First Impressions: Dorco ST-301

[Daiku]

Being a lover of cheap shaving gear, I wanted to try Dorco ST-301s, despite the unalloyed hate these blades get here on B&B. I figured if I can get a decent shave out of a Derby, why not try the Korean equivalent? Rather than buy a bunch, I traded ten Dorcos for ten Personna Reds (my regular blade). Thanks for the trade, Acmemfg!

So I finally got around to trying the ST-301 this morning. I'll say this: it was interesting. From the negative reviews, I expected to have to deal with multiple nicks and cuts. Not so! In fact, I would find it very hard to cut myself with this blade unless I wanted to (or if I had been drinking a good Korean soju).

Initially, the shave (using my blue tip SS and VDH Deluxe) felt rough and just a bit tuggy, very similar to a Derby. Still not terrible. If anything, the Dorco ended up giving me a smoother shave than a Derby, I found the Dorco to be a very mild blade; really not bad for everyday or rushed shaves. No irritation that I can see. The Dorco is certainly not an ultra-sharp blade, but it's mild enough for multiple passes and tricky angles.


Six hours after this morning's shave, I found that the Dorco had cut a little closer than I thought. My face still feels pretty smooth. Not nearly as close as my regular Personna Red or an Astra, of course. A good blade to give your face a break.

I'm not going to experiment with longevity with the Dorco. Two or three shaves and out, as I do with all blades.

I know these are love or loathe blades. I'm glad I like them enough to be able to get some decent shaves on the cheap when I need to.

 

[edw]

I got a decent first shave from these Dorco 300 or 301, smoother with 301.

Both were unusable as second shave since beginning.

 

[Daiku]

I got a decent first shave from these Dorco 300 or 301, smoother with 301.

Both were unusable as second shave since beginning.

Interesting. We shall see tomorrow morning. I really wasn't expecting much from this blade, considering the general consensus. Still, I did get a respectable shave today. But tomorrow may be another story. Stay tuned.

 

[Navy877]

My closest shaves yet has come from the 301's. I get a smoother shave from these than I get with Astra SP or Derby. I did not expect that result. Two rock solid shaves out of it and thats it. I have learned shave three is over the line!
Two thumbs up! These were a pleasant surprise

 

[Daiku]

Day two was interesting as well. The shave felt even rougher, but I again ended up with a perfectly acceptable shave. Navy, I think you're spot on; this is a two-shave blade. But those two shaves are not bad at all! The Dorcos will never be my go to blade, but they'd be great for using on the road or when I'm in a rush.

 

[goby]

I got a decent first shave from these Dorco 300 or 301, smoother with 301.

Both were unusable as second shave since beginning.

I love the 301. As far as unusable on the second shave, I got 28 shaves out of one Dorco last year.

 

[TheLegalRazor]

I know many dislike the Derby and Dorco, but I get a good shave with either.

 

[tomcj2]

Just before I read this thread I loaded my Merkur 39C with a 301 for tomorrow morning. I have never had a bad shave with a slant DE so I decided to try my least favourite blade. I will post the results tomorrow.

 

[vferdman]

I find Dorco ST300 to be very smooth, but not super sharp. I bought a 100 pack of these for $8 delivered. Great blade to give to beginners as it is smoother than most mild blades I tried. Smoother than Derby, Shark SS, Wilkinson Sword from Walmart, Merkur. Just about as sharp as those. I never tried the 301, but the 300 is a very good mild blade. The quality is excellent. I use them in my Merkur Progress and dial it up a little from my usual 3-ish and they work just fine. I think I've gotten 3 solid shaves out of them, but I am not sure as I have not used one in a while. I think it's one of the smoothest blades out there. 301 may be different, though.

 

[nemo]

I know many dislike the Derby and Dorco, but I get a good shave with either.

I'm with you 100% here, no problems with smoothness or longevity with 301s. I've mostly used them in Gillettes and I don't see what all the fuss is.

 

[jpgalyon]

Derby is a big no for me, but after revisting the Dorco I was pleasantly surprised. Not sure if it was that much change in my technique or just the difference in a dude and stud blade, but really enjoyed the shave. DFS and hardly any rough patches (except my problematic neck area)

 

[ateace]

301s are dirt cheap and decent.
They certainly don't wow me, but I like to keep some on hand for
situations where I need to get only one shave from a blade and then toss.

 

[tomcj2]

I got 2 decent shaves with a 301 in my slant Merkur. I will use up all of my "not favourite" blades the same way in the future.