July 1, 2023 – Facing Frontwards for my First Lather Games!

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: Grooming Dept – Corretto
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – American Blend
• Post Shave: Thayers – Rose Petal

Phew! The competition seems pretty stiff already. Just going to take it day to day shave by shave and we’ll get there, right? Right? RIGHT?! For new all the things I was able to finally try Grooming Dept courtesy of u/Tetriside, he kindly sent me a smush of Coretto. Unfortunately, I wasnt able to make the greatest of lather and this month will be a process in learning how to best build lather from smushes and samples as I’m used to overzealously lathering from the tub. The scent is very very pleasant, and I chose it since it's a bit out of my wheelhouse. To my ignorant knows it's a kinda boozy, chocolately, and jelly beany cologney thing. Its even continuing to hold its own over the AB splash and Thayers.

And yes, while I know yes I know this is not a new “type” of razor for me, this is my first time using the Gillette Guard. I’ll be taking a short trip out to LA from Philly next week and bought this because TSA. Thought I might as well give it a shot today at least in the spirit of the games. Definitely a mild and easy shave, I see why these are so often reccomended on the sub and sold at Maggard's. Two passes today with a very light touch to get through the month and a new blade in my Schick tomorrow.

Might as well add my song/podcast per shave in here too. Pavement – Frontwards popped up first on my spotify tonight while soaking my brush.

https://youtu.be/ZQAy08UQP-A

Cheers! Shaka Emoji.

#ROTY

July 2, 2023 – From Italia With Love… And No Cows.

• Brush: Extro Comesi Synthetic 26mm Italian Flag
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector (1)
• Lather: Panta Rei – Ibla
• Post Shave: Panta Rei – Ibla

A quick rushed shave for today as I’m cleaning the house and getting ready for three 12 hr shifts in a row and then off to LA the morning after. I also put my foot in my mouth early this morning and am in the doghouse, so am trying to make up for it around the house. Here’s to thoughts of better times and our first big vacation together, Italy. The brush comes from a fragrance shop right outside the Vatican and the Panta Rei Ibla set from a vape shop in Venice. Panta Rei’s products are made by Tcheung Fung Sing and use a coconut base, so a big fluffy lather with a generous bright oriental scent. I first shaved with this set after picking it up while wandering around the city in the morning while my girlfriend slept in. We went out for our last meal in Venice that night, capping off a whirlwind trip that we embarked upon after only being together for 6 months. This splash puts me right back in our chairs outside of a queit trattoria with a gentle rain in the background. Here’s to memory, scent, and all those in the future.

Podcast of the Day: WTF with Marc Maron- Kyle Kinane. I dont keep up with this pod as much as I used to but I love the familiarity between this two and the fact that Kyle can push back a little with Marc. Fun light listen.

Cheers! Shaka emoji.

ROTY

July 3, 2023 – I Can’t Escape Italia

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian #composite

• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1 #illfuckindoitagain

• Blade: Personna Injector (2)

• Lather: Cella – Milano Crema Da Barba

• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Shiloh

I often get mistaken as an Italian American. I am not. I am a mutt mish mash of 18th century American Anglos and 20th century Eastern European immigrants. Yet, people repeatedly casually assume that I am a Philadelphia Paesan. My online personna may not show it, but i am loud, boisterous, personable, and a bit brash, all common social traits of my home city brethren. Maybe that’s also why my first international trip as an adult of 39 last year was to Italy. I could have just bought this Cella from any of our preffered retailers, but why not go get it from the source and smuggle it back home. At first I wasnt impressed but this soap has grown on me. It’s no nonsense for me and for whatever reason, this new badger of mine loves it. Great clean 2.5 pass shave finished off with an Italian inspired splash, Chicago Grooming ADP-colonia dupe, shiloh.

For the u/RedMosquitoMM challenge, I had to to look back through his post and how to honor as I havent had many if any interactions with him. Seems like he’s a bit of a connoisseur of the bespoke brushed, so I decided to use my new badger from Chisel and Hound. Maybe it’s breaking in more, maybe its me, or maybe just the soap, but this brush and cella loved each other. Also in honor of his win last year, I’ll try a little extra tonight and go for a couple scavenger points.

