My 2011 R41 has proven to be pretty close (I mean REAL close) to afford as keen a shave as any of my straights, especially with a hyper-sharp blade like a Feather. Only thing I was lukewarm about was the handle and that was remedied quicksmart with the acquisition of a Weber Classic replacement. Truth be told, I can hurt myself with the Muhle much easier than with a straight..go figure. I will never part with mine.