You have to remember in the past a razor was a cheap common tool used by men to shave every day. It would be like someone making a screwdriver with damascus steel and engraving and exotic wood handles. Certainly in the day there were expensive razors catering to the well healed and rich but they were the exception. Straight razors to us in this day and age have been elevated to more of a hobby status so that's why there is so much more hand work and skill going in to them. Does that mean they shave any better than a vintage? I don't think so but they are prettier and rarer and I like looking at them and acquiring them when I am able.