Thread: Der Dovo Bismark..... ja or nein !!

I have a Bismarck and it's a good razor. That said, The scales on the faux ivory model are thick, as in armor plate. The scales on the black scaled version are proportional to the rest of the razor, so go figure...

I find it's a difficult razor to hone compared to older razors I have, but once honed correctly, it's a heck of a shaver. That probably has something to do with the content of the steel. It's also easily prone to rust, so it has to be stored oiled. The blade is a full hollow, which is a love/hate thing with me. It seems larger than 6/8, and is a chore to maneuver on the upper lip and in other tight places.

Bismarck scales -- the red ones at least -- are indeed celluloid. Don't attempt to sterilize them in isopropyl -- they will melt. Also, don't attempt to light a cigar with them. As long as you restrain yourself in these two matters, they will indeed last a lifetime. Most of the "plastic" Dovos are celluloid.

I just received my black Bismarck from SRD today. First shave will likely be tomorrow or Friday. I'll let you know how it goes (for what my opinion may be worth). One thing I did notice while ogling it tonight was the weight. There's a definite difference in the feel of it in my hands. As a disclaimer - I'm very much a newbie - only a month or so into this here - and my lone razor until this point was my Dovo 5/8" Special. I'll post my thoughts once I get a chance to run it through my newbie paces.

Also - if you're indeed looking to stick with the 5/8, I was contemplating the spike point in 5/8, but I have an old Genco Easy Aces in a spike point that I want to fix up in the not-so-distant-future, so decided to roll with the 6/8 round and spare myself from fumbling newbie fingers gouging my cheeks and getting generally thrashed by the spike until I have a better handle on things.

Originally Posted by pcb01

Bismarck scales -- the red ones at least -- are indeed celluloid. Don't attempt to sterilize them in isopropyl -- they will melt. Also, don't attempt to light a cigar with them. As long as you restrain yourself in these two matters, they will indeed last a lifetime. Most of the "plastic" Dovos are celluloid.

I was wondering about that.....My best quality is plastic,but my Special which I love ,I'm uncertain of the material. Dang...no lighting cigars huh ? I was so hoping heh heh

Well - said I'd follow up after I had shaved with the Bismarck...

6/8" was definitely heavier in the hand than my 5/8". I did appreciate the sloped heel - which I feel makes for a more maneuverable blade in those tight corners you speak of. A little bit of irritation on the neck, but as it is my first swing with a new razor, and I'm a newbie to begin with, I feel as though it was operator error. Most likely too much pressure or a poor angle. (or both)

As far as aesthetics are concerned, it is beautiful. I have the black scales, and can only imagine how nice the red must look as well.

Not a full review here - just some extra info from the perspective of a first run on the new razor. Overall, an enjoyable experience.

So you asked - Ja "oder" nein? Ich sage JA! (I say YES!)

Just my two pennies.

The handles may well be celluloid, but modern celluloid is not the same thing at all as old celluloid.

The original formula was celluloid nitrate, made from nitrated cotton wool (nitrocellulose = guncotton = explosive if the quantities were wrong, the nitrated cotton wasn't washed enough before being dissolved or the chemicals were impure - all great risks in the mid 1800s). Modern celluloid is usually based on cellulose acetate (used for computer tape, spectacle frames, pens, photographic film base) which is much safer.

Cellulose acetate is not inflammable and is more resistant to water and heat extremes than the old celluloid nitrate, but is more brittle.

The acetate version started the famous 'vinegar syndrome' in which lots of old movie reels were lost - the acetate leached out and released acetic acid - vinegar. Which also pits metal. Nowadays there are other types of more reliable celluloid, so I don't think that there are any especial dangers to consider.

Regards,
Neil

I got a Bismark w/ red scales from SRD last month. Haven't shaved with it yet, but its a keeper as far as I'm concerned. I've always wanted one.

Well, $%^#$&! There's a Berghischer Lowe AND a Bismarck in the Classifieds. The lightly used Bismarck went for $70! I hate being broke.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

The handles may well be celluloid, but modern celluloid is not the same thing at all as old celluloid.

The original formula was celluloid nitrate, made from nitrated cotton wool (nitrocellulose = guncotton = explosive if the quantities were wrong,
Neil

That would be on hell of a hair removal process. The razor wouldn't last a lifetime, but the exploding shave would. HA!

Thanks gents.....I think I got enough info to digest on now.The feed back was very good so I shall now retire from this here thread and do m'thinkin on the matter .......have a good shave out there !