Best DOVO Straight Razor – Buying Guide (2023)

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Growth doesn’t come when things are easy, but instead when there are challenges. This sentiment is true for many large companies, including DOVO. When you think of the best straight razors, the first company to come to mind is DOVO – and rightfully so.

Wet shavers associate DOVO with quality, perfection, and high-level craftsmanship. These milestones were achieved through hard work over a century. If its founders were around today, they’d be stunned at what their company has evolved into.

Here’s a short history to show you why DOVO is a big deal in the wet shaving industry and why you should consider any of the below DOVO straight razors.

DOVO History

DOVO is a German company founded in 1906 in the small town of Solingen by Dorp and Voos (hence the name DOVO) as a razor factory with hollow and forged grinding.

Solingen has for several hundred years been the hotbed of sharp knives on the continent – much like the town of Seki is for Japanese straight razors in Japan. The stamp “Solingen” is the medieval guild’s approved mark for serious quality and is found on all DOVO’s razors.

Over time, DOVO went through a change of management and also needed to adapt to new markets. Their desire to stay in business and build an empire saw them acquire different brands like Brand Tennis, Bismarck, Ankerflagge, Fontana, Heups & Hermes, and Merkur.

With the acquisitions, they had to focus on different products, including scissors and pocket knives. It wasn’t until 2013 that they made a conscious decision to go back to their razor roots. Since then, wet shaving has been their focus – and boy, don’t they excel at it!

Aside from the rich history, DOVO has stolen the hearts of many wet shavers for a couple of reasons:

• Sharpness: DOVO shaving tools come to shave ready (although they might need a quick honing and stropping before use). Aside from this, we are ever impressed by their level of sharpness and how long they retain it. This is possible because DOVO is committed to using carbon steel on some of its products. The carbon steel is elastic, resistant to wear, and maintains maximum hardness over time. And on others, they use stainless steel, which guarantees durability with minimal maintenance. We should mention that full hollow straight razors are sharper than half hollow straight razors.
• Durability: With the use of carbon steel and stainless steel, the DOVO straight razors’ durability is unquestionable. However, you must wipe the blade and let it dry after use (more on proper DOVO straight razor care later).
• Price: Without a doubt, DOVO offers great value for money. Yes, some straight razors are cheaper than DOVO, but they often don’t match up to their quality. Also, some premium straight razors fetch a hefty price while offering almost as much as DOVO straight razors. DOVO straight razor prices are determined by material, grinds, tips and the handle material used.
• One person makes the entire razor, from blade to handle.

Before we jump into the reviews, we should mention that DOVO offers exceptional mechanics and designs with its products. It takes years of training to make such razors, and all DOVO’s products represent the best in quality and material selection.

Through arduous study, apprentices can become Master grinders. Each apprentice must learn skills such as preparing and using all tools through a two-year program before attending school for another three years before earning the title of Master grinder in Solingen. Unfortunately, there are not many Master grinders left, but if you buy a Solingen razor, you’ll be supporting a centuries-old tradition.

Some of the most popular products include Shavette razors. They are straight razors with disposable blades with either a folding, fixed, or straight handle. The blades of these cannot be re-sharpened and hence are ideal for professional barbers who’ll throw them away after each use.

How Straight Razors Differ From Each Other

When you first dive into the world of wet shaving, you’ll be boggled by technical terms like a full-hollow grind, carbon steel, 5/8-inch, and many more. All this can be confusing, and you may be tempted to opt out of the journey.

To help you make sense of it all, we’ve prepared a quick buying guide explaining the different terms and straight razor features you’ll encounter.

Let’s dive into it.

Blade Width

Blade width is described in inches. The most common straight razor widths are between 6/8 inches and 3/8 inches. They both have their fair share of pros and cons that you need to consider before making a purchase.

• 3/8 inch
  These types of razors are mostly recommended for skilled wet shavers. Here’s why. At 3/8 inches, the blade is narrow enough to maneuver spots around eyebrows, ears, and the nose. With the narrow form, you can easily incline the blade at the perfect shaving angle for best results. A good example of a 3.8-inch straight razor is the DOVO Nr. 42.
• 6/8 inch
  These straight razors are often used on strong beard growths, or for persons with big hands. Given their high blade weight, they glide smoothly and gently over the skin with minimal effort. A perfect 6/8 inch straight razor is the BERGISCHER LOWE. This straight razor is the perfect starting point for 6/8 inch blade sizes.
• 5/8 inch
  This is the middle child. 5/8 inch straight razors are like the potato – they can be used for anything. And since they can complete a wide array of tasks, they are the most common in the wet shaving space. They are ideal for skilled and beginner wet shavers. 5/8 inch straight razors like the DOVO ASTRALE and the DOVO BARBAROSSA efficiently manage to balance between a gentle shave and precise trimming of contours. Their weight also allows the blade to glide smoothly over the face.

Grind

Steel blanks are sharpened multiple times by hand to make high-quality straight razors. Different grinding methods are used to create different grind features and blade characteristics.

