Hello

I am new to this community and new to straight razor shaving. After a year of DE shaving (merkur + feather) I decided to try straights. I bought a Dovo "Best Quality" which had been made shave ready by the vendor as this seemed like a sensible starting razor. Much to my surprise (and despite a few nicks) I am getting a good shave without too much difficulty after a week of daily use (except for the chin which is more challenging).

I am now thinking about getting another razor. My question is what makes one razor different (or better) than another. I come to "sharp edges" from an interest in japanese kitchen knives and with these there is endless discussion about different steel types, different hardness (HRC), different geometry, etc. From what I have been reading so far these don't seem to feature quite so much with razors, with the exception of geometry (size and grind), but even this seem to be quite generic (does Dovo make a better 6/8 half hollow than Wacker or anyone else, or is one 6/8 half hollow the same as all the others?). What about steel? For almost all razors other than customs, there appears to be only reference to carbon steel or stainless. Is it relevant to the quality of the razor which type of carbon steel is used or? It certainly is for knives.

I suppose in the end I am trying to separate out the superficial differences between razors (scales used, etching, even collectability) versus the functional differences (what is going to give you a better shave).

Thanks in advance for any input.

Claude