If you're like me and are into wet shaving for the history and nostalgia aspect of it as much as anything else, you've probably experimented with ( and been bitten by ) old carbon blades. If you're careful, use only ones completely sealed and even strop them first, although I'm not sure if that makes a difference, you can be pleasantly surprised at a few. Here's one that's phenomenal by any standards, Gary told I'd like them and I do. Very much. If you can find them and they are completely sealed, snatch 'em up.
My 1948-1950 Super-Speed came with a dispenser full of Gillette Blue blades made in 1960. I have loaded the razor with one of the blades... and could not wait until the shave is over. There was no bloodshed, but the shave was very harsh. It was fun though to shave with a razor and blades older than myself. I'll try stropping some day.
The key is that they're sealed completely and tightly so corrosion is at a minimum. I'm not sure if the stropping does any good but it doesn't hurt. Anyways, the above mentioned Schick Krona carbons have given me better shaves than many stainless blades.
I would love to try some to see if they are great as you say as the Gillette Blue Blades were horrendous when I tried some and quickly changed blades after a few strokes!
A true carbon steel blade should have a finer edge than any stainless. Stropping would polish the edge beautifully. I'm not sure if there are stainless straight razors buy I'll bet the carbon razors have a finer edge. All my pocket knives are carbon steel for that reason.
