Dovo "Diamant" Straight Razor: A Cut Above the Rest

In a world of disposable cartridges and electric shavers, the art of traditional wet shaving with a straight razor might seem like a relic of the past. But for discerning gentlemen who appreciate quality, precision, and a touch of old-world charm, the straight razor offers an unparalleled shaving experience. The Dovo “Diamant” straight razor, handcrafted in Solingen, Germany, embodies this tradition of excellence, combining centuries-old craftsmanship with modern materials and design.

Overview

The Dovo “Diamant” is a classic straight razor featuring a 5/8” full hollow ground blade made from high-quality carbon steel. The full hollow grind provides flexibility and a keen edge for a close, comfortable shave. The blade is coated in black for added rust resistance and a sleek aesthetic. The olivewood handles offer a comfortable grip and a touch of natural elegance.

Design Philosophy - Tradition Meets Modernity

The Dovo “Diamant” embodies the philosophy of combining traditional craftsmanship with modern innovation. The razor is handcrafted in Solingen, Germany, a city renowned for its centuries-long tradition of blade making. DOVO continues this legacy by employing skilled artisans who meticulously craft each razor with attention to detail. The use of modern materials like carbon steel and the black blade coating ensures durability and performance for the modern gentleman.

Blade Material: Carbon Steel for Superior Sharpness

The Dovo “Diamant” features a blade crafted from high-quality carbon steel. Carbon steel is known for its ability to take a very sharp edge, making it ideal for straight razors.

A Deeper Dive into Steel:

• Carbon steel: A type of steel that contains a significant amount of carbon, making it harder and able to hold a sharper edge than stainless steel. However, carbon steel is more susceptible to rust and requires proper care. This is why DOVO has added the black blade coating to the “Diamant” - to provide some added protection against rust. Some users have noted that the black coating can wear off with use, revealing the silver steel underneath. This is normal and does not affect the performance of the razor.

Blade Grind: Full Hollow for Flexibility and Closeness

The “Diamant” has a full hollow grind. This creates a thinner and more flexible blade, allowing it to closely follow the contours of your face for a smoother, more comfortable shave.

• Full hollow grind: A blade grind where the sides of the blade are concave. This grind is preferred for straight razors as it allows for a closer shave and easier stropping. However, it also means the blade is more delicate and requires careful handling to avoid damage.

Blade Width: 5/8” for Maneuverability

The Dovo “Diamant” has a 5/8” blade width. This is a popular size for straight razors, offering a good balance between maneuverability and cutting efficiency.

• Blade width: The width of the blade affects its stability and maneuverability. Wider blades (6/8” and above) are generally considered more stable and better for beginners, while narrower blades (5/8” and below) offer more maneuverability for experienced users.

Blade Head: Round Head for Added Safety

The “Diamant” features a round head blade. This classic design is known for its safety and ease of use, making it a good choice for beginners.

• Blade head: The shape of the blade head affects the razor’s shaving characteristics. Round head razors are considered safer and easier to use, while square head razors offer more aggressive shaving and are preferred by experienced users.

Handle Material: The Warmth of Olivewood

The handles of the Dovo “Diamant” are crafted from olivewood, a dense and durable hardwood with a beautiful grain. Olivewood is prized for its natural oils, which provide a smooth, comfortable grip and a warm, inviting feel.

Why Olivewood?

• Durability: Olivewood is a hardwood known for its strength and resistance to wear and tear.
• Aesthetics: The unique grain patterns of olivewood make each handle a one-of-a-kind piece of art. However, it’s important to note that the color and grain of the olivewood handles can vary significantly from razor to razor. Some users have expressed disappointment that the handles they received were not as dark or richly colored as the ones pictured online.
• Comfort: The natural oils in olivewood provide a smooth and comfortable grip.

Black Blade Coating: Added Rust Resistance

The “Diamant” features a black blade coating. This coating provides added protection against rust, making the razor more durable and easier to maintain.

• Black blade coating: This is a protective coating applied to the blade to prevent rust. It is often used on carbon steel blades, which are more susceptible to rust than stainless steel blades. However, the coating can wear off with use, especially at the edge of the blade.

Gold Etching: A Touch of Elegance

The blade of the “Diamant” is adorned with gold etching. This adds a touch of elegance to the razor and highlights the craftsmanship of DOVO.

• Gold etching: This is a decorative element that is often found on high-quality straight razors. It involves etching a design into the blade and then filling it with gold.

Made in Solingen: A Legacy of Craftsmanship

The Dovo “Diamant” proudly bears the “Made in Solingen” mark, a testament to its quality and craftsmanship. Solingen, Germany, has been a hub of blade making for centuries, renowned for its skilled artisans and high standards. DOVO continues this tradition by handcrafting each razor in Solingen, ensuring that every “Diamant” meets the highest standards of quality and performance.

Shave-Ready Convenience: Ready to Use Out of the Box

The Dovo “Diamant” arrives shave-ready, meaning it has been honed and stropped at the factory and is ready to use right out of the box. This is a significant advantage for beginners who may not yet be comfortable with honing and stropping their own razors.

Honing vs. Stropping:

• Honing: The process of sharpening a razor using a honing stone to refine the edge and remove any nicks or imperfections.
• Stropping: The process of polishing and aligning the edge of a razor using a leather strop. This is done before each shave to maintain the sharpness of the blade. While the “Diamant” comes shave-ready, it will eventually require honing and stropping to maintain its sharpness.

Packaging: Classic DOVO Box

The Dovo “Diamant” is presented in a classic DOVO box. This provides a safe and stylish way to store and protect your razor when not in use.

Conclusion

The Dovo “Diamant” straight razor is a masterpiece of craftsmanship that combines traditional techniques with modern materials. It offers a superior shaving experience, allowing you to achieve a close, comfortable shave while enjoying the ritual and satisfaction of a time-honored tradition. Whether you are a seasoned wet shaver or a newcomer looking to elevate your grooming routine, the Dovo “Diamant” is a worthy investment that will provide years of exceptional performance and enjoyment.