u/chronnoisseur42O's SOTDs for challenge 'SOTD photo scavenger hunt 2024'

June 1, 2024 – LG 1: Bonjour, Lather Games

• Brush: Summer Break Soaps B9A #SHD
• Razor: SXDGS No. 152 #STR8SNOB
• Lather: AA Shaving – Wapiti
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Firefighter
• Fragrance: Ineke – Derring Do

WSDB had a hiccup, so write up take two, FFS. Let’s just say I probably could have gotten a better shave today using a cheese grater or mandolin, but it was not shave in the kitchen day. Especially, since this purchase came from the small boutique where everyone goes for quality shave gear…amazon. Today was my first time using a straight razor, so it seemed wise to try and catch it on video. I did cut the video short so you wouldn’t have to watch me through all ~20+ min trying. Long story short, this shave had more intense tugging than my teenage years. Escaped with about 6 nicks and a patchwork quilt of remaining stubble and razor burn.

I’d never tried AA shaving, hadn’t even heard of it until seeing it as a sponsor. Thankfully, judge u/onionmiasma ~~colluded~~ sent me some to use as a new brand. Good scent, and I’ll refrain from commenting on performance considering the circumstances. Wapiti a clean aquatic forward scent on a base of woods, modeled on the forests of the Pacific Northwest. I can get a similar vibe near me in coastal Santa Cruz mountains, and they nailed the ambiance of those hikes in scent form. NO firefighter and Ineke Derring Do are other aquatic forward scents also on a woody base, with a cedar line through all 3 as well. They are clean, crisp, and a safe wear for all occasions. #FOF

For today’s #PHOTOCONTEST trash seemed fitting, just like this razor. Ironically, I think it qualifies for str8snob.

soap brands 1/30, post shave 1/30, frag 1/30, post/frag linked 1/30, software sponsors 1/16, hardware sponsors 2/2, razor hashtags 1/15, brush hashtags 1/15, photo contest 1/30, daily challenges 0/25, special challenges 1/5

June 2, 2024 – LG 2: Ahoy, Lather Games

• Brush: Chisel and Hound V8 #SHD #COMPOSITE
• Razor: Karve CB Brass #CNC
• Blade: Astra Green (9)
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – B Cubed
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Spice
• Fragrance: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Spiced

Today we honor the great u/priusaurus. Today, he shaved with Karve, so I shaved with Karve, he used a CH brush, so I used a CH brush. He talked about the USS Constitution aka Old Ironsides, so I have to wake up and fly out fly from California to Boston to take a photo of Old Ironsides, and go below deck myself. Then, I fly home. Or maybe it was a few years ago, but imgur says today. Also, let’s shave outside today, which is rapidly becoming Prius’s MO, including yesterday and several last year. What better way to do it than using the mirror of a Prius. I’ll say pass 2 I opted for the window reflection, which was way easier than craning my neck and trying to take photos while shaving. Thankfully my across the street neighbors who were outside couldn’t see me too well and the kids on bikes didn’t seem to pay much notice to the weirdo shaving in his front yard. #PHOTOCONTEST A Prius (duh).

I don’t know how y’all find past LG links etc. with such ease, you sure as fuck must not be using Reddits search. So, I will just name a few of my favorite from last year: his ice bath, his 2nd ice bath, getting booted from the Thai restaurant, kids sprinkler toy, and of course the butt plug razor.

For todays theme and #FOF played it pretty safe. Went with B Cubed, the newer version of Blackberry Blossom Bay. A berry and blossom inspired Bay Rum for the “refined seafarer”. Of course we had to get some old spice dupe in here too, and what better than one of our sub’s favorite artisans in BM Spice, complete with boat on the bottle. Although Seaforth! Spiced is not actually a direct old spice dupe, it clearly pairs well. Also, it made it into u/cowzilla3’s great spice off, which is gospel in these parts. To quote the man himself “Basically, despite all those words I wrote above mocking people for suggesting it as an Old Spice dupe, it is, in fact, partly an homage to that very scent. You can see this in the scent list of the soap: Mandarin, Aldehydes, Carnation, Anise, Cinnamon, Clove, Cardamom, Benzoin, Tonka, and Vanilla. Every scent there aside from cardamom is also found in Old Spice as long as you count mandarin as an orange, which I think we can all agree smell exactly the same. (Watches perfumers get increasingly angry at my complete lack of actual knowledge).” I will say overall, I don’t think all the bay and slightly sweeter B Cubed actually paired to well with the modern play of vintage old spice accords, but the latter 2 compliment each other plenty well. I think 3 Scots actually would have tied the soap and splash together better, cest la vie.

Oh, and I wore my Noble Otter shirt because they are cool and today’s sponsor, as seen in one of the photos.

soap brands 2/30, post shave 2/30, frag 2/30, post/frag linked 2/30, software sponsors 2/16, hardware sponsors 4/2, razor hashtags 2/15, brush hashtags 2/15, photo contest 2/30, daily challenges 1/25, special challenges 1/5

June 3, 2024 – LG 3: Where’s the Beef?

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts 30mm Synbad #FRANKENBRUSH #COMPOSITE
• Razor: Gillette Slim #ADJUSTABLE
• Blade: Astra Green (10)
• Lather: Red House Farm – 9 Days Up Nort’
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Northern Elixir
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Hygge

Video here Being the idiot I am and rushing, initially forgoing the climax and point of today’s shenanigans, I filmed it in 2 parts but did slap it together in iMovie sans editing for one enjoyable experince. As for today's sponsor spotlight, WK is a legit contender that probably doesn't get enough love in my den, they have like 17 fougeres alone.

I immediately knew I’d be using some Red House Farms 9 Days Up Nort’ today, made with deer tallow. This was made to honor Wisconsin deer hunting season. It’s woodsy with a healthy dose of pine, with slight herbal qualities from lavender. That said, picture walking through cold, frosty evergreen forest. Followed it up with another chilly northern scent in NO Northen Elixir. This takes the frost up a notch, and has much for prominent lavender and the oft pungent camphoraceous and medicinal eucalyptus. To round and mellow out today’s winter wonderland, we visit hygge. A barbershop at heart, but so much more. It too has sharp evergreen fur and a wintery freshness, kissed atop with sweet orange citrus. #FOF

In honor of u/onionmiasma today, what better way than to use an onion in the photo and in the shave. Why in the shave you say? Well, alum is pointless you see, and rubbing styptic pencil all over one’s face is so LG23. Of note, onion is part of the allium family, which is basically the word alum any way. So onion seems like a logical substitute. It makes total sense too, according to point number 7 in this article onions have antibacterial properties, just what you need to heal nicks and cuts. So today, onion was used in place of alum, which never needs to be used anyway. #PHOTOCONTEST Onion

soap brands 3/30, post shave 3/30, frag 3/30, post/frag linked 3/30, software sponsors 2/16, hardware sponsors 4/2, razor hashtags 3/15, brush hashtags 3/15, photo contest 3/30, daily challenges 2/26, special challenges 1/4

June 4, 2024 – LG 24: K.I.S.S.

