what do you think about these pictures of a dovo off ebay?

Ok, so I am kinda looking on and off for a dovo on ebay then this one catches my eye. The handle is nice but the blade the why it's two toned is almost hypnotizing :P

So i'm like wow, this thing is awesome looking and I see the rest of the photos and he/she has it laying on what looks like concrete with the blade edge resting on the concrete!

Dovo Solingen Inox En Vogue No105 Straight Razor & Case - eBay (item 180387142500 end time Jul-29-09 16:06:14 PDT)

ok so i'm not an expert, and I've yet to even use a straight razor, but would seeing pictures like this turn you away from the item?? i mean god knows how hard that edge got layed down on that. Or am I just making a big todo out of nothing?

just for starters, i would recommend buying a new razor that has been professionally honed because that will be the basis for much of your shaving to come, this razor for instance, although i cannot comment on this razor itself what i can say is that if you are prepared to make that purchase maybe check out some of the dovo razors on straight razor designs and you are assured to get a great dovo that is expertly honed.

AFAIK all Dovos with original scales have the Dovo logo inlaid in the scales. This is an attractive razor but it may have been rescaled ? Just something to consider.

The photos don't actually worry me much, but I think you're barking up the wrong tree anyway.

My own experience, and that of MANY other people around here, is that ebay is NOT the place to buy your first straight razor.

Even a known brand like a dovo, probably will not be sharp enough to shave with if purchased on ebay, and there is never any guarantee that the person selling it knows enough about razors to keep from doing something stupid to damage the edge.

I would strongly encourage you to either by a shave ready vintage razor from the classifieds here, or a new razor from a well known vendor that can ship it out properly honed.

If budget is a concern, the classifieds are definitely the better option.

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Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

AFAIK all Dovos with original scales have the Dovo logo inlaid in the scales. This is an attractive razor but it may have been rescaled ? Just something to consider.

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Zwaldo, as said previously, you should buy your first razor from someone here at SRP. Sorry Jimmy, 3 of my 4 Dovos do not have logos on the scales.

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Zwaldo, as said previously, you should buy your first razor from someone here at SRP. Sorry Jimmy, 3 of my 4 Dovos do not have logos on the scales.

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Thanks Kelly, I am glad this came up. I have a 7/8 Fritz Bracht that doesn't have the logo on the scales. The scales sure look original and correct but I figured that they couldn't be with no logo. Same with a Bartmann Manganese Steel. I have some of each brand with the logos and just one of each without. So the ones without are 'right' even with no logo. :)

If you have your heart set on that one, grab it. There are a few guys now who are offering free honing. All you'd have to do is pick up shipping. Can't go wrong with a Dovo.

P.S. my Bismarck has "Solingen" on the scales.. no "Dovo" in sight.

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Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Zwaldo, as said previously, you should buy your first razor from someone here at SRP. Sorry Jimmy, 3 of my 4 Dovos do not have logos on the scales.

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None of mine do, either. Just FYI ...

Steve

Dovo Stainless Steel Micarta - Nice Razor. I wonder why an ebay seller has a nice razor like this, but seems to "just" have it for sale without any real information. If I bought it and was selling it on ebay, I would have a much better and sincere description, so this listing has a lot of questions to answer. There could be more to this picture than meets the eye. A honing could cost another $20.00

Newly sold around $189.00. I chose to buy new straights since I wanted a quality collection rotation and ZERO doubts about my equipment. Thats not to say, there are not any good "deals" around and this could be one, but there are a lot of questions I would ask first.

Good Luck!

Pabster

Be careful trying to buy a razor on eBay. I'm speaking from experience. You are better served dealing with reputable people in the classified section of SRP.

I'd like to echo some of what is said here. You take a risk. I'm sure all of the experienced honers here will tell you that just because it's "new" doesn't mean that the blade is necessarily good, nevermind sharp or shave ready. Rest assured that a reputable retailer that hones blades for free before shipping first checks to see if the blade is warped. I'm not saying this one is warped but there's a risk to purchasing something by picture only. It may be a great deal and it may be absolutely perfect. However, if I'm plunking down $100+ for a razor (and this is an auction, it may go MUCH higher), I'm buying it from a reputable dealer that I find on this board (and so far, I've had nothing but good things to say about SRD and ShavingShop). I'm not trying to scare you away, but $100+ is serious coin for a first time purchase.

Since you've never used a straight before and may wind up spending a lot on this auction, check out SRD. Send an e-mail to Lynn and Don and they will give you an honest answer about a good straight razor to start out with.

My experience with my first brand new razor from AOS was a little disappointing. The razor was new and the shave was.......harsh. I sent it out to Lynn for honing and it came back and the difference was enough to make me pause and say, "whoa!" after only one pass on one cheek. I spent $175 on that razor and I might have given up on straights after a few shaves with that rock if I hadn't come here for some advice and had someone work a little magic.

Ebay is great.....but be careful. I've purchased several razors (won 2 today :y); some great, some not so great. I've spent about $100 on 4 total duds and about 20 disposable blade holders (total rookie mistake on the blade holders :p).......and that $100 could have bought me a new shave ready razor or the cash could have gone in my hidden future Mastro Livi purchase cash shoe box that my wife has no idea about :rofl2:

You also can't go wrong with the classifieds here. If you open up the page, you'll almost always find someone viewing the razors. Tons of great deals to be had there......and there's rules about posting there. None of the people that post there are going to sell junk because I'm sure they'd be banned in a heartbeat if they did. The sellers will most likely e-mail you with answers to questions you have.

Good luck with the auction, I hope you win and are happy with the purchase! :);)