• Flat grind
  A straight razor with a flat grind is referred to as a wedge-ground straight razor. A good example of a flat-grind straight razor is DOVO No. 42. Such blades are rigid and have great torsion resistance. This type of grind is often seen on narrow straight razors since it allows for precise trimming and shaving.
  Straight razors made centuries ago only featured a flat grind because technology allowing for a hollow grind wasn’t available yet.
  But today, this grind is rare. However, it works wonders when paired with narrow straight razors for precise shaving.
• Full hollow grind grind
  Many of the straight razors you’ll come across have a full hollow grind. But the fact that they are the most common today doesn’t mean they are the easiest to make. On the contrary, they take up to 15 sharpening stages. The result is a flexible blade that adapts perfectly to the imperfections and contours on your skin. This alone makes it quite popular. A good example of a full hollow grind straight razor is the DOVO MASTERS. Those who’ve used full hollow grind straight razors say they are comfortable and thorough.
• Half hollow grind
  Like the 5/8 inch straight razors, the half hollow ground blades are the middle kids. They are more flexible than the flat ground blades but not as full hollow grind straight razors. Many wet shavers love the fact that full hollow grind straight razors offer a compromise between rigidity and flexibility. The robustness of half hollow grind blades like the DOVO No. 101 Best Quality is less sensitive and provides a safe shave.
  Note: Half hollow straight razors have a slight vibration to them.

Point Types

Straight razors have a rich history. Over the years, they’ve undergone a lot of changes, most of which have been experimental. On point types, a couple has passed the test of time.

• Square point
  Pro and skilled shavers are in love with square pointed straight razors. The square point allows for precise trimming and shaving of your contours. With that said, they should be handled with care because the square point is sharp and could cause injury if not handled with care. If you’d like a square point straight razor, try the DOVO PRIMA.
• Round point
  This is the most common point type for straight razors. A perfect example is the DOVO BISMARCK. The benefit of round point straight razors is that they reduce the risk of injury when shaving. If you are new to wet shaving, the round point is perfect as it leaves you with room for error as you get the hang of the shaving basics.
• French point
  This point is a great compromise between the square and round point styles. With this point, you get to trim contours nicely and shave facial hair thoroughly even without a lot of wet shaving experience. A good French point-style straight razor is DOVO No. 42.
• Spanish point
  Spanish point straight razors have acute angles that change into concave shapes at their cutting ends. The DOVO BARBAROSSA with a Spanish point will cater to your contours without compromising safety.

Blade Material

Initially, straight razors were made of carbon steel. But with time, technology has advanced, which has allowed the creation of metal alloys, including stainless steel. Below is how they compare.

• Carbon steel
  Carbon steel straight razors are popular for smooth shaving. Their cutting durability is gotten by heating it to 1000 degrees Celsius and dipping it in an oil bath. Straight razors created through this process have a Rockwell hardness of 61 HRC. But on the flip side, carbon steel isn’t stainless. As such, you need to follow a strict and regular care regimen for the straight razor to last long. An example is DOVO SPECIAL.
• Stainless steel
  Often straight razors made from stainless steel are acid and rust-resistant. This alloy is characterized by great sharpness- and durability. As a result, they are easy to clean and low-maintenance. A good example is the DOVO INOX 41.

Straight Razor Recommendations for Beginners

So far, you’re armed with basic information on straight razor features. This is great and will go a long way in helping you decide which product to pick.

In line with this, we’ve made a list of popular and great straight razor recommendations.

• DOVO NR. 100 BEST QUALITY
  This straight razor has over time proven itself to be great for wet shaving beginners. The full hollow grind ensures that you have a gentle shave while its round point reduces the risk of injury.
• DOVO SHAVETTE
  Shavettes come with minimal upkeep requirements. You don’t have to strop or hone the blade. Instead, you simply insert a new blade and get to shaving.
• DOVO NR 41. INOX
  This straight razor is also a good introduction to wet shaving. The round point and its full hollow grind offer a gentle and safe shave. Moreover, stainless steel construction needs minimal maintenance.

What is Shave Ready? What About Honing and Stropping

Dovo straight razors are known for their quality, durability, and excellent shaving experience. They are a great option for when you want a close shave. Generally, straight razors are ideal for wet shaving enthusiasts. You’d have to learn the right form and process to get the best results. Aside from this, you’ll need to learn how to prepare your skin and shaving tools.

The great thing about using straight razors is that there are no blade replacement costs, and the process is quite satisfying – once you get the hang of it. With proper care and maintenance, your straight razor will serve you for ages.

Now, Dovo straight razors are marketed as ‘shave-ready.’ Most people take this to mean that they can deliver the closest shave immediately after they unbox. But from our experience, this isn’t the case. But it doesn’t mean that Dovo is misleading in its marketing and description.

On the contrary, Dovo puts in basic work on their straight razor edges before they ship them off. Therefore, the straight razors arrive with a sharp edge but not enough for the closest shave.

