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

June 1, 2024 – Bonjour LG and Blessings

• Brush: Ap Shave Co Synbad 24mm
• Razor: Lady Gillette – Pink
• Blade: Voskhod (1)
• Lather: Holy Black Shaving Soap
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice Original

My dearly beshaved. We gather here today in this digital sanctuary of lather and blade to compete. Compete together, in games of friendly but possibly treacherous bloody battle. This next month will require much of us. strength, courage, resilience, and faith. But most importantly… a pretty stacked den the result of internet driven hobby of obsessive hoarding. But NAY let me not digress to an argument for another day, let me not spark controversy like those that speak the tounges of a retriever of gold, for our dens may also be stacked, stocked, and overflowed from our fellow shaving brethrens goodwill. I myself shave today from the generosity of u/cowzilla3 and his offering of citrus and spice with an opening of the games shot of gunpowder that begets the most Holy Black. A scent so familiar but a lather wholly new to me. I use this with a razor I myself gifted to my betrothed as she enjoy mid century tchotchkes, and while I have used a DE blade and razor so many times before it is in the SPIRIT of the games I wield this razor as I have never used it. (Also these voskhods, I can’t remember even using them from my maggard starter kit) As many of you all have before me, you may see from my SOTD photo that I assembled my own shrine for today, a mosaic of a personal search for spiritual meaning in my daily burdens and blessings. Tokens and teachers that have shown me the way of just lettin it be, man. And while our beliefs may be disparate, for the next 30 days we together in union put our face and the grooming products we love forward in the search for meaning (but more likely childish friendly hobbyism). So may we now take the time to reflect with reverence on this our collective yet competitive campaign. From the judges to the rookies and raw hoggers, from frag bros to weckists, the poets of posts, exhibitionists and the airbudists may we battle on this summer break like the noblest of otters spirit of goodwill, charity, and fellowship, together. ———————— P.S.: The lady Gillette was actually quite nice with the long handle but a touch too mild. The Holy Black lather was actually very impressive and really a nice rounded scent of OS.

June 2, 2024 – Energy Conscious Ahoy!

• Brush: Ap Shave Co Synbad 24mm
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Voskhod (2)
• Lather: Shannon’s Soaps – Bay Patchouli Grapefruit
• Post Shave: Old Spice - Original

What can I say at this point in the game that hasn’t been said about our award winning shaving brethren u/priusaurus? Therefore I will honor his hijinks in the most straightforward way I know how. Shaving inside my Prius in public while wearing a dinosaur t-shirt, namely Mrs. Stallions favorite Jurassic Park t-shirt (she also insisted I include her Megalodon teeth to stay on Paleontology theme, Ty). I’ve also changed my circa 2011 fuel efficient steeds usual rear view mirror ornaments with today’s SOTD products.

Thanks to u/eructate for the smush from last years LG that find its was again into this years games. Not sure he ever imagined when packing it up that it would be lather in a daily commuter of the side of a major city street.

Now despite being a night shaver due to both preference and work schedule I made sure to try to emulate to audacity of a u/priusaurus shave by keeping all the lights inside the vehicle on, headlights, and four way flashers, that way passerby would 100% have to stop and question if they really just saw a man shaving inside his liberal working man’s go cart at 930 on a Sunday night. For good measure I threw on the windshield wipers gave a honk or two as well. But no one paid me much mind while I actually had quite a nice shave.

I really do not care for bay rum, luckily this Indian Old Spice Original takes over without clashing. The Gillette Tech and Synbad knot made the whole thing easier than I’d imagined. Mrs. Stallion popped out for a photo and was genuinely worried I may be construed as a lecher doing something else with his hands. Instead of the single pass I was planning I was so comfortable in my gas conscious environs with a little mood music of Mason Jennings I finished all three. Here here and cheers to you u/priusaurus. For your commitment to the bit and always entertaining shaving absurdity.

Gallery of Vehicular Follicular Removent

June 3, 2024 – Beef Free DIY Onion of Pain

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Voskhod (3)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Champs de Lavande
• Post Shave: Homemade OnionMiOSMA
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Troublemaker

There’s much to explain and much to describe but for tonight’s shave I present only my mathematical genius.

Styptic Pencil + Cheese Grater + Leftover Onion = Homemade OnionMiOSMA

Cheers.

grated onion and styptic pencil but no actual alum, lol

grated onion and styptic pencil

June 4, 2024 – Now Kith

• Brush: Extro Comesi Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Voskhod (4)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Nordost
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal
• Fragrance: Hermes – Terre d’Hermes

Keeping it simple today my shave friends. Night out, heading to the theatre. Let’s hope the show isn’t as one note at the Nordost but every bit as big and bold of a scent it is. Paired off with a single note of rose with the Thayers. Quick bit of TdH for some classy orange to round it out.

