Originally Posted by
fccexpert
Once again, stainless steel is NOT harder than carbon steel. High carbon steel will usually reach a hardness of 62-64 Rockwell C. The most common stainless steel used for edged implements (including razors) is 440C, which is normally capabably of a 59 HRC. Modified versions of 440C such as ATS-34 or 154 CM can reach 61 HRC. All of these are perfectly fine for razors, but they are not harder than carbon steel.
All stainlesses can be a little more difficult to hone, not because they are harder, but because they tend to gall under abrasion. All stainless steels are less likely to rust compared to carbon steel. 440C is more corrosion resistant than either ATS-34 or 154 CM (which are basically the same alloy but from different countries). Carbon steel will over time take on a grey patina (unless polished regularly), stainless steels will remain bright.