If you want stainless I suggest 12C27 or AUS-8 (same as 8A), these are exceptionally fine-grained alloys. I'm surprised that Ed would suggest 440C since it is notoriously coarse grained. For non-stainless, I hear that Ed's favorite 52100 has an amazingly fine grain size. If you follow his multi-quenching process I would think you'd get a very fine edge. The trick would be not to get it too hard.
For a practical razor you might want to use the softer alloys to allow stropping to be more effective. The 12C27 with lower than normal hardening might be good. Specialtyblades.com lists true razor blade stainless alloys.
[This message has been edited by Jeff Clark (edited 03-31-2000).]
