Thread: Dubl Duck hone

A friend picked this up for me. Its a nice piece, but I really don't know when to use it.
I know it is a combo stone, but I suppose the rougher side is still somewhat fine. Would I be right in thinking this?
Also, I paid roughly ten bucks for it. I took that to be a good price. Would I also be right in assuming this?
Any info would be appreciated.

I like it , very cool . I have a few old razor hones in my collection but I'm not an authority on hone prices , but I would pay more than $10 for it , no question . I use a Norton 4k/8k for honing my razors , though .

The Dubl Duck combo regularly goes for more than $50 on eBay. Good snag!

I think you're right about the sides; I'd guess they are medium and fine. Haven't used one myself, but they are well regarded.

Josh

Originally Posted by JoshEarl

The Dubl Duck combo regularly goes for more than $50 on eBay. Good snag!

Josh

Yikes, Josh!

$30 for a NOS should be the ceiling in my opinion. If reasonable - $20. I have never seen $50 for it, but maybe I am just not as active lately. Regardless, I saw one recently go for under $15...

This is a standard hone, which I believe was made for a number of different companies. I paid about $10 for mine NOS shipped, so I'd say you got a good price. Some people really love these hones; I don't hate them but am not smitten either. Works well for some razors, not so much for others

Cheers
Ivo

i've also seen these go for $40 - $50

stick a duck on it = instant 200% price increase

OK, Ivo's at least partly right here... The only one I can find that sold recently did go for about $12, but it was labeled "Dble Duck." I know I've been outbid several times after bidding in the $25-$30 range. And my eyebrows usually shoot up when I see the final bid price...

Personally I have a hard time paying more than $30 for any barber hone, which is why I currently do not own a Dubl Duck combo.

Eric, I think one duck = 100 percent increase. You have to have to add two to get a 200 percent increase.

Josh

So, I figure I got a decent deal on this hone. Thanks for the input guys.
Now, I know these aren't really rated on grit, but it is my first and only barber hone and I have no experience with using them. Can someone ballpark the grit for me? My guess is 6000/10,000. However, my guess is pulled right out of my own rear end. I am purchasing a norton 4/8, have a TM 4 sided paddle (3,1.5,.5) and will soon have a TM hanging strop. Does the Dubl Duck have any place in there, or should it just sit on my shelf and look neat?

My guess is that your guess is too high. (IF you are right, it would make perfect sense to use the 10K side after the Norton 8K)

Regardless, the hone has a place in your arsenal: for maintenance and touch ups, which require more than the pastes. Unless you want to deal with the Norton 8K every such time. The advantage of the barber hone: doesn't need to be soaked (time), can be used dry (less mess, use anywhere), more convenient to hold in the hand, would need less lapping than the Norton with repeated use, blah blah blah... Let's not forget it's *vintage* and *rare* from a *cult* brand. Top that, Norton 8K!

The DD hone's disadvantage (for me) - it's not a natural. But neither is the Norton, so it doesn't matter for you.

Cheers
Ivo

Originally Posted by izlat

The advantage of the barber hone: doesn't need to be soaked (time), can be used dry (less mess, use anywhere), more convenient to hold in the hand, would need less lapping than the Norton with repeated use, blah blah blah...
Ivo

FWIW the 8K side of the Norton (which should be all that you need for touch ups) does not need to be soaked for 5-10 min like the 4K side. It only needs to be wet, so you can use it immediately. Can't argue the other points though.

Originally Posted by heavydutysg135

FWIW the 8K side of the Norton (which should be all that you need for touch ups) does not need to be soaked for 5-10 min like the 4K side. It only needs to be wet, so you can use it immediately...

My bad - yes, I have heard that you only need to spritz water on it to use it. I don't think I ever did this because I usually use other hones to touch up and only did 8K when I was also using the 4K.

As to whether 8K is all you need for touch-ups: some people find it's great for them, others prefer something else (or many other things, in a progression). On some edges it works well, on others - not so much.

Cheers
Ivo