Thread: Metal confusion...

Hi everyone again I am a bit confused about the materials used for razors and their properties when it comes to use. I have read a few places that stainless steel is not a good idea at first because it is not easily honed, but other than that I am unsure on what to do because I have seen carbon steel razors on ebay with no idea the difference between the two. Could someone please help me out with what blade materials to avoid at first as a newbie?

I am going to do a little more research on the strop and hones that would be my best bet (I have a limited budget and knowledge). Thank you!!!

There is no real difference in honing stainless versus carbon. The greatest difference is in corrosion resistance.

don't worry about it. just avoid the 'new' cheap razors on ebay that seem to be made predominantly from 'stainless' and surgical steel.

Stainless and carbon blades are honed the same way, but since stainless is typically much harder, you need to have a bit more patience when honing. The corrosion resistance can be a big deal for some people in certain climates, but I think anyone would recommend that you dry any razor thoroughly before putting it away.

Some people with lots of experience in many types of razors will say that one feels better on their face than the other, but that isn't anything you need to worry about now.
J.

Thank you for the clarification now to figure out strops and then hones :-P

Originally Posted by jfreaksho

Stainless and carbon blades are honed the same way, but since stainless is typically much harder, you need to have a bit more patience when honing. The corrosion resistance can be a big deal for some people in certain climates, but I think anyone would recommend that you dry any razor thoroughly before putting it away.

Some people with lots of experience in many types of razors will say that one feels better on their face than the other, but that isn't anything you need to worry about now.
J.

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.

I'm not an expert in razors, but for knives, carbon steel knives are easier to sharpen, but stainless steel keep the edge longer.

I don't see why it should be different for razors.

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.

+1 to that.I found out the hard way.By honing and honing and honing my Friodur.....
Turns out I was using way to many laps, just because I tought the stainless was so damn hard.

Kristoffer