As for base wars, I just haven’t been around the community that long. But, I can tell you that I always raise an eyebrow at those coconut soaps, their quick lather fools me every time. Favorite base? I have two, I love dialing in a good SBS soap but Tusk always wows me.

Cheers!

True king of the bases.

June 5, 2024 – Chinese American Goopy Barbershop?

• Brush: My Own Bare Hands
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: Ultra Max – Shave Cream Extra Thick
• Post Shave: Nivea – Sensitive Post Shave Balm
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – American Blend

So I started the day by heading walking down to the barbershop for a long overdue cut. Rickey is my guy and as always did an excellent job. The shop was a turnkey operation, but owned and operated for 50 years by the same neighborhood gentleman. The new owner Dave kept it mostly untouched, the large last supper over the door to the back room, but updated the shop with the new school old school tattoo dude aesthetic. This includes the products. My cut was finished off with a straight razor shape up of my neck with some Lather Time machine soap and some healthy spritzes of Stephan Bay Run. And as always some brushings of Pinaud Clubman Talc. Perfect.

Tonight’s shave? Did it bring back that nice morning memory of the familiar barber chair and bullshitting about heading down the shore and how hot the Phillies are right now? No. But maybe kinda. Enough for me to blather on, and romanticize about a haircut..

Tonight I used for the second and last time the Ultra Max Shave Cream I purchased at a going out of business sale of an independent dollar store, an import directly from Guangzhou, China. I made sure this was the last time by answering the question of ,”How much lather is really in this can?” I still don’t know how to answer, I mean it seemed appropriate? My sink overfloweth. but in the end handled it. It did take a good five minutes to melt the goo with cold water and completely clean my sink.

The lather was fine, I applied it with my hands and found out it didn’t JUST smell like propellant, but also a bit like the Lather Time foam my morning cut. I used the Gillette guard I also bought for LG last year as I was traveling and it’s terribly forgiving and seems to be readily available in the Indian Market. I was tempted to then use the Indian Old Spice but deferred to both my old bottle of Nivea from my cartridge days and Fines send up to YSL Rive Gauche, American Blend. Mrs. Stallion always loves the American Blend and that always makes my night. Unexpectedly nice shave for an oft begrudged theme to end the day.

Cheers!

June 6, 2024 – Taking My Stand

• Brush: Ap Shave Co Synbad 24mm
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (1)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – ROTY 2023
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Contemplation

ROTY 2023 was inspired by both bourbon and hops to keep on theme for the day. But I’m going to keep this short and let the video speak for itself.

This is the link for my wettube declaration.

What’s done is done. Shoutout to u/airbudruler and definitely not u/cowzilla3 for helping me see the light, man.

June 7, 2024 – Whatevetiver, man.

• Brush: Extro Comesi Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Schick Injector Type G3
• Blade: Personna Injector (2)
• Preshave: Method Men Body Wash – Sandalwood and Vetiver
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Trismegistus
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Arkadia
• Fragrance: Hermes – Terre d’Hermes

A coworker used to wear some cheap vetiver oil, she was really nice and funny, she also smelled like shit. TdH does not smell like shit. I smell like super clean fancy woody oranges and that makes me feel good. The dupes are weird, they don’t smell like shit, they just smell like cedar.

Broke out the injector as I knew it would be up to the task of one pass ATH. Pretty flawless.

LG is cool, man.

Cheers.

June 8, 2024 – Maggard Preciation

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Maggard V3
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: Maggard Razors – Limes & Bergamot
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice Original

After doing my research over at wickedest of subreddits, I finally decided to pull the trigger on my transition to safety razors over there at Maggard. Love all these products still. All except the Old Spice are from my initial starter kit purchase. Nowadays they may collect a bit of dust. But, the brush is my travel latherer. Old Spice was my latest purchase from Maggard in a last minute order of samples and blades for LG.

Honestly, I’m not one who is parted from his money easily and try to space out my orders while also trying to purchase directly from the makers themselves. For me it’s bike stuff. LG is taking up a good bit of my mind this month but am a dumb sucker for upgrades and parts for my road and gravel bikes. More lavish and unreasonable purchases are definitely made servicing that hobby.

Thanks again to Brad for helping so many of us get into this hobby in a reasonable and efficient way. Cheers!

June 9, 2024 – Chop chop

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Maggard V3
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Ghost Town Barber
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Clubman

I was oddly excited about this day of LG. I’m not a crazy barbershop fan but I was still excited to put together a nice shave for this day. There’s a story about going to a black beauty supply store on my lunch break to purchase what is definitely one of if not the most iconic bottles of aftershave, especially in the barbering world, but I’m not going to try to wax poetic this evening. I’m just enjoying everyone else’s posts. Today was my “Friday”, three twelve hour shifts in a row and I’m bushed. So what a better shave to finish off the workweek.

