I agree, this is a very interesting thread.

Two of my best razors ever – including a 8/8 George Savage I stupidly sold to holli4pirating a couple years ago – were Sheffields. When Sheffields are good, they're good. Very smooth and buttery; I agree that for better or for worse, the steel is softer than American and German razors.

But I've also had two real clunkers. Both were highly respected Sheffield brands. Chris' post about the reasons for possible inconsistency in Sheffield razors has piqued my curiosity.