Quote Originally Posted by time2shave View Post
I don't have to shave with a knife, I just want to know if it's doable. And if not, why.
And I would not attempt to shave with a kitchen knife made of some junk stainless steel. But 440C should be suitable for razors, if properly treated.

So then, less than 60 Rockwell is no good for razors?
You have junk stainless steel kitchen knives? Honestly, with what my wife spent on her kitchen knives, I'd be willing to try and shave with them after they were honed out. As others have said, it doesn't have to cost a fortune. I'm in maybe $60 bucks. A good, well loved razor, previously owned razor for $38 from whipped dog. Some soap and a brush for another $15, and a poor man's strop for $19 from the same place as the razor. I could have gone cheaper on the soap and brush, but I "splurged" and went for an Omega ($11 instead of 8 for some other brand) and soap that's a little nicer than the VDH. I also have a shavette that was given to me (and I love) which could be picked up instead of the razor for about $30-25.