Dovo Comparison?

I'm planning to order my first straight razor soon, and could use some advice. I've made up my mind that I'd like to get one of the sets from straightrazordesigns, I think having the razor be professionally sharpened out of the box is worth the expense. I also plan to upgrade to the 3" strop and get the DVD.

But, I'm not sure which model to go with or really what to differences are outside of cosmetics. The FAQ suggests a 6/8 half-hollow razor, but most of the ones they list are 5/8 (some are 6/8) and almost none are half-hollow.

Some of the ones I'm looking at are:
6/8 Tortoise Shell (aka - Special)
6/8 Bismarck
5/8 Astrale (one of the only half-hollows, but a narrower blade)
6/8 Renaissance

Can anyone offer some comparisons between these or other Dovo models that maybe I should be looking at too? I'd like to be able to make an informed choice but without knowing the tradeoffs it's a bit hard.

My gut feeling is that the with the Bismarck you're probably paying for bling more than blade, the Renaissance is probably the "quiet quality" choice, and the Tortoise seems to be a great value buy. Less sure on the Astrale as I can't find much written about it and I'm inclined to think that 6/8 is more important than half-hollow but what do I know at this point?

I would ordinarily also be open to a used razor from the for sale forums, but my wife wants me to start with a new razor so I'm following her wishes. Who knows the next time she'll endorse me to go with the more expensive option? :)

I think the steel is the same on them all, except the Renaissance which is stainless.

Depending on who you ask, you'll likely get different replies on what would make the best starter razor. Personally, I think 5/8 to 6/8 is a good size range. A round point can be helpful, though it is my opinion that if you pay careful attention and are naturally well coordinated, the point isn't that important.

For the grind, I don't like to make a blanket recommendation, because I think there are pros and cons to each. I think that a heavier ground blade (half hollow or heavier) is usually more forgiving of shave technique - as a result you may get better shaves right away, but you won't be forced to constantly focus on and improve your technique. I find that a full hollow is not quite as forgiving of shave technique - as a result, you may not get great shaves right away, but you will be forced to improve your technique and thus may get better shaves faster.

Then there are the cosmetic differences, and I think that is entirely personal preference. And of course there is the way a razor feels in your hand based on a huge number of factors. But you can't know what you'll like until you've tried a few, so don't worry about that.

In short, of the ones you listed, go with whichever you find most appealing based on looks and price, and you'll do just fine.

I always recommend the less expensive Dovo for starters. A 5/8 or a 6/8 but not one of the fancier models. Reason being until you know whether you are going to like shaving with a straight razor less is more. Definitely get the razor honed to shave ready. IIRC SRD offers that service for free and includes a second honing.

Once you get past the learning curve only you can determine what the best grind, point, size and style of razor is your favorite. If worse comes to worse you'll find you like them all, like I did. Then you've got a problem. :)

dboeren,

+1 to the above advice.

The only Dovo 6/8 I have is a Dovo Special ('Tortoise'); it is a superb shaver :) The scales are lovely to look at as well !

Others have reported that the 6/8 Best is a fine shaver too - I have a 5/8 Best and can report that it is a fine 'workhorse' razor, and is one of my favourties.

You might want to consider one of the the 'Bests' as your first razor; they shave well above their price point :)

Good luck in your choice :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

any of those are fine. Dovo are awesome. yes I find my self easier to shave with 6/8 when I started, the weight of 6/8 kind help me guide the stroke, on the other hand the 5/8 was too light to move around & more likely to get nicked.
yes, imo the 6/8 is more important than half hollow.
I reckon SRD has 6/8 best quality dovo with half hollow.
btw, I just got the renaissance with wooden scale from SRD. this razor just blow me away, the design n everything
Good Luck, Happy Shaving... :)

Ah, I hadn't noticed the Best was a half-hollow too. Makes sense, since it appears to be their entry model aimed at beginners.

Is there a difference between the carbon steel blades and the stainless? I would think that carbon steel probably is harder and holds an edge longer but that's just based on vague recollections. There must be something desirable about the carbon steel that makes it so much more common.