For drumana and welshwarrior - the Bismark

A while ago you asked me what I tought about the dovo bismark.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/attac...l-str8tset.jpg

I could not answer at the time for lack of having tried any other razor. Now that I have finaly put an acceptable edge on my other Dovo ( Spike Point, 5/8" Carbon Steel), I can somewhat answer.


First, about the size : I have to say that I prefer the 6/8 size to the 5/8. Damned RAD, I am now wondering how 7/8 or full size feels like... The only place the 5/8 feels better is under the nose. The Coup de maître seems easier with a smaller blade.

The round point feels safer than the spike, especially near the ears and on some part of the neck. But then, all faces are different. I guess the spike would come in handy if I had a pinch or a mustache.

The colors of the scales are nice, but the thing is plastic, witch is not something I like alot. The metal ornament fell after a while and needed to be glued back. Buy it for the blade, not the scales.

Last observation, the full holow grind of the blade feels nice most of the time. Once in a while, when the blade gets "caught" in thinker hairs, it feels like it would cut better if it was sturdier. But being a beginner, this is probably due to my technique (or lack of).

Bottom line, even if I only tried two blades, I would buy it again if it had to be "replaced". But I would perhaps try to fing the same blade with different scales.

That's it for my observations on the bismark. Hope it answers your questions.

I put one of those in some Cocobolo for another member a few months ago. I would agree, the scales are less than par but the blade is quite capable. After the scale I honed it and gave it a shave test. I found the blade to be quite stiff which is a good thing if you have a barb wire beard like me. The goldwash could be a problem, this blade had been around for a while and the wash was starting to wash. I liked the shave and thought about getting one to add to my stable.