Thread: Dovo 6/8 Bismarck pearl

I wondering if any of you salty old timers could give me some insight about this razors' performance. I've yet to spend this much on a razor and would like to know if this is a good start in this price range or are there better options for the buck? Thanks in advanced.

Originally Posted by NarcanHammer

I wondering if any of you salty old timers could give me some insight about this razors' performance. I've yet to spend this much on a razor and would like to know if this is a good start in this price range or are there better options for the buck? Thanks in advanced.

I'll sit back and let the salty old timers handle this one.

Lol any insight is appreciated, but the insight of the crusty, pipe smokin, scotch drinkin, body dropping, velcro strapped shoes wearing old man; now thats damn priceless

Had one a few years back, it's a wonderful shaver and takes a great edge. I would recommend one.

I am not exactly salty, nor that old....

I do happen to have a Dovo Bismarck Pearl. It was my second razor (after my first, a Whipped Dog sight unseen).

I still have it, I still use it, I learned to hone with it, and hold it in the highest regard. I have a general preference towards shoulderless blades, and I in no small part credit this to the Bismarck. Of the current Dovo designs, I find this to be one of the most appealing, and of the Dovos that I have used, this is perhaps the tied for best performing.

Long story short, there is no way you could go wrong with one, and I think you will find it to be a wonderful addition to your young collection.

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.