A discussion about alloy steels and heat treating started in the GD mod competition thread. I'm interested in this subject and thought I'd start a new thread so as not to derail the GD thread.
I'm of the opinion that a simple high carbon steel is superior to alloy steels for making straight razors. One of the things that alloys do for steel is to raise the hardenability (increase the depth of hardening) which IMO is completely unnecessary as the only part of the razor that needs to be hard is the edge, and being thin, there is no problem with not hardening deep enough.
I am also of the opinion that the chromium and tungsten carbides that are present in hardened 01 type steels are actually detrimental to achieving a fine cutting edge. Many people who hone professionally have expressed their dislike for honing 01.
I'm of the opinion that a simple high carbon steel is superior to alloy steels for making straight razors. One of the things that alloys do for steel is to raise the hardenability (increase the depth of hardening) which IMO is completely unnecessary as the only part of the razor that needs to be hard is the edge, and being thin, there is no problem with not hardening deep enough.
I am also of the opinion that the chromium and tungsten carbides that are present in hardened 01 type steels are actually detrimental to achieving a fine cutting edge. Many people who hone professionally have expressed their dislike for honing 01.
Last edited: