Thread: Dovo versus Thiers Issard and Boker

I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but the search engine isn't finding them...

Many of the B&B reviews seem to think the TI steel & heat treat are noticeably better than Dovo.

I assume the difference bewteen the Dovo Best Quality, Special, Packawood, & Bone razors is just the handle material & gold plating - but that the steel, heat treat, & grinds are identical. Is this the case ?

Is the steel, heat treat, or grind on the TI Super Gnome any better than the Dovo's above ?

How about the TI "1937 Special Coiffer" that started out as a Jaguar blank ?

How abot the Boker King Cutter (basic plastic scaled model) ?

Also, are the TI plastic scales any thicker, stiffer, harder, or less warp resistant than the Dovo plastic scales ? How about the Boker scales ?

Is there any noticeable differences in balance &/or ease-of-handling (due to tang & tail shapes) between the basic models for each brand ?

Thanks.

Originally Posted by JohnG10

I'm sure this has been discussed a lot, but the search engine isn't finding them...

Of course it is. boker +dovo +thiers site:straightrazorplace.com/forums/ - Google Search

Originally Posted by JohnG10

Many of the B&B reviews seem to think the TI steel & heat treat are noticeably better than Dovo.

Many of the B&B reviews are written by people I would hardly call experts in their field. Post count and number of years in the shaving business do not always correlate. Here, they usually do, at least for the members who joined before 2009. In other places, they are often inversely proportional.

Here at SRP, we aim at expert, rather than consumer, reviews.

Originally Posted by JohnG10

Also, are the TI plastic scales any thicker, stiffer, harder, or less warp resistant than the Dovo plastic scales ? How about the Boker scales ?

I don't like the TI plastic scales, and they used to be notorious for causing problems. I have not heard of any major problems recently, but I still do not like the way they feel. That is, of course, a subjective and personal opinion.

Dovo scales I like, not least because there is a nice story behind them. I have yet to encounter problems with them.

The Böker "King Cutter" plastic scales are very nice and classic.

Originally Posted by JohnG10

Is there any noticeable differences in balance &/or ease-of-handling (due to tang & tail shapes) between the basic models for each brand ?

Not to my knowledge. There is a marked difference in price, though, and I still consider the Dovo "Best Quality" razors an excellent value for money.

Regards,
Robin

I guess guys can sit around and express opinions about which is better TI or Dovo the same as guys can discuss whether S&W is better than Colt or Ford is better than Chevy. In the end whether you buy a Dovo or TI from a practical standpoint either will give you equally great shaves. It used to be TI was better known for blades and Dovo for overall fit and finish but things change. I'd take a vintage Dovo over a TI any day of the week but there we go again comparing these things. Just get what you like and you'll be happy.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

...Just get what you like and you'll be happy.

I agree with this. I have nice razors from both brands. Some days I like my TIs and other days my Dovos and am happy I have both to enjoy.

I have both DOVO's and Boker razors, both are excellent shavers and well made with a very high standard of fit and finish. I would be hard pressed to pick between them in terms of shave quality and build.

I also have a TI on the way at the moment.

All three of these makes are well talked about and well thought of, and any of them will provide you with an excellent shave.

I would just order the one you like the look of the best and enjoy!

Good luck!

The true problem with these questions is there are very few people actually qualified to answer it objectively...
It is the same when you ask which hone you should buy...
You really only get the same answer from each person, which is the one they like, some people answering haven't ever even tried more then 1 or two of any given brand...

You would have to ask those of us that actually see/hone/work on hundreds of razors, and guess what you are going to hear then.. same thing you pretty much heard already... Get the one that strikes your fancy...one of them will talk to ya... Myself I prefer the Brunette

Glen makes an excellent point.

While we, as individuals, may have been shaving with a straight for several years, in some cases decades, the fact is we sample a rather small number of razors of any particular make.

We therefore may have a good example or a poor example. I have a new Boker and the scales are absolute crap. I also don't care for TI plastic scales because I don't like the points and they are too long in my opinion. But those are the scales and they can be changed, the steel is what is really important, and my comments are based upon only those razors I personally own.

In the end, Bigspender's advise is sound. Purchase what strikes your fancy.

I can only speak intelligently about the razor on your list I have used, and that is the TI Le Grelot 3/4 hollow (purchased last year from Classic Shaving). Others will point out that I am a newbie and therefore my opinions count for little. But as a newbie, I actually enjoy getting the advice and feedback of others who are in a similar position to myself. If you disagree, then you can disregard this.

The overall fit, finish and quality of the TI Le Grelot is awesome, in my view. I bought the "fake MOP" plastic scales to save money, but I have found the scales to be straight, tight and easy to handle, even with lots of use. The blade centers in the scales without any aiming or effort. The blade itself is among the best in my small collection of around 30+ razors. I got it professionally honed from Classic Shaving, and it has retained that super-sharp, freshly honed feel over at least 50 shaves and counting. (My only maintenance has been stropping before and after each shave.)

Anyway, if this is information you can use, great! I hope you find a razor that speaks to you, as Glen mentioned. That's probably a much better indication of which razor you will enjoy more than any vague opinions offered here.

Don't forget Friodurs: fine, fine razors.

Between Dovo and TI, TI shaves better. Edge lasts longer as well. It is also stiff which I like.