EJ89 died this moring

[NolaJo]

I am beyond upset! This morning I went through my usual routine. Three pass shave with the EJ89 then took it apart to rinse and dry then reassemble. While screwing the handle back onto the head the head screw just snapped off! I wasn't using excessive force at all. And I've never dropped it. In fact I've babied the thing in the four months that I've owned it. It just fell apart in my hands. Unbelievable.

I haven't developed a case of RAD and fully intended to use this razor indefinitely. Now I'm afraid to buy another EJ. Is this an indication of their quality? Should I try a Merkur or another brand? I don't know what to do now.

And I'm beside myself over the idea of having to switch back to a cartridge until I find a replacement. Not a good way to start the day!!

 

[BigJim]

That is terrible!! First I would start by contacting Edwin Jagger. Given the excellent reports on their customer service, they may replace it. Keep us posted.

 

[Jeff_H]

Unfortunately it happens with these Zamak heads. My first Merkur did the exact same thing, but it took about 2 years. I never dropped or overtightened mine either. I am sorry to hear yours broke so quickly.

I simply contacted Merkur and told them of my situation and without hesitation they offered to send me a new replacement head free of charge. I have heard that EJ has very good customer service as well. I would contact them directly and let them know what happened. I would be surprised if they don't do something to help you, even if it's offer a replacement part a cost.

I wouldn't let this spoil your trust in EJ. Muhle, Merkur and most of the other modern razors (except the stainless steel models) are made from the same basic materials and construction methods. A certain number will just fail because of the type of material they are made of. All of them will fail eventually. They aren't build to last like Gillette's and other razors of the past were.

Let us know if EJ makes the situation right for you, and sorry again that it happened.

 

[Westaway]

First off.... you should not have any trouble with replacement from your vendor or from EJ's Customer Service Dept (from what I've read). If you want the extremely mild shave experience and want to have the same head, you might pick out a Muhle Razor. I think it is their head that EJ uses on their razors. An extremely mild and close shave experience..... much cheaper in the meantime could be from an open comb Merkur. I've finished shaving with my 1904 (41C) this morning and it is so mild and close, you can shave as quickly and carelessly as you did with the 89. I think you will get a replacement but the Merkur OC is available for less than $30...... and for less than $50 you can get a more aggressive but great shave from their 34C. Many reviews tout this as a great beginner's razor but I think it is one that shaves extremely close and will be comfortable on the skin if shown the proper angle and respect. Good luck.

 

[Coastieboats]

That's to bad! Sorry to hear that. I love my EJ89.it's a great razor.

 

[davizera]

Why don't you write to EJ and tell them your story?

From what I've read here they have an exceptional CS. Maybe you had a defective and they'll substitute it for you.

 

[Dusty1]

They are common to those heads, cheap metal.

 

[Rockminer]

label me crazy but I just don't have any confidence in the new razors, made with Zemax or any other pot metal, regardless of brand. Too many stories just like this one ( I have an R89 that had plating problems only months into owning it ). I have two gillette new razors that are 80+ years old and still work fine. Vintage razors are still around for a reason, they were built better and still work.

I would suggest trying to get your razor warrantied and purchasing a razor with better materials. you can go vintage or you can buy new. Companies like Weber, Ikon, and less expensive brands like Cadet and Fatip etc. offer value and better materials. JMO of course.

 

[Aimless1]

Nothing to add except you should use this as an excuse to add a razor to your collection. Cheap insurance should it ever happen again and you might enjoy a different shave.

 

[cpacamper]

label me crazy but I just don't have any confidence in the new razors, made with Zemax or any other pot metal, regardless of brand. Too many stories just like this one ( I have an R89 that had plating problems only months into owning it ). I have two gillette new razors that are 80+ years old and still work fine. Vintage razors are still around for a reason, they were built better and still work.

I would suggest trying to get your razor warrantied and purchasing a razor with better materials. you can go vintage or you can buy new. Companies like Weber, Ikon, and less expensive brands like Cadet and Fatip etc. offer value and better materials. JMO of course.

+1. I think I'll stick to vintage Gillettes or Gems. If I were to purchase a modern razor, it'll be stainless or brass base.

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

Say "no!" to pot metal.

 

[UW_Badger]

If it is only four months old I would contact the vendor and demand a replacement. You bought a new razor and have every right to expect it to last more than four months. If it were me, I would ask for a refund and spend that money on a new stainless razor. Weber would be your best price option. Best of luck.

 

[rajagra]

 

[deafficianado]

Hello NolaJo, sorry to hear about your loss. Definitely do contact EJ customer service, and there is a good chance that they will replace your head. However you should expect the replacement to eventually end up the same way with the screw breaking off. That is the part that is most common to break with pot metal made 3 piece razors. If you want a razor that will last, my advice to you would be to get your hands on some vintage Gillettes (brass made) as well/or a current product production stainless steel razor such as Weber (which is very similer to the EJ head), Tradere, Ikon, or the Above the tie razor. Other brass razors such as Fatip, the Cadet or Razorock line are also good choices.

 

[bosseb]

Been there, done that ( 2x Merkur and 1x EJ).

Solution:

 

[Acmemfg]

Been there, done that ( 2x Merkur and 1x EJ).

Solution:

Good Call..........If/when my R41 Beast gives up the ghost, it will be replaced with the most aggressive stainless DE I can find.

 

[buyandhold2018]

The proper way to make a top cap is either to machine or cast the post right into the cap. Unfortunately, it's very costly and many of the inexpensive razors simply weld the post onto the cap. This method guarantees a shorter life. The good thing is... if you email Jagger a photo, they will most like replace the top cap for you.

 

[aimsport]

Sorry to hear the difficulty.

Happened to me with a Muhle. They DID NOT repair it. I found that no matter how I dried the razor the threads were quickly corroded with a white gunk that just would not come off.

Solution? On every new razor I put a drop of electric clipper lubricating oil on the threads. I work it in well an make sure I refresh the lube before it begins to stick. I make sure some drips into the handle which keeps the threads lubed. Haven't had a problem since and my threads look like new.

Stainless, or even chromed brass versions of the razors like the DE89L and R41 would probably sell like hotcakes.

We must dismiss the false assumption that all modern razors will last like the razors of old. Sad.

For tomorrow morning... consider getting a single bladed disposable like a BIC metal or similar. You can always keep the ones you don't use around for air travel.

 

[2Deuce2]

Joe has a great razor called The SLAB available. This could be a very good addtion to your shave den. I love mine.

 

[rxonmymind]

Look at it on the bright side. THIS is your excuse to buy whatever you want! Muwhahaha!..oh, sorry about your razor. Sad