Thread: Looking for an updrade

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?

Originally Posted by danielpalfrey

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.

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