Thread: just looking for opinions

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

Originally Posted by warrensreptiles

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!

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