iKon 102 issue

I have a handful of iKon razors, mostly purchased via the channel. Did have a 102 that I purchased direct and required customer service. The issue was resolved eventually but in a somewhat interesting/questionable fashion [there's another thread here with details].

Regardless, I later received a 102 as a gift and it was and is fine but interesting interaction with customer service.

Interesting, in this day and age with online shopping and forums etc. an artisan/craftsman/businessman is able to bring a product to market in a more direct manner than in the past. Often these people are very skilled at their craft and without a doubt they do not all have the people skills required to interact with customers. Its one thing to stay in the shop and hide behind a storefront spitting out product but quite another to deal with the inevitable problems that arise and with people in particular. Bring in the marketing people and the customer relations professionals!

My iKon 102 arrived scratched on the top cap and with damaged coating on the threads. I wrote about the awful customer service (laconic at best, just copy paste of the warranty if any response at worst). The final response was "it's just cosmetic, sod off", and that's it. He posted in the thread that he'd be happy to explain my experience (and others that chimed in with their complaints), but vaporized. He even had the nerve to tell PayPal I'm running a scheme and trying to profit from it, but all I asked was a partial refund per his blemished/seconds rate, or a replacement. PayPal ruled in my favor, and I'll never buy from him, or any item that includes a handle from him.

My iKon 102 arrived scratched on the top cap and with damaged coating on the threads. I wrote about the awful customer service (laconic at best, just copy paste of the warranty if any response at worst). The final response was "it's just cosmetic, sod off", and that's it. He posted in the thread that he'd be happy to explain my experience (and others that chimed in with their complaints), but vaporized. He even had the nerve to tell PayPal I'm running a scheme and trying to profit from it, but all I asked was a partial refund per his blemished/seconds rate, or a replacement. PayPal ruled in my favor, and I'll never buy from him, or any item that includes a handle from him.

I have had two 102's and yes there seems to be some sort of discoloration on the thread. I think it can be a weak point.

I broke my first one and it broke off where there was discoloration on the thread, not sure if coincidence but that's how it happened.

A case of growing too big for his own detriment.

Well the Wolfman beats out iKon for me. Quality of shave and for sure customer service! James is all class, unlike iKon's shady customer service.

I've heard nothing but bad things about Ikon's customer service so I have stayed away. Glad I did.

The screw on the Ikon head is made of aluminum. The handle is steel. That's never a wise engineering decision. It's just way too easy to mess up the threading. I've heard they are great shavers, but that design has kept me from ever buying one.

I think it might be a good idea to buy the ikon razors from a reputable vendor and there are several that carry the ikon razors, Italian Barber, Fendrihan, Badger Shaving, Maggards etc. They are interested in maintaining positive customer relations and I would be surprised if they were to merely refer you to ikon's warranty in the event of a problem. I'm pretty sure they'd replace or refund the item without much hassle. They can more easily deal with ikon from the perspective of a vendor that buys hundreds of razors annually from ikon and I suspect ikon would be more receptive to vendors than direct customer one-offs. Sad but true I suspect.

Comparing ikon to Wolfman isn't feasible, there is no comparison. I've not heard a single negative word about Wolfman quality or service. Only complaint, as we all know, is how to get one of the darn things.

I think it might be a good idea to buy the ikon razors from a reputable vendor and there are several that carry the ikon razors, Italian Barber, Fendrihan, Badger Shaving, Maggards etc.  They are interested in maintaining positive customer relations and I would be surprised if they were to merely refer you to ikon's warranty in the event of a problem.  I'm pretty sure they'd replace or refund the item without much hassle.  They can more easily deal with ikon from the perspective of a vendor that buys hundreds of razors annually from ikon and I suspect ikon would be more receptive to vendors than direct customer one-offs.  Sad but true I suspect.  

Comparing ikon to Wolfman isn't feasible, there is no comparison.  I've not heard a single negative word about Wolfman quality or service.  Only complaint, as we all know, is how to get one of the darn things.  

My experience with dealing with James Dufour (Wolfman Razors) was amazing. James is a great person and artist.