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5 Best Dovo Straight Razors in 2019

Have you ever heard of Dovo straight razors before? If not, these products are about to change the entire shaving game for you. Whether you are looking for an everyday straight razor or a little something extra to get the job done for a special event, we’re confident that you will find your perfect shaving fit on this list.

In this article, we will present the best Dovo straight razor list made of some shaving devices which hit the highest customer satisfaction rating as they are both affordable, durable, and high quality. Also, we will discuss the main features of the best Dovo straight razors, but first we will take a look below at the common characteristics that define all of them.

shaving beard razor
A Little Bit about Dovo

Based in Solingen, Germany, Dovo has been around since the 1960s. Known for their high-quality products and excellent craftsmanship, it wasn’t long before they made a name for themselves in the men’s grooming market. For many years, their primary product was hair scissors (introduced during WWII). Since developing these products, Dovo has expanded to a worldwide base.

Today, they offer state of the art designs with exceptional mechanics. One of the most well-known products Dovo has produced is the Shavette. For those of you who haven’t heard of these before, Shavettes are disposable razors with either a straight razor or a fixed or folding blade. You cannot re-sharpen these blades.

Barbers who opt for Shavettes do not re-use them. After a shave, they are thrown away. The original Shavette was designed for the barber industry to give popular haircuts, replacing hair scissors and clippers.

straight razor

Shavettes are still very popular today, especially when it comes to shaping sideburns and contouring facial hair around the neck and ears. While it isn’t the most eco-friendly method, one of the reasons why Shavettes are so popular is that the blades are disposable. When you get a shave in a barber shop, it is much more hygienic to use disposable razors than one that you wash and reuse. There is no danger of passing along blood infections and diseases with disposable shavers.

So what is the difference between a Shavette and a straight razor? They are entirely different. Shavettes are disposable; they look different and feel different. You will never need to strap or hone the blade of a Shavette. We do not recommend Shavettes as a starter straight razor. They have rigid and shorter blade lengths which make you more susceptible to getting nicks and cuts.

Safety Razors vs. Straight Razors

As far back as we can remember, both safety and straight razors have been integral to man’s grooming process. Both styles have their pros and cons. Let’s dive in and compare the differences between the two types of razors.

Safety Razor

A safety razor is a double-edged device, crafted with a protective guard to keep you from getting nicks and cuts. They are intended for men who do not want to have to sharpen their shaver blades and who are willing to make sacrifices in shaver quality, such as maneuverability.

However, do not be fooled. Safety razors are not entirely safe for use. This is one of the most common misconceptions and causes for frustration associated with them. While they provide a safe way to get a close shave and require less practice to master, there are limitations compared to straight razors. One of them is that you will frequently have to purchase new shaver bladesand the blades you get are often lower in quality than those of a straight razor. Here is an easy reference list of the pros and cons of safety razors.

Pros of Safety Razors
  • Safety razors are much easier to use than straight razors. They prevent the blade from cutting into your skin. Adjustable safety razors can regulate how aggressive the blade cuts can be.
  • You do not need to worry about maintaining or fixing damaged blades; replace the old blades with new ones.
  • Compared to cartridge razors, safety razors are affordable to own.
  • Safety razor blades last for a long time. When one side of the double edge blade gets worn out, you can use the other. As always, consider the price of the blade. Since they last for a long time, you will not have to worry about frequently replacing them.
Cons of Safety Razors
  • Safety razors do not give you as close of a shave as straight razors do. Beginners will be surprised to know that they will need to do multiple passes (with both styles of shaving) to achieve a comfortable shave.
  • Blades need to be replaced on safety razors.

Straight Razor

What is a straight razor? These are the types of classic shavers you see in the barbershop. Made from a long piece of metal, a razor-sharp tip, and pivoting handle, they allow for ultimate precision. This was the first type of men’s shaving razor invented and the only option for until the introduction of the Gilette shaver in the early 1900s.

So what are the pros? First, they offer a significant amount of control for contouring and those hard to reach areas. A single blade can last for a long time before it needs to be replaced. While the straight razor is a better investment than single-use safety razors, it does come with some drawbacks. Using a straight razor requires a lot of practice, and you have to take your time to avoid getting nicks and cuts. It also takes a good amount of time and skill to re-sharpen the blade. Here is an easy reference list of the pros and cons of safety razors.

