Thread: Dovo Bismarck 6/8

I know there is a lot of enthusiasm for the Bismarck, and I'm sure it is a fine razor; however, you asked for opinions so I'll give you mine.

As a first SR, that is NOT the way I would go. You're paying extra for the fancy spine and Gold wash as well as the "flair" of the design in the tang and thumb notch, which as Obie has said can cause complications for a new SR shaver. I have 11 SRs, and each feels a little different in my hand. If I were you, I'd start with one of the less "dramatic" designs like a 5/8 or 6/8 Ralf Aust or Boker. Both can be had for less than the Bismarck and are more "standard" designs. I also think the Austs can't be beat for quality and value. If you're hung up on Dovo, go less fancy for starters. This probably won't be your last purchase of a SR.

Like I said, JMO. Whatever you do, enjoy yourself!

No, I wouldn't say that. I don't think there is any difference with a modern well finished wooden handle. I have both. No Difference.

Originally Posted by Icarusflies

Would you say than a wood handle would be significantly harder to maintain than a plastic one as I think the Bismarck has.

Thanks

Look at the Classifieds . There are a couple of beauties that just showed up there! http://straightrazorpalace.com/class...wcat.php?cat=3

Originally Posted by Icarusflies

Would you say than a wood handle would be significantly harder to maintain than a plastic one as I think the Bismarck has.

Thanks

For your first straight razor, keep it simple. There is plenty of time to explore fancy razors with exotic handles.

I realize I should start with something simple but since I want to see the razor in hand before I purchase it my options are very limited. The simplest, most economical razors that the stores where I am carry are the Bismarck, The Astrus, The black star and the astrale all from Dovo. Then the price jumps 3 folds.

Would it be safe to assume than a Dovo blade is a good blade at any price range and then you are paying for the material of the scales and the aesthetic design of the blade?

I'm not sure where you are, but lots of us had no opportunity to handle the razor we were buying first, so we ordered well known brands from reputable vendors who offered truly shave ready honed razors. Most retail outlets don't do that, and those that say they do often mean they're selling factory edges, which can be (usually) less than good. Dovo is a known manufacturer, but are known to deliver their razors to retailers in a less than true shave ready state.

You need to be comfortable with your purchase, so, taking the advice here, do what you think suits you. What suited me was starting with a Ralf Aust from SRD, which delivers it honed by Lynn Abrams, and includes a free re-honing when it needs it. To me, that was worth the $125 I spent, and the risk of not handling it first. I did the same in a different size for my second and a Lynn honed Boker as my third. A dovo was my 4th Abrams honed razor and it performed like the others, but I paid more for the look and extra hollow grind, singing blade. I now have 11 or 12 after 2 years...all different, many vintage, all loved, some favorites.

Whatever you do, enjoy the adventure.

Originally Posted by Icarusflies

I realize I should start with something simple but since I want to see the razor in hand before I purchase it my options are very limited. The simplest, most economical razors that the stores where I am carry are the Bismarck, The Astrus, The black star and the astrale all from Dovo. Then the price jumps 3 folds.

Would it be safe to assume than a Dovo blade is a good blade at any price range and then you are paying for the material of the scales and the aesthetic design of the blade?

I have two Dovos, one at either end of the "quality" spectrum..aka price spectrum
my first razor was a Dovo Best Quality 5/8 and I also have a Dove Flowing 6/8
I like them both, the 5/8 is now my travel razor and the 6/8 is for special occasions as it
has sentimental value. They are both good blades. However, I enjoy the post shave feel of the 6/8 more and I also find it requires touching up less frequently...but that may also be psychological as I baby it.

To be honest. I would choose to learn on the 5/8 every time. It has served me very well and now that I know my shaving style and what I want out of a blade I can branch out and get those fancy razors I wanted when I started out!
two more things that are important that have not been mentioned

1. Dovo's DO NOT come shave ready from factory. Be sure to get yours honed first....
2. no matter what scales (handle) are on your razor, DO NOT get water on or in them...I did not know that when I learned and that 5/8 best quality is now worse for wear because of it!

hope that helps...good luck man, its a fun ride!

ps. my next "fancy" razor will probably be a Ralf Aust. I've heard a whole lotta good things about them

Originally Posted by Icarusflies

I realize I should start with something simple but since I want to see the razor in hand before I purchase it my options are very limited. The simplest, most economical razors that the stores where I am carry are the Bismarck, The Astrus, The black star and the astrale all from Dovo. Then the price jumps 3 folds.

Would it be safe to assume than a Dovo blade is a good blade at any price range and then you are paying for the material of the scales and the aesthetic design of the blade?

Icarusflies,

Purchase from a reputable vendor that offers you a shave ready razor. Of course, there is no way you can have your razor in hand purchasing online. You do see a photo, however, and that should be enough from a reputable vendor. While I am against sight-unseen packages and kits offered, the vendors noted on Straight Razor Place show you a photo of what you're buying.

Years ago, I had the Dovo Black Start and it was a handsome razor and a good shaver. I also suggest the Ralf Aust razors. Try Straight Razor Designs; their razors come shave ready.

If you are really stuck on the Bismarck, SRD has it for about $150 shave ready, and it comes with a free re-honing when it needs it. Buy it there!

Thank you all for the replays.