• Brush: Bristle Brushworks B9B #FRAKENBRUSH
• Razor: Blackland Blackbird Lite #CNC
• Blade: Astra Green (11)
• Lather: Eleven Shaving – Sweet Orange
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Nordost
• Fragrance: Flower City Fragrance – Orange Blossom

Keep it simple stupid. Orange bucket, orange door, orange brush, orange soap, orange AS, orange frag. No, today is not for color coordination, today is #PHOTOCONTEST Bucket.

As for our #FOF, let’s break down these oranges. First time with eleven shave soap (though I have killed a balm and it is great), I dig the simplicity is presentation and in scent options. Thanks u/bmac92 for the smoosh. Despite being called sweet orange, I actually found it to be a bit moretart and bitter. It smelled more like a fresh orange rind than the fruit itself to me. Nordost actually smelled sweeter to me, and much more like an actual juicy orange. The smoke in my AS feels near non-existent, but just adds a hint of depth that makes you realize something else is happening there. As for orange blossom from Flower City Fragrance, its nothing too special IMO. Don’t get me wrong, I love a lot of unique scents from Dr Jons and am bummed they closed up shop, but the 3 from FCF did not hugely impress. Its a slightly grassy and floral, or blossomy, orange that seems pretty one dimensional without much change throughout the wear. Thanks to the kind Redditor who I don’t remember who sent me the little trifecta samples (their price points on bottles were bonkers!). #FOF

As for today’s sponsor and challenge. I’ve never heard anyone knock a blackland razor. I’ve only used the BB Lite, formally owned by SMS, and I like it enough. I am intrigued by the vector even though SEs are not my go to. Base wars. Well, if I’m picking a discontinued base from a current artisan, I’d go with spearhead 20.1. It’s just so easy to use, and is really forgiving no matter the water content. I remember trying experimental stuff back in the 13s, so it has been fun watching it develop. If choosing a discontinued base from a closed up shop, I have less experience but would probably give the nod to MLS. It’s not spectacular by today’s standards, but holds a special place. As for my current favorite base, it’s really splitting hairs at the top but I will tip the cap to spearhead again with Highland even though I prefer 20.1 (honorable mention to omnibus, tusk, and milksteak).

soap brands 4/30, post shave 4/30, frag 4/30, post/frag linked 4/30, software sponsors 3/16, hardware sponsors 5/2, razor hashtags 3/15, brush hashtags 3/15, photo contest 4/30, daily challenges 3/26, special challenges 1/4

June 5, 2024 – LG 5: Canned Shave Goop

• Brush: Amazon Badger #WEDONTNEEDNOSTINKINGBADGERS
• Razor: Gillette Mach 3 Turbo
• Lather: Gillette – Soothing Aloe
• Post Shave: Burt’s Bees – Balm
• Fragrance: Giorgio Armani – Acqua di Gio

All drug store/big retail products. Bowl lathering canned cream seems so pointless, but alas, it’s LG. A little water actually helped I think. I don’t get bowl lathering. Why spend money on luxurious brushes (unlike today’s 12+ year old purchase as a foray into wetshaving) to barely use them on your face, just sayin.

Do I really need to do a #FOF for Barbasol? It’s refreshing, I’ll give it that. The burts bees is a bit minty, basically like their standard chapstick. This is a vintage Acqua Di Gio, purchased circa 2004, so you know it’s the good stuff. Ready for that slow dance, confessions and my boo playing back to back to close the evening. A citrusy aquatic, I’m not going to claim the scents stand out much. I feel like the limited mass market frags I’ve smelled are all much more blended than our small artisan counterparts which move and develop through more phases on dry downs.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST cactus seemed fitting not only for canned lather quality, but also cause a cactus is kinda like aloe, though technically the latter is a succulent.

I was praising the bases of today’s sponsor yesterday, but I’ll shout out Spearhead/Ironbeard again. Integral part of the community, killer products, Adventus Calendar (which I was the inaugural winner of) was such a cool idea and seemingly still an ongoing tradition he started.

soap brands 5/30, post shave 5/30, frag 5/30, post/frag linked 5/30, software sponsors 3/16, hardware sponsors 5/2, razor hashtags 3/15, brush hashtags 4/15, photo contest 5/30, daily challenges 4/26, special challenges 1/4

June 6, 2024 – LG 6: Thirsty Thursday

• Brush: Omega 10098 #HOLLOW #OLDWORLD #TOLL
• Razor: Maggard MR11 V3 #RAINBOW #STAINLESSLESS
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel (1)
• Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Irish Coffee
• Post Shave: Summer Break Soaps – Remote Learning
• Fragrance: Chatillon Lux – Agua Fresca

Video first if inclined, because ya know. Smash that 2x button and don’t bother subscribing. Also some corrections. I said the brush was 30mm, when it is more like 60 (edit: goggle says 65mm), and I said V3A head when it is just the V3.

I realized I have quite a few beverage inspired products in my den, and some definitely match better scent wise than today’s concoctions. That said, it’s Lather Games, so we’ll make it a bit funky as they are still easily on theme. CB Irish coffee smells just like the beverage. Warm coffee notes, whiskey. It is rather sweet, with not too much booze. Remote learning is spot on for Mt Dew, like painfully accurate. Wonder if we’ll ever get a code red or Baja blast version (your hearing this u/rocketk455). Lastly, CL Agua Fresca, aptly named for the Mexican refreshing beverage that comes in various fruit flavors, is a fruit bomb. I mostly get the melon and cucumber, but some sharper pineapple lifts it up and there is undoubtedly a rich creamy base. There’s a pretty dingy fruit stand with aqua frescos across the street from my work/school where I occasionally indulge. Minor perk of an otherwise sort of sketchy neighborhood, roadside food and beverage pop ups. #FOF

As for our daily challenge, I’m not super into wetubers. However, the few I’ve watched a tad were the big names around here 5ish years ago when stumbling on this sub: u/iamsms, u/cadinsor, u/visceralwatch. I was also partial to the likes who u/sgrdddy and u/rChewbacca for shaving related content and not just shaves.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST let’s do Elements: water, you know, the base of all beverages and the most necessary one. Added some spritzes for good measure too.

soap brands 6/30, post shave 6/30, frag 6/30, post/frag linked 6/30, software sponsors 4/16, hardware sponsors 5/2, razor hashtags 5/15, brush hashtags 6/15, photo contest 6/30, daily challenges 5/26, special challenges 1/4

June 7, 2024

• Brush: r/wetshaving Zenith Moar Boar #SUBBROOSH #OLDWORLD
• Razor: Henson AL13
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel #STAINLESSLESS (2)
• Lather: Martin de Candre – Vetyver
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – ? 2019
• Fragrance: FZOTIC – Vetiverissimo

Don’t watch GeoFatBoy. Apparently I get one pass ATG, so be it. To quote coastal elite all around masshole douchebag Dave Portnoy “one bite, everyone knows the rules” (does he know u/priusaurus? At least Prius is a stand up guy). Today, in honor of National Donut Day and GeoFatBoy, today is “one bite everyone knows the rules, one pass everyone knows the rules.” This shave dedicated to the man who bumped me from the podium last year u/impressive_donut114. Also, for today’s #PHOTOCONTEST, obviously Donut. To all the photography hacks waiting for Sweet Sunday, how original.

