Thread: Stainless steel or carbon Steel??

I was wandering what is the differece between the stainless steel straight razors and the ones of carbon steel,, which one is better??,, does anybody knows???

stainless are more rust and stain resistant, pain in the a$s to hone. I am told they hold an edge longer, will tell you when mine needs honed again. It really is just preference

Hi, I am a new straight edge shaver so please take my response with a grain of salt.
From my understanding carbon steel is easier to hone and takes a sharper edge then stainless steel. The edge on carbon steel also does not last as long as stainless steel. So it requires more frequent honing than stainless steel straight edges.
When I started shaving with straight edge razors, carbon steel straight edge razors were recommended to me. Since that time I have looked into vintage razors. All the vintage razors I have seen are carbon steel razors. I have had very good shaves with carbon steel razors. I have never tried stainless steel razors, so I would not be able to tell you much more about them.
Good luck

All a matter of personal preference. Stainless is shiny and easier to keep that way. Carbon steel keeps a better edge but take a bit more care to maintain. IMHO not enough more to make me go with stainless. You should treat any razor the same as far as im concerned. Make sure its dry after each shave before you store it and if you plan to store it for some time, dry it well and give it a light coat with protective oil like camellia. Hope this helps.

The steel is one of many factors that will affect how a razor will feel when you shave with it. But a well honed and well cared for blade, so long as it is quality, will serve you well, no matter the details.

I own a DOVO carbon and stainless steel model. They both shave very well. My preference for low maintenance is definitely the stainless steel which I take on trips. Once you get a great edge on the INOX it lasts twice as long as the carbon. Remember, all cartridge razors are stainless and the unanimously worlds sharpest FEATHER DE is stainless. However, there is something special, even nostalgic about carbon. It requires more loving care but can reward me with the best shaves I have ever had. Both are excellent choices from any reputable vendor.

Originally Posted by ledemon

I was wandering what is the differece between the stainless steel straight razors and the ones of carbon steel,, which one is better??,, does anybody knows???

The heat treatment can be more important than the steel. Vintage Henckels Inox razors are simply 440C SS. Most knife nuts would not be excited about that but ask a Henckels owner how his razor shaves.

You are right about the heat treatment. Stainless or carbon can be excellent with the right heat treatment. The chromium in stainless benefits from a very cold cryo freeze which further enhances the crystalline structures. My DOVO was done this way. So is the American Cutco cutlery.