Got a nice blue box too?
Let me know how it does with the RPIP, I was not impressed by the combo with Derby blades, but I liked a Feather in there.
Ordered a DE89L
- Thread starter LinuxMintyFresh
- Start date
Got a nice blue box too?
Let me know how it does with the RPIP, I was not impressed by the combo with Derby blades, but I liked a Feather in there.
- Thread starter
- #22
Blue box too. The bottom is flush also, so it is definitely the new head. Man, the chrome is purty!!!
Yes, the best finish in a razor I have seen so far.
Looks like bestgroomingtools has a stock of the ones that come in the blue box. According to the English Shaving Company (EJ) the new stock comes in a generic burgundy box. I wonder if it is only if you buy directly from them or the other retailers that are currently out of stock will start getting the same boxes from now on too.
A friend of mine called all excited about his new DE59L, and the quality of service he'd gotten from BestGroomingTools. I immediately looked at the site, and fell for the smooth version, which was promptly ordered, and promptly shipped. The service was excellent, and the razor is absolutely beautiful. I had a couple of email interactions with the proprietor, and found him knowledgeable and pleasant to deal with.
It's my first fine DE. I've had a couple of old Gilette butterfly adjustables and a few other flea market finds, but they never worked well for me, so I've mostly used either various cartridge razors in the shower when in a hurry, or straights when I've got the time for a more luxurious (read: real) shave. The EJ has converted me, I think, to a DE guy.
They shipped it with samples of some Lord blades - 5 Super Chrome, 5 Super Stainless and 5 Platinum. I'm using the Super Chromes now, and am quite happy with them, but looking forward to exploring different options. After all I've heard about Feathers, they're definitely on my short list.
Anyway, all that to say that from the perspective of a guy without a lot of DE experience, so my opinion is not broadly based, the EJ is fantastic, and the service of BGT is excellent.
Another lover chiming in...
This is one smooth shaving razor. I find feathers are what work for me best with the DE89L with the reds coming in second. Just my humble opinion.I just recieved my DE89L from bestgroomintools.com on Monday. I have 3 shaves under my belt an have enjoyed every one. I am new to DE shaving, but from the reviews of this razor it is a very strong performer. So far I have gone through one of the Lords Platinum from the samples that came with the razo, and finished of last nights shave with a Merkur platinum. Both were pretty impressive compared to my Fusion. (I know that is not much of a comparison, but it's all I got).
As far as dealings with bestgroomingtools.com. My razor was shipped the same day I ordered it, and was on my doorstep 3 days later. Unfortunately the Merkur blades I ordered with the razor were not in the package. I contacted bestgroomingtools.com and the blades were in the mail the next day. Pretty good customer service from my point of view. Anyone can miss something in an order, but not everyone is so quick to assist in solving the problem.
Good luck with your DE89's I look forward to enjoying mine for years to come.
As far as dealings with bestgroomingtools.com. My razor was shipped the same day I ordered it, and was on my doorstep 3 days later. Unfortunately the Merkur blades I ordered with the razor were not in the package. I contacted bestgroomingtools.com and the blades were in the mail the next day. Pretty good customer service from my point of view. Anyone can miss something in an order, but not everyone is so quick to assist in solving the problem.
Good luck with your DE89's I look forward to enjoying mine for years to come.
Interesting choice of Merkur blades, they don't seem to be loved around here. I would suggest a sampler pack, there are 2 users here that I can think of who sell samplers, check the Vendor Corner forum: ntguy and Blade Baron (I think). You might be surprised to like a blade in one of these samplers that you didn't even think to try otherwise.
I'm glad to see the DE89L is universally loved. Maybe we can convince new comers to use it instead of the often recommended HD - I wish someone pointed me to a different razor than the HD when I started.
Since my Jagger DE89L arrived, it's been my exclusive choice at home. Just a great razor.
+1
Odd how the merkur gets all the recommendations as the start up razor when the DE89L is priced not that much higher and just BLOWS the Merkur away IMHO
Totally agreed; I think that is because there aren't that many EJ/Mühle's around yet. But in quality Merkur's don't even come close.
Not to hijack the thread, but I also have a Muhle R41 open comb and I like it a lot, though I understand the Muhle head is the same as the Merkur o.c. heads.
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- Thread starter
- #32
My first shave went alright I must say. It felt drasticallt different than any of the razors I have tried before. I think it was a combination of the heft of the razor and the profile of the head. After just one shave I'd have to say that I still prefer my Slim, but time might change that. The razor seems to have an aggressivness that was just below what I liked on the Slim. If I had to compare I would say that the EJ was about the same as a Gillette adjustable set to 4. I'll keep trucking, and if I don't like it somebody will get a good deal on the BST.
I think it will do much better if you put a more aggressive blade in it, try it with a Feather before you give up on it.
- Thread starter
- #34
Yeah, I don't plan on giving up on it any time soon. I wonder if I would have preferred one of the hollow handles though. Like I said, I'll keep trucking. I'll give it a fair shake, and then some, before I make a choice.
The reason I chose the Merkur blades was that someone I work with has had very good luck with them. After I ordered them I saw reviews saying that they are not a favorite. I plan to try a few others as I go to find the blade that works best for my razor and my face. I do appreciate your help though.
Hal
I have the Mühle OC too and it has a merkur oc head indeed. There are a few things different from my Merkur 25C (LHC) OC though; blade alignment and evenness of the blade gap are perfect on the Mühle but not so on the Merkur and overall fit and finish of the Mühle is way better.
Side by side the heads appear to come from different planets.
This will be my next razor whenever I can get the money together for it. Then, the Bull mastiff. 
This will be my next razor whenever I can get the money together for it. Then, the Bull mastiff.
Good choice I think you will enjoy it very much.
A few members here call the DE89L a RAD killer.
Thought I'd show off my EJ DE89L:
One of only two remaining DE razors I've kept since I switched to straights (the other is a FatBoy).
One of only two remaining DE razors I've kept since I switched to straights (the other is a FatBoy).
