Thread: Blade steel used an issue when shopping?

I'm thinking if a wide range of blade steels were used in razors it would have been discussed here. But it isn't. Not that I've seen anyway. Also, the blade steel would be identified in more detail in razor adds. If I were to decide I wanted a "nicer" razor, is the blade steel an issue to consider? If I shop for a Dovo that costs $200 or more should I just forget about the steel and focus on other things that I like or dislike about the razors I look at?

Knife blade steels: Some get sharper than others. Some stay sharp longer. Some corrode less. Blade steel in a knife is important because of the wide range of uses for knives. Razors only shave. Is the blade steel a non-issue when deciding on a razor? Thanks for any help.


Jack

As a percentage of blades made since the advent of the use of steel for razors, modern tool steels of the variety and range you speak of are minor. Most blades are simple carbon steels.

You suggest correctly that there are steels that provide additional hardness but a harder razor is not very enjoyable or practical to hone. There is no steel that will not get dull working a beard. A human hair is about the same as copper wire of comparable diameter. It will require honing at some point.

Stain resistant steels do add some decrease in care or maintenance of the blade's finish. There are both carbon and stain resistant steels that give a great shave. Make the choice a balanced combination of all the variables.

The majority of the U.S. razor makers that I have looked into use 01 tool steel. I have probably 80 hand made knives in this steel. It is not the best steel in my knife lineup at holding an edge nor is it the strongest. But it certainly is acceptable for knife applications. CPM 3V or CPM M4 are stronger steels that I have on knives that hold an edge for a very long time and are very tough. I would buy a razor made in either of these steels in a heartbeat. But, honing them would be more of a challenge. Many knife makers us CPM 154 for their stainless offerings as it is almost as easy to work as 01. I really like this steel in knife performance as well. Count me in for a CPM 154 razor.