The razor isn't hollow enough to make much noise when shaving, it's an old 72 1/2 with yellow scales. The blade does have heavy hone wear but the bevel remains what I would consider normal. The blade looks perfectly even-colored. I don't have a microscope, but I believe that Lynn straightened out the hone wear and bevel when I sent it to him. I'll try the tape to strengthen the edge. If it continues to suck, I'll try another 72 1/2.