Decided on E Jagger.just need to narrow it down. Any help is appreciated.

[Sendit]

So, as you can see form the post count, I am new to B&B. I am also new to wet shaving and am jumping in with both feet. I am preparing to buy my first DE and, based on a lot of reading (videos etc), I have decided on an Edwin Jagger.

I realize that the heads are all the same (DE89) so I am focusing on the weight/length/handle to make my decision. My current (soon to be former) razor is the Fusion cartridge which is about 4.5" long overall. When I held a DE at a local Art of Shaving store, the short'ish handle really threw me. I have never shaved with a 3"-3.5" handle and immediately noticed the "head heavy" feeling. I realize I have a lot to learn regarding DE shaving but, unless something changes, I am not a fan of the top heavy / short handle combo.

I absolutely LOVE the classic look of the Chatsworth Barley and the 4" handle seems much more in keeping with my taste. I also read that the Chatsworth's added weight pushes the center of gravity down into the handle, which seems ideal. So, knowing that I like the Chatsworth Barley makes my decision simple, right? Well no....

I am concerned that since I have not shaved with a DE, I will learn that the weight / length make a shave more work...or the razor is less "nimble" and therefore cumbersome. The $150 price tag seems fair for such an amazing and gorgeous tool, but realizing it is better to look at than use would be a let down.

I guess the feedback I am looking for is related to....is there something that I don't know today, that I will learn after more experience, that will make one of these an obvious choice?

Also, if there is a reason that you would steer me away from these completely, I am open to hearing any feedback.

Info:
5'9", 190, medium to large hands, moderate to sensitive skin

Thanks in advance!

 

[Snuff-Belgium]

Welcome to the forum.

A Edwin Jagger razor is a very good start if you're new to DE shaving. There are many good razors out there that you can explore later, worst thing you can do is start buying all kinds and switching between them. Buy one and learn the necessary technique and then look further if you're still interested.

I have a Chatsworth Barley and absolutely love it, I've had other models of handles in combination with the EJ head but this one is the best I've found. I've only kept 4 razors from the many I've tried and the Chatsworth Barley is one of them (the other being a Weber DLC, a Tradere SB and a Feather AS-D2)

However considering the price of the Chatsworth Barley only you can decide if it's worth it to you, if you don't like it then it's a expensive mistake. Also do some research as there can be a huge price difference among the shops. Let us know how things turned out!

 

[rxonmymind]

Sendit,
Welcome to B&B. I had to look up your Chatsworth and my jaw dropped. What a gorgeous razor. That's on my hit list! Moving on,...as to your concerns of handle length I wouldn't worry to much as you'll adjust to the length of the razor handle and personally none have ever given me issues. Having said that, if a longer handle is desired try going with a slim adjustable. You'll also spend FAR less and the added bonus of being able to adjust your shave depending on your desired level of aggressiveness or lack thereof. One can have a minty one for $50-75 cased. Another choice would be a super speed for great nimble handling and those right now on the bay for $12-25 in excellent condition. Please realise that it won't be the equipment however fancy which will make you a better shaver but IF you don't mind that initial capitol outlay then the EJ is a GREAT choice to start with. You have nice taste.

 

[Jeff_H]

If I were going to buy an EJ, it would be the Chatsworth Barley. IMO the sexiest razor they make. If you like a long handle its a perfect fit. Don't worry about it being less nimble. Just stick with one razor until you have your technique down and you will find you can adapt to nearly any DE razor. Good luck.

 

[tm3]

IMO it would be better to start with something less expensive until you know that you like DE shaving. Then, like the rest of us, let the wallet opening begin!

Look at all of the vintage razors with short handles -- I believe there is a reason for that, in that the short handles are more nimble and maneuverable. You are not accustomed to short handles now as you have not used them, but you may end up liking them better.

 

[YMMV]

Since you are new to wet shaving and DEs I would highly recommend that you start with a cheaper EJ, like the DE89L or the DE89BA11 Barley, which are 1/3 or less of the price of a Chatsworth Barley. If you decide that you like the EJ head so much, that is great. If you decide that you prefer something else though, then it would be much easier to sell these cheaper EJs at a minimum loss, than the 100 euro Chatsworth Barley. IMHO of course.

 

[Clanmac]

Get one of these, cracking !

http://www.nkdman.co.uk/edwin-jagger-de89l-safety-razor/

 

[wagstaff]

The Chatwsworth Barley handle looks really nice.
I put a Weber stainless handle on the DE89, after not liking the weight of the original ("regular" barley) handle. In retrospect I should have just gotten the cheapest one since the Weber handle was going with the head anyway.

Also, for half the cost of EJ DE89 Chatworth Barley, you could get a whole Weber razor. I'm not saying it's better for everyone -- it's just a reasonable price for a stainless razor, and I personally like the shave more than the DE89. I don't like the extra care with rusting blades that stainless razors seem to require, but that's a small thing. (To me). (Insert rows of YMMV caveats).

