Thread: Double Duck vs FW Engels vs Ern: opinions

From using American made razors, English made razors, German made razors, Swedish made razors and a Spanish made razor, I can not say any were substandard in providing a very good shave. I have my preferences/favourites mostly based on criteria other than the ability to get the job done.

Bob

Just like Pumas, Dubl Ducks and F.W. Engels had great PR (outside of Germany) and looked fancy (I'd call them flashy, personally). Ern were among the largest producers of (amongst other things) razors at the time, so logically they had a large output which is still obvious by the number of razors around today. All are pretty common.

As far as I know, Dubl Ducks were mainly made for export. They are by no means scarce or rare. In fact, they are quite abundant, yet often in bad shape. Still, a fair number in good to really good condition seem to still be available, even if one merely goes by the numbers seen on eBay on a regular basis (which is probably just the tip of the ice berg).

I own razors from all 3 brands you mention, I have 6 Dubl Ducks as a matter of fact, and to tell you the truth, if you blindfold me and hand me any of them to shave with I would not be able to tell the difference provided they are all well honed.

But remember that most of us SR shavers are in the hobby not just for function but for aesthetics as well. I personally love the look of the Duble Ducks and have paid the high prices they command. But I just love to pull them out of the razor roll and look at them, I confess that I do this several times a week

The only man I know who shaved with a straight until his hands became to shaky, is my mother's uncle. He lived in The Netherlands where Solingen made razors were used most. AFAIK he only used Heljestrands that he got from Sweden where he travelled a lot for work. I love my Swedes and gravitate towards them very often though I have many other razors to choose from.

I am not bragging because it was a sickness but ovee 800 razors have passed through my den in the last 7 years.... I now ONLY shave with Heljestrands. The only razor that came close was a Puma #89 Puma Special that I traded or sold to RayG. ALL the razors you mentioned (OP) are fine blades indeed, but make mine Heljestrand!

Originally Posted by Kees

The only man I know who shaved with a straight until his hands became to shaky, is my mother's uncle. He lived in The Netherlands where Solingen made razors were used most. AFAIK he only used Heljestrands that he got from Sweden where he travelled a lot for work. I love my Swedes and gravitate towards them very often though I have many other razors to choose from.

Thanks for all the input, guys. That helps.