Cloning problem!!!

Hello folks,
I had a mix-up with a sale and was shipped the wrong head. It was a clone of a wrong design. It was an honest mistake. However, it sparked a thought in my head.
With the plethora of cloned razor heads out there, how can we tell the difference between the Maggard V3/RR Protege and DE89 heads? Are there any manufacturing labels from EJ? I don't remember seeing any when I owned one almost a year back.
How can we tell that we are getting genuine EJ or Merkur part (I do believe Merkur engraved theirs though).

Respectfully,
Ronnie B.

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Buy Vintage

I'm not sure that you can tell if you are buying a 'genuine' anything when you buy cloned products.

The only clear answer to knowing what you're getting, and who it is made by, is by buying vintage or the (usually) more expensive original designs.

If you order an EJ89 from Edwin Jagger, they are not likely to switch it for a MRv3.

Likewise, if you order an MRV3 from Maggard Razors, they aren't likely to swap it for an EJ89.

If you are purchasing a known clone, buy from the vendor that originated the clone.

If you are buying a clone-ee, buy from the originator of the design.

Most big vendors are ethical enough to avoid this kind of intentional bait-and-switch, but mistakes can be made. Look for plating inconsistencies, areas where polishing was left incomplete, or where grinding prior to plating was less than perfect. The original design is likely to have a better finish.

Otherwise, buy from vendors you trust and respect.

Or buy vintage...

+1 to the above post.

Yes. I agree that buying from vendors will be guaranteed that they will be the right models. I was just wondering if I bought a second hand DE89, would there be any distinct labeling/etchings/labels on them?
The cloned models usually do not have any type of logos on them or they do have the company logo of who is selling.
Sorry if I was not more clear.

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+1 to the above post.

Good points above.

I don't own a Protege or V3 however it was my understanding the Protege have actual EJ DE89 heads?

On the Maggard, I would imagine there would be differences in finish quality. I do have a couple of sourced Parker head razors and although perfectly serviceable, they are not to the same finish standards as EJ/Muhle etc.

I have ordered both Muhle and EJ heads alone and they always shipped in original, factory packaging as well which is another good sign, if not fully conclusive.

Reputable source would be my first step though as already mentioned.

Yes. I agree that buying from vendors will be guaranteed that they will be the right models. I was just wondering if I bought a second hand DE89, would there be any distinct labeling/etchings/labels on them?
The cloned models usually do not have any type of logos on them or they do have the company logo of who is selling.
Sorry if I was not more clear.

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Purchasing second hand, your only real hope is that the person you are buying from is trustworthy.

You can check plating, polishing, and pre-plate grinding for quality. Higher wuality in these areas would indicate original manufacturers, lower quality would indicate clones, as they are intended to be less expensive, but there really is no guarantee one way or the other.

One good thing...they are all modern, Zermak razors with chrome plating. You shouldn't find yourself paying Stainless Steel prices and receiving a Zermak razor. Even the originals will be Zermak, with a chrome finish, so the differences will be attention to details...

Yes. I agree that buying from vendors will be guaranteed that they will be the right models. I was just wondering if I bought a second hand DE89, would there be any distinct labeling/etchings/labels on them?
The cloned models usually do not have any type of logos on them or they do have the company logo of who is selling.
Sorry if I was not more clear.

Sent from my SM-G900L using Tapatalk

Purchasing second hand, your only real hope is that the person you are buying from is trustworthy.

You can check plating, polishing, and pre-plate grinding for quality. Higher wuality in these areas would indicate original manufacturers, lower quality would indicate clones, as they are intended to be less expensive, but there really is no guarantee one way or the other.

One good thing...they are all modern, Zermak razors with chrome plating. You shouldn't find yourself paying Stainless Steel prices and receiving a Zermak razor. Even the originals will be Zermak, with a chrome finish, so the differences will be attention to details...

I agree with you on the quality control of the razors and the attention to detail. Thank you very much!!!

Sent from my SM-G900L using Tapatalk

+1 to the above post.

Good points above.

I don't own a Protege or V3 however it was my understanding the Protege have actual EJ DE89 heads?

On the Maggard, I would imagine there would be differences in finish quality. I do have a couple of sourced Parker head razors and although perfectly serviceable, they are not to the same finish standards as EJ/Muhle etc.

I have ordered both Muhle and EJ heads alone and they always shipped in original, factory packaging as well which is another good sign, if not fully conclusive.

Reputable source would be my first step though as already mentioned.

I did not know that they were actual EJ heads. I just thought it was the same design. Good point, thank you

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