Greetings Shavelings

SRP has been an invaluable resource for me over the last nine or so months as I made the transition from disposable razors to the magnificence that is straight razor shaving (with a brief detour into safety razors that, while okay, was not for me).

Up until now I've been using this very basic Dovo 5/8":

Robot Check

It's been great for learning, practicing stopping, and I've even honed the edge once stropping stopped cutting it. But now I've decided to invest in a high quality straight razor. I still really like Dovo 5/8", but Amazon's selection is limited. For personal reasons, a vintage razor isn't an option for me.

My question is which online retailers are reputable Dovo dealers? I've read about the risks of buying vintage razors on ebay. Does that apply to new Dovo razors as well? Are there cheap-knockoffs waiting to nick unwary buyers?


1) On ebay, this seller seems to have lots of Dovo sales, albeit as seemingly higher prices that other dealers:

Dovo Renissance 6 8 Spanish Oak Germany Straight Razor 24KT Gold Etch 1885685 | eBay

2) Another online dealer I found is Fendrihan:

https://www.fendrihan.com/products/d...FQuSaQodGh4Nig

3) I know West Coast Shaving seems to have a solid reputation, so I was looking also at this:

Dovo Forestal 5/8" Straight Razor with Cocobolo Wood Scales

What I find odd is that WCS says they hone the razors before shipping, but my (maybe misinformed) understanding was that new Dovo razors are sent from the factory shave ready.

4) Finally I found this one:

Dovo Ivory Micarta

I haven't seen anything on SRP about this dealer, but their website seems professional. I did notice that the scales are micarta. I know it's supposed to be more water resistant than wood. One thing I haven't cared for on my current Dovo is the black plastic scales. I suspect the wood scales will feel better, but I don't know about the micarta's feel in hand. Does anyone have any insight into whether it's closer to a plastic-y or wood-y feel?

Thanks in advance for any help and or insight. Sorry to drop in out of the blue, but I figured it was time to stop lurking.

Regards,
Moebius