS. Need to use the weekend to dial in the lather-building again. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, minimal funk smell and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 11 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 12, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 12

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Elios Inoxidable (1)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: Lather improved again today but the soap/water level was still a bit off. Settled for a 2 pass (WTG+ATG) DFS. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, minimal funk smell and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 12 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 13, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 13

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Elios Inoxidable (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: Successfully dialed in the soap/water level today and made slick drippy lather, resulting in an easygoing 2 pass (WTG+ATG) DFS. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, minimal funk smell and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 13 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 14, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 14

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Elios Inoxidable (3)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Today's Update: Once again got the soap/water level right and made slick drippy lather, resulting in another easygoing 2 pass (WTG+ATG) DFS. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, minimal funk smell and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 14 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 15, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 15

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Elios Inoxidable (4)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Curiousity question: When I shave I don't smell anything. Does that mean that I've become noseblind to unscented software?

Seriously, I'm back to déjà vu shaving. Boar soak, wet method tub-loading, face lather-building, slick drippy lather, 2 passes (WTG+ATG), DFS result. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 15 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 16, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 16

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Elios Inoxidable (5)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Another déjà vu shave. Boar soak, wet method tub-loading, face lather-building, slick drippy lather, 2 passes (WTG+ATG), DFS result. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 16 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 17, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 17

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox Inossidable (1)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Another déjà vu shave. Boar soak, wet method tub-loading, face lather-building, slick drippy lather, 2 passes (WTG+ATG), DFS result. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 17 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 18, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 18

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox Inossidable (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Déjà vu shave again. Boar soak, wet method tub-loading, face lather-building, slick drippy lather, 2 passes (WTG+ATG), DFS result. Knot break-in continues with bristle hair splitting, knot blooming, and no hair loss.

Here's the Day 18 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 19, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 19

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox Inossidable (3)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

To avoid ending up in a Ground Hog Day time loop like u/tsrblke, I decided to work on my left-hand (non-dominant) shaving skills today. The only other time I've attempted non-dominant hand shaving was during LG. Someday I may consider learning how to straight razor shave so I'd like to get more comfortable shaving with both hands. My goal was a CCS with no weepers, and I achieved it today. I'm going to continue left-hand shaving for at least one pass for the remainder of AA to continue developing my non-dominant hand skills.

Here's the Day 19 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 20, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 20

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox Inossidable (3)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 2 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. The LH shave was more natural today but I still have a long ways to go. Achieved another CCS with no weepers so I can't complain about the results.

Here's the Day 20 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 21, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 21

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Bolzano Superinox Inossidable (5)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 3 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. During the workweek I have less shave time, so the first pass was LH/WTG and the second pass was RH/ATG. The LH passes are still very deliberate but are slowly getting more instinctual. Finished with an easygoing DFS.

Here's the Day 21 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 22, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 22

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Perma-Sharp (1)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 4 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. Another first pass LH/WTG and second pass RH/ATG that finished with an easygoing DFS. Still too much thinking when doing the LH shaving on the cheeks and neck, but surprisingly it's getting automatic with LH shaving around the mustache/chin area.

Here's the Day 22 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 23, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 23

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Perma-Sharp (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 5 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. Another first pass LH/WTG and second pass RH/ATG that finished with an easygoing DFS. LH speed is much improved, although I still need to think about head alignment from time to time. A little more speed and I'll be ready to do both passes LH.

Here's the Day 23 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 24, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 24

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Perma-Sharp (3)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 6 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. LH for both passes (WTG and ATG) but needed to do a RH cleanup pass to get a DFS. LH speed was acceptable but inconsistent LH blade angle caused inefficient passes. Now need to focus on LH blade angle moving forward.

Here's the Day 24 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 25, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 25

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Perma-Sharp (4)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Due to time constraints I was not able to practice my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills today. Did a quick, efficient two pass (WTG and ATG) DFS. Will take advantage of the upcoming weekend to resume my LH hand shaving practice.

Here's the Day 25 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 26, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 26

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Gillette Perma-Sharp (5)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

After the skip day, it's Day 7 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. Full LH shave (WTG, ATG, cleanup) for a CCS-level shave. Had some irritation around the jawline due to inconsistent blade angle and pressure, especially on the ATG pass. Need to continue focusing on LH blade angle moving forward.

Here's the Day 26 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 27, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 27

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium (1)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 8 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. Another full LH shave (WTG + ATG) for a SAS. For the WTG pass, the head alignment, blade angle and pressure were instinctive and very acceptable. The ATG pass was the opposite, with the head alignment, blade angle and pressure wildly inconsistent. I stopped after the ATG pass to avoid further irritation. Need to keep practicing the LH ATG passes moving forward.

Here's the Day 27 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 28, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 28

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium (2)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 9 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. Another full LH shave (WTG, ATG & cleanup). The WTG pass was fairly automatic, with the head alignment, blade angle and pressure being within acceptable tolerances throughout the pass. The ATG pass required considerable concentration to keep the blade angle and pressure acceptable. Can't complain with the result: DFS with no irritation. Still need to continue practicing to get the LH ATG pass more instinctive.

Here's the Day 28 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 29, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 29

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium (3)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 10 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. Today I was a little pressed for time so it was LH for quick WTG and ATG passes but then RH for cleanup to get a DFS. The ATG pass again needed considerable concentration to keep the blade angle and pressure acceptable, so the LH ATG pass practice will continue.

Here's the Day 29 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 30, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 30

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium (4)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

Day 11 of my left (non-dominant) hand shaving skills development. Today was the best LH shave yet. WTG was easy-peasy and ATG was mostly instinctive. I didn't notice it at the time but I still need to work on my LH technique since my 5-oclock shadow appeared earlier than normal which indicates to me that the shave was not as efficient as I normally achieve.

Here's the Day 30 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges ongoing.

August 31, 2023 – Month of Austerity Day 31

• Brush: RazoRock 506U Olive Wood w/ 26mm Natural Boar Bristle
• Razor: RazoRock Game Changer .76-P
• Blade: Wizamet Super Iridium (4)
• Preshave: Stirling Soap Co. – Unscented
• Lather: Catie's Bubbles – Le Nude
• Post Shave: Zingari Man – Unscented Balm
• AA Tags: #RawHoggin #unscented

AA23 come to a close today. Here is what I've learned/noted this month:

1. The Raw Hoggin' challenge helped me learn to appreciate boar brushes. Prior to AA23 I didn't really take boars seriously. I'm amazed at how slick I can make lather with so little effort.
2. The RazoRock 506U was a good choice for my first serious use of a boar. Being a white-label Zenith 506U, the break-in was a breeze and I'm very happy with its performance. Best guess these are Zenith seconds which have cosmetic issues that keep them from being badged a Zenith. Would I recommend the RazoRock 506U to others? If money is an issue, go for the RazoRock and you'll get Zenith performance at a budget price. Otherwise, go for the real deal Zenith (which is what I plan on doing).
3. I never got sick of the Catie's Bubbles Le Nude soap. Did I miss scents and variety? Yes, but using the single soap allowed me to focus on my lather-making with the boar.
4. Would I do the Unscented challenge again? Never say never again, but most likely no. While I'm not big into frags, I missed scented post shave products.
5. Do I see a single blade all month challenge in my future? Absolutely! My LG23 prize is an MM24 and I've got a bit of FOMO regarding the Weck so I definitely see a GEM or Sextoblade challenge pursuit happening.

Here's the Day 31 just before and immediately after the shave brush pictures. Raw Hoggin', Unscented, and AA Extreme Mode challenges achieved.