Night night shave homies. Shaka emoji.

ROTY

July 5, 2023 – All Things Must Pass

• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector (4)
• Lather: Ultra Max – Shave Cream Extra Thick
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – American Blend

Todays theme was an excellent opportunity to go into the independently owned dollar store type place on the old Main Street of my new neighborhood. I’ve been eyeing it up, you can tell from the old awning it was a post-war five and dime when the neighborhood was really thriving. I expected to see evidence of the old shop when I went in, dreaming of the original tin ceiling. And I was immediately let down when greeted with stained dropped ceiling and rows of sad and even more sad imported crap home goods. But hey the store is now going out of business and everything was 30 percent off. It was tough but I decided to pass of the cool water homage scented oil. Luckily I did find this industrial can of Goop. 14 ounces for 1.39 after discount! A dime an ounce, and I tell you it was worth every penny. I mean not the scent but the shave surprised me. 2 pretty gentle pass shave with an acceptable result. But as a man who lived a life of odd struggle here and there I needed a splash I could count on. I mean all these red shave cans are ultimately homages of Barbasol so why not splash the American Blend. Fun shave. But I will never again hand face lather the oddest foamy almost putty like soap with a scent reminiscent of a goodwill sofa with potpourri donated from the early 90s jammed into the seat cushions. Love the playlist tho.

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 6, 2023 – Travel Tower

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Blade: Gillette Guard (2)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Dammusi
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

Welp. Landed in LA, got to the Airbnb, and opened up the Dopp kit to shave before a dinner out with my girlfriend and her friend we came to visit. Dammusi seemed like the perfect scent for beautiful evening, blue skies and sunshine. I love how the scent on the splash settles in. Also it really is the post shave my skin loves the best.

My travel kit was perfect for this special challenge. As you can see an old noosa container is my travel bowl that also conveniently is my brush case and can hold multiple sample, perfect for the upcoming week of LG on the road. For my splashes I use blue apron containers that previously held vinegar. And the Gillette guard surprises me, nice and mild, zero irritation. Headed out on the town feeling sharp thanks u/mammothben

Cheers! Shaka Emoji.

ROTY

July 7, 2023 – Massacre of the MAMIL

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Massacre of the Innocents
• Post-Shave Fine Accouterments - American Blend

Spicy. In the world of road cycling that’s what we call a group ride that is a little faster than advertised. One where you weren’t expecting to be huffing and puffing and trying desperately to hold on to the wheel of the rider in front of you before getting dropped entirely and having to limp your way home alone. Massacre of the innocents is the spiciest I’ve got and turns out, despite some random internet reviews, it’s not all that spicy. In road cycling terms it’s a coffee ride, one where you get to know the rider next to you, spin the legs and spin the yarn, while getting a decent workout, and stopping halfway for coffee and a pastry. Great. Just not that spicy. Maybe next year. The scent really reminded me of some NO scents. Finished it off with my usual American Blend for that anise to mix with that soft cinnamon of the massacre. Thanks again to u/Tetriside for the smush to help me get through this LG. Riding up Mt. Baldy this Sunday, hoping I don’t bonk on the way up! I’ve got another cycling themed shave coming up later in the month that I’m super psyched about. Any other MAMILs (middle age men in Lycra) out there? Anyone following the Tour de France? Now that I’m shaved, time to enjoy some conveyor belt sushi.

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 8, 2023 – Thanks Maggard!

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: Maggard Razors – Limes & Bergamot
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

Like many others on here and because of here I started on my wetshaving journey with the starter kit from Maggard, V3 head, and Limes and Bergamot soap. And look at me now competitively shaving on a daily basis for a full month. It’s been almost on the nose 15 months since I placed that first order and I truly am grateful for how they’ve helped turn a frustrating chore into a beautiful ritual that has truly increased my quality of life.

