Thread: Comparing brands and Metals.

2'questions. I want to get your guys opinions. First. Does a stainless steel blade give a better shave then a carbon ? What are some pros and cons to each. And second. What do yous think about Dovo compared to a Ralf Aust? Does the manufacturer matter or is it all about the metal and the person who hones it for you?

My opinion is that grind also effects the shave depending on your beard type.
My beard likes quarter grind. I own examples of most grinds.
A full hollow requires more passes and more time. All of mine have been professionally honed, so I trust the bevel and sharpness of the blade.

Different grinds and sizes cause you to use the razor differently. Honestly the grind doesn't matter. As far as stainless goes it shaves just a good as a carbon steel.

As long as the manufacturer is making a quality piece it will shave you fine. Whether you have a Dovo or TI or Aust you will get a great shave no matter. Of course folks prefer one over the other for many reasons. It might be style or better QC or the scales or availability.

The hand of the person on the hones can make a giant difference. When it comes to carbon versus stainless it is all about personal opinion. Both are great and have been used for a very long time. The stainless can be a little lower maintenance, bit you need to remember it is stainLESS not indestructible. As far as Ralf Aust vs Dovo the would be splitting hairs. I have one of each both are good blades. I think on that one you may have to go to available models.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Different grinds and sizes cause you to use the razor differently. Honestly the grind doesn't matter. As far as stainless goes it shaves just a good as a carbon steel.

As long as the manufacturer is making a quality piece it will shave you fine. Whether you have a Dovo or TI or Aust you will get a great shave no matter. Of course folks prefer one over the other for many reasons. It might be style or better QC or the scales or availability.

Yep, I just didn't want to add the effects of size and grind I my post. Fingers wanted to be lazy.

same as mentioned above
the only thing I have found with the 1 Stainless blade I have, is it takes more work to hone & get smooth than what the Carbon blades of a similar grind do

I prefer Aust over Dovo, because of Aust's better work finish, attention to detail and QC.
With Dovo you deal with a company - with Aust you deal with a "manufacture" and the person who actually makes the razor.
If you have any special wishes (e.g. French head, Micarta scales, etc.), Aust is also willing to listen and accomodate.

Carbon vs. stainless steel - I prefer carbon as it takes a slightly easier edge and feels somewhat smoother with the notable exception of (long discontinued) Henckels Friodur stainless steel razors that are hard to beat and loved by many.

The chrome that gives stainless steel its corrosion resistance makes the edge (on a microscopic level) more jagged than carbon steel, which - in theory at least - results in a smoother edge and more comfortable shave for carbon steel.

What makes Henckels Friodurs different from other stainless steel razors is not quite clear, but I believe it has to do with the cold treatment that Henckels perfected at the height of the straight razor era and that shock-froze the crystal structure in place for better wear resistance and improved micro-structural stability.

Whether you really notice that - or I just imagine this because of the little metallurgy I know - is anybody's guess, but in any case a good stainless and carbon steel blade should not be worlds apart. :-)


B.

If S.R. shaving becomes a passionate hobby, at some point you will probably have one of each brand in your collection. I have all three mentioned in my collection an enjoy shaving with all of them. The classic Henckels Friodur Inox razors always bring a smile to my face.

I cannot answer question #1 as at this point I only have carbon steel blades in my collection. If/when the right Friodur comes along, I will certainly snatch it up and see how it does. Anything Henckels is a good shave when properly restored. I have a carbon steel J.A. Henckels 415 and love it to death.

As for Dovo vs. Aust....I find that the overall attention to detail, and hence the better $ value is to be had in an Aust. I have one example of each maker and prefer my Aust over my Dovo all day long (my Dovo and I often fight...a war I am finally starting to win). I firmly feel that a marked amount of additional care and effort goes into each Aust that is reflected in the finest details of each blade. A company the size of Dovo simply can't pay that much attention and meet their production needs...which is nothing against them personally...that is just plain economics.

Friodur ????? Smooth ????? Bahahahahaha


Hess Hair Milk #44 Stainless will make a Friodur feel like a chainsaw in comparison



****Runs back out the door ducking****





ps: To the OP that Hess will beat many Carbon steel razors for smoothness too

In general though I doubt in a Blind test and correctly honed anyone here can tell the difference between a SS and a Carbon steel razor on their face...

I have never noted any real difference in honing them either but that is JMHO