What does the razor's "bolster work" refer to? What does the word "petina" mean? What's are the main differences between a carbon steel razor and a stainless steel razor?
I'm not sure about the other questions, but patina is a word we use a lot in architecture. It has to do with steel or other metal objects that change over time from nature or other outside elements. Patina is not really a bad thing, it actually adds character and when we use the term it is most often used when describing something of beauty. I suppose it could be used to describe a negative aspect to something, but never that I have heard. ex: "I love the exposed steel awning on that building, it has patinaed well over the years and matches the burgendy trim perfectly." I hope that makes sense, english was probably my worst subject in school.
a. No idea. Sounds like something to do with straight razors. b. see above c. Carbon steel is softer and rusts easily but can be rehoned to a very sharp edge multiple times. Stainless is harder and very rust/corrosion resistant but once it dulls, it's shot (usually).
Bolsters I believe are the metal ends you see on some straight razors. I guess bolster work would refer to them needing to be repaired.
The bolster is the "mound of metal" in between a blade and the handle. Can only fathom that what you refer to is the "feel" of the razor in your grip. "Patina" is the visual change in unprotected metal when succumbed to its elements. For example; copper turns green when it patinas. Carbon steel takes and holds an edge better than stainless and is easier to sharpen. They also are less expensive. The downside is that they rust easier and have more maintenance required to keep them visually appealing.
A bit different, but the term "worked" bolsters refers to bolsters such as shown on the Paki-knife/razor posted above. The hinge end would be referred to as a "rat tailed" bolster, whilst the other end would more than likely be referred to as "file worked". The hinge end and the "rat tail" describes the rounded groove with is usually done with a rat tailed file. It was a very common treatment on pocket knives made during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Here is an example of a rat tailed bolster on an knife that was made in the 1880's. as compared to a plain bolster, I'm not familiar with it being used too much with regard to razors, but it is a popular term with respect to pocket knives. Carbon steel vs stainless steel? Primarily the difference is that carbon steel rusts much quicker than stainless steel. The stainless steels available today for cutlery are very good steels and have reached the point of legendary edge holding abilities if the heat treatment is done correctly. They can be somewhat of a pain to hone, but general consensus is that the extra trouble is worth the effort. I'm old fashioned. I like carbon steels, but that is a personal choice.
If you are referring to stainless steel straight razors,"once it dulls, it's shot(usually)" isn't true. Like any straight razor, you touch it up with chromium oxide or take it back to a hone, when it "dulls" or tugs. They do hold an edge for a long time and I've heard differing opinions how hard or not it is to hone them versus carbon steel. Stainless steel is still carbon steel, but with more chromium added for the rust resistance.
Well it's basically been covered. I enjoy carbon steel straights more than stainless, just for the feel of them not just with honing but also on a strop. It's worthwhile to keep a layer of oil on the ones you have in a rotation; even ambient moisture can rust Carbon Steel. They're not just quicker to take an edge, they're also quicker to "come back to life" with pastes and stropping, vs Stainless Steel, as it's slightly softer.
