Thread: Carbon or Stainless

I asked this question over on SMF.com and now I'll ask here. Which is better for a straight? Carbon or Stainless or is it more a matter of personal opinion? If I read things correctly it seems Carbon is easier to get an edge with, but needs to be honed more often while Stainless is a little 'harder' to get an edge on, but holds it longer thus requiring less honing? Is this right? I'm almost getting the SR bug, but have been holding off by buying a Vintage gold Progress, a PAL Injector and as of last night a VISION, but I keep going back to looking at straights. Anyway, the opinion of you esteemed SR shavers would be greatly appreciated. As for 'Inox' What exactly is that? Thankyou in advance.

-Tye

Regarding razors, INOX generally refers to stainless. As a beginner to str8 razors I'd suggest you acquire a decent used carbon steel razor to practice with. They're generally easier to get sharp and maintain, but as you say, the stainless will hold a sharp edge longer and thus require honing less often over their lifetime. Once you've mastered both shaving technique and razor maintenance, you can then experiment with razors made using stainless or other more exotic metals. Just my $.02

Most straight users prefer carbon steel because it is the classical way to shave. Inox was developed probably in the late 1950s or 60s when straight use was dying out so there aren't many old ones around. If you look at Dovo most of their offerings are stainless and many custom makers like the maestro use stainless also. TI is the last holdout on carbon Steel in current manufacturers.

Most people have very definite views about the issue of stainless and carbon and are very opinionated about them. I have both and quite honestly for me I couldn't tell the difference when shaving. Sharp is sharp no matter what you use. The main difference to me is that Inox takes a little longer to hone but in return retains its sharpness longer and if you live in a humid environment is very rust resistant.

Personally, I think Inox is a great choice for a novice shaver. try em all and see for yourself.

I also think stainless is the way to go. If you can afford, a professional honning to establish the first edge would be a wise choice. After that, maintainence is a breeze, just wipe it dry and forget about it until the next strop and shave...

Nenad

You won't go wrong with either one. Just be sure that your first razor is shipped to you honed and shave tested or else send it out for honing. Then you will know what sharp really is!

I'm sort of thinking maybe one of those 8/8 Henckles Friodur SR's over on shavingshop.com. I'm thinking 'get something decent now' and that way I'll be more prone to sticking with it. That or one of the Damascus straights from Classic....not.

-Tye

Friodurs are great razors. Personally, I prefer carbon steel blades. No particular reason, as the Friodurs seem to get just as sharp, and are a lot more maintenance free. Carbon steel just seems to be more in keeping with the tradition of straight razors. As one of the finest knifemakers of all time, Jim Schmidt, said, "If it don't age, I don't want it." Strictly opinion. You won't go wrong with a Friodur, though.

I'd get any one of Joe's, they are fully restored and shap. Can't go wrong

You will be happy with either. I however prefer carbon steel.