Different grades of stainless steel

There is no doubt that stainless steel razors are very popular the last years. Personally, I prefer using them due to the extra weight and the overall higher quality comparing to others.

I know that Rockwell 6s, OneBlade, Wolfman, Razorock stainless, Rocnel and Barbaros are made of 316 grade steel, Phoenix stainless and Timeless are made of 304 steel, Asylum and Above The Tie are made of 303 steel.

Since I didn't know about the different grades and their properties, I gathered some information.

302 Stainless Steel. Austenitic, non-magnetic, extremely tough and ductile, 302 Stainless Steel is one of the more common chrome-nickel stainless and heat-resisting steels. Cold working will dramatically increase its hardness, and applications range from the stamping, spinning and wire forming industry to food and beverage, sanitary, cryogenic and pressure-containing. 302 Stainless Steel is also formed into all types of washers, springs, screens and cables. Grade 302 stainless steel is an alloy that, in addition to containing similar quantities of chromium and nickel to grade 304 (18% and 8% respectively), also contains higher carbon levels. Often sold in strip and wire forms, grade 302 stainless steel is primarily used by the manufacturers of conical compression springs. One of the product’s main attributes is that it is resistant to solvents, acids and chemicals. Grade 302 stainless steel is frequently found in spring form within machines used in kitchens, food processing businesses, medical settings and dairies.


303 Stainless Steel shows good corrosion and oxidisation resistance in mildly corrosive atmospheric environments. Its sulphide inclusions act as pit initiation sites meaning it provides a lot less resistance than 304. 303 gains its improved machining and galling characteristics by the addition on sulphur, however this addition also lowers the stainless steels corrosive resistance and reduces its toughness slightly when comparing it to 304 Stainless Steel.


304 Stainless Steel. This non-magnetic alloy is the most versatile and the most widely used of all stainless steels. 304 Stainless Steel has lower carbon to minimize carbide precipitation and is used in high-temperature applications. It’s commonly used to process equipment in the mining, chemical, cryogenic, food, dairy and pharmaceutical industries. Its resistance to corrosive acids also makes 304 Stainless Steel ideal for cookware, appliances, sinks and tabletops. Most commonly, if stainless steel is being used, it will typically be a grade 304 or related product. Grade 304 stainless steel is comprised of around 18% chromium and 8% nickel. As well as offering good resistance to corrosion and ease when welding, this formula has excellent ductility and can be used in an extremely wide range of applications. In the home, you’ll find grade 304 used in sinks, pots, pans and sanitary surfaces. The substance is also used extensively in architectural cladding, handrails, transport containers, street furniture, surgical instruments and chemical plant equipment.


316 Stainless Steel: This alloy is recommended for welding because it has a carbon content lower than 302 to avoid carbide precipitation in welding applications. The addition of molybdenum and a slightly higher nickel content make 316 Stainless Steel suitable for architectural applications in severe settings, from polluted marine environments to areas with sub-zero temperatures. Equipment in the chemical, food, paper, mining, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries often includes 316 Stainless Steel. After grade 304 stainless steel, grade 316 is perhaps the most commonly used. The substance contains molybdenum, which lends the product extra resistance to corrosion and oxidisation. This makes it particularly attractive to those looking to use the product in chloride or marine environments. Equally, the substance is ideal for the manufacturing of quality street furniture as it offers real durability along with an attractive finish and an ease of form. Grade 316 is very tough but equally, it has exceptional formability. These twin attributes make it ideal for the production of springs for the marine, oil and gas industries, which simultaneously need both movement and power. Another notable property of grade 316 stainless steel is that it will demonstrate high-level tensile strength, even in very high temperatures, and will not deform permanently under major mechanical stress.

Do you have a preference? Do you buy stainless steel razors based on their grade?

