Thread: stainless steel razors

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 have a Friodur Henckels 7/8 blade inox. There excellent razors. You will not be disappointed.

....

Shaves great!! and NO water marks!

How about honing? I assume it is the same as with knives. A little harder steel, a little more time on the stones, but probably a longer lasting edge?

I prefer my stainless steel straight razor. It's easier to maintain and holds it's edge longer.

I have several Henckels Friodur razors from 4/8 to 7/8 widths. They all shave well, hone well, strop well, and hold an edge.

No rust or water stains worries.

If you go vintage, get one with minimal hone wear. It's worth the additional cost.

Thanks for the feedback. Guess I'll have to take a hammer to the piggybank and try one of them

I have several different brands of stainless steel razors and they are some of my favourite razors. That is for all the reasons already given, easy to maintain, take and keep a good edge. Yes, they may take a little longer on the hones but not terribly much. Just used one this morning.



Bob

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.

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.