Dominic
Florence, Az

May 14, 2026

Pros: Durability, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Excellent razor

This is the first straight razor ive owned. Stays soooo sharp and its exactly what I needed. So accurate compared to the regular disposable razors when it comes to keeping a straight line.

John
Canada, B.C. near Vancouver

Apr 12, 2011

Pros: Overall Quality, Durability

Cons: None

Just learning

Iam new to shaving with a straight razor so iam still learning to sharpen and strop a straight razor. So iam getting better as it goes. Happy with the look of the razor. I thought the price was good too and Knifecenter also gave me a discount on the shipping which was nice.

Fc
Arizona

Jan 10, 2024

Pros: Durability, Overall Quality

Cons: None

Shaved Everyday for 5 years with this Razor

The steel in this razor is exactly the same as in the very top of the line carbon steel Dovo razors. They’re forged, heat treated, ground and assembled. The major difference is the quality of the scales. Gold trim, lettering, etc. The workmen spend more time assembling the more expensive pieces. I shaved with this basic Dovo Razor for 5 years and the scales broke just today. You might ask yourself what caused this failure? Two the most common reasons for failures of plastic scales: 1. Putting any type of solvent on the pivot area of the razor. Gun oil, 3 in 1 oil, any oil that has petroleum distillates in it or alcohol will cause a premature failure. Go to a barber supply and get clipper oil and use it and you will be fine. 2. Stropping the razor by holding the scales. When stropping a razor you hold it by the tang. The area between the end of the blade and the pivot point of the razor. If you strop it by holding the handle/scales the plastic scales will snap in no time at the pivot point of the razor. 3. Time and use. No much can be done about this one. Don’t throw the razor out. It’s still good. Buy a new set of scales and install them yourself. It’s not hard to do. Purchase the predrilled type and it will be an easy assembly. I purchased a set of upscale macarta scales for this purpose and now the razor will most likely last for? Till the day you die. You can leave it to your grandson. The more you use the razor the better it seems to get. I don’t know if it’s your skill’s improving or the seasoning of the steel in the razor. It’s an unknown but it’s there.

Frank
Arizona

Mar 17, 2022

Pros: Durability

Cons: None

Top Notch Tool Steel Razor

This is a top notch razor. I've had one for over 5 years and used it everyday. Don't under estimate this razor! It will shave your face smooth as a mirror. The major qualifying difference is who hones, sharpens and strops the razor. You must learn how to hone and strop the razor. It's learned through experience. The more you use this razor the better and sharper it will become and shave. You will never go back to double edged or store bought plastic throw away razors. You might as well rub a file across you face each morning. Plastic razors you purchase are manufactured in less than desirable places by totally unskilled people. Who could care less. Many times a nick from a Nasty commercial plastic razor results in a severe infection. Like a snake bite. There is nothing cleaner than a straight razor shave. You may consider buying a "Barbers' Bottle" to disinfect your razor before each use. Then you know it is surgically clean before you ever touch it to your face........... Down side: Due to the razor being made from tool steel, it requires more care. Make sure it's clean, dry, and oiled be for storage. This prevents rust, etc.........

Woz
Dallas,Tejas

Jun 03, 2011

Pros: None

Cons: None

best price for first straight razor

This is the first Strait razor I have purchased it seems good to me, its good because don't have much money tied up in it. The first one I purchased broke but I had it replaced it because I had not been used it. I bought a Thiers-Issard replacement handle incase the handle brakes some how on my replacement. The replacement handle I bought does not have the center stop pin as the original on the one I purchased. I’ve used it about three times now and haven’t had any problems shaving, just getting over the fact it’s a sharp object close my face. I will have to start look into buying a strop and water stone so when it starts to dull.

Josh
Bloomington, Il

Feb 26, 2010

Pros: Overall Quality, Durability

Cons: None

DOVO Black Handle Best Value 5/8" Straight Razor Full Hollow Ground

the blade came pretty much shave ready. all i had to do was strop it a bit and it gave a really close and clean shave. i would recommend it to those who are looking for a first straight razor and for veterans alike.

