Experience the timeless elegance of traditional wet shaving with the DOVO Shavette Blade Razor, a premium-quality grooming tool trusted by barbers and shaving enthusiasts alike.
Designed for those seeking a classic straight razor experience without the hassle of honing or stropping, this replaceable blade straight razor combines German engineering with modern convenience.
Perfect for professionals and beginners, the DOVO Shavette delivers an incredibly close, smooth, and precise shave.
With its ergonomic design, durable construction, and easy blade replacement system, it’s ideal for anyone looking to elevate their grooming routine. Discover why the DOVO Shavette is a top-rated choice in the world of wet shaving.
Check price on AmazonThe DOVO Solingen Legacy
The DOVO Shavette Blade Razor is a product of DOVO Solingen, a company steeped in tradition and quality since its establishment in 1906.
Based in Solingen, Germany, famously known as the “City of Blades,” DOVO has dedicated over a century to the development, design, and production of high-quality razors and other cutlery.
DOVO’s core philosophy is a “Striving for perfection”. This commitment is evident in every single DOVO product, which are often referred to as “Masterpieces in steel” by users globally.
The creation of their straight razors is an intricate process, requiring more than 100 steps for a single knife. It takes years of experience to master each step of production, ensuring that every DOVO knife is unique and a testament to the art of shaving culture.
The expertise refined over generations allows DOVO to consistently exceed the high standards of the Solingen Ordinance, a mark of unparalleled quality and precision.
Precision Engineering and Thoughtful Design
The DOVO Shavette Blade Razor is a disposable blade straight razor, often referred to as a “shavette”. This design distinguishes it from traditional straight razors by utilizing replaceable blades, which means it does not require the labor of honing and stropping that traditional straight razors do.
This feature is a significant advantage, particularly for beginners or those seeking a lower-maintenance shaving routine.
Blade Compatibility and Holding System
The DOVO Shavette is remarkably versatile, compatible with both Longer Dovo Edge Razor Blades and any Standard Double Edge Razor Blade.
The razor comes with an aluminium blade carrier, which is a key component of its design. According to customer feedback, the item can come with different blade holders:
- A red holder for half of a regular double edge razor blade.
- A black closed comb holder for half of a long double edge razor blade.
- A black open comb holder for a long double edge razor blade.
Some customers have noted that the product ships with two black blade holders (one with a comb style) and includes a long blade and a standard double-edge blade, but sometimes without the red holder necessary for the standard-sized blade.
Despite this, the system for holding the blade in place is generally regarded as “pretty solid”, ensuring the blade won’t shift or slide during use and is “very easy to clean”.
A professional barber noted that the blade loading system is “good and as far as i know unique to this particular brand,” and appreciated that the edge of the blade is “really close to the end of the shavette,” which is excellent for precise shaving.
While some found the plastic blade holder “very hard to pull out” when loaded, others mentioned that the blade holder might have some “wiggle room” but that it did not affect their shave.
Construction, Design, and Ergonomics
The DOVO Shavette is available in a Silver Aluminum color. Its design is generally well-received, with customers noting it “looks good” and “fits nicely in hand”. The razor also features a rubber grip on the handle, enhancing comfort and control during use.
The product dimensions are 6 x 4 x 6 inches, and it weighs a mere 0.8 ounces. The weight of the razor has elicited mixed reviews from customers.
Some appreciate its “lightweight” nature, finding it easy to handle. One reviewer even noted that the lighter feel makes it “easier to feel which areas are stubble free,” providing a unique “gritty sensation” that helps guide the shave.
Conversely, other users wished it had more weight, finding that it “does not handle like a regular straight razor”. Despite being lightweight, some customers describe it as “well made” and “sturdy”.
However, there are also mixed opinions on its build quality, with some finding it “flimsy” or noting “poor quality” plastic inserts. It is important to note that a professional barber found it to be “very well made”.
Unique Safety Feature
A key design aspect is a tiny protrusion on the plastic piece that holds the blade in place, which covers the corner of the blade.
This feature is highly valued by some users, as it significantly reduces the likelihood of nicks, especially for those who commonly experience cuts from the blade’s corner.
Additionally, the razor sleeve is designed to create an angle with the blade, which can help prevent serious injuries, provided the user exercises care.
Key Benefits and Customer Endorsements: Why Choose the DOVO Shavette?
