Thread: Dubl Ducks

What are the differences between the Wonderedge, Goldedge, and the Special #1? I've seen all these listed on eBay and don't know any similarities or differences.

From what I've read around here, the #1, Satin, and Gold's are all the same steel, though the Gold's started life with goldwash on the tang. The Wonderedge... I believe it had a cryo-treated steel or some such. There are a few stainless ones out there, too. The steel itself will be different depending on when the razors were manufactured.

Wonderedge is the best and all double ducks overpriced in my book.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

From what I've read around here, the #1, Satin, and Gold's are all the same steel, though the Gold's started life with goldwash on the tang. The Wonderedge... I believe it had a cryo-treated steel or some such. There are a few stainless ones out there, too. The steel itself will be different depending on when the razors were manufactured.

I had posted quite a while ago about communications I had with the grandson of Pearlman of Pearl Duck (1952-1957), and asked him to ask his grandfather (well into his 90s), what the difference in the steel was. I was told there was no difference in the steel. That answer was correct based on how I phrased the question. The steel is the same; however, after repeating this answer for about a year I found a picture of a Wonderedge box which clearly shows it is cryo hardened carbon steel. So, the steel is the same but the treatment is different. The "electrical hardening" isn't anything new. Many companies used inductive heating before quenching the blade blanks but the cryo treatment of the crbon steel is unique. I will attach this picture.

I would like to point out that cryogenic treatment of metal is very cheep to accomplish at about $15 per pound. It compresses the crystiline structure and enables the metal to have a keener edge. If done properly the process takes the object down to the temperature of liquid nitrogen very slowly and it is cold soaked for 24 hours. Then it brought back up to +300F to relieve stresses caused by the hardening process. It is therefore not possible to do this with the scales attached. Anyone who wants to turn their razor into the equivalent of a Wonderedge can do so by having this done to their razor. All the "stainless" high carbon stain resistant razors have had this process done to them otherwise the stainless would be too soft.

Originally Posted by SlickWillyTFCF

What are the differences between the Wonderedge, Goldedge, and the Special #1? I've seen all these listed on eBay and don't know any similarities or differences.

Hundreds of dollars depending on condition. Kidding aside I have all three and IME one is as good as another. A 6/8 Special # 1 is hard to beat in terms of dollar value compared with the other two although they are all fine razors.

Originally Posted by John Crowley

I found a picture of a Wonderedge box which clearly shows it is cryo hardened crbon steel.

I have snagged a gaggle of Ducks including the Wonderedge. I found all of them relatively easy to hone up to shave ready except for the Wonderedge. It got there but it took a lot longer and was a tougher job. I attribute that to the cyro hardening.

OK lets try a different answer, since we seem to be stuck in a rut on this question....

Pretty much the same differences you find in today's production razors...or in another brand of vintage razor.... Size, grind, point, and some have different hardening and tempering properties... Or course there are differences in the material and designs of the scales....

What makes the DD's special is the consistency of the brand, on the hones, and the face...


As you can see this question is one of various opinions on the forum...

Even if the pearlduck series were "the same" that does not include the earlier ones before pearlson was involved with the company and we know other makers manufactured the earlier ducks.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Even if the pearlduck series were "the same" that does not include the earlier ones before pearlson was involved with the company and we know other makers manufactured the earlier ducks.

OK whatever!

Okay, I think regardless of the "Is it worth it" question,
Anything duck is bound to be at worst a good shaver (assuming it is not smiling, not ground half way down, etc- lets say they all began life as good shavers). This includes Bresnick, Bresduck, Pearlduck, Twinduck, etc, and all their brands and models and stuff. The company got some good stuff out there, and lots of barber's loved them.

However, the rest is all opinion so you're screwed form the start. I personally paid more than twice what my second most expensive razor cost for a Goldedge, because to me it is a beautiful razor, and a great shaver. I don't think I'll be buying 6 of them at that price though. Many people believe they are way overpriced, BUT they aren't.... ebay, which operates on a system of selling stuff only for what someone will pay, shows that a certain razor is theoretically worth that price to someone, otherwise they wouldn't make a contract agreeing to pay that price. ECON 101 folks.

With regard to the steel, the difference between an ages old Bresnick and a 40 year old Goldedge is smaller than the price tag. So pay what you feel for what you want, as long as the blade is in good condition, I feel any of the ducks with do you well.