Thread: Dovo versus Thiers Issard and Boker

Originally Posted by Bruce

Glen,

This makes altogether too much sense and does very little to enhance nascent RAD.

Damn yer Vulcan logic Spock!!!!!

Just accept the RAD and buy one of each. End of story!!

Out of embarrassment I don't really want to specify how many TIs and Dovos I have, but I am entirely willing to say that the only Dovo that gives a TI any real competition edge-wise is the Bergischer Lowe. Certainly the Dovos are generally better from a quality control point of view, but I don't mind off-centre pins and such like as long as the razor closes without blade damage.

Now having said that, the real question is whether either of these brands are better than a good old razor? No, many an old Solingen or Sheffield razor will hone easier and sharper, plus it will have more character. Once you know what you are doing with a straight, buy whatever you like. But if you are a beginner, buy only an older razor that has been well-honed by someone who knows how. Find one you love and have it restored if you like - it will be far better and more personal than a mass-produced TI or Dovo.

Chris

Originally Posted by drmoss_ca

it will be far better and more personal than a mass-produced TI or Dovo.

far better, wow! Now I want to try a new TI and/or Dovo

Originally Posted by drmoss_ca

But if you are a beginner, buy only an older razor that has been well-honed by someone who knows how. Find one you love and have it restored if you like - it will be far better and more personal than a mass-produced TI or Dovo.

The problem I have buying vintage as a first time buyer (not sure if the OP is), is not having a clue what I'm buying, what quality to look for, or what low quality looks like. At this point, a $10 eBay Gold Dollar looks awesome to me. It could be real easy for me to be suckered into buying a lemon because of total ignorance, or buying something that needs too much restoration. I'd rather buy new knowing what I'm starting out with is the real thing, and not having to be concerned about defects or restoration.

For a first time buyer, remember, this will be their first impression of straight razor shaving. As first time buyer, I'm not concerned about the artistic style of the razor or the handle. For myself, I'm looking for a great first time buyer razor that will give me a great first impression, and I'm willing to spend a bit more to get that better first impression.


Jake

You said Gold Dollar!

Originally Posted by snakyjake

The problem I have buying vintage as a first time buyer (not sure if the OP is), is not having a clue what I'm buying, what quality to look for, or what low quality looks like. At this point, a $10 eBay Gold Dollar looks awesome to me. It could be real easy for me to be suckered into buying a lemon because of total ignorance, or buying something that needs too much restoration. I'd rather buy new knowing what I'm starting out with is the real thing, and not having to be concerned about defects or restoration.

For a first time buyer, remember, this will be their first impression of straight razor shaving. As first time buyer, I'm not concerned about the artistic style of the razor or the handle. For myself, I'm looking for a great first time buyer razor that will give me a great first impression, and I'm willing to spend a bit more to get that better first impression.


Jake

That's why it generally is unwise to go shopping on ebay unless you know what to look for. For vintage, a shave ready razor from the classifieds would be the way to go. Your $80-130 budget will get you a really nice one, maybe two.

Buying new is an option, but will cost you more. Also, the new bokers, Ti's and Dovos will limit your grind options to pretty much full hollows. It terms of size, only TI (of the three you mention, you can always get a friodur) will give you a wider blade (7/8), unless you go for a NOS dovo 7/8 which is way beyond your budget. Lastly, as with pretty much all new things, you will lose money if you resell it, compared to buying used.

My advice - don't overthink it. Pick up a 5/8 or 6/8 full hollow and maybe even a similar sized wedge on the classifieds, for your budget. Learn, and enjoy the process. Once you know your preferences, then your purchases will be more directed.

I'll go against the grain based on my recent experience. The new TI's shave better than Dovo and vintage razors, and hold an edge longer. They have really made a breakthrough in their heat treating, even though they've been working with the same steel for hundreds of years. From a performance standpoint, TI is a step above Dovo at this point.

like RayG said, don't overthink it

When I first came along everybody said the classifieds, and they were right.

If you don't like it or want to switch up, you can always sell it probably for whatever you paid for it.

Arg... too much to read. I hate being away from the forum.

I've honed maybe 70 new Dovo's - all were straight, all had a bevel set, all had pretty snug pivots, all had straight scales, even grinds, centered in their scales, etc etc. Oh, and all took great edges.

I have honed one new TI - Pin was so tight I thought something was going to snap when I opened it. Grind was uneven - the heal was noticably thinner (edge to spine) than the center of the blade and it was not a model with a smiling stock pin. Blade pivoted so crookedly the tail rubben on the scales at 180 degrees and the razor closed very close to but not touching the scale. She did hone up and give a nice shave.

Never seen a new Boker in person.

So, I don't have enough experience with all to say anything, but I do know I have no interest in buying another TI unless I am 100% in love with the style of the razor.