Saturday, February 02, 2008

Everyone knows about fake software, DVDs, watches and designer handbags. But did you know that counterfeit Gillette razor blades are also a huge problem?

The Is it Counterfeit? guide from fakeblades.com can help you check the authenticity of your Gillette shaving product.

Here are some tell-tale signs of fakery from the site:

  • Blades obtained through reputable retail channels like wal-mart or amazon.com are probably genuine. However, be suspicious of blades sold by third-parties, especially on ebay.
  • Check that each cartridge in the pack has a unique serial number (!) Counterfeiters often don't bother to imprint serial numbers, or use a larger, cheaper to print font that don't match the official Gillette format (1 letter followed by 4 number and then 1 letter, for example B9083H)
  • Look closely for signs of poor cartridge quality, like loose, unaligned or dull blades. Other reported signs of counterfeiting include blades covered in rust (!) or hair fibers (!!)
  • Examine the quality of the packaging. Does it look like it was sealed by hand (irregular glue patterns) or in a manufacturing environment? Compare the quality of the printing and colors on the box to a known-good specimen.

Go to the washroom and check your blades right now! I did.

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