Thread: A question for all you with a Dovo Bismarck 6/8

Hi Everyone!

I just got my first true straight razor in the mail today. A brand new Dovo Bismarck 6/8 with black and pearlex scales.

I have a question for those that have the same razor. The file work on the spine is painted red, but is it normal to have some of the red paint bleeding off onto the spine? I'm also wondering if its normal for "Soligen Germany" on the tang to not be fully legible (ie. I can read SOLIGEN GERM..)
Attachment 99182
What i'm trying to show:

First picture: Farthest right file-work -bleed on the paint across the spine
Second picture: Chips in the gold plating on the tip of the "2" and bottom of the "B"
Third picture: Bleed on the paint atain on the farthest left filework
Fourth picture: Illegible/faded engraving of the word germany

I just want to make sure that this is normal and I shouldn't be worried. I've heard these are beautiful, which it is, but some of these oversights ruin it a bit for me (maybe my expectations were too high?)
I also bought this through a reputable dealer who prepped this for me and honed it to "shave ready" so i'd like to be a bit more educated before I bother him with what might be trivial annoyances/questions.


What are your thoughts?

btw, sorry for the formatting. I'm not that familiar with this interface...

Those seem like cosmetic issues that won't interfere with the overall performance of the razor. That being said, that seems like a few issues on a single razor, and since you paid good money for the Bismarck it is up to you whether or not these issues are acceptable. If you find that it's a deal breaker contact the vendor and talk it over with them; most are very pleasant to deal with.

Thanks Ryan,

I've sent an email off to the vendor with some pictures detailing what I've seen. They have been absolutely stellar so far and I don't have any doubts about the performance of this razor. My only hang-up is that I was hoping to just get one absolutely beautiful blade and be done with it

Dovo quality control on cosmetic is not that good. I bought two micarta's stainless and one is perfect beauty and the other seems to have same issues as yours. I kept them both and both save equally good.
From what I know now, I would have changed the one that has the cosmetic defects. Double O

IME new razors have cosmetic defects. If you look past them then you can just enjoy the razor for a long time. Or you can drive yourself and the vendor crazy looking for the perfect new razor. I have done both. The first path is more pleasant.

Michael

I have that exact same razor, I've had it for about 8 months now.

I found the overall quality was excellent. Mine also had a few superficial problems in the gold on the spine.
For me, it wasn't a deal breaker because I was going to use it every day, and I almost do.

Now mine looks like it's been used almost every day, so I dont' worry about it.

I little tip, If you plan on maintaining the appearance of the blade don't use metal polish!!!!!!
I already found out that it's a great way to remove most of the gold.

Enjoy the experience,

I love my Bismarck

Let us know how it turns out.

Cheers.

fchan

I have three Bismarck 6/8 blades. Two are modern mfg. and the other one is vintage - could be pre-WWII.

Don't be afraid to buy another one for a spare if you like them. All three of mine shave great.

And good luck with your vendor.

Jerry

I too have a brand new Dovo Bismarck. Maybe I got lucky but its in perfect condition. I realise as I use it some to the goldwash will come off but like I said I could not fault it as is.
I will try and post a picure if I manage to take a decent one. My photographic skills of razors aint great.

Cheers
Chris

Thanks for everyone's input. I wasn't aware that Dovo was so hit and miss on their aesthetic quality control. The blade seems fine and straight though but I will wait to hear back from the vendor before using this razor. Either way I'm sure i'll be happy with this guy, I just can't wait to chop this hair off (it's been killing me!)

It's not just dovo. It's thiers-issard and boker too.

I returned a T-I for minor flaws about five years ago. I wish I could have that razor back. I'll always regret not keeping it.

Michael