Hey I'm not trying to be argumentative but...... I completely disagree with your assessment of the SR1. I have one as well and i'll be the first to admit no it's not a Dovo straight or a high end straight razor but it is what it is supposed to be a stainless steel shavette. That said no it does not have the weight of a straight or for that matter the balance of the scales but it opens and closes just fine... the blade could not be easier to change hell all you do is lift the retainer separate the holder and put the blade on the lining pins and close in reverse order.... wwhat's hard about that ? when I first got mine yes I had a hard time learning to use it but that was my fault not the razors. As with straight shaving, DE, or shavette shaving there is a learning curve. I can tell you with 100% certainty you can get an amazing shave with the SR1 and if you get one going into it knowing you are getting a entry level razor than you won't be disappointed or have expectations that just won't be there. FWIW maybe you got a lemon and your spot on but I believe most of us that have the SR1 have had a much different expierence.