Let’s keep #FOF short and sweet. MdC vetyver (thanks for the smoosh u/solongamerica) was a brighter citrusy take, kind of along the lines of lemon grass or verbena, but still rooted with some earthiness. DG ? is an earthier take, also probably due to the rosemary and tobacco also in there. Vetiverissimo, at least on the short time I’ve worn it today, is the earthier and dirtiest of the bunch. Think hot dried out grass, but somehow a bit of wet earth clinging to the roots.

As for our sponsor, I am not super familiar with Aurora grooming, however part of their mission is preventing veteran suicide through donations from sale of products. As I mentioned yesterday in my video, it is Men’s Mental Health Month, so let’s keep lifting each other up through our LG shenanigans, check on those we care about, and check on the internet strangers following a shave calendar in June.

soap brands 7/30, post shave 7/30, frag 7/30, post/frag linked 7/30, software sponsors 4/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 5/15, brush hashtags 8/15, photo contest 7/30, daily challenges 6/26, special challenges 1/4

June 8, 2024 – LG 8: Small Business Saturday

• Brush: Maggard 2 Band Badger 24mm
• Razor: CJB Kamisori #KAMISORI
• Blade: Feather Proguard (4)
• Lather: Maggard – Lilac
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Fougere Angelique
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Fougere Angelique

All products software and hardware used today were purchased from Maggard Razors. Obviously the house brand soap, followed up by the Maggard BM exclusive that is Fougere Angelique are the connector today.

For our #FOF lilac is a pretty light and straightforward lilac floral scent. Their house brand is made by Maria Arman of Trhough the Fire Fine Crafts. Is it the best base out there, no, but damn well serviceable and a great price point. BM FA is probably the most citrus forward fougere I have put my nose too, a total lemon lime bomb on the opening. Super vibrant citrusy green scent. There is a whole laundry list of notes, but I find this holds bright throughout hours of wear. The geranium gives that sort of intense citronella component while the lavender gives it that herbaceous intensity. Despite sharing some many notes with its counter part Gothique, I don’t get any of the smoldering flame, but there is a woody base to counter all the other sharp citrus smells.

As for our daily challenge. I don’t know how I did it, but I deleted some of my purchase history when they did the site revamp a year (or 2?) ago. I had multiple emails with accounts and managed to I think undo some of my purchase history. It says my first purchase was a GC, and I know that is wrong both in what is is and the timing of purchase. That said, the highest I can see is $111.24, which is pretty modest all things considered in this hobby. Also, no purchases yet in 2024 (but GRUYE does not live as I needed that 1889). I think where haggard ‘gets me’ is even if I go in with only a single item in mind, I’m a sucker for free shipping thresholds. Exhibit A. So I end up just loading my cart with other things to just get over that. Why pay 8 dollars to ship when I can pay $40 for more stuff and free shipping.

For #PHOTOCONTEST Money seemed fitting, since all of our disposal income goes to shaving things, notably Maggard. Funny enough, I live in California, but I had more pounds on hand than dollars for a upcoming trip to the UK, but the colors work better for the photo anyway.

As an aside, I still suck with a kamisori, but at least this one wasn’t made of ice. Under chin is tough, and I have a days worth of stubble ~~hitler~~ Michael Jordan stache despite my efforts.

soap brands 8/30, post shave 8/30, frag 8/30, post/frag linked 8/30, software sponsors 5/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 6/15, brush hashtags 8/15, photo contest 8/30, daily challenges 7/26, special challenges 1/4

June 9, 2024 – LG 9: Shave and a Hair Cut Two Bits

• Brush: Zenith Titanio 20mm #RUNT
• Razor: GEM Junior #FLIPTOP
• Blade: GEM (39)
• Lather: Spearhead Shaving Company – Seaforth! Fleur de France
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Epiphenomenon
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Seville

If you want to dive deep into barbershops, go read u/velocipedic Battle of the Barbershops threads. I’ll aim to keep it short(ish) again today for #FOF. Fleur de France is a French barbershop, despite the description saying it is less powdery to not make it feel dated, I still find it quite so. That is not a complaint, but rather an observation. I would say this is most prevalent in soap form, and musky, where more rosemary and herbal twang come out in the AS/frag (not used today). That said, Epi is a powdery talc bomb. Think babies or old people, and both would be at home with Epi. As for Seville, can’t leave out God’s Barbershop today. Way more citrus than the previous two, a little mossy earthiness underneath. Honestly, this AS is overpowering it a bit even.

For todays #PHOTOCONTEST we went with air, as in airborne. I’m embarrassed to admit how long I was sitting there throwing shave wares over the thick crocheted blanket and couch praying the glass wouldn’t break. iPhone burst photo needs to up its came, so many so blurry. Maybe a video screen grab would have worked better. Minor casualties too, some damaged labels and brushed, so we switched out the latter and kept trying with a different brush for today.

As for the daily challenge, I got 25! Not bad for last years FOF champion. The breakdown, got all 16 where brand was given. 9 of the others. 2 of which I already used in soap form in LG, and I think 4-5 more in some fashion for future. Also of note, I own 19 of these in some form (soap, AS, frag), I have used 22 (including the 19, but smooshes of 3 more). Ones I don’t own but got correct: CB 322 (was looking at vetiver options for the games), WK King of Oud (little lucky 1st scent note is oud), CGC Montrose Beach (salt water and coconut give it away, but not as much as u/onionmiasma’s shave there last year, amirite?). I also knew 2 others were fourgeres but couldn’t get them (WK and CB) and knew the last one was a TSF but couldn’t get the name. I appreciated how Mood Indigo was an acceptable answer too.

Edit: forgot to shout out today's sponsor Rocket! Awesome stuff, enages in the community and silliness (looking at you Remote Learning). Also, as a fellow educator, props. I'm still not on sumer break.

soap brands 9/30, post shave 9/30, frag 9/30, post/frag linked 9/30, software sponsors 6/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 7/15, brush hashtags 9/15, photo contest 9/30, daily challenges 8/26, special challenges 1/4

Haha good effort!

June 10, 2024 – LG 10: Happy Together

• Brush: That Darn Rob Declaration Grooming B6 #COMPOSITE #FRANKENBRUSH #SHD
• Razor: Gillete NEW Long Comb London Razors #REVENANT
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel #STAINLESSLESS (3)
• Lather: Zingari Man – Mousse Illuminee
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Cerberus Fougere
• Fragrance: Rogue Perfumery – Mouse Illuminee

Mousse Illuminee Fougere sandwich, with Cerberus fougere in the middle. Also all collabs today throughout software. Brush is from multiple artisans, and the Gillette is a revamped/replated from London Razors, so basically a collab too. So we have ZM, NO, DG, HoM, Rogue, TDR and London Razors among small artisans repped today for hardware/software.

