Well: For me it isnīt the fancy scales nor isnīt it the etching on the blade or the width of the blade.I have some 30 - 40 blades in various shapes and fanciness .
My most cherished blade is no fancy thing at all. Itīs not even a heirloom. It is a Thomas Whatham & co.
This blade just sitts there and whenever I need it itīs there. Incredibly sharp and, most of all, always ready for action although it only gets a good stropping before an after each shave. This blade shaves silent and as said always ready.
A pure work horse that does the job and silently goes back into the stand. Just like a Shire horse.
It has never let me down. That is what I value the most.