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I have a chance to pick up a new dovo mother of perl at a pretty good price but was wondering if i should wait it out and see if I can find one that is vintage. What do you guys think I know they are pricey but I am a huge fan of mother of perl things and would love to pick up a razor.
I'm a sucker for MOP, so you wont get an objective opinion from me.
In my experience with razors, I've always been with the influence to follow your heart. You'll always regret not following your heart.
Faux MOP,or real MOP,have several in real MOP,they are very heavy,and fragile,thats the downside IMO,but they sure are purty:)
Extremely unlikely you'll find a vintage one, I don't think I've ever seen one (Dovo that is). From what I see even the current production is gone.
I too am a sucker for shell.
The Dovos in real pearl is often (always?) done in one piece each side. I would grab it if so, since very rare/close to impossible to source even if wanted to make new custom that way.
If two or more pieces each side, that can be sourced new. In that case I would get it if you like the blade, or if the MOP has unusual carving. My thought being you could always have multi panel scales made.
Yes cons are solid shell is heavy, or drop on hard surface, risk breaking,
Pros are gorgeous and nothing will look as pretty forever like MOP. Naked MOP Doesn't scratch or discolor like other materials. Bugs don't bite it, heat doesn't warp them. Really other than dropping, I think best lasting material
I bought one of the Dovos with the solid MOP scales off Don a while ago. It cost a small fortune but it's a beautiful razor. If it's one with genuine MOP then I think you should consider it.
I am pretty sure that what's left of the Dovo MOP's is all there is. The last ones were the 3 piece and nice looking. The prior ones were one piece, but these have been gone for a while. The Dovo 41 SS blades on these razors are very nice shavers as well.
It is really hard to find an old MOP in good condition. Many are missing pieces and tend to be pretty brittle from the years of exposure. Many also have a liner. The old ones certainly are gorgeous though. I would be hard pressed to use one vs. putting it on display somewhere.
Have fun,
Lynn
I have one I picked up new maybe 7 years ago. It's real looker alright and a very fine shaver too.
My experience has been that:
- MOP razors go for stupid prices in auctions.
- Razors with MOP inlay go for stupid prices at auction.
I don't think that antique hunting is going to get you a bargain if you want MOP.
Ya never know what you will find antique hunting.Quote:
Originally Posted by Pauly
Earlier this year, in a local antique mall, picked up an older MOP razor marked at $40. It was 20% off day, so the additional discount. I felt good about the deal. One with three piece on steel liners, with the palms carved into the edges. Blade was nothing special, but scales are perfectQuote:
Originally Posted by Joed
So I agree, never know what deals you may find.
I never thought I'd look forward to going through antique stores, but the hunt is fun. I now find I enjoy it a lot.
Walt is surely the resident expert on MOP! Hey Walt! I need that razor!:rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by dirtychrome
I have been working on a 7 day set for 7 years! Need one more! They are tough to find with bad blades and perfect scales! Now the challenge is coming up with 7 small, swoopy french points!:D There's an old Puma awaiting it's turn!
Just realized I did one of those claims with no pic. Here is that antique store razor I got.
http://straightrazors.me/str8pics/sh...tiquestore.jpg
I blush. No where near an expert. I do know I have a blast working on it. If I can spend more time, and expand skill to carving like these used to, that would be an accomplishment. Would feel great saving all those broken MOP scalesQuote:
Originally Posted by sharptonn
Ohmy, Walt! Thats a nice one! Won't match my 6 day set, but WOW! Looks like the ones I put on my Friodur. Ok.......I'll take it!;) Seriously, though, You ARE the "Shellman"!
Picked up what looks to be a fine NOS Dovo #41 w/ Genuine one piece Mother of Pearl scales.
Stop the presses!!!Quote:
Originally Posted by AntiqueHoosier
You're getting a collection going!! A beautiful collection, but a collection all the same!
What happened to the minimal thing :)??
Lol!! I would have succumb to!! Beautiful! Congrats!
Getting REAL minimal....the Helje's are leaving soonQuote:
Originally Posted by earcutter
WHAT!?!?!Quote:
Originally Posted by AntiqueHoosier
say its not true! Why?
Testing my Minimalism...picked up a rare Dovo...out of production with exotic scales....figured I can always find the MK31's if I change my mind.
Yeah, those are the real mop scales - quite heavy for the blade, but way better looking than the plastic immitation.
BTW there are mk31s with real mop too - those are very nicely balanced, I have one laying around :)
I had not seen one of these in quite sometime and always wanted one...thus.....purchase.
Quote:
Originally Posted by gugi
Well... he did say laying around. I read that to mean, make an offer lol!Quote:
Originally Posted by AntiqueHoosier
But then, I have been accused of reading into things :) .
I picked one up a couple of years ago in like new condition at well under the last Dovo retail cost. Mine has one piece scales that have very attractive MOP figure (looks like AntiqueHoosier's). However, the scale shape is very blocky and the scales are heavy and fragile. I keep mine to look at being afraid to use it since I could easily break or chip its pristine MOP. I would get the razor to try (if not new) and then keep as a collector piece, if the price is right. The on-line info indicates that Dovo stopped making them because quality one piece MOP scale blanks are close to impossible to obtain.
Oh, I have one of these dovos myself, probably have only 3 or 4 of the current production dovos. I don't think they make them anymore and the last price point was about $250, so if they ever reissue them it'll be even higher than that given how the prices of all models have gone up.
Sorry, my pearl mk31 isn't for sale - I'd most certainly part with the dovo before it but I'm not looking to do that either...