Thread: carbon or stainless, any thoughts?

Hi everyone, I haven't visited this site for awhile because I've been forced to return to crappy disposable razors for awhile (don't ask) but am now preparing to get my only straight razor honed, so as to return to the joy of a straight razor shave, and realized it wouldn't be a bad idea to pick up another razor so I can have a backup. Now the question. I wanted to hear some people preferences on razor steal and perhaps why. I currently have a carbon steal Dovo, just an entry level classic black. I like it well enough, but wondered if anyone recommended upgrading to stainless steal, and if that is actually an upgrade. any thoughts at all on preference of blade, and also if anyone can recommend any other kind of blades for around 100 bucks, give or take. Thanks in advance. I miss a close shave...

I would say if you already have a high carbon steel razor, then maybe you should try a stainless steel one. Its good to have one of each.

The only advantage of stainless steel is it's resistance to corrosion; however, the advantages to a high carbon steel is that it will stay sharper longer. Many stainless steels have a high carbon content as well though, so it really depends on what type of stainless steel it is made of. Mainly stainless steels have a high chrome weight % so they are less resistant to anodic corrosion. If you don't like to dry your razors after you're finished shaving, then stainless might be a way to go... i.e. slightly less maintenance. But if you take good care of the razors and have a habit of making sure that the blade is clear of water, then you'll be fine with high carbon. Chlorides (salts) are basically what corrodes steel. You put a stainless steel razor in a pool for a little while and it will still corrode. So if you live in a highly corrosive environment, you might want to consider the stainless.

It's really your choice... six in one hand and a half dozen in the other hand.

You have one of the finest blades that you can get your hands on. From here on it will be a matter of preference as to what is best suited for your shaving style. I love carbon. To me it gives a softer shave. To others there is no difference. Stainless is definitely superior when it comes to maintenance. On the other hand you must care for any blade or it will deteriorate.




Now...I love carbon, but my favorite shaver is stainless. The edge that it holds day in and out is just wicked.



You may not know it but you already have RAD.

Cargon steel is my preference for all edged tools. Its primary advantage is that it is harder and thus holds an edge much better. It is also easier to sharpen because it is nongalling.

Stainless steels are resistant to oxidation, and thus require less maintenance, but they are not as hard as carbon steel and thus will not hold an edge for as long. Stainless steels are also galling in nature, making them harder to sharpen. Martinsitic stainless steels Itypicall type 440 or some of its modifications) can be used to make good razors, they are almost as hard as high quality carbon steel so they will have acceptable edge holding qualities. They are, however, still prone to galling making honing a bit more difficult. Martinsitic stainless steels are, by the way, magnetic where as the softer austenitic stainless steels are not.

Personally, I have had no problems with oxidation of my carbon steel tools. They do, however, take on a grey patina over time (except for the edges which are refreshed periodically). This is actually a form of oxidation, but it is protective, and not undesirable. Stainless steels will generally remain bright without any polishing (unless they get really hot, in which case they turn a dark brown).

Carbon is tested and has been around longer. I go with carbon.

Or white steel if I can.

I was prejudiced against stainless based on my experience in the late '60s and early '70s with pocket knives. I felt that HC steel was more easily sharpened and held an edge as well or better. To my surprise when I finally got a few stainless razors they were not that much more work to get shave ready and have held an edge. So I would not worry about whether the razor was one or the other but just would get the design I preferred.

FCCExpert is right on!!

Example: 440 stainless steel, is high carbon. Just because it's called high carbon, doesn't mean that it has more carbon than stainless. Stainless steels are stainless because they have the addition of Chrome... and some nickel. It doesn't have to be "high carbon" steel to have high carbon.

Singlewedge also has a good point. White steel is almost completely it a martensitic phase so it would be like shaving with tungsten carbide... you'd almost never have to sharpen it.

Metallurgy aside, how do they shave?

In my experience, the Dovo stainless razors are as smooth shaving as any hich carbon steel razor around. Easy to hone, and take a wicked edge. For me, they keep their edge at least as long as a HCS razor.

The Friodurs take a wicked edge as well, but are much more difficult to get a smooth, comfortable edge on there.

I like the low-worry factor with stainless (although 80% of my razors are HCS...).




As far as comparing hich carbon tools corrosion resistance to razors--perhaps that is not quite right, as a razor during use is constantly put under a stream of running water, while I imagine your carbon tools are not?

Originally Posted by Seraphim

Metallurgy aside, how do they shave?

In my experience, the Dovo stainless razors are as smooth shaving as any hich carbon steel razor around. Easy to hone, and take a wicked edge. For me, they keep their edge at least as long as a HCS razor.

The Friodurs take a wicked edge as well, but are much more difficult to get a smooth, comfortable edge on there.

I like the low-worry factor with stainless (although 80% of my razors are HCS...).

As far as comparing hich carbon tools corrosion resistance to razors--perhaps that is not quite right, as a razor during use is constantly put under a stream of running water, while I imagine your carbon tools are not?

I got a Friodur from Telly that was as sharp as any razor I have had. I haven't had to touch it up yet and have shaved with it a few times. I have a large rotation so it takes awhile to assess the longevity of an edge. I treat all my razors the same regardless of whether they are stainless or high carbon. I rinse under hot water, wipe with a tissue and then strop a dozen times on the horsehide. Then I wipe it with a silicone gun cloth with a rust preventative. So far so good.