Thread: Deteriming Razor Composition

Is there a way to determine my straight razor's metal type? Currently I have two vintage razors: One is my great-grandfather's that, after doing some investigation, found it was bought from a cheap source. That isn't a knock on my great-grandparents. They were farmers and pretty economical. The second is a flea-market find and seems to be from 1910-20ish time frame. At least that's what I've determined from investigating the internet.

I'm a decent honer, but I'm wondering how I can determine if the razor is stainless or carbon steel. I'm pretty sure the first one is carbon but the second on...not too sure. Is there at test I can perform?

Thanks in advance.

hummmm.... pictures would really help here mate

Most stainless razors are from the late 1950s and later. There are some from the 40s and before that it would be very very rare.

Some stainless is non magnetic but depending on the alloy it might be.

I thought 99% of good older razors were some form of carbon steel. As mentioned before, pics would help.

Are these your first razors? You mentioned being able to hone. If you are talking about sharpening knives that is quite different than honing razors.

They are my first razors and I only hone razors (these two). I am not the best by any stretch, but I get a good edge. I know it could be better.

They are almost certainly both carbon steel of some variety.

IMHO, the differences between honing carbon steel and stainless steel are vastly overstated.

Originally Posted by BrianWright

They are my first razors and I only hone razors (these two). I am not the best by any stretch, but I get a good edge. I know it could be better.

If you can get a good shave from your edges that is great, not knowing your background I thought would ask. I've got a box full of razors, but I don't have a lot of experience honing.

There are some x-ray diffraction tests that can be used to analyze metallurgy. However, the testing would be cost-prohibitive for razor testing.

They type of steel used in a razor is only part of the equation. How the steel was heat-treated is equally important, perhaps even more so. High quality razors have been made from various low-alloy steels, mid-alloy semi-stainless steels like D2, and high-alloy stainless steels like 440C. They can all yield a wonderful razor in the hands of someone who knows how to work with that steel. Likewise, poor quality razors can be produced from any of the alloys if they do not know what they are doing.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Most stainless razors are from the late 1950s and later. There are some from the 40s and before that it would be very very rare.

Some stainless is non magnetic but depending on the alloy it might be.

Also, wouldn't it probably be indicated on the razor? That would have been quite novel at the time and seems like something that would have been emphasized.

Originally Posted by JP5

Also, wouldn't it probably be indicated on the razor? That would have been quite novel at the time and seems like something that would have been emphasized.

Many razors made of stainless will say so. The ones I've seen form the 60s seem to all say so but the few I've seen from when they first started using stainless did not say it. I'm sure the coffin did but once lost.....