Pros of Straight Razors
  • Straight razors are sturdier than safety razors. With the right care and maintenance, they can last for a lifetime. Besides being great shaving items, they also make fun collectibles.
  • You can sharpen a straight razor when needed; you will not have to replace it unless rust, corrosion, or severe damage to the metal occurs.
  • The blade covers a lot of ground when you are shaving. You will not need to use as many passes as you would with a safety razor when you are shaving.
Cons of Using a Straight Razor
  • Using a straight razor requires a lot of practice. There will be some nicks and cuts along the way. Once you find a comfortable holding position though, it gets easier.
  • The blade will wear down over time so you will need to go to a competent artisan to get it replaced. If your module is dull, you can get is sharpened. However, if your blade is badly damaged, you will need to replace it. This can be costly. One way to avoid having to replace your blade is to follow the procedures for honing and strapping that we will go over later on in this article.
  • Straight razors are not exactly safe to use. Always make sure you are holding your shaver correctly and taking your time with your shave. Never rush your grooming session with a straight razor! Make sure to store it in a safe location far out of the reach of children and pets.
How to Hold a Straight Razor (Tips for Beginners)

Whether you are a first-time shaver or a shaving veteran, using a straight razor will take some time to get used to. While it may sound like a simple question, you may find yourself wondering ‘how do I hold a straight razor?’ The frustrating thing is that if you ask five different grooming stylists, you are likely to get five different answers. Straight razor grips vary depending on whether you are shaving with, across, or against the grain. Grips also vary based on the part of your face you are shaving.

Here’s a more straightforward answer. There is a necessary grip for beginners. Start by resting three fingers on the back of the blade. Rest your pinkie in the middle. Place your thumb on the blade’s side near the center. You may have to adjust your grip as you shave different parts of your face. After all, some areas are hard to reach and contour (e.g. your upper lip, by your ears, and around your jaw).

Everyone has a preference when it comes to the technique they use with a straight razor. You will find a holding position you are comfortable with eventually. As you gain experience with the art of shaving, take note on what hand positions feel comfortable and which ones cause a strain. If there is a particular style that works for you (and is safe), do it. It does not matter if it looks a little bit unorthodox.

Shaving Routine for Straight Razors

You have to admit it. There is something undeniably alluring about using a straight razor. It is one of the most satisfying shaving experiences that you can have. Thanks to great improvements in design and technology, these types of razors are safer to use than ever. However, that is not to say that they are easy to use by any means.

Shaving with a straight razor is still an art. It takes a lot of time, practice, and preparation to get it down. To help you along the way, we have gathered some of the best tips and tricks to perfect your grooming routine.

Shaving Preparation

Before shaving, you should always prep your skin. Get a hot shower ready and allow the steam to open your pores and soften your facial hair. If you do not have enough time for a shower, using a hot, wet towel will also get the job done. Give yourself a good amount of time and be patient. This is one of the most important preparation steps for shaving.

After you allow your pored to open for a few minutes, it is time to begin moisturizing and doing what you can to prevent nicks and cuts. If you plan on dry shaving, use a shaving pre-lotion or powder to provide a layer of lubrication for your skin. Not only does this tone and prime your skin but it brings the hairs to stand up straight.

We advise against using any types of soaps and washes before you shave. These products strip your skin of its natural oil. You want to leave the oil there to protect your skin; you have plenty of time to wash your face afterward. Use natural products and stay away from chemicals. When your pores are open, anything you put on your skin will go into your bloodstream.

It’s also important to make sure that the blades of your straight shaver are sharp. Luckily, a straight shaver does not need to be sharpened very often. Even so, it is important to remember that dull blades cause cuts and skin irritation. Plus, it takes so much longer to get the job done when you shave with dull blades. While this isn’t something you have to frequently stress about, you will probably need to change out your blades and foils at least once a year.

Make sure your whiskers aren’t too long. No shaver cuts long hair efficiently. If it’s been a while since you’ve shaved and your beard is long, consider trimming it with beard scissors before you take to the blades.

