Thanks for the replies guys. You have to understand I have nothing to compare to except for a Mach III (hardly a comparison) and my Merkurs with Merkur blades (that are arguably the lowest of the name brands).

I guess the only way I'll know is when I eventually buy a "shave ready" razor, or send one to one of the "Honemeisters".

Justin, no worry about being blunt. That's the way I like things. No bull or beating around the bush.!!