Supply Single Edge Question

My Supply Single Edge arrived today. In videos, various users have shown how a new razor comes with a red metal insert in the section where the blade goes. That insert is ejected when the blade is inserted with the injector. 

My razor came with an actual blade in place. Not an insert. 

I'm wondering if others have had this experience or if maybe they sent me a used razor that was returned? 

Sent them an email and am waiting to hear back. Meanwhile, any insight would be appreciated. 

I doubt it’s a used razor that they just left the blade in from a previous user. That would be pretty serious oversight and the razor would likely be dirty with soap scum. I’ve gotten a couple returns with the blade still in (super uncool, by the way) and they were clearly used with soap everywhere. Look in the area where that little screw and spring is for scum. And also examine the blade. My guess without actually knowing anything is that it’s not used and maybe they ran out of the red place holders. I’m curious what they say.

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, will let you know what they say. Meanwhile, your gracious response has earned you a customer. Am going to buy a Dart. 

Thanks for the thoughtful reply, will let you know what they say. Meanwhile, your gracious response has earned you a customer. Am going to buy a Dart. 

Certainly not my intention, but I appreciate your business and support! Thank you!

I didn't get a response to my email but I used their online chat feature and found out they started sending razors with actual blades installed last fall. No more blanks. So my razor is brand new. 

And, because of Shane's gracious reply, I ordered a Dart from Maggard's and am looking forward to its arrival. 

Update: I did get a response to my email, confirming that this is how the razors are now shipped.

I didn't get a response to my email but I used their online chat feature and found out they started sending razors with actual blades installed last fall. No more blanks. So my razor is brand new. 

And, because of Shane's gracious reply, I ordered a Dart from Maggard's and am looking forward to its arrival. 

that's kind of weird. maybe it's just me, but I'm not using any blade that's already installed in a de/se razor.

I didn't get a response to my email but I used their online chat feature and found out they started sending razors with actual blades installed last fall. No more blanks. So my razor is brand new. 

And, because of Shane's gracious reply, I ordered a Dart from Maggard's and am looking forward to its arrival. 

that's kind of weird.  maybe it's just me, but I'm not using any blade that's already installed in a de/se razor.

I don't think it's meant to be used. Injectors really only inject well if there's already a blade in the razor. So they put in a placeholder to allow the new owner to inject a fresh blade easily. They used to accomplish this with a plastic blank.

I didn't get a response to my email but I used their online chat feature and found out they started sending razors with actual blades installed last fall. No more blanks. So my razor is brand new. 

And, because of Shane's gracious reply, I ordered a Dart from Maggard's and am looking forward to its arrival. 

that's kind of weird.  maybe it's just me, but I'm not using any blade that's already installed in a de/se razor.

I don't think it's meant to be used. Injectors really only inject well if there's already a blade in the razor. So they put in a placeholder to allow the new owner to inject a fresh blade easily. They used to accomplish this with a plastic blank.

fair enough

Me either. I put that blade in the used blade holder. 

that's kind of weird.  maybe it's just me, but I'm not using any blade that's already installed in a de/se razor.

I don't think it's meant to be used. Injectors really only inject well if there's already a blade in the razor. So they put in a placeholder to allow the new owner to inject a fresh blade easily. They used to accomplish this with a plastic blank.

fair enough

It is not really an issue with the Supply since you can unscrew the razor head and hand load a blade. I suppose they do it as a courtesy for the customer so they don't have to handle the blade by hand or potentially ruin the first blade injected into the razor. The Type L clones from Shave Classic also come shipped the same way with a blade already loaded. The reason for the blanks was if you load a razor without a blade in it depending how the key lines up or other issues you can ruin the edge of the blade if it runs across the blade stops on the guard. It also wears the stops down over time to the point they don't hold the blade anymore either.