Astra Superior Platinum new packaging, or counterfeit??

I just got these in the mail, and I am not sure what to think about this. If anyone has any info on this packaging, please let me know. Otherwise I am going to send them back as counterfeit.

Notice the lack of plastic dispenser, and the odd writing on the box.

This is where I got them from:

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-Astra-Super...emQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item4149bf3257

 

Please elaborate, JoAnna.

 

Good point.

Have you seen other blades that were packaged different, depending on what country they were going to? What you said does make sense, I am just very skeptical. About everything.

 

I've seen the American Personna blades in a variety of packages and dispensers, all depending on where they're being sold.

Not quite the same as your package of blades, but it does indicate a precedent.

 

The lack of plastic is not a worry at all...it is the new environmentally friendly packaging. I carry these exact blades in my store (although the wording is slightly different on my cartons).

 

I've seen the two different packages, both plastic and cardboard in pictures from people who I trust and love these blades. If you notice any problems in how they shave, let us know. It's always good to watch out for conterfeit blades, though I say it's not likely in this case.

 

Wow. Quite a response. I reckon you guys know more about this than I do.

So, then it seems that the lie of global warming is finally seeping into my shaving gear.

 

I've bought the Astra blades from BullGoose and they are the same blades as the plastic boxed ones.

 

Global warming isn't a lie. Global temperatures have a definite upward trend over the last 30 years. The real question comes into the cause of that trend and likelihood that it will continue. It's the over-reaction to various speculation related to global warming that has crept into your shaving gear.

 

I will not get into this on the forums, for I know where it will lead. We can discuss this further via PM if you would like.

No offense or anything, but we all know where discussions like this eventually lead. I rather enjoy a good debate!!

 

he is related to Rolls, after all...

 

yeah, that...analysis can show a slight warming of the planet over a large period of time

when I hear the phrase "global warming", to me it's a catch-phrase that means you accept that this is somehow something we've caused in only the last 100 years

...which I don't buy

but, ChemErik has a valid point

and the blades look genuine to me

 

Back to the blades... I have received from in the cardboard box and some in plastic. I don't think that there have been any difference in performance.

 

Counterfeit? Are you serious?

I can't believe that anyone would make counterfeit blades, except MAYBE Feathers or Swedes, right?

What is the cheapest blade in the world? Maybe $5.00 for 100 for really terrible blades. And you bought yours for $10.00? So they counterfeit the box and someone has machinery to counterfeit the blade markings too? For a mere $5.00 per box?

That doesn't seem to make economic sense to me.... but of course I could be wrong. Do counterfeit blades really exist?

 

I don't think they exist in any great number. I only ever heard one legitimate reference to some counterfeit Lords almost two years ago, and nothing definitive regarding any other blades being counterfeited. But "are these counterfeit" type posts always pop up and anything slightly different is always suspect. I think like you, the money to be made wouldn't warrant the enterprise of counterfeiting.

 

Although this isn't a pure case of counterfeit, the following is an actual case of copyright violations:

In 2007 Dorco and a US importer (Pace) got in legal trouble due to some of their DE blades being marked with ASR patent numbers and packaged too similar to Personna blades and being sold in similar packaging. If you look close enough, you can see the differences in the packaging and the blades. However, if you weren't looking, you could easily grab the cheaper Dorco blades. You can still find them in some dollar stores - just look for the cardboard box that says made in Korea. They don't have the ASR patents on them anymore. http://www.allbusiness.com/legal/torts-business-torts/5279330-1.html

 

Those are the real things.. I have the same packaging but just with English.