To start off with I had to break out the boar to honor the barbering profession. I was excited to try out ghost town barber but in the end was a bit let down in terms of scent, starting with Seville as my first full tub of soap set the bar pretty darn high, but the performance was great. And the moment I’ve been waiting for perfectly powdery nightcap of Pinaud Clubman.

Challenge: very challenging, at first I was too thick to figure out how to play the game and then I went 7/32. Fine, I knew a couple more and brain farted. Strange to think my brain is putting together all this information when I have only owned samples of three of these scents.

Be well. Cheers!

June 10, 2024 – Purple Urple

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian #composite #SHD
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome
• Lather: Declaration Grooming/Chatillon Lux – B Cubed
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Trouble Maker

Not a fan of Bay Rums but the B Cubed is the one exception that I just happened into. To me it’s a finely sweet purple urple collaborative effort from DG and CL. As one good turn deserves another so does this lather pair with a new and excellent purple urple smokey lavender from Kyle from SBS. Sometimes everything comes together in a shave and tonight was one of them, spot on lather and shave.

As for a song to pair, I have to be an evangelist for the newish Mannequin Pussy album. Such a strong album front to back hard and fast and soft and dreamy. Punk as fuck with a soft poppy mellow center. This could also fall under the theme for today as it shows the excellency of both the band and super producer John Congleton, who reached out to the band to collaborate. I can’t pick a favorite to here’s the opener and title track: I Got Heaven

Cheers!

June 11, 2024 – Flowers Old and New

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Karve CB Head and ATT Handle #RAINBOW
• Blade: Voskhod (1)
• Lather: London Razors – Mountain Laurel
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Lilac Vegetal

Posted in March of 2021, Andrew at London Razors described his first scent as, “… an awesome scent to welcome Spring.” And it does just that. Green and clean and fresh morning dewy. And “The Veg” just paired so well as the Lilacs bloom in you guessed it, the Spring. Fresh new damp spring undergrowth as well as an old man splash of vernal bouquet.

And if you’re lucky enough after those April showers, you might get to peep a #rainbow, just like my hardware scavenger hunt today. So I thought I might tie that theme and hashtag and challenge all into the shave today. Pretty sure I got that ROYGBIV in my SOTD shot with a background of our lavender bush at its purplely height.

Cheers!

June 12, 2024 – Creamy Dreamy Evening

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (4)
• Lather: LEA – Classic Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Clubman
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal

Real great easy lather with a clean chilly scent. And the touch of mid-century modern design to my shave cave doesn’t hurt as well.

Speaking of shave cave, mine is just that. A subterranean escape (or possible hideout from those who may be listening, or judging) into a land of creamy dreams, that shave away the days worries while fortifying us for our work ahead. So it is only natural that alongside of my favorite artisanal soaps and splashes, next to my vintage razors and brushes, I place aspirational imagery and icons that inspire. Thank you, friends. Stallion’s Safe Space.

Cheers! And enjoy the shave between the blades.

Player has pictures of Airbud prominently displayed throughout his den.

June 13, 2024 – Arkansas Eye-talian via Chicago

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Piacenza
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Shiloh

Starting out in this hobby I had no idea what a a dupe was. I was just tired of cartridges and started to find out how deep this rabbit hole went when shopping on Maggard for a nice affordable aftershave. Naturally as a thrifty guy I refined by sale and found Shiloh from Chicago Grooming for a nice deal. The rest was history, it’s what I generously splashed with for my first date with Mrs. Stallion, though she’s never been the biggest fan, and I’m still kicking myself for not splurging and buying a whole set of Colonia my last night in Rome at their store next to the Spanish steps. Two weeks in Italy and I was still intimidated by the luxury stores.

Going backwards I matched my lather to my aftershave. Stirlings works but once I’m done this sample I’ll have to pick up some of that good duck base from Vita.

I have a little tease in my SOTD shot of my challenge label today. Maybe like a good artisan and fragrancier, I paid homage to the Stirling packaging rather than straight dupe it. So for a little bit more jazz I took reference from another member of our wetshaving community u/wyze0ne. Thanks for the inspo and always great labels! I had a lot of fun making this. Enjoy!

OP nailed the daily challenge. Killer label drawing in the style of Wyz0ne.

June 14, 2024 – Freezey Minty Stacky

• Brush: Ap Shave Co Synbad 24mm
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Noble Otter – Orbit
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal

Has the frozen lather bowl been done to death? How about an additional soak/rinse bowl? Maybe we throw in some mint? Im not the most extreme, but for me that’ll do. Pretty darn cool, man.

While the bowls were in the freezer, I did a quick stack. It was a bit better than the one in the SOTD, using a maggard handle as the base. But once the bowls were done I had to use the extra ice from weighing down the inner bowl and turn them into a stand for my stack.

