Dovo Prima Klang or Carpe Diem

Greetings, from a newbie who is trying to decide which razor to get. I have narrowed it down to two that I like, after reading as much as I could over the past few weeks.

Dovo Carpe Diem - I like the idea that it is stainless steel, which would mean less chance of stains over the years. Although I understand it may take quite a bit of practice honing before getting it right. Its got a nice clean look to it, and I like the looks of the scales.

Dovo Prima Klang - This is a good looking razor. The HCS would be easier to prep and maintain, but may be more prone to stains over the long run. I've also read that it's got a less steep learning curve, which would be better for this rookie.

As of now, I don't plan on amassing a collection of blades, so I would like for this first one to be the one to hang on to for many years to come. (Of course, this may change if really get into it.)

If there is anyone here who has both of these and can give some feedback, I would appreciate it greatly. From what I've read, I don't think I would be dissatisfied with either of these.

Thanks to all of the regulars here who share their knowledge freely.

Rick

Welcome to SRP.

You would be fine with either as both are quality products. I do understand the draw of stainless - I'm sure I thought along the same lines when I was starting out - but carbon steel blades really aren't hard to maintain. Just make sure it's dried thoroughly, oil it and store it. It's that easy, and I've never had a problem with rust on any of my blades.

In the end it will come down to looks, so pick whichever one appeals the most to you. Just be warned: chances are you'll end up with both eventually anyway ;)

Both are good razors. Maintaining carbon steel is not that big a problem if you are simply conscientious about drying it off after your shave and storing it in a dry place (box w/desiccant packs). I have only used carbon steel for shaving so I cannot comment on that aspect. It is common to have at least 2 razors so 1 of each would be a good way to find out what you like. As for staining, as long as it isn't rust or something that is destructive to the steel, I would not worry about a bit of patina on carbon blades. It doesn't affect the shave and I think it adds character. ;) Good luck and good shaving.

Thanks. :chapeau Good to know that SS vs. HCS should't be at the top of my list of concerns. Although it doesn't help with my choosing between the two. :)

The thing that drew me to carbon steel was talking with a metallurgist that I work with. He told me that stainless blades could not get a sharp as carbon steel due to the size of the chromium "chunks" in it. The larger chunks would break off and leave a larger chip in the edge compared to carbons steel. Now I understand this is microscopic and probably never noticed on someone's skin while shaving but,......the thought would always be there that if I had stainless blade, it could be sharper with a carbon blade.

Hi Rick

I don't have both these razors, but I do have a Carpe Diem and would just like to inform you it is NOT stainless steel! This razor was bought new about 6 months ago, so unless Dovo have made recent changes, I think you may have got bum information about this model.

I can say I love this razor, I have honed it myself without issue and, with the proper care, I don't think staining etc should be an issue.

I do have a stainless Dovo - Master S, which is harder to hone and I feel is not as smooth a shave as any of my carbon steel razors.

I'm sure you'll be happy with whichever one you choose.

Peter

Rick

Can't comment on the Dovos you are looking at but you have it right not to put too big an emphasis on stainless vs HCS. I shave with razors of both steel types and they both shave me equally well and feel just as sharp. Honing stainless has not been a problem for me either as far as stainless taking much longer to put an edge on. Pick the one you like the looks of in the size you want.

Bob

I don't have either the Prima Klang or the Carpe Diem but I do have two similiar razors. I have the 5/8 Dovo Prima Silver Steel which is essentially the same blade as the Carpe Diem with a different front blade etching. My Prima Silver Steel is a good shaver with its full hollow blade just like the Carpe Diem.

The 5/8 Prima Klang has an extra hollow "singing" blade which is thinner than the full hollow of the Carpe Diem. I have a 5/8 singing vintage razor that has become one of my favorite razors. The thinner blades of singing razors make more sounds when shaving or stropping than other razors. Also the thinner singing blades give very close shaves but demand more precision in cutting angle and pressure. Proper angles and a light touch will give close shaves.

The full hollow of the Carpe Diem will give good sound feedback and close shaves and might be good for a beginner to perfect his techniques before trying the thinner singing blade razors. Also, philosophically, I like the motto "Carpe Diem" - "seize the day"- make the most of your day-enjoy your shave-go forth to do good and conquer the day. That's what "Carpe Diem" would mean to me everytime I'd pick up the blade to use it.

Shucks, I feel the RAD kicking in .... both should be great razors.

Gentlemen, I have neither of these two razors. I, however, have both stainless and high carbon steel razors. Both give me superb shaves, although the stainless steel takes a wee bit longer to hone. No big deal, though. I care for them the same way: a good cleaning after the shave and a little bit of oil.

Peter,

Thank you for mentioning that! I could have sworn I read somewhere that it was SS, but now I can't find where I read that. And everywhere I do find info, it mentions carbon steel.

Rick