SOTD by u/Absenth

2023-08-01 - Austere August - Day One

• Prep: Hot Shower
• Razor: Weck Sextoblade
• Blade: Kismet
• Brush: Omega Pro48 - brand new out of the box
• Lather: Barrister And Mann - War
• Aftershave: Lucky Tiger Splash
• Balm: Nivea Cooling Balm

Challenges: ( u/EldrormR, u/Djundiija, u/Semaj3000 )

• MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode
• #Monthofweckoning
• #RawHoggin
• #WAR

Today marked the commencement of my shaving journey for Austere August, and I must say, it began with both excitement and uncertainty. The #WAR soap I received from a mysterious benefactor on July 31, seemed to have quite the reputation for its strong scent, making me question the intentions of this giver - are they truly benevolent or more of a sadist?

With some trepidation, I embarked on this morning's shave, determined to use both hands for every pass throughout the entire month. Armed with the Weck Sextoblade, I believed that dedicating thirty days to perfecting my open blade shaving technique could only lead to positive results.

Regarding the razor and blade, I have limited experience with the Sextoblade, having used it only a few times in the past, mainly relying on my right hand. Today, I challenged myself to utilize both hands depending on the areas of my face I was shaving and the direction. As for the Kismet blades, they have been my go-to choice for the Weck, and I contemplate trying Fromm or Personna blades once Austere August concludes.

The scent of the #WAR soap proved to be intense as I began loading the brush. The faint Cilantro aroma was amplified tenfold, catching the attention of my wife. While she described it as unpleasant, I jokingly compared the soap's strong fragrance to the infamous taste of Cilantro, claiming that it might as well be soap. Despite the strong scent, I was curious to experience B&M's Omnibus base, and I wondered if a different scent might have made me enjoy this soap even more.

For the Raw Hoggin challenge, I purchased a brand new Omega Pro 48 brush. Although I found the handle to feel cheap and unsatisfying, I couldn't deny the brush's performance. It indeed splays out beautifully, as others had attested. Interestingly, the brush carried a peculiar odor after its initial soak, but once combined with the #WAR soap, the scent dissipated. Face lathering with the new boar brush proved to be a fine experience, not as scratchy as expected. I am curious to see how it develops over time, contemplating the possibility of moving the knot into a more appealing handle if the #WAR soap doesn't damage its potential.

As the first day of Austere August concludes, I am filled with a mix of emotions. While the journey has just begun, I am determined to overcome the challenges and embrace the growth that awaits me. Until tomorrow, my journal, I shall record my progress as I strive for shaving perfection amidst the trials of war.

[2023-08-01 - Austere August - Day One](https://imgur.com/a/hnj6mbI)

* **Prep:** Hot Shower
* **Razor:** Weck Sextoblade
* **Blade:** Kismet
* **Brush:** Omega Pro48 - brand new out of the box
* **Lather:** Barrister And Mann - War
* **Aftershave:** Lucky Tiger Splash
* **Balm:** Nivea Cooling Balm

**Challenges:** *(* u/EldrormR*,* u/Djundiija*,* u/Semaj3000 *)*

* MRTNG's Ultra Nightmare Mode
* \#Monthofweckoning
* \#RawHoggin
* \#WAR

Today marked the commencement of my shaving journey for Austere August, and I must say, it began with both excitement and uncertainty. The #WAR soap I received from a mysterious benefactor on July 31, seemed to have quite the reputation for its strong scent, making me question the intentions of this giver - are they truly benevolent or more of a sadist?

With some trepidation, I embarked on this morning's shave, determined to use both hands for every pass throughout the entire month. Armed with the Weck Sextoblade, I believed that dedicating thirty days to perfecting my open blade shaving technique could only lead to positive results.

Regarding the razor and blade, I have limited experience with the Sextoblade, having used it only a few times in the past, mainly relying on my right hand. Today, I challenged myself to utilize both hands depending on the areas of my face I was shaving and the direction. As for the Kismet blades, they have been my go-to choice for the Weck, and I contemplate trying Fromm or Personna blades once Austere August concludes.

The scent of the #WAR soap proved to be intense as I began loading the brush. The faint Cilantro aroma was amplified tenfold, catching the attention of my wife. While she described it as unpleasant, I jokingly compared the soap's strong fragrance to the infamous taste of Cilantro, claiming that it might as well be soap. Despite the strong scent, I was curious to experience B&M's Omnibus base, and I wondered if a different scent might have made me enjoy this soap even more.

For the Raw Hoggin challenge, I purchased a brand new Omega Pro 48 brush. Although I found the handle to feel cheap and unsatisfying, I couldn't deny the brush's performance. It indeed splays out beautifully, as others had attested. Interestingly, the brush carried a peculiar odor after its initial soak, but once combined with the #WAR soap, the scent dissipated. Face lathering with the new boar brush proved to be a fine experience, not as scratchy as expected. I am curious to see how it develops over time, contemplating the possibility of moving the knot into a more appealing handle if the #WAR soap doesn't damage its potential.

As the first day of Austere August concludes, I am filled with a mix of emotions. While the journey has just begun, I am determined to overcome the challenges and embrace the growth that awaits me. Until tomorrow, my journal, I shall record my progress as I strive for shaving perfection amidst the trials of war.