SRD Razor Question

I was looking at some razors on Straight Razor Designs, and im looking at getting a 5/8 Dovo. There seems to be several different ones some with full hollow and some with half hollow and one that says it stainless. I am not asking about 5/8 vs 6/8 or half hollow vs full hollow, rather I am wondering about the price points between several of the razors that seem identical and would like to know if the price points are between a quality of blade or the material the scales are made of? As a beginner I would like to shave off as much of the price (no pun intended) as possible if all they come down to the price of the scale materials rather than the quality of the blade itself.

Most of the differences between prices are from the detailed work of the blades and the materials used for the scales. For instance, the Dovo Best Quality uses the same high quality carbon steel as Master's series razor, but when comparing the two you can see how much more effort goes into the Master's razor. Examine the etching on the blade and the design of the scales of the Master's and then look at the Dovo Best Quality and the plain simple look it brings. I would personally never buy a stainless razor, you'll find this steel extremely hard to sharpen. Any of the Dovo high carbon razors will serve you well, you just have to choose the one that suits you best.

~Tall Guy

In laymans terms the steels all good you pay for the pretty bits

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Originally Posted by Biggreg

Most of the differences between prices are from the detailed work of the blades and the materials used for the scales. For instance, the Dovo Best Quality uses the same high quality carbon steel as Master's series razor, but when comparing the two you can see how much more effort goes into the Master's razor. Examine the etching on the blade and the design of the scales of the Master's and then look at the Dovo Best Quality and the plain simple look it brings. I would personally never buy a stainless razor, you'll find this steel extremely hard to sharpen. Any of the Dovo high carbon razors will serve you well, you just have to choose the one that suits you best.

~Tall Guy

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I agree with regards the detailed work and the scale material, but the Dovo Master's has a stainless blade and hones just fine, with no extra effort.

there is a difference in the full hollow and half hollow feed back when shaving. it took me a while to find the style and grind on a razor that I liked. if he likes straight razor shaving this will start a journey that he will enjoy for years to come. shaving can go from a chore to a pleasure. Oh I forgot to ask does he shave with a straight now. if so use what he uses now as a guide. anyway good luck and welcome to the SRP.

I looked at SRD's Dovo's to see what was there. The lowest price was the 5/8 Spike point with a gold tang and spine. A spike point, when starting out, is almost a sure bet on a lot of unwanted cuts.......ear lobes, cheeks when trying to shave near the corners of the mouth, etc. Also, gold wash is just a frustration on a razor, IME. It's not durable and you spend time trying to keep it perfect, and, it ain't gonna happen.

You could email Don at SRD and see when he expects more Best Quality Dovo's, or you can check this site also..Vintage Blades LLC*::*Dovo Straight Razors*::*Dovo Carbon Steel Straight Razors he has the lower priced Best Quality in stock and the razor comes pro honed too. Both Sources are trusted dealers.

The Best Quality is a solid shaver and a good razor. I think you're making a wise choice by not paying for bling!! :D

Welcome to the forum, hope you enjoy SRP!!

Best Regards,

Howard :)

Thanks a ton. Thats what I was looking for. I don't need anything fancily engraved at the moment. I appreciate all your help.

Thanks for the info, I just put an order through for the no frills dovo 5/8 with Vintage Blades.

I think you'll like it, just read through the SRP Library (wiki) linked above under the SRP logo. Lots of good info on razor maintenance, etc.

Also, below in my signature line are two links that will help with that first shave. The "Shave Test" is a video and covers prep and razor angles and razor expectations also. I think they'll help!! :D

Let us know when you get it....how it goes!!

Regards,

Howard :)

There are differences in

Steel
Heat Treat
Temper
Grind
Design
Decoration
Scales

I got my razor late last week along with a strop and have had a few shaves with it so far. Its an excellent razor but I think I still need work on my angle, as my shave hasn't been as close as with my shavette yet. One of the biggest issues I am having with my shaving is my hair on my neck that's right below my jaw line.. there is a 1" wide strip that grows sideways and I can't seem to get the right grip or angle (blade is too long to fit sideways in that area) to get that hair short as the rest. I have tried to do a scything action and managed to nick myself more than I care for.