The History of Dovo Solingen of Merkur Razors

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The history of Dovo Solingen and Merkur safety razors isn't simply the history of two brands—it's a journey of authentic German precision that begins in the forests and rivers of Solingen and evolves into a centuries-old industrial tradition. In a city built around steel, blades, and craftsmanship, Dovo and Merkur combine handmade expertise with modern engineering to create products loved worldwide.

At HairMaker.Gr, testing these tools daily in our barbershop, we feel that each of their creations carries the very soul of Solingen. In this article we'll explore the origins, evolution, and passion that made both companies symbols of quality—and why they continue to be top choices for traditional shaving enthusiasts. ✔️

The Land of Steel: Solingen, the Cradle of the Blade

The city of Solingen, known internationally as the "City of Blades," didn't earn this reputation by chance. It's located in the Bergisches Land region, an area rich with natural resources, forests, water streams, and mineral deposits. These conditions created an ideal environment for ironwork, metallurgy, and handcrafted blade production as early as the 8th century.

Since 1200 AD, Solingen had already established itself as a blade production center. Local craftsmen utilized wood from surrounding forests for furnaces, water from rivers for moving grinding wheels, and natural ores mined from the region's hills. The result was products of exceptional precision that quickly gained fame throughout Germany.

It's worth noting that many of the early Solingen products didn't even bear the city's name. They were sold as "Kölner Schwerter" (Cologne swords) because Cologne's commercial power was already substantial. Only when product quality became globally recognized did craftsmen begin demanding their own identity: thus "ME FECIT SOLINGEN" was born, found on blades from 1571 onwards.

Solingen wasn't just a place of production, but also of research. The development of new alloys, hardness optimization, tempering techniques, and high-quality grinding became the city's character. Local government protected craftsmen by setting strict standards for using the Solingen name—something that remains true today with the protected designation "Made in Solingen".

Even today, over 90% of German cutlery and everyday tool metallurgy companies are based in Solingen. From knives and scissors to safety razors and straight razors, the city remains synonymous with excellence and precision. This historical background forms the foundation upon which the empires of Dovo and Merkur were built.

Dovo Solingen: From the Knight of 1916 to Global Excellence

Dovo was founded in 1916 by Carl Dorp in the Wald district of Solingen. Its logo, depicting a knight with hammer and sword, isn't merely decorative: it symbolizes the union of handcrafted art with sharp perfection. The knight holds the hammer of creation and the sword of precision—two values that remain at the company's core to this day.

The name DOVO comes from founders Dorp and Voos. After World War I, the company passed exclusively to Dorp, and subsequently in 1942, was handed over to straight razor manufacturer Fritz Bracht, one of the most skilled craftsmen of the era.

In the post-war years, Dovo flourished. New jobs were created, the product portfolio expanded, and the company acquired smaller houses, incorporating their expertise. In this way, Dovo maintained the authentic tradition of handcrafted blades while adding new, modern production techniques.

Dovo's distinguishing feature is that it never produced "mass products." Every straight razor, every blade, and every shaving tool passed through specialized hands. This combination of tradition and innovation made Dovo one of the most respected names in traditional shaving worldwide.

From our barbershop, testing Dovo products daily, what stands out is the feeling of "handcrafted power." Their tools aren't just beautiful—they're designed to last decades, deliver precision, and enhance every user's experience. ✔️

✨ "If you start with Dovo today, you start right." – HairMaker.Gr

Selected tools we've personally tested in our barbershop—reliable, durable, and suitable for beginners and professionals.

MERKUR: From Emil Hermes to Global Safety Razor Excellence

The history of Merkur begins in 1896 when Emil Hermes decided to establish his own company in Solingen. Since the surname "Hermes" was already registered, he chose its Roman equivalent: Merkur—the name of the ancient messenger god, symbol of speed, ingenuity, and technical skill. A name that ultimately became synonymous with the world's finest safety razors.

From day one, Merkur's goal was clear: to create razors that don't compromise but deliver with absolute consistency. The company revolutionized with two-piece, three-piece, and adjustable models, plus unique heads offering different shaving experiences from mild to very aggressive. This philosophy continues to define the company 125+ years later.