While we believe that some work is necessary before use, it should be limited to stropping. Honing by an inexperienced user can be disastrous. Always strop before shaving. And for the first couple of times, use a mild stropping paste. As the edge gets duller, you can transition to a more aggressive paste. At this point, you can also hone the blade or send it to a professional for even better results.

Best DOVO Straight Razors

We’ve tested a range of DOVO straight razors, and below is what we think about each of them.

DOVO Best Quality Series

DOVO Classic 5/8 – Half Hollow – Best Quality Series – Good for Beginners on a Budget

The 5/8-inch DOVO Classic is a great straight razor for beginners and those men who prefer owning a straightforward and robust blade. The DOVO Classic matches the quality of its DOVO brothers and is a perfect introduction to straight razor shaving. It’s laden with precision, is finished by hand in a couple of stages, and has a ribbed tang for added control. This way, even when you handle it with wet and foamy hands, it’ll be steady.

The DOVO Classic blade is made from carbon steel 1.2210. The carbon steel goes through a tempering process that gives it toughness and elasticity. On the flip side, the handle is made from a thermoplastic that doesn’t need special care, but some feedback is that this is the weak point. Simply wipe off the dirt, water, and soap residue with a damp cloth, and you are good to go.

The blade is a ½ ground blade that you can use at any angle. This is not true for the full-hollow blades. The razor also has a stabilizer to prevent it from closing too deep and to offer sufficient spacing.

DOVO Best Quality Versions

Please note that the DOVO Best Quality Series straight razor is currently available in 3 different versions.

1. 1. 5/8 – Half Hollow grind
   2. 5/8 – Full Hollow grind
   3. 6/8 – Full Hollow grind

Read review: DOVO Best Quality

Dovo Forestal – Premium Straight Razor (Beginners and Experts)

The Dovo Forestal is another beautiful straight razor designed for beginners and experts. It feels like a premium version of the Dovo basic 5/8” carbon razor, and it oozes taste and class, but don’t take our word for it. Here’s everything you can expect from this Dovo straight razor.

For an attractive design, Dovo added the following elements to the straight razor:

• 24k fold etching on the spine and hollow grind
• A flush-finish pin design that gives it a more premium look
• Golden plated spine
• Beautifully contrasting Redwood/Cocobolo wood scales

Aside from its beauty, the Dovo Forestal does a great job at wet shaving, as you’d expect with any Dovo straight razor. Some features are similar to what you’d find in beginner Dovo straight razors and others are more unique to the Dovo Forestal.

The Dovo Forestal features a 5/8 inch full hollow ground carbon steel blade. Each of the blade’s properties plays an important role in making the straight razor ideal for beginners and expert wet shavers alike.

Carbon Steel blade

The carbon steel gives the razor a fine, delicate, and sharp edge. In addition to this, carbon steel is easy to hone and retains its sharpness longer than stainless steel blades. If you prefer getting a professional honer, the carbon steel blade, you’ll save quite a bit of money yearly.

On the flip side, carbon steel is susceptible to corrosion. Luckily, you can prevent this by ensuring the blade is properly dried and oiled before storage. Also, it needs regular maintenance to avoid surface discoloration as the surface reacts with shaving creams, water, and shaving oils.

Blade Size

As for blade size, 5/8 and 6/8 inch sizes are most common for beginners and expert wet shavers. The small 5/8 inch blade size on the Dovo Forestal allows wet shavers to see the cutting edge as the blade glides across the skin slicing through hair follicles.

Blade Grind

Complementing the 5/8-inch blade size in supporting beginner use is a full hollow grind. This grind design makes the blade thin, flexible, and lighter than wedges. As such, you can feel the vibrations as the blade cuts through hair. This feedback makes wet shaving a more enjoyable experience. Aside from this, the thinness ensures the blade gets close to the skin for an even closer shave. And the weight makes using the razor relaxing and a little forgiving as you learn wet shaving techniques. However, its lightweight profile means the razor isn’t ideal for shaving thick and coarse beards. Since the blade is thin, mishandling and improper honing and stropping techniques can damage the blade.

Other Features

The round point is more forgiving than most hence perfect for beginners. The redwood scales offer a beautiful contrast to the carbon steel blade and gold etching. Wet shavers also love that the tang has jimps on the bottom and top to improve the grip.

Dovo Shaving Set

While you can purchase the straight razor only, we recommend getting the Dovo Forestal straight razor kit since it comes with items designed to work well together. The shave set features:

• Dovo Forestal straight razor
• Van der Hagen scented luxury shave soap
• Shaving bowl
• Van der Hagen Shaving brush
• Leather strop
• Leather travel case

Dovo Renaissance – Beauty for Experienced Users

If you are an expert wet shaver looking for a luxury straight razor that’ll compliment your wet shaving technique, the Dovo Renaissance is perfect. Dovo went all out, paying attention to details on the blade and the scales. Although experts can’t sing its praises enough, it has its fair share of cons that are important to highlight. Below is a quick breakdown of the good and the ugly of the Dovo Renaissance.

