Thread: Expensive vs Reasonable

Hello All. I would like to purchase a second razor eventually and I have been looking at several razors. I already have a Dovo Best Quality 6/8 Carbon Steel, got it for around a hundred bucks. Of course the higher end razors like Mastro Livi's is out of the question for my budget. I've noticed that Dovo razors go from around $300.00 to just under $100.00. I've noticed that the difference seems to be in the Gold etching or in higher quality scales. My question is, is there any difference in the quality of the steel between the higher priced and lower priced razors. Also they offer a carbon blade in High Carbon Swedish Steel that is reasonable, is there some difference there? Thanks for all of the good advice that is available here.

Manonengine, man is hot right now down here.

While I cannot vouch for the type of steel in the different models of Dovo razors, my advice is to buy a second hand razor. You can pick up a really nice razor from respectable members in the classifieds here. It will cost you a lot less than buying a brand new razor and will give you the same quality shave. Except my first razor (which I no longer have) all my razors are all vintage ones and am very pleased with them.

I love both of the Dovo razors I own--one is SS and the other is Swedish carbon steel. Both of mine are higher end because of factors like you mentioned such as scale material, gold wash, etc. I do know Dovo uses different steels on a few of their razors. For example, the Bergischer Lowe is the only one where they use Swedish carbon steel, I believe. I would assume however that most of their other carbon steel razors (or SS razors for that matter) use the same quality or type of steel.

As far as buying a second razor, it's definitely a solid idea. To have at least two in your rotation is a very good thing, especially when you have to send one off to be re-honed.

I have four razors out of my collection that I use regularly in my rotation--everything from a $200 Dovo to an $1100 Joe Chandler Damascus with mammoth ivory scales. Both have distinctly different feels, but both ultimately provide really great shaves--as do all of my razors. My newest addition is a Filarmonica Doble Temple 13 which I got through the classifieds here, and it was a great price for a simply amazing razor. Not too many frills, just an all around great shaver. So check the classifieds regularly and you should find something perfect to add to your collection. Have a great week!

I suspect Dovo uses the same steel for all their carbo steels and the same with the stainless models but that's just a guess. I have a few of them and they are all great shavers. Just because they don't advertise the type of steel doesn't mean its different. I know the mammouth scaled LE was also advertised as Swedish Steel.

Its true the best value lies with a vintage blade but at the same there is just something about getting a brand spanking new razor.

If you can go $300 have you considered a Livi new-grind? Great razor and not too much over $300.

I like Dovo but for variety you might take a look at Thiers Issard. I like them a lot too. The newer ones have a new steel that they are using and are very good. The old ones were advertised as 'Silver Steel' whatever that means and were good too. They are in the same price range as the Dovos when you get into the higher priced models.

i feel like you could get a great razor for alot less from a antique store or something and bring it back to life or employ the help of one of the restorers/honemiesters on this forum. +1 on the classifieds here too.

Originally Posted by bkvisler

i feel like you could get a great razor for alot less from a antique store or something and bring it back to life or employ the help of one of the restorers/honemiesters on this forum. +1 on the classifieds here too.

I'm about to pontificate. Get the abridged version by skipping to the 'SUMMARY'.

While this is, one one hand, true... it has a definite caveat. I've got a heap of razors I'm working on, and as I add skills and find new things that need doing I am perpetually buying tools, consumables, etc. Restoration is definitely not a economy tool- it is a hobby of its own, and needs to be approached as such. (Granted, with a blade in damn good shape, as can sometimes be found, you might do pretty well with a hone and some MAAS, but you'd still be cheaper buying from the classifieds.)

Beyond that, Some of these razors are cheating *&@%s. They look not-too-rough, but as soon as you put any pressure on them they split edge to spine because those pits are too deep, or you discover troubles with the temper, or that the edge is like Havarti.

Now, I would love to send Glen or Max or so a razor to work on, but that is an outlay too... totally worth it, as far as I've seen... but also expensive.


SUMMARY: Shell out $100 or so on the classifieds here and you can land yourself pretty much any style, shape, maker you want...most likely shave ready and shipping included.

Thanks everybody for the good thoughts.

Mano, based on the info I've gathered don't go ebay route and if you must make sure the seller is close to 100%. The pictures don't do blades justice they maybe cracks on scale or even blade that aren't in picture.

Being ebay member myself I know how that can happen and it has to a lot of people.

Simply, if you go the cheaper route you'll most likely end up paying for it in the end.

I picked up a couple used ones from Classifieds to practice on:
Torrey Razor Co 5/8 Hollow ground and Boker King Cutter 5/8 Square point.

There are many great members here who'll provide exceptional advice and are trustworthy and I'm glad I joined :beer: