Thread: Stainless vs. Carbon Steel

I sharpen the stainless a little different, but other than that, not much difference that I can tell.

I've only used Carbon, and from what I know of metal, and how it works in pocket knifes, as well as how Hi carbon is made, I would say stick to the carbon. I actually have heard, and experienced the opposite of your findings. I've found that stainless steel will take an edge more easily, and lose it more easily because it is a softer metal then hi carbon. Hi carbon is very strong and very rigid, so it may take a little more work to sharpen but should hold the edge longer. That's why the japanese used it in swords.

peterm,

I was going to chime in here to give you the benefit of my half vast experience, but since you've made up your mind and are buying a fine product, I'll just leave that carillon unstruck.

good shaving,

Originally Posted by freyguy

I've only used Carbon, and from what I know of metal, and how it works in pocket knifes, as well as how Hi carbon is made, I would say stick to the carbon. I actually have heard, and experienced the opposite of your findings. I've found that stainless steel will take an edge more easily, and lose it more easily because it is a softer metal then hi carbon. Hi carbon is very strong and very rigid, so it may take a little more work to sharpen but should hold the edge longer. That's why the japanese used it in swords.

The hardness and edge holding qualities of carbon steel are related to the hardening and tempering process - not the steel itself, (generally). If high carbon steel is not hardened properly it can remain soft or become so hard it is brittle. When hardened properly it can remain brittle or if mis-tempered can become soft again; having said that - the same is true of the 440C used in Solingen INOX razors. 440C is a high carbon stain resistant steel that can be hardened to the Rockwell C range that is perfect for a straight razor but the same holds true about mis-tempering it. All things being equal except the 13% or so chromium added to the 440C - the carbon steel will take and maintain a marginally better edge. However; if honed properly the difference isn't great.

Actually, I am interested to hear what you have to say, especially since you possess coveted half vast information. Also, I really splurged and got a Dovo Renaissance stainless in adition to the Bismark so any input you have to offer is a plus. Every where I turn I keep hearing you need at least two shavers and the price was right on both. Hopefully my wife will agree when the packages arrive.

Vintage Blades LLC::Dovo Straight Razors::Dovo Stainless Steel Straight Razors::Dovo "Renaissance" Imitation Ivory, 6/8" Stainless Steel Straight Razor - Professionally Honed

I'm a little concerned about this question. I just bought a Henckels friodur 7 / 8 NOS. I went this afternoon to take it to a master sharpener but he says it's something difficult to sharpen these kind of razors. What do you think about that? I have to look for a carbon steel one?

This is a pic of the Henckels:

I may have been at this game for a while, but my learning experience might be helpful to others. I always thought that SS was harder to hone and incapable of the same ultimate sharpness as carbon steel. I thought to myself that carbon is hard and brittle, stainless is softer and more ductile. Every stainless Dovo I have ever met has confirmed that thinking, rightly or wrongly. But then I discovered I could hone a Livi stainless Damasteel, and a Filarmonica, and then a Case, and recently a Puma. I still don't get quite the exquisite sharpness as I do with a carbon steel blade, but then that exquisite sharpness only lasts a few shaves anyway. In other words, the brand (ie the steel used and its heat-treating and tempering) probably has more to do with it than anything else. I have had many old TI's and a Wacker that took far more effort to hone than any SS razor I have had. So now I'm collecting Friodurs!

Chris

From all the reading I've been doing, it appears carbon steel is the top pick in terms of sharpness, honing, and longevity of the sharpness. People seem to move towards SS 440 because they like the look or not as caring to preserve the carbon steel. If I'm wrong, let me know.

I figure I have lots of carbon steel tools in the garage that get abused (like wire cutters and pruners), and those edges seem to keep sharp. If stain develops, an SOS pad seems to take care of the rust/stain with no problems.

I also have no lacking of oil around the house, therefore I shouldn't have a problem taking care of carbon steel.

Jake

Originally Posted by indoko

I'm a little concerned about this question. I just bought a Henckels friodur 7 / 8 NOS. I went this afternoon to take it to a master sharpener but he says it's something difficult to sharpen these kind of razors. What do you think about that? I have to look for a carbon steel one?

This is a pic of the Henckels:

Any of the honemeisters from SRP ought be able to sharpen a fine razor like that, no trouble at all. Who did you take it to?

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

Any of the honemeisters from SRP ought be able to sharpen a fine razor like that, no trouble at all. Who did you take it to?

I took the razor to a man who sells knifes in his little shop in Valencia (Spain). He is used to sharpen knives throughout his life and told me that Filarmonica´s steel was the good one.