...and it went beautifully!

I even used the enclosed Merkur blade, which I understand is not a favorite on here, lol...

One of my best shaves to date on one day growth. I am learning something though...

I am getting much better at building a rich lather - or maybe I should say, more patient...

I am applying a heavy coating of lather & massaging it in very well beforehand.

I would glean from this that even if one uses a mediocre blade, if one would use a heavy coat of luxurious lather, that one would get much better, even top-shelf results.

I say - it's all in the pre-shave prep!