So I was at an antique store a couple days ago and saw a straight edge that uses double edge razor blades, only one edge at a time. I've seen ones with replaceable blades that use a single edge but never double edge. I don't know a lot about straight razors and I don't plan on using one or buying this one. I was just wondering if this is common or not? Are they any good for shaving?
Straight using DE blades?
- Thread starter PClark
- Start date
It is called a shavette. Some people love them some don't.
Did it look like this.
edit: I see that you said it only used one side at a time, sorry, not the Durham Duplex. I remember talk here about such a razor, let me look.
edit: I see that you said it only used one side at a time, sorry, not the Durham Duplex. I remember talk here about such a razor, let me look.
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- Thread starter
- #4
It was wide like that but it covered the one side and the comb wasn't like that. I wish I had taken pics of it now. Maybe I'll go back out there to do that.
Sounds like it was a disposable blade straight. As mentioned some like them, and some don't. The disposables are the only straights I use, and I think they're excellent. 
- Thread starter
- #6
Sounds like it was a disposable blade straight. As mentioned some like them, and some don't. The disposables are the only straights I use, and I think they're excellent.
I understand that the blades would be disposable, I've just never seen one that uses a DE blade.
There are some that use half of a DE, as in you have to cut the blade in half (or buy it pre-cut).
I've never seen one that uses an entire DE blade but covers one edge.
I've never seen one that uses an entire DE blade but covers one edge.
- Thread starter
- #8
Ive seen those too but this one definitely took DE blades as there was still one in it.
Odd- try to get some more info- highly unusual that a straight takes a DE blade!
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- #10
I'll be going back there Thursday so I'll take pics and get the name.
There are two "shavettes" that I am aware of that take whole DE blades: Daune and Universal. Both are Italian made. The Universal is like a wide version of a Parker, and only one edge is exposed. The Daune is all plastic and both edges are exposed, like they are on the Durham Duplex. I have a Universal and love it, it's nice and hefty. If there is another brand out there I'm interested, since I collect these things.
Thanks for the pics of the universal, Alfredo!
Here is a pic of the Daune:
I also found a recent thread on B&B showing this razor:
Vanta RA111 by Bolzano
Here is a pic of the Daune:
I also found a recent thread on B&B showing this razor:
Vanta RA111 by Bolzano
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I actually happened to be at an estate sale this weekend myself and picked up two similar sounding razors; the Durham Duplex, and the Durham Domino (which might be closer to what you saw).
Unfortunately, as found on this thread (and other online resources), they no longer make blades to fit this particular style unless you want to attempt using carpet blades.
Unfortunately, as found on this thread (and other online resources), they no longer make blades to fit this particular style unless you want to attempt using carpet blades.
- Thread starter
- #15
It did look more like the domino but it took DE blades. There was a rusty one in it and it looked like any other DE blade.
Your Durham Domino is missing the shaving attachment. It currently has the stropping attachment on it. The Domino is identical to the Duplex. As for blades. Personna Pathology blades work great in the Durham Duplex (& Domino) razors. See here for more info:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...tte-And-Barber-Razor-Enthusiast-(SABRE)-group
I'm new to this so forgive me if I butcher the terminology, but are you suggesting then that there's a piece that looks like the comb attachment with the words 'Domino' engraved in it? I just assumed that the attachment was what had a name, and that the handle was more generic. In other words, I just assumed I had two nearly similar handles, separated by 4 years ('07–'11) that each was part of the attachment it came with. I hope that makes sense.
Also, how would one use the 'stropper attachment' to sharpen the blade? I assumed it was an attachment to turn the piece into something more like a traditional straight razor (no comb on the inside edge) with a safety guard on the outside edge of the double sided blades (for added safety when closed).
Regardless, you are the first person who has suggested or pointed out anything other than industrial blades and home-mades for use with these, so thank you for that.
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Yes.
I just learned something about the Durham Duplex razors. And I need to clarify this for those who followed this post and especially to Sir Crankybottom. See the link I posted above on the SABRE group for the full details, but basically, you can shave with the stropping attachment. Now, the razor is still missing the comb attachment that can be seen in Mike H's pic. The Durham Duplex system is meant to have a dual purpose (hence Duplex), as a safety straight and as an open razor. The comb version of the safety straight is what we are all used to. But by putting the blade in the stropping attachment and attaching the handle, you can strop and then you can shave with it as an open razor. I shaved with mine in that configuration this morning.
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