The maggard brush has been relegated to my travel brush, but I have to say it really could be the only brush you need, especially with the smushes I’ve packed, it makes easy work of them and builds a quick lather. I really should have used the Shiloh aftershave I brought since that was my first post shave I bought from Maggard, but I can’t help splashing this Dammusi on a blue sky day.

Over on the DQ, I’ve enquirer about a fair trade for my Gillette slim. https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/14tvgmp/saturday_daily_questions_newbie_friendly_jul_08/jr6fnid/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=ioscss&utm_content=1&utm_term=1&context=3

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 9, 2023 – Coffee and Donuts?

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Leviathan
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – American Blend

Shave in the kitchen? Well it’s my lucky week because I’ve been relegated to shaving in the kitchen for the past 3 shaves, today being the fourth. Turns out, our Airbnb out here in sunny Los Angeles does not have a sink in the bathroom. And since we’re on vacation we’ve decided to not bother with cooking this week.Just cereal and coffee in the morning. So no real hiccups with this shaving arrangement until yesterday when with my back turned one of those old cereal bowls with milk was placed in the bowl I was using as rinse. Oh the hilarity. I should soak it in now as I will only have two more shaves to soak in the joy of shaving with a Gillette Guard in a strangers converted garage vintage industrial sink. The accordion style mirror is pretty cool tho, if less than practical.

As for the shave, Leviathan was as it is, just not for me but I gave it a shot and got a sample with the last release. I can smell more than just the dark bitterness but not often enough. In honor of the shave I did finish off the end of a cold cup of coffee from this morning as my pre shave. As always great performance. As for what goes best with coffee…. Donuts! And we have yet to enjoy the pleasures of this city’s donuts. Thinking we may go all in tomorrow and track them down, anyone have suggestions?

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 11, 2023 – Friendship for Everyone!

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Dayman
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Contemplation

Dayman (ah-ah-ah) Fighter of the Nightman (ah-ah-ah) Champion of the Sun! (ah-ah-ah) You’re a Master of Karate And Friendship For Everyone Dayman (ah-ah-ah) Fighter of the Nightman (ah-ah-ah) Champion of the Sun (ah-ah-ah) You’re a Master of Karate And Friendship For Everyone! Dayman!

Need I sing more? If you are not an IASIP fan, this is the perfect episode to start with; The Nightman Cometh, season 4 episode 13. My soap label was designed in the illiterate styling of Charlie Kelly.

Wishing I got this shave posted earlier as I was looking forward to this post for awhile.

Scent is fire, orangey yellow bright citrus with definite brininess to it, paired so so well with contemplation as a splash. Love DG!

Cheers!

ROTY

July 12, 2023

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Shire
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Contemplation

HOM rulez. I’m tired and barely got this in. Sweet green summery grass to send me to bed. 🤙

ROTY

July 13, 2023

• Brush: Ap Shave Co Synbad 24mm
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Shannon’s Soaps – Bay Patchouli Grapefruit
• Post Shave: Proraso – Menthol and Eucalyptus

There was a wayward time of my life where a woman drug me around to jam band shows and may have provided a variety of consumables before me to consume. I saw thing. And I smelled things. People, places, plants, oils. Yeah, there was a lot of patchouli during those wayward times. Never on me, but my god was it everywhere. I also worked for an independent natural foods store run by anthroposophists, where patchouli was seemingly pumped through the air vents. Im not ashamed of them but I don’t miss those times and I certainly do not miss those scents. Bay rum is a big no no for me as well but here we are. The grapefruit was a bit redeeming but faded quickly from the smush that was so generously provided to me by u/eructate. First time using Shannon’s, great performance. I had no idea what to splash so I just went clean and generic, good for Shannon that the scent continues to shine through the menthol and eucalyptus, bad for me being smelling like my ex girlfriend and minimum wage work slinging granola while deathly hungover.

For this challenge there really is only one song to rule them all. I saw there was some Ween in here earlier, whose fans may oftentimes smell like patchouli, but this song nails the theme on the head with some lighthearted(?) irreverence to this often terribly used scent…

Ween- Hippy Smell

mostperfectsongforthisthemeeverrrrrrr

ROTY

July 14, 2023 – Orbit Day?

