Dovo special 5/8 or Thiers Issard special C.5/8 or Boker 4/8 ?

[traps38]

Hello to all.
Well,you guys have not steered me wrong yet so i have another question that needs your help in answering.
I have taken the plunge into straight razor shaving and have ordered one from Larry at whippeddog and waiting for it to start practicing with.
As this will not be the prettiest i am getting ready to order a better looking one to have from Classicedgeshaving and need your advice on which one you think a newbie like me should order and why.

These are my three choices:

The Dovo special
The Thiers Issard Special c.
Or the Boker that is 4/8 not 5/8 like the other two.

These range from 130$ to 160$ in price as the Boker is the pricier one.

Any help would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks again and have a great day.

 

[Mink]

Consider getting a 6/8. If you are getting a full hollow 5/8 in your list of razors, I don't think the difference will be that great. The move up to 6/8 for me was a noticeable difference and I don't use any 5/8 or smaller razors anymore. YMMV and all that, but you won't have any trouble unloading it if you don't like it.

 

[Wid]

Within that budget I'd look at the Boker Piccadilly.

 

[hokahay]

Consider getting a 6/8. If you are getting a full hollow 5/8 in your list of razors, I don't think the difference will be that great. The move up to 6/8 for me was a noticeable difference and I don't use any 5/8 or smaller razors anymore. YMMV and all that, but you won't have any trouble unloading it if you don't like it.

srsly + 1

 

[traps38]

Consider getting a 6/8. If you are getting a full hollow 5/8 in your list of razors, I don't think the difference will be that great. The move up to 6/8 for me was a noticeable difference and I don't use any 5/8 or smaller razors anymore. YMMV and all that, but you won't have any trouble unloading it if you don't like it.

Where would be a good place to purchase the Boker Piccadilly?

 

[smalltank]

something also to think about...whats your beard type?..hollow ground razors dont mow down my very coarse whiskers as easily as a near wedge or full wedge grind...you should be fine if you have a light to moderate coarse or thick beard...

 

[Wid]

Where would be a good place to purchase the Boker Piccadilly?

A quick google search will reveal a few vendors.

 

[MilkyLee]

That Boker looks like a sweet shaver.

 

[traps38]

My beard is not too thick but full.
Straight shaving will be new to me and i do live in Canada.
The simplest thing for me right now is that to not worry too much about customs crossing and delays, the Dovo special and the issard special c. are the simplest ones that i can get shipped to me without worrying about border crossings and delay.
As i am more visual i really like the look of the Dovo special.
Do you see anything really bad about it or should i be staying away from that choice.

 

[MilkyLee]

They're great razors and would be an excellent choice.

 

[mdunn]

No personal experience with new bokers, but if it were me I'd get the TI. (there's a reason I have 5 TIs but one dovo)

 

[blackman]

No personal experience with new bokers, but if it were me I'd get the TI. (there's a reason I have 5 TIs but one dovo)

I'd go with the TI as well, but in 6/8, as others have suggested.

 

[traps38]

O.K. guys this is what happened.
I was gonna order the Dovo and the TI but paypal funds were low.
I figured if i liked one more than the other i would keep one and sell the other one here.
Well since not enough money i ordered the cheaper one which was the Dovo special.
When i get it i will let you know how it goes as it is my first time.
Then time to put some pennies on the side for the TI.
Thank you for all your great info again as usual.

 

[life2short1971]

If you want a 5/8 I would go TI but seriously consider a 6/8 TI instead.

 

[chuckr9]

Given the choices you list I think the Dovo Special (in 6/8)is a good choice and value. Second woud be the TI 5/8 - great razors, a little more work to hone, but hold an edge well. Smaller Boker might be a choice after you have a collection of straights started IMHO.

 

[maxman]

Sounds like you've made a good choice.
I'm a Boker fan and will always suggest them.
Dovo is the least impressive brand to me, but YMMV.
I've never used a TI.

 

[traps38]

Well as i said i ordered the Dovo Special.
Now this blade comes with gold etching on it that says (Dovo Special)
When i soak it in barbicide will that hurt or damage the writing?
Thank you again for your time.

 

[shakin_jake]

Well as i said i ordered the Dovo Special.
Now this blade comes with gold etching on it that says (Dovo Special)
When i soak it in barbicide will that hurt or damage the writing?
Thank you again for your time.

~~~I've never soaked a straight razor in barbicide and been shaving with straights for 18 months...I have not picked up any diseases from the way I clean my blades. My advice is to not bother with the barbicide. You're the only one using this razor right?

All I do with my blades is wipe them with a wet wash cloth after using to remove soap and any leftover detritus, then I wipe the blade with a dry cloth towel being mindful to use a stropping motion so as to not disturb the edge

Then the blade goes to the strops...10 laps or so on linen then a dozen laps on leather (this ensures there is no moisture on the balde or the blade's edge...then I am done with the razor until I shave with it again. Before shaving, I'll do some laps on leather (stropping) & she's ready to roll. If I'm not going to use this razor for months on end, I'll oil the blade and store in one of my razor rolls...the oil keeps moisture at bay so the edge does not micro chip

As to your choice on buying the Dovo...I have several Dovo blades and enjoy shaving with all of them. The TI's are nice too and you'll have other opportunities to buy and shave with a TI. Enjoy your new hobby!


Best,


Jake
Reddick Fla.

 

[traps38]

Sounds good Jake.
Thanks a lot.

 

[shakin_jake]

Full Disclaimer-, I bought another 'new' Dovo less than 24 hours ago, this one-

it's my 2nd new Bismarck...here's my first-

same blade, different schales

I know Dovo blades are disliked by some, but if I thought they weren't worth buying/shaving with, I wouldn't have purchased a 2nd of the same blade type. I also have one of their 6/8 stainless steel blades, w/Grenadille schales
...obligatory pic-

In regards to taking care of your blade while you shave, I've settled on keeping it clean and dry while shaving. When I first started using a straight razor I let the schales balance on the side of the sink letting the blade stay submerged in my sink water. After a bit I determined this was not good practice, keeping the blade wet as she'll oxidize (water spots), so anymore I'll make my pass then wipe the soap off with my wash cloth then wipe the blade with a clean dry cloth and set it down (on the commode lid, towel under the razor) while I rinse my face and lather up for the next pass

Going this route has kept my blades free of water and oxidation spots

Something you might want to add to your shave routine...some of us keep a bar of alum on the sink (while shaving) to rub into our fingertips, for added grip, works both for keeping better grip of your razor while shaving and will be easier to grip your skin while stretching with your free hand


Best,


Jake
Reddick Fla.