Beauty

Right off the bat, the Renaissance is a beautiful straight razor. It has intricate metalwork details and gold etching that add to its beauty. The spine has a tapestry-like design, and the blade features a pair of gold crossed swords resting under the straight razor’s name ‘Renaissance.’ The Spanish oak scales provide a good contrast to the stainless steel razor.

Stainless Steel Construction

The stainless steel construction gives this straight razor more durability than a carbon steel razor. The beauty of steel is that its longevity remains even with minimal maintenance, given that it doesn’t rust.

While the steel blade is strong, you might have a harder time honing the razor than with other straight razors. Even worse, stainless steel doesn’t keep a sharp edge as long as a carbon steel razor does. But as an expert, you’ve probably got the hang of proper honing, so this shouldn’t be a problem.

Blade Size

The Dovo Renaissance has a 6/8 inch blade width, a common size for expert straight razors. At 6/8 inches, the razor is strong enough for strong beard growth, and with the weight of the blade, you’ll apply gentle pressure to yield an effortlessly smooth and close shave.

Grind

To complement the 6/8 inch blade size is a full hollow grind which adds an element of flexibility and edge sharpness. With the flexibility, the blade adapts better to skin imperfections and gives great feedback ensuring a comfortable and thorough shave.

The shoulderless design supports the flexible design and makes it even more comfortable to use.

Scales

The Dovo Renaissance has a Spanish Oak scale that is beautiful, durable, and water-resistant. This straight razor will serve you for a long time with minimal maintenance.

Other Features

Other stand-out features include a round point which makes it forgiving despite having a sharp edge. The tang has file jimps for added stability and a comfortable grip, even with wet hands.

DOVO Inox 42 – Great for Details & Contour Shaving

The DOVO Inox 42 has a relatively basic design. At first glance, there’s nothing extraordinary aside from the beautiful 24k gold plating on the blade. Moreover, the black handle adds a nice contrast to the razor’s design.

But looking at the price tag, there has to be something extraordinary about the razor. Well, there is, and the good news isn’t one but several features.

First, the straight razor is made from stainless steel 1.4034. This metal is corrosion-resistant against water, soaps, and steam. With the stainless steel blade, the Dovo Inox 42 is super durable and needs little to no maintenance.

The handle is made from acrylic glass that’s gone through a complex finishing process to give it a shine that compliments the shine of the stainless steel. The material used also adds to the easy clean and maintenance property of the razor.

The blade has several properties, including a flat grind that’s popular for its torsion resistance and rigidity. Flat grinds are rarely used for face shaving. However, when paired with a narrow blade design, they are perfect for precise contour shaving. Dovo understands this and built the Inox 42 with a 3/8-inch blade that’s perfect for maneuvering tight spots like the eyebrows, ears, and nose.

As if that’s not enough, it has a French point which improves shaving accuracy as well.

DOVO Diamant – Classic Beauty

If aesthetics are important and money is no object, then you should go with the Dovo Diamant. The Diamant is one of two Dovo products with a blackish-blue carbon steel blade which makes it a must-have for men who love standing out.

Any wet shaver will automatically know what you have in your hand without you saying it.

The Dovo Diamant has a carbon steel blade that’s oxidized and then stopped. This process makes the steel super grippy and gives it the signature black-blue finish. Aside from this, it weighs 48g and has a 5/8″ round point, and a full hollow blade.

These characteristics guarantee a comfortable shave and better control for shaving around your mouth, nose, and eyebrow area.

The olive wood handle gives a good contrast with the black-blue blade. Moreover, it has a one-sided ribbed tang for an even better grip.

 DOVO Inox 41 – Stainless Steel – Good for Beginners and Experts

The DOVO INOX 415875 straight razor is a beauty to behold. It comes in a decent blue box. It has a 24K gold ‘INOX’ etching on the stainless steel blade and the #41 as a sign of the stainless steel grade used. What’s more, there’s the DOVO logo, ‘Made in Germany’ engraving. To top it all off is the beautiful olive wood handle. No wonder why this razor has become a staple in the DOVO straight razor starter kit.

Aside from the beauty, the DOVO INOX 415875 has the following to offer:

• A 5/8-inch full hollow ground stainless steel blade that makes cutting through all types of hair a breeze. Also, owing to its sharpness, it’s ideal for beginner and experienced wet shavers with sensitive skin.
• The stainless steel is tempered with surgical ice to provide a tarnish and rust-resistant razor that’s easy to maintain.
• The Olivewood handle is naturally impervious to water, but DOVO seals and polishes it to improve durability.
• DOVO 415875 is light, weighing only 3.5oz (100 grams). It also has jimping on the underside of the tang, which provides a good grip.

Read review: DOVO Inox

DOVO Special Straight Razor (Imitation Tortoiseshell Handle) 5/8 – Professional Shave at Home

The DOVO Special Straight Razor has a retro charm to it. Its tortoiseshell imitated handle, and a golden decorated blade adds beauty to the already functional design. The DOVO special is a hand-ground, full hollow grind 5/8 inch straight razor. The 5/8 inch design is easy to maneuver and not too narrow that it gets lost in your hand.

