Stork Aristocrat Handles

Do you have an opinion on Stork?

I am against all forms of copying the work of others, not just limited to Stork (for example, soap makers that ride the coat tails of famous fragrance houses when scenting their product). So, while some of their handle designs may be appealing, I think they poisoned the well with their initial efforts...

And I will note that my feelings about the company have nothing to do with my comments directed at Hector. I just find his sudden change of heart to be very telling.

Thanks much. I would point out the derivative products such as Rive Gauche pour Homme/CaD/Fine [Barbasol], Triad/Stork/Hempel [Aristocrat] etc. are very common in this and other industries however I do respect your point of view.

I understand they are pervasive, but I don't find this to be a convenient excuse. It just points to an incredible lack of innovation.

As far as coping other's work goes, just look around and you'll see it all over the place. I'm not saying that makes it right but there are tons of scent clones as well as razor clones out there. In fact, Wolfman does a really nice Darwin replica handle. So as far as boycotting Stork because they are copying Wolfman, should I boycot Wolfman because they are copying Darwin? From what I've read this was a turning point for some. If you're copying someone else's work it's hard for people to back you up when you complain that people are copying yours.

I'm not saying that it's right to copy someone else's work (it's not) but I'm just pointing out that it's a lot more common if you look at some shaving items a little more closely. The obvious ones stand out but there are also a lot of other similarities that you'll find between items if you look a little closer.

I think some people's issue was with the timing of the "copying". Wolfman did their impression of a handle that hasn't been produced in decades whereas Stork's handle that emulates the WRH7 is being produced at the same time as the original.

Personally, I couldn't care less.

As far as coping other's work goes, just look around and you'll see it all over the place.  I'm not saying that makes it right but there are tons of scent clones as well as razor clones out there.  In fact, Wolfman does a really nice Darwin replica handle.  So as far as boycotting Stork because they are copying Wolfman, should I boycot Wolfman because they are copying Darwin?  From what I've read this was a turning point for some.  If you're copying someone else's work it's hard for people to back you up when you complain that people are copying yours.  

I'm not saying that it's right to copy someone else's work (it's not) but I'm just pointing out that it's a lot more common if you look at some shaving items a little more closely.  The obvious ones stand out but there are also a lot of other similarities that you'll find between items if you look a little closer.

I think there is a distinction that needs to be made here. The Darwin razor has been out of production for decades. James developed three original designs, upon which he was able to hang his hat to the tune of a one year wait list before he produced an homage to an out of production model. This is similar to how Will developed some of his own scents, became popular, and then tried to breathe life into long forgotten scents of the past.

Stork commenced business by copying a very popular model currently being produced. This is what got them coverage on the forums, and likely led to their rise in popularity.

I like, as in A LOT, a few of the Stork handles. Great version of the Gillette Ball End. The RWD looks fantastic and might be a favorite. I don't really have any interest in titanium, so I do wish they did more in stainless steel. It's my only criticism.

I like, as in A LOT, a few of the Stork handles. Great version of the Gillette Ball End. The RWD looks fantastic and might be a favorite. I don't really have any interest in titanium, so I do wish they did more in stainless steel. It's my only criticism.

They do have several great looking handles. I agree they should make the handles in titanium and stainless steel to appeal to more people. I wish them all the success. Given the the small number of manufacturers making readily available handles, I wish them successful. We all benefit from having choices available.

Look at designer pens.

How many derivativations can there be to the form while still retaining the practical function?

Should you boycott Mont Blanc because they are emulating the looks of or shapes of those that came before them? In so doing disregard the subsequent unique innovations that they may have then pioneered?

Straight razors?
Is there a sacred size and shape here as well?

It's a razor handle.
For the most part a 3 to 4 inch rod that you hold onto while shaving.

I don't think anyone would want to support blatant counterfeiting. We're not really seeing that anywhere in the razor handle segment that I'm aware of. Similarities yes. I have not seen anyone claiming their goods are made by someone else and flooding the market, smothering demand.

I have a Windrose handle in the WRH7 style. I have a Wolfman WRH7. They are similar but very clearly different. Had the WRH7 been available as open sale and readily available I would not have picked up the Windrose at the time I did.

Wolfman has a Darwin inspired handle. Is there a statute of limitations that expires alleviating him from the harsh light of criticism for the tribute he's created?

I think no one has yet lambasted the Common Bar handle tribute either.

Frankly I think that if we are going to be righteous with our analysis of any emulations then we must consistently be critical of them all.

Ikon and Weber. Who made the bulldog and the wave first? I don't know nor do I particularly care.

I think that the market is broad enough to support them all. Choice favors the consumer.

Sure I got mad when the cheap copies of the BRW bell end handle came out. The Sabi and Matador didn't come close to the quality of the BRW. They also didn't approach the cost.

If the supply met the demand and the cost of entry was the same, copies wouldn't be worth producing. Conversely if the quality of the tribute meets or surpasses the original that in and of itself can be interpreted as innovation by some.

Stork's homages to the designs of others don't offend me. Neither do Wolfman's. They clearly are meeting a need that the market is not otherwise fulfilling. It's not price point. It's supply from my point of view.