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Noble Otter – Orbit
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

I’m hitting a wall mid lather games and am phoning it in for this middle week. But a quick not on the shave. Orbit was the first soap that really wowed me after getting a bunch of samples from maggards. The scent was more muted than I remembered but great performance. Dammusi finished the shave nicely with a crisp and briny splash to the face with again more menthol. These both have just enough and don’t think I could handle much more.

For the challenge I was worried about absolutely murdering my face ATG but lol went pretty well, I think I’m in that sweet spot with my Personna injector blade, 4? And I shaved late last night. Smooth work on the face and I even went xtg on the neck for my first pass.

I’m going to enjoy the last hour now before I head back into work after a beautiful vacation and start a night shift stretch.

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 15, 2023 – Not so chipper Chypre

• Brush: Ap Shave Co Synbad 24mm
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Le Grand Chypre
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Le Grand Chypre

In the middle of a night shift run at work and can’t sleep. So here’s a low effort post for a low effort shave. Two pass LGC dickhole. Sorry, Charlie.No water sports video from me. Stay rad. 🤙

ROTY

July 16, 2023 – Barbershop and Clean Green

• Brush: Ap Shave Co Synbad 24mm
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Seville
• Post Shave: Proraso – Menthol and Eucalyptus
• Fragrance: Ralph Lauren – Polo Cologne Intense

I’m sure I’m not the only one here whose first full tub of premium soap was Seville. Phenomenal, mic drop soap, a high bar set. Only a handful of shaves left in this tub. I’m not sure I’m going to chase down another barbershop when this is done but we’ll see. Going simple with the Italian barber standard as my splash to stay on theme as well as compliment the first true fragrance I’ve bought for myself in years. I really don’t want to go down the fragrance rabbit hole but it seems inevitable. Green Intense seemed like a safe and clean bet for high summer and will perfectly compliment both the Seville and Proraso.

No meme made me laugh as much as Karate Kyle. Also, I LOVE my after shaves.

ROTY

July 17, 2023

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Schick Injector Type G3
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Champs de Lavande
• Post Shave: Pinaud – Styptic Pencil

This is the first of two DG and Chatillon Lux collabs this week and they’re both bangers. Quick shave before work. Switched up to the G style since it’s a little more mild. Back to the badger and it’s luxurious. For the challenge the closest thing I got to alum is the styptic pencil, so I rolled it across my face like drawing with a crayon on it side. Miserable and totally unnecessary, I really only reach for this when I have a weeper that won’t stop which is infrequent. I love an alcohol forward splash so Fine always works well with me and my skin. Anise in the AB to complement to lavender blend. Keep it rad. 🤙

ROTY

July 18, 2023 – Shorter Sweeter

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Samhain
• Post Shave: Santa Maria Novella – Tabacco Toscano

Getting close to throwing in my Lancaster Razors towel. I don’t have the time or energy for all this strange. Here’s a photo with a few whiskers you sickos

ROTY

July 19, 2023 – Balboa from here on out.

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (2)
• Lather: LEA – Classic Shaving Cream
• Post Shave: Proraso – Menthol and Eucalyptus

Yeah mang, no sock for me today. I’ve realized I’m taking the Rocky route for the rest of this LG. I’m just trying to survive, make it to the last bell. My lather will be on theme and I’ll post daily, but I only have one trick up my sleeve to finish this month out. I doubt that haymaker will even land, but I just gotta stay upright.

LEA, I’ve always been curious and im just a sucker for well done classic design/deco. How could you not love that beautiful tube. Purchased this for LG and I love it. I used a brush today to practice for u/cowzilla3 Tale the East Route Austere August, which was a total sight for sore eyes. Such an easy lather, such a great clean scent. This setup may totally work for the month, save for the razor and post shave. Have a great night everyone.

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 20, 2023 – Ciao!

