Thread: Bismarck?

I've found a Bismarck razor with the fancy spine, gold etching on the blade, and red plastic scales with the faux pearl inlay. The scales are warped, I presume from laying in a shop window in the sun, just where the pearl inlay begins. The blade itself looks unused and unhand. The shop wants $85, I know we can't give appraisals but wanted some input and also suggestions on fixing the scales or a replacement suggestion.

I couldn't find any Dovo marking on the razor or the box but it is identical to the current version from Dovo that sells for about $150 brand new

I'd have to double-check my Bismarck, but if I'm not mistaken the new models aren't physically marked with "Dovo". Without a picture I couldn't make a reasonable guess if it's vintage or new. But if the scales are warped within reason and there are no other visible defects with the blade I'd say $85 is a good bargain for a Bismarck

I mostly would want it for use more than collectability, if that's a word. The scales certainly don't make it unuseable and since the blade is Like New I thought it sounded reasonable.

Any thoughts on how good of a shaver it is?

I currently have a Dovo 5/8" Best Quality, Maxard 6/8", P. Eisemann Gunmetal 6/8", and a few other vintage razors that I haven't gotten satisfactory to shave yet. So far I prefer the Maxard over the Dovo, seems to be easier to strop and shaves smoother for me.

Mine is a great shaver, and I really like the look of it too, very handsome. The fancy spine makes it somewhat more difficult to strop for the amateur, but not to the point of frustration. Takes a good, smooth edge. I'd have no problem recommending it.

I like Dovo myself, I have quite a few. Ryan and I bought Black Bismarcks off SRD about the same time. I also have a vintage Fritz Bracht, now that one say's Dovo on one side, and Fritz Bracht on the other. The Bismarcks have "Bismarck" and "Solingen" stamped on the blade IIRC.

As far as shavability goes, pretty much any razor IMHO can be a good shaver, with some exceptions, See our "Razors to avoid list" . I have some Ebay no name cheapies that are great shavers. As long as the steel is good your OK. Dovo can take and hold an edge. Not too bad to hone either for the most part.

I have a couple of vintage pre-Dovo Bismarcks and they shave fantastic. They are some of the best shavers I have and I own Frederick Reynolds, Boker, Double Duck, JA Henckels, etc. Replacing or repairing scales isn't that big a deal, for the price you can't go wrong IMHO.

one of the best blades in the rotation. I live my bismark. It is one of the go to blades, when I want to raise the bar a little. I really like the balance.

Is that a pre-Dovo Bismarck you are talking about. I have an opportunity to purchase a pre-dovo bismarck and was worndering if that is what you are refering to. Thanks

Originally Posted by robert42556

Is that a pre-Dovo Bismarck you are talking about. I have an opportunity to purchase a pre-dovo bismarck and was worndering if that is what you are refering to. Thanks

I believe the OP was talking about a Dovo Bismark. As far as the vintage, pre-Dovo Bismark's, I have one and it is an awesome shaver. Takes an incredibe edge.