Thread: Dovo Mammuth

Hi to all

I was wondering if anyone had experience or thoughts about the Dovo Mammuth razor? I really like the idea of mammoth scales, and the price is around $500. Is the blade / scales worth it? Some reviews say the quality isnt so great., however their website says it is their finest blade - some comments say the blade is good but the construction is poor. How would buying this compare with getting a great blade paired by a professional to Mammoth scales as a custom job? I dont know anyone who sells or makes mammoth scales on their own, and do not know what I should expect to pay for a fine blade and mammoth scales. I'd love normal ivory, but it is a little too soon to support the use of ivory... that is why I like mammoth scales... being so long since mammoth have lived, the mammoth obviously wasnt killed for razor scales.



p.s. I know it is trivial, but I also like the etched Mammoth on the blade.

Thanks,

Andrew

I once owned a couple of these, but sold them both. The ivory is thin and is backed by ebony wood to support them, so the scales are heavy. The razor is unbalanced as a result. I think you would be better off buying 5,10,15, vintage blades, select one that shaves the way you like and have it rescaled. The Dovo blade on this razor is a standard blade dressed up in gold and a nice etch. Nothing special.

thanks, appreciate your feedback. Andrew

IMO - for the money you're spending, I'd take the time and find a really nice vintage razor, a big Sheffield blade, or something other in the vintage area. I've heard many mixed reviews about that Mammoth blade, and while I have two Dovo's and they're nice, they don't compare to the vintage blades, or some of the nicer new Thiers Issard's, the Dorko's, the CV, Whacker's, and the list goes on...that's just my opinion, YMMV....

I would not pay that kind of price for a set of scales only.
For that kind of money you can get better blade(s)

Originally Posted by AndrewJM

Hi to all

,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,,, I'd love normal ivory, but it is a little too soon to support the use of ivory... that is why I like mammoth scales... being so long since mammoth have lived, the mammoth obviously wasnt killed for razor scales.



Thanks,

Andrew

,,,,,,,your right they were not killed for razor scales; they were killed for "Uhh-Taah's", that's caveman talk for hand tools. Their tusks/ivory were used to make primative flutes, shelter & I bet there were a few necklaces of mammoth ivory on caveladies who earned them.

I'm willing to bet if a caveman had come across an old Wade & Butcher with busted scales, he would have slapped some mammoth ivory on it.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

,,,,,,,your right they were not killed for razor scales; they were killed for "Uhh-Taah's", that's caveman talk for hand tools. Their tusks/ivory were used to make primative flutes, shelter & I bet there were a few necklaces of mammoth ivory on caveladies who earned them.

I'm willing to bet if a caveman had come across an old Wade & Butcher with busted scales, he would have slapped some mammoth ivory on it.

Lord Thunderin' Jesus...think I'm going to have to call 911, think something just busted inside me I laughed so hard.....

Have a look at what Mammoth Ivory sells for…then comment or make a decision…
Mammoth Bark Ivory Scales

Hi Andrew, it's your money to spend as you will, but I would really recommend a cheaper razor to start with, for a few reasons, first you may decide straight razors aren't for you, in which case you can sell whatever you have bought and had the whole thing cost you too much, second you may damage the razor which won't be so distressing if it is a less costly blade and third you may decide the size and or grind aren't for you and you want something different.
Sorry if I jhst repeated myself from another thread, I can't remember if it was you I already said this to.
But all that being said I do appreciate your keenness for something that is quality and aesthetically pleasing to you, and your desire to not accumulate a whole load of equipment.
Bear in mind that you can usually resell razors if you try and don't like them, so it shouldn't be too costly to get a few and decide on what you like then get it scaled how you like. Or even get a full custom razor if you are so inclined.

Hi Andrew,

As Edhewitt said "it's your money to spend" and he is right. If $500 is not a stretch go for it. Hey a cheaper razor makes sense if your short of cash or want great value for money. Some people drive great looking cars some drive cheap cars, both have value to the owner. If your trying things out $500 seems a lot but $500 is like $10 dollars to some, so it depends where you stand. I love the look and uniqueness of the razor and it will give a good shave.

I have a DOVO Bismarch, it is well made, the blade is buttery smooth (although it does need sharpening out of the box) and it is my favourite razor that I use every other day.

I like vintage razors, but it's a mine field without experience and a New Dovo will definitely do as its supposed to do without the messing around.

Get one, get it sharpened and if its not for you you will be able to sell it for a large proportion of what you paid for it.

Will it be leaps and bound above a budget Dowo or a vintage model, frankly no, but will it put a smile on your face after giving you a smooth shave….more than likely yes….