Best DOVO Straight Razor Starter Kit (2023 Buyers Guide)
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Beginners to wet shaving using straight razors often look for the simplest and cheapest way to get started. Most are hesitant to spend a fortune on getting the finest straight razor on the market, brushes, soaps, and strops until they are sure they love it.
Straight razor starter kits are designed to cover the needs of beginners. They are packed with the basics one would need to start wet shaving without burning a hole through your pocket. While some starter kits in the past have been crap, Dovo straight razor kits have always delivered quality and value for money.
We’ve reviewed a range of Dovo straight razor starter kits to set you on the path to success. But since these straight razor starter kits are curated and sold by third parties, the straight razor is often the only DOVO component in the kit. The rest of the kit is assembled from products from different manufacturers.
Best DOVO Straight Razor Starter Kit at a Glance
Last update on 2024-08-12 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Last update on 2024-08-18 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
1. DOVO Inox Luxury Shave Kit – Best Dovo Straight Razor Starter Kit
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This starter kit comes with a Dovo straight razor, soap, quality shaving brush and bowl, and a strop. The straight razor included is the Dovo Inox 41, which has a beautiful shiny blade finish that contrasts the olivewood handle perfectly. The razor is made from stainless steel, which is durable and resistant to corrosion.
The hard, dense, and water-soluble Olivewood handle adds to its durability. We noted the Dovo Inox 41 blade has a full-hollow grind plus a concave shape that makes it more forgiving in beginner’s hands.
Although the strop is wide, it’s not wide enough to cover the blade’s entire length. You’ll still have to use an X pattern to achieve the best results. On the other hand, the badger brush, bowl, and soap are high quality. The soap lathers easily and fast and doesn’t dry your face.
Speaking of which, the soap is a Van Der Hagen Scented Luxury shave soap that’s made from a blend of mango butter, cocoa butter, and shea butter. On the other hand, the badger shaving brush feels smooth on the skin and does a good job of lifting hairs before exfoliation.
- Quality products
- Forgiving straight razor
- Soap lathers easily, making shaving a breeze
- Not cheap, but the cost of the DOVO razor is about 3/4 of the cost of the whole kit
2. DOVO Forestal (Cocobolo Wood) Luxury Shave Kit – High-end DOVO Straight Razor
This kit comes with a straight razor, shave soap, strop, shaving brush, bowl, and a leather travel case. But unlike other Dovo straight razor starter kits listed, comes with the Dovo Forestal straight razor.
The Dovo Forestal comes with the rare Cocobolo wood scales and a carbon steel blade which can be slightly challenging to strop and hone. Carbon steel is susceptible to rusting and holds the edge for a shorter time. Despite this, it has all the attributes of a great beginner straight razor.
The carbon steel blade is 5/8”, full hollow grind with a round point. The full hollow grind is more flexible and provides audible feedback when shaving, making it easier to know whether you’re done. It’s also worth noting that full hollow grinds are more forgiving, meaning there’s a reduced chance of sustaining nicks and cuts.
It’s important to note that the Dovo Forestal is a premium but rare straight razor. So if you fancy rare gems, this is a great starter kit to get your hands on.
- Ideal for beginners and experts
- Quality straight razor
- The Dovo razor arrives shave ready
- Doesn’t come in a nice box
3. DOVO Forestal (Cocobolo Wood) Luxury Shave Kit (FGP Edition)
This starter kit includes a Dovo straight razor, a shaving brush, soap, a shaving bowl, a strop, and a travel case. The Dovo razor featured is the Dovo Forestal (same as in the kit above), a 5/8″ full-hollow, round-point carbon steel straight razor. It’s good for beginners, although it leans more on the expert side.
The bowl, brush, and soap are made by FGP, thus making it cheaper than our number two kit.
- Good price point
- It is a cool gift
- Works for both beginners and experts. You can grow with this kit
- The strop was a little too small
4. DOVO Buffalo Horn Straight Razor Kit (FGP) – Unique DOVO Straight Razor
This is it if you are looking for a fancy straight razor starter kit. This, too, comes with a straight razor, shave bowl, brush, soap, and strop. The Dovo 985850 Straight razor included in this kit is a 5/8, full-hollow, round point, carbon steel razor. It’s finished with a uniquely curved buffalo horn, making handling it a breeze. It’s one of Dovo’s razors that’s limited and can be a great collector’s item.
We tested the razor and found it was ideal for beginners and some experts. Once you buy it, you’ll not be in a hurry to replace it once your skills improve. We didn’t try the other items, but our research revealed that the bowl, brush, and strop were cheaper than expected.
Overall, it performs well for beginners looking to save money but still gets the true feel of wet shaving using a straight razor.
- Beautiful razor
- Great for beginners (if you can afford it)
- Forgiving razor
- Skeptical about the quality of shave soap, brush, and bowl
5. DOVO Straight American Straight Razor with Full Shaving Set – All You Need
If you are in love with shaving, then DOVO rings a bell for being a very desirable item. This company is renowned for its exceptional quality products which most shaving enthusiasts would agree with. Talk of good quality products and you are talking about this Straight American set whose job is simply to give you a wonderful shave.
