Which one of those two Dovos ?

[MaverickPL]

Hello,

I would like to start with the straight razor shaving amd I want to buy myself a straight starter set.

I read the reviews of Dovo 6/8 Special turtoise (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522940/190287.htm) and I'm convinced that it's a great first razor but I also noticed a 30$ cheaper razor (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522940/8039250.htm).

Both are 6/8 both are carbon steel. My question is what are the differences between those two razors which justifies the 30$ price increase.

Considering only raw performance and excluding the aestetics, do you think that it's worth spending a little more bucks to get the turtoise special razor ?

Thanks in advance for any reply.

 

[global_dev]

Hello,

I would like to start with the straight razor shaving amd I want to buy myself a straight starter set.

I read the reviews of Dovo 6/8 Special turtoise (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522940/190287.htm) and I'm convinced that it's a great first razor but I also noticed a 30$ cheaper razor (http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522940/8039250.htm).

Both are 6/8 both are carbon steel. My question is what are the differences between those two razors which justifies the 30$ price increase.

Considering only raw performance and excluding the aestetics, do you think that it's worth spending a little more bucks to get the turtoise special razor ?

Thanks in advance for any reply.

i think the price difference are the scales. if that is true, only you can decide if scales are worth it. IMO, at the beginning i thought wht would anyone want to spend more on scales, but after a while I am really digging horn and tortoise and some super looking scales done by people here and other forums.

 

[sanfranciscian]

I have the Dovo special and it is a very attractive set of faux tortoise scales, but as stated above that is all the extra 30 bucks got me. and you are correct that it is a great razor to start with. I find it very forgiving and it is more than a starter razor as it is probably one you will come to appreciate even more as you progress.

Ian

 

[Drybonz]

Yeah, those Dovo blades are all the same until you get up to about $150 (Bismark, Black Star, etc)... difference is the scales, like others were saying.

*edit* On a side note, man... You can get a better deal on that tortoise if you decide on that one.

 

[sanfranciscian]

I should also mention that a quick perusal of one of the other leading straight razor vendors will score that special for $15 less. If patient you can score that with a nice strop for $120 on the combo special. That is how i came by mine.

Ian

 

[Capaldo]

I have both. They were my starter razors and I still use the Special alot. It's a nice razor. Aesthetics aside, I think the blades are the same. The scales on the Best are not very comfortable in my hand when stropping, and make it feel a little awkward. That's probably just a personal quirk. I bought them both when the vendor was running a free honing for life special - sweet deal. (Hint - it's on again right now)

 

[gull]

Considering only raw performance and excluding the aestetics, do you think that it's worth spending a little more bucks to get the turtoise special razor ?

No. Get the cheap razor now, and if you like straights, spend boatloads of money on something better later on. Personally, I hate the tortoise scales and I think there are better looking scales that are worth looking into once you start enjoying straight shaving.

 

[ouch]

Get what you like. I'll disagree with some of the other advice and say that when you buy a straight, you're buying an entire package, and owning something that looks good is not inconsequential. The special is a very handsome razor, as well as a well respected shaver.

You can get a better price at www.vintagebladesllc.com or www.thesuperiorshave.com on the faux tortoise.

If you find that you enjoy shaving this way, there will certainly be more straights in your future.

 

[Drybonz]

Get what you like. I'll disagree with some of the other advice and say that when you buy a straight, you're buying an entire package, and owning something that looks good is not inconsequential. The special is a very handsome razor, as well as a well respected shaver.

I completely agree with this and I like the tortoise scales a lot. I was just pointing out don't base his decision on thinking he would get a better blade.

I'm actually thinking of getting one of the tortoise shell dovo's to have a little workhorse in my rotation.

 

[MaverickPL]

Thanks for all your replies. I'll probably stick to the special

 

[Muscles]

Shop within your means but get the best you can afford or you may regret it later. Jarrod at supersiroshave puts a fantastic edge on those Dovo's too so if you want one shave ready with an edge that will last I'd recommend him all the way.

 

[MaverickPL]

Yeah, those Dovo blades are all the same until you get up to about $150 (Bismark, Black Star, etc)... difference is the scales, like others were saying.

Your post complicated the matters a bit

I can probably spend 20$ more for the Bismarck. Are the differences between it and the turtoise significant ?

 

[Mink]

If you're buying your first staight, you absolutely must have a strop. Eventually you will need to get it honed. As stated above, you can get packages for first timers that are worth the money.

 

[ouch]

Your post complicated the matters a bit

I can probably spend 20$ more for the Bismarck. Are the differences between it and the turtoise significant ?

You've hit on a very important point. You will almost always be able to say, "If I just spend a little more, I can get something better." Where does one draw the line?

If you're looking at a Dovo best quality, you can say "If I spring for another twenty bucks, I can get a Special". But then you can say "If I spring for another twenty bucks, I can get a Bismarck." And so forth and so on. It never stops.

 

[MaverickPL]

True ... It's confusing

 

[Montecristo #2]

You've hit on a very important point. You will almost always be able to say, "If I just spend a little more, I can get something better." Where does one draw the line?

If you're looking at a Dovo best quality, you can say "If I spring for another twenty bucks, I can get a Special". But then you can say "If I spring for another twenty bucks, I can get a Bismarck." And so forth and so on. It never stops.

The next thing you know the UPS guy is dropping a Mammoth Ivory scaled Dovo on your porch.