Thread: Advice on choosing a razor

The Bismarck is my favorite. I love the shoulder-less, "flowing" blade design and of course I shave with one almost every day. The price to performance ratio definitely favors the mighty Bismarck.

I've never shaved with a Hart or a Dovo , so I can't comment on how either of them shave . If I had to pick one of the three , it would be the Dovo Bergischer Lowe . Why ? Because I really like the way it looks ! I also think a 5/8 razor is the best size to start with , because it is a little easier to handle in the upper and lower lip area .

Out of the three razors you linked I own one (Dovo Bismarck). I'd say it's the best bang for your buck, and it really is a fine shaver.

Nowadays I'd probably go for the Bergischer Lowe because I like the look, but I've been at this for awhile now and at that price point it's all about aesthetics.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

. . .
Nowadays I'd probably go for the Bergischer Lowe because I like the look, but I've been at this for awhile now and at that price point it's all about aesthetics.

That's true for the Dovo's.

The "aesthetics" of the Hart are non-existent (IMHO) -- it looks like a piece of industrial machinery. But it's made of O1 tool steel, has a rather heavy grind, and might give a better shave than any razor made of lesser alloy.

We need a comparison from somebody who owns and uses both a Hart and one of the high-end Dovo's. Any takers?

Charles

i would go for the hart or the bergischer lowe because of the grind its a more forgiving razor then the bismarck assuming that you are a newbe and will have to learn the proper shaving technique.

What eleblu05 says is true; the Bismarck is a full hollow, which makes it a little less forgiving as you learn technique. But I agree more strongly with the people who favor the Bismarck; for me, the thumb notch and shoulderless grind are the perfect blade ergonomics. The shoulderless blade is a little easier to strop because you don't have the stabiliziers hitting the strop's edge. The thumb notch just feels natural.

Do be careful protecting it from rust, since if you have to polish away any rust you're likely to polish away some of the gold wash as well.

Best wishes

Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

That's true for the Dovo's.

The "aesthetics" of the Hart are non-existent (IMHO) -- it looks like a piece of industrial machinery. But it's made of O1 tool steel, has a rather heavy grind, and might give a better shave than any razor made of lesser alloy.

We need a comparison from somebody who owns and uses both a Hart and one of the high-end Dovo's. Any takers?



Charles

I'm game.

Now I'm saying this using a Hart I've used only once a 6/8s roundpoint with G-10 scales. If you want a valid comparison I would pit the Hart with the vintage Le Gelot since they are similar size and grind and weight and are similar in cosmetics.

Over all If I gave the Le Grelot an A+ I would give the hart a B+. It a nice razor but the Le Grelot beats it in every department except packaging and presentation. The Hart's is nicer but of course the Le Grelot had basically none.

It's hard to compare the hart to a higher end Dovo because they are hollow ground and feel very different. I have the Dovo Mammoth LE and though I think it is vastly overpriced and has some serious defects it is a super shaver but does it shave better than any other quality razor? Yes, because it is one of those one in a million super duper razors. I also have the Bergisher Lowe and shave wise the result is the same as the Hart. Now I have some 7/8s vintage Dovo's, a Diamond Steels and a Dovo best Quality and when those razors are out no Hart better even come in the room cause those two razors can't be beat by nothing out there.

Originally Posted by eleblu05

i would go for the hart or the bergischer lowe because of the grind its a more forgiving razor then the bismarck assuming that you are a newbe and will have to learn the proper shaving technique.

Originally Posted by roughkype

the Bismarck is a full hollow, which makes it a little less forgiving as you learn technique.

For a full hollow the Bismarck is quite sturdy and does have some heft due to the thick spine. IMO I wouldn't worry too much.

I appreciate everyones input, thank you for that. As of right now I think I am leaning towards the Bergischer Lowe. I dont know why but it is calling my name. I can actually visualize myself shaving with it. Wait till SWMBO finds out, lol.

Originally Posted by Jampods1

I appreciate everyones input, thank you for that. As of right now I think I am leaning towards the Bergischer Lowe. I dont know why but it is calling my name. I can actually visualize myself shaving with it. Wait till SWMBO finds out, lol.

Sometimes that's all it takes

Good luck, and enjoy the BL if that's what you decide on.