Apply Pre-Shave Oil

After you are done showering, pat your face dry with a clean towel and apply a few drops of pre-shave oil. Trust us, that is all you need. Applying shaving oil is easy. Place three to five drops of oil onto the palms of your hands, rub your hands together, and spread the oil evenly across your skin. Did you know that pre-shave oil can also act as an antiseptic?

Lather on Some Shaving Cream

After you have put the pre-shave oil on, it’s time to apply a thick layer of shaving cream. The shaving cream that you use should have a high alkaline formula to soften your facial hair as quickly as possible. This will make for a comfortable shave.

You can either apply it with a shaving brush or your hands. Using a shaving brush is not only a handy way to keep your hands from getting sticky but they also do an excellent job of exfoliating your skin. Apply shaving cream in a paintbrush motion.

Beyond that, they also cause your hair follicles to stand up straight. As we previously mentioned, this makes it easier for the razor blades to pass through and achieve a close shave. Wipe away any extra shaving cream post-shave with a hot towel.

Clean Up

After you’ve applied the shaving cream, it’s time to trim your facial hair. After you have completed your shave, use a washcloth, soap, and warm water to remove any stray hairs on your face. Apply a few drops of a soothing post shave balm and you are good to go.

Stropping

Have you ever heard of stropping? This could very well be the most important skill to learn when using a straight razor. When it comes to using a single blade, a straight razor minimizes skin irritation and delivers a sharper cut. Essentially, you are cutting the hair off your face with a knife. As with any shaving products, if the blade is rusty and dull, it is useless.

You may be wondering ‘how do I look after my straight edge razor?’ Stropping involves the use of a leather strap to straighten and polish the blade of a razor. In many cases, stropping also realign parts of the blade’s edge that have been bent out of shape. Light stropping of a straight razor will keep it in good shape for years to come. In order to increase their performance longevity, straight razors need maintenance.

Razors made from stainless steel are less demanding than other models when it comes to care and upkeep. Common types of razors have to be rinsed with water and cleaned to remove clogging from hair and grooming products. Do not store your razor in a damp area where it does not have access to fresh air. Doing so would increase the chances of wear and tear. If the razor is not in use for a long time, remember to rub it down with light oil to keep the blade from rusting.

Are you wondering how stropping works? Hang your strop on a hook and pull it towards you. Lay the leather side face up and keep the blade of your shaver flat. Hold the razor between the blade and the handle, using your fingertips. This enables you to easily turn the razor around when you are stropping.

Move the razor towards the back of the blade, not towards the cutting edge. You do not want to shred the strop. Gently pull the blade toward you, standing about thirty to forty degrees at the strop. Make sure that you are not applying too much pressure or the blade will bend. When you reach the end of the strop, roll the blade over the razor’s back, pushing it towards the hook. Repeat this four to five times and the razor should be sharp enough to get a nice, clean cut.

Keep in mind that during the sharpening process, the blade should never leave the belt of the strop. When you reach the end of the belt, do not lift the blade off of it. Simply roll it over instead.

Honing

Is your razor dull? Does it tug on your skin causing cuts and skin irritation? If so, it sounds like you need to get a barber hone. The type of material a hone is made from can vary. Since moistening a hone can sometimes damage it, pay close attention to the manufacturer’s instructions when you maintain it. After honing the blade, you should strop your razor. As a general rule of thumb, doing fifteen round trips on the linen and thirty round trips on the leather should get the job done.

Shaving

Pull your skin back as you shave. This will help the razor to glide along more smoothly and get a close, clean cut. For a close shave, it is also helpful to go against the grain. Just be sure to apply pre-shave oil and shaving cream before going against the grain to avoid getting razor burn. Three passes will ensure a smooth cut.

Only use as much pressure as needed. There is no reason to press in harder when you are shaving. Many of the straight razor sets on the market (and this list) have everything you need to get a good shave. Change your blades frequently. For those prone to ingrown hairs or razor bumps, following the above process will help tremendously.