The Jagger is a good razor, the handle you want is maybe the best one they make. Or you could do very well saving a bit of money on one of the lower-end handles. In general the "11" suffix means it's the lighter handle, just know that if you're looking at others. You're not going to make a bad decision here.

 

[takeshi]

I guess the feedback I am looking for is related to....is there something that I don't know today, that I will learn after more experience, that will make one of these an obvious choice?

That or you might learn that you don't care for EJ/Muhle heads at all. I'd suggest going for one of their less pricey models since you're just starting out. Don't expect to buy your final DE with your first purchase. Granted, you can always BST anything that doesn't work out for you.

When I held a DE at a local Art of Shaving store, the short'ish handle really threw me. I have never shaved with a 3"-3.5" handle and immediately noticed the "head heavy" feeling. I realize I have a lot to learn regarding DE shaving but, unless something changes, I am not a fan of the top heavy / short handle combo.

I wouldn't give your preference too much weight until you've actually done some shaving with a DE. You might find that things change as you adapt to the learning curve. Shaving with a cart is a completely different animal.

 

[Sendit]

Thanks for all the productive input. I don't disagree with the "try before you invest too heavily" approach.........but, if I am not testing the actual razor, how will I know. An analogy would be saying, test drive a Toyota Camry to make sure you will like the Lexus. I am not sure with the weight / handle length differences, that a smaller DE89 will tell me what I need to know about the Chatsworth? Please keep the input coming....it is invaluable! PS...I can't seem to get my posts to 'return' for paragraphs or spacing......I am definitely not new to message boards....what am I missing here?

 

[Atalk]

Honestly, take a look at the Muhle R89 Grande - It has the same head as the EJ plus the handle is longer with knurling (imo) that is better than the Barley handle.

 

[hon]

Want look at Merkur 43C?
Much more cheaper than EJ Chatsworth Barley and with a heavy Stainless steel handle.

 

[cliffordNC]

I started with a Lord L6, it gives good shaves for 12 bucks. Recently I got a DE89L and I'm switching to it, the Lord is now backup/travel duty.

 

[Sendit]

Just a quick update, I pulled the trigger on the Chatsworth Barley set.....DE razor, Silver Tip brush and stand. No sense dipping my toe in the water....I am jumping in!

I can't wait for it to get here.......thanks again all for your input! The fellowship and community really makes the new found pleasure even better!

 

[Chadao]

Since you are new to wet shaving and DEs I would highly recommend that you start with a cheaper EJ, like the DE89L or the DE89BA11 Barley, which are 1/3 or less of the price of a Chatsworth Barley. If you decide that you like the EJ head so much, that is great. If you decide that you prefer something else though, then it would be much easier to sell these cheaper EJs at a minimum loss, than the 100 euro Chatsworth Barley. IMHO of course.

This is my favorite razor. I have the EJ Black Marble Plaza, too. It has the length of the Chatsworth, although not the weight. That said, I love my BA11. I am a real fan of the EJ head. The Barley is a less expensive way to start. I haven't tried the Muhle R89...yet. But it looks awfully sweet, IMHO.

 

[YMMV]

Well, I started with an EJ89 but I found out after a while that I prefer the Merkur heads a little bit more. Still have my EJ though, and like it very much. Wet shaving is entirely a case of YMMV

 

[mastershake]

Honestly, take a look at the Muhle R89 Grande - It has the same head as the EJ plus the handle is longer with knurling (imo) that is better than the Barley handle.

this. and you can get the muhle from connaught or shaving.ie for way less than here in the states. the muhle has the same head as well so its a different handle only. or just get the de89 regular barley. its a bit shorter and has the barely on the handle but its a straight handle and around 35$ or so if you look around. remember they ALL have the same head so the only thing you are paying more for is the handle not a better or different shave. the longer handle will feel different but imo i would learn with a shorter handle than a longer one because it helps one learn about the pressure being applied. or as someone mentioned look up the weber razors they are realy nice and have almost the same head design as the jagger.

missed your post above. enjoy it. i would have loved the chatsworth but out of my price range for a ej razor. it is beautiful though

 

[Mick]

Just a quick update, I pulled the trigger on the Chatsworth Barley set.....DE razor, Silver Tip brush and stand. No sense dipping my toe in the water....I am jumping in!

I can't wait for it to get here.......thanks again all for your input! The fellowship and community really makes the new found pleasure even better!

This will be just the first of many razor you will own (trust me... I know...)

Do not be discouraged once you get it. Things will seem very different from your normal cart shaving routine.

while you are waiting for it to arrive go over all of the articles in the shave wiki regarding "how" to shave as you need to forget all of the bad habits you have fallen into while using a cart/system razor as none of them will work for you with a DE razor

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/

 

[mistercitizen]

Good advice above. Welcome to the forum.

Ben

 

[Sendit]

Thanks guys....I am reading through the wiki and looking forward to this. I am going to enjoy the process as well and not try to race through it. I started another thread regarding stand/razor/brush wear here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/349455-Protecting-the-gear?p=5176288#post5176288