Key Differences Between Stainless Steel and Carbon Steel in Gardening Tools

1. Resistance to Rust:

   • Stainless steel has about 10.5% chromium, which helps it resist rust and corrosion really well.
   • Carbon steel doesn’t have this extra metal, so it can rust quickly if it gets wet.

2. Strength and Longevity:

   • Stainless steel is tougher and lasts longer, making it great for tools that you want to keep for a while.
   • Carbon steel can be sharper but needs more care to stay in good shape.

3. Weight:

   • Stainless steel tools are usually heavier than carbon steel tools, which might make them a bit harder to handle.

4. Price:

   • Stainless steel tools usually cost 20-30% more than carbon steel ones. This is because they last longer and resist rust better.

5. Care and Upkeep:

   • Carbon steel needs to be oiled regularly to stop it from rusting, while stainless steel doesn’t need as much maintenance.