For our #FOF mouse illumines is a soft but intriguing take. Its very ‘clean’ smelling while also being extremely mossy. Hints of white florals and a woody base. It lacks the herbal medicinal qualities, likely due to the omission of lavender so commonly found in fougeres. Some components remind me of a lighter version of BM Fougere Aromatique, the musky, almost damp mushroom smell. Solid silage for an EDT. I prefer Cerberus fougere to its predecessor. Its a bit spicy and fruity, with intense woody herbaceous lavender. The dry down is darker, resinous and mossy, yet still a strong scent.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST we opted for grass. It seemed fitting for going with the fern and foresty feels. There’s The fancy grass in the photo, as well as the annoying crab grass. Seems like each time its pulled 3 more heads spring up (see what I did there?).

As for the daily challenge, let’s take it back to 2006. Cool surfer dude Jack Johnson is taking the world by storm. Since today was Happy Together, it seemed fitting to go with his song Better Together, and what better way to showcase it than as a collaboration

Oh yeah, and BM and Will are the bees knees. I’d say BM lavender way my gateway drug to pull me down this rabbit hole.

soap brands 10/30, post shave 10/30, frag 10/30, post/frag linked 10/30, software sponsors 7/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 8/15, brush hashtags 9/15, photo contest 10/30, daily challenges 9/26, special challenges 1/4

June 11, 2024 – LG 11: Spring Showers Bring May Flowers

• Brush: Maggard Razors Purple Swirl Resin 24mm 2 Band Fan
• Razor: English Gillette Tech
• Blade: Treet Carbon Steel #STAINLESSLESS (4)
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Lavender
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Champs de Lavande
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Reserve Lavender

I want that purple stuff Reserve Lavender was the culprit to really lead me down the artisan wetshaving rabbit hole, and BM remains one of my favorite brands to this day. Lavender is also a flower, check mate theme.

Today, not only was #PHOTOCONTEST (hobbies) a purple explosion, I opted to take it several steps further. Sound on, Here’s me contemplating today’s choices. I opted to add some ube extract to make purple lather. Photos don’t do the color justice. Hopefully, these showcase better, insofar as staining the brush a neon purple/pink. As for my face, legit a bit willy Wonka. Good thing I don’t give a speech at work for graduation in a couple days…

For our #FOF BM lavender is a crisp, clean, and a smooth take on lavender. Its a recreation of Caldey Island Lavender, which I haven’t tried but is an AS hailing from Wales (where I will be in a couple weeks!). It is safe and sophisticated, classy and suave. It is not really spicy. It smells strikingly similar to the actual plant. As for Champs, its is way darker, grittier, and potent. Herbaceous and medicinal. there is an herbal eucalyptus quality too it that might turn some off, but I enjoy. Its peppery and spicy, but grounded in earthiness as it mellows.

As for today’s sponsor Yates, I had the pleasure of winning a custom razor from them last LG, and it is a favorite in my rotation. Custom LG engraving on the bottom, top cap. I was intending to use it today, but the bead blast titanium didn’t match the silver of the BM frag bottle as well as the Gillette, cest la vie.

soap brands 11/30, post shave 11/30, frag 11/30, post/frag linked 11/30, software sponsors 8/16, hardware sponsors 6/2, razor hashtags 8/15, brush hashtags 9/15, photo contest 11/30, daily challenges 9/26, special challenges 2/4

Congratulations you've been entered into the best shot photography contest.

Judge comment: blurple Legos

June 12, 2024 – LG 12: CREAM

• Brush: Catwood Handcrafts Golden Nib 18mm Master Badger #SMOLL #RUNT #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Gillette Flare Tip Superspeed #RUSTYBUTTRUSTY
• Blade: Person Platinum Chrome (7)
• Lather: St. James of London – Lavender and Geranium
• Post Shave: St. James of London – Lavender and Geranium
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann Lavender, Interrupted

Back to back lavender days, what a treat! The cream was actually a decent shave, but that also could be a more preferred razor/blade combo for me today. The AS gel is a bit weird consistency. For #FOF I would say the soap/AS gel are quite green takes on lavender, again reminiscent of the actual plant. The geranium gives it a bit more brightness due to its citrusy qualities. Lavender Interrupted is much different, and I get so much vanilla. The MdS accord that brings the funk in lavanille seems subdued by the sweetness of Lavender Interrupted. I’d wager this is both the tobacco and vanilla. There is the faintest spice but it is not intrusive. LI a sensual one for sure, strongly recommend.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST, opted for eyes today, because it matched the brush. Speaking of, the Atwood has gone through some LG iterations, but sadly not this year. It came in to play for the hashtags, sorry not sorry.

Today’s main event and challenge is the den tour. Always so fun. Here you go!. It seems like on of the videos embedded there isn’t working, so here it is by itself for a closer view.

Tried to get a better look at this developing patina, lots of green in the vertical lines. The human eye catches better than the camera. I also think people always think of brass (but I keep that karve CB looking pristine!), but nickel and silver can make cool patina too.

Oh, and that u/mammothben guy is pretty cool. Great products with $ going to great causes, and one of the most active artisans in our little r/wetshaving corner. His custom scent is easily the most coveted prize IMO for LG. #MAMMOTHMAFIA

soap brands 12/30, post shave 12/30, frag 12/30, post/frag linked 12/30, software sponsors 8/16, hardware sponsors 7/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 12/30, daily challenges 10/26, special challenges 2/4

June 13, 2024 – LG13: Düpelganger

• Brush: Dogwood Handcrafts Coprolite B15 #FRANKENBRUSH #SHD
• Razor: Yates Titanium M Plate LG2023 #CNC
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (10)
• Lather: Chicago Grooming Co. – AG 1889
• Post Shave: Chicago Grooming Co. – AG 1889
• Fragrance: The Zoo – Sailors

AG 1889 is a dupe of Guerlain Jicky. Stick with me on this frag heads, The Zoo Sailors is a reimagining of Declaration for Men of Cartier Parfums, Declaration is Jean Claude Elena’s ode to Edmond Roudnitskas Eau d’Hermes, which itself pays homage to Aime Guerlain’s Jicky. Ergo, by the commutative property, Sailors is a dupe of Jicky too.FWIW I don’t really get much of the citrus at all in the soap, I get a subdued lavender and vanilla, almost laundry like smell. However, the citrus jumps out right away in the splash. It is short lived and quickly mellows into the lavender, vanilla, amber base. Sailors also starts with the lemony citrus up top, but fades within about 30-45min and settles into a green woodiness. There is a smooth creaminess to the base that I would think is the javonal (a scent note I had not noticed before in other things I use). True meaning of soap not being a good frag medium today #FOF

As for the challenge today, I thought in theory today’s label would be easier than last years, or the year before, or a MM BDLM2 one imgur seemingly lost from before that, but something about all the symmetry and lack of color made it quite the opposite. I went for a photo negative take and flipped the colors.

