Thread: Dovo 6/8 Bismarck pearl

I'll give a different answer then.

I have a Dovo Bismarck, black scales with the faux MOP inlay, and I have to say, it's the worst performing razor I have. Thinking it was my technique, possibly a flawed edge, I've had it honed twice by two different pro honers, and it still leaves scattered patches of whiskers even after a three pass shave - Dovo has had QA issues for years, and possibly it's just the one I have - but of all the new production razors out there, Dovo is the last brand I'd buy. Revisor, TI, RA are easily better choices in my opinion.

I'm not sure exactly which price range you're talking about -- but-- assuming you're buying a new razor -- buy from Straight Razor Designs at a price point you're comfortable with, and it will be a quality product with a perfect edge. BTW -- I've handled and honed a bunch of Dovos and never had a problem.

I too have a Dovo Bismarck2 Pearl and, frankly speaking, it is not among my favorite razors. I do not mean it is a bad razor, but compared to the other razors I have in my collection, it is not the best performer.
It is a pretty good razor, sold at a reasonable price, and I would probably suggest it to a newbie, mainly because of the price, it can hold a good edge, it is easy to hone, but - in my opinion - it cannot be compared to other modern or artisan razors.
If you consider buying it as your first razor in order to learn how to shave with a straight razor - and possibly understand if you like shaving this way - I guess it is a razor I would suggest and, if properly honed and maintained, it however gives you a good shave.

The last time I bought a Dovo was probably 10 years ago and at that time they were quality pieces with no issues.

I have a couple of vintage Dovo's and 3 new manufactures and they all shave like a million bucks (or euros).

Sad to see they have deteriorated like that.

I'm pretty salty but not that old. I have to question your question. Are you just looking to try a different razor? If you follow our classifieds, you will find some very once razors at very reasonable prices, most of which are expertly honed and shave ready. If there is something that you find appealing about that particular razor? Experimenting is part of the joy of wet shaving. Take a walk on the wild side and get a grind that is different from any other in your rotation.

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.

Since this thread is about the Dovo Bismarck, I thought I'd post the following. As a truck driver on the road I can't always stop and shave when I want to. Consequently I had 2 days growth when I shaved tonight. Today, it was my Bismarck's turn in the rotation. Turned out to be one of my best shaves ever - BBS.

Tonight's Bismarck was honed by me on Sharpton Glass stones progression (2 weeks ago), stroped 40 laps on nylon web, 100 laps on latigo leather before shave, 40 laps leather after, oiled with J&J baby oil after, and stored in my leather roll up, pictured below. I used an HIS 1918 synthetic brush, and Poraso eucalyptus cream in a tube. What a great shave the Bismarck is!