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Ok...so I have been toying with getting a Bismark,but I have concerns.First,I have heard the handle is made of celluloid which I don't feel I am a big fan of due to it's flammability and I've heard celluloid deteriorates badly over time?? Also,I am very used to a 5/8,especially when it comes to getting into tight corners and also doin the upper lip.But the Black Bismark keeps haunting me.Input.....need input !! :confused:
Can't really say anything on that model other than I seem to have heard good things about it here and elsewhere, I'm sure others will chime in on that score. As to your doubts as towards celluloid, I'd say don't worry. As concerns its flammability, well, you're not going to set fire to it and its stability over time is generally pretty good. I have blades with celluloid handles made in the early part of the last century that still do the job and still look the part. If you're really worried you could always have the blade rescaled (maybe avoid wood, it has flammability issues;)).
I just remember seeing pics of a celluloid handle being charred when put close to heat somewhere here(I think it was the Wiki) and it did not sit with me to well.Heard it was real unstable??
If there is something about the Bismark don't get it. There are tons of vintage blades with similar styles but there you won't know what the scale material is. In all reality the Bismark will last you a lifetime before anything starts to go on it if the scales are made of cellulose, which I doubt. If you're really concerned just give SRD a call or drop an email off to Dovo. I'm sure both would be helpful but you might get a quicker response from Don and/or Lynn at SRD.
Nightblade-Get that sucker so I can live vicariously! I've had a Bismarck and a Bergischer Lowe (even nicer!) on my radar for some time, but am under a temporary razor embargo (the wife) until finances improve.:boohoo:
Ha ha razor embargo..good one (ouch).I feel your pain my emabargoed brother.I'll let you now how it turns out.:o
I thought celluloid was no longer used for razor scales, but I could very well be mistaken. I thought the scales were plastic. I'm also seeing one in bone, and you could always have it rescaled in whatever you'd want.
As for the size, I wouldn't really worry about it. It may be a matter of what you get used to and how your technique adapts, but have never found a razor so large that it's tough to shave certain places. I can do the coup de matrie and shave under my nose with an 8/8 razor (I haven't gotten to honing my new 10/8 monster, but I did the motion with the unhoned blade to my skin and it seemed fine).
Really, the worst that could happen is you buy it, decide it's too big, and you trade or re-sell it for a small loss while, at the same time, learning something about your current preferences in blades.
Excellent answer Holli4pirating...thank you...you are not the weakest link welcome(I miss that show ha ha).Seriously though,thanks,that's what I was lookin for.:):) I had remembered reading somewhere that the scales were cellulose but I'll ask SRD next chance and see what they say.I feel the AD welling up; in me.
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.
They are prone to rust because they are carbon steel.I'm a fan of carbon steel m'self,but that's just me..If you get some Camellia oil from SRD and keep your blade dry and oiled afterwards,you should be alright.Keep a chamois cloth next to your shave den and that will help.See the thread(s) on the 1905 shave manual.A very good read.As for the honing ? not sure why you're having the dificulty.I use Naniwas myself,they are outstanding and user friendly,but again just my opinion.;)....wait...upon thinking on you're comment.where did you get it?If you got it from the factory ,chances are it was not shave ready.You might want to give SRD a ring or Gssixgun or any of the other fine honemeisters here.As we have said in the past,never assume it's shave ready unless you know the dealer well.Quote:
Originally Posted by GeauxLSU
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 :rock:Quote:
Originally Posted by pcb01
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. :boohoo:
I have the red Bismarck, and it shaves with the best of 'em. The decorative filed spine is my only complaint, it seems to lightly scratch up my strop (just surface marks, not deep gouges) if I don't apply some clear scotch tape. I wouldn't let this deter you though, as it seems not every Bismarck owner is afflicted with this issue. The spine also makes the blade a tad larger than 6/8, which in reality shouldn't be a huge problem for someone with more than a few months SR experience. But in the end she's a looker and a good shaver too. Good combo :tu
I say go for it. It's an affordable razor. If it turns out that you really don't like it you can always recoup most of your losses in the classifieds or trade for another.
Feuer? Wirklich? Ist das ihr ernst oder ist das nur ein witz?
Quote:
Originally Posted by Neil Miller
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 !:tu
??????????:thinking:Sorry....not that fluent,was just tryin to be catchy und creative.:shrug:Quote:
Originally Posted by abiank350