Thread: Razor dulls fast

The manufacturer grade of steel in the actual steel is what we really need to compare hardness values. But in the end, if we're strictly talking about which razor is going to retain a sharper edge longer, overall that will be a high carbon steel blade. But again, there are a lot of other factors in practice that could make a stainless edge last longer than a carbon edge. i.e stropping, honing, storage, shaving frequency etc.

I agree with RD - to many variables at the beginning of the learning curve.

If the objective is to learn to shave with a SR - do that, and only that first. Which mean's, get a shave ready SR, learn how to properly strop, this is probably the most important fundamental you have to master. Slowly, spine always on the strop, practive with a dull kitchen knife if you have to - all it takes is a rolled edge and game over - you simply won't get a good shave.

When you've got 50-100 shaves under your belt, and the practice with the stropping - then introduce other components. Forget about pastes, hones, HHT tests...it's irrelevant for you until you understand what a successful SR shave is for you.

Just my opinion, but first things first....

But we are not talking about high carbon steel - we are primarily concerned with steel used to make razors, which is low carbon steel.

Stainless, which existed in some primitive forms in the 'surgical steels' of the the late 1800s, was a term coined by the Firth-Brown labs in Sheffield where the product was discovered after intensive research by Harry Brearley.

The goal was not to make a non-rusting steel - it was to solve a problem that plagued weapons barrels - the problem of abrasion and erosion caused by high temperatures and it was the looming shadow of WW1 that provoked the research.

It was called stainless because it also had a side effect of corroding less or staining-less than ordinary steels, but it did corrode. Molecules of steel landing on it with water caused it to corrode much like other steels, and because most water mains to homes were cased at one point or another in enormous steel pipes that were drilled and tapped into, there was always a nucleus of mild steel to land on a stainless blade and kill its passive resistance to corrosion.

Brearley's original steel samples were produced with 6 - 15 % by weight of chromium added to low carbon steel, but there are very many types of stainless steel, with different alloying agents and combinations of alloying agents available today - some have been available for quite some time since the hiatus into research caused by WW1 was finished and research got underway again.

I do find stainless steel a trifle more of a chore to hone due to high abrasion resistance than simple, sensible Rockwell C low carbon steel blades. Some take superlative edges (low carbon steel) relatively easily, especially around the 59 Rockwell C area which includes early Wade & Butcher's, etc, and more modern low carbon steels like that made for Puma (by Sheffield's Kaiser Ellison) and Bartmann which is around 60-61 Rockwell are both easy to hone despite being harder than the earlier steels and have good edge retention properties. Higher rockwell values than this I do not find enjoyable - at all - to hone, they are simply too hard. TIs carbonsong, around 62-63 rockwell, falls into this category - no wonder TI microbevel the edge.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

But we are not talking about high carbon steel.....

We're not? I thought we were talking about what sort of steel holds an edge longer. Isn't this thread about why his straight razor is going dull? Are we not talking about high-er carbon steel straight razors? Sure straight razors use a lower carbon steel over all, but the comparison that we're talking about is still regarding carbon steel vs stainless steel straight razors. Geez guys. Acknowledging may other factors, I'm making a simple comment that it somewhat has to do with the type of steel the razor is made out of. Holy crap. Believe what you want to believe I guess.

Lesson Learned: Don't share opinion or personal experience on straightrazorplace anymore unless I have a "mentor" tag under my name.

Been enjoying all of your opinions... The knowledge that I have concerning razors and shaving has been picked up from hit and miss experience, and forums like this one. Find the differences in options refreshing and informative.

Now my input is:: don't start with a Traditional Straight. Start with a holder like the Feather, or one of its cloned, and a Proguard Blade. That way you'll know what a shape blade is like and you can give your full attention to Technique.
2nd bit of advice. Read as much as you can before you buy.
3rd. Buy from a experienced member of a site like this one.

And... I'm i a Senior Member just because I'm old???[emoji69]

Originally Posted by quicksilver

We're not? I thought we were talking about what sort of steel holds an edge longer. Isn't this thread about why his straight razor is going dull? Are we not talking about high-er carbon steel straight razors? Sure straight razors use a lower carbon steel over all, but the comparison that we're talking about is still regarding carbon steel vs stainless steel straight razors. Geez guys. Acknowledging may other factors, I'm making a simple comment that it somewhat has to do with the type of steel the razor is made out of. Holy crap. Believe what you want to believe I guess.

Lesson Learned: Don't share opinion or personal experience on straightrazorplace anymore unless I have a "mentor" tag under my name.

OR read the comment you are replying to properly before commenting on it.

Did you say high-er carbon steel?

No. You said high carbon steel. Straights are usually made from low carbon steel, 0.6% is usually the cut-off mark. That is low in my book, and the vast majority including surviving vintage examples are made of this stuff, and that's a fact. Carbon in excess of 0.6% is sometimes regarded as high carbon and razors are made from that, granted, but I was citing the form most commonly found.

My Lesson Learned - don't try to be reasonable with a 'member' of two years who has limited experience.

I up your 'Geez' with a 'double Geez'.

Regards,
Neil

Oh right. Go ahead and start twisting my words to your benefit. Whatever. You're right Neil. I bow before your excellence. I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy. I shall continue in my quest to improve myself to someday match you in knowledge and wisdom.

Originally Posted by quicksilver

Oh right. Go ahead and start twisting my words to your benefit.

Never did that.

You're right Neil. I bow before your excellence. I'm not worthy. I'm not worthy.

I knew that already, naturally!

I shall continue in my quest to improve myself to someday match you in knowledge and wisdom.

I'd give up now, if I were you.

Regards,
Neil

Really guys? Were supposed to be mature here. Kind of goes along with the notion of being mature enough to hold a blade sharp enough to slit a throat with minimal effort. This thread is essentially finished anyways. What blades "were" made with and what they are now made with is different. Just relax and know that what each knows is different.