Thread: Shave Quality

The Dovo Inox blades are good shavers. If you have been using it for a few months at this point, a little refresh on the edge wouldn't hurt either.

Have fun.

What is it about your Dovo that makes you so unhappy? If you suspect that it might not be as keen as it should be there are a few experienced members in New Zealand and quite a few in Australia that I'm sure would be more than happy to assess your blade and hone it if required.

And yes, I agree with the others, yours is a technique issue. I'm a firm believer in learning how to use the equipment you have before moving on to new equipment. JMO.

I have about 150 razors and when I compare one of my old vintage razors, the kind that sold for about a buck fifty when new to a new custom class made by a pro maker that cost a mint you know what? They both shave equally well. Once you have a basic quality blade you have reached the pinnacle of shaving. You pay more for the added features and qualities which don't affect actual shaving.

If you are using the singular razor keep in mind sometimes these babies start to dull very very slowly and you may not realize it and only when you shave with a newly honed blade do you see the difference and realize you had been settling.

otherwise keep at the technique.

Not many members here mention the length of time that it takes to learn how to have a decent straight shave. For me it took about a year to get consistently good results. Some guys learn much quicker. Some take longer. Being consistent and being willing to learn is always necessary here. This is after all a journey not a destination! Good luck and don't quit.

If you are cutting your beard using a very light touch without pressure, then no other straight blade will improve on it. Straight shaving is very hard to master. If you are not satisfied with the way your neck looks, you can clean up after the straight with a DE or SE. They are much easier to maneuver. It is okay to mix and match. For some of us more than one tool is needed. Enjoy the total shave.

Originally Posted by stephenfieldnz

I shave with a Dovo Inox 5/8" half-hollow ground Stainless steel razor. Kinda entry level blade, I guess. I'm certainly not unhappy with it, but am wondering if the overall quality of my shave could be better. Do I need to continue perfecting my technique, or could a closer, better shave be achieved with a better quality blade? I'm interested in thoughts on achieving a better quality shave through the use of a better quality blade. Or is that a nonsense?

I asked a similar question, is my face going to tell the difference between an inexpensive refurbished vintage or a fancy double duck or TI that costs $1000.00. Most of the responses were if the blade is quality then it doesn't matter how much it costs. Little or a lot. Shave with what you can afford and enjoy the experience.

I've got the RAD, have several beautiful razors, got my DD, my W&B, TI, Boker, Wilkinson, a Solingen Holeka 50, and started with my DOVO 5/8th.

Aside from using the Solingen when I sent my DOVO out for re-honing after waging chemical warfare on it, I haven't used any other blades yet. I'm almost a year in and I want a certain comfort level with the one razor before experimenting with different blades.

The DOVO is great, am not going to freak out if something happens to it (which already happened), and it's comfortable in my hand and "knows" my face now.

So yeah, getting your face mapped out, reaching a certain comfort level etc., is all technique, just later the tools may be different.

Don't be afraid to take the time you need to learn.

Cheers!

I'm not unhappy with my Dovo, Ryan. Just a little frustrated with my progress. I have a weakness for the flashy and expensive, and began to wonder if it was the tool or the tool handling it. As I suspected, thanks to the considerable good advice I've received in the replies to this thread, I need to persevere and be patient. My technique needs to develop. I appreciate your comments. Many thanks.

Thanks to everyone who took the time to comment on my thread. It's really encouraging to read your feedback, and I have a renewed sense of confidence as I work on my technique. I love the challenge of the straight shave. I ain't gonna give up. So, yeah... thanks to you all. There's a real wealth of knowledge here.

Being a fellow Kiwi, i see the first problem is that you are from Palmerston North...... Just ribbin you bro. Seriously, hang in there, try your other razors if they are shave ready. Forget about BBS, just do the best you can, it comes with time.