EJ DE89L vs. Merkur 34C

[Nando723]

I am currently using a Merkur 23c but want something with some more weight. I saw a review on another site on both of these razors but still can't decide which I rather have. Only been wet shaving for a couple of weeks now, which would you suggest.

:001_cool:

[dpm802]

This question comes up a lot.

I have both. The EJ is prettier to look at, but the Merkur HD gives me a better shave. But the difference is slight.

You can't go wrong either way, but I'd recommend the HD.

[turtle]

Buy a heavy iKon or Weber handle for your head.

[celestino]

Ej de 89

[SplitHair]

Loved my HD for many years, but the Jagger DE89 upped it in quality and tighter tolerances in the blade head. I recommend the DE89.

[Rorpen86]

I currently use the 34C but have a brand new DE89 in the closet. Guess I will have to crack the seal on that box and give it a go.

[lt114]

If you get the EJ, buy an iKon or Weber handle for it. That does increase the price pretty significantly though.
I slightly prefer my 34G to my EJ, but only slightly.

[Vivasanti]

EJ better build quality.
Murker better shave.

I own both, i dont bother with my EJ much anymore, it looks pretty though.

[Nando723]

Thanks for all the replies! Sounds like they are pretty similar but would go with the EJ if your looking for a better looking Razor and the Merkur for a razor that shaves better. Since I'm in the hunt for the perfect shave I'm leaning towards the 34c but keep the replies coming. Like to hear different opinions.

[Marco]

Edwin Jagger's Chrome finish is superb and almost impossible to beat, but for me Merkurs simply shave better.

[RABIDMONKEY]

adding new handles ,finish and smoothness goes to ej89 , Hd ,handle is non changeable.It is slightly more agressive shaver but Merkur quality , tool marks , bad chrome seems to be the rule for thier brand ,50/50 shot of getting a decent one

[Sledgehammer39]

Either one, would be a good choice!

[Chris7495]

I don't know much about a Merkur as I have only used a EJ89. I love it, looks great and has started to give me an amazing shave (only been wet shaving for a month now, it takes time). I have no complaints about the EJ89 but if you do choose one and it doesnt work for you, selling it is always an option..

[MightyPir]

The DE 89 blows the Merkur out of the water when it comes to fit, finish and ease of use. The 34C is quite utilitarian and has a rougher finish. It also has a different enough head to require a different angle etc. I also think that it is a bit more aggressive, however, YMMV. I prefer the DE 89, and have not used my 34C in ages. For someone starting out, my recommendation is the DE89.

[Attila]

I second the DE89 choice. Have one myself and love it.

[brother cavefish]

i only have the merkur 1904 head, it works great, but I feel the DE989 looks better and shaves awesome, i just put a ikon handle on it

[JRobinhood]

My EJ looked nicer while I had it, but I sold it. The HD I own gives me a better shave.

[deruitem]

I have a 1904 closed comb and a EJ89. The 34 and the 23 have the same head. If it were me I would get the EJ and if you still want something with more weight buy another handle for your 23. I also have this handle http://www.tradererazors.com/The_Tradere_Handle.html

[SplitHair]

I upgraded my Jagger DE89 with a Weber handle and I can't imagine it getting much better.

[Attila]

I upgraded my Jagger DE89 with a Weber handle and I can't imagine it getting much better.

I did the the same, but with an IKON Bulldog handle, virtually the same handle but I paid more for it which I regret a little bit but in the end it really worked well for me with increased control and much better shaves with less irritation.

[Optometrist]

Edwin Jagger for build quality, the Merkur for a better shave.

[Nando723]

I have a 1904 closed comb and a EJ89. The 34 and the 23 have the same head. If it were me I would get the EJ and if you still want something with more weight buy another handle for your 23. I also have this handle http://www.tradererazors.com/The_Tradere_Handle.html

I like your idea! Where can I purchase just a handle. Any specific sites I should check out?

[SplitHair]

Check out the Tradere, Weber or Ikon handle as great complements to the EJ razors.

[Nando723]

Check out the Tradere, Weber or Ikon handle as great complements to the EJ razors.

I was just looking those up since I've heard of those but do you know if its possible to get the Merkur 34c handle only?

[Nando723]

So a few of you suggested just replacing the on the 23c head, what handle would you suggest? I know about the main three Tradere, Weber or Ikon. Any other handles out there? Anyone have a Merkur 34c handle for sale or trade?

Thanks for replies! :001_cool:

[brother cavefish]

I upgraded my Jagger DE89 with a Weber handle and I can't imagine it getting much better.it does not, i also did the same with my R41

[brother cavefish]

So a few of you suggested just replacing the on the 23c head, what handle would you suggest? I know about the main three Tradere, Weber or Ikon. Any other handles out there? Anyone have a Merkur 34c handle for sale or trade?

Thanks for replies! :001_cool:
Ikon is selling their handles (same as webers) for 35.00-----on Amazon, just bought 2

[takeshi]

I saw a review on another site on both of these razors but still can't decide which I rather have. Only been wet shaving for a couple of weeks now, which would you suggest.

Doesn't really matter what I'd suggest unless your needs/wants/preferences/etc are identical to my own. You'd really have to try each and decide for yourself. FWIW I prefer the DE89. YMMV, as always.


EJ better build quality.
Murker better shave.
I get better shaves with the DE89. Again, YMMV matter. "Better" is always highly subjective, regardless of topic.

[bkflyfisher]

If you like the head on the Merkur, check out the 1904 too. Has a great in hand feel for me-YMMV. The EJ DE89s are great too-a bit nicer polish and build quality as others have mentioned.