Thread: Steel

Gentlemen:

I am planning my first real straight razor purchase (after using a Shavette for about two months) and will probably go with a Dovo Best Quality from SRD (based on numerous reccomendations to others on this site).

However, in my limited experience searching through product descriptions, it seems to me that most entries for straights focus more on the cosmetic aspects of the razor, like etching, plating, and scale material. With the exception of grind and carbon/stainless, little attention seems to be paid to the steel.

So my question is: Is there a functional difference in the steel used in the different Dovo models, or is it the same steel for all the blades? Are the differences in price due only to the scale material and gold lettering on the blade (for example) or is the steel better in the higher priced models?

Thanks a lot for any and all replies, Gags

I do not remember seeing any indication of different steel used on higher priced models.
For what is worth the cheaper models shave just fine.

Roger that. If you are starting out, spend your money on good steel. Later on, if you choose to, you can spend money on things that appeal to you but don't necessarily make your shaves better.

There is the obvious difference between a Stainless and a Carbon Steel blade, the stainless may be a little easier to look after in terms of corrosion protection. I have 3 Dovos from SRD all 3 shave great.

Originally Posted by easyace

There is the obvious difference between a Stainless and a Carbon Steel blade, the stainless may be a little easier to look after in terms of corrosion protection. I have 3 Dovos from SRD all 3 shave great.

Excellent point on the the SS having more corrosion protection. I did read in the Wiki that the SS blades are little harder to sharpen/hone; however, they do hold the edge longer than carbon steel blades.

I have three Dovos; 2 stainless and 1 carbon. All honed by Lynn at SRD, they all shave equally well. After six months of use, I have not noticed any difference in their appearance.

After every shave, I wash the blade in hot water and dry it with a towel. After letting it air dry for about ten minutes, I then put a light coat of Camellia oil on the blade. Thus far, no rust or blemishes.

I have no preference between stainless and carbon razors.

FWIW --

Those manufacturers who use genuinely "different" steel alloys aren't shy -- Hart (which makes O1 tool-steel razors) is one example, and custom razor makers may give the buyer a choice of steels. TI claims a special alloy for some carbon-steel models, but is shy about details.

I suspect that all the non-stainless Dovo's are made of plain high-carbon steel (maybe with alloying elements). They're nicely ground, and properly tempered, and work fine. In fact, they work as well as vintage blades.<g>

You want progress in design, and improvements in materials? This is a bad spot to look for them.<g>

Charles

PS -- I would love to see the opinions of the guys who make razors, on this question.

Originally Posted by DLB

I have three Dovos; 2 stainless and 1 carbon. All honed by Lynn at SRD, they all shave equally well. After six months of use, I have not noticed any difference in their appearance.

After every shave, I wash the blade in hot water and dry it with a towel. After letting it air dry for about ten minutes, I then put a light coat of Camellia oil on the blade. Thus far, no rust or blemishes.

I have no preference between stainless and carbon razors.

I have three Dovos and after I finish shaving, I rinse them carefully, coat them with some liquid hand soap and carefully rub it on the blade, then I rinse the blade again, dry it off with tissue, then strop 30 times on fabric, then 50-60 times on the leather. Just before I store the razor, a coating of Camellia oil. My blades shine bright.

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

FWIW --

Those manufacturers who use genuinely "different" steel alloys aren't shy -- Hart (which makes O1 tool-steel razors) is one example, and custom razor makers may give the buyer a choice of steels. TI claims a special alloy for some carbon-steel models, but is shy about details.

I suspect that all the non-stainless Dovo's are made of plain high-carbon steel (maybe with alloying elements). They're nicely ground, and properly tempered, and work fine. In fact, they work as well as vintage blades.<g>

You want progress in design, and improvements in materials? This is a bad spot to look for them.<g>

Charles

PS -- I would love to see the opinions of the guys who make razors, on this question.

My speculation is that every razor maker has their own alloy and forging recipes as well as grinding techniques they carefully guard. After all, they are competition with each other. I would like to acquire a SS razor for my little collection.

Well... The short answer is Yes there are some differences.

You have 3 basic types of metals most commonly used for Straight Razors...
1. Stainless Steel - Probably considered the best by most people, it is slightly more difficult to sharpen, but it holds an edge better and is resistant to corrosion.
2. Carbon Steel - Very similar to the Stainless Steel but slightly more susceptible to corrosion, and a slightly softer metal(making it easier to sharpen, but dulls a little easier).
3. Damascus - This is a folded steel using two different types of steel. While generally considered the most beautiful of the metals it's properties are very similar to that of the Carbon Steel, but would vary depending on the exact make up of the two steels folded together. This is also the most expensive of the blades

The reality is all 3 will shave very well, and all 3 still need to be kept dry so there is little difference in maintenance.

As for the drastic differences in cost there are several key characteristics. First on the steel as mentioned before Damascus blades are significantly more expensive, the cost difference between the other two should be minimal. The scale are probably the single biggest factor in cost, and ultimately have no real bearing on the quality of shave other than how comfortable the razor may be to hold and work with. The varying style of blades generally only have a minor impact in price. The brand or crafter of the blade may also impact it's overall value, as would the overall asthetic appeal.

So short list of cost increases in order from highest to lowest...
1. Scales
2. Damascus Blade
3. Crafter/Brand
4. everything else is minimal

Ultimately none of the major cost increasing items listed have any real bearing on the quality of shave the razor will provide.