Thread: Wood handled razors

I'm considering buying a Dovo wood handled razor at some point in the future, but being a newb I was wondering if they require any special attention to keep them looking nice. Do the handles hold up as well as a plastic, bone, or horn would over time? Will they warp or swell with water or anything like that? I really don't want to spend over $100 on a razor if it isn't going to last or if it's going to be a hassle to keep it looking good. Just wondering what kind of experiences others have had with wood handled razors and what I can expect. Thanks.

Jordan

Jordon,

The first razor I bought was a ebony handled Dovo, I used for about a year on a daily bases, the handle stills looks good (after nearly 5 years) just give it a wipe after using it. But the blade needs more care as it is carbon, so if you look at it wrong it develops rust.

Peter

Wooden scales are treated, so you don't have to worry about the wood rotting on you. Just a quick wipe after the shave should do it. The only issue I have with wood is when tightening the pivot pin. Be extra-careful not to hit too hard or you may split the scales.

You shouldn't be getting the scales particularly wet when shaving anyway, because it's very difficult to dry the pivots and prevent rusting... just let the blade get wet.

I think you'd have to soak the scales for quite a while to damage them, and your blade would be in much worse shape.

Gaboon Ebony is one of the densest woods around. It actually sinks in water. Even without treatment, ebony is fairly resistent to moisture. With a basic treatment, ebony shouldn't degrade on you for a long long time. The best long term care you can provide a wooden handle is to avoid prolonged and unnecessary soakings and wipe it dry before you store it.

African Blackwood, Ebony, Lignum Vitae and Snakewood are all very very dense woods which resist moisture and would suit razor handles.

I have Pakkawood scales on the Böker I'm giving to my FIL and they are super durable and very moisture resistant. My ONLY complaint is that they come with a brass spacer which is a bit heavy and throws the balance off a little. MHO.

X