Using a VERY broad brush, I feel that carbons are smoother on the skin than SS blades, which always - no matter how sharp you get them - feel 'scrapy' in comparison. Maybe that's just the makeup of the steel. As to best shavers - well. For my money a big English swept-blade wedge :medvl: cannot be beat for long-stroke shaving - I use Fenneys and W&B's (both 150+ years old) and I cannot find better - but that's MY way of shaving. I have mostly left the hollow grinds behind - but if they are what does the job for you, fine! And that is what is important, after all...............