Material

The DOVO Special blade is made from carbon steel that’s elastic and tough. But while it’s durable, it requires extra care. To top it off, DOVO added a 24-karat gold plated logo on the blade.

Handle

The handle is made from a tortoiseshell imitation of silk-matte polished acrylic glass. The beauty of the handle shines through and compliments the blade.

Grind

During grinding, the straight razor is ground concavely towards the cutting edge. This design achieves high flexibility and high-torsional rigidity.

Other Details

The razor weighs 3.53 oz (100 grams), measures 0.74×6.7×1.2 inches, and has a curved shape to make it easier to use in areas close to the nose, ears, and dimples. And when it falls, the rounded head protects you from injuries.

DOVO Bismarck – An Icon

Out of all the DOVO straight razors we reviewed, we had difficulty finding fault with the DOVO Bismarck. This classic razor is a beauty at 6/8 and o.8 ounces. It’s made from carbon steel, a material that ensures it withstands the test of time albeit regular maintenance.

The spine is gold-dipped, and laser etched with the brand name. To top it all off, we fell in love with the ebony wood handle option.

The 6/8 inch dimensions are ideal for men with large hands. Moreover, the thumb notch has a shoulderless S-curve design to accommodate your thumb naturally. There’s no ridge that you’ll have to be careful to avoid while stropping with this design. Speaking of which, we recommend stropping the straight razor before use for a great wet shaving experience.

Read review: DOVO Bismarck

DOVO Astrale – Premium Style with the Half-Hollow Grind

Precise, meticulous, specialized, premium. If any of these words describe what you need in your straight razor, then the DOVO Astrale 5/8” straight razor is worth your time. Being from a company that has a century of cutlery experience, quality is guaranteed.

The DOVO Astrale is ideal for professionals and beginners alike. The razor comes with a 5/8” half hollow grind of carbon steel. The 24k etching on the blade complements the ebony handle and adds to its luxurious look. In addition, the razor has a rounded point, jimping on the lower and upper tang and the ebony scales have an escutcheon plate that can be engraved with your initials.

All these features play a role in making this razor perfect for beginners and experts. For instance, the 5/8” blade size is small, and hence easier to see the cutting edge as it glides across the skin. On the other hand, the half-hollow blade grind offers a perfect compromise between rigidity and flexibility, which most beginner wet shavers love.

The carbon steel material used is a mixture of carbon and iron that produces tough steel that, when properly sharpened, is sharper than stainless steel. The carbon steel also holds sharpness for a long time. But on the flip side, it’s susceptible to rust and discoloration. Because of this, the DOVO Astrale needs your attention, care, and maintenance to last long.

DOVO Prima – Classic Beauty

The Dovo Prima is a classic but still a beauty to behold. Dovo added tasteful decoration on the blade to complement the ebony handle. Moreover, every blade is handmade to provide a luxurious and unforgettable wet shaving experience.

With that said, let’s get to the heart of the matter. Dovo Prima is made from carbon steel 1.2210, which guarantees a sharp edge that delivers a close and irritation-free shave. Moreover, it’s 5/8″ in width, full hollow, and has a rounded point.

The 5/8″ design makes it easier to manage and balance between trimming around contours and having a gentle shave. Moreover, the full hollow grind addition gives it the flexibility to adapt to the imperfections on your skin. It also has clear feedback through the sound it generates, which makes sure you achieve a close shave. Last but not least, the rounded point reduces the risk of injury, especially for beginners who are still learning wet shaving techniques.

Ebony is one of the heavy hardwoods on earth. Therefore, it’s great for producing high-quality handles. To ensure that the ebony handle retains its shape over the years, even with constant use in humid environments, Dovo added a curve to the handle. The curve also gives you a solid grip and adds to the straight razor’s beauty.

DOVO Solingen – Great Value

If you aren’t a fan of wooden handles, then the Dovo Solingen, also known as the Dovo Pearlex or Dovo no. 98, is the perfect alternative. The mother-of-pearl handle is a luxurious masterpiece. Although Dovo uses an imitation of acrylic glass, they managed to retain durability and beauty.

The straight razor is made from carbon steel 1.2210 that’s worked on to achieve a 61 HRC hardness that adds to its durability. Moreover, Dovo added a ‘Solingen’ gold plated logo to the razor to further enhance its beauty.

Dovo Solingen is 5/8″ and has a full hollow grind, round point, and a biconcave profile which collectively make it a good option for wet shaving beginners. You can easily maneuver areas around the nose, ears, and dimples with ease. Last but not least, the razor has a double-sided ribbed tang for an improved grip. Even when you handle it with wet and soapy hands, it’ll not slide off your hands.

DOVO Bergischer Lowe – Natural Beauty

The DOVO Bergischer Lowe is one of the most handsome DOVO straight razors. It is perfect for the refined gentleman that appreciates quality, and impressive design and wants to make a statement.

