u/bloodcrab's SOTDs for challenge 'Lather Games 2023'

July 1, 2023 – Lather Games – Day 1  

• Brush: Zenith Boar #CHONK #OLDWORLD
• Razor: GEM #UNICORN
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: Oaken Lab – Sanctum  
• Post Shave: Oaken Lab – Sanctum  

Finally, the Lather Games are here! Been waiting for this all year.

Well, today I tried 2 new things. First I used Oaken Lab Sanctum soap. The scent was familiar since I owned the aftershave for quite some time (WCS had a sale, and it seemed like something I would be interested in). The soap smells great, and to my surprise, is actually quite good. It produces a nice thick lather and is fairly slick. I would recommend it.

As for my razor, I used my long ago acquired GEM. I won this in a PIF when I first started wet shaving about 2 years ago. I didn’t try it then because I wanted to gain some experience with a DE razor first. As a result, I put it in a box, and for all intents and purposes, forgot about it. After noticing the special theme, it jogged my memory. Was I ready to handle this new razor? Not really. Either I was cocky and thought I knew what I was doing, or the razor hates me. Either way, it wasn’t a great shave. Maybe I’m so accustomed to my Karve Overlander, and I forgot other razors aren’t as forgiving.

Used a DE blade in a GEM. Not sure if done on purpose.

Maybe use as an example of providing more data. Zenith Boar does not give enough information for some of the treasure hunt.

July 2, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 2

Brush: Yaqi Rocks Synthetic #COMPOSITE #PREMIUMPLASTIC

Razor: Blackland Blackbird #CNC

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Necromantic

Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Necromantic

SW Necromantic soap smells like dirt to me. It’s not bad, but certainly has an earthy scent that may not be for everyone. The AS though, smells more like red wine. I don’t really smell any dirt. Honestly, I’m not sure if I like the earthy scent or the red wine scent better. To me, both are pleasant. My fam thinks the AS is ok, but hates the soap.

I haven’t used my Blackbird in quite awhile. It was previously my favorite razor, but then along came the Karve Overlander SS. The Blackbird is still my 3rd top razor (I’ll be using my number 2 on another day), but it just can’t compete with my Karve (especially, when shaving my head). I know others will disagree, but for me, the Karve is just smoother.

#(ICan’tBelieveIt’sNot)ButterTheToast Day

It says we could use only one side of a DE razor for the special challenge. Maybe I’m the weirdo here, but am I the only one that uses only one side of a DE blade per shave anyway?

July 4, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 4 (Happy 4th of July!)

Brush: Yaqi Synthetic

Razor: Karve Overlander

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Barrister and Mann – Diamond

Post Shave: Mennen – Skin Bracer

When I think of Spring, I think of fresh cut grass and dirt. I think of playing baseball with my dad and my brother. B&M Diamond brings back those memories, which always seem to bring a smile to my face. I know there are other scents that are intermingled, but grass and dirt are what I notice first and stand out the most.

Today I used 1 teaspoon of shave soap with three, 0.5 tablespoons of water. I lathered the soap about 40 times every time before adding each 0.5 tablespoon. This was, as I expected it to be, not an ideal shave. To me, measurements are a guide, not an absolute. All soaps are different, and honestly, every person’s ideal lather differs a bit. Just like food recipes, season it to taste (or something like that).

July 5, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 5

Brush: Yaqi Synthetic

Razor: Karve Overlander

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Barbasol – Sensitive Skin Thick & Rich Shaving Cream

Post Shave: Soap Commander – Passion

Why, oh why, do the shaving gods force us to torture ourselves by using canned shaving cream? One of the pleasures of switching from canned stuff to shave soap was the fact that the shaving soap performed so much better. The only silver lining I can find from today’s theme is that it only lasts for one day.

As for today’s challenge. I think I would start with tobacco absolute and a touch of vanilla. I would add a slightly smokey aspect, and then add some teak and sandalwood. I may also add a touch of rose, but just a small tad.

