Balance and use of Faux handled Edwin Jagger DE89

[MisterBlisster]

I have decided to try out DE shaving and have more-or-less decided on a Edwin Jagger DE89.

The web site I'm going to order from also has some faux handled versions in the appearance of ivory and of ebony. I have read/heard the DE89 is a nicely weighted/balanced razor and wonder if anyone has experience of the standard chrome plated metal versions in comparison to the faux versions? Is the handling the same or marred at all? Are they just as long lasting as the metal handles? Do they come loose/rotate in use?

As I generally sport stubble and keep it shortish with a 'Home Haircut Kit' (the sort you cut your head hair with aka no money ) the talk of razor balance etc. is quite alien. Nevertheless I want to get THE best version of the DE89 for my money and the slightest flaw with the faux handles would mark them out of the question.

And...Hello!

 

[mmack66]

I've had both, and I preferred the "ivory" handle over the lined chrome handle of the DE89L. If I were choosing today, I would go with the Barley handle, as I think it looks great.

Never had an issue with the handle coming loose/rotating.

Either one should last a long while, as long as you don't drop it, or overtighten it. The stud on the head that the handle attaches to is the weak point of the razor.

 

[roscotanna]

I have the ebony and it feels nicely balanced to me. I seem to remember there were only a few grams difference between the chrome and the plastic. I wondered the same thing when I was looking for my first de and im more than happy with mine and prefer it to my vintage Gillettes. The finish and craftsmanship is sublime so you won't need to worry about the handle spinning.

 

[BrookR1]

I have the DE89L, the Bulbous, and the faux ebony Georgian. The Georgian is the one I use most because I like its handle shape. I love the others also, so I think it comes down to preference of handle shape over weight. I've never had any quality issues with my Georgian razor, although I've had a problem with the knot coming loose with the Georgian brush.

 

[MisterBlisster]

I've had both, and I preferred the "ivory" handle over the lined chrome handle of the DE89L. If I were choosing today, I would go with the Barley handle, as I think it looks great. Never had an issue with the handle coming loose/rotating. Either one should last a long while, as long as you don't drop it, or overtighten it. The stud on the head that the handle attaches to is the weak point of the razor.

Thanks for the reply. Can I ask why you prefer the Ivory over the chrome? Is it just the look or is it better handling. Yes! Since posting I also thought IF the weight of the head aids the shave, then maybe a lighter handle may in fact help the shave rather than what I originally thought (that the faux handles may only be 'second class' versions compared to the chrome).

 

[MisterBlisster]

Noop. Found the multiquote button but can't actually multiquote!

mmack66. Just looked at a picture of the DE89 and at least the chrome is fitted directly below the head so I could always just use that to tighten to make doubly sure I don't stress the handle.

Roscotanna. Have you compared yours to the all metal construction version?

BrookR1. Looks like the faux and the all metal would be the same size and likely same grip levels.

I am leaning towards the Ivory out of the two fake handles right now. Barley does look good though. Do you guys think I'm over thinking this or does a few grams change the balance - in fact does balance merely reflect a weighty head?

Thanks for your replies above.

 

[Ron Scott]

The "L", to me, is the winner here. Great form, look, feel and weight. But in the end it's really individual taste that counts. Go for the look that hits ya and you'll love the razor!

 

[MisterBlisster]

Oh you know I forgot to say I have some arthritis in my hands and I have read people complaining of slippery handles on the smooth surfaces. I must say for those who have complained there is at least an equal number that don't, so I am a little bemused by the situation. Is the Lined a lot grippier?

 

[Useless shaver]

Oh you know I forgot to say I have some arthritis in my hands and I have read people complaining of slippery handles on the smooth surfaces. I must say for those who have complained there is at least an equal number that don't, so I am a little bemused by the situation. Is the Lined a lot grippier?

No ivory here but I've been using the 89L (and the Barley now) for a couple of years. It's by no means slippery, provided you don't have any soap on your fingers...

 

[MisterBlisster]

No ivory here but I've been using the 89L (and the Barley now) for a couple of years. It's by no means slippery, provided you don't have any soap on your fingers...

Thank you. You know I feel kinda foolish now. The arthritis is new to me and I often forget about it while my hands are pain free. But when its there its horrible and has begun limiting the things I can do. So yeah, I think I should go for a grippier handle rather than something that looks quality as well as feels quality.

I'm going to order today.

 

[JRL]

FWIW -- The black handle is nothing more than smooth, shiny black plastic. But I guess that doesn't sound as appealing as "ebony." I'm one of those who found the black handle too slippery. I still love the head. I just use it with a different (heavily textured) handle.

 

[MisterBlisster]

FWIW -- The black handle is nothing more than smooth, shiny black plastic. But I guess that doesn't sound as appealing as "ebony." I'm one of those who found the black handle too slippery. I still love the head. I just use it with a different (heavily textured) handle.

Yes I had read that and guessed it would be exactly the same for the ivory. Thanks for helping confirm its nature. I have just ordered the DE89 Lined. It doesn't make me feel very good reminding myself about my hands, but you gotta try and focus on the good and box off the bad when you can. So at least I am looking forward to having a proper shave. It will be my first in years.

To those who answered my original question I apologise for taking your time. Thanks for bringing this up in the first place Ron Scot.