Thread: metal materials for blades?

Hey guys, just curious how pure silver would hold up for a blade. And also curious why brass and copper were never used as blades? Seeing as how they would not rust and deteriorate. Just too soft and the edges would always just fold?

Silver is simply far too soft.

Copper and brass were used as razors in a number of different cultures.

But hardness of material isn't the only property that's important. It's also important how the metal reacts to stresses, which is why there are so many different types of steel. Some steels deform under stress, some break. Some deform and return to their original shape, some don't. All these properties exist on a spectrum.

There isn't a single 'best' steel for razors. When brass or copper were used, they were the only workable metals available. For a long time, there were only a few types of steel. By as early as 1750 steel formulas were tuned for use.

Hardening of the metals is another entire kettle of fish, and that's the last step in getting steels that you'd want to shave with.