Dovo vs Boker

I am new to straight razor shaving and am loving it. currently using a parker shavette until I get a real straight (within a month). Ive decided to go new instead of vintage. Ive gone back and forth a lot between alot of DOVO razors (silversteel, astrale, diamant, blackstar) but I havent really given Boker blades a serious look until recently. I am liking what straightrazordesign.com says about Boker Kingcutter, but I think I want somthing different than a plastic handle, so I have been looking at the Boker Tree Brand in Micarta as well. I guess my question is, should I go for a Boker or a DOVO? Im sure its all a matter of opinion, but i guess id like to hear what anyone has to say about the two brands or any of the blades I have mentioned, thanks!

Your correct, it's a lot of opinion or maybe preference. I've got Dovo and Boker razors. I like them both. The different ones you've mentioned are mostly different by aesthetics, not function. Plastic handles/scales work fine. Micarta doesn't add a whit to the quality of the shave, just the price. I'd think more about the size and grind of the blade. 5, 6, or 7/8's, full, half or quarter hollow? Heavy thick beard or light and easily shaved beard? Heavy, maybe a half or quarter hollow. Light beard, half, full or extra hollow. But, once again that's a preference thing. Some will like quarter hollows or wedges for heavy beards and another will like an extra hollow for the same type beard. You'll have to see what works for you. I'd read a lot of the threads here on SRP and become familiar with what others say about different size and grinds of blades and then decide what you think will work best for you. Good Luck and hope you get it the first try. It's fun, and sometimes frustrating, but enjoy and keep plugging!!

Best Regards,

Howard

Oh, and WECOME to SRP!! Here's an excellent place to start!! Once again, welcome and enjoy!!
Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Ford v. Chevy....Jennifer Aniston v. Halle Barry...Tiger v. Phil...Sooner or later, you'll have one of each.

Welcome to SRP!

Trying different razors to discover what suits you best is the real fun of this hobby. That's how you end up with a 40 or more razor shaving rotation/collection.

Boker, Dovo or whatever, some may give a better shave than others but any decent quality blade properly honed will give a satisfying shave.

These guys are right, it's just a matter of which one you like the look of best. Both are good modern steel razors and would serve you well.

I'm a Chevy/Aniston man personally...

If you are that torn on which one to get, you will end up with both in the long run. You have been warned...

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Originally Posted by 94Terp

Jennifer Aniston v. Halle Barry...Sooner or later, you'll have one of each.

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Ain't it the truth...I wish both of them would just stop calling... :P

I have both Dovo and Boker in new and vintage production. Both are fine shavers and give good service for the money. As said before, the basic razor will shave just as well as the fancy scaled ones. Choose wisely grasshopper. Very Best, John

IME the silver steel is harder (not impossible) to hone properly. I have also been told this by more experienced members.

Also, a vendor recently told me that both makers use the same steel in making razors and get stock from the same supplier

Michael

I like both as well. If you're just starting out go with the entry level to save $. Once you know for sure this is for you add to your rotation according to whatever attracts you ...... fancy scales, different blade configurations ....etcetera.

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Originally Posted by 94Terp

Ford v. Chevy....Jennifer Aniston v. Halle Barry...Tiger v. Phil...Sooner or later, you'll have one of each.

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Definetely Jennifer Aniston!!! I agree with 94 though, your first straight razor will certainly not be your last, so pick one knowing there will be more to follow. And there is nothing wrong with plastic scales. My new Heljestrand comes with really nice plastic scales.

I have a new production Boker King Cutter and a Dovo Bismarck with Desert Ironwood scales. Both of them are great shavers. As mentioned above, you will eventually have a Boker and a Dovo.

I just went through the same decision process last week. I ended up going w/ the Boker Edelweiss and love it. But I'm already thinking about the Dovo Spike, but just not a huge fan of the fancy gold plating looks-wise.

Make sure they're properly sharpened. After that, Jimmy's the way to go. Get the cheapest and work your way forward.

thanks for the input everyone. after reading these comments and other threads, the fact that i am so into what razor to buy first, i think is an sign/symptom of EORAD (early onset 'razor acquisition disorder') and i am destined to have multiple razors. that being said i might just go with a basic dovo "best quality" or a boker king cutter to save some bucks early on, because i have a feeling within a few years i will have plenty of razors to chose from.

thanks again guys.

Dovo, Chevy, Berry




er I guess I can't make an informed decision since I haven't tried a Boker, or Jennifer Anniston lol

Look for Dovo Tortoise 5 or 6/8". Great shaver for its price.

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Originally Posted by ryanjewell

Ain't it the truth...I wish both of them would just stop calling... :P

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Shoot me a PM. I'll give you my number to pass along.

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Originally Posted by JordanM

Dovo, Chevy, Berry




er I guess I can't make an informed decision since I haven't tried a Boker, or Jennifer Anniston lol

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Well who here hasen't tried the Berry?? Really?

One straight razor will do you for the rest of your life so long the blade is quality. It will also save you so much money in the long run if you stick with buying just one. There lies the problem...... You will never just own one. Just like guns or tattoos one is never the end all be all. I have 6 from Dovo, two from dubbl buck (vintage) and probably about 100 years old. I also have a Boker. Needless to say I do not have a favourite as they all are so wonderful. I really can’t compare any of them as they all have a place in my heart. I rotate them out with.... it’s kind of ... how am I felling this morning and then I just pick one. Everyone of my razors gives an excellent shave. The most important part of your shave is the preparation of your face..... shave oil, soap or cream? After shave and so on.

New guy , necro post, most of these guys ain’t here no more. 2012

One more thing I can say. This is an expensive hobby although it doesn’t need to be if you can truly just be satisfied. I’d think most people are not and like myself you may find that you start looking for better stones, strops, strop pastes, better brushes ( I have a silver tipped badger brush I love). In the long run you can spend hundreds if not thousands over the years.

Check out St. John’s bay run for an after shave.
Check out Taylor’s of old Bond Street for after shave balm.
Check out Geo F Trumper for a shave soap

...........:gaah:

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Originally Posted by outback

...........:gaah:

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Some people you just can't reach

I miss the 2010’s

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Originally Posted by 94Terp

Ford v. Chevy....Jennifer Aniston v. Halle Barry...Tiger v. Phil...Sooner or later, you'll have one of each.

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Would somebody like to trade his Halle Berry for my Jennifer Anniston?