July 6, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 6

Brush: Yaqi Badger

Razor: Tatara Muramasa #DIAL

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Haverford

Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Haverford

Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Haverford

I must be a Dickhole, because so far, this has been my favorite Lather Games theme. lol Tom Ford Tobacco Vanille is one of the best colognes I have smelled. Stirling makes a fairly great dupe in Haverford. The soap, AS, and EdT are all strong and long lasting which for the EdT, is especially nice. Stirling’s performance can go toe-to-toe with many other “top tier” soaps.

I mentioned in a previous post that my Blackbird was my favorite razor until the Karve Outlander came along. Well, it was bumped to 3rd after I got my Muramasa. This is a smooth, efficient razor which, in my opinion, looks absolutely great. Being able to adjust it, makes it even better. Honestly, the Muramasa and Overlander could flip-flop on any day for my favorite razor.

I tried stacking my treasures on top of each other for today's challenge, which I’m assuming are supposed to be my greatest shaving assets. If not, then I have totally failed at Stacking Day.

July 7, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 7

Brush: Yaqi Synthetic

Razor: Tatara Muramasa

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Master Soap Creations – Vintage Spice

Post Shave: Master Soap Creations – Vintage Spice

MSC Vintage Spice reminds me of the Old Spice my dad wore when I was a kid. It is way better than the current formulation of Old Spice scent. Vintage Spice is a manly scent and isn’t for the timid. Enough said.

My other hobby is something I’m just getting into. I like to collect knives. At the moment, I just own a few smaller, less expensive knives, but I really like having them. I never thought I’d buy a bunch of knives I would never use and just let them sit. For some reason, it makes my happy. lol

July 9, 2023 – Lather Games – Day 9

Brush: Zenith Boar

Razor: Tatara Muramasa

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Wholly Kaw – Iced Tea

Post Shave: Duke Cannon – Ice Bath

I can’t remember when I got this since I had it for awhile, but I rarely use it. I’m not sure why. I love the scent, which does amazingly remind of iced tea (word suggestion?), and the performance is excellent, including the little menthol kick. Perhaps, it’s because I don’t know what aftershave to pair with it. Duke Cannon Ice Bath smells great, and also has menthol. I’m just not sure if they compliment each other or not; my nose sucks sometimes (most of the time). Either way, it was a pleasurable shave.

Well, it was pleasurable sort of. I shaved in the kitchen for this challenge. My significant other didn’t like that too much, and wasn’t shy when telling me. I have been informed that the kitchen is not for shaving and other bathroom activities. It is for cooking, and unless I want my food made in the bathroom, I will not mistake the two again.

July 10, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 10  

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic  
• Razor: Karve Overlander  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: Mammoth Soaps – Mood Indigo  
• Post Shave: Mammoth Soaps – Mood Indigo  

I have the original Mood Indigo soap (now just called Indigo). My biggest complaint with this soap is that the scent isn’t strong enough. It smells so nice, but is medium strength, at best, for me. I really love the blueberry in it. It surprisingly works well. Performance is fairly good, just not the best I’ve ever used.

By the way, the soap's name is based off of the song by the Blues artist Duke Ellington. Give it a listen.

I drew a pic for the challenge, based on the soap. I am not an artist, and the pic proves it.

Mood Indigo

July 11, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 11  

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic  
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Island Man  
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Island Man  

Stirling Island Man is a decent scent that is a dupe of Creed Virgin Island Water. I do not own the cologne, so I can’t speak to how closely Island Man resembles it. I will admit, it took me a few uses to like the scent. For some reason, it just didn’t resonate with me at first. I thought it smelled a bit synthetic. As I used it more, I guess it grew on me. Not my favorite, but I don’t mind using it now. It’s a cool blue color, if having a not standard colored soap and aftershave are your thing. I like it; it breaks the monotony.

Here’s my color coordinated pic for today’s challenge:

Island Man

July 12, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 12

Brush: Yaqi Synthetic

Razor: Karve Overlander

Blade: Gillette Nacet

Lather: Catie’s Bubbles – Connecticut Shade

Post Shave: Catie’s Bubbles – Connecticut Shade

Connecticut Shade was one of the first soaps I bought when I started wet shaving. I had read about it on a some website that stated Catie’s Bubbles was a top tier brand. I was not disappointed. The lather was creamy and slick, and it smelled great. I still find it to be top tier, but now the competition is much fiercer.

