EJ89L upgrade?

**jgriffith** · 07-27-2010, 05:13 PM

Ok, so I'm very new to the DE shaving still but I'm addicted. My first razor is the Edwin Jagger 89 and I think it's fantastic.

I am considering something a bit more aggressive however. I haven't had any troubles at all with nics or cuts, but have had some slight irritation on a certain area of my neck (though I have had this problem since I began shaving regardless of DE).

Anyway, I'm wondering what a good next step might be? Thinking maybe the Progress, but wondering if anybody has any info on other Edwin Jagger razors that might be useful?

Thanks,
John

**Uncle Erik** · 07-27-2010, 05:37 PM

I think that the other EJ razors (save for the open comb) use the same head. So anything else just has a different handle. Not a knock - the EJ head is one of the best out there. I've considered buying one of their higher models, but I'm thinking about buying a new handle from Cooncatbob. He makes beautiful handles and is a regular here. It would cost less than a higher EJ model and you'd also support a member of the community.

If you want something different, maybe look at the Pils and Feather SS. I have both and they're excellent.

**Hayden** · 07-27-2010, 06:06 PM

Maybe try a slant, I kinda think every de shaver needs to try a slant once.

**Go West Young Man** · 07-27-2010, 06:13 PM

Go vintage, it's interesting to compare how new razors stack up against those of 50 or 60 years ago.

**Easttexasman** · 07-27-2010, 06:36 PM

I too started with the EJ 89L,my next step was a 1955 Red Tip SuperSpeed and it works great for me,very smooth shave.

Paul

**Legion** · 07-27-2010, 06:54 PM

I find the EJ too mild for me. I really like the fit and finish and also the look of the razor, so it is a real shame.

If I could find a razor with the look and feel of the EJ, but the aggression of the Merkur HD then that would be my ultimate.

Maybe the HD should be your next razor?

**Danuhoh** · 07-27-2010, 08:00 PM

I just picked up a Merkur Futur and had my first shave this morning with it. Great razor, quite different from the EJ, and adjustable to boot.

The shave was BBS by the way. Both are staying since the EJ also does a great job and the craftsmanship is first rate. I am now working my way towards the slant..........

**aimsport** · 07-30-2010, 03:48 PM

Wait wait. Before you attempt an upgrade...

Have you tried sharper blades?

A DE89L with a tame blade is smooth but not a BBS machine for me..

A DE89L with a sharp blade is a dream. BBSs without irritation.

Try upgrading to a sharper blade. If upgrading the blade fails to inspire.. have you tried a slicker soap or cream, or more water? My DE89L allows for a more moist lather as it needs less cushion. It loves slick lather especially MWF, EJ Sea Buckthorn, Valobra stick, and Cella.

I guess what I'm saying is that you can allow the DE89L a more aggressive shot at your face with a sharper blade and more water in the lather and still be safe.

If those adjustments fail to inspire you, then perhaps a Merkur 45 Bakelite or a 1912 Junior SE with a fat handle might be worth adding to the collection.

**Jaymo** · 07-30-2010, 04:37 PM

Originally Posted by aimsport

Wait wait. Before you attempt an upgrade...

Have you tried sharper blades?

A DE89L with a tame blade is smooth but not a BBS machine for me..

A DE89L with a sharp blade is a dream. BBSs without irritation.

Try upgrading to a sharper blade. If upgrading the blade fails to inspire.. have you tried a slicker soap or cream, or more water? My DE89L allows for a more moist lather as it needs less cushion. It loves slick lather especially MWF, EJ Sea Buckthorn, Valobra stick, and Cella.

I guess what I'm saying is that you can allow the DE89L a more aggressive shot at your face with a sharper blade and more water in the lather and still be safe.

If those adjustments fail to inspire you, then perhaps a Merkur 45 Bakelite or a 1912 Junior SE with a fat handle might be worth adding to the collection.

What he said.

Loading a Feather blade into my DE87 turns it into a whole different animal. Amazingly quick BBS shaves.

A vintage Gillette Red Tip Superspeed would be a good one, as would a Gem Micromatic single edge, an E or G type Schick Injector, a Neillite 400(if you can find one, they're great shavers-one side is a lot more aggressive than the other), or a modern Merkur 37 or 39 slant.

**gordolindsay** · 07-31-2010, 06:01 PM

And putting a feather blade into my DE89 tears my face up! A super iridium on the other hand gives a wonderful shave.

So even with sharper blades, YMMV.

**PIPS** · 07-31-2010, 06:07 PM

I suggest the feather portable. I have the EJ86L and find the feather a lot more aggressive.

**inspectoring** · 08-01-2010, 12:55 AM

Originally Posted by gordolindsay

And putting a feather blade into my DE89 tears my face up! A super iridium on the other hand gives a wonderful shave.

So even with sharper blades, YMMV.