Bowls turned out pretty good for the first time. But today has been the hottest day of the year so far and without central air these puppies started melting fast. But I was looking forward to the cool lather, or the lather I was able to make. Soaking/rinse bowl melted through before the end of the first pass but the lather bowl held up surprisingly well. Unfortunately, that nice tallow based soap didn’t play well with ice. But when on my face I couldn’t tell if it was the Orbits menthol or the ice that was cooling my face more. It was helped by the fact that I used the melting soak/rinse bowl to clean up between passes and at the ends. The second pass lather actually turned out quite nice and with the ease of the injector it was an overall a decent shave. Proof in the pudding pop.

Orbit is great. I can’t wait till the end of LG and I can make the rich yogurt lather it deserves. First time using Dammusi this year, crisp cool and salty. Thayers finished me off to match the Rose in Orbit. Good shave. Honestly will probably start experimenting with it the cold shave more this summer.

Edit: I also tried listening to the We Hate Movies podcast episode “Cool as Ice” where they talk about the Vanilla Ice movie. Couldn’t take the wacky banter though. Maybe next year I watch Cool as Ice and shave those lines in the side of my hair.

Cheers!

June 15, 2024 – Temporarily Here, Now

• Brush: Simpsons “The Duke” – Pure Badger #wedontneednostinkingbadgers
• Razor: Gillette Black Beauty #rustybuttrusty
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (2)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Seville
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Shiloh

I have a tough time finishing things. Especially things I really like. I watched/binged the new Battlestar Gallactica some 10 years ago while going through a bad breakup. But when it came to the series finale, maybe because of recent events, I just couldn’t let go. I finally sat down to finish it some two years later and realized I’d forgotten practically everything about the series.

And this is how I have treated my Seville since July of ‘22. This was my first tub purchase and the barbershop of the gods helped changed everything I thought about shaving and drove me further down the rabbit hole. I fell in love and I can’t let go. Unlike BSG, I have not forgotten this soap and at least for now won’t have to. I’ll hold on to ring maybe until I almost forget what it smells like and then pop the top to dive back to the beautiful things in my life in 2022.

For now though I’ll just have to do it the complete disservice of making a sticky pasty lather. And if I’m going to make a sub-par lather I might as well knock out a hardware scavenger hunt hashtag with this sub-par brush. I bought this along with a Merkur and some blades off of craigslist for 20 bucks, it’s quite shit, scratchy and uncomfortable, while shedding more than my cat in this old house with no AC. To be a bit more positive I closed this shave off with one my favorite splashes which is also the one closest to its finality, Chicago Grooming’s AdP Colonia dupe Shiloh. Here’s to accepting the mixed blessing that everything is finite.

Cheers!

June 16, 2024

• Brush: My Great Grandfathers Brush Handle with an Aliexpress G5 knot #fauxfur #runt
• Razor: Gillette Black Beauty #adjustable
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (3)
• Lather: Santa Maria Novella – Tabacco Toscano
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Clubman

Oof. I just lost my entire write up with a slip of the finger. Newly restored brush from my Great Grandfather that was handed down to me by my father. No idea on the date or brand but my Great Grandfather fled the Soviet’s from Lviv after the revolution, so I’m sure it fits the brief.

SOTD photo is actually inaccurate, used clubman because I like to save the SMN splash for special occasions.

We may have been at odds for many years but I love my father and am grateful I was able to speak to him today.

June 17, 2024 – Leftover Jelly Bean Knee

• Brush: Extro Comesi Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Gillette Black Beauty
• Blade: Gillette Platinum (4)
• Lather: Extro Cosmesi – Liquirizia & Magnolia
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – American Blend

Even as a child I was a weirdo who loved black licorice and still consider all sorts on of my favorite candies. So naturally I was enamored with my first splash of Fine’s take on Rive Gauche. This soap is a great start of the shave to, white floral and musky licorice. But I find it just too damn fluffy and can’t figure out how to perfect the lather. I absolutely love the scent of this soap but my skin hates it. My knee on the other hand did just fine!

Long day at work and another long one tomorrow. I could ramble on about Extro Cosmesi but you judges deserve a break from our yammering and probably had a long day at work too.

Cheers!

June 18, 2024 – Past, Present, and Future

• Brush: Great Grampa’s old handle with a G5 synthetic knot #frankenbrush
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome
• Lather: Obsessive Soap Perfectionist – Old Gold
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice Original

I’ve only been wetshaving the past two years so my collection has yet to include anything from artisans who’ve shuttered their doors. So I reached out to the great spice evangelist himself u/cowzilla3 to take him up on his generous offer over on the smoosh trading thread. He was more than happy to oblige but to my surprise it turns out only one of the many vendors he has reviewed has ceased operation, OSP. Obsessive Soap Perfectionist. I know no backstory on this artisans or have ever been a part of a board or Facebook group where his wares were popular or traded but it sounds like he sporadically put out high quality hard soaps. I’ll let brighter bulbs enlighten us about OSP Old Gold.A quick googling shows no recent activity and the link to his instagram in the Spice Off review now shows no user with that name. C’est la vie.

