Thread: Real Dovo or Fake?

Originally Posted by SoCalNewb

John - thanks for your comments. I was under the impression that Ross Cutlery is a very reputable shop, so I was glad to get your feedback reaffirming that.

You mentioned "That is an older model Dovo that Ross Cutlery has had in stock for a long time" - it sounds like you have some good knowledge of Ross Cutlery. Since this is a shop that you have some knowledge of, can you please share with me some more info about this model razor, and how you were able to confirm it is a Dovo? Thank you John.

I have recommended Ross Cutlery for years if you needed to have a razor reground. They have done this since Christ was a corporal. I have seen older model Dovo's with this exact set of celluloid scales. The fact that is says nothing on the opposit side doesn't indicate anything since Dovo has made so many razors for so many big name companies. Many were prepared in a die set with no scribing so they could be laser or acid etched later.[/

Originally Posted by Lynn

The Ross brothers are OK. They have been honing and regrinding razors for a long time, but kicked up their efforts when the boom started. I am doubtful (although anything is possible) that Ross has had this razor for any length of time as they usually sell everything they can get their hands on included DE's they refurbish. There are many shops in Solingen and there are many razors floating floating with Solingen stamped on them. I am not sure how much plain labeling Dovo is doing, especially considering they are doing everything they can to keep up with their own production.

I tend to look at Dovo's as more of the Ford or Chevy.

Have fun,

Lynn

This too is a reasonable assesment.

Originally Posted by Pyment

Let me suggest a (potentially less expensive) answer to your overall issue.

1) if the issue is that you are not sure the razor you have is shave ready, take it to Ross's and have them look at it. They would probably hone it for you for a fee. If it is a question of whether it is reputable steel, just tell us what brand of razor it is.

2) I certainly hope that you have (by now) contacted the member in question. They will probably want to make things right. Since, at this point, there isn't a way to be sure if it is the honing or the stropping, I (personally) would shoulder part of the cost (if it had been a razor I sold).

3) Send it to one of the honemeisters.

Like I said before; historically they have been an upstanding reputable firm and I have no reason to believe they are screwing anyone. If in doubt about the edge ask THEM to hone it for you - they are more than capable.


As I have pontificated in the past - ANY razor coming out of Solingen has the POTENTIAL to be the best shaver you have ever had. It is somewhat dependant on the grinder - some were better than others and this holds true today. It isn't as much dependant on the steel as they are mostly made of the same alloy. Let me back that up by saying as popular as W&B razors are and the accolades they receive - they are straight carbon steel the primitive equivalent of 1095 and that is all. A lot of it depends on the hardening and tempering process and I can not minimize the honing. If it isn't honed properly it doesn't matter if it is a Puma or a DD Wonderedge.

Originally Posted by SoCalNewb

Benjamin - thanks for you help with things. Per your request, here are photos of the unit I bought from a SRP member that Ross Cutlery said "could not be sharpened" (this is NOT the alleged Dovo from Ross Cutlery).

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Unless I miss something I can tell you they are right - it can't be saved. It looks bent! You see how the front shows honing on the spine on one side and the other side shows honing on the rear. It is bent and nothing can bring that razor back to life in a cost effective way.

Beginning to look like John was right and us naysayers were wrong. Contact the seller over the DA and kudos to Pyment for a great offer.

Originally Posted by AlanII

Beginning to look like John was right and us naysayers were wrong. Contact the seller over the DA and kudos to Pyment for a great offer.

Up until now, John Crowley was the lone dissident in stating that the razor sold at Ross Cutlery is likely to be a Dovo. John has also kindly lent his input on the razor I purchased from a SRP member, stating that it cannot cost effectively be made shave ready.

QUESTION: In addition to AlanII, is there anyone else that is inclined to agree with John Crowley's assessment below?

Unless I miss something I can tell you they are right - it can't be saved. It looks bent! You see how the front shows honing on the spine on one side and the other side shows honing on the rear. It is bent and nothing can bring that razor back to life in a cost effective way

I am hesitant to offer my opinion here but for what its worth....
The hone wear DOES look uneven, but it could be reflection... hard to tell.
What I am more certain of is that the tang seems bent/curved, which could be the culprit and is more common than it shoud be with DA's. If you search around there's actually a couple threads devoted to that. Check it against a known straight edge, and don't just check the blade, check the tang vs. blade alignment too.
I feel shorted lol... I too said it could be a low end/factory second Dovo....

I bet its a solingen blade, just a second or no-name or made by an apprentice or journeyman instead of a master or something like that.
As a matter of point, not all Dovo's have marked scales, especially not the lower end ones. DOVO Straight Razors

It looks like a Best Quality to me. Could be very wrong. Just sayin' its possible. Don't get too tied up in what it is. Its the shave that counts. I honestly would rather hunt around for vintage if I were you.... I picked up a NOS Solingen for $15 and had it honed by Utopian (even if that costs $15) you're only out $30.... Granted that was a lucky deal, but just check the classifieds. Also, you can get a shave-ready BRANDED Dovo Best Quality in a lot of places for $60.

Originally Posted by JMS

Ross cutlery has a fairly good name for themselves. I am a little shocked to see such an obvious fraud coming from their store.

Another vote for Ross Cutlery's good reputation. I've bought refurbished DEs from them and found the place quite solid.

New info on the alleged Dovo from Ross Cutlery. I spoke with the store manager, and he was quick to site that the razor that the employee on the sales floor listed as a Dovo was not a Dovo. He said the minimum priced Dovo that they sell is around $90 for shave ready (the mystery razor was on sale for $60, shave ready).

Hope this definitive answer is satisfying for all the SRP members that were kind enough to weigh in on this thread. Your help and opinions have taught me a lot, and I even had a kind SRP member (Pyment) step in to give me a shave ready Anton Wingen "Red Point" for just the cost of shipping (exceedingly generous).

Thanks again everyone.

Originally Posted by SoCalNewb

New info on the alleged Dovo from Ross Cutlery. I spoke with the store manager, and he was quick to site that the razor that the employee on the sales floor listed as a Dovo was not a Dovo. He said the minimum priced Dovo that they sell is around $90 for shave ready (the mystery razor was on sale for $60, shave ready).

Hope this definitive answer is satisfying for all the SRP members that were kind enough to weigh in on this thread. Your help and opinions have taught me a lot, and I even had a kind SRP member (Pyment) step in to give me a shave ready Anton Wingen "Red Point" for just the cost of shipping (exceedingly generous).

Thanks again everyone.

Restores their good name and clears up the mystery!