gcgallant
@gcgallant@sub.wetshaving.social
- Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, September 1st, 2025 (#811) 22 hours ago:
September 1, 2025
- Brush: Chisel & Hound Raven 26mm V26 Fanchurian
- Razor: Puma 89 11/16 Full Hollow
- Lather: The Cajun Blade - Lumberjack Luxury - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Coconut - Toner
- Aftershave: The Cajun Blade - Lumberjack Luxury Aftersauce - Aftershave
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
This was my first use of Lumberjack Luxury; a soap and aftershave that arrived during August. I love everything about this set. The scent ticks all the boxes for me and the quality of the soap base and aftershave are excellent.
This Puma razor has an Olympus edge on it. And is only the second razor I’ve used on that stone. I’m very impressed with the result I received. There’s nothing about it I could improve. It will be interesting to see if the stone has more capability in it.
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, August 31st, 2025 (#810) 1 day ago:
August 31, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
After yesterday’s shave, and after 30 days of using this razor without stropping it, I wanted to see if I could notice a difference in the edge if I stropped it before this final shave of the month. The advantage is that all other variables of the setup are unchanged. The result? Yeah, the edge felt much smoother. I will say that, like last year, I think if you have very good steel, a well-formed edge, and reasonable technique, stropping is not required for every shave.
Using mutton tallow with the I, Rich Moose scent was absolutely luxurious. I could easily go another month - but I won’t. You need mutton tallow in your life!
Finally, 31 days of Raw Hoggin’ comes to an end. Thank you u/EldrormR! I enjoy this challenge. I will say that this Zenith brush is a unicorn. It is far beyond where my other boars were at this stage. I am excited to see where its development will be after 50 and then 100 uses.
Great month! My favorite challenge of the year.
Here’s a shaving video for this final shave where I talk a little about my adaptation of u/sgrdddy’s slurry lather.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 28th, 2025 (#807) 3 days ago:
👍
- Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, August 30th, 2025 (#809) 3 days ago:
August 30, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14-2.0 8/8" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.
This penultimate AA shave was extremely comfortable and between DFS and BBS in closeness. I wanted to see what result I could get with my ““typical”” 2-pass shave to assess wear on the edge. As I have been experiencing, it has lost keenness.
I stropped after this shave so that on the last shave of the month I can wrap up my stropping experiment by trying a stropped, worn, edge and comparing it to an unstropped one.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 28th, 2025 (#807) 3 days ago:
Suckers! I’m told that all stories I see on the internet that align with my views are true.
- Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 28th, 2025 (#807) 4 days ago:
Wait! People believe that phlogiston and ether don’t exist?!
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, August 29th, 2025 (#808) 4 days ago:
August 29, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Same thing as yesterday. Wonderful shave 2-pass BBS from a 3-pass shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 28th, 2025 (#807) 4 days ago:
I know! I’m told it’s a bad idea to cross the cognoscenti.
- Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 28th, 2025 (#807) 5 days ago:
August 28, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Four full weeks of the same edge with no honing or stropping. I’m not sure I understand why us straight razor shavers are so amazed by this. Anyone who takes a DE blade or SE blade this same distance is very likely doing the same thing. I continue to think that stropping is highly overrated, though pretty much everyone else takes the opposite view :)
Here is what the edge looks like after today’s shave. And the shave today was very comfortable and about the same level of BBS as my normal 2-pass shave. I have noticed a reduction in edge keenness.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, August 27th, 2025 (#806) 5 days ago:
August 27, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Tuesday SOTD Thread, August 26th, 2025 (#805) 6 days ago:
August 26, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
I went back to 3 passes for the day and got a very comfortable, BBS shave for my effort. Like last year, I find that not stropping the razor results in no noticable loss of edge performance.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, August 25th, 2025 (#804) 1 week ago:
August 25, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.