As for our #PHOTOCONTEST opted for time. The colors just worked well so I included a watch, but also a coprolite fossil (aka turtle poop) in the brush, what’s older that fossils, not much. Also a nod to todays sponsor Dogwood, who as we know makes epic brushes, this one being no exception.

soap brands 13/30, post shave 13/30, frag 13/30, post/frag linked 13/30, software sponsors 9/16, hardware sponsors 8/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 13/30, daily challenges 11/26, special challenges 2/4

June 14, 2024 – LG 14: Frigid Friday

• Brush: CaYuen Cosmic Abalone 24mm Maggard SHD Fab #FRANKENBRUSH
• Razor: Gillette Blue Tip Super Speed
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (11)
• Lather: Noble Otter – Norther Elixir
• Post Shave: Wholly Kaw/House of Mammoth – Iced Tea
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – Saint Julep

Sorry, no ice kamisoris today. For our #FOF we have a nice mint though line today in all 3 software forms that is quite prominent. NO NE packs a heavy minty eucalyptus punch. Hints of earthy lavender and cedar wood give it a foundation, but the peppermint, frost, and eucalyptus really shine and dominate this scent. The iced tea follows with a zesty yuzu and refreshing cucumber combo. The mint and basil gives it an herbal quality while simple black tea lingers beneath. Lastly, saint julep is modeleed after the mint julep beverage. I don’t get a lot of the bourbon, but there is plenty of sugar and refreshing sweet mint featured in the scent. A little one dimensional, but pleasant nonetheless. The cooling of soap and balm are way less intense than typical splashes on this day, but are notably refreshing.

As for our #PHOTOCONTEST, elements: fire seemed fitting. A nice juxtaposition against today’s frigid. A Song of Ice and Fire for the fellow fantasy nerds out there. Currently making my way through a second ‘read’ with the Roy Dotrice audiobooks. Plus, it was fun to get the inner child pyro going with the lighter and hairspray.

Today’s challenge. Tried forever to get the tub on edge, but it wouldn’t cooperate with the others. Still dig the outcome though.

soap brands 14/30, post shave 14/30, frag 14/30, post/frag linked 14/30, software sponsors 10/16, hardware sponsors 8/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 14/30, daily challenges 12/26, special challenges 2/4

June 15, 2024 – LG 15: Near Death Experience

• Brush: Chisel and Hound V8
• Razor: Chiseled Face Legacy #CNC
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (12)
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Satsuma
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Satsuma
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Satsuma

Shaves in the earlier morning, and finally getting to posting probably 12 hours later. First and I believe only trickhole of the games, as all 3 are nearest death, especially the soap and frag. Stirling satsuma is divine. It’s quite simple, but so juicy and bright, and very close to the real fruit. #FOF

For the #PHOTOCONTEST went with fill the frame. Not sure how well I will do while on vacation with the rest of these, probably should have done a harder one today. That said, I do have my travel LG calendar days packed!, so we’ll see what we can still make happen photo wise but will have same set up for about 2 weeks.

For the challenge, best way to get a pasty lather is sunshine outside, so here’s my little setup today. Notice those stellar tomatoes in the mirror. I’m normally a mid hydration guy, so went super pasty today. Also, video proof as well.

As of our sponsor, stellar brushes, cool collabs with HoM. Used my CH V8 today, nice and gelly dense badger. Have a TDR too with a B6 which is one of my absolute faves.

soap brands 15/30, post shave 15/30, frag 15/30, post/frag linked 15/30, software sponsors 11/16, hardware sponsors 7/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 15/30, daily challenges 13/26, special challenges 2/4

Congratulations you've been entered into the best shot photography contest!

Judge comment: good job on filling the frame, looks nicely put together.

June 16, 2024 – LG 16: Fathers Day

• Brush: Zenith MOAR Boar r/wetshaving #SUBBROOSH
• Razor: Gillette Old Type
• Blade: Gillette Silver Blue (1)
• Lather: Proraso – Proraso Green
• Post Shave: Clubman Pinaud – Lilac Vegetal
• Fragrance: Taylor of Old Bond Street – Jermyn Street

Happy Father’s Day! Or in my case, you are not the father. Today, every brand is older than me, and that is the linking factor, including hardware. We have Proraso (1908), Clubman Pinaud (1810), TOBS (1854), Gillette (1901), and Zenith (1902).

As for #FOF, the link today was more on age, but we’ll chat a bit anyway. Proraso green is a fairly light eucalyptus and menthol. Lilac vegetal is severely lacking in the lilacs, oh my god, it’s so horrible. It’s like if the worst tasting medicine had a scent, and you mixed that with a used urinal cake, then sprinkled with baby powder to try and cover the stench. Jermyn street is a fresh and modern “Cologne like” fougere. Pretty heavy on the citrus.

As for our #PHOTOCONTEST, we went with DIY. It seemed fitting for the Father’s Day theme today. My dad was not much of a DIYer, but that’s ok, his strengths were elsewhere. But as a relatively new homeowner myself, we got some tools to try and do basic stuff because some things are just crazy expensive. A few triumphs. I’ve successfully fixed the AC in my old, made cornhole boards, fixed our washer, and made a compost bin.

As for today’s challenge, ain’t happening. Also, those old types have serious blade feel. I’m typing this from the airport (sorry Mr Miasma, didn’t shave here) and no way was leg shave going down right before vacation.

soap brands 16/30, post shave 16/30, frag 16/30, post/frag linked 16/30, software sponsors 11/16, hardware sponsors 7/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 16/30, daily challenges 13/26, special challenges 2/4

June 17, 2024 – LG 17: Don’t Have a Cow

• Brush: Rx Shaving Maggard 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (1)
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Pomona
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Frankly My Pear
• Fragrance: Gallagher – Fineapple

Lather Games 24 just went prestige, aka worldwide! From California to England, today’s shave is brought to you from London. I’ve don’t interstate LG before, but this is the first international take.

Fruit centric shave today for our #FOF, starting with more subdued and spicy and making way to sweet. Pomona (RIP I think?) is heavy on the apple, but has plenty of warm wine and spice notes, it’s minimal sweetness coming from honey. Think mulled wine. BM FMP is a medium sweet pear forward scent, with whisps of ginger. Lastly fineapple returns to the apple but with a bright citrus supporting cast in pineapple. It’s also more tart, crafted around green apple instead of red like in pomona. It makes its way to a soft jasmine/white floral, while remaining fruit dominant throughout.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST we went with steampunk. What’s more retro than a radiator, with a valve of course, that’s also likely to remain in use well into the future.

As for our challenge today, NSFW? here you go. Had to strike my best Captain Morgan pirate pose to make it work. How fitting that knee lather day is after leg shaver day, though I didn’t do my legs yesterday so it is what it is. Soap straight on the leg, lathered there, then to the face. In hindsight should have used much more soap.

