Another DOVO QC Thread

[richmondesi]

Hey guys,

Like you most of you, I have read some threads recently about the QC of DOVO straight razors. It has caused concern for a lot of new guys. In fact, I had some buddies bring me razors to look at to make sure they didn't need to be concerned.

Yesterday, I received another DOVO to hone, and it made me think of those threads (but more on that in a bit). Over the weekend, I was fortunate enough to spend a little time in a workshop grinding with Bob Allman (thread coming after razor is complete ). That little bit of experience gave me even more appreciation for the effort and craftsmanship that goes into making a razor. The effort and skill required to make one of these razors is significant...

Back to that DOVO, I went through a cursory inspection, and I was really impressed with the grind, balance, gold wash, scales, etc.... It took a great edge off my coticule in very little time, it just danced on the strops, and the shave test (dry ATG on the neck) was incredibly smooth. Tonight, I look forward to a great shave before sending it back out.

I'm no DOVO expert (only handled 10 or thereabouts), but I've not seen any major problems that would cause me to ever hesitate to endorse them when asked to give my opinion. I've seen consistently good razors that were well made and take a great edge. In fact, this particular razor has me thinking about picking up one like it (Bismark). I'm not saying that there aren't some bad razors that leave the factory, but I've not seen any...


Thanks for reading

[thebigspendur]

I would never hesitate to buy a Dovo. The ones I've bought have all been very well made with no issues.

[blueprinciple]

+1 on that

[coachmike]

I have two and have had nothing but good shaves from them. There are NO issues on mine that can be seen. I think some people just like to blow smoke and make noise. I'm sure that ANY razor we can talk about will have it's haters for a variety of reasons. For those that are thinking about a new razor at a good price, go ahead and pull the trigger......you won't be sorry.

[AFDavis11]

I think Dovos are the best razors made. I've spent the last two days evaluating my next purchase. It'll be a Dovo.

[ndw76]

I love my Dovo razor. When ever I question my honing abilities I just give it a slight touch up, strop and kid myself that I can hone.

[mrsell63]

I could tell you about my Pearlex #98 gold washed razor with the slightly warped blade and my Silver Steel ebony handled Ebenholz that is severely warped but I am not going to say anything about these imperfections for fear of busting somebody's bubble.

Two out of my 6 Dovos are warped. That's a 33 1/3 % defect rate.

There was a post about a year ago concerning the fact that Thiers-Issard used to have a quality control problem but has since cleaned up their act. In that same post it was mentioned how DOVO was known for their quality but lately that level of quality had gone down. That's about the same time I purchased these two razors.

They can still be honed but it is such a hassle to hone a warped blade. I know I'm not the only Dovo customer with this problem..........

[Stubear]

I've got two DOVO's are they are both excellent! They take great edges and hold them, strop up really nicely, give great shaves and are very well made. The scales fit nicely with no warps or anything, and you have to really look to see the hone wear.

I've also seen probably 50-60 of them in various stores around London (Trumpers etc..), and they have all been well made and well finished.

Great razors, and I'd definately recommend them!

I think part of the problem is that the shaving community is a small one, and it gets a bit like Chinese Whispers. One person says they think all new DOVO's are "POS's" (that famous thread on the other forum) and then new guys think DOVO's are bad, and it sets others up to go out expecting to find problems and then are surprised when they do... Its like the fable of the Chr*nik..!

I guess that, like all companies, there may be items that slip by the QC net, but DOVO do seem to be pretty good by and large. Both of mine shave great, and all the ones I've seen all looked good.

[Obie]

Hello, everyone:

My first straight razor was the Dovo "Perlex" — one of the prettiest razors made, I believe. Now I have several more models of the Dovo razor.

I have nothing but praise for all of them — in every way. The fittings have been fine. Alignment straight. Workmanship impressive. That all my Dovos have been honed by Lynn puts a bigger smile on me.

Would I buy another Dovo? Yes, I would, especially if the Dovo is honed by Lynn.

Regards,

Obie

[janivar123]

well the scales on my BL was badly warped when i got the first one

the seller then inspected the replacement before sending it to me
any produser delivers a dud from time to time but it seems like DOVO
isnt among the bad ones

being a shop in a small market this may be old ones