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During my scouring of the pages on this forum I have seen many that oppose stainless steel but yet some of the better names out there offer stainless steel blades. Is it simply a honing issue as the stainless is harder? Or is there some fundamental difference to the blades? I am just wondering as when I purchase another razor I do not want to make the same (pakistan) type mistake I made with my first razor. Any opinion or advice welcome and thank you in advance for your time.
Chris
It is at least a honing issue. The invisible edge currently charges more to hone a stainless steel blade than a carbon steel blade. In my short and limited experience, it's a factor of time
I own two stainless steel razors, and they shave well. I have honed one so far, and it was not fun. That one was a Dovo, and shaved very nicely, just took a long time to get there. Word of caution: I am relatively new to straight shaving, and very new to honing.
In my limited experience, I've found a quality carbon steel blade to feel smoother/silkier on my face than SS. That's just my opinion. YMMV so try them both.
Jordan
From what I know, a stainless steel blade will keep its edge longer, but it is a pain to get shave-ready.
Matt
I may have to just break down and try one. If it is just a matter of time to hone one then that is not so much an issue since I have that. I enjoy sitting and watching a movie while taking care of the kitchen knives or whatever is lying around the house that needs an edge. I must have ADD or OCD or something since I can not sit still.
Chris
I'm the same way. I can't stand the idea of sitting down and simply wasting time. Got to have something going on!Quote:
Originally Posted by warrensreptiles
I own 1 stainless steel razor and a few carbon steel razors, and IHO it's a bit harder to hone a SS razor as I spend a little more time honing mine than I do honing my CS razors, but the stainless takes a very nice edge so the extra honing time is worth it. The shave from the SS blade is a little harder/harsher but it's now where near uncomfortable, so if you want to try a SS blade I don't think you'll go wrong if you get a razor from a reputed maker
I am sure there a varying qualities of stainless just as with Carbon steel so I will have to watch the maker and see what quality stuff is out there. If they take a good edge and its just a little longer on the hone then its not a bad deal. Like I say though just have to make sure that its a quality blade to start with.
Chris
Stainless just takes a little more effort to achieve a keen edge. I get good shaves from carbon, but from my experience, stainless just shaves me better.
I enjoy honing, so taking the extra time with a stainless blade is certainly fine by me :)
Yes, you do - actually not just one, but several. I haven't noticed the honing effort to be dramatically different, but I haven't honed all that many stainless steel razors. One of my friodurs had microchipped edge, which I had to take these out, and there are 3-4 other stainless razors I've honed from bevel setting level. The rest have come to me honed very well and I've only touched them up.Quote:
Originally Posted by warrensreptiles
There's another stainless steel one on its way to me so we'll see how that one behaves.
But if you don't temper the steel right you may spend your lifetime honing a carbon steel razor and never get enough metal to form an edge, so it all depends on many factors.
As long as you stay from the cheap junk you won't have problems with a stainless blade.
+1 This says is all!Quote:
Originally Posted by gugi
Steve