For sponsor, CB is great. I don’t own a ton from them, but I also appreciate their ample sample size and hear great things about the cream which I’m to try.

soap brands 17/30, post shave 17/30, frag 17/30, post/frag linked 17/30, software sponsors 12/16, hardware sponsors 7/2, razor hashtags 9/15, brush hashtags 10/15, photo contest 17/30, daily challenges 14/26, special challenges 2/4

June 18, 2024 – LG 18: RIP in Pieces

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (2)
• Lather: Australian Private Reserve – Lavioletta
• Post Shave: London Razors – Mountain Laurel
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Just Right for a Tuesday

Today I headed over to Ross, where I know they always have cheap ~~proraso~~ APR for like 5 bucks. They didn’t have any AS so I hopped in the car to TJMaxx to get some ~~Nivea~~ overstock from London Razors AS. Luckily I also found some BM frags there too, great spot for niche pick ups instead of the department stores. The feathers I got are super sharp, so I corked it several times which somehow turned it into a voskhod. That made it so I then had to shim it to get it back to the right sharpness. Then I loaded up some GeoFatBoy and KenSurfs videos to make sure my technique was right.

For our #FOF today, APR lavioletta is a bright lavender and violet forward scent. It’s crisp, clean, a vibrant green forward scent. Quick notes of citrus quickly heed to floral lavender backed by a lightly mossy and woody base. LR ML is another bright and floral scent, especially in AS form. I find the cedar also distinctly comes through. Lastly, continue with floral forwards we get to BM Tuesday. It’s a safe and versatile scent, relying heavily on lavender and violets like todays soap. There’s a light spice from the vetiver and nutmeg, keeping the scent from being one dimensional.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST we went with soccer (aka football). Brand new Liverpool Football Club ball seemed ripe for the photo.

Down vote for Scouser ball

June 19, 2024 – LG 19: Juneteenth

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (3)
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Rumble
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Ravish
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Rumble

Actual footage of start of LG of u/priusaurus, u/mrtangerinesky and u/djanovshaving. Oh, and here’s u/onionmiasma. On with more memes, I can’t be the only one like this from the 16th, or who feels like this after messing about with my calendar or simply waiting. Showing up to these threads can be hard though, but at least I’m safe. Speaking of, one more for the dogpile. Here’s some low hanging fruit cause I know the judges love that. They’re about as smart as most “artisans”.

Does anyone want to read a #FOF today? Rumbles chocolatey and boozy, and ravish complements it well as a cinnamon vanilla bomb. Both fall in the gourmand realm.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST went with Sugar and Sweets which pairs well with the scents of today.

As an aside, since knee lather day, I’ve spent the last 2 shave smearing soap directly on my face as I don’t have a mug and can’t be bothered to use a lid from the full size soap I have. Ultimate Face Lathering Technique or UFLT for short.

Just in case, all products today are from Union states, and they all start with R, and scent wise actually go decently together as well.

Edit: let’s do a few more stand alone: me in the LG threads, looking at den tour day, trying GRUYE, certain users here, don’t choose favorites, I think what W_E users need

Dark chocolate digestives 🤭

June 20, 2024 – LG 20: Sunny Days

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (4)
• Lather: Ariana and Evans – L’Orange Verte
• Post Shave: Mickey Lee Soapworks – Cape Verde
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap – Boat Drinks

For our #FOF AE orange verte is a citrus packed yet subtle scent. It includes orange, tangerine, bergamot, and lemon peel. It gets a little spice from pepper and a touch of earthiness from lavender. MLS Cape is another citrus and lavender blend, also with both orange and tangerine. Its lavender is more prominent as is the earthiness from oak moss (also in AE, but not really to my nose). Lastly, boat drinks is like sun screen and tropical booze beverages combined, what is more summer than that? Coconuts and rum, tangerine, banana – tropical cocktail.

Sadly, I did not manage shaving outside today, which I’m not averse too. Travel, trains, tubes, and busses and it just didn’t work out. I did snap a picture of a pirate though, so for #PHOTOCONTEST pirate, we layered some photos together. The pirate was at Albert Docks in Liverpool.

June 21, 2024 – LG 21: FougERAS TOUR Friday

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (5)
• Lather: Wholly Kaw – Fougere Mania
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Fern
• Fragrance: Barrister and Mann – Fougere Gothique

Challenge first today:

Today we shave with a fougere
For endeegee LG rules he did not care
Celebrating no scrubs
And wet lathery bubbs
In lather games all plays are fair

The tidbit the podcast about WK Fern Concerto was a bit funny, especially consider WK offers fougere mania, parfaite, and bouquet all as fougere options.

For #FOF mania is a bit citrusy and slightly floral take. Fern (Wills recreation/tribute to Fougere Royale which I of course haven’t smelled) is clean and crisp green, with mossy undertones. Gothique is on the opposite end of the spectrum, super earthy and damp, mushroom like. Though hints of bitter citrus peek through that actually feel more prominent as time goes on (at ~2 hours) which is unique in that I feel citrus is often the first to fade. I know it’s popular in these parts, but I’m still partial to its lighter and brighter sister scent FA.

For our #PHOTOCONTEST we went with Bokeh Balls. Who would have thought LG photos would take center stage over T Swift at Wembley?! Clearly r/wetshaving is a global phenomenon.

June 22, 2024 – LG 22: Spooky Season

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (6)
• Lather: Storybook Soapworks/Australian Private Reserve – Carnivale
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann – Lyssa
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Gatlinburg

All software is fall themed today for our #FOF. Storybook/APR Carnivale is a perfect fall scent. To use their words, “Carnivale. Elegant Fall Molecules.”. Also described as “Carnivale is the story of festivals and celebrations that occur during the cool months of autumn.” I mostly get stone fruit, touch of spice, woods. It opens with dried apricot and plum but I don’t really get the citrus (perhaps in other mediums it comes through better), quickly enveloped by muscatel grapes – though not juicy per se. It’s supported by soft woods and mellow spices, non of which I’d pick out individually. There’s a slight dankness to it, the faintest whiff of jazz cabbage, and you know, r/usernamechecksout. Lyssa was dubbed ‘zombie repellent’, and is another fall scent (Oct 2019 release). It’s quite spicy, with sage and nutmeg leading the charge. There is a floral sweetness though, coming from rose and violets. All resting upon a mossy and patchouli base. Stirling Gatlinburg was a setting out to “make a fall scent that might stay all year long.” It’s woody, peppery, and mossy. Though lavender and bergamot give it some faint brightness to keep it from getting bogged down.

For #PHOTOCONTEST we went with baseball. Got to Wales today. Interestingly enough, my cousins husband who is Welsh is an Oakland As fan and I live in Oakland, small world.

For our challenge, here’s my quick work of a chocolate digestive biscuit, carved with a razor blade.