I'm sitting by the pool yesterday with two ladies and a pitcher of strawberry margaritas slicing cheese and summer sausage using my WW2
British clasp knife with a fancyworkd manila lanyard. Guy is looking for an opening to meet my girls and close me down, announces he's a NAVY MAN in the reserves and produces a S/S Myerchin rigging knife with scrimshawed white handles and braided paracord lanyard. He asks with little veiled contempt how I kept a carbon knife from rusting? 'Whale oil' Huh? Whale Oil, I have a old bottle of the stuff a gunner's mate inherited from his watchmaker grandfather. You a Navy man? USCG,we take care of our tackle by using it. What's your ship? Uh, I haven't seen any sea duty and shoved off working hard on his bellbottom swagger that makes the hems swish like the tide.

Bottom line Nick? These are all splendid steels that will well serve any razor used well.

There is no doubt that stainless steel razors are very popular the last years. Personally, I prefer using them due to the extra weight and the overall higher quality comparing to others.

I know that Rockwell 6s, OneBlade, Wolfman, Razorock stainless, Rocnel and Barbaros are made of 316 grade steel, Phoenix stainless and Timeless are made of 304 steel, Asylum and Above The Tie are made of 303 steel.

Since I didn't know about the different grades and their properties, I gathered some information.

302 Stainless Steel. Austenitic, non-magnetic, extremely tough and ductile, 302 Stainless Steel is one of the more common chrome-nickel stainless and heat-resisting steels. Cold working will dramatically increase its hardness, and applications range from the stamping, spinning and wire forming industry to food and beverage, sanitary, cryogenic and pressure-containing. 302 Stainless Steel is also formed into all types of washers, springs, screens and cables. Grade 302 stainless steel is an alloy that, in addition to containing similar quantities of chromium and nickel to grade 304 (18% and 8% respectively), also contains higher carbon levels. Often sold in strip and wire forms, grade 302 stainless steel is primarily used by the manufacturers of conical compression springs. One of the product’s main attributes is that it is resistant to solvents, acids and chemicals. Grade 302 stainless steel is frequently found in spring form within machines used in kitchens, food processing businesses, medical settings and dairies.


303 Stainless Steel shows good corrosion and oxidisation resistance in mildly corrosive atmospheric environments. Its sulphide inclusions act as pit initiation sites meaning it provides a lot less resistance than 304. 303 gains its improved machining and galling characteristics by the addition on sulphur, however this addition also lowers the stainless steels corrosive resistance and reduces its toughness slightly when comparing it to 304 Stainless Steel.


304 Stainless Steel. This non-magnetic alloy is the most versatile and the most widely used of all stainless steels. 304 Stainless Steel has lower carbon to minimize carbide precipitation and is used in high-temperature applications. It’s commonly used to process equipment in the mining, chemical, cryogenic, food, dairy and pharmaceutical industries. Its resistance to corrosive acids also makes 304 Stainless Steel ideal for cookware, appliances, sinks and tabletops. Most commonly, if stainless steel is being used, it will typically be a grade 304 or related product. Grade 304 stainless steel is comprised of around 18% chromium and 8% nickel. As well as offering good resistance to corrosion and ease when welding, this formula has excellent ductility and can be used in an extremely wide range of applications. In the home, you’ll find grade 304 used in sinks, pots, pans and sanitary surfaces. The substance is also used extensively in architectural cladding, handrails, transport containers, street furniture, surgical instruments and chemical plant equipment.


316 Stainless Steel: This alloy is recommended for welding because it has a carbon content lower than 302 to avoid carbide precipitation in welding applications. The addition of molybdenum and a slightly higher nickel content make 316 Stainless Steel suitable for architectural applications in severe settings, from polluted marine environments to areas with sub-zero temperatures. Equipment in the chemical, food, paper, mining, pharmaceutical and petroleum industries often includes 316 Stainless Steel. After grade 304 stainless steel, grade 316 is perhaps the most commonly used. The substance contains molybdenum, which lends the product extra resistance to corrosion and oxidisation. This makes it particularly attractive to those looking to use the product in chloride or marine environments. Equally, the substance is ideal for the manufacturing of quality street furniture as it offers real durability along with an attractive finish and an ease of form. Grade 316 is very tough but equally, it has exceptional formability. These twin attributes make it ideal for the production of springs for the marine, oil and gas industries, which simultaneously need both movement and power. Another notable property of grade 316 stainless steel is that it will demonstrate high-level tensile strength, even in very high temperatures, and will not deform permanently under major mechanical stress.

