Thread: Dovo 6/8 Bismarck pearl

Had a modern production Bismark, thought it shaved like wounded animal. It was 'professionally honed' too. I think you are always gambling when it comes to razors. You might get a good one and you might not. I have had one good TI out of four purchases. I have had one good DOVO out of 3 purchases. I have had one good Hart out of two purchases. I have purchased one Aust that shaved like crap. I have had one Boker that was a good shaver. Some of the bad ones were still ok. They shaved, but it was like night and day in comparison to the really good ones. The best one had to the be the Hart and the worst was the Aust. I put Hart in first probably because I like 1/4 hollow grinds, but the Boker (a full hollow 6/8) comes in at a close second.

Oh, I am not salty and I am not old...well, I am not old compared to some of the folks on here.

Thanks for all the great insight. Now to the questions above. My price range is around 160 (depending on the wife's mood). I'm not to experienced with the effect grind, presence/absence of a shoulder, or blade width has on a shave. Ive got a 6/8 hollow and have had pretty good success (it aesthetically atrocious however). At my rate of purchase, Ill be only buying one razor a year-ish (at this price) and don't want to end up with a dud. Sounds like there is some variability with the QA out of Dovo and other brands. Ill go swing by the classifieds and keep in mind the above. I guess its time I step out of my comfort zone and start enjoying the hunt as much as the shave. Thanks again Gents.

I purchased all razors pictured in last six months. All shave like gems. The Dovo Bismarck was my first quality purchase too. Love them all. Learn to hone yourself. Strop like a madman.

If you buy from the classifieds, do not be afraid to ask a lot of questions before you buy it. Classifieds are not 100% guarantee that you will get a really good razor. You might get an acceptable razor, but not a stellar one. Acceptable razors are fine, but they might be tricky to hone or need more finesse when using them. A really good razor will make you wonder why didn't you start using one sooner. First time I shaved with a really good razor, dialed in correctly the heavens opened up and angels were singing.

I'm not allowed salt these days but I am fairly old. I have owned 2 maybe 3 Dovo's and they were all pretty good but that doesn't mean you can't get a lemon. I've owned maybe 100 or more razors of many different brands and except for 1 they all shaved well after a proper honing. My first was honed by one of the best and the only problem I had with them was me. I've learned that some blades like to lay flatter to the face than others to get a good shave. The ones I have now I have to look at and remember what they like. My wedge's shave different than my extra hollow blades. it may be just finding what the blade likes.

Originally Posted by Longhaultanker

I purchased all razors pictured in last six months. All shave like gems. The Dovo Bismarck was my first quality purchase too. Love them all. Learn to hone yourself. Strop like a madman.

Looks a lot like a little bit of my collection....especially your Bergischer Lowe...which aesthetically may be my favorite of all....but I barely ever use because I don't want to strop away any of the gold wash.

I am not answering your specific question but my first razor was a modern day Dovo Gentleman. Great little 5/8 full hollow razor. Is it my best and most consistent razor? No. But is it a razor I would buy again? Yes. It works and shaves well if I do my part.

So to the Dovo Pearl...............make sure it is honed by a reputable honer and you maintain it correctly and it should be a great shaver.

Okay, ball in your court. Good luck and remember, you cannot always judge by others experience.

I thought about a Dovo Bismarck a while ago and then saw the Boker Elite.
Similar price I think.


In the end I decided to go vintage and spent a few weeks looking at the various auction sites.
I found this beauty for half the price of a new Boker or Dovo.


If you're not in a hurry, check the Classifieds etc and even get in touch with a local razor group
or someone who is willing to mentor you and lives in your area.
Might be an idea to alter your profile and give your specific location

My first razor was the 5/8 Dovo Pearlex from SRD. It was nice to learn with, and I have no complaints, but when I got an RA 7/8, I found my new workhorse. I use it nearly every day. So, another vote for RA over the Dovo.

Originally Posted by Denvernoob

Looks a lot like a little bit of my collection....especially your Bergischer Lowe...which aesthetically may be my favorite of all....but I barely ever use because I don't want to strop away any of the gold wash.

I saw a video not long ago advocating using tape to protect spines with gold washes when stroping. I don't, but worth a try. Others might offer something on that. I bought my razors to use, not just look at.