Thread: Dovo 41 stainless steel razor real MOP and Pearlex

I thought I'd post this here because I think it will reach the most members. I posted about receiving a Dovo 41 stainless steel razor elsewhere that I thought had real MOP scales. I got permission to quote the email from Dovo to clarify things regarding the scale material used on the Dovo 41.

Dear Bob

Thank you very much for your email and the photos.

Yes, in the past we indeed offered a No. 41 razor with genuine Mother of Pearl scales. They were not laminated, but two solid pieces of MOP. A few years ago, global warming caught up with us - the shells that products the MOP no longer grow large enough for our straight razor scales. So we were forced to discontinue them.

Best regards,

Anne Rothstein
DOVO/MERKUR

If you are looking for a unique Dovo or a razor with one piece MOP scales an older Dovo 41 should fit the bill.

Bob

The same razor with faux MOP still features in the on line Dovo catalogue.

Originally Posted by Kees

The same razor with faux MOP still features in the on line Dovo catalogue.

Yea, and that is where the confusion seems to come in. It is still possible to find an older Dovo 41 with solid real one piece MOP scales. In request to find tests to determine if the scales were real MOP I was told that:

A) They were Pearlex, which they weren't
B) If they were real one piece MOP scales they were likely laminated/veneered and they are not
C) Most real MOP scales are segmented thin pieces on a backer material, most commonly seen today, which these are not

Just trying to put some solid info out there on the Dovo 41 and it's scale material varieties that it is possible to find it in.

Bob

I have one I bought over 10 years ago and it's the real deal.

That model has headed south in general over the years. The one I have is one outstanding piece and shaver.

I have one with the genuine single piece MOP scales in my collection. Love it.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

I have one with the genuine single piece MOP scales in my collection. Love it.

Me too, turns out I got very lucky and found a NOS one. Bonus, I now can tell the difference if it is real MOP or not.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Me too, turns out I got very lucky and found a NOS one. Bonus, I now can tell the difference if it is real MOP or not.
Bob

Cool!

~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

Cool!

~Richard

Yes, and thanks to all who gave suggestions on how to test for real MOP. It all helps to increase the knowledge pool here.

Bob