How do Dovo's compare in quality to other brands of straight blades? How do they compare to the ever popular Wapi's?
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How do Dovo's compare in quality to other brands of straight blades? How do they compare to the ever popular Wapi's?
Wapis are not known for their "quality" they are actually not very well made, but they can shave very well.
Dovos are (for the most part) very well made. I have two, and love them!
I'm currently using a Dovo "En Vogue" (honed by myself) and a Wapi (bought shave-ready.) There is not much difference in the quality of shave. Maybe this will change when it's time to rehone the wapi, and when my honing skills improve, but for now I'm equally happy with both, I get good shaves from them.
I think I'm in the miority of people who actually LIKE the scales on the Wapi. The weight isn't a problem for me and I like how they look.
Simply put Wapis are a shaving tool, and Dovo's are a "Razor"
But there are other factors that come into play also, like the grinds available.... I can't shave a Wapi comfortably just because of the stiff grind they have (I haven't shaved the New Wapi II yet) so as usual there are personal preferences that come into play for each razor...
I didn't think much of the Wapi. The edge is not the easiest to hone and the metal is a bit brittle. Actually, i think it is a poor quality razor which with a bit of tender loving care gives an OK shave.
Dovo has made Puma and Dubl Duck in the past. Their quality today is not as good as it has been but there is nothing wrong with the steel they use and usually the shave quality is excellent
Do you have any idea how one might know if one's Puma was made by dovo? [not that there's anything wrong with that]Quote:
Originally Posted by English
I'm sorry but I'm not sure. I believe it was towards the end of the Puma razor era. I have always assumed that the Puma's with the rubber handle came from Dovo, but I might be talking through my hat. I agree with you, it doesn't really matter. I really just try to make the point that the name on the blade is less important than the quality of shave that the blade gives. (if you are not a collector that is)
One of the guys on one of the forums interviewed the owner of DOVO and in the interview the guy stated that DOVO had made razors for DOVO and PUMA. I can not find a link or the original post, maybe some other members can give us some more input or remember the post. It was a couple of years ago I think.
Just found the info source. If you look in the "Help Files" (see the scrolling buttons at the top of the page) under "Great Straight info" and down load the file called "Great Dovo Info".
I don't know there is any proof positive way to tell. I had once been told that the metal reference on the shank is the key. made from best Puma Steel as opposed to made from best Pumaster Steel but I have both so I don't know. Certainly the stainless Puma's were made by Dovo.
Either way I agree the new Dovo's aren't as good as the vintage ones however they are still very good razors.
I think Wapis are - for the money - the best entry-level razor you can buy. I never have any problem getting a very good edge on them - and feedback I get tends to agree! - whilst some Dovos are, frankly, real pigs to hone (the En Vogue springs to mind!). However, I think that the Dovos, when honed up properly, have a far more durable edge than any Wapi. The Wapi tends to be a good buy as an intro razor as it's very easy to work on and get a good edge, so those new to honing can get results and not become disheartened.
It's horses for courses. I have a Wapi in my rotation and it shaves very well. I guess it's down to the user and personal choice but I have had very, very few bad reports concerning Wapis I supply.
DOVOS ROCK! I have 4 so this is a purely unbiased opinion!
Dovo is notoriously good. German made razor, long pedigree there. Good steel and they hold an edge. Great shavers, I have two, a 5/8 and 6/8 Bismarck.
Are they a good razor? Yes...but give me a vintage razor any day.