Thread: Parker SR1 vs Dovo Stainless

I have found reviews on both but I havent found any reviews comparing the two, so if there already is a thread please send me that way.

So I'm looking for a solid shavette that wont break the bank, and by break the bank I mean if I can buy a reputable straight for price of a shavette I'm not interested (in other words I am aware the Feather system exists).

Right now I have been looking at the Dovo stainless and the Parker SR1. The thing that apeals to me with the dovo is the fact that it can use different length blades. The thing that apeals to me about the Parker is the way the blade locks in.

So a few questions: first what are the weights of these two? if you only own 1 of them can you post the weight sans blade, if you own both obviously post both. Second, are there any issues with the blade holder of the parker or dovo? does the dovo just slide in or does it click into place or otherwise held in by some type of retension? Lastly, any other pros and cons between the two?

Thanks for all your help,
Scottie

Originally Posted by scottiemann

I have found reviews on both but I havent found any reviews comparing the two, so if there already is a thread please send me that way.

So I'm looking for a solid shavette that wont break the bank, and by break the bank I mean if I can buy a reputable straight for price of a shavette I'm not interested (in other words I am aware the Feather system exists).

Right now I have been looking at the Dovo stainless and the Parker SR1. The thing that apeals to me with the dovo is the fact that it can use different length blades. The thing that apeals to me about the Parker is the way the blade locks in.

So a few questions: first what are the weights of these two? if you only own 1 of them can you post the weight sans blade, if you own both obviously post both. Second, are there any issues with the blade holder of the parker or dovo? does the dovo just slide in or does it click into place or otherwise held in by some type of retension? Lastly, any other pros and cons between the two?

Thanks for all your help,
Scottie

I started with a Parker PT and don't regret it at all. I still have, but don't use it anymore. Well sometimes I use use it to trim the hair on the back of my arms and my neck.
I bought it from Barber Razors | BestGroomingTools.com . That was about 13 months ago.

I hesitate to comment on the Dovo's as I only have used an actual straight from them and not the shavette; but I would image you would be happy with quality from them. You can use the shorter half DE blade or with an adapter the single edge Feather Artist Club blade.

I went the ultra cheap route as I was using the shavette to learn angles. If you are wanting to stay with a shavette, then I would pony up the extra $20 and get the Dovo.

I hope my two cents help.
Cheers,
John

I appreciate the feedback and yes I have been leaning more towards the dovo for many reasons. The only reason I'm second guessing myself is because I will be in the market for a real straight and strop set in the very near future. I do however enjoy the almost-maintenance-free aspect of a shavette but am trying to not spend too much in that department... key word trying... i dont think its working haha

If anyone else has any recommendations on a solid shavette that wont break the bank, I'm open to suggestions...

Originally Posted by scottiemann

I appreciate the feedback and yes I have been leaning more towards the dovo for many reasons. The only reason I'm second guessing myself is because I will be in the market for a real straight and strop set in the very near future. I do however enjoy the almost-maintenance-free aspect of a shavette but am trying to not spend too much in that department... key word trying... i dont think its working haha

If anyone else has any recommendations on a solid shavette that wont break the bank, I'm open to suggestions...

In that case go with the Parker. I used mine 6 months then for $68 got a Whipped Dog razor and strop set.
hint:
when you get a straight, get an extra replacement strop. You WILL carve up your first one like a turkey.

Look on ebay/etsy for a weck sextoblade should be able to get one cheap enough. They use hair shaper blades. You can get these at any barber supply store.

The Parker is a nice shavette. But typically I reach for the weck when I go for a shavette

Originally Posted by scottiemann

I have found reviews on both but I havent found any reviews comparing the two, so if there already is a thread please send me that way.

So I'm looking for a solid shavette that wont break the bank, and by break the bank I mean if I can buy a reputable straight for price of a shavette I'm not interested (in other words I am aware the Feather system exists).

Right now I have been looking at the Dovo stainless and the Parker SR1. The thing that apeals to me with the dovo is the fact that it can use different length blades. The thing that apeals to me about the Parker is the way the blade locks in.

So a few questions: first what are the weights of these two? if you only own 1 of them can you post the weight sans blade, if you own both obviously post both. Second, are there any issues with the blade holder of the parker or dovo? does the dovo just slide in or does it click into place or otherwise held in by some type of retension? Lastly, any other pros and cons between the two?

Thanks for all your help,
Scottie

I seldom use a shavette but found the Parker heavier, bigger, more balanced, and easier to use. The Dovo was lighter, and harder to hold because it was smaller. However, after some practice with the Parker, I could use the Dovo.

The Parker has a better retention system for the blade and is heavier. I like the Dovo with their longer blades and the black blade holder. But using the red holder with 1/2 de blade doesn't work for me. Others have said there is too much blade flex, they may be right. The longer Dovo blades are thicker so do not flex.

Yea the biggest thing for me is the retention system, currently I'm using the personna magic and this thing couldnt be sloppier, I could probably do a better job shaving with a DE blade clamped in a pair of vice grips.

I have heard that the dovo can be a little loose, some reported inconsistent shaves because of it. But the main tradeoff there is the longer blade option.

I am ordering a WD sight unseen razor within the next week but still want to have both options so I may order the parker due to price and retention system and maybe in a couple weeks order a dovo and compare the two on my face.

As always i appreciate all the feedback and will report back when I get one in my hands.

On a side note I have come to the conclusion that CVS brand blades suck performance wise, not to mention being ungodly expensive... no matter how smooth my strokes are or how steep or shallow the angle is, these things just dont cut down my whiskers without extensive effort and irritation...

I will be ordering a sample pack along with a couple different soaps to try, Im not overly impressed with the cheap VDH soap im using so that may be a contributing factor to the blades performance.

So I ordered myself a parker SR1, although I like the black I prefer to have the extra weight of the stainless handle. I also ordered the 12 type blade combo pack from maggards so hopefully I can fine a blade I like... will keep you guys posted