Ej de89/de86

[MrBurns]

Is there a difference? Amazon has both at very reasonable prices.

Also, for a rookie coming off of plastic razors (sorry...), I read that the Derby blade that comes with it is a bit aggressive and as I have a VERY sensitive face but coarse beard. Any blades that are friendlier that can be recommended for me perhaps?

Thanks!

 

[The Accountant]

I think the only difference is in the material of the handle; if I am incorrect then hopefully another member will correct me. the Derby is probably not as sharp as other blades, not more or less aggressive for that matter. I would try the Derby that comes with it and see what you think. Other blades well regarded are the Astra SP and the Personna Blades of various types. By the way, the DE 89 series is an excellent razor for a DE shaver of any skill level.

 

[MrBurns]

By the way, the DE 89 series is an excellent razor for a DE shaver of any skill level.

Thank you Accountant... I'll have to compile the wife's Christmas list and make one order..

 

[SantoSubito]

If Derby's work well for you they are likely to be the friendliest blade you'll ever use, but many consider them to be to dull. Crystals are always a safe bet, they seem to be the right combination of smooth and sharp to work with almost anyones face.

 

[Jeff_H]

I also believe the only difference is handle color/design. Just get the one that appeals to you most. While you're at it, buy that 100 pack of Astra's that is on that link you posted as well. Then you will be in good shape.

 

[mswofford]

. While you're at it, buy that 100 pack of Astra's that is on that link you posted as well. Then you will be in good shape.

Excellent advice! AstraSPs are a good first choice and highly regarded on B&B.

 

[engblom]

Derby blades are too dull for my coarse beard. Whiskers often get pulled up with root rather than cut. Go with Astra SP.

 

[MrBurns]

Thanks for the suggestions.
Am I better off just going for the DE89 for the meager difference in price?

 

[creekwalker]

I'm expecting an EJ 89, and have Israeli red Personnas, the old Iridium Supers, 7 o'clock Russian Yellows--any recomendations among those?

 

[daverojo77]

I find the ej89 and the feather blade to be the ultimate combo. I have tried a bunch of blades and feathers are my favorites.

 

[Panama]

You might want to look at the Muhle 89 from Connaught Shaving. Same head as the the EJ. Shipped from London for about half the US price and you can include Mitchels Wool Fat soap for about $8.00 more. Connaught shipping is less than most if not all North American dealers.

 

[jagardn]

I also believe the only difference is handle color/design. Just get the one that appeals to you most. While you're at it, buy that 100 pack of Astra's that is on that link you posted as well. Then you will be in good shape.

I'd agree with Jeff. I got a 100 pack of Astra SP's with my EJ 89. It's the best blade for me so far. I have a course beard as well.

 

[creekwalker]

I find the ej89 and the feather blade to be the ultimate combo. I have tried a bunch of blades and feathers are my favorites.

I do have Feather High Stainless, and plan to try them again at some point--but while my technique is still in its infancy, I think I'll want something less touchy...perhaps I'll try the sharp but smooth Iridium Supers. Too bad they may be a lame duck blade. (At best am not sure that the current Polsilver Super Iridiums are the same blade.)

 

[creekwalker]

You might want to look at the Muhle 89 from Connaught Shaving. Same head as the the EJ. Shipped from London for about half the US price and you can include Mitchels Wool Fat soap for about $8.00 more. Connaught shipping is less than most if not all North American dealers.

You're right, Connaught has great prices, and low (even fast) shipping to the US. Too bad they don't carry Edwin Jagger too.

 

[Teppanyaki]

In case you don't have one picked out, for a good starter brush I'd get a boar from Semogue or Omega. $9-30ish, and once they break in they are great.

 

[MrBurns]

In case you don't have one picked out, for a good starter brush I'd get a boar from Semogue or Omega. $9-30ish, and once they break in they are great.

Thanks for that, I have a Wilkinson Sword brush from Wal-Mart, 6$ synthetic you-get-what-you-pay-for model.

 

[Jeff_H]

Here's my experience. I bought the Muhle R89 because I perceived it to be of better quality and it looked like the handle had more grip. The razor was in fact finished very nicely, but the handle was very, very slick. I think you will find the same with the all metal handles of the EJ. Some guys don't, but most guys wish for more grip. I don't think the quality on the Muhle was twice that of the EJ. I would buy the EJ if I had to do it all over again.

So, I purchased one of the resin handles Muhle puts on razor, in our trading forum. It has MUCH more grip than the metal handle. It's still not as good as a handle with serious knurling, like the Weber Classic, but it is very good. I believe EJ sells the resin handles in a variety of colors. My advise is to pick one that has the color you like and get that one. The heads are all the same, so the only difference will be the handle.

If you decide you like the way the head shaves, you can always buy an aftermarket handle with all the grip you want. A different, heavier handle will also make the shave better, at least in my experience.

 

[creekwalker]

In this glowing video review/demo of the EJ DE89, this fellow says he was afraid that the handle of that razor might be slick, but that it was not so at all when he used it. (And a lot of people complain about the Muhle handles in that regard.)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiXojYrLhVA

Also, I just saw that the EJ89 is $29.87 on Amazon:

http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-...e=UTF8&qid=1384747057&sr=8-1&keywords=ej+de89

...shipping is free if you have Amazon Prime, or free if you order a total of $35 or more (incidentally they have Astra SP blades $11.19 for 100.)

 

[MrBurns]

Thanks Jeff and creekwalker for your input.
A slick handle might be an easy fix, a rubber band or two.....

 

[Teppanyaki]

I used the Muhle R89 handle (same head, slightly different handle). I'd recommend the resin handle as none of the metal EJ handles are really known for a lot of grip (not even the barley, which is the best of the lot from what I've read). I'd get a Tech fat handle for grip, or another aftermarket one.