Does presentation matter?

[eSteve]

I am not sure where you read me ask if three tiny pieces of metal from Wolfman are worth $500-$2000.

I'm sorry Golden Edge, I did not read you ask that. My reply was my response to your information of the price of the razors.

 

[Golden_Edge]

I'm sorry Golden Edge, I did not read you ask that. My reply was my response to your information of the price of the razors.

Cheers. My point is strictly about presentation (which is a zero on a scale of ten in the case of Wolfman) in relation to the cost of the product - not the cost of the product itself (which based on everything I have read so far appears to be 100% worth it). On a more positive note, I can at least rate Wolfman's website a one or two on a scale of ten. I trust all of this transpires constructively.

Looking back, I reckon that the title of my post (general sounding), followed by Wolfman (specific sounding) may have lead to think it was only about Woflman. It was not my intention or the case. I happened to look into Wolfman for the past days and came across the box they're shipped in. I first thought it was a 'temporary' box (like some of the Swiss watches are shipped in during servicing/repair). I thought why not garner opinions here - all the sake of discussion.

 

[Lane101]

I was looking at Wolfman razors. Based on their price list, they range from ~$500 to ~$2,000.

I then came across this (pictures taken online):

View attachment 1968517

View attachment 1968544

Bubble wrapped in a generic cheap carton box?

Granted that what's inside matters more than what's outside, does presentation matter to you?

For shipping purposes it only makes sense to use a basic and sturdy box that protects the contents. You don't want it to stand out as something premium as that will encourage increased theft. It's the inner box that should stand out and be consistent with the quality and positioning of the product. So long as the product lives up to its brand promise the packaging should be consistent with the product positioning. When it comes to DE razors it may actually be critical for quality packing to help differentiate what may be a few similar looking premium pieces of metal when directly compared to a more moderately priced option.

Looking an my own razors I could tell the difference between the quality inner box with lots of foam padding and quality printing for the Rockwell T2 I just received versus the simple boxes my other razors, such as my Weishi and King C. Gillette, came in.

For another example I really appreciate the Mitchell's Wool Fat shaving soap packaging. A tissue wrapped puck inside a premium double walled box. A big contrast to my D.R. Harris that, while a more expensive soap, is just a bare puck in a simple white box.

 

[musicman1951]

As an idea a fine box is a good one. I've recently received a couple of nice boxes with my Alpha Spirit and La Faulx. If I don't fine a trade for the La Faulx head (from ++ to +) I'll be selling that one, and the box will be great for shipping.

Neither is a dovetailed wooden box (thank heaven), but they are nice enough that I don't want to throw them out. And there's the rub - I've started a small pile of boxes that have no function for me outside of shipping and just take up space.

 

[J-MN]

For a premium razor, I do think nice packaging adds to the experience when you receive the razor.

Some great packaging that I've experienced -
@Blackland Razors
Timeless Razors
Feather AS-D2

I'm looking forward to seeing Lambda's wood presentation box in person, which should be arriving in the next day or two.

 

[Fedsbackhand]

The boxes from Pils, Blutt and Colonial Razors are hardly a step up from the Wolfman boxes. Which I have no problem with.

Do you really want to pay even more for a Wolfman?

I'm more interested in what's inside the box. A nice presentation is a bonus.

 

[BigJ]

Unless you are shaving with the box, who cares?

+1! For me it is all about function and the quality of the product itself!

 

[Phoenixkh]

The thing about Lambda's wood boxes that continues to amaze me? They are built to be passed down for generations... yet the cost of the total package.... brilliant razors with lovely presentation boxes are modestly priced, when compared to the other high end razor offerings... I don't know how Theo does it, truth be told....

 

[AlphaFrank75]

The thing about Lambda's wood boxes that continues to amaze me? They are built to be passed down for generations... yet the cost of the total package.... brilliant razors with lovely presentation boxes are modestly priced, when compared to the other high end razor offerings... I don't know how Theo does it, truth be told....

Maybe sourced from somewhere where labor is very affordable, like Asia???

 

[Phoenixkh]

Maybe sourced from somewhere where labor is very affordable, like Asia???

That could be.. They remind me of the old Vintage razors' presentation boxes. I don't have any of the fancy ones that I see posted here quite often, but Gillette and a few other companies used to make special cases for the holidays, etc. They are coveted today by collectors. I see the Lambda razors and their presentation boxes in that class.. Deluxe....

 

[Nikan]

Presentation is a bonus if the product is good. If the latter is bad, presentation means nothing.

Wolfman continues to offer these boxes after all these years because their products don't need anything more than that. Lambda offers a nice wooden box because it attracts customers and the maker is probably a perfectionist.

To each his own.

 

[Nikan]

That could be.. They remind me of the old Vintage razors' presentation boxes. I don't have any of the fancy ones that I see posted here quite often, but Gillette and a few other companies used to make special cases for the holidays, etc. They are coveted today by collectors. I see the Lambda razors and their presentation boxes in that class.. Deluxe....

I've had a few of these fancy Gillette sets. I don't think a comparison with the Lambda is fair... They have far too many differences.