Kaplan
Arlington, VA

Apr 05, 2011

Pros: Overall Quality

Cons: None

solingen

I used to have a changable straight razor which did not allow for any mistakes so this is a whole better instrument because you can literally feel your way as you shave. I like the handle, it is unassuming and looks better in real. Reading few previous comments about dovo, i got a leather strop as well, youtube videos will help you on how to do it properly. I know it is kind of biased to rate it 5 as this is my first, but overall very pleased.

Amber
Aliso Viejo, Ca

Aug 05, 2011

Pros: Overall Quality, Durability

Cons: None

great

This is a great razor for a beginner. I bought this for my boyfriend and he loves it. It came highly recommended by the art of manliness website. I don't think it came sharpened... or my boyfriend made it dull the first time he used it. But now it is sharpened and he gets a closer shave then he ever has. Very happy with my purchase.

Vernon Jenewein
Fennville, MI

May 08, 2011

Pros: Overall Quality, Durability

Cons: None

Excellent straight razor - Hone B4 using

I honed it and stropped it and shaves excellent. It will not come fully shave ready from the factory, but a little time on a hone(s), which you can buy here, will get it shave ready in no time. I suggest honing at the 4,000 grit level with tape on the spine to protect it and then moving up to 8000 grit and 12,000 grit. Swaty Barber Hones and some Japanese hones are excellent to finish the razor with.

Nm
CA

Jul 15, 2010

Pros: None

Cons: None

Satisfied

This is my very first straight razor, so take my review with a grain of salt as I do not have a lot of experience to gauge this item. After one week and a half of using it my shave is comfortable and precise. I did re-polish the blade on a 8000 grit whetstone after 4 days of use, and it seemed to improve the sharpness of the blade and the comfort level, altho my shaving skill has also increased a lot in that timeframe. The razor itself is nice without being fancy... Unpretentious and to the point. I can see myself sticking to this razor forever, which I guess is a nice compliment.

Bermuda Ben
pa

Mar 28, 2011

Pros: Durability

Cons: None

love it

this is my first straight razor and i have to say is great for first timers. the plastic handle seems cheap but it doesn't affect how well the razor performs in its intended job.

Luis A
east haven ,CT

Nov 18, 2010

Pros: Overall Quality

Cons: None

great shave!

this razor did come ready to shave however it did not pass the hanging hair test, i honed it with about 15-20 strokes each side on a very very fine paddle hone and it was all set.. it passed the hair test with out a sound..very close shave and awesome sharpness!

Robin
Gainesville, VA

Oct 24, 2009

Pros: Overall Quality

Cons: Overall Quality

Very good value

Did not come ready to shave, but didn't expect it to. The excellent steel in this razor takes an edge easily and provides a fine shave. Overall it is very well made with jimps on top and bottom and a built-in 3rd pin stop. You definitely won't go wrong with this razor if you are looking for solid value and features. Blade had a cosmetic rough spot on the point that was no big deal.

Dave
western springs, illinois

Jun 13, 2010

Pros: Overall Quality

Cons: None

good.

it is good, but the edge is very sensitive so be careful.

Zach
KS

Jun 19, 2009

Pros: Overall Quality, Durability

Cons: None

really nice finish on this blade, comes almost ready to shave with just needs a little sharpening and the handle pin is nice and tight for a good feel when using it.

Firefox2010
Texas

Dec 24, 2010

Pros: None

Cons: Overall Quality, Durability

get a grip!

Wasn't really shave ready it needed to be honed and the third time I shaved with it the scales broke. Now I need a new handle. Come on!

Adam
, Miami, FL

Dec 12, 2021

Pros: None

Cons: Overall Quality

Warped blade

Was really excited to get my first straight razor. Did a lot of research and landed on the Dovo "Best Quality" as a good beginner blade. Unfortunately, it should have been labeled "Worst Quality," as the blade was dull as a butter knife out of the box and worse, was badly warped, so that it could not be properly honed without removing a massive amount of material (and thus years of service). I know because I tried. Hopefully KnifeCenter will take it back.

Bill Kirkland
Canal Fulton, OH

Nov 24, 2009

Pros: Durability

Cons: Overall Quality

Poor quality

Razor was not honed properly.

Jklavs
Missouri

Oct 14, 2017

Pros: None

Cons: Overall Quality, Durability

Inferior handle

The steel and edge might be great, but it's waisted effort with the less than 3rd rate plastic handle. It broke from normal use within months. I regret buying this.