Help Me Pick A New Razor

Currently, I'm using a Dovo Best Quality Black 5/8" as my only every day razor. I realize that it's a good idea to have more than one razor, especially since i know that I will have to send this one back to Lynn, eventually, to have it honed. I'm not quite ready to try honing straights myself, yet.

Since I know that I'm getting some money for Christmas, I'm considering picking up one of two razors. The two I'm choosing between are the Dovo Silver Steel Ebony 5/8" or the Dovo Immitation Tortoise Shell 5/8", otherwise known as The Dovo Special. Other than the scales being different, does anyone know what other differences there are between the two? Is the steel any different? Does one keep an edge better? Any advice would be grealy appreciated.

For what its worth, I have the Dovo Silver Steel and the Ebony Spike Point, both in Ebony scales. They are awesome shavers, and keep an edge quite well. I think you'd be pleased with either! Merry Christmas--Nick

I was looking at those when I bought my Bismarck. I couldn't decide between the two either, so I just went with the Bismark. Both look great and I have heard they are good shavers. I have yet to go wrong with any Dovo.

Have you thought about a nice vintage / antique one from the Classifieds? You've got a modern Dovo, dip your toe further into the water and try something different.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johnmrson

Have you thought about a nice vintage / antique one from the Classifieds? You've got a modern Dovo, dip your toe further into the water and try something different.

---

I think this is a good idea. I have grown to love vintage as much as my new ones. And they can be less expensive. The classifieds here always have some great stuff. I also like Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ccase39

I was looking at those when I bought my Bismarck. I couldn't decide between the two either, so I just went with the Bismark. Both look great and I have heard they are good shavers. I have yet to go wrong with any Dovo.

---

I actually forgot to mention, I have the Bismarck as well, and it too is a fantastic daily shaver. I dropped my Bismarck on the ceramic tile floor in my shave den (aka: bathroom!), so it was my very first extensive honing experience. Had to re-set the bevel, then go from there, but still to this day, with a touch-up on a Naniwa 12,000, it shaves very well! I would agree, hard to go wrong with a Dovo, especially when it arrives already scary sharp thanks to Lynn!

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ccase39

I think this is a good idea. I have grown to love vintage as much as my new ones. And they can be less expensive. The classifieds here always have some great stuff. I also like Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment.

---

One of my most favorite razors was one I got from the classified ads here. It's a vintage Solingen but not a name I had ever head of or have heard of since. It shaves great and looks great. It was NOS and a great buy. Don't be afraid to look at the vintage blades.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by johnmrson

Have you thought about a nice vintage / antique one from the Classifieds? You've got a modern Dovo, dip your toe further into the water and try something different.

---

+1 to the above...get something different for sure. C-MON, KAMA,WACKER, Or some old Sheffield Steel and bump it up to 6/8 an you won't look back !!!!

Try something other than Dovo to broaden your shaving experience. Different brands, sizes, shapes, grinds...they all have their own personalities.

+1 on the vintage blades here. I started with a new Dovo and now shave almost exclusively with vintage razors. If you're set on something new, why not try out a Boker? Or test the waters with a larger or smaller blade? It's always good to dabble. You'll either find something that works better for you, or you'll reinforce your previous decision :)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by ccase39

I think this is a good idea. I have grown to love vintage as much as my new ones. And they can be less expensive. The classifieds here always have some great stuff. I also like Whipped Dog Straight Razor Shaving Equipment.

---

My first razor actually came from Whipped Dog. It's a vintage Joseph Rogers 4/8. It's a good razor but I had a tough time getting a good shave with it. So, I decided to purchase a larger 5/8 razor and have been getting some very nice shaves.

You all made very good points, especially about branching out. Maybe, I'll consider another vintage but in a larger blade size than my Roger Sheffield. I might even go up to a 6/8.

Hi Nick just want to say hello from a fellow Mason ( Worth Lodge 7496) from across the Pond & a Happy Christmas to all fellow straight Razors users across the World ( if it does not end tomorrow at 11.30 am GMT time);-):angel::shrug::beer2: