Bergischer Löwe vs Hart Steel

[Palinurus]

Hi guys

I'm looking to purchase a new straight razor, and am currently weighing up between the two brands above. My concern with the Dovo is that it just looks a little too delicate and ornate for everyday use, more like a collector's item than a functional device. Can it match up with the razors by Hart Steel in terms of functionality? Is it a good choice for a razor that I'd want to use several times a week? If not, then I think I'm going to go in the opposite direction and buy something by Hart Steel.

Would love to hear from anyone who had experience with either of these razors.

Thanks!!

 

[u2u]

The Bergischer Lowe in horn is a speedster compared to a Hart. Very maneuverable and light at 43 grams. A 5/8 spike with a blade that sings. Very sweet with three flush mount pins. The Hart 6/8 comes in at 66 grams, the 7/8 at 88 grams. They are a very plain 1/4 grind. Heavy choppers with zero flex and feedback. The choices presented are as apples to oranges as you can get.

If you want a flawlessly executed, great looking, high performance blade the BL will outlast you and several generations beyond. If you want to be macho and go plain Jane, Hart is the route. It will go forever as well. I have a BL, 6/8 and 7/8 Hart.

Can't see how one would come to be considering such opposites if it is to be your only straight. If it is to be part of a greater user accumulation I would go with the BL, if you find one you like. They are in short supply. A Hart can be had anytime with no effort.

All of mine were shave ready from the manufacturer. No need to have them honed prior to use.

 

[Mike H]

Is this your first razor, have you been using straights for a while?
They are on the opposite ends of the premium razor options.
The Hart is a heavy solid razor built for use.
The Dovo is much more elegant and lighter.
Both will provide years of service.
Also the Hart is 1/4 grind, while the Dovo is full hollow.

And welcome to B&B!

 

[GreekGuy]

The BL is a nice looking razor, no doubt about that. As the posted above has stated, however, the BL and Hart are very different blades. Different sizes, different grinds, different feels, different styles.

I personally love my 7/8 Hart. I think you would be hard pressed to find a better modern razor at any price. I have owned quite a few Dovos, and they are good razors too. They can get a bad rap at time for being inconsistent, but TI has also been inconsistent at times, so I'm not going to knock them for that.

I think the Hart is a no nonsense, heavy and solid built utilitarian tool. It is designed to do one thing, and it does it well. Some say it looks boring. Ok, maybe it does a little bit, but its a darn good shaver, and at the end of the day, thats what I care about most. The steel takes a mean edge and holds it very very well. I've been using mine for over a year and haven't had to take it back to the hones yet. I don't think you'll find many Hart owners who are anything less than thrilled with theirs. Just my 2 cents.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

I like my Hart 7/8, and I think it's damn fine looking. http://tommoorephoto.com/PROJECTS/Frits-Zernike---Shaves/3/ And that's just with the white resin scales.

Haven't shaved with a BL.

 

[oakeshott]

Consider a third option of the vintage beater with a shave ready edge for 20 or 30 bucks. See if this is to your taste and if it is, then we will happily assist you in spending all your free cash on high end razors.


and brushes.



and stones.


and soaps.


and so on to infinity...

 

[professorchaos]

I'd go with the BL. The Hart's grind is too stiff for my tastes.

 

[Kentos]

Just to counter Henry's point of view...

I don't like the sensation of shaving with a thin wafer of steel that sounds like buttering toast. Give me a heavy hunk of 1/4 ground steel any day.

Sorry to not make your decision any easier. Just get both already!

 

[Thomas Martin]

Hart all the way. They're among the best razors money can buy. I've not been very impressed by the quality of Dovo.

 

[Brianskeet]

Put me in with the Hart fans. I have three of them and love them all. Very consistent high quality and I love the look. Ballet dancer?? NO! Muscle car?? YES!!

 

[professorchaos]

Sorry to not make your decision any easier. Just get both already!

That's the answer!

 

[Captain Pre-Capsize]

I don't own either but have owned a number of vintage ones that fit the bill of both in the OP. For me personally I find the heavier wedges are a favorite, the singing blades of a full hollow just don't have much momentum when shaving (for me.)

 

[Doc226]

Buy them both

 

[Hawkeye5]

I've owned and shaved with both.
The BL is a full hollow and requires skill that may take up to two years to learn in my experience. Really full hollow blades take time to learn and shouldn't be your first razor if you don't have straight razor shaving experience. They can be a joy to use when you know how, but shaver input and control is needed.
The Hart is a quarter hollow, can be had in a round point, has great steel that holds an edge, and is more user friendly as the weight of the razor will help do the work, requiring less shaver input. It will plow through your beard without effort.
So the choice really should be based upon your expertise using a straight razor.

 

[DogHair]

I've owned them both. I now have two Harts and no BL. The BL is a great looking razor just not for me.

 

[Lmarkow]

Love my Hart; never shaved with a BL. I've heard stories of Dovo QA issues (these may be dated or overstated); never with a Hart (this may be overstatd).

 

[Acmemfg]

One day this shall be mine...oh yes, it shall be, mine.
View attachment 361143

 

[noahpictures]

I've owned and shaved with both.
The BL is a full hollow and requires skill that may take up to two years to learn in my experience. Really full hollow blades take time to learn and shouldn't be your first razor if you don't have straight razor shaving experience. They can be a joy to use when you know how, but shaver input and control is needed.
The Hart is a quarter hollow, can be had in a round point, has great steel that holds an edge, and is more user friendly as the weight of the razor will help do the work, requiring less shaver input. It will plow through your beard without effort.
So the choice really should be based upon your expertise using a straight razor.

+1

Couldn't have said it better.