Thread: Dovo Perlex 5/8" SS vs. Renaissance 6/8" SS

Hey all,

I'm looking to buy a Dovo stainless steel razor; the idea of a blade that requires less upkeep and holds an edge longer appeals to me. Since my wallet can't take the purchase of a genuine MOP razor (sigh), I've pretty much narrowed it down to these two blades. Should I go with the more traditional Perlex blade, or the heel-less (sort of) sexy design of the Renaissance? Both cost about the same. Aesthetically I'd give the edge to the Renaissance by a hair (enough puns for you?), but the Perlex is very simple and clean (and gorgeous). Do the imitation ivory scales of the Renaissance look good in person? Thanks in advance for the opinions.

Hello Frowzy:

That is a tough choice, since both are sweet razors. I have both and love both. Obviously there is a size difference between 5/8" and 6/8". The rounded heel on the Renaissance is a nice touch, too.

They both are lovely razors and good shavers — depending on who hones them, of course, and I would definitely have them honed by a pro, or buy them from a vendor that offers them pre-sharpened by a professional.

If I were choosing for myself, I would start with the Perlex. Not the the Perlex is better than the Renaissance. No, not at all. I mean who is to say? They are different razors. Yet I feel every razor collection should have a Perlex at or near the starting gate.

To me, it is mandatory. I have no idea why exactly. Maybe it's a sentimental way of looking at the world of straight razors. Yes, that's reasonable enough, for me, anyway.

Good luck. You make a good choice with either razor.

Regards,

Obie

Frowzy,

+1 on Obie's point...Although for some reason I am drawn to the Dovo Renaissance because of the beautifully decorated scales that, in my opinion, set it apart from every other str8 razor that I have seen--even the Perlex.

The 6/8 is a better choice. Sexy and a little better shaver.

I think it comes down to nothing but personal preference. Go with what your gut tells you.

So basically the Perlex is something every straight razor owned should have, and the Renaissance is sexier?

That only make me more confused as to which I should buy

Originally Posted by Frowzy

Aesthetically I'd give the edge to the Renaissance by a hair (enough puns for you?), but the Perlex is very simple and clean (and gorgeous).

I think you probably answered your own question. I don't own both, but I would imagine that if you're getting them from a good source and in shave ready condition, they're both going to perform about the same. There's only slight difference in size, so that's not as much of a factor. It would seem as though your subconscious likes the aesthetics of the Renaissance--go with that first! Then, you can come back and get the pearlex. Then the Bergischer Lowe. Then the genuine mother of pearl...never ends!

picking between two too hard? man, wait till you have to pick one among hundreds....

Having shaved with hundreds of both it is a tough Choice. They are similar the Renaissance is a little stiffer. But like Obie said you gotta have a Perlex!

After staring at both razors for an extended period of time, I'm going with the Perlex. There is just something so classic and elegant about it.