Dovo Bismarck: History’s Fine Work
14 November 2019
Bismarck is not just a quality straight razor, but a living legend that has already become a gem between the collectors, despite still being produced. With its sleek design, intricate details and engineering background, Bismarck is the expression of a period in German history, found life in a straight razor.
This beautiful straight razor was named after Otto von Bismarck. Bismarck, a bright politician known as the "The Iron Chancellor", is one of the most important figures in German state history. At the beginning of the 19th century he gathered many small German states merging them into a single-nation state, thus founded the German National Union, in other words; the modern Germany.
Thanks to his foresighted industrial leaps, Germany is now one of the world's leading countries in heavy industry. Today all the worlds armies start quick time with the left foot because of him. He has many legendary phrases like "The less the people know about how sausages and laws are made, the better they sleep in the night.”
Even the legendary fearful Bismarck battleship was named after him.
There were many skilled knifemakers. In that period men’s fashions in Europe and America turned to clean-shaven faces and elaborate, well maintained moustaches. So, most of the knifemakers in Solingen shifted their attention from knives to straight razors.
Arthur Müller was one of them. Named his brand after the famous Otto von Bismarck, thus the company Bismarck Razor Works was born.
The Bismarck stood the test of time and become famous among men for its robustness and reliability. In 1950s, Dovo was in an effort to collect and rescue the important Solingen brands. Bismarck was one of that brands just like Tennis and Ankerflagge.
At that time manufacturers' stamps used to pass from father to son. Due to “August Müller” stamp on the 40 and 50s Bismarck’s, it’s speculated that August was the one who sold the brand to the Dovo in 1957, who is assumed to be the son or a close relative of Arthur Müller.
The shoulder part is a protruding metal section that provides rigidity to the steel. Shoulderless straight razors are generally more flexible and are mostly made in 6/8 and above sizes, as well as in full or extra hollow grinding. Shoulderless design allows the blade to flex more to the contours of your face. In addition, they are easier to hone. However, with shoulder or shoulderless, it’s just a matter of choice, they don’t have an advantage over each other.
But Bismarck offers even more. The razors spine, tang and tail are all washed with 24K gold. “Bismarck” name is laser etched on the blade and framed with 24K gold again. Gold not only helps for a luxurious look but also prevents the corrosion of carbon steel. Additionally, gold plated spine has some intricate file work.
At the time Dovo offers Bismarck with two scale options, the imitation pearl scales and the ebony wood scales. From time to time Dovo produced vintage looking “pre Dovo” Bismarck models, which are highly valued by the collectors.
Surprisingly, Bismarck offers all these technical and aesthetical points at a very affordable price. Actually, it’s one of the few razors offering a 6/8 full hollow blade and this much ornaments at this price level.
Bismarck doesn’t fall behind the competition in visual, balance or shave quality, which makes it the first choice of most beginners. In spite of having a wide 6/8 blade, it’s well balanced weight and comfortable grip makes it easy to use for beginners.
We recommend this historic model to any straight razor lover, which reflects typical German perfectionism with quality materials, attention to details and superb workmanship. Whether you’re a beginner, seasoned or a collector, we fell each cabinet deserves a Bismarck. If you take good care of it, it will serve you throughout your life.