• Brush: Extro Comesi Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (3)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Piacenza
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. (Formerly Oleo Soapworks) – Shiloh

Acqua do Parma Colonia. This was my first artisan aftershave. What I wore on my first date with my partner. Eight months later we were walking by the AdP storefront next to the Spanish steps in Rome. Life is good, love is good, and these dupes serve to always remind me of that. Shiloh is a big bright lemon head. Drying down into something sparkly and powdery and beautiful. Stirlings Piacenza is a bit more muted and earthier. Not overwhelming but clean, setting you up for the sharp splash from Shiloh. I built a quick but great lather with my tricolor Italian flag brush that I purchased just outside the Vatican walls. This is too good a memory and scent for me to waste a shitty lather on. Love on. 🤙

ROTY

July 21, 2023 – Dirty green powder boy

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (4)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Varen
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Stirling Green

Best lather off my fanchurian so far. Varen to me a deep dirty green. Stirling Green, based off the classic woody Chypre, Polo Green, splashed on sharp and was a wake up with a powder down.

Powder Boy Haiku:

Basement. Bathroom. Lights.

Alone with few simple tools.

Daily woes erased

ROTY

July 22, 2023 – Still got them furry legs and furry lip

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Blackberry Blossom Bay
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Arkadia

Yeah. I’ve got about 58 minutes left to post this. Maybe if I had a bit more time today but other things took priority. Good shave regardless.

Got this B cubed in a bundle of the bazaar and it really surprised me. Not a fan of bay rum but this is done so well, light tobacco with the sweetness of the blackberry is great. Arkadia’s citrus and cedar really paired well. Time to start thinking about finishing out strong with some hardware points in our last week of shaves. Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 23, 2023 – OoooOoooOoohhh my favorite!

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian #composite
• Razor: Gillette Super Adjustable #dial
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (1)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Hamami
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Hamami

This was my first purchase with my partner first in mind and consideration. She has familial roots where hammams are commonplace. Plus the jasmine and wet stone intrigued her. It wasn’t at first but over time it’s been a more difficult scent for me to wear. But sure enough tonight when I came up from my shave den her eyes lit up as soon as she smelled me. I do this hobby first for me, but I love doing it for her too.

Late to the party with the scavenger hunt and going to try to fit it all in this last week. So with my other photo I also have dial and composite.

Have a great night all. 🤙

ROTY

July 24, 2023 – Kamsamida!

• Brush: AP Shave Co Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech #regus
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (2)
• Lather: ideal for men: perfect cleansing all in one foam
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

I had every intention of posting a shave from a random smush I was gifted earlier this month, instead my girlfriends parents recently came back from South Korea and brought me some shaving cream! I could have used the google translate to read the description and possible directions for use but I enjoy the mystery of it all. Apparently they asked my girlfriend if I wanted anything from there in passing and I asked for something shaving related, forgetting completely about it. It actually sent them out a a fun scavenger hunt through Seoul going from pharmacy to pharmacy using their hands and poor Korean to find it. I’m thankful for them. On to the shave, I attempted to lather this like I do LEA, smear on my face and use a warm damp brush to build a lather, but this stuff just gummed up the brush and no lather this made. It really just seemed more intensive care lotion than soap in any form. Smelled like it to, every now and then I thought I’d get a whiff of commercial soap scent, but it would pass and go back to smelling like Jergens. Slick shave though. I did two acceptable passes with the Tech for an unsatisfying yet comfortable shave. Not sure I’ll be using this again anytime soon, but the sentiment was nice, and it got me another unique shave for LG!

u/cowzilla3, thanks for the old spice write ups, I think they may be what got me to jump from wicked_edge to this rabbit hole. Just really appreciate the effort and execution. I have an affinity for that scent as well and reminds me of my father wearing big wooly sweaters in the winter and smelling like Old Spice. Maybe soon I’ll buy some of that Indian stuff. Also am grateful for the easy mode Austere August challenge. I won’t be shaving daily but I’ll still post my shaves with the same easiest set up throughout the month, at the end I’ll also drop a donation in the Planned Parenthood basket. Not to mention the Air Bu……. Anyways, thanks for keepin it rad. 🤙

