Thread: Newbie Question - Dovo Special or Wapi?

Hi all,


I’m new to the forum, and straight razor shaving in general. About a month ago I bought a disposable blade straight razor and have decided to finally cave and buy a real blade. This site has been an invaluable resource for doing research and giving me a sense of orientation, so figured I’d float a question now that I’m ready to buy.


The two razor’s I have my eye on are the Dovo Special (5/8, tortuous scales) and a Wapienica. I’m finding them for roughly the same price point, and while the Wapi that I’m looking at has a really nice scale(s?), that’s less important to me right now than the blade. I’m hoping that someone could offer an opinion regarding, between the two, what would be a better razor to start with?


Thanks!

The stainless steel Wapi's are just a tad harder too hone, no real problem though and offer as nice shave. the Dovos are at least as good if not better. If the price is equal, I would go for the Dovo.

Welcome!

Id say go for the DOVO. I've honed a fair few of them an they take a good edge, plus they are a known quantity.

I've not had personal experience with a wapi but I've read a few folks say they can be a bit inconsistent. So the dove is a safer bet I'd say.

Goo luck and keep us posted!

For the same price Dovo all the way.

Edge,

I have a DOVO Special 6/8 in my rotation and think it's a grand razor. I think you have to go far to beat the quality and I think the fake turtle scales are the bees knees. And I'll bet you never knew that bees had blotchy knees, did you.

It may just be me and the fact that I have a fairly course beard, but I prefer the Wapi 10 to 1 over the Dovos. It has a stiff grind and will cut any beard easily and with no tugging or resistance which you will get with the Dovo if you have much beard at all.

Originally Posted by 25609289

It may just be me and the fact that I have a fairly course beard, but I prefer the Wapi 10 to 1 over the Dovos. It has a stiff grind and will cut any beard easily and with no tugging or resistance which you will get with the Dovo if you have much beard at all.

Not to start a debate, I agree some grinds are better for different beards, that said, I would like to hone your razor and see if you can tell a difference in performance. I doubt somewhat if it is entirely a difference in razors.

I have no experience with the Wapi. I do have a Dovo and find it to be an outstanding shaver. I don't think you can go wrong with Dovo.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Not to start a debate, I agree some grinds are better for different beards, that said, I would like to hone your razor and see if you can tell a difference in performance. I doubt somewhat if it is entirely a difference in razors.

Just conversation, not an argument. I think my razors are very sharp, but that is only my opinion. I have a lot of razors that shave wonderfully. They are all stiffer grinds. I sharpen the full hollows the same, with the same results: very sharp, but when I shave with them there is a little or a lot less performance from them.

Hey All,

Thanks for the welcome & advice. After reading your posts I think I'll be going for the Dovo. Next question, the deal I was going to go for was from Straight Razor Design but being a Canadian I'm a bit worried about Duty & extra charges. Fendrihan was the other place I was considering ordering from, but they don't have the Dovo 'Special.' Can anyone recommend a reputable Canadian supplier who might be able to set me up?

Thanks