Are you right handed? Start by shaving the right side of your face. If you are left handed, use your left hand to follow through with these shaving instructions. Reach your left hand around and pull your skin back, creating a smooth shaving surface. Shave downward until you are halfway down your right cheek. Continue shaving in broad, even strokes until you cover the right side of your face. Go over spots that you missed slowly and as needed.

Don’t forget to shave the right side of your face underneath your jaw. Tilt your head backward and to the left, exposing the skin that needs to be shaved. Using the fingers of your left hand, pull your skin taut under the jaw. Shave downward if your beard is growing in that direction.

Now, it is time to shave the left side of your face. Use the fingers of your left hand to pull your skin taut just above your ears. With the razor in your right hand, point the toe upward, reach across your face, and shave downward. Work your way down to the lower parts of your cheek and your chin. Make sure to keep pulling your skin taut. This will not only help you to get a close, clean shave but it will also prevent nicks and cuts.

Next, tilt your head back and shave under the left side of your jaw. After you have gotten a clean shave here, it is time to shave above your lips, the chin, and under the chin.

Post-Shave Routine

One of the most often overlooked parts of shaving is the aftercare process. After you have shaved, your skin can often be irritated and dry. If you have a few nicks or cuts, they need to be treated with an antiseptic. Do you have a post-shave routine in place? If you answered with a ‘no’ it’s time to put one into practice.

We have found that one of the most frequent complaints we hear from men and women alike is that they hate how time-consuming shaving is. We get it. It takes a lot of time to prep with pre-shave oil, lather up, shave, and perfect your post shave routine. However, putting in the time to take care of your appearance and skin is always worthwhile. And there are also a lot of ways that you can make shaving fun. When you take care of your skin, you will feel so good afterward.

We all feel rushed in the morning. Get up a little earlier to work out your grooming routine. If you’re guilty of rushing when it comes to grooming, it’s likely your skin is neglected. When you try to quickly get through shaving, you can miss patches of hair, cut yourself, and get frustrated.

It is just as important to take care of your skin after your grooming session as it is beforehand. Ingredients like sandalwood and lavender products are great for the skin. Apply lotion or light beard oil to moisturize your skin post-shave and keep your facial hair healthy.

Easy Shaving Steps:
  • Rinse your face with warm water
  • Apply pre-shave oil
  • Apply shaving cream in a thick lather
  • Use your shaver to trim hair and contour
  • Rise your face with cold water
  • Apply an antiseptic
  • Treat any nicks or cuts you may have
  • Pat your face dry with a clean towel
  • Moisturize with a post-shave balm or lotion
Should You Shave with Multiple Passes?

The answer to this question all depends on your personal preferences. Are you touching up your facial hair or are you going for a smooth shave? For a perfectly clean shave, you will need to go over your face with multiple passes. For beginners, we recommend shaving slowly and gently with downward strokes. Shaving across and going against the grain increase your chances of getting cut.

After you gain some experience with your razor, you can attempt shaving across your face and against the grain. If you decide to shave with multiple passes, the best method is as follows:

  • Shave with the grain.
  • Then go against the grain.
  • Finish by shaving against the grain again.

Before and after each shaving pass, make sure to wash your face off and re-lather.

Treating Nicks and Cuts

There are many reasons that nicks and cuts occur when shaving. The good news is that there are also many ways to prevent them. The most obvious one is not to shave with a dull or rusty razor. Make sure that you use pre-shave oil and shaving cream beforehand and are holding the razor properly.

When you are first learning how to shave with a straight razor, follow our tips for proper usage mentioned above. Make sure not to hurry. When in doubt, shave in downwards strokes and avoid going against the grain until you are more experienced with a straight razor.

Extra Stropping Shaving Tips

  • Only strop before shaving – do not strop immediately afterward. Stropping after shaving can cause metal parts to break off of the razor and penetrate the leather belt.
  • Did you hone your blade before stropping? If so, clean your blade with soap and water and dry it with a cloth, being careful not to touch the edge. This will also prevent small metal pieces from getting stuck in the leather belt and causing damage.
  • Pull the belt tightly; never let it bend.
  • The blade should always move towards the back, never the cutting edge.
  • Work slowly and intentionally when you are stropping. Mistakes can cause injury and harm to your grooming devices.

Benefits of Straight Razor Shaving

We briefly mentioned some of the pros and cons of shaving with a straight razor earlier but the benefits of straight razor shaving are worth elaborating. So what are the benefits of this style of shaving? Let’s dive on in.

A Better Shave

That’s right. While straight shaving might seem intimidating (and there definitely is a learning curve), the rewards pay off immensely. Try straight shaving for yourself and you will quickly see what we are talking about. The sharpness of the blade achieves a much closer, cleaner shave than a standard safety razor does. Your face will thank you for it.

You Will Save Money

As we previously mentioned, a straight razor does not require nearly as much maintenance as other types of shavers. Yes, we will admit that the upfront costs to get started with a straight razor are expensive. But after you purchase all of the grooming gear, you are literally set for life. Yes, you read that right.

Gone are the days where you have to run to Target to replace your cartridge razors or double edge blades. Hone your razor and give it a stropping when it needs it and you are good to go. The only costs you will run into will be for pre-shave oil and shaving cream.

You are Helping the Environment

Using a straight razor for your grooming needs is eco-friendly. Modern shaving often creates needless waste. When you are done using cartridges with a safety razor, you throw them away. Straight razors take shaving a step further. The only type of waste you actually create is biodegradable (e.g. shaving scum).

It Helps You to Be Patient

Shaving with a straight razor forces you to slow down and approach shaving methodically. You can’t rush and get a clean cut with this type of shaving. There is something soothing about taking your time with your grooming process and showing your skin and facial hair some love.

What Shaving Tools Will You Need for Your Dovo Straight Razor Set?

If you know you are ready to begin your straight razor shaving journey, read on. There are some grooming tools you will need to get started. The initial purchasing process is not cheap but as we mentioned, these tools will last you a lifetime with the proper care. Without further ado, let’s take a look at what you will need for your Dovo straight razor kit.

The Straight Razor

Before you begin to accumulate shaving balms and lotions, let’s start at square one. Invest in your straight razor Dovo first. Do not skimp out and buy the cheapest razor that you can. This is one area where you really do get what you pay for. Cheap straight razors are guaranteed to cause skin irritation and give you nicks and cuts.

If you are looking to save money, you have some options. You can choose to purchase your straight razor new or used. You can find used straight razors online on sites like eBay or in antique shops. If you do decide to purchase your razor blade used, know that it will come with some imperfections and most likely need to be hone and strapped. Honing a razor blade will cost you about $30 but it is well it to avoid cutting your face.

If you are interested in purchasing a brand new straight razor, there are plenty of excellent choices on our list. Pre-sharpened blades come ready to use and will cost you about $130 on average.

Razors with a good temper sharpen better than those without. Most straight razors are ground with a hollow.

Hollowing each side of the blade makes the razor light, sharp, and easy to handle. Did you know that you can choose blades with varying degrees of hollowing? Full concaves will give the sharpest edge. These types of straight razors are not recommended for beginners.

Another thing to consider when shopping for a straight razor is the blade’s width. You should look for one that is ⅝” in size. These blades are very easy to handle and contour your face closer than other blades. Finally, think about what type of blade you want to buy. Blades come in either sharp or rounded points. Sharp points are more likely to cause cuts when you are learning how to use a straight razor. We highly recommend going with a rounded point.

Why Choose a Dovo Straight Razor?

We appreciate Dovo products for many reasons but their construction and ergonomic design have to be two of the top ones. Let’s have a look at common materials of Dovo straight razors. There is a reason why these products can last for a lifetime.

What to Consider When Buying a Straight Razor

Now that you know a good amount about straight razors, it’s time to dive into the specifics of Dovo. What sets this brand apart from the rest of the competitors in the shaving market?

Construction: Carbon Steel vs. Stainless Steel

Much more flexible than stainless steel, carbon steel is a force to be reckoned with. It is much easier to sharpen than other materials. However, like anything else, it has its drawbacks. The first one is that it doesn’t hold its edge as long. We recommend carbon steel for those who are new to shaving with a straight razor.

Once you are done shaving, make sure to dry the blade completely, including the handle. If you do not, the material will rust. To prolong its use, apply a thin layer of fine grade machine oil. This will keep your blade in tip-top shape.