ROTY

[July 25, 2023 – Cranberry and Cedar Tidings via Ladder] (https://imgur.com/a/dK46pcw)

• Brush: Extro Comesi Synthetic 26mm
• Razor: Berkeley Shave Selector #unicorn
• Blade: Astra SP (Green) (3)
• Lather: K Shave Worx – The Elf Den
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Arkadia

This shave tonight is a Christmas in July gift to our master of ROTY u/J33pguy13. Not only did I step it up and complete the challenge using my left hand but I took his advice/chiding to really “step it up”. So I decided to “step it up”. As you can see in my SOTD photo, I pulled out my step ladder. I shaved my first pass with my left hand while on the first step of my ladder hunched over to look in the mirror at my disastrous and confusing shave. I hope this is what he meant because I’d rather not shave on a ladder for the remaining week, please confirm or deny.

First time using K shave worx. No complaints, fine lather but also no compliments. Was really looking forward to the balsam but I only got the cranberry, which was nice. I find Arkadia similar in being a little one note, cedar. But. They do well together and it was a fine shave, if a bit dodgy from the technique.

The highlight of this shave though I think is my #unicorn razor. This was actually my great grandfathers razor. Produced for one year in 1946, the Berkeley Shave Selector is a neat little adjustable razor. Surprisingly aggressive, tighten down its more aggressive than a tech. Here’s a link to a thread with a better overview than I can provide. https://theshavingcadre.com/threads/1946-berkeley-shave-selector.2166/

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 26, 2023 – Tour de Lather

• Brush: Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Schick Injector Type I1
• Blade: Personna Injector
• Lather: Chamois Butt’r – Coconut
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Varen
• Post Shave: Proraso – Menthol and Eucalyptus
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Contemplation

So as mentioned in the previous theme day where we discuss our other hobbies, I am a cyclist. Loathed by both driver a pedestrian everywhere. I wear Lycra and ride on an expensive but not too expensive bicycle for way to long to the frustration of my partner. An essential part of your “kit” is a good bib with a good chamois, basically overalls with a butt and ball pad. Why this is important can be explained here.On top of that for extra comfort and to protect from sores or chafing on hot, extended, or very rigorous rides some people use Chamois Butt’r, the major branded anti chafe cream. I do use it on occasion and like a good wetshaving sicko, I use the euro style, which is mentholated. That was my first choice but then I found out they came out with one that used coconut oil s it’s second ingredient! Also in a convenient one time use sample size? Fluffy lather here I come!

Or not.

To keep on with my cycling theme I wore my favorite pair of bibs, socks, shoes, and not seen the photo, a neon yellow cap. For a lather bowl, I used an old, VERY CLEAN, pair of shorts with a chamois. And for this weeks u/J33pguy13 unofficial step it up challenge, I upped the ante and stood on not one but TWO step ladders for my first pass.

We’ll the Butt’r didn’t lather, it just kind of got moved around and was absorbed by the chamois. I then tried a face lather to no avail, eventually I settled on just smearing it on my face. Slick but that’s it. Two passes with the Schick was enough. I did a third pass with a lather of Varen since the chamois Butt’r had no scent or real lather at all. Proraso was used first as a splash as a nod to the great cycling traditions of Italy. I’m sure many of its champs have shaved with it. Finally for me, I finished with contemplation, a reminder of the beautiful hot days and cool summer breezes carrying the sweet grasses as I ride on.

I’ve included all photos related to this shave in one album.the product, my favorite bibs, step ladders. as well as two of my shave den. Included is evidence of most recent favorite ride via cycling computer. I went up Mt. Baldy, just outside LA, totaling 62 miles and over 6000 feet of elevation in climbing.

Keep the rubber side down. 🤙

ROTY

July 27, 2023 – On the Porch on Lavendursday

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: GEM Micromatic Open Comb #brassing
• Blade: Personna GEM PTFE
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Homecoming
• Post Shave: Fine Accoutrements – American Blend infused with Lavender Flowers

This shave was one of those Kurt Vonnegut moments, one of this, well if this isn’t nice I don’t know what is moments. I really enjoyed this challenge as I sat on my front porch. Still warm and humid as anything. Quiet slow easy city night.