Agreed. Unless I use the feathers with a proper soap, it just kills my face. The longest I have used this is for 3 days and then I have to switch to another blade !

**Born2bwire** · 08-01-2010, 08:54 AM

Originally Posted by inspectoring

Agreed. Unless I use the feathers with a proper soap, it just kills my face. The longest I have used this is for 3 days and then I have to switch to another blade !

Heh, my experience too. First shave is easy, effortless and wonderfully close. Then each successive shave gets more and more irritated as the sharpness catches up.

**jgriffith** · 08-06-2010, 09:50 AM

WOW!!!

Ok, so a follow up. I took your advice, ordered some Astras, Red-Personnas, Sharks and Super-Iridium. So far I've only gotten to the Super-Iridiums and I have to say "What a difference a blade makes".

I had been using Feathers and Derby's if you recall and looking for a closer shave. Well for me at least; the Super's have provided that. I'm getting a closer shave, without the irritation around my neck area. Also two passes gives me a "good" shave, three and I've got a "great" shave.

I'm really quite surprised at the difference in blades for different people. I'm looking forward to trying the Astras, Reds and Sharks... just agonizing over which to try first. :)

I'll definitely be sticking with my EJ for a bit longer :)

Thanks for the advice!!

**vegaskid74** · 08-06-2010, 10:46 AM

It's amazing what a difference the blade makes, no? I hear others say they can get a great shave with a broken bottle, but my "skillz" definitely aren't there yet. I have the EJ89L, and I get great shaves with the Iridium and Astra. Other blades, not so much. That's why to this point I've limited myself to a single razor (soaps, creams, and brushes are another matter). If you're unlucky, it can take months to find the perfect blade for a single razor. Too many moving parts can lead to frustration and maybe even blindness. Once I'm getting a perfect shave daily (I'm close), I'll complicate things to keep it interesting.

**DE Shaver** · 08-06-2010, 10:48 AM

It's good to hear you found a good razor and blade combination. It can take a lot of effort and time so for some people to do so.

**Laughster72** · 08-06-2010, 12:52 PM

For me, the Shark SCs and the Astra Superiors are tops (so far) with my Muehle R89, which has the exact same head as your EJ DE89L. Great blades.

**Born2bwire** · 08-06-2010, 09:16 PM

Originally Posted by jgriffith

WOW!!!

Ok, so a follow up. I took your advice, ordered some Astras, Red-Personnas, Sharks and Super-Iridium. So far I've only gotten to the Super-Iridiums and I have to say "What a difference a blade makes".

I had been using Feathers and Derby's if you recall and looking for a closer shave. Well for me at least; the Super's have provided that. I'm getting a closer shave, without the irritation around my neck area. Also two passes gives me a "good" shave, three and I've got a "great" shave.

I'm really quite surprised at the difference in blades for different people. I'm looking forward to trying the Astras, Reds and Sharks... just agonizing over which to try first. :)

I'll definitely be sticking with my EJ for a bit longer :)

Thanks for the advice!!

I tried the Muehle R89 with Dorco, Crystal, and Feathers with only moderate success. Earlier this week I got my care package of blades from Bullgoose and I also popped in Super Iridium and on my third shave I really got a good shave with them. The blades really do help. I plan on trying the Astras next.

**aimsport** · 08-06-2010, 09:48 PM

Originally Posted by jgriffith

ordered some Astras, Red-Personnas, Sharks and Super-Iridium.

You've made some fine blade choices. Interested in hearing your opinions once you've given them each a test run.

**jgriffith** · 08-16-2010, 08:50 AM

Well I've gone through at least a couple of shaves with each blade. Granted I surely could have used each blade more than I did.

I think my ranking goes like this:
1. Super Iridiums
2. Astras
3. Red Personnas
4. Sharks

They all shaved pretty well, just slight differences in each one. The Sharks weren't that impressive for me though, seemed to be a good bit more work and the shaves didn't last as long as some of the others. I think my technique is getting better so I'm going to go back and try a Feather and a Derby again.

Something else I did however, I tried a Gillette RedTip. Now I'm in big trouble, that thing gives me a quick and VERY close/clean shave. I love the EJ, and by comparison the RedTip I found isn't much to look at, but boy can it shave my face and neck. It seems just light and nimble compared to the EJ, it just slides around my face doing it's thing, no muss and no fuss.

Funny thing is, the RedTip seems to shave me closer but at the same time it seems to allow me to get away with a bit more in my technique. I think the difference is (for me) that the EJ requires good, slow technique and attention to detail. The RedTip just seems to take much more off with each pass, and somehow hasn't torn my face or neck up.

Anyway, I see why people get this RAD thing going now. I'm going to try and avoid this, I'm going to ask for a Merkur slant for Christmas, and that's it. No more... for sure... well maybe a Feather Portable... and perhaps an HD... but that's it. No more after that... except maybe a...