Mike--

The carbon steels have more carbon than stainless and I think enhance the colors......they do wear out and 'peel' as you go along, all the old timers that showed me specified carbon steels....so I just kept it up.....I know the old factories here and in Europe used carbon steel for their crucibles obviously....

Like you, I make all my own stuff, so it's no big deal to replace whatever wears out......stainless is probably better, I've not tried it...and I would have to compare and see if there is any color difference....?.......I'm not sure the extra carbon helps, but I was led to believe that it does...who knows.....we'd have to run tests 'side by side'....

Most of the folks use carbon steel I think.....probably cost...?...

Doug