June 30, 2025
- Brush: Wolfman WRB2 Bronze w/AP Shave Co MiG 26mm Premium Hybrid
- Razor: GEM MMOC Gen2
- Blade: Personna Gem PTFE (2)
- Lather: Gentleman's Nod - Zaharoff Signature RosΓ© - Soap
- Post Shave: Gentleman's Nod - Zaharoff Signature RosΓ© - Aftershave
- Post Shave: Thayers - Cucumber - Toner
- Fragrance: Zaharoff - Signature RosΓ© - Eau de Parfum
- Talc: Yardley Gold
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
I'm taking my victory lap with a full-on luxury shave. I don't really have a favorite soap, but I have soaps that fit different moods. The scent of this one is sophisticated, and most suited to a formal night out, but I think of using it for special occasions. As this is a special occasion, the soap seemed fitting.
As for what makes the setup special. The Zaharoff RosΓ© EdP and GN aftershave with that fragrance simply complete the trifecta. If you use the soap, it is hard to imagine a luxury shave without these.
The Wolfman brush with the MiG knot continues with the luxury theme. The handle is machined bronze, and the knot is the closest in feel to a plush badger knot that I have experienced from a synthetic.
These days, the vast majority of my shaves are with straight razors. I use more safety razors in June and November and I wanted to end the Lather Games with a safety razor shave. The MMOC is special in this regard. It has a dangerous reputation, but for me, it was love at first use. Becoming a MMOC Whisperer in Austere August of 2022 was a pleasure, not a challenge. Using it today felt like a good way to take a victory lap.
Thanks to the judges for all their work. I enjoyed the enthusiasm of this year's participants; especially the first-timers.
Until next year!