Yes, there have been many threads about this classic razor. It is my very favorite modern razor. I recently purchased a Muhle R89 based on reviews here. It is such a gorgeous razor. I want to love it. I need to love it. But sadly I don't. But I do love my Merkur HD. And I figured out why. It's the design of the head. I don't have any pics, but the Merkur has such a thin low profile head. I find I am able to really feel the razor and blade angle in a way that few razors can. The Muhle has such a thick chunky head. So does the Merkur Progress as well as many vintage razors. For me it is this thin low profile head design that does the trick. Has this occurred to anyone but me?
Another Merkur HD Thread
- Thread starter CoolBurn
- Start date
I didn't like R89 initially, but trying it with different blades I've found a combo that I finally liked. Now I like both, my HD and R89.
Edit, I thought you are talking about EJ DE89, same head. I replaced the R89 with DE89 and I couldn't be happier, I didn't like the R89 because of the weight/balance of the razor didn't feel right. The DE89 is much better in that regard, nothing to do with the head. Both of this razors use the same head, but Muhle uses lighter handle, you might look into getting a heavier custom handle.
Edit, I thought you are talking about EJ DE89, same head. I replaced the R89 with DE89 and I couldn't be happier, I didn't like the R89 because of the weight/balance of the razor didn't feel right. The DE89 is much better in that regard, nothing to do with the head. Both of this razors use the same head, but Muhle uses lighter handle, you might look into getting a heavier custom handle.
Last edited:
Give the Feather Portable a try. It has the same thin low profile of the tech, but with some more bite. Once mastered, it provides excellent shaves. The handle is a bit small for those challenged with manual dexterity. I use mine on a bull mastiff handle on a regular basis.
- Thread starter
- #4
Check out Bob's Razor Works in the Vendor Corner. I was pleased enough with the Bull Mastiff handle that I ordered an Improved handle. He does nice work.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=80472
- Thread starter
- #6
I really like the new Muhle / EJ razors, but I still find myself picking up the HD most of the time.
The head geometry on the HD works really well for me, and the weight and size of the handle are just right.
The head geometry on the HD works really well for me, and the weight and size of the handle are just right.
