For the first 20+ years of owning Randall's, I never had a stainless blade except for the #18 which has never been "used". It's been with me for a bunch of chopper and plane rides, but never had to use it. On the other hand, I have #'s 7 and 5 (Brad) that are carbon and have been used hundreds of times over the years. Best users in my experience are the carbon steel blades. The SS may look "pretty" as they do not stain, but I think it's a "red badge of courage" to have a used Randall with a stained carbon steel blade.