Razor rec'd late Monday, first chance to use was yest. morn.

I'd not tried the ergo grip except on a 'Purist'. I like it alot, though the spacing of the notches and jimps are laid out for having 2 fingers on the blade side instead of the 3 I use. Take this w/ a grain of salt, 'cause I have fairly large fingers. As is, birdie finger and ring fingers sit on the outter edges of the upper jimps/notch. Also, Robert does a generous and handsome tang that easily accommodates 2 fingers on the tang. Any way you cut it (oh, did I say that?), there's alot of grip surface that makes a secure hold very comfortable.

Grind. I love extra hollows and 1/4 grinds. The rope-spined razor is a 1/4 grind that feels like a near wedge (which I also like). Having investigated whether an extra hollow was feasible, I learned its probably not. So when Robert called, saying the razor was finished, he mentioned he ground it a bit lighter than his normal 1/4 grind. Though its a preference thing, the slightly lighter grind is really wonderful. There's lots of heft in the spine and shank, which I really like, but the lighter grind makes the feedback more pronounced.

I first got on Robert's waiting list from some threads on the regrettably gone wetshavingworld website. It addressed whether or not a newer shaver would really benefit from a custom blade like his. Now to be sure, other, less costly razors will shave just fine. But if funds are available, I would concur that the blade is a joy, and its about the only opportunity to have a razor exactly the way you like them.

The edge: shave ready? That would be fair. Like the feel of the steel, the feel of the edge is different from other edges I've experienced. It complimens the feel of the steel very well. While the last strokes are a pasted strop, the feel is not oversmooth nor is it harsh. One less than graceful move in the shave that should have confirmed my namesake - making pinklather - just went along like nothing happened. 'No nick, no drama. I don't know how or if Robert was serious in asking me not to talk about the finishing, but you'll have to ask him about it. I have some of the abrasive media on its way now from
Tumbling Lapping Polish Tarre is a complete pleasure to work with.

So to those w/ the funds, and perhaps to those w/ an abundance of 'ok' razors, I would certainly say you'll get more joy from a Williams than from several lesser blades. Certainly over time, you can acquire some wonderful shavers. With Robert's work, it'll be rather certain.