The razor is made from carbon steel tempered at 200 degrees Celsius to infuse toughness and elasticity. Unlike most DOVO straight razors, the spine on the Bergischer Lowe is beautifully sculpted and has a gold coating that flows to the shank. In addition, the lightly colored buffalo horn adds to the elegance and premium feel. Last but not least, the Bergischer Lowe has DOVO’s signature 24k gold plated emblem on the face.

For functionality, the carbon steel blade is 6/8 inches, perfect for men with coarse and thick hair. Experienced barbers appreciate the blade’s weight and the smooth performance that it affords them.

Moreover, the razor has a Spanish point that blends perfectly with the sculpted spine. This shape comes from the concave design and slightly rounded tip. The rounding at the tip facilitates precision shaving around tough-to-reach spots, including the dimples, nose, and ears.

The blade has a hollow grind which gives it additional flexibility and high longitudinal torsional rigidity. As you shave, the grind will give off soothing vibrations as the blade cuts through hair. While the horn scales are beautiful and feel premium, they tend to move with time. To add strength, DOVO adds a flush pin located slightly closer to the pivot pin.

DOVO Flowing – Durable Beauty

The DOVO Flowing straight razor is the DOVO Bismarck with additional perks. DOVO chose their finest straight razor at the time for a superior upgrade to the Flowing. Now, the DOVO Flowing has a similar scalloped spine design to the DOVO Bergischer Lowe. However, instead of a gold finish ‘flowing’ to the shank and tang, it has a beautiful satin-matte finish and an ebony wood handle. With everything it has going on, it’s hard to find anyone hating on this straight razor.

The carbon steel blade measures about 3-inches and has a 2.5-inch cutting edge. The three pins on the Grenadille scales are properly fitted with reduced protrusion. Also, the hinge is tight enough to allow for security and adequate rotation. It’s worth mentioning that the scale has two notches for a comfortable grip.

Being the Classic Bismarck flagship model, the DOVO Flowing has is 6/8-inches and has a shape perfect for men with large hands. Moreover, it’s shoulderless and has an S-curve thumb notch that’ll naturally support your thumb.

The DOVO Flowing doesn’t have a ridge. This makes it easier to hone or strop without restrictions. You’ll notice that it doesn’t have file jimps like other DOVO straight razors, but the scale notches address this.

DOVO Master’s – High-end Beauty

To create the perfect straight razor, blades are made from different metals, and the precision of the blade is configured based on point shape, grinding method, and blade width. Dovo takes its time manufacturing the straight razor, and the effort shines through.

The Dovo Master’s has a 6/8 inch Carbon steel blade. At 6/8 inches, it is ideal for wet shaving beginners and for cutting coarse beard hair smoothly. Moreover, it has a full hollow grind design, making the blade flexible and easy to adapt to skin imperfections to guarantee a fast, smooth, and thorough shave.

The tip of the blade is rounded, making it a multi-purpose straight razor. The beauty of the round point is that it reduces the chances of nicking yourself. In addition, the blade is carved from stainless steel, which means it’s resistant to rust, and unlike carbon steel, it’s easier to maintain.

The razor has a shoulderless blade and nice jimps on the tang for a better grip. As for the handle, it’s made from African Blackwood, also known as Grenadille, which beautifully contrasts the satin polish.

DOVO Natural – Natural Looking, Good for a Beginner

The Dovo Natural gets its name from the bamboo handle it features. Bamboo is highly sustainable and eco-friendly.

Moreover, bamboo’s strength increases as time passes; it has anti-microbial properties and is easy to clean and maintain.

The blade on the Dovo Natural is made from carbon steel. Unlike stainless steel, carbon steel requires a little more maintenance to avoid rusting. Also, the blade is 5/8 inches with a full hollow and rounded point – all properties make it a perfect choice for a wet shaving beginner.

As we’ve come to expect from Dovo straight razors, the blade has logo etching on the side which adds character to it. And like the Master’s, the Natural also comes in a padded shiny blue casing.

DOVO Gentleman – Perfect Gift For New-age Gentlemen

The DOVO Gentleman is the perfect pick for the new-age gentlemen. It’s artful, strong, and beautiful. Like most premium DOVO straight razors, it has a beautiful laser engraving on its blade. However, to stand out from the crowd, DOVO went with a yew handle, making it tough, hard, and resistant to moisture.

The blade is made from carbon steel, especially heated and tempered to achieve enough toughness and elasticity. It has a 5/8” round point full hollow ground blade, which means it’s easier to maneuver hard to shave spots like under the nose and reduces the risk of injury when shaving. Also, the edge is thin with its full hollow grind, and it’s easier to sharpen.

More to this, it has file jimps on the tang, which helps to improve handling even with wet hands. And since the blade weighs 38.5g, you don’t have to apply a lot of force to achieve a clean shave.

Overall, this is a great straight razor for beginners. And once you go, Gentleman, there’s no going back.

DOVO Black Star – Super Durable

DOVO is known for its quality products and superior craftsmanship in the wet shaving industry – and boy did they deliver with the Black Star. The Black Star has a 24k gold etching on the blade face and a black glossy powder coating on the tang and spine. In addition, they added pakkawood scales which look like genuine wood.

