Good question Phrank...

I do prefer the 'vintage blades'...personally I prefer the heavier, older Sheffield wedge type profile than the more modern lighter hollow grounds. I prefer Sheffield over Solingen or American steel. When honing I think a Coticule / Escher finish on the 'softer Sheffield's' creates a superior edge. With the German and American steels I think a JNAT finish is hard to beat.

Of course this all subjective and anecdotal, based on my personal experience only, but I do have enough different razors to have an opinion. Metallurgically speaking I don't have a clue...

Then...having said this...I'll pick up one of my Fillarmonica's or Puma's or Bokers, a Fritz Bracht Dovo, or even a nice Torrey, and I'll swear it's the best shave I've ever had!

So...who the 'F...' knows?

WP34