Boker King Cutter vs. Dovo Best Quality

[Protocol]

Okay, the wife asked me what I wanted for Christmas and I told her I'd like to try straight shaving. I did some research and found out that the folks at Straight Razor Design have this deal going that includes lifetime honing. I figure I couldn't pass that up so I looked at the beginner sets they have.

There appears to be a ~$21 difference between the Dovo Best Quality and the Boker King Cutter. I'm not sure how much difference there is between them, but figured I'd open up the discussion so I could decide.

Any ideas?

 

[leighton]

It wasn't so long ago that that King Cutter used to be several hundred dollars more than the Dovo Best. I'm too busy writing a paper right now to go do the shopping for you, but it seems to me that the King Cutter is the better deal.

That said, not much has been said about the KC. Some people called the new Bokers Wackers in disguise. I personally think Wacker makes some nice razors, even though I don't have one. ****...another razor on my to buy list. That makes it: Dorko, Wacker, vintage TI... It just keeps growing!!!!!!!

 

[Protocol]

Leighton,

Are you offering lifetime hones for Christmas too?

 

[The Mick]

All I can tell you is that even though I get a good shave from my Dovo Best Quality You can see that the blade is ever so slightly bowed. You can see it by the uneven hone bevel that it's bowed in the middle. Don't know about the King Cutter but I;ve read others that have the same issue with their Dovo's.

 

[Amyn]

Try the King Cutter, and if you can find a vintage King Cutter that would be the winner hands down

 

[jadam318]

A vintage King Cutter was my first straight razor, and it is fantastic. I still have never used a Dovo to this day, but I think I would recommend the Boker to you. I've heard about issues with Dovo quality control as of late.

 

[gugi]

Try the King Cutter, and if you can find a vintage King Cutter that would be the winner hands down

most certainly agree, well worth the extra $20, although that's for the vintage. have not tried their current version yes, but it's supposedly not as good.

 

[richmondesi]

most certainly agree, well worth the extra $20, although that's for the vintage. have not tried their current version yes, but it's supposedly not as good.

+1 to all the above

 

[Protocol]

It's sad that with the aid of all this modern technology, no one can seem to make a razor as good or better than one made nearly 100 years ago. I suppose folks are more concerned with using that technology to make things cheaper and faster rather than better.

 

[leighton]

It's sad that with the aid of all this modern technology, no one can seem to make a razor as good or better than one made nearly 100 years ago. I suppose folks are more concerned with using that technology to make things cheaper and faster rather than better.

Unfortunately I think that is the case.

 

[Leche]

Why not compare the King Cutter to the Black Star or Special in the Dovo line since the price point is about the same? I would take the Special because I can get it in 6/8 but that's just me.

 

[shyrlock]

In casting a vote for the new Dovo, I would say that modern heat treatment of steels is more precise and consistant than it was even 50 years ago.
I think that some members are more tolerant of non-edge holding ability because they enjoy using and honing vintage razors.
For my 170.00, I'll take a new Dovo stainless.

 

[Ace$N8s]

I have been looking at the same razors along with the same dilemma. And as a side note, I don't see where lifetime re-honing is offered. I do see that they offer a certificate for one free honing.

 

[Ace$N8s]

I have been looking at the same razors along with the same dilemma. And as a side note, I don't see where lifetime re-honing is offered. I do see that they offer a certificate for one free honing.

I'm answering my own post. Is this like talking to yourself, and and talking back.

It was pointed out by chainfire on another thread that I am wrong again (as my wife often tells me). It clearly states on the home page about the free Lifetime honing. Just have to talk swmbo into letting me buy one.

 

[Capaldo]

Just have to talk swmbo into letting me buy one.

Easy. Just explain what a great value it is. With a good blade and lifetime honing, you'll never need to buy another razor

 

[leighton]

Easy. Just explain what a great value it is. With a good blade and lifetime honing, you'll never need to buy another razor

Yes you do. You have to buy two with the lifetime honing so that you have something to shave with while you send in the one razor. Wait...you need three razors because sending one razor at a time isn't saving on postage. So you need three to have an extra one. No wait! You need four. You need to keep up the rotation, just like switching shoes. And you can't have a rotation if you only have one razor on hand while the other two are being honed. Yup... four. Four's the magic number. But...since you already have four razors....what's one more?

 

[tsmba]

I started off with a couple new Dovo blades, then acquired a range of vintage razors. Personally, I prefer the older razors. To me, there are far more important considerations than whether or not to go for a new razor, mainly ease of use and maintenance. I've always preferred carbon steel as it is easier for me to maintain.

 

[syzygy]

King Cutter all the way. I have three of them and a $200 Dovo and there is no comparison. Mind you, mine are all oldies!

 

[English]

I have a King Cutter 5/8" dated from about 1920 and it is a full hollow singing delight. The nearest modern equivalent from Dovo is there prima klang blade.
Both of these razors have relatively light blades and despite the attractiveness that I personnaly find in these blades, if you have a heavy beard or a tough beard or you shave infrequently rather than every day, a heavier blade will be more to your choosing.

Having said this, the two blades you have mentioned are really quite mediocre in performance terms by comparison with the two blades I have mentioned, who ever sharpens them. Sometimes there is a reason for having to throw in free sharpening. It isn't benevolence.

 

[California Cajun]

Try the King Cutter, and if you can find a vintage King Cutter that would be the winner hands down

Shame on you Amyn Shame, shame, shame.

I've been pondering the purchase of a vintage Boker King Cutter all week and after reading your post, I just had to buy it.

Temptation is a cruel taskmaster.......

Seriously, my strategy has been to find a sensible way to play the field with the major brands and a blend of new and vintage in order to have the full straight shaving experience and I do rely on advice from seasoned users like yourself. When I buy something it has only been after I have beaten the bushes and read a number of opinions.

Thanks for the tip!