Thread: Dovo Dealers

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

Welcome to SRP!

When buying any new straight razor from a dealer....always check to see what their return policy is and if it comes shave ready?
A lot of companies will gladly sell you a SR....but it is only factory sharp..... which is NOT shave ready. Some places offer it be sharpened for free the first time and others may charge or don't do it all. Also check to see if they offer a free 2nd honing...... Some do, some don't.

The classifieds here are a good place to purchase mighty fine straight razors.

I have a Dovo INOX with wood scales. I like it. I have razors with different types of scales....bone, horn, wood, plastic...... I really don't pay too much attention on the scale material. The blade is more my concern.

I hope this helps some.

West coast shaving has always done right by me but it has only been supplies.... not razors. I bought 2 Dovo razors early on. Ebony 5/8 and the basic 5/8 with black plastic scales. I got mine from Straight Razor Designs because I knew they would be honed correctly.

First of all a Dovo factory edge is not really shave ready. West Coast Shaving hand hones their razors. So does Classic Edge and Straight Razor Designs,and I am sure that there are others as well. Straight Razors dot com if I am not mistaken has a bad reputation for poor customer service. The eBay link did not work. Personally I stick to buying from known sources. Welcome to the forum.

Thank you, everyone!

My intuition was to stay away from ebay anyway, but I figured I'd mention it just in case I was being unduly prejudice. I'll definitely look for what sharpening is offered. Good to know about the shave ready reality. I'll also check out some of those other shops mentioned and take another look at WCS.

The warm welcome is much appreciated

If you have read our site over the last few months no doubt you have noticed the same handful of dealers out there who garner outstanding comments over and over again. The best advice is buy from one of them and make sure whoever you buy from will deliver a razor truly ready to give you a great shave.

For new straight razors I check the vendors mentioned on this site first and if they do not have it then I order one through amazon.
Amazon may or may not be more expensive than an unknown vendor, but they will handle any product return issues for you.
Of course, once the razor arrives you either have to hone it yourself or pay to ship it off to be honed by a pro.

First I would say you mentioned it is time to invest in a quality shaver. Your Dovo is a quality shaver. You may just have the basic scale option but the blade material is the same in it than a $300 Dovo I am almost sure. I think when people state they now want a higher end razor when they have a very well known brand that is quality, it is that they want higher end scales.

That said and there is nothing wrong with a little bling to the razor for sure I would stick with SRD or other reputable retailer that sells truly shave ready razors.

Good Luck.