EJ89L vs. Merkur34C

[phillylion]

I've been mostly shaving with and really liking my 89L. I don't think I could cut myself with it if I tried and I'm getting really smooth shaves with every blade I put in it. Just got a 34C. So far, I've only shaved with it twice using a Derby and my first reaction is (aside from the fact that I just love the feel of it) is that it's much more aggressive than the 89L. The shave seems to be closer but the Derby seemed dull by the second shave and was pulling (my 89L gave me half a dozen smooth shaves with a Derby). It seems to shave more like my 2011 R41, which also didn't like Derby's and was pulling and dull by the second shave.

Anybody else have similar experiences? Different?

[Gone Gray]

Give up on Derby's and buy only Feathers. A dull two week old Feather is almost as sharp as a two day old Derby.

[Straight Rasier User]

YMMV. What else can I say.

[Triad]

Trash the derbys!!

[RABIDMONKEY]

My 34hd is more aggressive than my Ej89 .not by much but noticable , also trash the Derbys

[Rschan]

YMMV. What else can I say.

+1

[kosby]

I too much prefer the 34c to the EJ89 in both shave and feel. As for Derbys, I love them and they are the only blade I use besides Feather. Typically, Feathers in the 34 and 89 and Derby in the slant but either are fine by me.

[takeshi]

The DE89 is generally regarded as being a milder DE (mentioned in other threads).

I too much prefer the 34c to the EJ89 in both shave and feel. As for Derbys, I love them

As others have said, YMMV. I'm the opposite -- I prefer the DE89 and I can't stand Derbys.

[Ryan83]

I'm glad I found this post. I have been deciding between these exact two models and have both of them in my cart at westcoastshaving. This will be my first DE, getting off the fusion. Which of the two would you guys suggest? I have noticed the Merkur34C is closed comb. Is the DE89L also close comb?

[merkur59]

I'm glad I found this post. I have been deciding between these exact two models and have both of them in my cart at westcoastshaving. This will be my first DE, getting off the fusion. Which of the two would you guys suggest? I have noticed the Merkur34C is closed comb. Is the DE89L also close comb?

It is closed comb.

[phillylion]

I'd go with the 89l because IMO it's less aggressive than the 34c (but gives a fabulous shave IMO). I've also found it to be compatible with more blades. Of course YMMV.

[jazzguy]

Ryan yes these are both safety bar razors not open comb. I'd start with the EJ. My take on these two is pretty similar to Phillylion except that I don't like Derby blades in anything. I like Feathers in the Merkur and pretty much everything. I still reach for the 34 on those rare occasions when I haven't shaved in a few days.

I'm glad I found this post. I have been deciding between these exact two models and have both of them in my cart at westcoastshaving. This will be my first DE, getting off the fusion. Which of the two would you guys suggest? I have noticed the Merkur34C is closed comb. Is the DE89L also close comb?

[fcdiscus]

both my 34c and DE89 shave great with Derby blades!

[kosby]

I'm glad I found this post. I have been deciding between these exact two models and have both of them in my cart at westcoastshaving. This will be my first DE, getting off the fusion. Which of the two would you guys suggest? I have noticed the Merkur34C is closed comb. Is the DE89L also close comb?

Both are closed comb. I did this same thing and ended up with the EJ DE89 lined handle first and then the 34c. I liked the 34c so much that I bought a second one to have as a backup. If you're on a budget, I'd skip the de89 and get the 34c. Both are certainly mild razors but the 34c is going to give a better smoother shave with less touch ups and fewer passes leaving less irritation. Now, if you want to cut through the chase, I'd suggest ordering a 37c. Don't be "frightened" by all the talk of it being aggressive as it is a very mild razor. I still rotate the de89 and 34c but the 37c would be my pick if I had to have one razor.

[Ryan83]

Both are closed comb. I did this same thing and ended up with the EJ DE89 lined handle first and then the 34c. I liked the 34c so much that I bought a second one to have as a backup. If you're on a budget, I'd skip the de89 and get the 34c. Both are certainly mild razors but the 34c is going to give a better smoother shave with less touch ups and fewer passes leaving less irritation. Now, if you want to cut through the chase, I'd suggest ordering a 37c. Don't be "frightened" by all the talk of it being aggressive as it is a very mild razor. I still rotate the de89 and 34c but the 37c would be my pick if I had to have one razor.

Kosby, Thanks for the other model suggestion. I'll take a look at the 37c before I commit to either of the other two.

[phillylion]

Both are closed comb. I did this same thing and ended up with the EJ DE89 lined handle first and then the 34c. I liked the 34c so much that I bought a second one to have as a backup. If you're on a budget, I'd skip the de89 and get the 34c. Both are certainly mild razors but the 34c is going to give a better smoother shave with less touch ups and fewer passes leaving less irritation. Now, if you want to cut through the chase, I'd suggest ordering a 37c. Don't be "frightened" by all the talk of it being aggressive as it is a very mild razor. I still rotate the de89 and 34c but the 37c would be my pick if I had to have one razor.

Kosby, are all the heads on the Merkur's (34G, 38C, etc.) the same (except, obviously for the slants) like the EJ's? Just a different handle? Just tried an Astra with the 34C and it was great--real smooth.

[kosby]

Kosby, are all the heads on the Merkur's (34G, 38C, etc.) the same (except, obviously for the slants) like the EJ's? Just a different handle? Just tried an Astra with the 34C and it was great--real smooth.

I'm not sure if they are the same or not but I believe the ones you mentioned are, particularly the 34G, it's just gold toned from what I understand. In looking at the razors mentioned, the DE89 is a very nice looking razor and shaves similarly to the 34c but for some unexplained reason, I prefer the way the 34c feels and it just seems to give me a better shave. That's not to slight the EJ at all as it too is very capable. Again, with everything YMMV. I'm no photographer but here are a few photos comparing their appearance.

[Ryan83]

Thanks for all your help. Kosby, thanks for the photo upload. It helped with comparison. I placed an order for the EJ DE89BA11 (barley handle).

[sgtd]

I have a 34C and just ordered the 89L. I'm looking forward to comparing the two. I've heard you cannot go wrong with either.

[MacDaddy]

I have a 34C and just ordered the 89L. I'm looking forward to comparing the two. I've heard you cannot go wrong with either.

I would agree with that. I have a 34G and it's not bad, but I find I go back to my EJs much more often. I've got the lined chrome and barley chrome handles, as well as a custom turned burlwood handled one that my wife got me for our anniversary last year. Both the Merk and the EJs are fairly mild but still effective -- I just find I prefer the EJs when I'm in the mood for this sort of razor.