With their square point blade, they are definitely on point and any shaving enthusiast will definitely like their products. Different from other sets, this comes as a set that contains the essential ingredients for a truly great shave.
The strop is of great quality and makes for easy sharpening.
This razor is designed with steel that is hardened to HRC 61, which is of high quality and good durability, being manufactured by DOVO Solingen, Germany.
If you are looking for a change in your grooming experience and substitute the unsatisfying experience with a smooth shave that will keep you with a smile through the process, then this could be all you need.
- German-made DOVO 506B 6/8 Square point
- Leather & Cloth Strop
- Leather Stamped Travel Pouch
- Boar Shaving Brush
- The Blades Grim straight razor shaving soap
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- Good quality
- Lifetime Honing Service
- Maximum durability
- A bit expensive
6. Colonel Conk Model 2316 Straight Razor Set with Santa Fe Bowl – Best for Experienced Users
Regardless of the type of product you are looking for, if it has the brand name Colonel Conk on it, then you should know that it’s worth your money since satisfaction is guaranteed.
Shaving using an open blade is considered luxurious by most people. Just as you would not fill your luxurious sports car with bogus engine oil, a quality razor should not be surrounded by a set of inferior equipment.
The Colonel Conk Model 2316 set manufacturers know this pretty well, and that is why in their kit, they include only superior and quality close shave products as compared with other sets. Apart from containing a carbon blade that is very easy to sharpen, this deal also includes an acrylic handle which offers you a balanced wrist control.
Also in this set are natural products that are produced from essential oils which play a significant role in soothing, moisturizing, and nourishing your skin. As it is well known, moisture plays a critical role in maintaining your skin in good care.
- 6/8″ Round point German made (DOVO Solingen) Carbon Steel
- Santa Fe Shaving bowl
- Col Conk Natural Pre-Shave Oil
- Col Conk’s Natural Straight Razor Shave Cream
- Col Conk’s Natural After Shave Lotion
- Mixed Badger Shave Brush
- Leather Strop with Linen on reverse
- Styptic Pencil
- Acrylic Stand for brush and razor
Please note that the star ratings below are our ratings – it has nothing to do with how the product is rated on sites like Amazon.
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DOVO Straight Razor
The star in this kit is Colonel Conk branded DOVO 100 (6/8″) from DOVO’s Best Quality Series. It features carbon steel, full hollow ground with a round point. This is a great straight razor for those who want to experience the type of shaving that has been around since man came down from the trees. The blade can be used by beginners or anyone looking for a robust and straightforward shave with an even quality as its counterparts in this tradition-rich market. All surfaces are precisely finished, but not too aggressively so it feels good in your hands while you wield it against stubble.
Read review: DOVO Best Quality Straight Razor
Pre-shave Oil
This set also has a pre-shave oil which is very useful in preparing your skin before you begin shaving. Many experienced wet shavers will attest to the fact that the success of your shave is mainly dependent on your level of preparation before starting shaving.
Rio Grande Shaving Cream
The Rio Grande Lavender shaving cream that is also in the set helps in smoothening your skin for smooth movement of the blade during shaving. The functionality of shaving cream can never be underestimated since it is useful in avoiding cuts that could result from roughness on the skin when shaving.
Rio Grande Aftershave Lotion
With Rio Grande Lavender after shave lotion also included healing any nicks that you might have incurred when shaving is made simple.
- Being made in Germany, it is durable and of top quality
- Comes with Colonel Conk after shave lotion which improves skincare
- The set contains a bowl for holding shaving soap
- It comes as not ready to shave, however with a few rounds with the strop you should be able to use it.
FAQ
Is It Better To Shave With A Straight Razor?
Yes, it is. The straight razor is an old-fashioned and luxurious way to shave. It gives you a close, comfortable shave without irritating your skin or causing ingrown hairs.
Is It Cheaper To Shave With A Straight Razor?
Shavettes are similar to straight razors and are most often a cheaper alternative. But, if you prefer using a straight razor, buying a straight razor kit will provide you with value for your money, and improve the shaving experience. Think of it as starting with a perfect foundation on which to build up.
Are Straight Razors Better Than Regular Razors?
Straight razors and safety razors are better in comparison to the cartridge and electric razors. This is because they yield closer and smooth shaves. But if you had to choose between safety and straight razor kits, pick a straight razor for a luxurious and classic shaving experience.
Is It Difficult To Shave With A Straight Razor
There is a lot that goes into shaving with straight razors. You need to have the right technique and be constantly aware of what you are doing as well as your surroundings because it can potentially cause harm if not done correctly, but once mastered this skill becomes second nature like driving a car or riding a bike. Straight razor kits help reduce some of these difficulties by providing quality tools for such tasks at an affordable pricing point which makes them accessible to more people who want access to old-timey techniques in their grooming routine in today's modern world
Does A Straight Razor Shave Last Longer?
Straight razors are the perfect tool for getting a smooth, closer shave. The only downside is that it takes longer than other tools so you'll need to wait at least 2 days before wet shaving again. However, if you do manage to use all of your straight razor kit's items every time and follow these instructions closely then this will be an easy task!
