DOVO Shavette Review (All Versions) – Buyers Guide

We may earn a commission for purchases using our links. Learn more

If you aren’t into growing a beard, you’ll need a high-quality tool to trim and cut your hair. A quality razor will keep your face clean without causing irritations. If done right, wet shaving could also delay hair growth. There are different brands, makes, and models of straight razors that could do the job efficiently. But reading this, you are interested in the Dovo Shavette and wonder if it’s good enough for your needs. Will it deliver a close shave? What experience does it present? How long does it last? And is it better than a regular straight razor?

Well, let’s find out.

The History of Dovo Shavette

Before we dive into details about the shavette, here’s a little Dovo Shavette history to give you perspective.

The Dovo Shavette is the original shavette, and it has been around for 35 years. Dovo trademarked the name in 1986, but there have been many copycats since then. So over time, the ‘shavette’ has become a generic name used on all straight razors with an interchangeable blade.

The Dovo shavette was made to provide a quality disposable razor alternative to the traditional straight razors. Men who hate stropping before every shave and honing every so often found relief in the Dovo shavette.

Razor blades are used to deliver a clean and sharp shave, and once it gets dull, it’s easily replaced.

Given their disposable nature, they are commonly used in barbershops. Like the traditional straight razors, they offer a clean and smooth shave but with the added advantage of maintaining health standards. While barbers should replace the blade for every client, home users can get away with 3-4 shaves from one blade.

DOVO and their sister company Merkur are also producing related wet shaving products, like shaving creams and shaving soaps, straight razor strops, shaving brushes, double-edge safety razor blades, etc.

Unboxing

The Dovo Shavette comes in simple plastic packaging and with a clear blade holder and an extra blade holder. On major retailer sites, it is labeled as a straight razor set, I would say that is pushing the term ‘set’ a bit far. However, some customers have received the shavette in an aluminum case which doubles as a nice storage option.

The shavette comes with two or three-blade sample blade inserts. Since you’ll use one half of a blade each time, and you can use it for four shaves, these samples can last for a month. After, you can purchase quality feather blades.

First Impressions

It’s quite impressive how lightweight the shavette is. The Dovo Shavette comes in four variations differentiated mainly by the handle:

• A silver satin aluminum handle
• Stainless steel handle (easy to be confused about this one and the aluminum version)
• Black synthetic handle
• Olive wood handle

With a black synthetic handle, the black design extends to the underside of the tang and tail. Under the tang are jimps that’ll give you a better grip with wet or soapy hands. The blade sleeves are also black, which gives a good contrast to the silver. While the handle is plain, the face has a ‘SHAVETTE’ engraving, breaking the monotony and giving it more character.

The silver aluminum handle has a ‘DOVO SHAVETTE’ log engraving on the handle. The underside of the tang and tail are black, which contrasts the silver face perfectly. Lastly, the olivewood handle variation has a black spine, face, and clear point. A white ‘SHAVETTE’ logo is on the face to add to its character and beauty.

Construction

Different materials are used on the shavette depending on the variation too. Some handle materials used include olive wood, matte (satin) aluminum, polyamide plastic, and polished stainless steel. The face is made from light aluminum, while the blade holders are made from plastic.

Blade Holders/Sleeves

These sleeves come in different colors, including red, black, and clear. Although Dovo offers a replacement option, you can always purchase extra ones if you need a different color or want to use a different blade.

The black sleeves come in two variations: closed and open comb.

• Black holder – Dovo often supplies this with new razors. It uses a longer version of a double-edge blade that’s almost as long as a standard straight razor edge. These blades have to be snapped in half to use.
• Black holder with open comb – it’s also supplied with a new shavette. They use a similar blade to the closed comb design. However, their serrated plastic edge allows the blade to get closer to your skin. It’s a good option for experienced wet shavers.
• Red holder – these are only available while stocks last as they are gradually being replaced with clear options. They use standard double-edge blades.
• Clear holder – they use standard double-edge blades. You can get a clear holder with your new shavette. They are ideal for detailing hairlines, mustaches, beards, and around the nose.

Note: With the red and black holders, it’s easier to see where the blade is. The clear holder makes it a little harder to see where the blade comes in touch with the face. It’s also harder to tell the angle of the shavette, especially when it has an aluminum arm.

How to Install a Blade

Installing the Dovo Shavette blade is a simple process:

1. Slide the blade holder from the shavette
2. Open the blade holder
3. Pick your double-edge blade, and snap it in half (do this while it’s still in its packaging.
4. Place the blade in the blade holder being keen to put it between the provided notches
5. Close the blade holder
6. Slide the blade holder back into the shavette

Be careful when changing the blade, as it can easily cut your finger.

How to Clean a Shavette

The cleaning process is pretty straightforward. Start by taking the blade out of the holder. Then use soap and warm water to clean. If your water pressure is good, you can rinse it easily. Low pressure should do a good job, too, but if it doesn’t, try swishing the shavette in a sink full of water. Some cream residue might be left behind, but it’s nothing a wipe down with a towel cannot handle.

Most Dovo Shavettes are disinfectant safe except for the olive wood options.

Should you Buy the Dovo Shavette?

chumaroz