June 23, 2024 – LG 23: Sweet Sunday

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (7)
• Lather: Apex Alchemy – Nightcrawler
• Post Shave: Apex Alchemy – Nightcrawler
• Fragrance: Imaginary Authors – A Whiff of Waffle Cone

Evening shave of super sweet options. At the cousins in Wales, not sure what drumstick squashies are, but this seemed the perfect sickly sweet precursor face wash for with night crawler today. Night crawler is exactly as advertised, it smells like sour gummy worms. Think blue raspberry candy, whether jolly ranchers, gummies, slurpees. The AS is particularly potent. IA waffle cone is also perfectly matches its namesake. Painfully sweet maple, vanilla, and waffle smelling. Think walking into an ice cream or gelato shop where they have fresh made waffle cones. Lots of caramelized sugar. Everything today is too sweet, but on theme nonetheless. Definitely one of the more interesting pairings this LG. #FOF

For #PHOTOCONTEST went with darkness. Problem is new iPhones just auto fix that. So what is more cliche than photo lens blur darkness when it comes to SOTD photos.

Another daily challenge I sadly did not manage, was not about to shave in the cousins kitchen. Nor did I have a hat. We are close, but that seemed a stretch. So here’s some Hell’s Kitchen NY facts and tie ins for today shave instead. It has a high population of LGTBQIA folks, and June is pride month. Matt Murdoch aka Daredevil is based there and is blind, so I went with darkness for the photo. Noted residence of famed Chef Tony Bourdain, whose favorite dessert was crème caramel, which has the same vibe as today’s frag.

June 24, 2024 – LG 24: Xmas in July but in June

• Brush: Rx Shaving Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: 3D Printed Half DE Razor
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (4)
• Lather: Talent Soap Factory – Razberri and Tomato Leaf
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Bash
• Fragrance: January Scent Project – Folk Tale

The soap was a free smoosh from u/onionmiasma on the LG thread. I know part of the games is poking fun at judges, and onion gets his fair share having finished 2nd last year. Ironic, considering that’s better than 99% of people, but being number 2 is a tough spot. Super generous guy and single handedly allowed for half this sub to score that AA sponsor point with wapiti. Helped folks caravan to the maggard meet. We also share a love of DMB, so that’s cool too.

The splash was tossed in for free from I believe u/fuckchalzone when he was kind enough to send me his lavender interrupted sample (also free) from I think last years maggard meet.

The frag was a gift that was extra and included in my LG FoF 1st prize package last year curtesy of u/wallygator88. A pleasant surprise and means I got 3 bottles last year.

The razor was won in a PIF on r/wixked_edge curtesy of u/wrong_coyote_9525. I know his 3D printed bowls get a lot of praise as well. If you check his history, lots of cool printed things and giveaways.

The brush was a r/wetshaving Xmas/gift exchange that came from u/rdthedo that he turned himself. Very cool and thoughtful.

The blades were from a free personna giveaway sometime back if you ~~gave them feedback~~ shilled a bit.

For #FOF I’ll be honest, the folk tale leaked so it all smells pretty much like that. It’s a lovely bright scent. I get some light citrus, some florals, and a touch of powdery-ness. The TSF was a bit candy like, with some earthiness, but again had been a bit saturated by the frag. The Bash is a MFK Grand Soir dupe, super heavy on the vanilla.

For #PHOTOCONTEST went with animals. These are my cousins dogs, well, a picture of them.

For the challenge, let’s go with todays sponsor in Stirling for a sub exclusive. Namely because they are awesome (helped make the sub broosh happen too!) and I already have several soaps others from other artisans as exclusives.

June 25, 2024 – LG 25: Xmas in June

• Brush: Rx Shaving Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: 3D Printed Half DE
• Blade: Personna Platinum Chrome (5)
• Lather: Summer Break Soaps – Winter Break
• Post Shave: Barrister and Mann- Dickens Revisited
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Santa Noir

SBS winter break is great! It’s a bit piney, with a touch of spice. I believe it’s nutmeg, which is perfect for holidays. Dickens revisited is sweet and cherry centric. It is a winter release and has a snowman on it. Santa Noir is an evergreen tree, crisp scent. Straight cold air and pine forests here. All wonderful winter scents in their own right. #FOF

For #PHOTOCONTEST we went with water vehicles. Today’s photo features the HMS Belfast which is parked on the River Thames. Despite starting the morning in Wales, made quite a trek in London along the South Bank today to see this beauty. Glimpse of tower bridge there too.

There’s a heatwave here in London, and I don’t have a hat, but I did wear a beanie, so that should count. I was tempted to go into the kitchen a few days late… for reasons.

June 26, 2024 – LG 26: Wildcard Wednesday

• Brush: Rx Shaving Maggard 26mm Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (8)
• Lather: Geo F. Trumper – Rose Cream
• Post Shave: Taylor of Old Bond Street – Royal Forest
• Post Shave: Truefitt and Hill – Apsley Balm
• Fragrance: D.R. Harris – St. James 1684

All your obscure “liquids” and “soaps” today. What’s more wild than rolling the dice and using one of the world’s more common brands. That seems like the wildest riskiest move of all. And waiting until later in the day, that’s truly daring.

Today, I planned my quest, with 4 stops to make. On my jaunt today I made my first stop to get some soap (aka cream). On to stop 2, the famous TOBS store, it was actually quite happening in there, where I got some AS cream. I continued my journey for stop 3, where surprisingly I went with an unsolicited recommendation for EDT. That said, the man was kind and just doing his job. Lastly, I made it to stop 4, where the lady was way to liberal with her sprays. Sadly, they had no splash, so I went with another balm (which was outrageously overpriced). All in all this quest was likely only matched by Frodo and the fellowship on their quest to destroy the one ring. However, instead of being a semi-hopeless hobbit, I felt like this at all of the stores. In case the judges need me to spell out the connection, these were all purchased today on site and the England storefronts.

For our #FOF, the geo f is a straight forward rose. The TOBS royal forest is like a fruity vanilla floral. The T&H is a very grapefruit citrus forward ‘cologne’ like blend with touches of lavender. Lastly, the DRH is a versatile unisex frag that again opens quite fruity, and mellows to soft florals.

For #PHOTOCONTEST, I’m going with humor today. Dry sarcastic humor is more my speed, and what is more humorous than spending tourist level prices and mid and low range products when I have an overflowing den of choices at home…

As for brush cleaning tips… I don’t really do that except the occasional dawn if I’m to sell. Though I’m open to suggestions after this ube mishap earlier in the LG.

Todays sponsor. I like my Henson, but I also got it for free in the inaugural Adventus Calendar. It is a fool proof razor and I’m glad it’s helping folks switch to wetshaving. The owner/spokesperson seemed like a bit of a tool though in his latherhog podcast.

June 27, 2024 – LG 27: Information Overload

• Brush: Rx Shaving 26mm Maggard Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (9)
• Lather: Jabones de Joserra – Cefiro
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Scarn
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – EMP

Jabones is pricey and overrated but I got a couple samples in a PIF. Cefiro is his Aventus dupe coming in with exactly 10 notes listed. I find it to be somewhat muted, with bits of citrus being the leaders but nothing really jumping out. Scarn is a dupe of Sauvage, a bit spicy and citrusy. I felt as cool as all those sweet Johnny Depp ads. EMP is like Executive Man (aka Stirlings take on Aventus) but with boosted pineapple and smoke. I believe it’s slightly sweeter than EM too, likely from said pineapple. #FOF So, today’s linking is they are all dupes, but also fuck boi frags.

