Dovo Straight Razors - Your Complete Guide
Meticulous. Precise. Specialized. Hand-crafted. Check out Dovo Straight Razors.
DOVO - A Brief History
Heralding from the land of cutlery, Solingen, Germany, DOVO Solingen has over a hundred years of blade-making experience. Sharp, handcrafted straight razor blades are their life-blood and the delight of many wet shavers around the world.
Founded in 1906 by Messrs. Dorp and Voos, Dovo first forged and ground their instruments in a razor-only factory. Eventually they added scissors and manicure items to their legendary line-up.
In the 1950’s, they made a name with their Bismarck straight razor. In the 1980’s, they launched a shavette (interchangeable blade) razor for professional barbers that also scratched an itch for new converts to this cut-throat game. Today they continue to produce exceptional products for a new generation of wet shavers.
DOVO - The Benefits of the Straight Razor
But why use a straight razor today? Haven’t we advanced to multiple blades and disposable convenience? On the contrary, the rise in interest in this age-old art is precisely because newer doesn’t always equal better. Shaving with a straight razor is still one of the closest, smoothest shaves you can get. Here are just a few benefits.
- First, you have a longer edge, which reduces the number of passes of the blade so you get less irritation.
- Secondly, proper technique has you stretching the skin so that you are opening the pores and pushing more of the hair follicle up to meet blade. This results in a smooth finish.
- Third, you get a cleaner shave --- literally. With a straight razor there isn’t gunk getting clogged in the head. And a clean razor means those micro abrasions, nicks, and cuts have less chance of getting infected.
- Lastly, there is less waste with a tool that you re-use and re-use, so you are not contributing to landfills.
DOVO - The Straight Razor Components
- Grind: Describes the shape of the cross section of a straight razor. It takes much more work and skill to get a straight razor to the extra hollow state, and only the most skilled manufacturing shops in the world are able to do it well. The result is a straight razor that is lighter to hold and easier to maintain a sharp edge. The majority of Dovo straight razors are half to full hollow ground, as expected from a company that boasts the Solingen name.
- Height: The height of the blade is the height from the bottom of the Edge to the spine. The two most common straight razor blade heights are 5/8th (most common) and 6/8th. The taller the blade height the heavier the razor can be.
- Scales: “It's the clothes that make the man” William Shakespeare once famously stated. In the same way, it’s the scales that make the straight razor. Whether you are just a modern man or an aficionado, the scales on the straight razor is more than just a place the razor resides, it's where the razors personality resides as well. Dovo scales come in a wide variety of materials (natural to man-made), colors, and price points.
- Blade Material:
- Carbon Steel is a softer metal. The softer steel helps the straight take its shape. They are easier to hone and require less stropping to get to a shave-ready edge. It is important to make sure that the razor is dry when not being used, so that it does not rust.
- Stainless Steel is a harder metal. It takes a little longer to hone and may require extra laps on the strop. Stainless Steel razors tend to hold their edges longer than carbon steel. Rusting is less of a concern with Stainless Steel straight razors, so these are great for someone in a more humid area.
DOVO - West Coast Shaving Dovo Straight Razor Products
- Size: 5/8"
- Material: Carbon steel
- Grind: Half Hollow
- Scales: Ebony
- Markings: Gold etching on blade. Engraving plate on scales
- Reviewer Roy P.: Everything about my new Dovo Astrale razor is delightful. The heft and balance are just right. The feel of the ebony wood is a pleasure. The craftsmanship of the blade is outstanding.
- Size: 6/8"
- Material: Carbon steel
- Grind: Full Hollow
- Scales: Pearl Acrylic
- Markings: Gold etching on blade. Engraving plate on scales
- Reviewer Master Young: I chose to not have it honed and hit it on a .25 micron strop and it was a lightsaber through hair. Unbelievably beautiful. Makes me feel like a royal shave.
- Size: 6/8"
- Material: Swedish Carbon Steel
- Grind: Full Hollow
- Scales: Black Plastic
- Markings: “Best Quality”
- Reviewer Jonathan M.: This is an amazing razor. After sharpening it at home to get it truly shave ready, it's just a joy to use. As expected since the razor is made by Dovo, it is extremely high quality.
- Size: 6/8"
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Grind: Half Hollow
- Scales: Black Acrylic
- Markings: Col Conk logo
- Reviewer TJ M.: This was my first Straight Razor. Did my homework and for the $$$ this was a great razor. I wanted something made from good steel and from a reputable manufacturer. I've got 3 other straights now that were more expensive (Vintage and a custom) but I still use this razor as much or more that my newer purchased ones. Great entry level razor or great for daily use. I'm totally satisfied with it.
- Size: 5/8"
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Grind: Full Hollow
- Scales: African White Ebony
- Markings: Gold Etching on Black blade
- Reviewer Walter C.: This is a wonderful razor, well balanced and elegant. I had it honed, and I am well satisfied. Shaving with a well sharpened straight razor is a fun masculine experience. I have been shaving with straight razors for 40 years and this razor is one of the best I’ve used. You cannot go wrong with a Dovo razor and Solingen blade. My father was a barber and he swore by them.
- Size: 5/8"
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Grind: Full Hollow
- Scales: Red Wood
- Markings: Gold Etching on blade and spine
- Reviewer Andy W.: I LOVE IT!!! First of all, I've never gotten as close as a shave as I do when I shave with this razor. It truly looks like a piece of art in my shave den. I can't wait to shave each day because I know that I have this razor to look forward to.
- Size: 5/8"
- Material: Carbon Steel
- Grind: Full Hollow
- Scales: Olivewood
- Markings: Gold Etching on blade and spine
- Reviewer Noel.: This is my first straight razor and being able to strop it and use it was worth the couple of extra bucks. It has proven to be durable, easy to use and maintain. It is a reasonable size and shape for a newbie. The olive wood handle is nice to touch.
- Size: 5/8"
- Material: Silver Steel (high quality carbon steel)
- Grind: Full Hollow
- Scales: Natural Ebony wood
- Markings: Gold Etching on blade and spine
- Blade: Double Edge razor blade, split in two
- Scales: Black plastic
- Reviewer Kallian13.: This is my first straight razor and I am very pleased with it. Dovo has done well in providing a good quality razor that a beginner can use to hone their skills. It is inexpensive yet does not feel cheep in hand and I have to admit I was impressed with how close a shave it gave with but two passes.
- Blade: Blue aluminum razor head takes your choice of Double Edge blades
- Scales: Black plastic
- Reviewer Carl E.: This light razor is easy to use and shaves close. Take your time when shaving and it will do what it is designed to do effortlessly.
- Blade: Razor head accepts different holders (two included), which hold double edge blades, split in two or specialty blades
- Scales: Stainless Steel
- Reviewer Trey D.: I love this shavette!! It is great for any straight razor as a daily or to use while your straight razors are out for honing very simple set up and maintenance you will get a close shave every time! Dovo is a name you can trust.
Do you straight razor shave? What’s your favorite DOVO go-to? Tell us in the comments below.
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