No one is having their lunch stolen that I am aware of either. Gillette isn't making Common Bar handles and Darwin has long since ceased production of their wares.

Wolfman is still churning out at full speed though. The demand has simply outpaced the supply by a wide margin. I still happily purchased my WHR7 when the opportunity presented itself. The sincerest form of flattery really is impersonation. I see it as nod to the quality of Wolfman that the design has been emulated by its contemporaries.

UFO, Hemple, Windrose, Stork, and countless others have Aristocrat handles. Triad has done many gorgeous examples as well. I think we all can agree that the market is not dead for spiral knurling in it's multitude of variations. Choices exist at every level of quality and price range.

The only way to get the right handle for ourselves is to choose. Cost and availability are realities and at times the ultimate determining factor.

The Stork handles are, for now, available. In some interesting and highly variable iterations too. I appreciate their more conventional contributions and acknowledge their pioneering designs.

If we are to cast aspersions on anyone it ought to be the market itself. Or as it's more colloquially stated today, hate the game not the player. Customers drive the market. Suppliers have a choice. Meet the current demands, broach new designs along with the risk involved, or die.

Thanks for clarifying the situation with how the Stork can be acquired kwsher . I will be looking for some new and upcoming releases.

Look at designer pens.

How many derivativations can there be to the form while still retaining the practical function?

Should you boycott Mont Blanc because they are emulating the looks of or shapes of those that came before them? In so doing disregard the subsequent unique innovations that they may have then pioneered?

Straight razors?
Is there a sacred size and shape here as well?

It's a razor handle.
For the most part a 3 to 4 inch rod that you hold onto while shaving.

I don't think anyone would want to support blatant counterfeiting. We're not really seeing that anywhere in the razor handle segment that I'm aware of. Similarities yes. I have not seen anyone claiming their goods are made by someone else and flooding the market, smothering demand.

I have a Windrose handle in the WRH7 style. I have a Wolfman WRH7. They are similar but very clearly different. Had the WRH7 been available as open sale and readily available I would not have picked up the Windrose at the time I did.

Wolfman has a Darwin inspired handle. Is there a statute of limitations that expires alleviating him from the harsh light of criticism for the tribute he's created?

I think no one has yet lambasted the Common Bar handle tribute either.

Frankly I think that if we are going to be righteous with our analysis of any emulations then we must consistently be critical of them all.

Ikon and Weber. Who made the bulldog and the wave first? I don't know nor do I particularly care.

I think that the market is broad enough to support them all. Choice favors the consumer.

Sure I got mad when the cheap copies of the BRW bell end handle came out. The Sabi and Matador didn't come close to the quality of the BRW. They also didn't approach the cost.

If the supply met the demand and the cost of entry was the same, copies wouldn't be worth producing. Conversely if the quality of the tribute meets or surpasses the original that in and of itself can be interpreted as innovation by some.

Stork's homages to the designs of others don't offend me. Neither do Wolfman's. They clearly are meeting a need that the market is not otherwise fulfilling. It's not price point. It's supply from my point of view.

No one is having their lunch stolen that I am aware of either. Gillette isn't making Common Bar handles and Darwin has long since ceased production of their wares.

Wolfman is still churning out at full speed though. The demand has simply outpaced the supply by a wide margin. I still happily purchased my WHR7 when the opportunity presented itself. The sincerest form of flattery really is impersonation. I see it as nod to the quality of Wolfman that the design has been emulated by its contemporaries.

UFO, Hemple, Windrose, Stork, and countless others have Aristocrat handles. Triad has done many gorgeous examples as well. I think we all can agree that the market is not dead for spiral knurling in it's multitude of variations. Choices exist at every level of quality and price range.

The only way to get the right handle for ourselves is to choose. Cost and availability are realities and at times the ultimate determining factor.

The Stork handles are, for now, available. In some interesting and highly variable iterations too. I appreciate their more conventional contributions and acknowledge their pioneering designs.

If we are to cast aspersions on anyone it ought to be the market itself. Or as it's more colloquially stated today, hate the game not the player. Customers drive the market. Suppliers have a choice. Meet the current demands, broach new designs along with the risk involved, or die.

Thanks for clarifying the situation with how the Stork can be acquired kwsher . I will be looking for some new and upcoming releases.

So the gist of your argument is because Wolfman handles are in short supply, it's ok to copy the design??

Yup.

It's up to the individual consumer to decide for themselves.

Edit:
For clarity I'll add that, to me, my own opinion doesn't in my mind invalidate yours or that of others. I simply choose to be pragmatic.


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Speaking of Windrose, did Maggards design the MR5? I see the D1x is inspired by the MR5. I don't see anyone too upset about the MR5 design being borrowed. Or it being sold under a couple different names on eBay. I guess when you hit that boutique brand status, protectionism comes with the social package. If anything, it begins to reek of class and status more than it does ethics and ideology.

I love seeing options. Period. If someone really wants a Wolfman handle, a knockoff, be it of highest quality or not, will never satisfy that itch. Ask anyone with a Chinese Rolex if it satisfies their desire to own a Rolex...if they truly desire a Rolex. It doesn't. The moment they get a real Rolex, the knock-off heads to a drawer or gets handed off to a nephew or such.