Thread: Silver Steel

I'm interested to know peoples experiences/opinions on silver steel razors. I've read that they (A) take a great edge and (B) have a few peculiarities when it comes to honing.

I have just honed one up and found it to take a really good edge (more by fluke than skill). I'm wondering if I should be on the lookout for another one, as this is definately my best shaver at the moment. Maybe this is just a one-off experience.

What are your thoughts/experiences with various silver steel razors?

I'm pretty sure all my NOS Sheffield wedges are made from silver steel & so far I've found them to be Easy to sharpen & they seem to hold their edge well.Paul

I have several and they are all straight forward as far as honing is concerned. Some of the TI's require a little more time but I suspect it is because of the lead hardening process they use.

Silver steel is one that I've been looking to get, don't think I have one yet.

I'm trying to get as many of the different steels used for razors (except stainless [sneeze]). I havent done alot of searches yet to see who made what and when, but thats on the list

I've got 2 in Silver Steel...they're my favorites. Easy to hone and stay sharp for ages.

The term "silver steel" is somewhat missleading as there is no silver involved. Silver steel is actually a high carbon specialty tool steel that can be heat hardened to about Rockwell C64. Typically it contains 1% carbon. The "silver" is reference to its appearence as it tends to be somewhat glossy.

Since it is a hard steal, it may take a bit more time to sharpen than lower carbon steels or stainless steels but it should also stay sharp longer.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

The term "silver steel" is somewhat missleading as there is no silver involved. Silver steel is actually a high carbon specialty tool steel that can be heat hardened to about Rockwell C64. Typically it contains 1% carbon. The "silver" is reference to its appearence as it tends to be somewhat glossy.

Since it is a hard steal, it may take a bit more time to sharpen than lower carbon steels or stainless steels but it should also stay sharp longer.

There are conflicting documents to this, some say there is no such thing and others give recipes for the amount of silver used in the steel.

I also believe the name has been used as a marketing gimic even if there was no silver in that sellers steel. I believe there are razors with silver in them, though the amounts from the recipes I have read would be more of a trace amount

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

There are conflicting documents to this, some say there is no such thing and others give recipes for the amount of silver used in the steel.

I also believe the name has been used as a marketing gimic even if there was no silver in that sellers steel. I believe there are razors with silver in them, though the amounts from the recipes I have read would be more of a trace amount

Silver steel is not a gimmick, it is a real specialty steal with a real standard (BS1407 for one). If you google this standard you will find the allowable componenets. Or you could just go here: http://www.silver-steel.co.uk/SilverSteelBS1407.html. Note that there is no silver involved.

Silver was involved in the original formulation of silver steel. It is no longer used.

My Silberstahl ERN s525b is my favourite razor. Shame about the round point.

awsome - this clears it for me.
thanks fccexpert. btw, are you expert in tetragonal as well? if not may be i can start building some martensite experience