EJ 89L or Merkur 38C

[muskokabrian]

About to order my first DE (besides the long lost, bladeless one that my father gave me as a kid which I used to shave beside him with) and debating between the 89L and 38C. The 89L isn't in stock so I'd probably just go with the 89 or an 86 (black handle).

Both razors seem to get great reviews. I love the look of that red handled 38c and thought the longer handle might be nice. I have a beard that's probably a little tougher than average.

Any thoughts here?

 

[Left Coast DJ]

I've owned both. And both are good razors. However, I think the 89L is better balanced. The enormous handle of the 38C throws off its balance. Besides, the 89L is shinier! Charles ad QED should have the new ones with Muhle heads. And either razor should mow down any beard, tough or not. They're both built like tanks.

 

[michiganlover]

I owned a Merkur 38C with the Red handle, and felt it was a fine shaver, until I started sampling vintage Gillette's which I felt blew it out of the water.

All the chat on the boards indicates the Edwin Jagger is superior to the Merkur in every way: better overall quality, better finish, better shaver.

Do be aware, that a fully smooth handle like the DE86, or DE89 can be very slippery in your hands, especially if your hands are wet.

Another option to consider, is the Muhle R89, which has the same head as the Edwin Jagger, but with a chrome handle with a whole lot more knurling. It's slightly more expensive.

I just ordered mine from West Coast Shaving on Saturday:

Muhle R89 @ West Coast Shaving

 

[kevtex]

I've owned both and would give the nod to the EJ89. The handle is smooth but strangely it's not really slippery when wet, go figure.

 

[MedicBill]

About to order my first DE (besides the long lost, bladeless one that my father gave me as a kid which I used to shave beside him with) and debating between the 89L and 38C. The 89L isn't in stock so I'd probably just go with the 89 or an 86 (black handle).

Both razors seem to get great reviews. I love the look of that red handled 38c and thought the longer handle might be nice. I have a beard that's probably a little tougher than average.

Any thoughts here?

I bought a 38C from Jim @ Vintage Blades LLC

I love the shave it gives me, and it feels very sturdy. A solid daily shaver, for sure!

I'm sorry I can't speak on the 89 or 86.

 

[njpaddy]

Tough choice-good luck with it. Which ever you choose, stick with one razor for at least a month or until you get the technique down. Early on we tend to blame the razor and/or blade for so-so shaves when it's really blade angle. As you get used to the razor, the shaves will get better.

 

[murchmb]

The DE89L, or any of the new EJ's, are better shavers than any of the fixed head Merkurs. I love the looks and feel of my 38C, but in the end it gives an inferior shave to my DE89L.

 

[theologist]

I too have both.

Both are good. Like others, I'm not selling my 89L either!

Personally, I prefer the longer handle of the 38C and do not find the weight a problem. And the red one, particularly, is an attractive bit of kit!

 

[muskokabrian]

I'm really starting to lean to EJ now after reading more of this board. I'm getting quite anxious to get my first DE so probably order soon.

Funny but 1 month ago, if someone told me they used a safety razor I would have been very surprised and wouldn't have considered that I might use one. However, one day I was thinking that I was surprised at the lack of competition to Schick and Gillette in the cartridge razor market and stumbled up an article about wet shaving. Next thing you know I'm looking at these boards and I'm right into the idea... has so much appeal from the sentimental memories of standing beside my father to my love of the finely crafted.

Besides that... there's also that appeal of going off the grid, so to speak, and breaking away from the trap of those expensive, earth unfriendly, cartridges that are being marketed to me by a 12 timing golfer who probably shaves every three days.

 

[MedicBill]

I'm really starting to lean to EJ now after reading more of this board. I'm getting quite anxious to get my first DE so probably order soon.

Funny but 1 month ago, if someone told me they used a safety razor I would have been very surprised and wouldn't have considered that I might use one. However, one day I was thinking that I was surprised at the lack of competition to Schick and Gillette in the cartridge razor market and stumbled up an article about wet shaving. Next thing you know I'm looking at these boards and I'm right into the idea... has so much appeal from the sentimental memories of standing beside my father to my love of the finely crafted.

Besides that... there's also that appeal of going off the grid, so to speak, and breaking away from the trap of those expensive, earth unfriendly, cartridges that are being marketed to me by a 12 timing golfer who probably shaves every three days.

Keep in mind that while cartridges are expensive, if you get into this as a hobby, it's easy spend lots on expansion of your collection (i.e. larger brushes, different DE razors, soaps, creams, aftershaves, etc).... Totally worth it though, as long as you're enjoying it

 

[dpmtherrien]

I think its all a matter of personal preference. Almost all of the Merkur's have the same size head, so it comes down to the weight and the handle. I've had a couple of 38c's and for me I just don't care for the longer handle, but give me the short HD or the 1904 any time. I tried an EJ, but for me I just didn't like it.

 

[talibeard]

I would definitely go for one of the EJ's or its german cousin the Mühle R-89; for me a better shave, better balance and better fit and finish.

The only reason to choose the Merkur would be that you prefer a heavy razor with most weight in the handle but that is the kind of balance I certainly don't like too much in a razor.

 

[curtis909]

The DE89L, or any of the new EJ's, are better shavers than any of the fixed head Merkurs. I love the looks and feel of my 38C, but in the end it gives an inferior shave to my DE89L.

+1

I also have both and for me at least no contest the DE89L knocks out the Merkur38C like the immortal Howard Cosell yelling "down goes frazier down goes frazier over and over again...

 

[ateace]

i've owned both and would give the nod to the ej89. The handle is smooth but strangely it's not really slippery when wet, go figure.

+1

 

[theologist]

Look - buy the 89L, it's a great razor.

If you like it, you may eventually add a Merkur 38C to your armory. In fact, I can almost guarantee you would, sooner or later!

 

[sfcablecar]

+1

EJ 89L

You won't be disappointed.

 

[muskokabrian]

Well 89 (l) it is. Unfortunately, it's still out of stock a fendrihan where I will purchase from. He's been helpful with questions and relatively close to where I live so I won't consider buying elsewhere. As such I can either be patient and wait another couple of weeks of get a muhle or the smooth version, which is what I'm leaning with.

Thanks for all the responses. It has really influenced my decision. Now, it is my understanding that EJ is a family business and I suspect that much of that family has been replying to this thread

 

[muskokabrian]

Well, I finally ordered my first DE. After all considerations I went with the Muhle 89, which was more expensive than the EJ, but I thought the grip would be better.

Added to this was a Semogue 1305 along with some EJ Buckthorn and Taylor Lavender soaps. Can't wait for that first real shave

 

[curtis909]

Well 89 (l) it is. Unfortunately, it's still out of stock a fendrihan where I will purchase from. He's been helpful with questions and relatively close to where I live so I won't consider buying elsewhere. As such I can either be patient and wait another couple of weeks of get a muhle or the smooth version, which is what I'm leaning with.

Thanks for all the responses. It has really influenced my decision. Now, it is my understanding that EJ is a family business and I suspect that much of that family has been replying to this thread

I wish i was part of there family i would have gotten my razor for free....

 

[MedicBill]

Well, I finally ordered my first DE. After all considerations I went with the Muhle 89, which was more expensive than the EJ, but I thought the grip would be better.

Added to this was a Semogue 1305 along with some EJ Buckthorn and Taylor Lavender soaps. Can't wait for that first real shave

Looks like a beautiful razor. I wish you an excellent first shave.