Dovo razors
- Thread starter Aaron W.
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I need feed back on why anyone would need a different razor for every day of the week. We are talking big bucks here!
I have one Dovo, a Bismark 6/8 black which puts it in the mid/low point for the Dovo line. It is a great shaver and well made, I bought it from Lynn at SRD and would highly recommend him. I really like that razor. Now I've researched the overall feeling of Dovo razors here and a few other sites. This is how I interpret it. Most people are very satisfied in the low to mid point. Say 70-150ish. These seem to be regarded well and take and hold good edges. Joel gave strong praise to the "special", which I wouldn't mind owning. He used this for a finishing experiment and was impressed. Now these razors aren't very flashy although a few have some nice finish added to them and are relatively basic. Now 150-250ish seems to be a bit hit and miss. Don't usually find shaving specific issues but with the flashier and more aesthetically pleasing work. From what I have read most shops have made these right and replaced or refunded. Now the high point razors seem to have the most problems and complaints and a search will turn up large quantities of gripes. So IMHO,
70-150 your OK for a good shaver. Not a lot of flash, but personally I feel the Bismarcks and Specials are quite nice. This range seems to have the most satisfaction.
150-250; Your in the range of a good Vintage NOS.
250+; Customs, more desired NOS, some higher end TI's that will probably make you happier.
As pointed out I only own one Dovo that I quite enjoy. Everything else has been had from researching here and other sites.
70-150 your OK for a good shaver. Not a lot of flash, but personally I feel the Bismarcks and Specials are quite nice. This range seems to have the most satisfaction.
150-250; Your in the range of a good Vintage NOS.
250+; Customs, more desired NOS, some higher end TI's that will probably make you happier.
As pointed out I only own one Dovo that I quite enjoy. Everything else has been had from researching here and other sites.
Im sure dovos are fine, they have some problems im told, but by and large I should think you'll be fine.
If I were you, though, I would go down the vintage razor avenue, much better value IMHO (and you know, if you buy it from a member here, exactly what youre getting and there will not be any unpleasant surprises)
Why have multiple razors?
well, why have multiple sets of pants, or shirts, or ties etc. Why not have bacon and eggs for every meal?
Variety is the spice of life!
If I were you, though, I would go down the vintage razor avenue, much better value IMHO (and you know, if you buy it from a member here, exactly what youre getting and there will not be any unpleasant surprises)
Why have multiple razors?
well, why have multiple sets of pants, or shirts, or ties etc. Why not have bacon and eggs for every meal?
Variety is the spice of life!
Dovos are very good razors. The vintage ones are better, but they are no more, but that seems to be the case with the other manufacturers too. It shouldn't really concern you, unless you are looking for something special, which from your post you don't seem to.
Get it honed and you'll be set, the major vendors offer them that way, and I have come to think it's a good thing.
Nobody needs different razor for each day of the week, it's because it's rather addictive hobby that many of us have quite a few razors.
Get it honed and you'll be set, the major vendors offer them that way, and I have come to think it's a good thing.
Nobody needs different razor for each day of the week, it's because it's rather addictive hobby that many of us have quite a few razors.
Same reason I "need" $200 sneakers and $400 dress shoes.
Ok, fine, I don't have a 7 day set. Yet!
I just started shaving with a straight. I'm using the Dovo "Best Quality," 5/8" round point. The price seemed very reasonable to me at $79.
I'm very pleased with it. But then, I'm new at this.
I have a one-day set so far. But I cheat when no ones looking and use it several days a week.
I'm very pleased with it. But then, I'm new at this.
I have a one-day set so far. But I cheat when no ones looking and use it several days a week.
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I'd agree with Leche. I recently bought a 6/8" Bismark from SRD and like it very much. I also have a Bergischer Lowe, which is more of a premium Dovo, but seem to prefer the Bismark. I also have a Black Star and think it's fine. So, yes, I think I have found more bang for the buck in their lower range, which are really as fine as any other razor when it comes to shaving, and are actually fairly elegant, too.
Really? Wow, I just bought my second one
I should be quarantined, I'm infected with RAD
To the OP, if you end up liking straights, just try not to buy another. You'll end up being curious about the grind or size of another one, see a few beautiful vintage razors, and then BAM, you just bought a seven day set and have never been happier
Which metal get's sharper? i have no problem sharpening since i have a diamond hone but i heard stainless might get sharper?
Either. There is much more to a razor and its sharpness than the metal.
I just recieved a new red 6/8 Bismarck yesterday from SRD. I like it, good shave. I think my Wapi is a tad better, though. I like the sound the Dovo makes as it plows. Let's you know it's really cutting 
For the price, i'm happy, and would recommend it. Although I wish I would have bought a stainless model. I don't think the gold is going to last very long.
For the price, i'm happy, and would recommend it. Although I wish I would have bought a stainless model. I don't think the gold is going to last very long.
I will need to get my hands on a Dovo one day to compare with my vintage...
I have a few vintage razor, when I'll get them back from restorations, I'll take a picture...
I have a few vintage razor, when I'll get them back from restorations, I'll take a picture...
My two favorite razors are my two Dovo stainless micartas One black, the other white,
They both take an excellent edge and with decent stropping, give me very nice shaves for few months. That's pretty good for me, because I have a tough beard. I also have a couple vintage carbon steel blades that don't hold their edges as well.
I also like the slightly heftier rounded scales on the micartas.
They both take an excellent edge and with decent stropping, give me very nice shaves for few months. That's pretty good for me, because I have a tough beard. I also have a couple vintage carbon steel blades that don't hold their edges as well.
I also like the slightly heftier rounded scales on the micartas.
I have a DOVO Spezial and am very pleased with it. My next on list is the Bismark.
Carbon blades takes and loses it's edge faster than stainless but you can sharpen either insanely sharp, think scalpel. The advantage to stainless is that it takes longer to rust, the advantage of carbon is that you can get/keep it sharp very easlily.
BTW what grit is that diamond hone? You could easily trash an edge with too coarse a stone. Just get a strop for now and leave the honing to them as knows how to do it. (said the newbie that just bought $250 worth of water stones)
It loses it quicker because it rusts. Eliminate the rust problem and I'd say either will last just as long as the other due to cutting stuff. Carbon might have the edge, not enough data to make a definitive conclusion either way.
I've been using a quarter hollow 6/8 Le Grelot for about three months since I sold off my 5/8 Dovo Special, and to be honest I miss my Dovo! Call me crazy, but I'm thinking about buying a 6/8 Best Quality and selling off my now rare TI.
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