Thread: stainless steel razors

BTW, after my shave I ran an alumn block over my face. It might as well have been an ice cube for the way it felt. Beautifully smooth and efficient edge that razor took.

I was told by a metallurgist that I work with that stainless cannot get as sharp as carbon steel blades due to the structure of the metal. I think he said the chromium chunks in it are bigger and break off leaving a more jagged edge than carbon steel. not sure if this is something noticeable while shaving, since I am sure it is microscopic but talking to him about it swayed my decision against stainless. The maintenance of stainless is alluring though.

Originally Posted by Highwayman

I have been browsing some stainless steel razors on the bay ( mainly Henckels) and was wondering how many people on this site prefer them. Never owned one but would like to know how they stack up with some of the vintage sheffield and solingen razors.

I like both stainless steel and carbon steel. At first I thought rusting would be a problem with the carbon but it never has been for me. I just make sure the blade is dry and keep the razors in the bedroom and not the bathroom.

Originally Posted by Chugach68

I was told by a metallurgist that I work with that stainless cannot get as sharp as carbon steel blades due to the structure of the metal. I think he said the chromium chunks in it are bigger and break off leaving a more jagged edge than carbon steel. not sure if this is something noticeable while shaving, since I am sure it is microscopic but talking to him about it swayed my decision against stainless. The maintenance of stainless is alluring though.

I don't know about the technical limitations of each type but I'll say from experience that you owe it to yourself to give one a go. Preferably a Friodur since I see them in such a good light. If everyone got as good as a shave as I did today, there would be no doubt in anyone's mind.

Originally Posted by Chugach68

I was told by a metallurgist that I work with that stainless cannot get as sharp as carbon steel blades due to the structure of the metal. I think he said the chromium chunks in it are bigger and break off leaving a more jagged edge than carbon steel. not sure if this is something noticeable while shaving, since I am sure it is microscopic but talking to him about it swayed my decision against stainless. The maintenance of stainless is alluring though.

I do not know if it is me not feeling it, but I have not seen a stainless razor that does not get as sharp as carbon.

Highwayman,

I have five (5) stainless razors - 2 Friodur, 1 Wusthoff & 2 Dovo EnVogue - they all shave superbly

With my Naniwa Superstone setup, I have not noticed any difference in the honing WRT my carbon steel blades.

I have also not noticed any difference in edge longevity either WRT carbon steel blades : the only blade I have that I have noticed better than 'normal' edge longevity (for me) is my C135 steel TIs.

Have fun

Best regards

Russ

I have four stainless razors three Friodurs, one 5/8th's and two 7/8th's,and a Filarmonica DT #10. They all hone well, shave great and are easy to maintain.

Originally Posted by Chugach68

I was told by a metallurgist that I work with that stainless cannot get as sharp as carbon steel blades due to the structure of the metal. I think he said the chromium chunks in it are bigger and break off leaving a more jagged edge than carbon steel. not sure if this is something noticeable while shaving, since I am sure it is microscopic but talking to him about it swayed my decision against stainless. The maintenance of stainless is alluring though.

Another shaver here that cannot distinguish any difference in sharpness or quality of shave between carbon steel and stainless. I do not doubt what the metallurgist is saying it is his profession. You only need the edge to be smooth to a certain level in order to get a good shave and the difference in jaggedness is not likely seen at the magnification of a eye loupe commonly used to inspect blades while honing. My guess is that at a practical level for the purpose of shaving it does not matter but for other more demanding circumstances it does.

Bob

I only have new current production razors, among them two stainless blades, a Dovo Master's and a Wacker. I can't discern any difference in performance, either honing or shaving.

I assume that the stainless is less likely to...........well stain, but that hasn't been an issue with the carbon steel blades either.

I own a few Henckels Friodur stainless steel razors and one stainless steel Aust.

There is no difference in shave between the Friodurs and my carbon steel razors significant enough to mention, but the Friodurs took more time to make them shave-ready when they arrived.

One of the late production Friodurs that (unlike all the others) I bought new old stock, took an inordinate amount of time to take a sharp and smooth edge.
I was almost ready to give up, when on the umpteenth attempt it finally became right.\
Once they are properly honed, Friodurs are lovely razors though.


In a conversation with Mr. Aust, he once mentioned that he prefers carbon steel, and I suspect that the cult status of Friodurs may be explained with the ice-hardening that these blades went through and that gave them (literally) an edge over other stainless steel razor.

The stainless steel Aust is also a good razor, but not as smooth as the other Austs and at ⅝ not my favourite size. It is a great razor to take along on overnight trips though when I don't need to be quite as careful after the shave with drying and Ballistol applicator.


My current preference: carbon steel unless I can get a Friodur



B.