Dubl Duck Advice Needed

I was at a local antique store, and found a Dubl Duck Satinedge. I know only a little about these razors, but I know enough to know that they seem to be highly sought after. The blade is in very good shape, and the scales are too (no cracks, pins still intact). However, the scales are warped a bit. They curve together in the middle, and the blade seems to stick a bit as you open it (although it does open and close). They are asking $80 for the razor, and won't budge on the price. I keep telling myself it's overpriced and not worth it, but I can't shake the allure of the Duck. I came here to get some other opinions on it. I realize that no one has the perfect answer, and it's subjective, but I'd love to hear some thoughts. I apologize I don't have any pics.

Is it worth it?

Thanks.

Blade is in great shape ? No hone wear, not over polished, original length, shave ready, etc. etc. ?
I love ducks and have a few of them. I have bought them for as little as 30 to as much as 150. No the 150 was not any better than the 1 I paid 60 for. So yeah price is up to you as far as what is fair. Things to consider. The scales hit ? This may cause problems with the blade. Can you say chips and cracks? So you may have to get that fixed and a hone if it isn't ready to shave with. Now you are looking at more than I have paid for my highest. SO without a picture your pretty much on your own here. They may let you take 1 if you ask nice and we may be able to help more but then it will be up to you or it may sell by then. Look on e-Bay and watch what they go for is the best advice I could give. You could then compare with what you know. I can't resist spending on Ducks so I sure couldn't blame you but I have learned the if you learn, watch and wait you will be safer and there is less risk of spending too much.

Nahhh forget all that just BUY IT. .......sorry that was my gut talking :<0)

While I cant really make an educated guess of value without seeing the razor, I will say the matter of scales is inconsequentialto me, as I can make my own. For yourself, you will have to pay to have them replaced, unless you are willing to give it a go. On the plus side, if the blade is in decent shape it means this duck has avoided cel rot.
As far as the Duck mystique, there may be truth to it, or it may just be that, mystique.
I personally like Ducks, but Henckels are another I value.

75 buck razor turned around. Not cheap :<0) http://straightrazorpalace.com/custo...lue-satin.html

And I don't mean I will do it for you . I only do my own .

Thanks for the quick replies.

10Pups, the blade looks very good. It's not shave ready, but there are no chips or cracks. Nothing but a tiny bit of surface rust and tarnish. The only place the blade hits is at the end. It's almost like the blade is too long for the scales, as it hits as you open it. I would suspect someone rescaled it, but it looks like the originals with Satinedge on it.

Thanks for the thoughts so far guys.

The warped scales look just like the ones on that razor before you replaced them with the blue.

The scales are shrinking from the warp, it is quite common with the Catalin the DD used for those scales,, Believe it or not those scales were clear to begin with :)

The scales will start to off gas next and attack the steel :( there is no time frame for this it could start next week or in 10 years but it will happen

Yikes. So would you recommend steering clear of this one?

If they are not hitting so bad that you can guide the blade in okay then you have a razor you have to be careful with. I replaced that one because the warp also caused the square tip of the toe to hit on the way in and that could make you cry if it chips or cracks. I have another I did because it wouldn't even close at all.

Only you can decide if it's worth it to you. I love mine for the way they look and the way they shave. The edge is know to stay sharp a long time and so far mine have done that. I would flip a coin for you but my coin is double sided... get it?

I should also say that warped scales can be straightened although that can be a lot of fun too !

All ducks have this risk factor and any razor that used that material for scales.

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Originally Posted by hukehares

Yikes. So would you recommend steering clear of this one?

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You are asking for an opinion based on your description, which you admittedly are new to this so my answer would be :shrug:

A pic is worth way more than a 1000 words in this case it might be worth $80 :p

Warpage is a common DD problem. I know of no other brand with similarly poor scale quality. Buy it for the blade, if warpage annoys you: have it rescaled.

Please post name and address of the antique shop in question -- we can guess then at the true value of the razor by how fast one of us (me) buys it from underneath you.

Skip it, and keep on looking around and include our classified section.

The scale quality wasn't poor. That's just innate to the material they used which is the same as many many other razors out there from the same vintage.

I think this has been hashed over before, but i need to ask it again if i may, i have a DD with a good blade but warped scales and no sign of cell rot. fix the scales and watch for cell rot or just replace them and avoid the worry?

If the blade is as good as you say, buy it and don't sweat the scales, you can have new scales made, you might be able to find a decent pair used, you might be able to re-use the inlays, it's hard to be sure without seeing it. It's not like they're Reaper scales, they just hold the razor.

One more thing -- never underestimate the power of cash -- real folding money -- see if you can't geet the seller down just a bit with some green.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tintin

I think this has been hashed over before, but i need to ask it again if i may, i have a DD with a good blade but warped scales and no sign of cell rot. fix the scales and watch for cell rot or just replace them and avoid the worry?

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There is no definite answer here..

I have had the scales go both ways, some will straighten right out and not have issues, I have also had a couple react very badly from the heat and it accelerated the Cellrot, excessively ..