A newbie's confusion on Dovo vs Gold Dollar

Greetings y'all,

I've been flirting with straight razor shaving for almost a year now; exclusively since the summer. I started with a Gold Dollar razor sharpened by RupRazor and have steadily been gaining confidence and getting solid results.

Recently, a friend gave me his Dovo razor with Ironwood scales to use and I was ecstatic to try out an expensive blade.

Surprisingly, I've found that although the Dovo gives a closer shave, I have a much easier time using the GD. The GD is 6/8 while the Dovo is 5/8. Also the balance of the GD blade and plastic scales seems better to me than the Dovo and its beautiful Ironwood. Not only is the GD more wieldly, but the Dovo has been giving me a lot more nicks. Overall, the GD has given me a better shaving experience. Am I crazy?

Is it the size and balance? Is the Dovo too sharp? Have I just gotten used to the GD?

I've been yearning to upgrade the GD and I thought the Dovo was a godsend, however now I'm not so sure. I'm tempted to pick up a nice 6/8 from the classified forums to see if I can improve results.

Thanks for wading through all that. This forum has been a great resource for me and I'm glad to finally be a part of it.

Just reverse the two razor brands in your post, and the outcome would most likely be that same after 1 year...

I hope that was clear enough, you have grown used to a short tang 6/8+ 1/2 hollow razor that basically plows through the beard on your face,,,

The brands have no bearing whatsoever on this, the types of razors do, if yer friend had given you a LeGerlot 1/4 hollow or a ERN ATOR you would be cursing the GD right now....

It may simply be that you are used to the GD. If you have exclusively shaved with a single razor, then transitioning to the next razor can be traumatic just because it is different from what you are used to. It could also be simply that the Dovo is not properly honed.

The Gold Dollar will give you an adequate shave. The Dovo should be able to give you a better shave. If it isn't, then it's either your technique or the honing. If you'd like it touched up, send me a PM and I'll do it for the price of the postage.

Just for kicks if you have access to an eye loupe or better yet a microscope check the edge on the dovo for micro chipping. That can make for a harsh feel to the edge. Can't see 'em with the naked eye but they may be there. The Dovo is a higher quality product than the GD. Read my sig below and the old barber's advice may help you avoid nicks and cuts. Still working for me. :)

Or it could be the honing as Ron so astutely pointed out with a more than generous offer...

NICE !!!! Good on you Ron

Thanks for all your thoughts and thanks Ron for your offer. I'll be out of town for a bit but I might have to take you up on it when I return.

After another shave I'm pretty sure you guys are correct and I'm just used to the larger size. The general consensus seems to be that either a 5/8 or 6/8 is a good size to begin with but I'd have to lean towards the later.

Anyways, I'm sure if I stayed with using the Dovo I'd adapt to it. Unfortunately, I'm going to be travelling with the GD in case something happens so training with the Dovo will have to wait.

I personally was also on the fence about a str8 for a newb like me months ago..I was suggested that a GD is a good starter but eventually you would wanna get something else...doesn't mean you couldn't pass it all on to yer grown kids or even keep it..but some of my friends suggested "you might grow out of a GD" and move on to something more fitted as your experience grows..either way..2 blades is recommended so 1 can be sent to be honed
(if you choose to or do it yerself eventually)

good luck!
pcdad