For me it was a fine shave. Scent was a bit weak. Super fluffy lather that irritated my skin a bit. Two passes after a long day. In the end, like a mother’s kiss to scraped knee, the Indian Old Spice made it all better.

For the challenge I paid homage to our brethren in my SOTD photo which highlights the quintessential photo of a blade sampler pack and the query of, “Which blade do I start with?”.

June 19, 2024 – The Union Forever.

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Black Beauty #adjustable
• Blade: 7 O’Clock – Sharpedge (Yellow)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Black Watch
• Post Shave: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Black Watch

Born in New York and raised in Pennsylvania, I am a Union man through and through. Growing up in the Greater Philadelphia area I have always had access to sites of some of the greatest importance for this country. Statues and placards abound, informing visitors and residents of this rich and complicated past. A few miles from my doorstep is statue a statue of one of the most highly regarded heroes to emerge from the Civil War, Ulysses S. Grant. Looking out over one of the most quintessential drives of Philadelphia,high on his horse Grant is an imposing reminder of our bloody and complicated past. (He also made the Klan and other ne’er do wells fuck right off during reconstruction.)

An hour down the road from Ulysses S. Grants birthplace, Point Pleasant, Ohio, is the home of Spearhead Shaving Company located in Miamisburg, Ohio. A quick wiki shows that with over 300,000 soldiers, including 5,000 of them free black men, Ohio is the state that enlisted the most soldiers by percentage of population to fight for emancipation.

While Dennis, u/Ironbeard_SYS , might not be a legendary hard nosed alcoholic military general and ex president, it seems he’s considered pretty legendary for his excellent Highland base as well as dedication to his community and their local music programs. Hear, hear!

I smelled of Black Watch all winter long and was happy to have this friend back on my face. Also got the Union country supplied Maggard synth and my Gillette Black Beauty in keeping with theme and color palette.

Challenge: Karate Kyle will always be my favorite early meme format.

And why not a random stolen US Grant meme while we’re at it

June 20, 2024 – Sunshine Lollipops and Hard Work

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Maggard V3
• Blade: 7 O’Clock – Sharpedge (Yellow) (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

Dammusi was the first HOM set I bought and first set I’ve bought on the day it was released. It took a moment for me to really get to know it and love it. While not directly marketed as a Summer scent, it is undoubtedly so. Released last year mid-June it was ready for the coming solstice with big bright citrus and briny watery wonderful. It’s sharp and dirty and with a chilled splash it’s a bracing dive into the ocean on the hottest of days. I love it and am lucky to have a Mrs. Stallion whom bought me a C+H brush to match shortly after.

I was going to play it safe with Waves but I just love this set so much I had to use it and let the chips lie where they may. For your judging convenience here is Ben’s words on the scent, “A beautifully unique fragrance featuring blood orange from Italy, Sicilian lemon, aleppo pine, herbs, white lily, transparent watery notes, and the cool earthy stone of the dammusi, ancient houses on the island of Pantelleria, located between Sicily and Tunisia”.

As for the challenge, I’m good on that noise today. I work twelve hour shifts, and heading out just ain’t in the cards tonight. And as someone not super deep into the subreddit I know old_hiker from his Friday posts, I always giggled and enjoyed the bit, and I get it, my work fucking sucks, sometimes, it really can make you resentful and see the worst in people and I take a ton of abuse, verbally and physically, it fucking sucks and I see and deal with the horrific and brutal and terribly tragic parts of life but I also fucking love it, it is meaningful and makes a real direct impact in other people lives and their quality of life. I work really fucking hard and I’m not going out in the woods tonight. It’s a bit of a big day for me and I’m feeling all the feels tonight. I have a really full life and I’m grateful of everything and everyone I have the opportunity to share space with. Especially for Mrs. Stallion, and Finnegan too. And thanks to you too out there. This is such and odd and fun month long shave party. Thank you judges, thank you airbudrulians, thank you u/old_hiker, I’m so happy you crossed that finish line and got to retirement. And stay cool my shaving brethren.

Enjoy the shave between the blades!

June 21, 2024 – Hotsy Totsy Fern Tonight!

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Maggard V3
• Lather: Martin de Candre – Fougere
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

This shave was made possible by a healthy smoosh sent to me by u/sandmanct1. Thanks! Followed up with Dammusi because it’s a furnace outside. Great shave, busy night. Enjoy your shave between your blades, and these daily challenge u/enndeegee limericks.

There once was a man named enndeegee Who replied to my post with a me me He said with a click You shall join my list You’re not a scrub but a squeegee

There once was a man named enndeegee Who said that my post was not for he Your entry denied You win not my prize But a scrub designation now leave me

There once was a man named enndeegee Who wanted to give out a freebie Tallow from bear He decided to share So give us your best SOTD

Got not one but 3 limmericks. All pretty decent

June 22, 2024 – Phoning it in.

• Brush: Great Grampa’s old brush handle with a CDMG G5 synthetic knot #fauxfur
• Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Samhain
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice Original

Most low effort I got for the games so far. On the road, big day tomorrow. Spooky spicy so good vegan lather. And a retro spicy Grampa splash. Enjoy your shave between the blades, cheers!

June 23, 2024 – Airbnb Blues

• Brush: Great Grampa’s old brush handle with a CDMG G5 synthetic knot #fauxfur
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Lather: Jordan’s Shaving – Blueberry Muffin
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice Original

Quick post. I’m on the road right now, for reasons I don’t think I’ll get into on here….

BUT im staying at an Airbnb and completed the challenge in this oddly clean yet dirty apartment. Before I go here’s a tour of all the Airbnb cliches’I found.

Enjoy your shave between the blades!

June 24, 2024 – Thanks, Reddit!

• Brush: Omega 10065 #HOLLOW
• Razor: Maggard V3
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Remote Learning
• Post Shave: Old Spice – Old Spice Original

So tonight’s shave really is a bit of research on my end. I had never tried this infamous “meme” soap but have enjoyed seeing it pop up now and again on the sub. Most memorably in the Great Spice Off review by none other than u/cowzilla3. So when I saw him on the smoosh trading thread evangelizing his spicy wares I had to take him up on it. Like I mentioned before this is a bit more of research on my end, I know how “Doug” performs from my various SBS soaps, what I wanted to feel tonight was the je ne sais quoi. Because the more I spend time on this sub and especially during LG, I wonder, what can I bring to the table. There are so many talented people on this sub, maybe I set out my own path in this community and really dive into territories unknown… dupes. I really dont want to give to much away but it might be ready sooner than later. Hold on to your butts.

Not much else to say here about this shave that wasnt covered by cowzilla. Just of note had to show off my new acquisition from Maggards this weekend, nice little plastic Omega jawn. I started my boar adventure with a Zenith as per the dictates of this sub and wanted to try the cheap shit, and hell it was on sale. And what a better way to break in a stinky ass unbleached fresh out of the plastic box shedding italian boar brush than with the heavens scent of Remote Learning. What a time to be alive.

For the challenge… who should do the next sub exclusive? Proraso, I hear it’s really slick. Plus, the green styling and italianess will go with the subbroosh.

Enjoy your shave between the blades!

June 25, 2024 – Ho Ho Ho!

• Brush: Omega 10065
• Razor: Berkeley Shave Selector
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Christmas Eve
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Christmas Eve

Quick shave and post today, I’ve got something else cooking in the lab for tomorrow. Getting an earlier shave in today since I have beat all you other plebs and get my shave product up before you beat me to it! I have my suspicions.

On the nose of the theme, not a fan of smelling this in the dreadful heat. Also don’t think it’s going to pair well with the fresh from the garden pesto tonight. Whatever. Players gonna play. Shooters gonna shoot.

Also, this Berkeley shave selector is pretty neat and gifted to me by my father when he handed down all of my great grandfathers shaving supplies. I had a red and green brush to match but I’d rather fuck around with my new omega.

For the challenge: I’ve always been a hat guy and this is my newest.. Picked this up at a gravel ridein upstate NY this weekend. Great and challenging route that I had to cut a bit short due to the extreme heat and ensuing tornado warning/downpour. But this subreddit likes a good charity, so check out Capital Streetswhich put on the event to raise money and awareness to help build a better bike infrastructure for the Great Capital Region of NY state.

Also, you should go check out the second most popular pod in the sub right now.

Enjoy the shave between the blades!

June 26, 2024 – Artisano Stalliano y Formaggio de Nacho

Brush: Remote Learnding Release Day exclusive Hand Altered Italian Boar Brush #doublehollow  
Razor: Gillette Tech Fat Handle  
Lather: St.U.P.I.D Soapworkery – Remote Learnding  
Post Shave: Pinaud – Lime Sec  

Well well well well well, it looks at 4 something am I am already late to the party? Seems like u/tetriside and u/priusauras have already been divinely inspired by the nacho cheese and dewey goodness as well and set their bar. Looks like it 's time I set mine. 

But before I do I have to give some acknowledgements for what you're about to witness. A big thanks to all who have shared their knowledge and guidance over the past vague amount of time. Those that have inspired me from afar and been a mentor beside me. Most importantly i'd like to thank u/airbudruler and every Air Bud Rulian out there who works to forward an ethos of shaving at is not just a nice ritual or a routine but a path to freedom through the multiplicity of ways we engage with this hobby. And, in a greater sense, life itself. Soapmakers, handleturners, restorers, perfumers, daily SOTD posters, shitposters, wet tubers, those banished to the lands of wicked_edge, and even mods and judges. I see you, I see your work, I see your efforts and I applaud them. Though you may not know it now, I hope that one day each of us see how our collective efforts in these games can "free us from mental slavery"

******Star Wars Intro Music*****

*******Michael Buffer "Lets Get Ready to Rumble*******

*****Movie Guy, "In a world...***

****-Fade to black, open in IMAX 5D... RALPH-*****

****Air Horn, Air Horn,Air Horn, Air Horn, Long Air Horn*********

That's right, in a wetshaving world with        FEW.     TOO.      LITTLE.     DUPES.

