Have you ever bought a razor and from the very beginning you are skeptical about whether it will meet your expectations. I recently bid on a Dubl Duck and between the single fuzzy picture and the hype around Dubl Ducks, I was 90% sure, the razor would show up in worst shape than expected or shave below my expectations (and I’m not normally a pessimist).
Full disclosure, I have bought and refinished over 200 straights over the many years and I tend to search for good quality razors that are in need of refinishing. Spending any amount above $60 is expensive for me but the auction had a blurred picture of a Dubl Duck Lifetime Grim Reaper that looked undamaged and with little hone wear. I planned to bid up to a monstrous $200 and didn't expect to get it.
The auction was a softclose and the price was raising ridiculously fast so I plugged $300 for the sake of having participated. As soon as I bid, it replied “Sorry, bidding has closed” which made no sense on a softclose bid. Something had messed up plus I had obviously hesitated too long and missed out on participating.
The next morning, I got the email saying I had won the razor. I double checked on the validity of the auction, paid the price and postage. I then double checked the picture for any chips or something I missed (I know this sounds too late, but I was trying to manage my own expectations).
It arrived and had very little tarnish and almost no wear. I polished it with nothing more than a bit of Mothers Mag Cleaner on a cloth and then honed it on a 4000, 8000 and 12000 stone (a bit more gently than usual, 'cause something had to go wrong).
I have a Gold Edge, Satin Edge and several Special No 1s but I have to admit, that on the first shave it is clearly my best shaving Dubl Duck. For the sake of avoiding religious-level debates, I won’t compare it to a Heljestrand, Dorko or Waterville but I am very pleased with its quality. I’ve read a few past postings on Dubl Ducks and I know they are consistently decent quality but not the pinnacle of fine steel. From the postings I should keep my eye open for a Wonder Edge.
Full disclosure, I have bought and refinished over 200 straights over the many years and I tend to search for good quality razors that are in need of refinishing. Spending any amount above $60 is expensive for me but the auction had a blurred picture of a Dubl Duck Lifetime Grim Reaper that looked undamaged and with little hone wear. I planned to bid up to a monstrous $200 and didn't expect to get it.
The auction was a softclose and the price was raising ridiculously fast so I plugged $300 for the sake of having participated. As soon as I bid, it replied “Sorry, bidding has closed” which made no sense on a softclose bid. Something had messed up plus I had obviously hesitated too long and missed out on participating.
The next morning, I got the email saying I had won the razor. I double checked on the validity of the auction, paid the price and postage. I then double checked the picture for any chips or something I missed (I know this sounds too late, but I was trying to manage my own expectations).
It arrived and had very little tarnish and almost no wear. I polished it with nothing more than a bit of Mothers Mag Cleaner on a cloth and then honed it on a 4000, 8000 and 12000 stone (a bit more gently than usual, 'cause something had to go wrong).
I have a Gold Edge, Satin Edge and several Special No 1s but I have to admit, that on the first shave it is clearly my best shaving Dubl Duck. For the sake of avoiding religious-level debates, I won’t compare it to a Heljestrand, Dorko or Waterville but I am very pleased with its quality. I’ve read a few past postings on Dubl Ducks and I know they are consistently decent quality but not the pinnacle of fine steel. From the postings I should keep my eye open for a Wonder Edge.