The DOVO Shavette Blade Razor is highly praised for several core benefits, making it a standout choice for both seasoned shavers and newcomers.
Exceptional Shave Quality
One of the most frequently highlighted benefits is the outstanding shave quality it provides. Customers consistently report that the razor delivers a “REALLY close shave”, noting its effectiveness for achieving a smooth finish.
Many appreciate it as a “Great little razor” for those looking to experience a straight razor shave without the high cost and maintenance of traditional options.
It’s particularly lauded as an “excellent neck shaving tool for barbers” and a valuable instrument for student barbers, offering “great shave” and “easy handling”.
Outstanding Value for Money
The DOVO Shavette is recognized for its “good value for money”, with many customers stating it offers “the best quality for the price”. It provides the experience of a straight razor shave at an “inexpensive” price point, especially when compared to hand-forged straight razors. This affordability, combined with its performance, makes it a sensible investment for exploring wet shaving without a significant financial commitment.
Seamless Functionality
Users find that the razor “works well” and delivers “fantastic results”. Despite some differing opinions on its aesthetic finish, its performance is consistently praised, with one customer noting that “in typical German fashion, it is very well made and works great”.
Its ease of cleaning is also a strong point, as removing the blade holder and rinsing is simple. For those looking to transition to straight razor shaving without the “labor” of honing and stropping, the DOVO Shavette proves to be an “excellent product”.
It also contributes to cost savings over time, as using it can be cheaper than subscribing to services like Dollar Shave Club.
Ideal for Beginners
A significant advantage of the DOVO Shavette is its suitability for those new to straight shaving. It is widely described as a “great starter shavette” and an “entry-level razor”.
Unlike traditional straight razors, which require considerable skill and specialized tools for sharpening and maintenance (like strops), the shavette uses disposable blades, eliminating the need for complex honing and stropping techniques.
This “low maintenance way to begin wet shaving” makes the learning curve more manageable. While beginners might experience initial cuts and redness, customers attest that with practice, a “thorough shave without cuts and redness is no problem at all” and even becomes enjoyable.
Versatile Performance
Beyond facial shaving, some customers highlight its versatility, calling it the “best multi purpose razor ever built” for both shaving and “razor hair cut” applications.
Its ability to accept both shorter and longer blades, along with the provision of different blade holders, further enhances its adaptability for various shaving needs.
Mastering the Art of the Wet Shave: Your Guide to Using the DOVO Shavette
Achieving a superior wet shave with the DOVO Shavette is an art that becomes easier with practice and the right preparation.
While traditional straight razors require pre-shave stropping, it is important to note that the DOVO Shavette, as a replaceable blade razor, does not require this step.
Instead, focus on inserting your chosen disposable blade into the appropriate holder, ensuring it is securely seated before sliding it into the razor handle.
Preparation Ritual
Proper preparation is crucial, as dry beard hair can be as thick as copper wire. Begin by letting your beard hair soak thoroughly with a good soap.
When applying shaving foam, start with the moustache and chin areas, as these are often the most critical and benefit from extended exposure.
Then, cover your neck and cheeks until your entire face is covered with foam. Allow the foam to soften your beard hair for approximately 5 minutes.
For an even better prep, consider using pre-shave oil and plenty of hot water, or even applying a warm, semi-wet towel from the microwave to help open your pores.
Shaving Technique
When ready to shave, ensure you are not in a hurry, heavily caffeinated, or under any influence that might impair your focus and steady hand.
- Angle: Set your DOVO Shavette at a 30-degree angle to your skin.
- Skin Tension: With your free hand, pull the targeted skin areas taut and straight. This creates a flat surface, essential for preventing nicks and achieving a clean shave. For areas like the chin and jaw, make “grimaces” or stretch your skin particularly tight to smooth out wrinkles and navigate curves more easily.
- Strokes: Use short, controlled pulls or strokes. Begin with smoother areas such as your cheeks or neck.
- Direction: Always work with the grain (the direction your hair grows) for the first pass. Ensure you always move the knife towards the cutting edge, never along it, to avoid injury.
- Second Pass (Optional): If a closer shave is desired, you can perform a second pass against the grain.
- Cleaning the Blade: During your shave, you can wipe your razor on a soft cloth or briefly hold it under water to free it from hair and soap residues. Crucially, do not touch the edge of the blade.
