Thread: Dovo Ivory Micarta-Major Manufacturers Defect?

I am looking for some advice on a new straight razor I recently purchased. A Dovo Ivory Micarta (stainless) was sent to me by a well known vendor after being honed by a bona fide honemeister. The problem is that the blade is off center as compared to the scales. The result is that the shank rubs on the inside of one of the scales pretty badly. The edge itself is free floating even when fully closed. However the shank gets "stuck" or hung up on the inner scale wall everytime it is opened or closed. I could not capture a worthwhile picture of the problem - please ask any needed clarifying questions.

Interestingly, another SRP'er recently posted a different problem with the same razor here, First razor & strop arrived from SRD today - Straight Razor Place Forums. Not my exact issue, but it does raise a question as to the quality control on this make/model.

I would imagine that eventually the laser(?) etching used for both the makers mark and the decorative pattern will begin to wear. However I am new to straight shaving and have no metal working experience. Therefore I am interested in opinions as to if my misaligned razor, which set me back about $180, should be sent back for a replacement or am I being too picky?

All comments are appreciated.

Difficult to say without pictures. First, I'd get in touch with the vendor and see what they say/do about the issue.

that's something you need to discuss with the vendor.
i've owned dovo micarta and i would be rather surprised if the pattern wears off, hardened steel is very tough, stainless even more, and these pattens are deep.

Being a beginner myself I also am not sure about what is acceptable fitment of a razor in this price range ? I also share your concern about being picky due to lack of experience.

I would talk to the vendor whenever I feel like I bought something that is not up to my expectations.
You paid 180 Bucks wich is very much money. You can spend way more on razors, but that´s not the point.

If the vendor tells you that this is a common problem wich should be expected at 180$
you can either believe him and live with it, or you can insist on a replacement.

Maybe he says something like "woh, I´m sorry you got a bad one. I´ll replace it"
wich would be fine, too.
So anyway, you have nothing to loose.

A razor should always open and close free and easily.
If it´s not doing it it´s a minor problem but I would bother

Just contact the vendor...

I have had mine for a little over a year and it was second hand and it is as beautiful as the day I bought it and in like new condition. It sits perfectly and does not rub etc.

All the vendors here have always stood by there products and I am sure any issue will be resolved quickly.

Do let us know how you make out.

I'd talk to the vendor. A new razor shouldn't do that, and it would be easy for the manufacturer to fix, so IMO the vendor should replace and he should sent that one back to be fixed.

I have a vintage CMON that had that problem, and ultimately was able to loosen the pivot and straighten things out mostly, but I'm not good at pins so I haven't tightened it. I paid $105 for that and knew it was old, and it's one of my favorite razors - but you paid full freight for a new razor and it shouldn't have a messed up balance. You could send it to someone like Glenn to fix, but why is that your problem and your expense when you paid for a new razor?

I appreciate the sanity check. I will compose a message and send it to the vendor after work today. When I get a response/resolution I will post it here...