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Hi guys just looking for opinions really. I currently shave of a dovo best quality half ground and love the way it shaves. I am however looking for an "upgrade" so I can use the dovo while the other one is been honed. I'd like to stay with the same brand but if you think you can name a superior model then go for it.
Cheers
Dan
Ralf Aust would be my pick if I were in the market for a new razor.
"Superior", like most things with straight razors, is relative. My advice is to look at your current razor and figure out what other features you would like to try. If your Dovo is a half hollow, you may want to try a full hollow. Is your current razor 6/8? Maybe next you could try a 5/8 or 7/8. Look at features like grind, price, width, and point and find blades that have what you'd like. Then, of the blades you narrow it down to, pick the one you think is the best looking. Dovo makes nice blades, but there are many good brands, so don't limit yourself to one maker.
I have two other razors, cheaper than the dovo and just holding them feels "wrong" one is shorter and the other is "fatter" from blade to shoulder. the dovo in terms of size feels perfect weight distribution is decent. I like the half hollow but would like to get a full hollow but by beard hair is really quite thick coarse hair.
I was told that full hollows were best used on fair hair?
I've heard that too. It's a myth in my opinion. A full hollow with a good edge can get through a tough beard quite well. It just comes down to personal preference.Quote:
Originally Posted by danielpalfrey
i am in two minds, because my only full hollow could not shave (edge lacked temper) but I love the ring you get. So for the price of a new razor do I go with something I know works or change it and risk one that I dont like as much
ok let me ask this question (it may help)
other than the grind, what are the advantages/disadvantages of full hollow and half hollow
Is there a technical difference between them other than grind?
Would the half hollow offer a closer or more comfortable shave?
is it easier to cut yourself on the full hollow?
all just silly little questions but they could help me.
I like my current shave and do get a comfortable shave everytime (not that close though) but I know that when you start paying higher money I struggle to find half hollows, so maybe a change would be good maybe not.... Shape and size at the moment is perfect though
The biggest difference, in my opinion, is the way they feel. The half hollow is going to have a bit more weight to it then the full hollow. Some people prefer a heavy safety razor for the same reason. It feels like the extra weight does some of the work for you. When I use a full hollow it feels like I am cutting the hairs with the razor. When I use a heavy wedge it feels like the razor is cutting the hairs and I'm just guiding it. And a half hollow is very much a hybrid of these two ends of the spectrum. You may also want to try a 1/4 hollow, which feels closer to a wedge. When you get into 1/4 hollows and near wedges they can take a little more work to hone, especially as they wear. But that's not as important as how they shave.
I've honed few half hollows and like how they hone. I like the weight of the half hollow. Seems pretty effortless to shave as you said kinda glides but you get the feedback too
I am currently looking ato the dovo FORESTAL looks like a good razor price isn't bad either. Anyone got any opinion?
I decided I am going full hollow. Give that a go since I have a very good half. If it isn't as "good" it can become my backup razor
Try something different.
Go for a 6/8th quarter hollow.
They are the best grind generally imo.
Buy a Wade n Butcher, best steel ever ,best edge best feel.. According to me.
After a quick look I can say that at this point in time there razors are not for me. I'll have to have another look when I get home but the shape just isn't right for me
Have you considered a new Boker? They are great shavers.
You have a half hollow so if your a timid type of person when it comes to exploration I would buy something like what you have, you already like it. Now if your ready to try something different,Mao with a full hollow. A big majority of barbers used them and the Germans got a big share of the market making the m, so there's something to that. As to shave ability, doesn't matter, it's preference, my beard is wire cable and I shave with all types of grind it's the edge, and that depends on the man honing it,malus the steel. Not the grind. Buy what you like, but if I were you buying new, it would be a Ralph Aust. I really only buy customs but if I were to buy new that's what it would be. Tc
Aye thoughts on the boker king cutter?
Still looking through the Ralph aust ones
The problem I have with Ralph aust is there doesn't seem to be a reputable seller here in the uk
Excellent razors. They take a keen edge and keep them. Easy to maintain.Quote:
Originally Posted by danielpalfrey
I have also been advised that the dovo prima silver is a good choice? Getting lost in all these choices lol
Well depends on your budget, and if you have to have new or used. If you send me a PM I can advise you on some top quality razors that I have that I could part with.
i am on a budget of £120 (all I have left at the moment) But I would prefer brand new, not sure why I just always like new
Check out theinvisibleedge.co.uk, they stock Boker, Dovo and Thiers Issard, all come professionally honed.
A couple of things to bear in mind, most German manufacturers will use the same blanks its the grind and finish that will make the difference ie look at dovos 6/8 shoulderless Bismark, Revisor and Ralf Aust both use the same blank.
Also the difference between a £100 model or a £150 model might just be nicer scales or etching etc the razor itself is essentially the same.
No one can tell you which grind is best for you the only way is to try yourself and see which you like best.
Lastly you can always look for NOS razors, all never used just not manufacturerd anymore.
i am seriousley looking at the dovo prima silver. looks good and has many many good reviews.
I am looking on invisible edge, got my last razor from there and it is a bloody good one.
Dam
Why worry about a new razor at all? I have over 50 straight's & I have over 20 of them shave ready. I have a Pre 1880 Wade & Butcher that is my go to razor. I have yet to pay over $30.00 for a razor & I got most for less. Anyone can buy a new razor & have it honed & stropped by a Pro but to get a vintage piece & make it like new just makes me feel good & I have more$$$ to spend on razors. Just the way I work.
Dave Huffman
That should get the job done for a reasonable price. Looks like it may be made from the same blank as the 5/8 full hollow "best quality". I like the details on the spine.Quote:
Originally Posted by danielpalfrey
yeah thats what attracted me to it. all that gold wash, but it was advised to me on another forum, they claim it is a carbon stainless steel hybrid kinda thing and most people have said it give a "superior" shave compared to there cheaper razors. I just ask here because you lot hav not led me astray yet
It won't shave any better than any other decent quality steel, the edge put in by a person who can determines the shavability of it , then if it shaves better that's the hand shaving with it, a 10$ razor with a good edge shaves as well as a 500$ razor with a good edge, tc
I'd look at Revisor razors.
You can pick up stunning models for £150 ish.
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I got my first good razor from the invisible edge as well. Dovo Bismarck.
Revisor are well respected. And they have a rarities section that while a pain to navigate has a good selection of vintage razors, And there all in tip top condition.
Something like this might be of interest.
http://www.revisor-solingen.de/index...s/r-120-detail
Ok, I got in touch with Gary Haywood from right here, he has helped me immensely and I now own a Dovo mother of pearl shaves so beautifully and Gary did a very good job honing it. I also got a Gold Dollar which was intended for practice honing but I am surprised at how well it shaves so it is now a reserve razor.
Dan
