After seeing Jamie's recent posting of a beautiful NOS Dubl Duck Goldedge, it brought to mind another Bresnick/Bresduck model: the Lifetime. This model pops up from time to time on ebay, and on rare occurrences, for sale in the classifieds. They fetch a pretty steep asking price. In top shape, they are quite fetching razors, as seen in this example: Ornately-decorated scales and bolsters, lovely blade shape... What I get a kick out of, however, is what some people will pay to own one of these—DESPITE the condition. I do understand the rarity and the potential restoration possibilities with some of these razors, but it is difficult to make 'gold from lead'—particularly if the starting point is practically beyond repair. Case in point: This ebay Lifetime has badly warped, chipped and cracked scales. The blade has hone wear, evident rust (evident cell rot, possibly) and what looks to be a crack in the middle of the blade. Is it salvageable? Possibly, but it certainly not something I'd be willing to take on. There is so much wrong with it that the time and money required, at least for me, isn't worth the effort—especially if the scales are rotting. The buyer purchased this razor for… $399! Here's another example: For $90 (a deal?), a buyer acquired this slightly damaged Lifetime. The scales are the value. But again, when I see corrosion on a blade (where there actually IS a blade), I'd be concerned about early signs of cell rot. Not a risk I'd be willing to gamble upon. Perhaps the buyer lucked out and wound up with a nice set of scales. Now all he needs is the right blade. For me, the bottom line is if I'm going to invest a sizable chunk of money in a rare, high-demand razor, I wouldn't risk an online purchase unless there is an agreeable return policy. I'd probably wait for the day to happen where I stumble across one of these beauties in an antique store or estate sale. At least that way, I can view it in person…and maybe get it for $30!
The Dubl Duck brand name has a very powerful allure in the world of Straight Shaving. Thanks for posting this!
Doesn't look like a "Lifetime" razor to me. There are some strange bidders out there for sure. And sellers who are sitting on lead thinking it's gold. Such is life.
hehehehe Here drool on this one that is my personal Reaper Want to see really rare ??? Dubl Duck Satin Baby
I do have one of these that is awaiting some cleanup & honing… I paid a little more than $6 for it, though….
