Thread: Dovo Special vs. TI Silver Steel vs. Henkels Friodur

I'm thinking of buying another prehoned razor...RAD is in full swing. I'm considering the Dovo Special because of all the good things I've heard about it, one of the TIs that have the silver steel from Classic Shaving, or a custom handled Henkels Friodur from Shaving Shop. Right now I only have a Dovo micara pre honed by Lynn, but I have multiple Ebay razors en route. I've really got the hankering to see what another prehoned razor shaves like. I know there is some disparity in price amongst these options, but what do you guys think. I know it's a completely subjective thing, but which one do you guys think would shave the best?

-Hank

If you already have a Dovo,why not try something alittle different? Its only money-can't take it with you,might as well spend it on something IMPORTANT-like MORE RAZORS

I have a TI evide sonnant extra-which although tough to hone,it took a great edge and is fantastic. The Friodurs look really nice too-especially if you like BIG blades.

Among those I'll take a TI, just because I haven't tried it, but if it's what I expect it to be the Friodur will be my choice.

Knifecenter is also carrying the 5/8 Special Couffier (aka Super Gnome), which is a 1/2 hollow grind. That will give you a different shave experience.

And it's ~$115 or so, from what I recall...

As you said, this is one of those subjective questions that doesn't have a right answer. You might say that not only "Your Mileage May Vary", but "Your Money May Vary."

If you have the cash, I suggest getting something totally different from what you have now in terms of grind, and or size. Something newer or popular would probably resell quickly if you find the blade doesn't agree with your face.

I don't have a Henckels Friodur, but I do have a Dovo special (Tortoise), and the SRP TI LE, and I really like them both. The Dovo was professionally honed, and is a superb shaver. The TI also gives me a close shave, but it feels a bit harsher. To be fair though, I haven't worked with it much to see if I can refine the edge. I've read that a few members feel that the TI's can be harsh, but are superb shavers once you get the edge zeroed in.

Lastly, if it was my choice, I'd get the Fridour only because I haven't tried one yet.

Its really not about what shaves the best because you can get an Eboy special that shaves the equal of a custom costing a grand. I agree to get another size and grind. Also in general I think most vintage razors shave better than most modern ones excluding custom's.

Originally Posted by mrbhagwan

As you said, this is one of those subjective questions that doesn't have a right answer. You might say that not only "Your Mileage May Vary", but "Your Money May Vary."

If you have the cash, I suggest getting something totally different from what you have now in terms of grind, and or size. Something newer or popular would probably resell quickly if you find the blade doesn't agree with your face.

I don't have a Henckels Friodur, but I do have a Dovo special (Tortoise), and the SRP TI LE, and I really like them both. The Dovo was professionally honed, and is a superb shaver. The TI also gives me a close shave, but it feels a bit harsher. To be fair though, I haven't worked with it much to see if I can refine the edge. I've read that a few members feel that the TI's can be harsh, but are superb shavers once you get the edge zeroed in.

Lastly, if it was my choice, I'd get the Fridour only because I haven't tried one yet.

I too have them both. I truely agree that the LE TI is harsher in feel. Ironically my Tortise Dovo Special is my daily go to shaver. I would get a few more of each as the $ becomes available.
MikeB

Hank,

Where to start? I have a couple razors; OK maybe three, but RAD has seemed to put a plug in my ability-to-count pipe, so I'm not real sure what the count is. Regardless, I have some DOVO's, some TI's, some of this, some of that, and an NOS Henckels Friodur I got from Jim at Vintage Blades. Interestingly I shaved with the Friodur this morning and got one of my closest shaves to date - and this is compared to my reference razor, the Le Grelot 1/4 hollow from rasurpur.de. That particular razor came pretty well honed from the factory, so I only touched it up a bit myself and had to retouch it after I closed the right leaning blade into its right scale (bad words).

So, what can I recommend? Dunno Of the new razors, I have a horse from just about every stable and like them all. There are favorites of course, but that probably has more to do with how well I have honed them than the brand stamped on the shank. Pick something that looks looks good and appears that it will feel good in your hand. I'll bet it will prove to be an excellent choice.

And that was no help, right?

I agree with thebigspendur. Generally, I find vintage razors to be better than modern razors, except for custom blades. If you simply want something different, then go with the Friodur. The age of the Friodurs vary but I think that they are fantastic shavers. They really take a keen edge. Shaving Shop sells larger Fridours but there are smaller ones around, if they're what you prefer.

Of the 3 you mentioned I prefer the feel of the TI with Silver Steel.

Just my $.02