Different Artesian same head/handles

Going through the den tonight in an effort to see what I want to sell or trade I came upon an interesting observation. Compare the following if you have them in your den:

Any Parker closed comb head against

Maggard closed comb heads any version
Razo rocks latest "cheap" "new" razor offerings
Phoneix closed comb offerings


Measure them, weigh them, look at blade gap..... The head is nearly identical in all cases. I'm not a make a video guy, but I swear this is the same or nearly identical head on every offering by these different sellers. Further, depending on handle choice I'm not sure the handles aren't identical with slight variations. I have a feeling all of these heads are made in the same plant over seas as are the handles. If you have the above closed comb offerings by the aforementioned, am I nuts, or are they the same?? It's a Parker head on a slightly different handle!!

The Merkur SB & OC and the EJ DE89 are pretty widely cloned and accepted. You'll also see the Parker OCs pretty regularly.

I don't think anyone has been trying to pass them off as original heads. I can say for certain the Maggard's are as forth coming as they can be about the designs (legalities considered).

The Merkur SB & OC and the EJ DE89 are pretty widely cloned and accepted. You'll also see the Parker OCs pretty regularly.

I don't think anyone has been trying to pass them off as original heads. I can say for certain the Maggard's are as forth coming as they can be about the designs (legalities considered).

I'm not trying to insinuate there is a fast one being pulled or a conspiracy being played. However, when one goes to a website and sees a razor one could expect an entirely different shaving experience and razor being sold. One doesn't go to the Honda website expecting to receive a Ford. For new shavers like I was three years ago, and went head over heels at first, they might like to know they are being sold nearly, if not identically the same head from several vendors out there. Because they are!!!!

I'm not trying to insinuate there is a fast one being pulled or a conspiracy being played.  However, when one goes to a website and sees a razor one could expect an entirely different shaving experience and razor being sold.  One doesn't go to the Honda website expecting to receive a Ford.  For new shavers like I was three years ago, and went head over heels at first, they might like to know they are being sold nearly, if not identically the same head from several vendors out there.  Because they are!!!!

My apologies. I didn't mean to imply that you were.

It's an unfortunate, but true observation.

And this is just another reason people buy premium products...

I'd rather buy 1 excellently made, original vs 10 cheaply made clones.

Sometimes buying cheap ends up costing more...

And this is just another reason people buy premium products...

I'd rather buy 1 excellently made, original vs 10 cheaply made clones.

Sometimes buying cheap ends up costing more...

Yes Len, I must be cheap because I named the three cheaper razors on the market after making an observation. Since I've had these razors for months and never noticed this before should be an indication of how often they get used. I make an observation wondering if anyone else perhaps has insight and you sir, immediately turn it into a top dollar razor snide remark beholden to your love for the one blade and premium razors. I made this post because there are many new wet shavers that come here and

1. Not everyone wants or can buy 200 razors but, many would like a variety in their den
2. If these heads are indeed the same I'm trying to allow new wet shavers to diversify their dens without being disappointed and wasting money.
3. Many of us including myself, have 200 dollar razors and 25 dollar razors in our den. We all know based upon your prior post here, you have a love affair with high end gear and the one blade in particular. If you don't have anything constructive to add to a post other than "it's not premium and one of a kind so it's worthless,, you ought remain silent.

Take it easy steeleshaves... Don't point your anger over getting ripped off at me (never called you cheap, either). That's nobody's fault but your own, for your own lack of due diligence. Am sorry it happened though... But the fact is, that this is a risk with cheaper gear, however much you'd like to hide from the fact.

Consider it an object lesson for yourself. And it is certainly appreciated that you share this information to others that might also be unaware.

The more information we have about cheap knockoffs, the better!

I believe this has been discussed before. RazoRock, Cadet, Pearl, Parker, PAA, etc. are the same. I think they're made in India. They are decent razors at an excellent price point.

The reality is most retailers don't have production lines nor resources to design their own razors. Consequently, many rely on a OEM/ODM model to bring razors to the market and expand their branded line cards.

These, from my experience are often Grover [Parker] heads used for house brand razors; occasionally aftermarket EJ sourced heads too.

I know of a limited few retailers who invest time in actually designing razors in addition to sourced product but they all seem to take heat for the same based on limited availability. Catch 22.

I do have several outsourced razors, used one today in fact that features a Parker head. Exactly like a Parker 3-piece SB other than the handle. Same with an OC I have too.

My working assumption is that if they don't directly manufacture razors, which most retailers as mentioned don't, then it is going to be an outsourced head and likely one of the usuals that have helped create the outsource market as an option. Just becomes a question of price and handle at that point.

Incidentally, this is a very common practice across everything from technology [Google Accton for examples of white box HW] to breakfast bars.

I think the point steeleshaves makes is a good one, though, namely that the practice is dishonest. All of these vendors are selling the same "Brand X", while slapping their name on the label, thus making it appear it is truly an in house, artisan brand and model.

If they were honest, these vendors would simply sell the product as "Brand X", without tricking people into thinking it was original or produced by them.

And people that buy 10 "Brand X" razors with 10 different labels... Well, they're quite right to feel ripped off and angry over the less than open rebranding.

(As to truly original in house products that have availability issues, that is another problem with some that do not source appropriate manufacturing before production. That is a business problem.)