Dovo Nail Clippers

Nickel-galvanized hardened steel clippers. Made in Solingen, Germany, where super-sharp, durable cutting edges are decreed by law. Dovo nail clippers are guaranteed for life. (more info)

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Nail clippers have “a bracing abruptness, a can-do metal snap, that leaves their user with the illusion that he is progressively, clip by hardened-steel clip, gaining control of his shambling life,” wrote novelist Nicholson Baker in his 1994 essay Clip Art. Hot-forged and crafted in Germany’s cutlery capital, if these particular clippers are comfort objects, they are also starkly functional.

Though they’ve become a cultural staple, nail clippers are a relatively new invention. The first known patents only date back to the late nineteenth century, and antique models are usually less than one hundred years old. Dovo Solingen, a centenarian Rhineland company known for its razors, knives, and scissors, did not even begin making manicure tools until the 1970s.

But now Dovo is among the more respected nail clipper manufacturers and the quality is dependable. In fact, the city of Solingen issued a decree in 1938 that makes it illegal for any item to associate itself with the “Solingen” name unless it meets certain standards regarding materials and manufacture. A significant portion of Dovo’s company pride stems from its drive to exceed these standards.

Use & Care

With a minimum hardness of 48° HRC, blades of nail clippers like these are difficult to damage or break as long as they are used properly. However, if a break does occur, Dovo guarantees its products for life. When necessary, blade sharpening or repair should be done by a professional.

Production & Design

As with all of Dovo’s products, the manufacture of each clipper model is an involved, multi-step project. It begins with a cropped sheet of steel, passes through a careful forming and hardening process, and then ends with grinding, buffing, and polishing. Fine files are used to sharpen cutting edges. Dovo nail clippers have a particularly straightforward, simple appearance and are galvanized with nickel.