Dispelling the myth that you need to "graduate" from the EJ89/R89

[markewallace]

Great thread. Like most...my first was an EJ89. After I started getting into the open combs I haven't used that EJ in over a month. I think I'll break it out tomorrow just for posterity.

I'm not bringing my EJ or any other razor anywhere near my posterity.

- Mark

[OldGreyGuy]

I'm not bringing my EJ or any other razor anywhere near my posterity.

- Mark

[Wildalaska]

In my 40 years behind the blade, I have used a variety of razors, including more plastic multiblade monstrosities than I could shake a stick at. To me, the best shaves I have ever had are with either a Gillette Black Beauty or a DE89/R89 (or actually now, I am using both during my shaves to speed them up).

The worst shaves I ever had were with an R41.

The goal of shaving is to achieve an effortless BBS with no cuts and irritation CONSISTENTLY. Read the forums and see how many folks are reporting irritation or weepers with their aggressive razors, and how few report the same with the 89 series. To me, there is no graduation from the 89 series, only downgrading.

[AABCDS]

How many people here have actually used an aggressive razor as their first DE?

I did. I started DE shaving with a Futur with Feather blades with it set on 5; it wasn't a pretty sight. It was even worse than the results of trying my first straight razor a couple of weeks ago.

I would absolutely recommend the Edwin Jagger DE89 series or the Muhle R89 as a first razor and I have. I would also recommend most of the Merkurs too.

[Vickers]

How many people here have actually used an aggressive razor as their first DE?

I did. I started DE shaving with a Futur with Feather blades with it set on 5; it wasn't a pretty sight. It was even worse than the results of trying my first straight razor a couple of weeks ago.

I would absolutely recommend the Edwin Jagger DE89 series or the Muhle R89 as a first razor and I have. I would also recommend most of the Merkurs too.

Good question.

Here's another one: how many people would let their 14-year-old son start with (for example) a 2011 Mühle R41 and a Merkur blade?

Not me.








Put a Derby in there, baby!







(Just kidding...I got him an EJ89, and some Personna Blues. He turns 14 in August)

[awa54]

I think the R41 is the PERFECT beginners razor...why?? it teaches good technique.

The Nuns in Catholic schools used to teach students not to misbehave or fail in their lessons by rapping their knuckles with a ruler too.... From what I have heard that technique doesn't really improve the students' attitude *or* poor study habits

The R41; a Nun for beginning shavers!!

I *do* think that mild to moderate OC razors are great for beginners, since it is so easy to feel correct blade angle when using most of them and the result of "doing it right" are very rewarding!

[bluesbishop]

Good question.

Here's another one: how many people would let their 14-year-old son start with (for example) a 2011 Mühle R41 and a Merkur blade?

Not me.

Put a Derby in there, baby!







(Just kidding...I got him an EJ89, and some Personna Blues. He turns 14 in August)

Ok...we are talking 14 yr old....not a mans beard...a 14 yr old (not all but most)......mostly have peach fuzz at best.......

[global_dev]

i really like the muhle stylo model of the r89..

https://www.muehle-shaving.com/shop/...modern/1/78/93

[InHotWater]

I think the Edwin Jagger DE89/Muhle R89 makes a good first razor(or last razor), but many folks are just caught up in the "grass is greener" and want to see what else is out there. The DE89 is a well made razor,with a real nice chrome plating job on it, and there is no reason you wouldn't be able to sell it quickly if you no longer wanted/needed it. To the previous poster above with the "shave of the day" photo, I think the Astra SP blades work very well in the DE89 if I say so myself.