Stainless steel is the most common type of material used in straight razor blade construction. Harder than carbon fiber, stainless steel is more difficult to sharpen. However, the blade will stay sharper much longer than a carbon steel razor will. While a beginning shaver may not be able to tell the difference, seasoned shaving veterans will pick up on it almost immediately. Keep in mind that once the blade loses its sharpness, it will take a lot of honing and strapping to get it back into shape.

Full Grind vs. Half Hollow Grind

Full hollow grind razors are much more flexible than half grind ones. While flexible blades are much easier to open, they are also prone to causing nicks. We recommend half hollow blades to beginners. Spare your skin and take the easier route.

Blade Type

There are three types of blades commonly used with straight razors, a round point, square, and French. While the differences are often subtle, it is important to understand them. If you are new to straight razor shaving, we highly recommend that you use a rounded blade.

Rounded points are semicircular blade tips without a sharp edge. Compared to other types of blades, rounded points are much more forgiving with newbies. Reduce your chances of getting deep cuts when you are learning the shaving ropes.

Square point blades look exactly like they sound. The straight point profile ends with a sharp point perpendicular to the cutting edge. While it does require a good deal of practice to use safely, it is highly effective in contouring and shaving hard to reach areas of your skin.

Last but certainly not least, we have the French point. This type of blade looks like a quarter of a circle. Like the square point, it too has a very sharp point at the end. This is often referred to as the oblique point.

Blade Width

How wide of a blade do you want? Standard Dovo straight razors measure ⅝”. We highly recommend choosing a blade of this width. This measurement strikes just the right balance when it comes to firmness, usefulness, and flexibility. The wider the blade is, the more difficult it is to wield.

The width of the blade plays a significant role in shaving those hard to reach spots like underneath the nose, behind the jaw, and around obstacles. Thinner blades are often recommended for beginners, as it gives them room to maneuver around delicate areas of the face.

Modern vs. Vintage Styles

Do you want to buy a brand new razor or are you looking to invest in an older model with a vintage style? If you are interested in buying vintage products, old model straight razors definitely have a unique allure. The fact that you can purchase them at a fairly affordable price is another bonus. Keep in mind that they will require some extra love and care to function as intended. We recommend that beginners hone their shaving skills first before venturing into the world of vintage straight razor styles.

Modern razors offer the advantages of new technological advancements on the market. Besides better craftsmanship, they also come with years of experience backing their design and construction. Needless to say, modern razors will not need the same type of maintenance as vintage razors do.

The Temper of the Blade

Have you ever heard the word ‘temper’ used to describe a shaver’s blade? We didn’t think so. To clue you in, temper refers to the blade’s ability to retain its sharpness and how easily it can be sharpened. Choose between a soft, medium, and hard temper. Generally, harder tempers will retain their sharpness the longest while softer styles are easier to sharpen.

Key Shared Features of the Best Dovo Straight Razor

These products have a few shared features that made them stand out:

  • Blade Width. To avoid cutting yourself and to benefit from the best shaving experience, these razors have either a 5/8” or a 6/8” width, which is excellent for beginners as well.
  • Blade Material. The products on our list are made from a high-quality blade which is resistant to both rust and water spots. These high-quality blades are made of stainless steel or carbon steel.
  • The Handle. These razors’ handles are made from steel, ebony, olive wood, or horn and they are very durable.
What You Need to Buy: Your Straight Razor Starting Kit

The shaving market is continually inundated with styles from multiple manufacturers. Keep your grooming game on point with the following products that every good straight razor kit should contain.

Invest in a Great Straight Razor

Let’s start with the basics. To kick off your shaving game, you will need to invest in a great straight edge razor. The blade’s quality is of utmost importance. Ideally, the razor will be high-quality, (somewhat) affordable, easy to find on the market, and straightforward to take care of in terms of maintenance.

When it comes to the construction of the blade, a straight razor is judged by the quality of its steel materials, as well as the shape and size of the blade. As we previously mentioned, a blade that measures ⅝” in size is ideal. The blade’s tip can either be rounded or straight nose in its design. Set aside at least $40 – $60 for the razor.

