Dovo Straight Razors
Ranked #9,173 in Fashion & Beauty, #143,385 overall
Dovo Straight Razors are the new (old) shaving implement.
Straight razors (also called open razors or "cutthroats"), like the Dovo 'Best Class' straight razor (5/8" with Desert Ironwood scales) shown here, have been making quite a comeback in recent years. This is surprising for an instrument that was almost lost to the annals of history, but not so surprising when you consider "why" people are going back to using straight razors vs. cartridge or electric razors.
Straights are actually very economical. The last time I checked, a 16-pack of Mach 3 Turbo blades at BJ's wholesale cost $35. For me, 1 cartridge lasts 1 week, so I'm spending about $114 a year just for razors. A good electric razor can be bought for maybe $40, but they only last a few years before they give out on you or at least need replacement blades (although with an electric, you never have to buy shaving cream or soap). On the other hand, you can buy a very good Dovo Straight Razor for $110, and it will last literally a lifetime.
Straight razors are "green". There are very few parts to a straight razor and once it's made (and taken care of), it will last not only your lifetime, but your child's as well (and possibly your grandchild's lifetime). It kind of goes without saying that cartridge razors and disposables are not exactly friends of the environment. I can only imagine how many disposed razors and cartridges currently fill up landfills and junkyards. Electric razors use... you guessed it... electricity; probably not a whole lot overall, but a whole lot more than a straight razor ever will. Plus, they'll still need to be replaced eventually, no matter how well you take care of them.
Straight razors give you the closest shave without the worry of razor bumps. I'm not even going to discuss electrics here... everyone knows how "close" those things shave. In multi-bladed razors, one (or more) of the blades grabs and pulls the hair out of the skin before the next blade cuts it. That allows the cut hair to fall below the skin line. That's a close shave, yes, and commercials for safety razors brag about this feat, but it's a recipe for razor bumps. The problem is that hair now has a sharp edge and when it tries to grow back, it can get caught below the skin and cause irritation (i.e. razor bumps). For a close shave, you only need to get the hair to the skin line and any single-bladed razor does that.
They're collectible. Look on eBay or in an antique shop. There are tons of vintage straight razors for sale, but not too many cartridge or electric razors... curious.
People may have different reasons for making the switch, but lots of people have been making the switch over the last couple years, abandoning new technology for good, old-fashioned, tried & true methods.
CLICK HERE to find the Dovo Straight Razor that's right for you!
Why Dovo Straight Razors?
Dovo is one of only two major makers of straight razors still in operation today that are both high quality and mass made; the other is Thiers-Issard from France. There are several artisans around who create individual pieces, such as Tim Zowada and Mastro Livi; very high quality, but harder to buy due to limited supply.
Incidentally, there are mass produced pieces from companies out of Pakistan and China, but I do NOT recommend them, because the blade metal is not good quality. There have been many complaints from people who have bought these blades about how hard they are to keep sharp and some blades have even snapped while sharpening! You won't have that kind of problem from Dovo, Thiers-Issard, or any individual artisan.
I recommend Dovo Straight Razors, because as I've said, they're high quality and they're a little more affordable than Thiers-Issard (and WAY more affordable than a custom piece made by an individual artisan). Also, you can get a flat shipping rate of $8.95 on any order (no matter how big).
Dovo Cutthroats
Should I buy new or used?
New Dovo Straight Razors also comes with a guarantee; if there are any defects, they'll replace it. A razor bought from eBay or an antique shop is rarely guaranteed (and definitely not if bought from a flea market or estate sale). eBay sellers are generally good about describing flaws in their straight razors, but what may be a small scratch or pit in the blade to them may be a completely worthless blade to me.
I think it boils down to 3 main decision points whether you buy new or used.
1) Cost - eBay razors are cheaper, but sometimes not that much cheaper. Oftentimes, new straights are worth the expense.
2) Your experience restoring straight razors - If you have experience restoring straight razors or even knives in general, you may be interested in buying a few vintage blades and restoring them for use. If you have little or no experience restoring blades, you may want a new one. As mentioned before, they'll be a lot easier to get "shave-ready" than a used razor.
3) Peace of Mind - A new blade comes with a guarantee; you'll always get what you expect. A vintage blade is hit-or-miss; sometimes, you'll luck out on a really good find, but other times you're buying worthless junk.
Dovo Straight Razor - Singing Violetwood, "Prima Klang"
This is a beautiful razor by Dovo. The 5/8" carbon steel blade is the perfect size for most beards, and is easy to hone when necessary.
The blade is full hollow ground (sometimes called a "singing" blade), which really allows you to feel the resistance of your whiskers through the blade, so you have a better idea of when you need to re-hone the blade before it pulls too much.
The really nice part is the scales; South American violetwood. The violetwood has a beautiful grain pattern and is finished in its natural color.
Whether you're buying this razor for yourself or as a gift, you can't go wrong with the Prima Klang.
Dovo "Renaissance" with Imitation Ivory
I love the handle to this razor; not just the color or the filigree on the bottom, but the shape as well. It's not as widened on the bottom as most razor scales, more cylindrical, definitely unique!
Like the Prima Klang, this blade is full hollow ground, allowing you to feel the resistance of your whiskers through the blade, so you have a better idea of when you need to re-hone the blade before it pulls too much.
The size of the blade is slightly bigger; 6/8". This means it's a slightly heavier blade. Good for a heavier beard, but you need to be a little more careful with your strokes. Definitely allow the weight of this blade to cut your whiskers. Don't apply pressure when shaving with this.
Add to that the beautiful 24K gold etched branding, the Renaissance is the kind of razor that looks really nice on your vanity.
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