I'm a beginner myself and also have the 5/8 best quality dovo and the ruprazor gold dollar. I actually bought each as part of a a beginner's set: the 3" black latigo vintage blades with the dovo, which I got about 3 weeks ago, and the filly with the gold dollar. I actually posted about it on B&B, but here was my assesment in sum:

  • The dovo is certainly a nicer razor in many respects in terms of finish, but as a beginner I don't feel that I am at a point where I can appreciate the differences. That said, the Gold Dollar wasn't without its aesthetic problems, but as far as shaving goes, it's just as good for learning.
  • For the filly, I actually found it easier to use than the 3" black latigo. Even though I'm forced to use an x-pattern, I don't feel I'm having as many issues stropping well with it. Plus, the crox on the back is good as I suspected that I my dovo was in need of a touch up after about 10 shaves or so (I think I probably damaged it stropping.) In truth, the reason I went to ruprazor was initially for the filly, but figured ordering a GD razor couldn't hurt
  • If I had to do it over again, I would actually still get both sets... but, if I could only chose one of them, I'd go with the gold dollar + filly.