A special appearance tonight is the shaving storage box made by my father. Apparently this was based off of civil war shaving kits. The mirror folds back in and it closes up. This is my first time using it for its intended purpose.

u/eructate was kind enough to send me the smush of SBS Homecoming and how nice it was. Clean and beautiful. Restrained. I was really impressed and this may be the first purchase to come from smush trading. For the shave I thought the Gem would be the most appropriate as it’s the most “old timey” shave outside razor of mine. For the aftershave I added flowers from my girlfriends French lavender plant and let them infuse for the evening. AB is already so potent so I was worried nothing would come through but it actually added an initial layer of earthiness to the splash and later what smells like a bubblegum sweetness, but not in a bad way, in the middle.

Fine shave on a fine evening. I’ll be sad to see LG go, just soaking up the last couple. Cheers mates. 🤙

ROTY

July 28, 2023 – R/wicked_edge Made Me Do It

• Brush: My Own Bare Hands
• Razor: Gillette Guard
• Lather: Old Spice – Swagger Shampoo and Conditioner
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Arkadia

When the LG calendar was released THIS was not the shave I had planned. In fact I hadn’t really had much of a plan. I started on this wetshaving journey with a Maggard starter kit and then some samples and eventually sets. I’d only in the last couple years secured a job in a field that afforded me actual disposable income to spend on hobbies. So while still a frugal and price conscious consumer I am happy to pay a premium for premium products. So what to do? Arko? Derby? Col. Conk? Maybe another canned goo to replace the awful one time use of the one earlier this month that has been banished from my den?

And then, as if from the gods, an answer appeared from r/wicked_edge. Apparently more than one person over there has figure out that all you really need to a great shave is plain old hair conditioner! Forget the brush. Forget the creams, the croaps, the pre shaves, pucks, and tallow based soaps! Apparently the revelation had left previous enthusiasts crushed, wayward, yet secure in knowing the truth. That the answer to a perfect shave lay right there in the corner of their shower. Conditioner. So I had to.

I entered this shave with trepidation. What if they were right? Who would I be? To myself, my family, my community. To God. As a greenhorn to the conditioner game I wanted to trust a purveyor with legacy, a soap maker I could trust, but one who is not afraid of innovation. The sweetest fruit of Proctor and Gambles portfolio, Old Spice. Checked over there on ol man Bezos site and I can get 58.4 ounces of this sucker for a ball hairs less than $20 US. For my scent… Swagger. Trust me there were plenty cartoon characters to choose from. But I don’t need a Tony the Tiger, I am a man so I chose swagger for its classy branding and having a scent profile described as an intoxicating blend of citrus and cedar. The only prep I needed for tonight was a nice cool bath after a day out in the sun and a good hair washing and conditioning with… Swagger.

As for the shave? Terrible. Jesus. This one was bad. I’m not sure if it’s because I was out on the beach all day, or that I was using a Gillette Guard for the fourth time that was hanging out at the bottom of my Dopp kit, maybe that I’ve been shaving daily for the past month, or that fucking 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioner is just a shit dumper of a product to use as a shaving soap. This was not a fun shave. I’m not going to do it any justice by describe any sort of performance or passes. But it was fun to write and I hope fun to read. I could have splashed with my cheapest, Clubman Special Reserve, but I want to sleep in the same bed as my girlfriend tonight. Also, after that shave I wanted to treat myself with a splash that was actually nice to my face and actually citrus and cedar so Stirling’s Arkadia fit the bill, and my girl will be happy to kiss me tonight.

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 29, 2023 – Penultimate

• Brush: Chisel and Hound “Acer Pearl” w/ V20 Fanchurian
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword (1)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandalwood
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Dammusi

Fairly straightforward shave, I used a sampler from Stirling for my Sandalwood. The only pronounced Sandalwood in my collection right now is in the LEA Classic cream so I wanted to nice big straightforward sandalwood smell. Unfortunately I don’t think I got that off the Stirling puck. Still great performance and my new Chisel and Hound brush really likes these Stirling soaps and is totally coming along as I use it more. Since I don’t have a splash with sandalwood and the puck soap really didn’t give me much but a great lather , I splashed on Dammusi because I have only gotten to use it once since LG started, plus Chicago Grooming Cos splashes just work so well with my skin.

For the challenge I just wanted to recognize u/enndeegee , though while not a player in the games I’ve really enjoyed their work scrubbing and no scrubbing the competition. I know I’m not going to win the damn thing but I at least know I’m at not a total scrub in this arena of my life. Their work also helped highlight some posta I may have missed. Also, was helpful suggesting a tech or superspeed in the DQ day thread. I made my trade happen slim for a tech and I’ve been real happy. Todays shave with the tech I received was one of the better DE shaves I’ve had.

For players, u/mrtangerinesky ha really made me laugh. I hope u/rebdoomer wins the the second ROTY award, I’m a sucker for brevity and consistency. Also I really enjoy when people of positions of power or judges or rule makers can be upset when someone is clearly not following the rules or meeting the expected behavior of a group/game but also meeting the minimum requirements. Not sure if this is an intended disobedience or contrarianism but I see you u/rebdoomer and I like your style.

This has been a blast. Thanks to all the players and so much to all the judges. Really this is fucking awesome.

Cheers! 🤙

ROTY

July 30, 2023 – Ciao!

• Brush: Extro Cosmesi Tricolor Synthetic 26mm (Italy) #oldworld
• Razor: Hinne Travel Razor (Germany) #jetsetter
• Blade: Wilkinson Sword (Germany) (2)
• Lather: Santa Maria Novella – Tabacco Toscano (Italy)
• Post Shave: Santa Maria Novella – Tabacco Toscano (Italy)

Of the many shaves I had planned out, this was THE one that without a doubt was not changing. This shave meant a lot in many different ways and I’m proud to have had this forum to share a little bit about myself through these shaves.

I’ve think I’ve mentioned before the enormity of my recent trip to Italy. I am a citizen and resident of the United States. It was a trip I never imagined could happen, it was out of the world of possibility for me a 6 or seven years before. I was in a bad way for a long time. And there I was in Rome, Florence, and Venice. I was almost brought to tears many times. I wish I knew then what I know now and I still don’t know that much. But a little research and I found out that I needed to visit Santa Maria Novella while in Florence. It did not disappoint and neither does this soap and scent. They’re paired so well. It’s more of a croap in that Italian style, so fluffy and soft when given even water, mentholated and scented with just enough of the Tobacco scent to coming through during the shave. Splashing on the lozione and you know you’re instantly in for a luxurious treat. I don’t know the fragrance world at all but I you know when you know this scent is so luxurious and creamy and rich. Truly phenomenal. Kicking myself for not going full dickhole and buying the parfum while I was there too. I could talk for hours on the shopping experience there. But that’s for another day.

For the razor, this little travel set was my great grandfathers, my namesake, and passed down to me from my father lat year. There was still an old made in England Wilkinson Sword in it, but I decided to opt for a new German one. Here’s an albumof the razor. I actually got a pretty decent shave out of it but it really needed to work aligning the blade while tightening the cap down. I always marveled at his old razors in the box my father kept with some family keepsakes, these were next to Soviet bills he has on him when he left the peasant life of what is now western Ukraine as well as my grandmothers ration stamp book from the Great Depression. I’ve only known of him but proud I could shave along with him tonight.

There’s more to say about each of these moments, the games, Italy, life, tragedy, family heirlooms, soaps, razors, and the joy of it all. But I’ll tidy it all up and just give a big thank you to everyone who put so much into this as fellow players and most importantly organizers and judges. I feel privileged to have been a bit silly with all you good folks this past month and to hopefully have ingratiated myself to this community with a post or interaction here and there.

Cheers and stay fuckin rad everyone. Thank you thank you. 🤙

ROTY