This was a very comfortable 2-pass shave, but it was a quick shave and I’m now very accustomed to the closeness I get from a 3-pass shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, August 24th, 2025 (#803) 1 week ago:
August 24, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
With one week to go, I’m still enjoying this setup.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, August 23rd, 2025 (#802) 1 week ago:
August 23, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Thoroughly enjoyable shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, August 22nd, 2025 (#801) 1 week ago:
August 22, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Well, 22 days on this razor without stropping. Here is what the edge looks like now. It has lost a little keenness but has gained a little comfort so, on balance, the edge is still in excellent shape.
Shaving video
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 21st, 2025 (#800) 1 week ago:
August 21, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, August 20th, 2025 (#799) 1 week ago:
August 20, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Tuesday SOTD Thread, August 19th, 2025 (#798) 1 week ago:
August 19, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
It’s déja vu all over again.
Yesterday’s 5 min. 2-pass shave was worse than I originally thought. I barely built a lather, raced the razor around, cleaned up and was out. At the time, I thought it was a good (enough) shave, but later, I noticed a bit of irritation on my chin, and my skin did not have that lasting nourished feeling. I thought maybe the razor’s edge condition had fallen off. (Couldn’t be me!)
Today’s shave rectified all that. I was concerned that the edge took a dive yesterday, but today, I’m back to comfortable BBS goodness. I think the better result is all about the lather. Today I took time to really enjoy a very wet mutton tallow lather and the Moos scent. The razor felt the same way it has all month.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, August 18th, 2025 (#797) 2 weeks ago:
August 18, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
2 passes. Face lather. Good shave.
A very quick 2-pass shave today. In and out in about 5 minutes. Not the best shave as a result.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Monday SOTD Thread, August 18th, 2025 (#797) 2 weeks ago:
Woah! Big step. Huge rite of passage.
- Comment on Sunday SOTD Thread, August 17th, 2025 (#796) 2 weeks ago:
August 17, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord
Image - Comment on Saturday SOTD Thread, August 16th, 2025 (#795) 2 weeks ago:
August 16, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord - Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, August 15th, 2025 (#794) 2 weeks ago:
You’ve mentioned it before and I’m looking forward to your impressions. Should make for interesting discussion.
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, August 15th, 2025 (#794) 2 weeks ago:
That makes sense. I will have to try this on the first day of Straightember.
- Comment on Friday SOTD Thread, August 15th, 2025 (#794) 2 weeks ago:
August 15, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
How does Koraat steel look after two weeks of shaving without a single stropping lap? Well, here you go. All I can say is that it shaves as good as it looks.
And, how is Stirling’s Irisch Moos dupe do when matched with Stirling’s mutton tallow base? Well, it’s even better than you might think!
Here’s a video with some thoughts for beginning straight razor shavers.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord - Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 14th, 2025 (#793) 2 weeks ago:
Are you still going stropless?
- Comment on Thursday SOTD Thread, August 14th, 2025 (#793) 2 weeks ago:
August 14, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Such a close shave today! Very comfortable. Now that I’m two weeks in, I feel no appreciable change in the edge, even though it has not been stropped since 7/31.
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$Stropless
$discord - Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, August 13th, 2025 (#792) 2 weeks ago:
I don’t think you will regret it. Awesome vintage scent. Amazing soap base.
- Comment on Wednesday SOTD Thread, August 13th, 2025 (#792) 2 weeks ago:
August 13, 2025
- Brush: Zenith B44 28mm Boar
- Razor: Koraat 14 “Moarteen” 15/16" Full Hollow
- Lather: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose (Mutton -r/Wetshaving) - Soap
- Toner: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Aftershave: Stirling Soap Co. - I, Rich Moose - Aftershave
- Fragrance: Mäurer & Wirtz - Sir Irisch Moos - Eau de Cologne
3 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
Still having a good time!
Edge Microscope Images
$RawHoggin
$ShepherdsofStirling
$headless
$discord - Comment on Tuesday SOTD Thread, August 12th, 2025 (#791) 2 weeks ago:
If you go down the rabbit hole of pursuing skill with a straight, I think you will be surprised at how satisfying it is.
