Thread: Real Dovo or Fake?

As nice as it is to get a new razor, I honestly feel you would do much better with the classifieds. There are many vintage blades out there that are much better quality for the same price or cheaper.

Originally Posted by John Crowley

That is an older model Dovo that Ross Cutlery has had in stock for a long time. Ross Cutlery is a very reputable firm. When this kind of thought crosses your mind ask yourself, "Would someone take the time to counterfit a Yugo"?

John - thanks for your comments. I was under the impression that Ross Cutlery is a very reputable shop, so I was glad to get your feedback reaffirming that.

You mentioned "That is an older model Dovo that Ross Cutlery has had in stock for a long time" - it sounds like you have some good knowledge of Ross Cutlery. Since this is a shop that you have some knowledge of, can you please share with me some more info about this model razor, and how you were able to confirm it is a Dovo? Thank you John.

Originally Posted by khaos

As nice as it is to get a new razor, I honestly feel you would do much better with the classifieds. There are many vintage blades out there that are much better quality for the same price or cheaper.

KHAOS - I complete acknowledge that the SRP classifieds may be the ideal place to find a good razor at a reasonable price. My concern right now is that I have already gone that route, and purchased a razor from a SRP member, only to have a shop that *I believe* to be reputable (Russ Cutlery) tell me that razor is junk. I then tried the opposite approach, to look at a razor that the shop says is quality, and I have found a mixed response from the SRP forum as to whether the blade the shop reccomended is even a Dovo, and whether it is good quality, or junk.

DOVO?
- Yes: John Crowley
- No: JimmyHAD, Croaker, keenedge, aroliver59, BKratchmer, AlanII
- Uncertain/Can't Tell: Bruce, JMS, khaos, Proraso Man, ignatz

It's like I can't seem to get a consencus on a good quality, reasonably priced straight razor no matter what I do!


I look forward to reading everyone's additional thoughts, particularly those of John Crowley, since it sounds like he knows quite a bit about this specific razor and also about Russ Cutlery. I want to again re-state that my only objective here is to find a good quality, reasonably priced straight razor. I do not want to "drag anyone through the mud" or give anyone a bad name. That being said, I do think it's fair to get expert 3rd party feedback from the SRP forum to help me find a razor that is good quality, that I can use for years. Thanks again for everyone's continued feedback on this - I am hoping we can get a consensus on things!

Originally Posted by John Crowley

That is an older model Dovo that Ross Cutlery has had in stock for a long time. Ross Cutlery is a very reputable firm. When this kind of thought crosses your mind ask yourself, "Would someone take the time to counterfit a Yugo"?

The Ross brothers are OK. They have been honing and regrinding razors for a long time, but kicked up their efforts when the boom started. I am doubtful (although anything is possible) that Ross has had this razor for any length of time as they usually sell everything they can get their hands on included DE's they refurbish. There are many shops in Solingen and there are many razors floating floating with Solingen stamped on them. I am not sure how much plain labeling Dovo is doing, especially considering they are doing everything they can to keep up with their own production.

I tend to look at Dovo's as more of the Ford or Chevy.

Have fun,

Lynn

SoCal,

Would you be satisfied with a simple majority or do you require unanimity?

Originally Posted by Bruce

SoCal,

Would you be satisfied with a simple majority or do you require unanimity?

Hi Bruce. I wasn't looking for complete, unequivocal, unanimous consensus, but one SRP member (John Crowley) sounded like he had some specific knowledge of this razor that might be contrary input from other folks, so that peaked my interest to get a few more people to weigh in.

SoCal-
Let's try another approach:

Although I am certain that razor is the crummy kin of thousands like it on eBay (just look...not kidding) we can't positively ascertain its quality from images.

BUT we can test the word of the Ross people- saying that a razor is Pakistani and worth $6 is a very strong statement....

SO... would you care to show us some pictures of this "worthless" razor? I think if we can either confirm or refute its value we can establish whether or not this particular salesman was honest, and apply that to the new "DOVO".

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

SoCal-
Let's try another approach:

Although I am certain that razor is the crummy kin of thousands like it on eBay (just look...not kidding) we can't positively ascertain its quality from images.

BUT we can test the word of the Ross people- saying that a razor is Pakistani and worth $6 is a very strong statement....

SO... would you care to show us some pictures of this "worthless" razor? I think if we can either confirm or refute its value we can establish whether or not this particular salesman was honest, and apply that to the new "DOVO".

Not a bad idea.

Chris L

Let me suggest a (potentially less expensive) answer to your overall issue.

1) if the issue is that you are not sure the razor you have is shave ready, take it to Ross's and have them look at it. They would probably hone it for you for a fee. If it is a question of whether it is reputable steel, just tell us what brand of razor it is.

2) I certainly hope that you have (by now) contacted the member in question. They will probably want to make things right. Since, at this point, there isn't a way to be sure if it is the honing or the stropping, I (personally) would shoulder part of the cost (if it had been a razor I sold).

3) Send it to one of the honemeisters.

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

SoCal-
Let's try another approach:

Although I am certain that razor is the crummy kin of thousands like it on eBay (just look...not kidding) we can't positively ascertain its quality from images.

BUT we can test the word of the Ross people- saying that a razor is Pakistani and worth $6 is a very strong statement....

SO... would you care to show us some pictures of this "worthless" razor? I think if we can either confirm or refute its value we can establish whether or not this particular salesman was honest, and apply that to the new "DOVO".

Benjamin - thanks for you help with things. Per your request, here are photos of the unit I bought from a SRP member that Ross Cutlery said "could not be sharpened" (this is NOT the alleged Dovo from Ross Cutlery).