Sorry for the long post, just had to get some things offmy chest in relation to the EJ89.
The too long didnt read version: This was the razor I learned with; always had trouble with irritation. Tried it again, still have irritation. Anyone else not like the EJ 89?
I have enjoyed vintage Gillettes (a Fatboy and a Slim) as well as my Feather ASD2. However, I started DE shaving with an Edwin Jagger 89 LBL and I was curious if improvements in my techniques over the last few months are actually what have improved my shaving more so than my choice of razor.
Two days ago I dusted off the old EJ. The chrome plating and finish remain excellent, but its weight in hand was disappointing. I realize this does not necessarily impact the shave, so onward I go!
I chose my most reliable tools my EJ best badger brush (I love but am still mastering my Simpson Chubby 2, so went with what I can most consistently use best), a Polsilver Super Iridium razor blade (which I have used with great success in my vintage Gillettes), and Tabac shaving soap (needs no explanation). Shaved immediately after showing as usual.
With the EJ89LBL in hand I went to work. Paying careful attention to the shave angle as well as being meticulous about going perfectly with the grain on my first pass; things seemed to go merely ok. I noticed discomfort with shaving (sensation of razor burn) despite applying no pressure. Had one small weeper on my chin (havent had a weeper in months). Went ahead and went with a second pass across the grain. I developed a small weeper on my neck.
Afterwards, the shave felt as close as I usually obtain with my two pass technique with my Gillettes or Feather ASD2, but it was uncomfortable with some burn. After applying my trusty Tabac aftershave, I had immediate, intense burning on my face and neck. Yowza!
Some hours later I had developed a red irritation along my neck and cheeks. The neck has always been a trouble spot for me butover the last 6 months I have managed to achieve irritation free shaves with my other razors. My cheeks have never been a trouble spot for me since switching to other razors, so it surprised me how much razor burn I had here.
The next day I still had significant neck irritation so I took a day off (shaving, not work!).
Day 3 (today) I decided to try a bit of a control group by using the same polsilver blade in a Fatboy, which I set to 6. All the other products and technique were the same. I got my usual irritation free excellent shave. I therefore do not feel this is an issue of technique, razor blade, or other products used.
So what is going on here? The EJ 89 was my very first DE razor. I used this exclusively for months, and while I enjoyed the brush, and soap lathering, and act of shaving, I was never really satisfied with the irritation I was getting. Convinced this was a technique issue I soldiered on for months (about 18 or so) with only the EJ thinking it would improve. Im still not certain what the issue is. Do I have a defective razor? I dont think so, visually the finish is excellent and blade gaps appear even. Perhaps my face does just not get along with the EJ89.
So what is the point of all this? Well, I wanted to say a little goodbye to my EJ89, it was a companion for the first part of my wetshaving journey (an untrustworthy companion who would occasionally bite me, but a companion none the less). It will be retired to a display shelf and will not see any more shaves. More importantly, I want to suggest to anyone out there who is having less than satisfactory shaves - the problem may not be your technique, but actually your equipment. I operated under the anyone can learn to shave with any razor, its all in your technique school of thought for too long and denied myself excellent shaves for months.
If you arent happy with your razor dont hesitate to try something new! I wish I had moved on sooner...
Questions to spur some discussion Does anyone else have razors that just dont get along with their face? Does anyone else have so much trouble with the EJ89? What makes the EJ89 so popular?
The too long didnt read version: This was the razor I learned with; always had trouble with irritation. Tried it again, still have irritation. Anyone else not like the EJ 89?
I have enjoyed vintage Gillettes (a Fatboy and a Slim) as well as my Feather ASD2. However, I started DE shaving with an Edwin Jagger 89 LBL and I was curious if improvements in my techniques over the last few months are actually what have improved my shaving more so than my choice of razor.
Two days ago I dusted off the old EJ. The chrome plating and finish remain excellent, but its weight in hand was disappointing. I realize this does not necessarily impact the shave, so onward I go!
I chose my most reliable tools my EJ best badger brush (I love but am still mastering my Simpson Chubby 2, so went with what I can most consistently use best), a Polsilver Super Iridium razor blade (which I have used with great success in my vintage Gillettes), and Tabac shaving soap (needs no explanation). Shaved immediately after showing as usual.
With the EJ89LBL in hand I went to work. Paying careful attention to the shave angle as well as being meticulous about going perfectly with the grain on my first pass; things seemed to go merely ok. I noticed discomfort with shaving (sensation of razor burn) despite applying no pressure. Had one small weeper on my chin (havent had a weeper in months). Went ahead and went with a second pass across the grain. I developed a small weeper on my neck.
Afterwards, the shave felt as close as I usually obtain with my two pass technique with my Gillettes or Feather ASD2, but it was uncomfortable with some burn. After applying my trusty Tabac aftershave, I had immediate, intense burning on my face and neck. Yowza!
Some hours later I had developed a red irritation along my neck and cheeks. The neck has always been a trouble spot for me butover the last 6 months I have managed to achieve irritation free shaves with my other razors. My cheeks have never been a trouble spot for me since switching to other razors, so it surprised me how much razor burn I had here.
The next day I still had significant neck irritation so I took a day off (shaving, not work!).
Day 3 (today) I decided to try a bit of a control group by using the same polsilver blade in a Fatboy, which I set to 6. All the other products and technique were the same. I got my usual irritation free excellent shave. I therefore do not feel this is an issue of technique, razor blade, or other products used.
So what is going on here? The EJ 89 was my very first DE razor. I used this exclusively for months, and while I enjoyed the brush, and soap lathering, and act of shaving, I was never really satisfied with the irritation I was getting. Convinced this was a technique issue I soldiered on for months (about 18 or so) with only the EJ thinking it would improve. Im still not certain what the issue is. Do I have a defective razor? I dont think so, visually the finish is excellent and blade gaps appear even. Perhaps my face does just not get along with the EJ89.
So what is the point of all this? Well, I wanted to say a little goodbye to my EJ89, it was a companion for the first part of my wetshaving journey (an untrustworthy companion who would occasionally bite me, but a companion none the less). It will be retired to a display shelf and will not see any more shaves. More importantly, I want to suggest to anyone out there who is having less than satisfactory shaves - the problem may not be your technique, but actually your equipment. I operated under the anyone can learn to shave with any razor, its all in your technique school of thought for too long and denied myself excellent shaves for months.
If you arent happy with your razor dont hesitate to try something new! I wish I had moved on sooner...
Questions to spur some discussion Does anyone else have razors that just dont get along with their face? Does anyone else have so much trouble with the EJ89? What makes the EJ89 so popular?
I've always wanted to try one. 
