Quote Originally Posted by sheajohnw View Post
The biggest difference is that given normal care, stainless does not spot or rust. Even with normal care, carbon blades must be checked for spotting, rust, and patina.

Quality stainless costs more than carbon, may be a bit slower to hone, but may hold an edge longer. Carbon may be easier to hone and get a bit sharper.
I'm a complete rookie straight shaver, but my decades of experience with other kinds of cutlery agree 100% with what sheajohnw said.