Edwin Jagger Model Confusion

[cfata]

Hello,

Just starting to get into different DE razors more... I've got a Merkur 34C HD (my starter) and just purchased a Merkur 39C Sledgehammer (slant bar). Now I'm starting to look at Edwin Jagger razors... There is a lot of talk about the EJ89L. I am confused with all of the different model numbers that I think are referring to the same razor with different handles... for example:
DE86 - faux-ebony handle
DE89bl - chrome handle
DE86811 - octagonal handle

I got these model numbers off the Fendrihan site. I know that the Chatsworth has a longer handle, but I'm not really interested in that. Can someone clear up these models for me? Do they all have the same head and different handles?

Thanks!

 

[Gingerbread]

All EJ heads are the same. The model number corresponds to the different handles.

 

[Scott0079]

Yep.

 

[cfata]

Thanks for the reply!

 

[morganjg]

The DE89L has the same handle as the DE89BL but has channels going lengthwise down the handle to improve grip (and appearance I suppose.) The only issue I ever saw was that mine constantly got gummed up with cream and after rinsing often times left water spots in the grooves. Unfortunately they are spaced closely together, so it is difficult to stay pristine. If you're not as impulsive as me and some others here, it won't be an issue.

 

[celestino]

All EJ heads are the same. The model number corresponds to the different handles.

+1

 

[velocityboy]

The recent addition of "BL" to EJ razor model numbers only indicates that they include a pack of blades.

The DE89 has a smooth chrome handle
the DE89BL is the same razor with blades
The DE89L is the chrome lined version
The DE89LBL is lined and with blades

 

[cfata]

Perfect! Thanks a lot for the info, makes a lot more sense now.
I'm looking at the Chrome Barley Handle on the Fendrihan site (EJ-DE89BA11bl). Does anyone have experience with the Barley handle? Better grip, or looks? Both? I've got the Merkur 34CHD which has grooves in the handle and they're decent. What I don't like is the grooves in the Merkur 39C Sledgehammer. They twist on an spiral and I find feel awkward in the hand.
Anyway, figured I'd ask.

 

[Mark1966]

Love my barley chrome handle - looks great and feels good too!

 

[rxonmymind]

Great shavers.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

I have the chrome handle with no etching - just the smooth chrome, which I really like the looks of. The grip is fine on it, too, so I can't imagine issues gripping the barley handled one either.