Pakkawood is high quality engineered composite material that’s made from a combination of plastic and wood. It is made from thin dyed wood strips that are glued together using a phenolic resin. The final product can survive a glossy finish like regular wood but with several advantages like waterproof and resistance to splitting and warping over time. Because of these properties, Black Star is super durable. Moreover, the lightly colored handle forms a beautiful contrast with the blade, spine, and tang.

As for the blade, it’s a 5/8 inch round point, full hollow carbon steel construction. So you can maneuver it around some tight spots on your face without the risk of cutting yourself and have the thin edge cut through hair like butter.

DOVO Carre – Ebony Handle

As you’d expect from any DOVO straight razor, the DOVO Carre is a beauty. However, DOVO managed to make it stunning while maintaining simplicity. Below are some of the few things that’ll jump at you when you first lay your eyes on it.

The razor has an ebony wood handle finished with Mother of Pearl inlay. The blade is a 6/8”, full hollow, round point carbon steel. We should also point out that it has a brushed satin finish, is shoulderless, and has a geometric pattern on the spine.

All this is great, but what does it mean for you?

For starters, the geometric pattern adds to its beauty, while the brushed satin finish makes it hide minor scratching and water spots. As such, it retains an unblemished appearance for longer. In addition, the shoulderless design gives it more flexibility.

With the round point, it’s safe, and the 6/8” width makes it easier to maneuver around; otherwise hard to shave spots. The diamond Mother of Pearl inlays are a beautiful addition to the handle, and the genuine ebony handle lasts long.

DOVO La Forme – Long Lasting Pakkawood

This is a beautifully stunning high-quality straight razor that blends superior material and a unique G-cleft design. It is an ideal pick for men who don’t want to spend a fortune on a straight razor but cannot compromise on quality and style.

The razor has a shoulderless, 6/8”, round point, Swedish carbon blade. The shoulderless design gives it a little more flexibility when wet shaving, while the 6/8” makes it easier to shave hard-to-reach spots. On the other hand, the round point makes it mild and perfect for beginners to use.

The blade is noticeably thick and has a gracefully curved spine supported by Pakkawood scales. The scales last longer than regular wood. It’s so strong that it’s prevalent in military equipment. The Swedish carbon steel that’s strong and corrosion-resistant. Overall, the blade holds its edge for longer.

Like most DOVO blades, the La forme has 24k gold ‘La forme’ etching on the blade’s side. It arrives in a padded box perfect for gifting.

Dovo Barbarossa – Professional Barbers

Unlike other Dovo straight razors on our list, the Dovo Barbarossa is designed for professional experts like barbers. Its features were added with accuracy in mind. But don’t take our word for it, here are the features it sports.

Most Dovo straight razors are unique. However, some come in several variations, often including a different handle type. With the Dovo Barbarossa, the variations extend far from the handle types and into the point types and materials used in construction.

Some have ebony wood handles, while others have olivewood handles and faux tortoise resin. Also, some have stainless steel blades, and others are designed from carbon steel. The most common variation is one with the olive wood handle. Olivewood is hardy and waterproof, which increases its durability.

The Dovo Barbarossa is made with a carbon steel blade. The blade is flexible yet hardened enough for prolonged use. While carbon steel is easy to strop and keeps a sharp edge longer than stainless steel, it’s prone to rust. Luckily, you can prevent oxidation and rusting and prolong its life with good care.

The Dovo Barbarossa is popular for its short blade measuring 52 mm long. In addition to this, it has a 5/8 inch blade. Together these features make the blade easy to use in tight to shave spots like under the nose.

At the tip of the blade is a Spanish point that is a little forgiving, unlike the Spike point. But even then, it increases precision, and the round tip from the spine protects the skin from nicks.
The blade has a full hollow grind, giving it a thin profile that adapts well to facial contours. The thin profile also gives subtle vibration feedback that you can use to tell if the shave is close enough.

Unfortunately, the edge is fragile and isn’t ideal for coarse beards.

Read review: DOVO Barbarossa

DOVO Prima Klang – The ‘Singing’ Straight Razor

The DOVO Prima Klang is also called the singing razor. This name stems from the sound it lets out as it glides over your skin when shaving and stropping. The extra hollow-ground feature it sports makes this singing edge possible.

Compared to a full hollow straight razor, an extra hollow edge has a deeper concave and thinner blade, making it sharper and flexible. While the sharp edge helps to deliver a quality close shave, it’s also fragile and less forgiving. As such, it’s best used by experienced wet shavers.

To help control the precision, DOVO designed this razor with a 5/8″ blade. Although it’s not the smallest blade size, it handles well and easily moves across the face. On the other hand, the round point tip helps protect the skin from the blade’s aggressiveness, especially when shaving hard-to-reach spots like under the nose and close to the ear.

Like most DOVO razors, the Prima Klang blade is made from carbon steel. The carbon steel contributes to its flexibility and makes it easier to hone. Unfortunately, carbon steel is susceptible to oxidation and needs more care and maintenance. Applying petroleum jelly after shaving helps to protect it from moisture.

