Help: Merkur 23C (LHC, 180) vs 34C (HD, 178) vs EJ DE89 lined

[d2038]

First of all, great forum, lots of info, incredible reviews database!!

Hi, I want to buy my first DE safety razor, I have read a lot and I'm between 3 models:

Merkur 23C (LHC, 180): Its the first I saw in amazon, its their bestselling safety razor right now, according to the info I have read, its a 3-piece razor, the same head of the HD, the handle is longer, thinner, and overall is lighter.

Merkur 34C (HD, 178): The one that recommend for beginners everywhere, but can also work with more experienced users, its a 2-piece razor.

EJ DE89 lined: Quality wise, apparently, is a little better than the merkur razors, its a 3-piece razor, in length and weight its a middle point between the two before, in comparisons with the HD most people prefer it, any good reasons?.

Whats your experience?, if you have tried at least 2 even better, but all experiences are welcome!!

Also, if you could recommend me a good page for buying blades sample packs, or better yet if one can choose the blades in the pack...

Thanks. Cheers!!

[mmack66]

Welcome to Badger and Blade.

I would choose the EJ DE89L. I have one and it looks very classy and for me, it shaves like a dream.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Welcome and come along for the 'ride of your life'...aboard the B & B Cruise Line :thumbup1:

It sounds like you're off to a great start and yes...this Forum has the knowledge, ideas, and alround 'know-how' to assist in your Wet-Shaving experience. In a nut-shell...your 'gonna' love it here. :thumbup:

To answer your question, I love :001_tt1: Merkur 23C (considered a mild razor), 'hands down' :thumbup:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?ltr=M&t=6044

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Double-Edged_Safety_Razors_Ranked_by_Aggressiveness

Also, it is very wise and 'sage' advice to get a Razor Blade Sampler to see what blade is a good fit (mild, moderate & aggressive, ect...), for your face and Razor :thumbup1:

Additionally, you may not be additted yet, but don't feel bad...there's time because we all suffer from the shaving obsession (and other Acquisition Disorders), because at times..."Resistance is futile". http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-alien003.gif

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=130110

Also, once you get time....please tell all of us a little about yourself in the Hall of Fame sub-forum :001_cool:

Christopher http://i257.photobucket.com/albums/hh206/SerraTijn/smileys/smiley_shaving.gif

[Optometrist]

Another vote for the EJ. Superb finish, reasonably priced, and a not too aggressive shave.:thumbup1:

David

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

Any of the three will shave well, but I would favor the Edwin Jagger.

[mattface]

I haven't tried any Merkur's, but I LOVE my EJ DE89l. I'm still a newb, but i thought it gave an incredibly good shave, and compares favorably with the 2 vintage Gillettes I've sampled. Still too early to establish a clear favorite, but I can easily see the EJ becoming a long term favorite.

[Saltchuck]

Between the Merkur 23C and the 34C, I would recommend the 23C hands down.

Having said that, the Edwin Jagger DE86/87/89 are very fine razors, and I prefer my EJ DE87 to my Merkur 23C.

[talibeard]

1. EJ


2. 23C
3. 34C

All will do the job but this is my list.

[d2038]

Thanks all for the welcome, good feedback already, in quantity and quality :thumbup:

So for now the results are:

EJ DE89 - 6 votes
Merkur 23C - 1 votes
Merkur HD - 0 votes

@The Count of Merkur Cristo

Thanks for the links, i haven't seen the last two, they will help a lot. The wiki and the reviews were very helpful, that's how I reduced my choices to these 3 models.

After i buy the razor and some blades, I'll pay a visit to the hall of fame xD

Cheers.

[edorgon]

merku barber pole 38...pretty much same shave as 89, but much more substantial feel in the hand. the 89 to me seems very light weight and not particularly fine to hold. finish is beautfiul though.

[Hawkeyeted]

EJ DE89L for sure.

In fact, we've got an 89er's Fan Club (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/group.php?groupid=119) here at B&B!

[David in Boston]

Another vote for the EJ.

It shaves so much smoother than a Merkur.

Finish is better.

Lastly, the price is very reasonable.

[Artes]

I have the Muhle equivalent to the EJ. It is an amazing razor.

[gil3591]

go with the ej.

[rylandbrown]

My one razor is a 23c. I bought it two weeks ago and am extremely happy with it. I can tell a big difference between the two blades, Derby and Personna, that I've tried.

I like the looks of all three.

[Darth Shaver]

I have both the 34c and the EJ89. The 34c is a great razor, but I got the EJ for Christmas and I have not even picked up my Merkur since. In fact, I don't even miss it.

[d2038]

I think we have a clear winner xD, thanks for all the help, i hope i can buy it this week, cheers!!

[76GTfan]

Well shoot! I have EJ89, and I am looking at other options. Now my trigger finger is nervous. I was looking at the 34c, the 180, and the progress. So the census is stay with the EJ89? :confused1

[bagle]

Another vote for the EJ89. I started with the 34c, but IMHO the EJ is more forgiving and manageable. In fact, you may try many others but return to the EJ (like me).

[Almightys]

im going to say the 23c becuase it was my first and still my goto razor.

[Lucidor]

EJ, or go straight for the Weber!

[Foyle]

Honestly, you can choose any one of those and you'll have a fantastic razor. I like the two piece design of the 34C. If this is your first three piece razor, I would suggest just picking the one that appeals to you the most. No matter which one you choose, I think you'll be happy.

[Battou62]

I have both. I recommend the EJ by a wide margin.

[MyCsPiTTa]

I had my EJ DE89L for 1 month. It's my first DE razor so I'm only just starting to become comfortable with it, and I have very sensitive skin.

But last night the thread shaft twisted right off and broke inside the handle! I have never used more than finger tightness. I have found other threads with others having the same problem.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/336020-Edwin-Jagger-DE-89-broken
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/294718-Edwin-Jagger-DE89-Barley-Crappy-alloys-Don-t-make-em-like-they-used-to-PICS

Seems this sort of thing should be being mentioned more often in all these "34c vs DE89" threads...

I'm asking RoyalShave for a replacement, but any suggestions on a sturdier razor for people with sensitive skin?