I prefer carbon steel, myself. I think you can get a better edge off of it, but I don't doubt that there are some top-notch stainless straights out there.
I have several wickedly sharp stainless blades, and they are smooth as well. But if this is your first razor, carbon steel is the way to go. Stainless can come later.
Signature of thebigspendur: Remember, the next time you pick up your badger brush-Badgers are the meanest orneryest animals on the planet. A mountain Lion and a bear won't mess with them.
Actually the orneriest and meanest animal alive is the wolverine... about 30kg of 4cm fangs and 10 cm claws backed up by solid muscle. it has no fear and has been known to chase a mother grizzly bear with cub away from a carcass. Male wolverines have a 500 sq mile territory and they defend it fiercely from all intruders especially other wolverines.