Yo meet today’s challenge, I lathered the soap on my face instead of in a bowl. I also applied it with my left hand. The result was an under performing mess on my face. At first it wasn’t wet enough, but I added too much water to compensate. I then tried adding more soap, but this put me almost to square one. I finally said screw it, and just finished shaving. I’ve had better days shaving.

July 13, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 13

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli

Whenever I think of patchouli, I picture a dirty, stinky hippies sitting around smoking pot or burning incense. Fortunately, Yuzu/Rose/Patchouli doesn’t invoke that thought. It actually smells incredible, and is probably my favorite DG scent behind Massacre of the Innocents. The soap itself is top tier. The Milksteak base was once unsurpassed, and still, very few bases beat it.

For today’s challenge, I listened to “5 Minutes Alone” by Pantera. It was a rough day at work, and this just seemed to fit the bill.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7m7njvwB-Ks

July 14, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 14  

• Brush: Zenith Boar  
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: Chiseled Face – Cryogen  
• Post Shave: Duke Cannon – Ice Bath  

A long time ago, I traded my B&M Terror soap for Cryogen. I’ll just say, it’s cold or burning hot depending how you react to that much menthol. Either way, there is a decent chance it will bring a tear to your eye. Fortunately, menthol doesn’t have long lasting effects on my skin.

Shaving against the grain during my first pass is something I do on a regular basis. I once saw a YouTuber (Ruds?) state that going with the grain wasn’t necessary in his opinion. It was quicker to get it all done the first time. When shaving my face, I agree; i always shave against the grain on my first pass. My head is a different story. I go with the grain on the first pass and then go against the grain on the second pass. My hair is courser on my head, so this is a better approach for me.

PS – My Cryogen was and still is very “soupy*. It isn’t remotely solid, and is a little harder to use because of it. I thought it may have melted, but it never solidified again. It works fine once lathered, as far as I can tell. Any ideas?

July 15, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 15  

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic  
• Razor: Karve Overlander  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: West Coast Shaving – Chypre  
• Post Shave: West Coast Shaving – Chypre  

I was slightly hesitant to by this set since I’m not into citrus heavy products. I did so based on the performance and scent of their Oriental soap which I already owned and its many good reviews. I was truly surprised by how much I liked it. The scent is enjoyable, and the performance is great. Oriental is still the better of the two, but for a scent profile I am not into, this really is good.

The YouTuber that I really liked watching was Ruds. I know he doesn’t make videos anymore and not everyone likes him, but he is one of the people who really influenced me to try wet shaving. He seemed like a genuinely nice guy who wanted to give you his take on the soaps he was using. He even answered an email I sent him once with questions about shaving my head. I figured he would never answer me, but he did. Is he better than u/VisceraWatch? Maybe not, but he certainly helped me get into this hobby (yeah, it’s a hobby considering the money I spend to do this – lol), and that means a lot, considering wet shaving got me through COVID quarantines.

July 17, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 17

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus
• Post Shave: Declaration Grooming – Cerberus

I have to say, I’m a little disappointed with this set (I do not have the EdP). It’s not that it is bad in any way, actually it’s very decent. Milksteak is a great base, so the performance is top notch. The scent is just ok to me though. It honestly smells like something I’ve smelled before (Leviathan?), and just doesn’t smack it out of the park for me. Like I said, nothing terrible, just not the best.

As for the challenge, I no longer use alum. I did so when I first started shaving, but found that it irritated my face more than it seemed to help. I found that witch hazel was a much better substitute, and I never looked back.

July 19, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 19

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Astra SS (blue) (0)
• Lather: C.O. Bigelow – Premium Shave Cream
• Post Shave: Mennen – Skin Bracer

C.O. Bigelow, from what I read, is made by Proraso, but is made with a few other ingredients incorporated. To me, I can’t tell the difference. They look the same and they smell the same. They lather the same and are equally good. I am not into creams after switching to soaps, but I still keep a tube around for quick shaves. I usually just put it on my face and lather it with a wet shave brush. Simple and quick. It doesn’t produce a great lather, but is slick.

