Durham-Duplex razor handle

You can buy these on eBay for very little money.  They're made in the 1920's. Often you have to buy the whole razor.  The razor-head is useless for want of good blades, but the handle is excellent.  If you like small and maneuverable handles (10 mm X 76 mm) with good knurling, this is one of the best.  I have used it on many razor heads with satisfaction.

This is how it came for under $10.


With a Mühle R41


with an iKon Tech


and with The General


It's made of chrome plated solid brass, weighs 43 grams, and it's a Damn Fine Handle, in my opinion.

The razor head is not useless. It takes these blades:

https://www.quickmedical.com/personna-me...rce=google

I've always wanted to try one of these ever since I knew it existed.

I didn't know that those blades were used in pathology. The same blades are also used for cutting carpets and grooming poodles.

I tried them years ago, and rejected them. I couldn't get a good shave from them, and being carbon steel, they rusted very quickly.

I believe you can get small quantities of them from Try-A-Blade, if they're still in business, or you can buy them by the 100 box.

To me they do not compare to sharp DE blades like Feather or Astra, or Feather Artist Club Professional SE blades, or Gem SE blades.

Try them if you'd like. Best of luck, and Merry Christmas.

Thanks for the pictures, draebeard. I’ve also seen the duplex with another handle, one that is not round. A very interesting razor with either handle.

jar has some experience using the entire razor. See here, for example:
https://damnfineshave.com/thread-what-ra...#pid170934

The Durham-Duplex Razor came with an assortment of other handles.  Some were made of metal, some of Bakelite,

but none were interchangeable as they were attached to the baseplate.  The one in this thread is called the DuBarry (or T-handle).

To the best of my knowledge, it is the only one that is interchangeable, and can be used on other razor heads.

Oh yes, they also came as straight-razor shavettes. Those were probably the most common. There are lots of them on eBay.

Do be cautious when buying. Some handles exhibit wear, therefore a decreased amount of "grip."

One with the knurling in good condition, makes a fine handle for many razors as draebeard illustrated.

Max is right. When in doubt, opt out. I suspect we've all bought stuff on eBay that we've had to throw away. It never feels good to buy bad stuff.

By the way Max, I think you're the guy I bought my short handled Blackbird from, last year on another forum. It's a great razor; I use it often. Thanks.

By the way, I think you're the guy I bought my short handled Blackbird from, last year on another forum.  It's a great razor; I use it often.  Thanks.

I’m assuming this is directed to MaxP, as my Blackbirds are currently the last thing I would sell.

Oh yes, they also came as straight-razor shavettes.  Those were probably the most common.  There are lots of them on eBay.

Yes, I’ve seen quite a few of the Durham shavettes, in various conditions. At least some of them have an “open comb” looking design, if I’m not mistaken. Those look like the kind of razor that truly demands respect…