Here I stand. 

As a man. 

A man with ideas. 

A man with ideas about making MORE DUPES (an homage really). 

MY DUPES (again, more of an homage). 

And today I share with you my new DUPE (homage) company....

St.U.P.I.D. Soapworks "Stallion's Uninformed Purposefully Idiotic Dupes" And I can't be a soapworkery, especially not a dupe soapworkery (or should i say WOKEery), without a soap, without a dupe (homage) soap. So I decided to look towards a great inspiration, u/rocketk445, his great base, Doug, and in my opinion his signature scent that should have been nominated for a golden pear: "Remote Learning". That scent, which I only know from a smoosh from u/cowzilla3, is as the kids say... FIRE! 

June 27, 2024

• Brush: Omega 10065
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – A Midnight Dreary
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles – A Midnight Dreary

Just getting this in on time. Busy day/night. Already mourning the coming end of the games but will also be relieved.

Here’s the write up from Chris on his website for a midnight dreary, “A Poe inspired soap with notes of Orchid, Lotus, Spices, Black Currant, Black Truffle, Jasmine, Dark Chocolate, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber and Vanilla.” On my count that’s twelve.

Challenge. Lather with and did my first pass with my left hand. Used the forgiving Schick with fine results.

Enjoy the shave between the blades!

June 27, 2024

• Brush: Omega 10065
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – A Midnight Dreary
• Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles – A Midnight Dreary

Just getting this in on time. Busy day/night. Already mourning the coming end of the games but will also be relieved.

Here’s the write up from Chris on his website for a midnight dreary, “A Poe inspired soap with notes of Orchid, Lotus, Spices, Black Currant, Black Truffle, Jasmine, Dark Chocolate, Patchouli, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Amber and Vanilla.” On my count that’s twelve.

Challenge. Lather with and did my first pass with my left hand. Used the forgiving Schick with fine results.

June 28, 2024 – Fun Affordables

• Brush: Omega 10065
• Razor: Diane Double Edge Shaver
• Lather: Cella – Milano Crema Da Barba
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Clubman

The true highlight of today’s shave is the Diane Razor. Picked this 2 piece plastic razor on my lunch break on day 9 of this month, Shave and a Haircut…”. Stepped out at lunch and walked a couple blocks down to the black beauty shop in search of some barbering supplies scents I’d never from my own upbringing. And surely enough I found Clubman. I always hated the smell of the talc as a child but since wetshaving have been more open to the powdery world of scents so I picked it up. The only other options were brut, razor bump specific creams, and Pinaud hair tonics. I stuck with what was familiar. And it is a charming scent. BUT, on the way out I spotted this little beauty sitting on top of a pile of random dusty forgotten products for a mere $2.99, with two included Kai blades to boot. Suck on that Assured for Men!

Here a little gallery of the razor if you’re so inclined. Per their website it looks like they refreshed their branding since this razor was produced. They promote themselves as a grooming company founded in 1954 that serves many ethnicities but specializes in textured hair. Checking the current men’s grooming line they sadly do not produce a safety razor but have multiple shavettes marketed as straight razors and even sell a boar lathering brush.

This razor was pretty forgiving. Comparing with a slim adjustable it seemed about the same as a three. Fine shave in a pinch and perfect for the theme and challenge of this day.

Cella was exactly Cella, yummy European almond with good performance. And clubman was clubman. Also, I can’t stop from raving about this Omega I got for $7.75 from Maggards. All and all it was a nice change of pace tonight and got me outside my usual shopping and shaving routine. They helped to make a fun SOTD phototo boot!

Enjoy the shave between the blades!

OP found this ultra-cheap razor in a barbershop and shows it off.

Good post, but really just commenting to highlight the fantastic photo.

June 29, 2024 – Sandalmeh?

• Brush: Great Grampa’s old brush handle with a CDMG G5 synthetic knot #fauxfur
• Razor: Gillette Black Beauty
• Lather: Zingari Man – The Traditionalist
• Post Shave: Panta Rei – Ibla
• Fragrance: Southern Witchcrafts – Desairology

Okay so I guess im not one for sandalwood. I picked up stirlings sandalwood last year for this day and was unimpressed but chalked it up to maybe weak scent concentration. This year I thought I’d knock off a sponsor point and use Zingari Man’s most sandalwood forward scent, The Traditionalist. Sandalwood • Musk • Pepper is what’s listed on the label. Just smells like a woody creamy caramel or butterscotch to me, still not a fan. The Zingari Man was a great base tho.

