Hey guys,
I am the eBay seller. Happy to weigh in here because I don't have anything to hide. 6 years selling blades on eBay and 5205 100% positive feedback should attest to my reputation. Those of you who know me are aware that I'm not just a random eBay operator and had a prominent website for quite a few years until I sold it. I should mention here that I am no longer affiliated with the website or any of it's new trading names.
The blades aren't fake, they are direct from the manufacturer. No middle man and no possibility of fakes. The difference in packaging is because this stock was purchased in 2014 which would explain the difference in wording. The shading to me looks identical. The batch numbers... this I have no idea and can only say a quality control issue. Which might also be the reason for these not performing.
As you guys have eluded to above, there's no financial incentive for anybody to fake these blades. They are already one of the cheapest blades on the market. Of course people will fake Feathers and Gillettes, they are 10x the price. But these? I can't see why anybody would bother.
Also, if anybody is wondering why prices are so cheap on all my blades, they are clearance prices. A lot of leftover stock being sold below cost. When they are gone, they're gone.
It should also go without saying that anybody who isn't happy with their purchase will of course get 100% refund or replacement, which I've offered to GerryM.