For me it is all about reputation of the shave quality. Though the look of a razor is nice, more important to me that affects the shave quality is the balance and feel of the razor.
Chances are if it gets really high reviews I'll consider buying it. Lots of razors shave well, but if I'm going to buy a new one at this point, I'd really like the chance at a razor that shaves nothing short of amazing.
It's interesting that so many people are particular on the look, grind and size of the razor, is this in correlation to looks? Or to percieved shave quality? Or a little of each?