I found today’s challenge a bit disgusting. I’m not sure why; I did use a clean, unworn sock. I don’t really create a great lather with Bigelow cream even when I do use it with a brush correctly. However, the sock was worse. I even used more cream than usual to help improve it. I’m surprised I could even finish my shave.

July 21, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 21

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic
• Razor: Karve Overlander
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: First Line Shave – 90’s Rewind Vol 1
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Deep Blue Sea

I received this soap in a bundle I got off of the bazaar a long while ago. It’s based of of CK One, which I believe tried to play off its neutral gender scent. Supposedly, the skin chemistry made it smell more female or male depending on the gender of the wearer. At least that’s what I seem to remember. Could have been a fever dream though.

Either way, the scent is not my favorite. I actually don’t really like it. I can’t say if it’s close to the scent of the cologne/perfume it is a dupe of, but I wouldn’t buy it if it is. That’s a shame since the soap itself performs decently (if not trying to meet the challenge parameters). There are better soaps, but there are far worse soaps too.

For this challenge, I used a bit less water than usual. I think I added a lot less than I should have because it lacked slickness and partially dried on my face. I had to reapply just to keep it from being unusable. I should have added more water, but I didn’t want to disqualify myself from the challenge. This made for a lousy shave, with the scent only adding to the pain.

July 22, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 21

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta
• Post Shave: Southern Witchcrafts – Fougere Nemeta

Southern Witchcrafts has some unusual scents, and Fougere Nemeta is no different. It’s unique; at least I’ve never smelled anything like it. It’s a very pleasurable scent, that I’m honestly surprised I like. Oddly, I can smell the strawberry come through. My nose is not the best, and I don’t pick out scents as easily as others do, especially when they are a bit subtle. SW soaps products are excellent performance wise.

So now onto my awesomely bad Haiku:

Shave gods, please save me

Do not let me suffer from

Lather Games Leg Day

July 23, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 22  

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic  
• Razor: Karve Overlander  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Mood Indigo  
• Post Shave: House of Mammoth – Mood Indigo  

I love the scent of Mood Indigo. My only complaint is that it’s not strong enough; maybe a medium on scent strength. The Aftershave is the same and doesn’t last long. Such a shame.

I hate this challenge.

July 23, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 23  

• Brush: Zenith Boar  
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa  
• Blade: Gillette Nacet   
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandpiper  
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandpiper  
• Fragrance: Stirling Soap Co. – Sandpiper  

Sandpiper is based on YSL La Nuit de l’Homme, which is a fantastic cologne. My fam loves this scent most out of all my soaps/aftershaves. I even bought the EdT to use for everyday use (I use the original cologne on special occasions), and have been asked on occasions as to what I’m wearing. If you aren’t a fan of colognes, this will not be something you may gravitate towards. However, if you are, you can’t go wrong with Stirling Soaps Sandpiper.

Behold a pic of the best lather you will ever see if you compare it to one that was made by a drunk monkey high on cocaine:

Lather Done Wrong

July 25, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 24

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: House of Mammoth – Shire 2
• Post Shave: Zingari – Wanderer

First and foremost, I would like to thank /u/TheStallionPartThree for providing me a sample of the Shire 2 soap from HoM. The scent is a good one, although it isn’t my favorite from HoM (Mood Indigo and Tobacconist claim the 1 & 2 spots). The shave itself was great, but is to be expected from HoM.

For the challenge, I would like to thank /u/TheStallionPartThree, /u/OnionMiasma, and /u/RedMosquitoMM. I had originally sent a message on the official Smush thread, admittedly a little late, but no one answered. In desperation, I asked on the Daily Questions thread. These three gentlemen responded. Without their selflessness, I most likely would not been able to complete today’s theme. I appreciate all of you. This subreddit has the friendliest and kindest members I know. I feel fortunate to be a part of this group.

PS – /u/OnionMiasma is hosting his his annual Shave Against Suicide fundraiser. If you have a chance, please participate for this great cause. https://www.reddit.com/r/Wetshaving/comments/14ti3f4/pif_samples_for_the_second_annual_shave_against/

July 25, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 25

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic
• Razor: Karve Overlander
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Barrister and Mann – Dickens
• Post Shave: Noble Otter – Barrbarr

I like Christmas cookies to eat, not so much to shave with. I received this soap as a smush last year, and find it to be a bit too sweet for my liking. I must admit, I really don’t like many gourmand scents, if any. It’s not that they smell bad by any means, but rather, soap should be used to shave with, not make me more appetizing to a cannibal.