As a premium razor, the DOVO Prima Klang has gold etching on its face and the shank. The handle is made from quality American redwood, although some options are available in Cocobolo wood scales that are naturally water-resistant.

Dovo Encina – Not for Everyone

This is another straight razor that’s perfect for an experienced wet shaver – the type of straight razor that a barber would wield. Although its design is subtle, the crafting is skillfully done.

The DOVO Encina is made from carbon steel with satin etching. The beauty of carbon steel blades is that they are hard, are easy to strop, and keep a sharp edge for longer. But on the flip side, they need a lot of maintenance and care to prevent early rusting. You can do this by applying petroleum jelly after shaving (even if you are storing it in a cool and dry place).

The razor has a 6/8-inch, full hollow blade with a round tip. The 6/8-inch blade width makes the DOVO Encina one of the larger blades for experienced wet shavers. While it’s easier for men with large hands to handle it, navigating tight spots on your face can be a problem.

The full-hollow blade design makes it flexible and sharper while allowing it to contour your face for a closer shave. Moreover, the blade provides feedback as the edge encounters resistance when shaving, letting you know your progress even without looking in the mirror.

The round tip protects the shaver from accidental nicks without canceling the blade’s aggressiveness. The handle is made from Spanish oak, wood that’s popular for being hard, strong, dense, and beautiful close grains.

DOVO En Vogue – Beautiful Design

The En Vogue 105 is a beauty to behold. The first thing you’ll notice is the zebra-patterned blade finished with 24-k gold etching, making it pop even more.

Aside from its beauty, the razor is designed with beginners and experienced wet shavers in mind. The features it sports are a testament to this. Unlike most DOVO straight razors, the En Vogue 105 is made with a stainless-steel blade. The steel blade is strong and resistant to rust which is a plus. Although its strength contributes to its durability, it makes it harder to hone.

But on the bright side, the En Vogue 105 steel blade is ice tempered, which helps it maintain a sharp edge for longer hence minimal maintenance. But even then, beginners might have a hard time honing the blade, so they should seek professional help.

The 5/8-inch, full hollow blade improves control and makes it easier to get to the hard-to-reach spots, while the round point prevents cuts and nicks, especially in beginner’s hands.

The scales are made from Micarta, a tough material guaranteed to survive the harshest conditions. These scales are available in light and dark variations (like Ivory Micarta and Anthracite Micarta), making the razor even more beautiful.

DOVO Carpe Diem – Simple, Good for Large Hands

‘Seize the day is a fitting name for this straight razor. It has a simple design, but it does a great job delivering a close shave. It provides a good shaving experience courtesy of the features it’s packing.

The name ‘Carpe Diem’ is intricately laser etched on the face, while the DOVO Solingen brand name is etched on the shank.

DOVO Carpe Diem is made from a 5/8-inch full hollow round point blade. These properties make navigating the tough to shave spots easier without accidentally nicking or cutting the skin. Moreover, the razor contours the skin for an irritation-free close shave.

The scales are a dense multi-wood handle finished with resin that increases water resistance and durability. The handle’s weight also counterbalances the blade making it easier to glide the blade over the skin.

It’s worth mentioning that the blade is made from Swedish carbon steel – the purest carbon steel. With the carbon steel construction, the edge maintains its sharpness for longer and is easier to sharpen. However, it’s prone to rust, so you should be careful.

The handle is torpedo-shaped, a design that’s perfect for large hands. DOVO added file jimps on either side of the tang to improve handling.

DOVO Apex

The DOVO Apex, also called the Prima Silver Steel, features a 5/8-inch carbon steel razor that’s 4.6 mm thick and weighs 43 grams. It has a square point and is finished with an ebony wood handle. On the Silver Steel, the tang is file jimps that are designed to improve handling even with wet hands.

It’s among the few DOVO straight razors with a blank face with a tang and spine dipped in gold. The gold finish adds a nice contrast to the blank face.

With the 5/8-inch blade width and square point, the razor is quite forgiving despite the sharpness and aggressiveness from the full hollow grind. You can trim your sideburns and align the goatee with great ease.

DOVO claims it makes the ebony wood scales by hand. The wood is heavy and hard, which helps it withstand harsh use.

DOVO Straight Razor Shavette – Good all-round & Beginner Shavette

If you’d like a lightweight razor, then this DOVO shavette is perfect for you. Shavettes are similar to straight razors only that their blades are replaceable and often have a small form factor. And while they are marketed for beginners, experts can also wield them proudly.

This DOVO Straight Razor Shavette weighs 3.04 ounces and measures 1 x 1 x 1 inch. It has a black polyamide plastic handle that forms a beautiful contrast with the blade. The tang is ridged and curved for better grip, and control. Aside from looks, the plastic handle also adds to the shaving experience. When shaving, it amplifies shaving sounds making you aware of the progress you are making.

The DOVO Straight Razor Shavette comes with two extra black blade inserts and four disposable blades. It also comes with a clear acrylic pouch that’s ideal for storage.

Full review: DOVO Shavette

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