looks pretty badass

How beautiful!

That brush handle looks like some kind of peppermint/licorice swirl very cool. And I heard great things about those Shavemac D01 knots. Is it really that good?

Lovely stuff, my favourite pic so far this year. The brush reminds me of a cadman I've got my eyes on.

Great picture Mark. Both the Triad handle and the brush are stunning. Looking forward to your thoughts on the Shavemac.

Things are improving. Thanks.

Hoping you feel Better @mrchick

Great picture!

I have a focus based observation. The Ikon B1 Standard is a pretty aggressive razor and I normally stick with the more mild razors. I've never gone consecutive days with a DE like this and think that perhaps this razor will allow me to only shave every other day. I really didn't need to shave today, but I did. Downside, I really like shaving so that might be a problem.

It sounds like your doing great. Your plan for the focus is a good one. I started with proraso it is completely idiot proof I found and does cushion well. I'm just venturing out of the proraso comfort zone and don't always get my lather right but when I do it is much slicker than proraso. You will enjoy playing with different soaps. Well done so far

I have several soaps (thought not near as many as some guys on here) and have used some others but wanted to focus in on one that was easy and consistent in order to help with razor technique. The soap could definitely contribute to problems if it was temperamental. So I figured Proraso would be a good choice and I think that will prove true.

I have not, though many others here will be able to comment on slants. You're doing very well with all this stuff!

Sounds like all is well so far! It appears that your razor has a Muhle r89 type head. It is one of the most common and effective designs in production today. This setup should serve you well. Rapira is one of the better blades available. I also really like the two pass approach, and reccomend it as a course of action while practicing the basic fundamentals.

Me too. Get well, @mrchick !

Would it be possible to switch strategies, like going XTG/ATG to maximize the passes? Then you still could shave daily perhaps?

@Boojum1 (Mark) has two trademarks, mirrors and exotic materials.

And major photo skills!

I can attest to the fact that there is nothing like a relaxing shower and great shave when you think you're ready for one after a few days off with the chills from a flu.

As my technique has gotten better, I rarely shave every day. A good shave with a straight has me at CCS/SAS 24-30 hours after. A DE shave that was BBS has me at CCS/SAS still at 18-20 hours after. If I shave with either of those the following day, I get irritation. If I shave five days in a row my face turns red and gets flaky patches, and just hurts. Every other day seems to work well for me, with a night time shave on Saturday night, so I can shave again on Monday.

I have this crazy urge to try Arko Shave Stick with my SR today.

Thoughts?

Go for it. It should work. If it doesn't then you'll have the urge out of your system.