The build quality of the Feather AS-D2 is superb. I'm used to using a Merkur HD (and a few other straight razors) primarily for the past 15 years and the build quality of the Feather is in another league in comparison. Additionally, the Feather feels heavier in the hand. I've had four shaves with the Feather so far using a Feather blade and the shaves have been fantastic. The blade angle and small blade gap make for a very mild shave, which is great for my sensitive skin. There was a bit of a learning curve in the first couple shaves as compared to my Merkur HD with regards to blade angle, but I find the Feather to be very forgiving. For my face, I've always needed to keep mindful of the amount of strokes and overlap with the Merkur, however, so far I'm finding that it's actually been tough to over do it with the Feather. No razor burn at all. I'm glad I finally made the purchase.