Do you have a preference? Do you buy stainless steel razors based on their grade?

The different grades of stainless steel material is not an important factor for me,  regardless of the stainless steel grade it will surely last a lifetime if properly cared for.  What I am seeking is the workmanship and quality of the razor. There is also the  designs/architecture of the razor(s) would be another important factor.   I am looking for that razor(s) that is magical to shave with if there is such a thing. I would not want to pay BIG BUCKS for a razor(s) that is of the highest quality material made but it's a treacherous adventure where no man, woman, or alien wants to go.  

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Good post, @"nikos.a". I do actually look at the grade of steel when learning about new razors, but in the end, it’s not a deciding factor for me. Although your post illuminates some of the differences between the grades of steel, I figure that since I take pretty good care of my shaving equipment, it will probably last a very long time, regardless of the grade.

Like said, though, it’s always interesting to find out which grade each manufacturer has chosen, just for curiosity’s sake.

Good post, @"nikos.a". I do actually look at the grade of steel when learning about new razors, but in the end, it’s not a deciding factor for me. Although your post illuminates some of the differences between the grades of steel, I figure that since I take pretty good care of my shaving equipment, it will probably last a very long time, regardless of the grade.

Like said, though, it’s always interesting to find out which grade each manufacturer has chosen, just for curiosity’s sake.

+1

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I was talking with a friend recently (on an actual phone! ) from the shavemyface forum. He was one of the original members when these forums started in the late 90's. The stainless steel discussion might be the most interesting to watch these days.

They certainly add to the weight, quality and longevity of razors but the one thing we laughed about was the lack of comments on the boards about the shave quality. It very often takes a back seat to construction and beauty.

I like the stainless materials Nick cited above in my Wolfman, Charcoal & Timeless but the shave I get from my Zamak/Brass Digress and Brass Fatip Testina Gentile are clearly a cut above. The head designs are superior imo.

If they crumble and decay they are easily replaced. I really don't need my razors to last two lifetimes if there are better shaves to be had out there. Sure, the Wolfman will go to one of the kids but I can guarantee he'll probably find a better shaver that may eventually crumble!

Apparently, an alloy called PANACEA can be added to your list above, Nick. What they used in the head for the OneBlade Genesis, nickel free and (thus) supposedly the best to use for items in constant or frequent skin contact.

https://www.dynacast.com/panacea

Can't say I'm qualified to say whether this or that is better, or even if SS trumps other metals or alloys in razors. Use wise Im happy with various kinds. I'm not buying stuff to pass on and I won't be living long enough to see my razors 'decay' probably, regardless of material.

Very interesting info, Halvor!
Panacea is a greek word meaning a solution for all problems/ difficulties.

OneBlade is a very nice razor, but I sold it to a great member of the shaving community. I had the V1. I just didn't like the whole blade thing, only a few distributors worldwide and good for just two shaves maximum. I also didn't want to start despining Ted Pellas. OneBlade was made to use only the FHS. It's like someone who has the money to buy an Aston Martin but he is cheap enough to use second hand tyres. That's how I see it. Of course, this is not meant to jugde anyone who does this.

I know what you mean, Max. The added weight is a plus for me. Some stainless razors shave me better than any other. Personally, I've yet to find a superior razor head design to Rockwell. I've tried over fifty razors the last years, but this one gives me the smoothest shaves. These guys nailed it. Another pleasant surprise for me was the Rx. Another ss razor which gives great shaves. I love shaving with my vintage Schick and the head design of the Rx is quite similar.

The 6S is unbelievable. I gave mine to a cousin in Ireland who says he loves it. I might pick another one up. That head design might be the finest made. It's stainless but for some reason acts like the humble middle brother who goes unnoticed but takes care of the aging parents. It's not flashy but is really smooth. A good thing!