Thread: Dovo "Bismarck" 6/8 (black)

Recently, there was a rather interesting thread over at another foum, in which the owner made a rather interesting claim, namely that all new Dovos were "POS's". Incidentally, my well maintained cover was blown in this thread, too: in case you didn't know, I'm a Dovo sales representative. My wife was shocked, as hitherto I had managed to keep that dark part of my personality hidden from her, what with playing the caring husband, information security management consultant and shaving hobbyist and all that. But you have to give it to the guy, he's got an open mind, and a sharp eye for detail.

Not.

So, ever being the meticulous reviewer, I had to get my hands on one of these new Dovos. Which I did. First challenge: choices. Knowing Dovos quite well, I was torn between several models, including the Renaissance, and the Perlex. But I've always been fond of thumb notches, so I decided on the Bismarck. The razor does come with red plastic and white bone handles, too, and they also look great. But I have a penchant for black handles, so that was an easy choice.

Being similar in shape and size to the 6/8 1/4 hollow Le Grelot I also own, I chose that razor as the benchmark.



Craftsmanship: The craftsmanship of this razor is almost flawless. The razor is perfectly straight, the filework on the spine is perfect, as is the goldwash. The scales are relatively small, but well done, including the faux MOP inlay. The only criticism I can offer is that the scales are not perfectly straight, but have a warp of about .5mm - basically not visible to the naked eye, and certainly not a problem with respect to usability.

Compared to the Le Grelot, the razor is much more pleasing to the eye, and the craftsmanship is in fact better. No major issues on either razor, but you have to keep in mind that the Dovo comes with all the bells and whistles, whereas the TI is, well, just a razor with black scales.

Balance: The razor is perfectly well balanced. Shaving with it is a pure joy from an ergonomic perspective. It has slightly less heft than the Le Grelot, but that is actually a pro argument in my book. Of course, it also offers more flex, as it is a full hollow ground razor, but again, this is also a pro - if you know how to use a full hollow.

Collectability: The razor is still in production, and there are no signs of Dovo going out of business, so I rated it n/a. If you asked me for my personal opinion, availability not withstanding, I would give it a 9-10. I am not overly fond of gold wash, but the one on this razor is perfectly done, and compliments the scales, thus enhancing the overall look of the razor.

Price: Right. We do not do price evaluations on SRP. Neither do we promote individual razors, and I have always tried to answer beginner questions about individual razors with what I found was the best offer in the market. So please do not take this as a shameless plug for the guys who also run this site. But $125.09 including free re-honing for as long as you own the razor is an offer you cannot sensibly refuse (at the time of writing, ie Nov 2009).

Overall: Let me begin by saying that I have seen slightly more than the odd Dovo in my time. Actually more than 500, as I live pretty much next door to one of Germany's largest retailers of these razors. I could not disagree more with what was said over at the other forum, both in content, but also in style. This razor is not my first Dovo. It most certainly will not be my last. And the next one will come from SRD again, as this razor, incidentally, was the first one I received that was honed by Lynn. I've never been much of a fanboy, but the old man really knows how to put an edge on a razor - the first 5 shaves were smooth, and consistent. Apparently, the razor is also able to hold an edge well, as I did not strop it too much for testing purposes.

All things considered, I can highly recommend this razor, and the vendor. And albeit that the Le Grelot is a slightly different razor, I consider the Bismarck the better alternative (personal preference, mind you) - especially given the difference in price for the TI (which recently went out of production and now fetches prices that bear no relationship to its performance).

Yep, I have this exact razor and it is absolutely A1.

I also have a Black Star and thats a great little shaver as well..!

Personally I cant recommend DOVO's enough. They seem to be consistently high quality, they take a good edge and keep it and they are a classic design. I love both of mine and mine wont be my last! I'd like a Bergischer Lowe as well..!

Gentlemen,

My Dovo "Bismarck" 6/8" with white bone scales was a Christmas gift from my daughter and holds a shining spot in my modest straight razor collection. Perhaps my thoughts about this precious gift are slightly prejudiced.

Still, I have shaved with a straight razor long enough to know what I desire in a razor. The Dovo "Bismarck" 6/8" with white bone scales far exceeds my expectations. I am fond of the Dovo, with several in my collection, and this one adds to my sentiment about these razors.

The workmanship on this "Bismarck" is remarkable, from design to color combination and fittings. The sloping heel reduces the cutting length of the blade, much like the "Renaissance" does, but I think that adds a notch to the gentle characteristic of this round point razor.

Having learned well from a couple razors in my collection that arrived with embarrassingly inferior fittings, now I check every razor with a keen eye. I did this one and concluded that it was flawless. The razor is perfectly straight; it opens and closes with proper tightness; and the white bone scales are naturally beautiful.

The razor fits almost perfectly in my small hands. Here, however, I gave it a rating of 9.5, because overall I prefer a slightly heaver blade. It's really nothing to fuss about, but I thought I should mention it. Also, I love the thumb notch. This is one feature on razors I have always liked.

My gift certificate was from Straight Razor Designs, and the "Bismarck" arrived honed by the noble Lynn Abrams, whom I have put in charge of all my razors. I knew it would give me a glorious shave, and that the razor did this morning on its maiden voyage.

Gentlemen, the Dovo "Bismarck" 6/8" with white bone scales received a big nod from me. This is a beautiful razor, and a great shaver. In my case, it is also a special razor, because it was a Christmas gift from my daughter.

Regards,

Obie