For #PHOTOCONTEST we went with birds. I got my Hogwarts letter today, 25 years late, and lo and behold my shave gear was ready to pick up in Diagon Alley with my owl.

As for the challenge, going lefty is always easier than anticipated. Like yeah, it takes a sec longer, but in the grand scheme of things it ain’t that bad.

As for our sponsor, can’t say much as I’ve only tried 3-4 smooshes, but they seem like they could carve out some space in the unique/wacky/gourmand scents. Perhaps that’s all I’ve happened to try though.

June 28, 2024 – LG 28: Frugal Friday

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech (user grade)
• Blade: Voskhod (11)
• Lather: Arko – Arko Shave Stick
• Post Shave: Suave – Vitamin Revitalizing Lotion
• Fragrance: Beverly Hill Polo Club – Blaze

Of course to me today’s challenge we went cheap all the things. Cheapest brush was my maggard synthetic (barely beating a couple boars). I have a cheap Amazon badger, but that’s was mostly cheap in quality but quite pricey in terms of the kit it came in. Ladas per maggard were cheapest blades. Went with a user grade tech. Software, arko stick, some suave lotion, and Beverley hills polo club body spray curtesy of a former student. Long story short, I brought in some shave gear/soap with some students as part of a little show and tell thing and talked about liking fragrances. Thoughtful gift despite missing the mark. Here’s the breakdown below.

Brush: 11.95 (now $13.95 FWIW)
Razor: originally ~.49. Inflation ~6.50. Purchased for like 4-6
Blade: Ladas, .75, or .15 each
Soap: arko stick, $3, or .04 per gram
AS: suave, $4.69 (nice), .00495 per mL
Frag: $10, or .11 per mL

So, all gear was about $32, but roughly $17.25 per shave assuming 2g soap and 2mL lotion and frag. I’d argue the linking factor today is them being cheap and smelling cheap. It’s a disgrace that I was in Penhaligons, PDM, and Guerlain yesterday and wear this crap today. The things we do for LG…

For #FOF arko is like a citronella mosquito repellent candle mixed with urinal cake. Mine is special edition and unintentionally also soaked in lilac vegetal. Suave smells like generic lotion. The atomizer did not get any of it out that I transferred from the big bottle at home, but am also now realizing I few items in there but not in this pic were left out of my den tour. The Beverley Hills Polo Club Blaze, according to wiki scents “Its Top notes are Cedar, Cardamom, Black Leather, Patchouli, Red Sage, Saffron, Lavender, Vervain, Red Grapefruit, Cranberry, Italian Lemon. Mid notes are Black Leather, Patchouli, Red Sage, Saffron, Lavender, Red Grapefruit, Cranberry, Italian Lemon, Cedar, Cardamom, Vervain and Base notes are Patchouli, Red Sage, Saffron, Black Leather, Red Grapefruit, Cranberry, Italian Lemon, Lavender, Vervain, Cedar, Cardamom.” I’d argue worse than axe sprays. I also like how top, mid, and base are all the same but just in different order. This specimen is the “body spray” and not EDT, though I think the quicker it goes away the better.

For #PHOTOCONTEST we went with black and white. What better way to make a cheap shave classy?

June 29, 2024 – LG 29: Sandalwood Saturday

• Brush: Maggard Purple Swirl Synthetic
• Razor: Gillette Tech
• Blade: Voskhod (12)
• Lather: Captain’s Choice – Sandalwood
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus Liniment
• Fragrance: House of Mammoth – Sandalorian

All the wood today. Generally speaking sandalwood or wood scents on their own are not my go to, but I know they are found as base notes in so many frags I do appreciate. The cap choice is honestly quite mellow, but it’s also an old sample that could be losing its steam. Cerberus is bold, dark, and has like a rich stone fruit jammy resin thing going on. Sandalorian is like that on steroids, as it was also the precursor to cerberus. Despite its dark depth, there is an airy quality to it keeping it from bogging you down, almost as if the two suns on tatooine never set at the same time. #FOF

For #PHOTOCONTEST there is wood floor, some cool wooden coffee table legs I thought were pretty neat, and some wooden wall. Sadly the latter are painted which seems blasphemous for the old Victorian flat the photo was taken in.

For today’s challenge I reckon I won’t have the most informed opinion, as I’ll admit following other people hasn’t been happening as much this year while I’m traveling. It’s sort of a shame as I feel that is where a lot of the joy and community (or spite shaves) come from during LG. Since I’m managing shaves while traveling, that should be automatic effort points for me, just sayin’. In terms of possible winners, I’d wager u/Priusaurus stands a good chance at defending his crown. That said I feel like u/MrTangerineSky has been great this year again, u/impressive_donut114 put up another solid run. Seems like u/tsrblke is doing well too. Lastly, u/hugbckt has been good as well, and has my nod for #FOF likely too. For photo contest I think u/crossan1983 has put up a lot of nice shots. I really liked u/iamhonestlylying’s cannonball photo too. Can’t say how well people have been doing all the categories for photos. ROTY u/bacconchop had his mom filming which is so wholesome and legendary at the same time, so I say him. u/bmac92 seems to have done well too.

June 30, 2024 – LG 30: International Man of Mystery

• Brush: Zenith r/wetshaving MOAR Boar
• Razor: Tatara Masamune/Nodachi Combo
• Blade: Voskhod (1)
• Lather: Sweyn Forkbeard – Almond Shave Cream
• Post Shave: Henri et Victoria – Cognac and Cuban Cigars
• Fragrance: Viktor and Rolf – Spice Bomb

Nothing like a pivot on last day of LG realizing I stupidly put Canadian (Macduffs and HeV) for soap and splash. The good news I get to try a new cream soap I picked up on vacay. On about hour 22 of being awake here.

Challenge first today: I’m based in the US (California). The soap is made in England. The AS is from Canada. Frag is from Netherlands. Razor from Portugal, blade from Russia. Brush from Italy.

In the sense of how they are connected, they are connected by being all from different places, but scent wise go quite well too for #FOF. The Almond cream is very amaretto like, and sweet like marzipan and maraschino cherries. I believe this is due to the benzaldehyde which can be in both almonds and maraschinos. The cognac and Cuban cigars build on this nicely as it also has some warm sweetness from cognac, and adds depth with spices and dry tobacco. We crank up the spice further in the frag, with lots of cinnamon and spicy tobacco. Supported by bits of leather and vetiver which give it some gritty base.

For #PHOTOCONTEST by default elements earth. Seems fitting as everything is really from the earth, and I traveled about half way round it today. I will admit, I regret not taking day 30 with me and could have done my shave across several countries as well, oh well, sometimes the brilliance strikes too late.

Good luck to everyone playing and congrats on making it through LG24. I know I have some catch up reading to do myself. Until next year, or AA. Thank you to all the judges, including all of the various side contests, and sponsors for their contributions, you make LG happen.