I own two DE safety razors, both Edwin Jagger and I am extremely happy with both of them.
My first is a Bulbous Lined handle with the old Merkur head. This was my first DE and I have had it for about two years. It is heavy and well balanced. I think there is a slight but noticeable difference in blade exposure on one side. Both edges are perfectly straight and I would call it a mild shaver, perfect for a beginning wet shaver as well as those with years of experience.
I recently purchased an EJ Georgian DE in faux ivory as I heard this model was to be discontinued and was subject to discount pricing at The English Shaving Company. This one had the newer Muhle head and there are significant differences. I was never displeased with the fit and finish of the Merkur head on my Bulbous Lined EJ, but I did notice a minute flaw in the polish here and there.
The Muhle head is flawless from every angle, and the shape of it seems somehow more like a complete piece. I could not discern any difference in blade exposure from one side to the other.
The Muhle head is slightly, but noticeably more aggressive.
The Georgian handle is palm filling and there is a head heavy feel to it but it is not uncomfortable to use. I get a better grip on the narrower handle Bulbous because of the groves that run the length of it.
I took the Georgian with me on a long 3-week trip to California and Washington State last month. I used one blade for the entire trip, a new Gillette Swede which I stropped after every shave. My cream for the trip was Avalon Organics Lavender.
I did have to make adjustments in my pressure and angle almost immediately after beginning my first pass. The shaves were very close and very smooth. A lot of that credit goes to the slickness of the AO Lavender cream which is used brushless. Unbelievably slick stuff.
Returning home I was happy to have my brush and bowl and Nancy Boy creams at my disposal once more. I put new Swede in my old Merkur headed Bulbous and immediately noticed the additional weight and balance. The shaves however, were curiously less than stellar. After a couple of weeks I decided to switch out the heads of the two EJ razors.
Nirvana!
The new Muhle head is indeed a clear, if slight, winner over the old Merkur head. I am happy to have both, but the older head will now be in my travel kit. It will still give me great shaves, and I will risk far fewer miscues in strange bathrooms.
When I am at home, I can look forward to a really top notch experience with the perfect razor and blade combination, for me.
My first is a Bulbous Lined handle with the old Merkur head. This was my first DE and I have had it for about two years. It is heavy and well balanced. I think there is a slight but noticeable difference in blade exposure on one side. Both edges are perfectly straight and I would call it a mild shaver, perfect for a beginning wet shaver as well as those with years of experience.
I recently purchased an EJ Georgian DE in faux ivory as I heard this model was to be discontinued and was subject to discount pricing at The English Shaving Company. This one had the newer Muhle head and there are significant differences. I was never displeased with the fit and finish of the Merkur head on my Bulbous Lined EJ, but I did notice a minute flaw in the polish here and there.
The Muhle head is flawless from every angle, and the shape of it seems somehow more like a complete piece. I could not discern any difference in blade exposure from one side to the other.
The Muhle head is slightly, but noticeably more aggressive.
The Georgian handle is palm filling and there is a head heavy feel to it but it is not uncomfortable to use. I get a better grip on the narrower handle Bulbous because of the groves that run the length of it.
I took the Georgian with me on a long 3-week trip to California and Washington State last month. I used one blade for the entire trip, a new Gillette Swede which I stropped after every shave. My cream for the trip was Avalon Organics Lavender.
I did have to make adjustments in my pressure and angle almost immediately after beginning my first pass. The shaves were very close and very smooth. A lot of that credit goes to the slickness of the AO Lavender cream which is used brushless. Unbelievably slick stuff.
Returning home I was happy to have my brush and bowl and Nancy Boy creams at my disposal once more. I put new Swede in my old Merkur headed Bulbous and immediately noticed the additional weight and balance. The shaves however, were curiously less than stellar. After a couple of weeks I decided to switch out the heads of the two EJ razors.
Nirvana!
The new Muhle head is indeed a clear, if slight, winner over the old Merkur head. I am happy to have both, but the older head will now be in my travel kit. It will still give me great shaves, and I will risk far fewer miscues in strange bathrooms.
When I am at home, I can look forward to a really top notch experience with the perfect razor and blade combination, for me.
