Carbon Steel blades are generally considered more comfortable to shave with for the novice and straight razor professional alike, but the upkeep of the Carbon Steel blades can be a problem for some. The Carbon Steel blades are more prone to rust. The Stainless Steel blades do not require as much upkeep, but are not as forgiving as Carbon Steel. I keep two straight razors in rotation as this is really my preferred way to shave. I have one razor of each type. I think this Stainless Steel is an extremely well-honed inox. As of this writing, the J.A. Henckles Friodur Inox is available in Full Hollow Grinds as well as 6/8 and 7/8 sizes. I purchased a Full Hollow 6/8. I have found 6/8 to be a comfortable fit in the hand. It’s just a preference. I own a 5/8 Carbon Steel Blade that I keep in rotation. I use different blades on different days and tend to use the 5/8 Carbon Steel for travel and to line my mustache and facial hair; likewise I use the 5/8 Carbon if I decide to trim my neck hair. The J.A. Henckles Friodur Inox could do it all. I just prefer to use 6/8 size for beard shaves. Again, just a preference. The J.A. Henckles Friodur Inox honed by Razor Emporium should be considered on the level or better than any razor of similar characteristics. I do not regret the choice to purchase from here versus somewhere else. It arrived shave ready and sharp. This J.A. Henckles Friodur Inox razor will likely always be my preferred Stainless Steel blade as this razor is well-balanced, sturdy, and functional, it also holds edge well. I don’t feel it requires much stropping, but no razor that has been professionally honed should require much stropping, so long as it is of good quality and is maintained and cared for. Care Regimen (Skip to the last paragraph if not interested in maintenance) Just for informational purposes of how I care for Straight Razors. After a shave and towel dry of the razor. I strop no more than 10 to times maybe less on the canvas side to remove dirt and debris. Once I am sure the razor has dried. I oil with Knife grade Camellia Oil. ( I would use a different substance for long-term storage.) If the inside of the scales get wet during the shave. I let the razor sit somewhere and air dry before closing the blade completely between the scales. If I’m in a rush and the razor has to be closed quickly, I dry in between the scales with toilet paper, thin paper towel or napkin. Before shaving, I strop no more than 10 times on the leather side. I try not to make the process too elaborate. I’m just looking for quality strops. I choose an area of the strop and use short strokes. I listen and let the strop and blade give feedback to determine the maximum for that day. Quality blades allow for such things. My personal general philosophy is that stropping should not take anyway longer than it would take for someone to change a double edge razor blade, unless for some reason, a person likes doing it, that much, lol. I don’t know my favorite Carbon Steel razor yet, but I do know my favorite Stainless Steel blade. The J.A. Henckles Friodur Inox. Matt or Razor Emporium staff will gladly answer any of your questions. I say this because I asked indirect questions that were answered to the best of their abilities. I should say that in straight razor shaving everybody has a different methods. Enjoy the journey; lavish in the experience. I am sure each individual experience will be different from my own. If you’re new to this, don’t be intimidated. Learn to trust yourself. If need be seek advice. Someone, somewhere in the wet shaving community will be willing to help; that’s been my experience.