Whats the difference between a carbon steel straight razor and a stainless steel straight razor?
Besides the obvious differences in the material there are performance characteristics. First, carbon steel used in good straight razors, such as DOVO, is “high carbon steel” which means the carbon content is over 0.06 percent. High carbon steel razors are known to be easier to sharpen to a keen edge but do require a little more care and maintenance to remain rust free and bright. Stainless steel is a little harder to sharpen to a keen edge but are known to hold the edge better and are of course easier to maintain rust free and bright. However, either one has to be maintained properly by rinsing, air drying, storing in dry locations, periodic sharpening, stropping and occasional lubricating with light oil.
