Thread: Stainless Steel vs. Carbon Steel

Hello Gents! I need some advice on what material razor to buy. Have read that carbon steel is better. Is this true?

I fell for Dovo Matester but it's stainless steel. What do you guys think?

Good steel is good steel.
I know quite a few of the members here have a preference for Carbon steel, but honestly, some of my very best shavers are stainless steel.

One my favourites blades is a Dovo Inox. I have heard stainless is a little harder to hone however.

What I believe is carbon is best to start as it's easier to hone and strop. That is what I use now and stainless if you like it is better down the road. I plan on getting a Henckels Stainless Steel eventually but for the time being sticking with Carbon. I think after that it's a matter of personal preference... Correct me if I'm wrong anyone.

I have both. They are different, but the same. I would not say one is better than the other, just different.

I've always been about carbon steel only in knives, I find high carbon gets sharper and stays sharp longer. I took that over with me to straights, then i recently got a fidour inox wedge, it wasn't any harder to hone than any other razor I've honed, and it may be my best shaver.

So, don't knock it till you try it, just buy something quality.

p.s. just cuz it says stainless doesn't mean you can treat it poorly, dry any razor before you put it away.

I have both and I'm also can't say that one better then the other! If they are well-sharpened they both can make great shave.

Originally Posted by justinA

p.s. just cuz it says stainless doesn't mean you can treat it poorly, dry any razor before you put it away.

this is very good advice!

The difference between carbon and stainless is similar, IMHO, to that between a blond and a brunette. You have to treat both with care.

I started with a dovo Inox (stainless) and recently got into some vintage carbon steel. The best shave for my face at this time is with the Sheffield vintage carbon steel, however, the dovo Inox still gives a very smooth and close shave. Specially when the edge is hone by a honemeister and I dial it with diamond and Cro strops.

Double O

They are very similar. Theoretically, carbon is easier to hone and strop, while a stainless edge might last longer.