Thread: Dovo "Special" Imitation Tortoise

I have a DOVO 5/8 Special which I bought from another, now defunct, online vendor several years ago. I paid too much for it but it was before I learned about Classic Shaving. They are full hollow blades and are very good shavers. As far as the plastic coffins labeled that they're made in West Germany, I'm guessing that DOVO had a large number of those left over and figured there was no point in wasting them and the razors are probably manufactured in the western part of Germany so it's still accurate anyway. Mine is currently not in the rotation so I should take it out to check on the scales just in case...

Kurt

I have two DOVO Specials, and I love them both. A bit stiffer grind, but excellent shavers when honed right. The steel is a bit hard on those, as well...

Nenad

I have a new one of these at the house. I think I will go ahead and hone it up and use it this weekend.

Eddie

I agree these are very nice blades. I've had one for about three years now in the 6/8th size and it's an excellent shaver. I would take it with me when I traveled for business.

As far as scales disintegrating/celluloid rot I think that was a problem with older blades. My very first straight was an Eicker and Sohn tortoise shell model. It looked very simlar to these blades minus the gold embossing and etching. Through the years I put it away because I had bought another razor to take it's place. Well, about the time I bought this razor I took the old one out to compare and to my horror the blade had a nice coat of rust from the edge right up to where the scales ended before the spine. This rust pattern made it obvious that it was caused by the scales rotting.

A number of people over at the Yahoo SRP had discussed this topic numerous times in years past. The consensus was that the older celluloid scales broke down and released a gas or something that easily bonded with the metal to produce iron oxide. Many razors scales of this type were probably sourced from vendors with similar processes. There probably was also a lot of old stock of these scales left and with the straight razor market as slow as it was until recent years manufacturers determined to use the stock up before getting newer stock.

Newer stock is thought to be made of plastic instead of celluloid (which is a plastic made from plant fiber and can break down). The newer plastics are petroleum derived and last for a lifetime. Now it's possible that is a wrong assumption and the new scales are still being made from plant celluloid but I would be a little disappointed if that were the case as this is a known problem. Anyway, no issues yet with mine and it's going on 4 years old now. And BTW the case says W. Germany (I think Dovo just isn't spending the resources to re-do their labels).

I don't think you can go wrong with the Dovo Specials. They are beautiful and take a great edge (not as good as a TI but excellent in their own right). The steel is Swedish Steel and of very high quality. They are all around excellent shavers as well as nice looking implements. Hope that helps.

Regards,
EL

Thanks EL for your nice review of celluloid rot.
I just wondered: does DOVO only use Swedish steel? I know the Bergischer Loewe is made using it but also the less fancy ones like the DOVO Specials? And how about the Bismarcks?

Originally Posted by Kees

Thanks EL for your nice review of celluloid rot.
I just wondered: does DOVO only use Swedish steel? I know the Bergischer Loewe is made using it but also the less fancy ones like the DOVO Specials? And how about the Bismarcks?

From what I've seen the lower end Dovo's (their "Best" line) are not Swedish steel but there seem to be many models that are made with it. The specials certainly are and the Bismarcks probably are too if not an even higher grade of steel. It doesn't surprise me that they use it a lot, it's good stuff.

Regards,
EL

Look here: it says the Bismarck is made of Solingen High Carbon Steel: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=132&page=1

Wht would that be? Steel made in Solingen or imported from Sweden and prcessed in Solingen?

Originally Posted by Kees

Look here: it says the Bismarck is made of Solingen High Carbon Steel: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsho...cat=132&page=1

Wht would that be? Steel made in Solingen or imported from Sweden and prcessed in Solingen?

I don't know but it's good stuff!

I have a 6/8 Dovo special from Classis Shaving with faux tortoise and it is an excellent shaver. It is heavier than a "full" hollow and I like that very much. The description leaves out the word "full".

Monte

Short answer - yes, steel imported from Sweden (and elsewhere) and processed in Solingen.

Long answer - http://straightrazorpalace.com/showt...3669#post83669