Don’t Forget a High-Quality Strop

Most men assume that strops are only accessories. Guess again. These leather straps are critical to maintaining the overall care of your straight razor blade. When you are gathering your shaving kit items, invest in a high-quality 2-3” strop.

As we previously mentioned, you use strops to straighten and polish steel shaver blades. Some strops come with a canvas finish and others come with linen. Each strop has unique properties that will breathe some life back into your straight shaver. Remember to wait up to 48 hours after shaving before you strop the blade.

There are three common types of strops: paddle strops, hanging strops, and a loom. All of these strops do the same thing – they straighten and polish the shaver’s blade. Hanging straps are the most popular style. As the name suggests, you fix the strop to an immovable object and stretch it out tight when it is in use.

Varying lengths of strops have their pros and cons. When using a 2” strop, you will need to make ‘x’ patterns when sharpening your blade. If you decide to use a 3” strop, you can use a flat stroke when you are sharpening your blade.

Choose a Shaving Soap Suitable for Your Skin Type

Do you know what your skin type is? Ever since shaving soap made its debut in the 14th century, men can’t seem to live without it. This does not mean that they are using it correctly though. Using the wrong type of shaving soap can cause dry, flaky, and irritated skin. There are many distinctions between shaving soap and the average bar of soap you would buy at the grocery store.

High-quality shaving soaps and creams will moisturize your skin as opposed to drying it out. Opt for a shaving soap that contains ingredients high in fat content (e.g. tallow or vegetable) and glycerin. Glycerin from plant oil helps your skin to retain water and stay hydrated. These soaps provide both protection and lubrication for your skin during the shaving process.

Pick up a High-Quality Shaving Brush

Before shaving brushes were invented, men used to use large sea sponges to lather soap on their faces. When shaving brushes were introduced, these rough sponges quickly became a thing of the past. High-quality shaving brushes offer several benefits.

First, they help to generate a warm and rich lather by whipping air into the shaving soap or cream. Next, they lift the hair off of your face, softening it for shaving. They also heat up the skin, opening the pores to receive the product and adding lubrication to the skin. Last but certainly not least, they help in the exfoliation process by sweeping away dead skin cells.

There is no shortage of options when it comes to finding the right shaving brush. There are brushes made from boar hair, horse hair, badger hair, and synthetic materials.

1. Dovo Inox Straight Razor, Olive Wood Handle ⅝”

We love that the Dovo Inox Straight Razor is ready to go out of the box. This means that you do not have to hassle with any setup and assembly. When you pick up the razor, you will immediately notice that the blade is light, hollow, and sharp. The rounded point makes it a suitable choice for beginners as well as more experienced shavers.

Crafted from stainless steel, this shaver will last you for years to come. The ⅝” blade width is the easiest size to use. Taking a look at the handle, the olive wood looks and feels great. This strong grip will not slip from your hand. While the overall design is simple, we appreciate the quality and care put into the Inox and its aesthetic.

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2. Dovo Knives 985810 Straight Razor

Have you seen anything more aesthetically pleasing than this mother of pearl handle? As one of the more affordable Dovo styles, it is great for those new to straight razor shaving who are on a budget. This is a great product.

It may need to be honed before use. After honing, you can use the razor right away. The Knives 98510 Straight Razor makes shaving a breeze. Keep in mind that it may take a couple of passes in order to achieve a clean, close shave. While those who are new to straight shaving may be frustrated by this, know that even the most experience of straight razor shavers need to do multiple passes.

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3. Dovo Classic ⅝” Straight Razor

The Dovo Classic is an excellent choice for any man looking to get a high-quality razor without breaking the bank. Sold shave-ready, we appreciate how sharp it is when you first take it out of the box. The point here is not just to tell you how sharp it is but also to emphasize how sharp it can be if well-maintained. Compared to other straight razors and manufacturers, Dovo is well-known for producing some of the finest razors on the market. Their high-standing can be attributed to the type of steel they use in their shaver’s construction.

