I have an 8-carbon blade but I wanted to test the stainless steel blade, to see the differences. First impression, it's hard to open! the locking system is too, but will soften with time so no worries on that side. The blade is very pretty and uniform and the wood is a lighter hair than my other 8. Blade level, my carbon always takes this dark color, while the stainless steel remains bright, very pretty. Sharpening level, would say they are equal, although I am not a sharpening expert, he easily cut hair every two, although a slight advantage for carbon, but there may have been some difference in my Lansky sharpening with.