Today’s challenge went better than I thought. I still have my face and neck intact, and no blood was lost. I went a lot slower to avoid that, so my shave was a bit longer than usual. However, I’ll take that extra time to shave instead of bleed out on the floor to save a few minutes.

July 27, 2023

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic
• Razor: Karve Overlander
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Stirling Soap Co. – Lavender Sage
• Post Shave: Stirling Soap Co. – Lavender Sage

Lavender Sage is a harmonious blend of just that. It’s a strong scent off the puck, and remains that way throughout the shave. If you don’t like lavender or sage, you should steer clear of this. I think it’s great though. The aftershave is also strong and smells just like the soap to my nose. Stirling makes quality products, so you know it will be a nice lather unless you did something stupid to screw it up.

Shaving outside for today’s challenge was a monumental pain in the butt. I mostly shave in the evening, so I figured I’d shave a little earlier to beat the sunset. I did, but the heat from the day had not yet dissipated. Sweat, quick drying lather, insects, and horrible humidity made me want to quit and go inside. I powered through though (still wondering if I’m a can short of a six pack for doing so), but this was just as awful as the Legs Day challenge.

July 28, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 28  

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic  
• Razor: Generic Chinese Shavette  
• Blade: Treet Platinum   
• Lather: Pinaud – Clubman  
• Post Shave: Mennen – Skin Bracer  

So, my shave wasn’t spectacular. Really this came down to using a crappy soap and being a little less experienced with my shavette. Pinaud Clubman makes the worst soap I ever used based on performanse; hard to create even a small lather and not very slick. At least it smells decent. It’s the only nice thing I can say about it. I tried using a shavette I bought ages ago to get a feel of a straight if I ever wanted one (I eventually did get a straight, but prefer a DE). I haven’t used it for a long time, and my face paid for it. Sadly, that was even with a mild Treet blade. The best part of my shave was the Mennen Skinbracer, which I think smells great. Sandpiper by Stirling Soaps is a great cologne, so I also enjoyed that.

Overall, saving money is great, but this comes with some major sacrifices. I’d rather spend a little more and enjoy my shaves. That’s probably why this is now a hobby and not the money saving venture I thought it would be. lol

https://imgur.com/a/kZh43ed

July 30, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 29

• Brush: Yaqi Synthetic
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Wet Shaving Products – Sandalwood
• Post Shave: Wet Shaving Products – Sandalwood

WSP makes great products in my opinion. I love all of the scents I’ve tried thus far, and Sandalwood is one of those. For those who would like to try it, be forewarned, it is not powdery or cologney (yeah, not a real word). It smells like wood. Now whether it smells like true sandalwood, I do not know. There are several varieties of sandalwood, and I’ve never had a chunk of any kind of sandalwood to sniff. I will assume that it’s correct though. The performance is excellent, although I find their products a little too expensive, especially their aftershaves.

I think /u/onionmiasma, /u/RedMosquitoMM, and /u/MrTangerineSky have been killing it. Wasn’t it the same way last year?

July 30, 2023 – Lather Games: Day 30

• Brush: Zenith Boar
• Razor: Tatara Muramasa
• Blade: Gillette Nacet
• Lather: Master Soap Creations – Vintage Spice
• Post Shave: Le Pere Lucien – Lotion du Barbier

Here are the countries for the challenge:

Brush: Italy

Razor: Portugal

Blade: Russia

Lather: South Africa

Post Shave: France

Me: USA

MSC Vintage Spice is a dupe of the original(?) Old Spice. It is certainly better scented than the current Old Spice iteration. It’s also a great performing soap. I never expected a soap from South Africa to be as good as this, but MSC made me a believer.

For the challenge, I realized that I buy too many things. If I would have stuck to buying only what I needed, the plan when I first got into wet shaving to save money, I wouldn’t have been able to complete this challenge. Is this a good or bad thing? I know my happiness and my wallet disagree on this. Damned Shave Bazaar!!! lol