Thread: Difference between Straight razor companies?

So I decided I am going to go ahead with using a straight razor but I was looking at Dovo's razors and finding most are out of stock. Boker, Thiers Isard are also names that come up and I was wondering which are the best razors of the 3 or is it about preference?

Originally Posted by SovietHawk

So I decided I am going to go ahead with using a straight razor but I was looking at Dovo's razors and finding most are out of stock. Boker, Thiers Isard are also names that come up and I was wondering which are the best razors of the 3 or is it about preference?

They're all great shavers but it's really all about preference. That means you should get one of each!

Originally Posted by anthogia

They're all great shavers but it's really all about preference. That means you should get one of each!

Do not have that much money lying around! I was just curious because Dovo seems to be sold out in a lot of places I look at but these other companies seem to keep stock but same time are slightly more expensive.

Dovo is probably the largest and best known making razors present day. Certainly they are quality pieces as are the TIs. The others are old names who stopped making razors some time ago and recently resurrected their razor manufacture. Some are the original outfits and some are just bought names. You need to read reports from our members on them and then you make up your mind.

Originally Posted by SovietHawk

Do not have that much money lying around! I was just curious because Dovo seems to be sold out in a lot of places I look at but these other companies seem to keep stock but same time are slightly more expensive.

Yeah I was just kidding- lol. Dovo seems to be the starter razor for many- it was for me- as they have the "Best Quality" which only costs like 100 usd. The other ones like you see are more expensive, but imho not of any different or better quality. I have a few of each and personally like the Bokers, but really will not turn up my nose at any of them!

If I had to choose of only those 3 I would say a dovo. Over all quality/value is probably the best over all. If I had a chance to buy a first razor again, knowing what I know now, I would look to get a 6/8 Sheffield 1/2 hollow at a reasonable cost.... Restored shave ready under $200.
For a beginners skill set I feel that would be the best razor in the hands of a beginner. Ymmv

You should also check out the classifieds section on this site, there's some great restored vintage razors that are great shavers for sale.

I have heard Dovo only makes 150 straight razors a day. The new interest in straight razors will bring increased production and some more manufacturers I would imagine. TI are great as well. I don't have a broker so I couldn't comment on it. Get a shave ready vintage then. I have lots of 100 year old razors with a 100 years left to go. They shave as good as a new one. Mine are not for sale, but you can find many here in classifieds or buy new on SRD.

As noted, those are all fine razors, and they carry a pretty price tag.

If you're just starting out and have money to burn, dive in to any one of those pools and have fun. Having said that, don't assume the price tag gets you a shave ready razor. I strongly recommend giving more consideration to the source than the brand name. Buying from one of the well know resellers will yield you a really nice razor to start with, and increase the odds it will be shave ready. The Classifieds are a great place to start.. Good selection, across price ranges, reputable people with the desire to foster growth in the hobby. So it's more likely shave ready, really is.

Buy Vintage,mint, off the SRP Classifieds.Not dissin dovo,but in the past 6mos, have been many issues by SRP members.
Would not be my recomendation at this time.JMO