I'm definitely at a disadvantage in that this is the only razor I've really handled so far. I'm keeping my eyes out for other good deals, though.

The scales are much heavier than the old ones. I like the way they fit my hand. I might just have to make another set that is thinner to try it out the traditional way.

The finish on the blade was done entirely by hand with sandpaper backed with flexible metal. I only took it to 1200x. I did have to re-drill the pivot hole. The stock pin was only about 1/16" diameter, and the hole wasn't even close to round (I don't know what was going on there). The new pivot is 1/8" hardened stainless. I'm not worried about wearing it out.