I tossed on the only splash I have that lists Sandalwood, Panta Rei’s Ibla, which is mostly bright wood and herby but it seems like the sandalwood rounds it out. As for Desairology I really can’t pick out a definitive sandalwood scent but it’s not an unpleasant scent.

Today’s Challenge: Just like back in middle school I’m going to be “inspired” by other people’s homework. I honestly am amazed how everyone has kept up with all the players and posts in this game. I feel like I’ve missed so much as this month has flown by, luckily the podcast has kept me up to date with everyone’s shenanigans. Seems like for the most part the cream rises to the top.I’m just going to list out my favorite players by their alternate universe name…

u/embracepail had my favorite overall post with his icing shave. That candle on top had me laughing.

u/insightodon is going to make it back to back win though.

u/señornaranjaatmosphere gave him a real run for his money and had some of the funniest write ups despite English not being his first language.

u/aliumstank despite becoming a djudge played a strong game.

u/beefmonstertres kept it light all games by playing his own games.

And u/EmmCeeBee wrapped up his annual tally of those that brought the posts with abrasion or without abrasion, here’s to hoping for that deer tallow soap.

Enjoy the shave between the blades!

June 30, 2024 – Love ya babies.

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Great Grampa’s German Jawn
• Blade: Dorco ST-300
• Lather: Phoenix & Beau – Spitfire
• Post Shave: Myrsol – Agua Balsamica

Good morning wetshaving cadre! Welp, here we are. We made it. I promised myself I would do better than last year. And I did, I left a ton of points out there but I had a ton of fun and got to be creative and get weird with it. So why not one more bit of fun, whats say we do a public shave and keep it on theme for today. I’ll finish out the games the way I intended to open it, on the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art, in the state of Philadelphia, and in the United States of America, where yes judges, I am a resident/citizen.

Last year I got my first recognition on the pod by responding to u/J33pGuy13 and his insistence that ROTY candidates needed to “Step it up!”. I couldnt help but respond with some snark. In my school age years I was never one to get in trouble for my initial disturbances but the ensuing outbursts to those in authority. I was once arrested and got myself shackles instead of cuffs because I ignored the officers instructions and went back in my car for a cigarette. So as one to not take the suggestion from authority lightly I spite shaved on a step stool for a few subsequent shaves. This year I stepped it up metaphorically by putting a bit more effort into my write ups/challenges/photos by taking advantage of the license many other shavers out there give in being accepted and even respected for doing kooky shit.

Well, I’ll keep the bit going one more time and shave at one of the most visited sights in my home city by international visitors, the Rocky steps. At any time of day or night you can find people emulating our hometown fictional figurehead by running up the steps and raising their arms in exaltation. Rocky seems to have been a perfect representation of our hard-nosed underdog city and resonates the world over. This morning is no different, someone getting their tourist shot with the statue, someone finishing their workout, and another filming a family member doing their best impersonation of Mr. Balboa. Today I join them not in the run, but spirit, as I shave victorious at the top of these steps for going thirty rounds with all you other sickos.

Here’s the gallery.

In front of me is Benjamin Franklin Parkway which is adorned with flags from around the world and behind me the Philadelphia Museum of Art which displays artwork from great masters around the globe. On my face today an international setup representing the UK with lather, Germany with razor, Spain with aftershave, Italy with brush, Korea with blade, and why not a little bit of water for the lather from the island of Fiji.

It was a beautiful and peaceful shave to cap of the month. Like many things going on in a major city no one paid me much mind except for a few strange looks and a remark by some tourists. Big thanks goes out to u/crossan1983, not just for his great SOTD shots throughout the game, but for sending me a generous sample of soup from around the world. Ultimately, I decided on the Phoenix and Beau, a great rugged leathery scent and soap that deserved better than the nervous lather I provided it. I could go on and on but ill try to keep it tighter than I already have. I’m at work and have got a big day ahead of me and not sure if I’ll have time to get back to this and provide a better write up. Thanks so much to everyone involved here.

One more time, a quick note of recognition to u/airbudruler, who not only provided the theoretical groundwork to self-emancipate myself from the shaving oppression and play my own game, but also helped drag me a little deeper into this world and have a ton of fun. Cheers to everyone. And for now and always…

Enjoy the shave between the blades!

User shaves at the site of Rocky ascending the stairs in Philly.

Im not sure, I could be way off base but maybe just maybe it might just be the magic of AirBud himself that has been woven into the fabric to the Lather Games. Maybe the swords can be laid to rest and turned into ploughshares. Great shaving minds amongst us have been liberated without battle but a by a spirit so strong that even the cabal as we know it may have had their hearts softened. Maybe im a dreamer, but definitely not the only one. Rest easy for now my friend.