DOVO Straight Razor
DOVO Straight Razor
Shaving with a Dovo straight razor seems nostalgic. However, thousands of years ago men would have been amazed at this future technology.
Primitive shaving devices date back to the bronze ages. They were originally made from flint, shark teeth, and other objects sharp enough to remove unwanted hair. Most men just let their hair grow and a few used the tools available to them to remove unwanted hair.
The first straight razor was produced in England during the 18th century. Wealthy individuals and barbers were the main users until the 19th century. In the 19th and early 20th century shaving became more mainstream and the popularity of straight razors skyrocketed.
In 1906 two gentlemen from Germany Carl Dorp and Carl Arthur Voos saw this as an opportunity. The combination of their last names would eventually turn into one of the most iconic shaving brands known. DOVO Straight razors was their original product created with forges and their hollow grinding shop.
Since the early days DOVO has grown significantly. They have acquired several companies over the years and still produce some of the best straight razors on the market. With over 100 years of producing high quality products you can be assured that DOVO straight razors are made to last.
Straight Razor Sizes
You’ll see 5/8, 6/8, 8/8 straight razor sizes mentioned. At first glance the numbering system might not be obvious, but it’s quite simple.
First thing is the numbering system. It’s in 1/8″ measurements. The measurement is from the spine of the razor to the sharpest point on the blade. You’ll find 3/8 on up available for purchase.
1/8 = 1/8″
2/8 = 1/4″
3/8 = 3/8″
4/8 = 1/2″
5/8 = 5/8″
6/8 = 3/4″
7/8 = 7/8″
8/8 = 1″
Most people recommend starting out with 5/8 because it’s not too big and not too small. Think of safety razors like cars. The smaller they are the easier they are to turn corners, fit into small areas. The larger they are the more power they have and larger area they cover.
Smaller razors are good for tight places such as under your nose, around your ears. Larger razors are good for people with more surface area to cover or thicker hair to shave off.
Shavette vs straight razor
DOVO straight razors are available in a standard straight razor and shavette. The shavette is basically a straight razor with a blade that can be replaced.
Here is more info about the shavette straight razor if you are interested in going that route
Dovo Best Quality 5/8″ review
What I like
- DOVO is a German based razor company and have been in business for 100 years, so they know what they are doing when it comes to making high quality straight razors.
- Easy to hold
- High Quality Blade
What I don’t like
- Takes time getting the technique of shaving with a straight razor. It’s not just this razor, but any of them.
- Plastic Handle
- A bit pricey, but it is a great quality razor. If you go with a cheaper razor you will get subpar quality, so it makes sense to save up if you are just getting into straight razor shaving.
The DOVO best quality 5/8 is a very good straight razor. The razor is for sale on Amazon just under the $100 price point. This is actually not a bad price although it might seem expensive at first.
You’ll find much cheaper razors for sale, but the quality is not what DOVO provides. This razor will last for years if you take care of it, so keep that in mind.
Once you purchase the razor immediately go and start watching how to shave with a safety razor videos. You need to understand how to prepare the razor, blade maintenance, and other tools required.
Shaving with a straight razor requires learning a new technique and it will not be picked up on your first shave. Expect the first few shaves to be very painful and not very pretty. Once you get the hang of it your face and or head will be super smooth. Just need to make it through the pain of the learning curve.
Conclusion
DOVO is not the first company to invent straight razors, but they have been around more than 100 years. Their products are made from Germany with quality craftsmanship.
If you are ready to step into the world of classic shaving then DOVO is a good starting point. Pickup the DOVO best quality 5/8 to start your shaving journey.
Links
Amazon – Dovo Classic Straight Razor Half Hollow Ground
DOVO – The german razor company that creates this product