What Makes A Good Razor, Good?

OK, so I'm not a metallurgist. I don't know squat about the why's and wherefores of metal. However, I want someone to tell me why one razor of x brand shaves so much better than y brand. What is it about a particular metal that makes it easier to sharpen and easier to shave with? More carbon? Less? Geographic location of certain iron ore mines? What? There must be something intrinsic to the metals that makes this so. Its only curiosity, but there must be an easy explanation for us non-metalheads!I want to know why all razors weren't made the same. Why are there Cadilllacs amongst Ramblers?

In the really old days some of the ores contained just the right mix of trace elements to provide a superior blade however most modern metals are mixed by the fabricators so all razors of a given metal type should be the same. As far as razors and shaving ability I think its more how well the thing was ground and honed more than whether its swedish steel or English Steel or U.S Steel. They can all give outstanding shaves. As far as what makes a razor easier to hone over another you'll just have to wait for someone else to chime in on that one.