Help with choosing a Dovo

I know everyone’s opinions are subjective. But I would like some input from the folks here. I’m between two Dovo’s. I’d just like to hear your opinions on it. It’s between the Dovo Diamant and the Dovo Bismarck. What draws me to the Diamant is the black blade. And what draws me to the Bismarck is the pearl and gold, it looks very classy to me. My question about the Diamant is, after years of use, stropping and honing, will the blade continue to stay black? Here are also pics for those that haven’t seen them before. I look forward to your opinions! Thanks folks!Attachment 288443Attachment 288444

I like 6/8" blades better but I don't care for all the gold on the tang. Between those two though I'd pick the first one with the black blade. I'm assuming that is "bluing". Everything wears off eventually but I think the black will last longer than the gold leaf.

I don't really care for gold leaf because that doesn't last so long although I don't know how long it can last. It does look better (to me) on the black blade.

Not knocking Dovo, but as far as new razors go I would be more likely to look at Ralf Aust as an option. QC seems better and I think they come shave ready out of the box. Dovo edges are hit and miss from the factory from what I have heard.

I am going to guess that the black on the blade and tang is similar to the bluing on a gun. If so then years of use will eventually wear through the bluing/blacking especially on the tang where you hold the razor. Same can be said for the gold wash on a razor. Pretty is wonderful to look at but it don't shave, the edge does. That brings us too the next bit.

As Grazor mentioned modern Dovo factory edges have gained a reputation for being hit and miss. It might be a good idea, which ever one you finally decide on, to purchase it from a dealer who hones them before shipping them out for that reason. Personally I like shoulderless 6/8 blades like on the Bismarck while shaving and honing as compared to the shouldered blades.

Good luck choosing

Bob

Thanks so far for everyone’s opinions. I do intend on buying from a reputable places that offers a honing service.

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Originally Posted by ProBono

Thanks so far for everyone’s opinions. I do intend on buying from a reputable places that offers a honing service.

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I would recommend a Ralf aust over the dovo in my experience the ralf aust see to be better shavers and just look and feel better .

Blacking will probably last much longer than the gold-wash. Blade-wise I definitely prefer the Bismark design: shoulderless 6/8 with a thumb notch. I have their Carre with the same blade (different decorations), and like it very much.

Personally I would stay away from both unless you are looking for a sunday shaver meaning a razor to be used now and then.

Any gold wash is very temporary. A good cleaning will start to remove it. The black is more durable but will still wear and the more you mess with cleaning and honing the faster it will wear.

I'm of a mind a daily shaver should be unadorned. A blade like that will look like new 20 years from now. The ones above will look shabby and I speak from personal experience.

As far as brands go I'd rather get a TI. I think they are better though not without issues too. If you get the Dovo make sure it comes from a retailer who ensures it is proper sharp and shave read NOT factory shave ready.

What’s a TI? Thanks for your insight!

A TI is a Thiers Issard, a French razor manufacturer.

If you like the look of the Bismarck, you could take a look at Revisor. They have models made from the same blanks, but I find them better looking; no goldwash and very classy deep blade etching.

Best regards,
Pieter

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Originally Posted by Pithor

A TI is a Thiers Issard, a French razor manufacturer.

If you like the look of the Bismarck, you could take a look at Revisor. They have models made from the same blanks, but I find them better looking; no goldwash and very classy deep blade etching.

Best regards,
Pieter

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Indeed. And they have 10%-free-worldwide-shipping discount till the end of the year too.

My personal preference is the Bismark. If the factory edge is properly honed by the seller, you shouldn't have a problem. I have two Dovo's and enjoy them both--solid, work-horse shavers. The gold wash will fade as others mentioned. But, that also creates some age and character like a nice patina on a vintage blade. The blueing/blacking will also likely fade or wear, but that could likely be touched up with some blueing or patina chemical application.

I don't have a Ralf Aust, so I cannot speak to those, though the reputation is solid. Thiers Issard is another standard in the industry. I have two. One I really like and another that I like, but have fits with honing.

Some of my best shavers though are the old sheffields. They're not necessarily "sharper" than any of my modern production razors, but its the feel of the steel that I like. You can go down the restoration and honing rabbit holes as options too! You'll find a lot of brethren down there. lol.

You really can't make a wrong decision.

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Originally Posted by jseitz

You really can't make a wrong decision.

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Did someone mention Gold Dollar?

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Originally Posted by Utopian

Did someone mention Gold Dollar?

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Good point!

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Originally Posted by ProBono

Thanks so far for everyone’s opinions. I do intend on buying from a reputable places that offers a honing service.

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I’ve had a Revisor and a Dovo (Encina), of the two the Revisor was closer to being SR than the Dovo. If you want a reasonably priced new razor, that is easy to maintain AND will come shave ready, you’d be hard pressed to find better than PRC. Their latest models look great and you can have them blued if you prefer. You don’t even have to pay duties!

Good evening folks. Thanks for all your input. I ended up going with the Diamant. I’ll post pics once I receive it. Ended up choosing it because of the scales. I like them a bit more than the faux mother of pearl. Once again, to those that posted in here and sent me a pm of their input, I appreciate it! It did help influence my final decision.

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Originally Posted by ProBono

Good evening folks. Thanks for all your input. I ended up going with the Diamant. I’ll post pics once I receive it. Ended up choosing it because of the scales. I like them a bit more than the faux mother of pearl. Once again, to those that posted in here and sent me a pm of their input, I appreciate it! It did help influence my final decision.

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Nice choice. I think you'll like it. Fine razor and if you like the aesthetic then it will help keep your interest in shaving with it