Thread: 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...

Originally Posted by 94Terp

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

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.

Originally Posted by 94Terp

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

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.