The Dovo Classic ⅝” Straight Razor is made from carbon steel. With this said, we know that it is sturdy yet elastic and fairly resistant to wear. However, carbon steel requires a good deal of maintenance to keep it in prime condition. If you are looking for a low maintenance straight shaver, consider the Dovo Encina. Featuring a half hollow blade, the Dovo Classic is incredibly lightweight, sharp, and easy to use. It is a solid choice for those who are new to straight razor shaving.

After each use, wipe and dry the blade carefully. Do not use or strop the razor up to 48 hours from the past use. If you attempt it, you could risk breaking off the fin from the cutting edge. While you are shaving, the fin will grow slightly and slowly settle back into its original shape. Using the fin before it has returned back to normal will destroy the cutting edge. Taking it to a specialist sharpener is a time consuming and costly process. Avoid it if you can.

While the Dovo classic is a high-quality shaving item, some users have complained about the fact that it uses plastic scales as opposed to wood. This isn’t a deal breaker in our book. However, if you are looking for something that looks nicer or has a better grip, Dovo offers several slightly more expensive models with scales crafted from bamboo, yew wood, olivewood, and more.

No straight razor is easy to use at first. However, we have to say that we are impressed with how well the Dovo Classic handles. A large part of the handling can be attributed to the fact that the blade is only a half hollow instead of a whole hollow. Another reason why it is easy to use is that the blade measures ⅝” (that sweet spot). The smaller the blade is, the easier it is to handle. Many experienced shavers prefer larger blades but we are quite happy with this size.

Last but certainly not least, this product comes in a rounded point as opposed to a sharp one. While straight points are easier to use when trimming, rounded ones help you to avoid getting nicks and cuts. The risk is not quite worth the reward until you are confident using a straight razor. Take your time, practice, and be patient.

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4. Dovo Shavette Straight Razor Steel Handle

This straight razor is the most affordable from our list and an ideal shaving tool for travel. The blade is made of platinum coated stainless steel so it is easy to clean and maintain. It is worth mentioning that this type of razor is a popular choice among professional hairstylists and barbers. The only parts of this straight razor that are not made of metal are the black grip and the red blade holder which increase the maneuverability and protect the blade from scratching.

5. Dovo Straight Razor Carbon, Ebony Wood Handle

This Dovo straight razor is part of our top Dovo straight razor reviews because it is ideal for sensitive skin as it provides a smooth shave to prevent razor bumps and rashes. Also, the 6/8” half hollow ground blade is composed of carbon steel and the handle is made of ebony wood. This razor has a two-year warranty and features a 3″ carbon steel blade that’s made to last. It’s one of the favorite straight razors among barbers.

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6. Dovo Solingen Bismarck Straight Razor

This Dovo Solingen Bismarck is a high-demand straight razor with a 6/8” full hollow carbon steel round point blade. This device is a popular choice for beginners because it has a safe use and provides a comfortable and smooth shave. Besides its black ebony wood handle, it has a 24k golden etching which improves its design. It has an ebony wood handle, a perfectly sculpted tang, and weighs about 50 grams.

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If you are looking for a reliable straight razor, also check out our article on the best straight razors on the market!
How to Decide Which Dovo Razor is Right for You

Deciding which Dovo razor is right for you takes some serious time and consideration. That is why we crafted this Dovo straight razor review list. For those new to the world of straight razor shaving, these options may be overwhelming. Hopefully, this list of our favorite Dovo products helped you to narrow down your search.

While you are browsing, remember to keep your budget in mind. Remember, the upfront costs of getting started with a straight razor kit are expensive. However, once you have all of the products you need, they will last you for a lifetime (with the proper maintenance, of course).

With this said, there are a vast amount of options available to you. The Dovo brand offers an excellent selection of straight razors, so choosing from them will not be a problem. For more than a century, they have produced high-quality shavers that have revolutionized the men’s grooming industry.

Given the above, our list of the best Dovo straight razors relies on customer satisfaction, price, quality, and efficiency. These devices made quite an impression on the market as they are all high-demand and best-buy products.

Jeffrey Arvel
Jeffrey Arvel

Jeffrey is a master in the art of beard care and shaving expertise. With a keen eye for trimming, styling, and the perfect shave, Jeffrey is your go-to guru for all things facial hair. His insights not only ensure a well-groomed beard but also offer invaluable advice for a flawless shaving experience.

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