Thread: Dovo Bismarck 6/8 Pearl

Nothing wrong with Superior Shave you know - just availability. The fact that Shaving Style sends them honed and ready is a big plus.

Originally Posted by swurster

I too saw that vendor but I was worried about issues with international shipping and also possible customs charges. I looked into the customs and as long as you're under $200 it appears that you don't have to pay a duty for this merchandise.

If you don't mind me asking, did you have any issues with receiving it, and about how long did the shipping take?

I've had to pay customs many times now on razors or other items that came in that were under $200.00 and even under $100.00. Last week, checked the tracking on a razor, diverted to customs, arrived two days later with a duty bill.

So don't rely on a cost barrier, anything that you don't pay duty on can be collected upon, just part of playing the game I guess...good luck!

If you don't mind sharing, what were your customs costs? I believe the US Customs duty calculator cited ~4% but qualified that shaving razors under $200 were exempt. go figure. Interested to see how much they are though and I wondered how the charges would be collected so thanks! Could be they weren't marked properly or possibly the inspector didn't know the full regs (it happens).

Originally Posted by Phrank

I've had to pay customs many times now on razors or other items that came in that were under $200.00 and even under $100.00. Last week, checked the tracking on a razor, diverted to customs, arrived two days later with a duty bill.

So don't rely on a cost barrier, anything that you don't pay duty on can be collected upon, just part of playing the game I guess...good luck!

and BTW, Thank you for your service cubancigar2000 - I've worked with the Marines for many years and have the highest respect. Tip of the spear...

Originally Posted by Ryan82

At one point the Bismarck (and all other Dovo models) was readily available, but considering the current Dovo production issues this might be the best bet for someone looking to buy one.

BTW, the prices sure have risen..... I won't even mention what I paid for mine

I don't want to hijack the thread, but what is going on with Dovo's production lately?

Originally Posted by rkuchenbecker

I don't want to hijack the thread, but what is going on with Dovo's production lately?

It's not just Dovo, Thiers-Issard and many of the big brands are badly back ordered as well.

Last summer I was talking with the an owner of a shop, and was told back orders were approx 10 months. And that when he got razors, they were in spurts and only of the less popular brands. TI is the same. When he get's a few nice TI's in, they're usually gone within hours, and these are $300 + cost blades.

When I used to shop around, you could pretty much get anything you wanted, when you wanted it, I'm lucky, I got the new production blades I wanted when I started. Now, it'll be a long wait from what I hear.

Having said that, there are alternatives, and if I had to pick one out for a new production blade, and they carry some nice vintage blades as well, I'd go hands down with Revisor, superb blades and lots of choices in models and sizes.

I'll second the Revisor. Purchased one from them a couple of years ago and it's quite a piece of work. Just have to factor in the exchange rate from the Euro but if you're in the U.S. the VAT is taken off the price. Kind of a bonus.

Hey just a thank you to User64!
I ended up purchasing from shaving_style on ebay and got a pretty good deal on a Dovo Bismarck and my son purchased a Dovo Special: Dovo "Special" 5 8" Straight Razor with Faux Tortoise Scale | eBay
I'm pretty sure the duty issue was correct (shaving products under $200 are duty free according to US Customs site). We ordered separately just in case and the razors arrived super fast (like 5 business days) and without a duty due. In any case thanks to all the posters and OP for helping another SR addict feed the obsession.