New Bismark Is In

Well, my new Bismark arrived. I absolutley love the blade. Scales not so much. There is a fair amount of warpage on the scale where the Slolingen logo is and some pits that were attempted to be buffed out.

I know that this has nothing to do with Vintageblades. This is clearly a Dovo issue. Personally, I would not have put this in a box and shipped it if Dovo were my company.

It could probably be heated and fixed.

So I like it a lot - but not in love yet. I have not shaved with it yet, so I can't comment on the shaveability, but asthetics are about a +6 right now.

David

Actually you are wrong. A vendor is responsible for the products you buy from them. If you bought a Sony TV from a high street retailer, it is that retailer, not Sony, that you would return the TV to if it was faulty. If that TV was very obviously faulty prior to them sending it (eg had a massive scratch across the screen), then you would rightly be extremely annoyed that they had the audacity to sell it to you in that condition.

While there may be a number of potentially valid explinations for why the vendor sent you a faulty item in this case, your actions should nevertheless be the same. Send it back and ask for an exchange or refund.

I'm with hippy. If the scales are warped or pitted, DEFINITELY send it back. There's no excuse for that, and Vintage shouldn't be complaintive

My dear Alembic:

I suggest returning the razor to the vendor for a replacement. I believe every razor collection should include a "Bismarck."

The initial fault lies with Dovo for shipping out a razor with warped scales. The vendor, however, should have checked the razor for flaws before shipping it to the customer.

Perhaps both Dovo and the vendor failed to notice the flaws. Yes, I accept that possibility.

Either way, you have received a somewhat defective razor. I find that unacceptable. With that lovely "Bismarck" you should be 100 per cent happy. I am with mine. I love it. You should love yours as well.

Regards,

Obie

Jim at Vintage Blades is an excellent guy and a gentleman, and I'm sure he'd prefer if you sent the razor back to him and let him replace it with one that is perfect. I'm not his brother-in-law or anything, but I have bought from him in the past, and I know he's all about making the customer happy. SEND IT BACK!

You Gentlemen are correct,

Just got of of the phone with Erin at Vintageblades. She said no problem in shipping it back and that she would hand pick me out a nice one. That is excellent service.

Now here is the question. In your opinions, stay with the black or upgrade to a bone scale? I know that bone is a natural material and that there would be natural markings on the scales, but I would expect them to be consistantly flat. It looks like the inlay process Dovo is using on the black and red are the problem. In either case, Erin said she would hand pick out a nice one for me. Any opinions?

Thanks brothers.

David

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Alembic

You Gentlemen are correct,

Just got of of the phone with Erin at Vintageblades. She said no problem in shipping it back and that she would hand pick me out a nice one. That is excellent service.

Now here is the question. In your opinions, stay with the black or upgrade to a bone scale? I know that bone is a natural material and that there would be natural markings on the scales, but I would expect them to be consistantly flat. It looks like the inlay process Dovo is using on the black and red are the problem. In either case, Erin said she would hand pick out a nice one for me. Any opinions?

Thanks brothers.

David

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David, Go with the red... Do it. The red is beautiful

Well, that's just my opinion. I don't own either yet, but Lynn showed me both, and the red just looked PURDY.

Good on getting a replacer though, they're some suh-weet razors.

Cheers
Jeremy

My dear Alembic:

My "Bismarck" has creamy white bone scales. It's delicious. Were I to choose again, I would again choose the creamy white bone scales.

Of course, this is your razor. Select the one that winks at you.

By the way, the vendor, Vintage Blades, receives a big nod from me. Always has. I have purchased a number of items from them and have the highest regard for the quality of their products and service.

Regards,

Obie

I have seen the red scaled one, and did not care for the scales. If you want something that looks nice you might want to upgrade to better materials.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by mainaman

I have seen the red scaled one, and did not care for the scales. If you want something that looks nice you might want to upgrade to better materials.

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To each his own, I preferred the red vastly to the black, and have yet to see the bone... However, from an affordability and aesthetic standpoint, the red just struck me right... But I've always been fond of the color red, so it's all heresay

I knew Jim and Erin would treat you well. For the record, I get similar, excellent treatment when I purchase at the other sites well known around here (SRD and CS), but I like the fact that whenever you call Vintage Blades, you ALWAYS get either Jim or Erin on the phone. They are the very model of customer service, in my experience.

I have the black scales and I love the way that looks.

Bismarck vs Renaissance :)
I own a DOVO "Renaissance" razor, which I like quite a bit (although I have a slight problem with the scales). I would be interested if someone who owns both the Bismarck and Renaissance could compare the two. They are both 6/8 razors made by DOVO, but the Renaissance has stainless steel, as opposed to the carbon steel of the Bismarck.

Is there anyone out there who could compare the "feel" of two? (I know the difference in looks).

Hello, Trondsi:

I own both of these razors, and like them. Although both 6/8", they are different razors in many ways, however, each with its own characteristics and charm.

That one is in carbon steel and the other in stainless steel makes little difference to me. I have a good edge on both compliments of my shave guru Lynn.

You mentioned a slight discomfort with the scales on the "Renaissance." I am not sure exactly what you mean. I am slightly uncomfortable with the scales on the "Renaissance" myself. They are lovely, yes, but I find them too skinny for that big blade. Consequently the disparity between the big blade and the skinny scales throws the razor's balance off in my hands. That is a minus when I compare the "Renaissance" to the "Bismarck."

I have the "Bismarck" in the white bone scales. I like the feel and the texture of the scales, as well as the heft for that big blade. The "Bismarck" sits more comfortably in my hands than does the "Renaissance." If I were to make the ultimate decision between the two razors, I would nod toward the "Bismarck."

Regards,

Obie

Many thanks Obie! The problem with the 'Renaissance' scales is actually a manufacturing defect (the silvery end of the scale is seriously dented). I also don't think the faux ivory looks very convincing. However, I really like the blade. Maybe I should change the scales?

Anyway, I will probably buy the Bismarck sooner or later, but right now I am waiting for the 5/8 ebony 'Silver Steel' razor to arrive from SRD.:)

I bought this one a few months ago on E-bay used, it's used but beautiful... except that I had to heat and straighten the scales near the inlay.. grrr


http://lh4.ggpht.com/_e96GWMBYR-E/St...0/IMG_3565.JPG

Oh well, it shaves fabulous on those rare occasions when I use it and I love that French point.