By the early 20th century, Merkur had already established itself in Germany. Its razors were distinguished by their balance, uniform shaving experience, and positioning on the face. Solingen craftsmen worked with exceptional precision on heads, threads, levers, and blades. The result: products that lasted a lifetime.

In 1996, Dovo—already a leading force in Solingen—acquired Merkur, recognizing that its safety razor quality perfectly matched its own tradition of handcrafted straight razors and blade techniques. Thus one of the most powerful combinations in traditional shaving history was created.

From my experience in the barbershop, Merkur razors have a distinctive "contact feel." Their head "sits" on the skin with stability, the weight is calculated, and performance remains predictable—something men truly appreciate. ✔️ That's why they've remained a genuine must for those wanting safe, premium shaving for so many years.

Customer Reviews for Dovo & Merkur

When Tradition Was Forged: Dovo + Merkur Under the Same Roof

Merkur's acquisition by Dovo in 1996 wasn't just a business move. It was the meeting of two schools of craftsmen deeply rooted in Solingen—the people who made the most famous straight razors and those who made the most famous safety razors. This unification brought an impressive combination of expertise.

Essentially, Dovo offered the high art of the blade and master techniques of handcrafted production, while Merkur brought the sophisticated engineering of safety razors—from classic 34C models to adjustable Futur & Progress.

For the first time in history, the two leading "families" of the German shaving world shared a common vision. And this vision led to products that weren't just good—they were reference tools for those involved in wet shaving.

This union had three key outcomes:

• ✔️ More precise production and stricter quality control.
• ✔️ Greater consistency in models and their characteristics.
• ✔️ Strong brand awareness in Europe and America.

From our visits to grooming exhibitions, what stands out is that buyers support Dovo/Merkur not because "they're German products," but because they truly deliver the quality experience they advertise. Weight, balance, cut, hand feel—everything has a characteristic Solingen signature.

In the barbershop, we see daily that customers who switch to Merkur razors rarely go back to something cheaper. Same with Dovo straight razors—the quality is such that it's hard to settle for less. This alliance of these two brands wasn't just business—it was natural evolution. ✔️

Production Today: The Perfect Combination of Craftsmen & Engineering

Today, Dovo and Merkur operate in a fully upgraded facility in Solingen. Although they utilize modern CNC tools, laser alignment, and precision machinery, the heart of production remains handcrafted. Over 70% of processes are still performed by specialized craftsmen who spend years mastering the art of the blade.

The production process for Dovo straight razors includes:

• ✔️ casting and forging of steel
• ✔️ hardening at controlled temperatures
• ✔️ multi-stage polishing
• ✔️ hand honing & stropping

For Merkur safety razors, weight, balance, and head geometry are checked with micrometer precision. This is why Merkur razors offer a uniform, "confident" feel on the skin. They don't wobble, don't slip, and the blade always applies consistently.

In our discussions with customers at the barbershop, they often mention that Merkur razors "feel premium from the first touch." Indeed, the finish, chrome plating, and blade sensation on the skin stand out even for inexperienced wet shavers. ✔️

Finally, Dovo has expanded into shavette production, combining the style of traditional straight razors with the convenience of replaceable blades. This hybrid tool type is winning over more and more professional barbers—and not without reason.

Why They're Considered Top-Tier: Performance, Feel & Durability

When we talk about premium wet shaving, two names are givens: Dovo and Merkur. Their reputation wasn't built on marketing but on decades of actual performance, stability, and quality felt in the user's hand. Whether discussing Dovo straight razors or classic Merkur razors like the 34C, Progress, or Futur, there's clear consistency: every product works as it should.

Durability is also a massive advantage. We have customers who've used Merkur for 15+ years without any wear. Dovo straight razors, with proper maintenance, can stay "alive" literally forever.

From our barbershop experience: Dovo offers the softest and most controlled cut among premium straight razors, while Merkur provides the most stable and predictable safety shave of all comparable market razors. This double strength has made them legends in the field.

For a beginner, they offer safety. For a professional, they offer performance. For a traditional shaving enthusiast, they offer history. ✔️

✨ "These tools aren't bought—they're invested in." – Giannis, HairMaker.Gr

Recommendations for different experience levels. All tested in our barbershop.

Comparison Table: Dovo vs Merkur

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