Thread: What's this Double Duck worth?

I was in an antique shop a week or so ago and came across this Double Duck SR. The shop owner didn't know too much about it - all she really said was it's got real bone handles.

The nose looks like it's had a bad grind job - it was very asymmetrical, uneven and sloppy. The blade also looks fairly short. This along w/ the and nose job makes me wonder if someone had ground it shorter. The blade was in decent shape overall - not too much pitting and discoloration. The edge was fairly flat but not perfect. There were no jimps. The pins were solid but the blade hinged very loosely. Didn't look like it was hitting the scales when closed though. This was definitely not shave ready; all it would really need is a good grind on the bevels, some cleaning of the blade, and a fresh edge. It was in need of a good restore.

She wanted $120, and said she was having a 20% off sale that day. Seems quite spendy to me, but I'm not sure what vintage razors are worth.

Any feedback you all can offer is much appreciated. Cheers! mpp

First, we don't do appraisals here. Second, I'll give you a hint: those aren't bone handles...

We don't do appraisals on SRP. Everyone has their opinion and who is to say which is right or wrong. OTOH, in this case, since you ain't selling it, but are considering buying it ..... I wouldn't give ten bucks for it. Go to ebay, type dubl duck in search, and look at completed items. You'll see minty ducks going for prices like that.

Originally Posted by richmondesi

we don't do appraisals here.

Sorry - didn't know I was breaking rules. Just trying to learn more about what used vintage razors are worth when buying.

They didn't seem like bone handles to me. What is the material they are made of? Some sort of arcylic w/ a pearl-esque swirl-job?

They are made of celluloid as were most scales on razors from that era. It is a fragile material subject to the chemicals it is made from reacting to environmental conditions and decaying. That condition is known as "cell rot" and will, if left alone, ruin the blade within the scales. Fortunately it is not a common condition but you have to look out for it. Acrylics are much better and safer for razor scales than the old celluloid.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

I wouldn't give ten bucks for it.

Well, personally, I wouldn't pay the $120 she was asking for, but I wouldn't go this far either. Some people, like me, aren't always into only acquiring pristine blades for a collection. I've got a small batch of razors (less than 20) and all are for shaving. Some are in super nice, mintey condition, and some are old antique store blades like this one. The main thing I look for is if the razor will shave well.

I recently bought an old dirty Torrey for $10 at an antique store. Black plastic scales, lots of patina - nothing special by any means. But I cleaned it up and once it's honed I'll have (from what I've heard about Torreys) a really nice shaver for $10. Can't beat that, in my mind.

So while I agree with the notion of the responses on this post (that this razor is likely extremely overpriced, and her description of the scales is flat out wrong), I wouldn't say that spending a little money on older, "beat up," quality blades is always a bad idea. It just depends on what you're looking to get out of it.

Originally Posted by zappbrannigan

So while I agree with the notion of the responses on this post (that this razor is likely extremely overpriced, and her description of the scales is flat out wrong), I wouldn't say that spending a little money on older, "beat up," quality blades is always a bad idea. It just depends on what you're looking to get out of it.

+1 ... I have quite a few vintage razors that came with patina, cracked scale at the wedge end and like that. I draw the line on shortened blades and on blades with heavy hone wear or serious corrosion ..... particularly if it is close to, or in, the bevel.

My saying I wouldn't give ten bucks reflected the shortened blade more than anything else. Yes , I know you can still shave with a shortened blade ...; but there are too many fish in the sea for me to settle for less than I want. The longer I've been messing with the sport, the more discriminating I've become.

Originally Posted by mpukas

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They didn't seem like bone handles to me. What is the material they are made of? Some sort of arcylic w/ a pearl-esque swirl-job?

They are Cracked Ice Celluloid and DD's have some of the most beautiful and finicky ones out there, look at the scales at the top of the GE inlay very very close, that discoloration worries me.. (Keep in mind I am analyzing "by pic" which it problematic at best)
The toe does look off, I would bet the scales are warped too???? I am not liking the looks of the pivot pins and the celluloid there much either... The razor would be what I call a "Shaver" after a bit of work...

As you can see from the different opinions already about the price/value this just shows why we don't go there so I just gave my opinion about the razor itself...

while we aren't allowed to give appraisals, I will say that when I was on ebay looking for my first razor, I saw a similar model of DD that had been restored go for ~$120. Based on that, I would not pay $120 for a DD that had not been restored.

Something's worth is what someone is willing to pay for it. how much are you willing to pay for this? that is what it's worth. if you want to know what people are willing to pay for restored ones, go to ebay and look at ended listings.

I saw one in very good condition go for over $200 the other day on eBay. I wouldn't pay more then $30 +\- my self for something in that condition. I'm not telling you what its worth but that is what i would pay if i saw it. As long as i could get the blade nice and scales up to scratch (or less some scratches) with some PlasticX etc

I would look else where, for $120 you can find much better.

I only just go this for about $100

but a LOT of guys wouldn't pay that for this razor either. And its almost NOS!