Thread: Blade steel

Originally Posted by gardoggie

I'm new to straight razors. I have bought several and am learning to use them.

I'm curious about the blades.
....snip...
Were any of the blades coated or plated or are they just polished steel?

Any help will be appreciated!

Thanks,
John

In general blades are polished steel.

Because of rust and corrosion many things have been
tried to preserve the steel. The best solution is the same
that the Japanese found years and years ago... a thin
coat of a pure oil and relentless fine polishing.

Folk have used all the gun steel tricks: blued them brown them, plated them
and now use stainless steel.

However the best str8 edge is still well honed fine high carbon steel.
Modern high carbon stainless is a close second.

Fine high carbon steel is surprisingly rare. Contamination in the iron
ore or from the fuel used to smelt the steel can all contribute to a less
than ideal razor.

Cutting edges differ from razors in that many have a high percentage
of hard carbide forming components. Carbides being harder than almost
any hone material short of diamond add a micro tooth that results
in a harsh razor edge. A minor amount can prove beneficial...

Some Swedish steel and some Japanese steel are famous for being pure iron+carbon
in the right amounts.

The commercial blades that combine chrome, platinum, Teflon, are interesting
in their context but do not apply to a straight because these surface amendments
would be quickly worn away on the strop or hone and after the first week
would be of little value.