Dovo Special Tortoise - 5/8 or 6/8 - What is the Difference

[Shutterbug57]

I have a straight razor that I have shaved with in the past and am going to get back into the swing of things with it shortly. It has been touched up and is back to shave ready. I purchased it pre-internet and all I knew about them was what the local Hoffritz dealer told me. I don't think it was honed when I bought it, so I am really looking forward to using it now that it is actually shave ready. I like my razor, but would like to have a second razor in my daily use arsenal so that when one is off being touched up, the other can be used. I do have a second heirloom razor, my grandfathers, but I really don't want to put it to daily use.
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After much looking around, I have settled on the Dovo Special Tortoise razor. It is available in both 5/8 and 6/8 sizes. While I understand the difference in the sizing, I don't have much, if any, appreciation for why one of these would be better than the other - if one is actually better. I am relatively new here and I hope that I am not starting one of those conversations where there really is no "right" answer and people get passionate about their choice. Also, I have searched and did not find this topic addressed.

I appreciate any input in this matter. I really do want to understand why one of these is preferred, whether it is balance, performance, longevitiy, edge angle or something else. Thanks.

 

[Gingerbread]

They will shave roughly the same, but the 6/8 will let you go slightly longer without having to rinse the lather off. I honestly can't tell the difference between them by feel in hand or on face.

 

[life2short1971]

If you have a light beard a 5/8 will probably make you happy but if your beard is thick and coarse the 6/8 will be much more satisfying to shave with. The extra little bit of weight makes a big difference in feel when shaving.

What size is your razor you are currently putting in use?

 

[Doc226]

1/8.

Sorry I had to.

The angle is a little different, I think larger blades are actually easy to use and hone.

 

[Shutterbug57]

If you have a light beard a 5/8 will probably make you happy but if your beard is thick and coarse the 6/8 will be much more satisfying to shave with. The extra little bit of weight makes a big difference in feel when shaving.

What size is your razor you are currently putting in use?

I don't know. It is currently in transit. I will measure it when it arrives. I suspect it is a 5/8, but you might be able to tell from this picture.

ETA: I have done a bit of Internet research since posting the above. It appears that this is a 6/8 or maybe even a 13/16 blade. It seems to have a good reputation on par with the Dovo I am considering.

 

[ladykate]

I have a 7 day set of 6/8+ and they are very nice to shave with - I also have a couple of the 5/8 and they are nice but they do feel differently. If I had to choose one and use it exclusively, it would be the 6/8. If you have a 5/8 and are wondering if it is worth buying the 6/8, too... well... not really... but I probably would... but I'm an idiot.

 

[Kentos]

I like a 6/8 much more than a 5/8.

 

[chuckr9]

I like a 6/8 much more than a 5/8.

+1 (just feels better in my hand)

 

[jpcwon]

I don't know. It is currently in transit. I will measure it when it arrives. I suspect it is a 5/8, but you might be able to tell from this picture.

ETA: I have done a bit of Internet research since posting the above. It appears that this is a 6/8 or maybe even a 13/16 blade. It seems to have a good reputation on par with the Dovo I am considering.

Hey I was watching that! Glad a member ended up with it!

 

[Shutterbug57]

Hey I was watching that! Glad a member ended up with it!

JP - sounds like you are/were watching an auction. I did not get this from an auction, I bought it new in the early 1980s, used it until it got too dull to shave then put it in a drawer. I have just recently sent it off for sharpening and it is on its way back. If the one you are looking at is still going on - good luck with the auction.

 

[jpcwon]

JP - sounds like you are/were watching an auction. I did not get this from an auction, I bought it new in the early 1980s, used it until it got too dull to shave then put it in a drawer. I have just recently sent it off for sharpening and it is on its way back. If the one you are looking at is still going on - good luck with the auction.

Ahh, I stand corrected...Thank you!

There was a VERY similar one on ebay that I was watching yesterday...Yours is beautiful though!!

 

[Beatnik]

There was a VERY similar one on ebay that I was watching yesterday...Yours is beautiful though!!

I'm the one who won the auction, so it will be going to a member. It's not like I need another razor...

To the OP question, I too prefer the 6/8 razor size to the 5/8, but I currently have both in my rotation and enjoy using the 5/8ths razors when they come up. The 6/8ths are just more comfortable for me to use all around: honing, stropping and shaving.

 

[jpcwon]

I'm the one who won the auction, so it will be going to a member.

Congrats; I was the one bidding against you!!

Glad it went to a member though...Enjoy it!!

 

[ridnovir]

I would say go for 6/8

 

[global_dev]

def go for teh 6/8s. if you don't like teh extra 1/8, it's easier to get rid of it than get the 1/8 to grow

 

[life2short1971]

I don't know. It is currently in transit. I will measure it when it arrives. I suspect it is a 5/8, but you might be able to tell from this picture.

ETA: I have done a bit of Internet research since posting the above. It appears that this is a 6/8 or maybe even a 13/16 blade. It seems to have a good reputation on par with the Dovo I am considering.

The Hoffritz is actually a Wusthof rebrand and is superior to the Dovo imo. It should be 13/16 as well and about as nice a razor as you could ask for .

 

[Shutterbug57]

The Hoffritz is actually a Wusthof rebrand and is superior to the Dovo imo. It should be 13/16 as well and about as nice a razor as you could ask for .

Dang, a blind pig finds an acorn every now and then. When I bought that blade, I knew even less than I do now about str8s and I know precious little now. I was, apparently, guided well by the older gent at the counter who steered me to that blade. Maybe I should scout out e-bay and find a bargain on a similar blade rather than go new. Thanks for the input.

 

[life2short1971]

Dang, a blind pig finds an acorn every now and then. When I bought that blade, I knew even less than I do now about str8s and I know precious little now. I was, apparently, guided well by the older gent at the counter who steered me to that blade. Maybe I should scout out e-bay and find a bargain on a similar blade rather than go new. Thanks for the input.

I am sure there are several who have seen your pic and are quite envious already. I know of a couple members who are actively searching for them so good luck. You'll have company in your search

 

[Shutterbug57]

For comparison purposes, what currently-produced razor would you equate with the Hoffritz? I suspect it may take some time to find a decent mate for the Hoffritz and I am curious about your input.

 

[life2short1971]

I don't have enough experience with current production razors to make that assessment. My apologies.