Dovo Stainless Questions

Anyone have experience with the Dovo Micarta, a 5/8 stainless Dovo with the "standard" (non ice tempered) stainless blade, and a 5/8 Dovo carbon full hollow razor ?
How did they compare ?
- Does the Micarta's ice tempered blade stay sharper noticeably longer ?
- Did either of the stainless blades get as sharp or as smooth as the carbon ?
- Was either of the stainless blades as flexible as the carbon ?
- Was the stainless rust resistant enough to just towel dry the blade and not get grey dots or a degraded edge if stored in the bathroom ?

Thanks.

I have two of 8 to 9 years old , I let the razor on the bathroom and never have a rust or spot on it . This razors looks like the first day I buy it . I hone this razor with a arkansas stone ,( arkansas stone required long time honing ) no like a norton 4000-8000 combo made the job in less time but I enjoy honing in a arkansas (I have the time for that) . I compared this razor with my dovo Bismarck and black star, is a carbon steel razor with gold decorations , the razors get rust very quick on the bathroom and lose the gold coat (no complete) in less than 4 years. Micarta razor stay sharp for long period of time , I use this razor to shave my head and face every week and this razor stay sharp for months .
good luck

I just honed a couple of these up (with the ice tempered steel) for another member here and I didnt notice any difference in the shave compared to a carbon steel razor. The honing took a little longer as they required more strokes on the finishing stones but that was about it.

Do bear in mind that the stainless steel will eventually rust as well if you dont take care of it, just like the carbon steel does. These two razors have some marks on the blade from the previous owner despite their stainless steel tag, and if you dont look after them they will rust.

That said, they're nice shavers and should serve you well.

I recently honed up a bunch of Dovos from various lines, including the Micarta. I couldn't really tell the razors apart when I was actually shaving.

IMO, you should take the same care with a stainless razor as a carbon steel.

Thanks for the info. Another question: Is the balance on the Micarta as handle heavy as one of the Dovo bone handled 5/8 razors ?

JohnG10,

I have the Dovo Best (carbon steel) and two (2) Dovo EnVogues (Micarta, stainless steel) razors.

They are all super shavers, and favourites of mine :)

I have found the EnVogue to be as easy to maintain/hone as the Dovo Best carbon steel blade.

WRT to the edge (sharpness), both the carbon & stainless edges are as good as each other - both are very good indeed. I have not noticed any significant longevity differences between them.

I find the EnVogue very slightly 'scritchier' on the face. They feel like the C135 TIs.

For me, the micarta scales of the EnVogue do not affect the balance of the razor, but they do affect its handling, particularly when stropping.

The problem, for me, is their girth - micarta is a strong enough material not to need scales of the girth that they are !

I have had one of my EnVogues re-scaled by Mr Neil Miller in polished rams-horn - these suit the razor better, both in looks and handling.

I coat all my blades, both carbon & stainless (after drying and stropping) with Sentry Solutions TuffGlide, and do not store my razors in the bathroom (they are in a sealed Tupperware like container).

They are all fine razors, and you won't go wrong with any of them :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