The History of Dovo Solingen of Merkur Razors

The History of Dovo Solingen and Merkur Machines

Solingen has been considered the centre of the German metallurgical industry for centuries.

Rich natural ores, nearby forests as sources of timber, and its geographical proximity to the commercial city of Cologne, made Solingen one of the world's leading suppliers of metallurgical products.

The Geography and History of Solingen

Solingen is part of the Bergisches Land, a low mountainous region on the right bank of the Rhine.

The city is a member of the regional association Rhineland.

Where the name Solingen comes from is still unclear, but it is certain that the name "Bergisches Land" comes from the family of Counts De Berge.

Since 1200 AD, the blade trade has been widespread in Solingen.

The wooded area provided the pioneers of blade making with optimal raw materials to continue their craft.

The Berg powers were responsible for granting manufacturing privileges.

In addition, skilful trade allowed close relations with the city of Cologne.

In the beginning, products from Solingen were sold under the name "Kölner Schwerter" before the name Solingen became known worldwide.

The migration of blacksmiths from South Germany and Austria, together with their top expertise, made the area around Solingen well known for the production of blades.

In 1571, the knife makers of Solingen received their privileges and from then on they had to label their products with the words ME FINEC SOLINGEN, Latin for SOLINGEN MADE ME.

But not only sword and blade makers, but also scissors manufacturing was established in Solingen in the 16th century.

Those however received their privileges in 1794.

However, Solingen was not only a production site but also an important research site.

The continuous improvement of blade manufacturing and production technology as well as materials research has always been an integral part of the region.

Solingen received a great honour in 1856, when it was recognised as a city by the Prussian city officials.

To this day, more than 90% of German companies in the metalworking industry of everyday products are based in Solingen.

The history of Dovo and Merkur

DOVO

In 1916, Carl Dorp founded his factory in the Wald in Solingen.

As a symbol of his company, he chose a knight with a hammer and a sword.

The hammer symbolizes blacksmithing and the sword the perfection of the products.

When the company was founded, the merchant Carl Arthur Voos was also part of it, hence the name Dorp & Voos.

The company was dissolved after the First World War and Dorp remained the sole owner.

In 1942, Dorp handed over the entire company to the experienced falsetto manufacturer Fritz Bracht.

After the war, his son-in-law took over the business and together with young and eager workers they started work at a time when the German economy was booming.

In the following years, the company grew. 

Dozens of jobs were created as the company's product portfolio expanded.

Also, through the acquisition of partner companies, DOVO continued to grow.

After over a hundred years, a wide range of high-quality shavers was born.

MERKUR

Emil Hermes founded his company in 1896 in Solingen.

Since the name Hermes had already been registered, he chose its Roman form, Merkur.

By manufacturing high-quality beard and shaving equipment, MERKUR quickly built its name.

To this day, Merkur shavers reflect the quality and value of the past in design, packaging and marketing.

As MERKUR's largest customer, DOVO became interested and eventually bought the company in 1996.

Since then, MERKUR's traditional production of safety machines has been carried out under the same roof as DOVO's traditional production of falsettos.

Production today

Most Dovo products are produced entirely in Germany. Merkur's traditional shaving machines from DOVO Solingen have a fanatic following for both their quality of workmanship and their efficiency. Also, shaving Shavettes are the next level preferred by both shavers and professional barbers in today's world.  

By combining generations of traditional know-how with modern means of production, Dovo continues to produce products of high durability and quality.

With the passion of its experienced craftsmen and its unique history, DOVO proudly carries on the legacy of Carl Dorp and Carl Arthur Voos.