Thread: Is old better than new

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I have never had what I call a smooth feeling shave from a Dovo. After watching the video's of their heat treating process I feel they probably have a large grain size.
To me it is like comparing a 600 grit sandpaper with a 2000 grit sandpaper.

Originally Posted by randydance062449

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I have never had what I call a smooth feeling shave from a Dovo. After watching the video's of their heat treating process I feel they probably have a large grain size.
To me it is like comparing a 600 grit sandpaper with a 2000 grit sandpaper.

I agree, and ended up selling all my Dovos when I discovered the joys of vintage razors. The older Dovo Fritz Bracht razors however are as good as any vintage Solingen razor.

You can also find the best of both worlds, Solingen ground and made of Sheffield steel.

Is old better than new production, yes. As said if you compare old early 1900’s Dovo production to current Dovo. Older is better. Labor and materials were cheaper, so quality was better.

The beauty of a straight razor is it can be tailored to your face, beard, and shaving abilities. You can also tailor honing to a particular steel quality or razor. Even with production razors, some are harder than others.

Also as said, how were the razors honed, and by whom, which finish stone and the level of expertise of the honer, also play a big part.

Originally Posted by outback

If your Dovo has a straight spine, and the other has a smiling spine, then there's your answer.

There's not as much of the edge, making contact with your face. And a smiling blade has more of a scything action, where a straight edge is more of a scraper.

If this makes sense, for you.

Both are straight ........ Well they seem to be to the naked eye

Here is a photo of the two razors side by side ......... There might be a "smile " on the Unity

Why can I not upload a picture !!!!!!!!!!!
Am I doing something wrong ? The picture will not upload!!!!

Originally Posted by Smell

Why can I not upload a picture !!!!!!!!!!!
Am I doing something wrong ? The picture will not upload!!!!

There's an additional step now. You go upload them and then cock the -"photo icon" at the top of the window and get a dropdown menu of your uploaded photos.

Here they are ;

I don't see a obvious smile on the Unity, but it's been honed with a smile.

With that, and that its vintage, lie's your answer.

Vintage....trump's modern.!

I personally like the old vintage, cast steel from late 1700 & early 1800s.

I don't know enough to be able to say with certainty that old or new is better. The honing may be more fitted for the Sheffield razor - either by technique or stone hardness. Your shaving technique may be more fitting to one razor over the other. I have a small mix - but only one of my razors was brand new. And I've never had a Dovo. My new razor is a Boker King Cutter. It shaves well but earns its name. Some of my older razors do shave better for me, especially the wider ones. I think you may try some testing / comparison and let us know your conclusion. Sorry I'm no help but there are so many variables, including the user...