Thread: Dovo razor questions

I bought a Dovo ebony and silver steel and got to wondering what is silver steel? I understand the difference between carbon steel and stainless in terms of hardness and corrosion resistance, but haven't read anything on the silver steel.

Also, the blade is marked "Prima." I had read somewhere that prima was Dovo's extra hollow blade. Is this right? I was thinking about getting something a little stiffer, and was considering a half hollow 5/8, but if this is an extra hollow, then I might try an regular full hollow. Also thinking about a full hollow 4/8. That should have less flex, right?

Silver steel is a high carbon steel, called silver steel for its silvery look due to the high carbon content. Theres a wikipedia article on it if you want to read more about it. Because of the high carbon content, it makes a harder steel. Theoretically this means a longer lasting edge.

The difference between stainless and carbon steel comes down to the addition of nickel and other elements that impart a corrosion resistance to the steel. Remember, it stains less, not stain proof. Will it hold an edge longer or harden to a higher RC? Not necessarily.

Originally Posted by Leighton

Silver steel is a high carbon steel, called silver steel for its silvery look due to the high carbon content. Theres a wikipedia article on it if you want to read more about it. Because of the high carbon content, it makes a harder steel. Theoretically this means a longer lasting edge.

The difference between stainless and carbon steel comes down to the addition of nickel and other elements that impart a corrosion resistance to the steel. Remember, it stains less, not stain proof. Will it hold an edge longer or harden to a higher RC? Not necessarily.

Actually stainless steels will not harden to as high a RC as high carbon steel. Because of this, they do not hold an edge as well. The steels used for stainless steel blades of any type are martinsitic, they do not oxidize as easily as carbon steel, but they are much less corrosion resistant than austenitic stainless steels (which are even softer).

Originally Posted by fccexpert

Actually stainless steels will not harden to as high a RC as high carbon steel. Because of this, they do not hold an edge as well. The steels used for stainless steel blades of any type are martinsitic, they do not oxidize as easily as carbon steel, but they are much less corrosion resistant than austenitic stainless steels (which are even softer).

Thanks for chiming in. My expertise on steel is for swords. I have plenty of stainless cutlery, so I was unsure whether the same maxims were true for stainless knives.

So there you have it. Stainless = shorter edge retention but less upkeep. Carbon = longer edge retention but requires TLC.