EJ89L - OK I get the Hype

[Joe Edson]

Being relatively new to DE shaving (~2 months), I finally tried a different razor than my first one (Merkur 23c). This is actually saying a lot as I now have over a dozen razors I have yet to try. I was really wanting to nail down my blade of choice and technique before moving on. Found that Iridium Super's were pretty much perfect for me, so today I finally loaded them up in my EJ89L.

WOW! Is all I can say. I got the best shave of my short wet shaving career. BBS everywhere, which is something I had yet to achieve on my Merkur 23c. I realized a razor could change things, but I guess I really didn't understand until today. Now I feel like the Merur 23c may become extinct in my shave den

I just placed an order for a cooncatbob handle and am going to give my merkur 23c head a chance on that before officially getting rid of it as maybe a heftier handle may help it.

Now I just can't wait to try the rest of the razors I've come to acquire, but I know the EJ89 can be my baseline now to compare to. Maybe I can start thinning the herd eventually.

 

[Uncle Erik]

Yep, the EJ delivers a hell of a shave. I keep going back to it, no matter what I buy.

Though why don't you work your way through the other razors you have? Maybe something will be better, maybe not. But it'll be good for you to gave the experience of using them.

 

[Joe Edson]

Yep, the EJ delivers a hell of a shave. I keep going back to it, no matter what I buy.

Though why don't you work your way through the other razors you have? Maybe something will be better, maybe not. But it'll be good for you to gave the experience of using them.

I'm definitely going through the rest of my razors now. I just waited all this time because I wanted to be settled on a couple of blades that I knew could deliver so that I would have a better comparison.

 

[TiberiuR]

Since I bought my Muhle R89, same as EJ razors basically, I never used my HD again. Fantastic razor!

 

[Sailorman]

You've set the bar pretty high using the 89 as your baseline.
My Merkur HD went bye-bye within 2 weeks of getting mine. Since then, I've tried literally dozens of other razors and the 89L is still #1 in my rotation, except for those days when I need to tackle more than 3 days of beard and the old Slant/Feather combo is more convenient.

 

[Joe Edson]

You've set the bar pretty high using the 89 as your baseline.
My Merkur HD went bye-bye within 2 weeks of getting mine. Since then, I've tried literally dozens of other razors and the 89L is still #1 in my rotation, except for those days when I need to tackle more than 3 days of beard and the old Slant/Feather combo is more convenient.

Yeah, I actually was going to wait to try it until after I've tried my SS, techs, adjustables, etc. But I just couldn't resist with the praise it was getting. Hopefully it doesn't make me get rid off all my razors. I'm not sure if I want a RAD killer, this hobby is too much fun

 

[Ishavedabadger]

I tried out my 89 the for the first time a couple weeks ago. My results were similar to yours. what kind of blade did you load up with? I've only used Derby / feather on mine.

 

[Joe Edson]

I tried out my 89 the for the first time a couple weeks ago. My results were similar to yours. what kind of blade did you load up with? I've only used Derby / feather on mine.

I used an iridum Super. The reason I waited so long to try it was I wanted to be settled on a blade that I was using for the Merur 23c so as to direct compare. Of the other blades I've tried I would only probably try a Sharks super chrome or Astra in it. I have still yet to try Feathers, Crystals, Gillette yellows, and red IPs which all seem to be favorites around here.

The iridium super I've found of the ones I tried to be the best blade for me. Seems super sharp and super smooth. Good for 4 shaves as well on me.

 

[Zatx Woopyoax]

That is the funny thing with blades. No need to nail down a specific blade because every razor with have a different "go-to" blade that works best in it.

 

[Jaymo]

I have a hard time putting my EJ down. It is a fantastic razor.

 

[rjt65]

my ej89l was and is my first! good choice thanks to the Forum!!!

 

[FL shaver]

I just recommended this razor to my sister to buy for her husband. Cheaper than the HD I have and it gets rave reviews. Can anyone take a stab as to why this razor is so good? I think I remember one shaver saying the thinner head (than an HD) allows access to a tighter area, such as under the nose. Hope this isn't a jack!

 

[jkcerda]

i love my 89L

 

[Joe Edson]

I just recommended this razor to my sister to buy for her husband. Cheaper than the HD I have and it gets rave reviews. Can anyone take a stab as to why this razor is so good? I think I remember one shaver saying the thinner head (than an HD) allows access to a tighter area, such as under the nose. Hope this isn't a jack!

To be honest I really don't know why it is so much better. As I said I've only been using a 23c for 2 months in my short DE shaving career. The past 2 days of using the 89L I'm blown away. Both shaves were better than I've had in the 2 months with my merkur. I don't know enough about this stuff to understand why, I can just see the results. It is such a smooth shaver as opposed to my 23c though.

 

[Trawlerman]

Yup, the EJ DE89L is a great razor.

I have a few old Gillette DE's that I also like to use. My favourite of these being my birthday razor - A U4 (1974) Gillette 'BlackHandle' Superspeed and some U (1974) Gillette Super Silver blades - this a little special to me.

They all shave really well but none as well as the 89L. For this reason it's my 'Go-to' razor as you yanks put it. IRC, I can't recall ever cutting myself with this one either? So much different to my Parker 89R which almost always leaves me bloody.

I recently recommended one to my old man who has just gone back to using a DE and right away he fell in love with it. Even after 25+ years he got right into it and hasn't had a single cut in the past two months.

 

[luvmysuper]

When it comes to DE's, I'm a vintage Gillette guy. Though I have some Merkurs and Parkers, as well as other brands, they don't get much love.
I recently picked up an Muehle R89 from westcoastshaving.com and it has now replaced my President as my travel razor. 'nuff said.

 

[drandall]

my DE89L has certainly taken a top spot among my razors. in fact, it encouraged me to buy a new EJ chattsworth just so i could have another razor with the same fantastic head.

i've also written jagger, asking...well, begging actually...for them to make a travel razor based on the DE89. i think it could be brilliant.

 

[filedog]

my DE89L has certainly taken a top spot among my razors. in fact, it encouraged me to buy a new EJ chattsworth just so i could have another razor with the same fantastic head.

i've also written jagger, asking...well, begging actually...for them to make a travel razor based on the DE89. i think it could be brilliant.

Get a lightweight (aluminum) handle from cooncatbob!

 

[filedog]

My DE87 probably gives me the nicest shaves of any of may razors. It's close though.....the FB with Super Iridiums is great too, but with an Astra SP in the EJ, I get the best shaves of all. To the guys who also have Merkur HDs.....what was it about the Merkurs shave you didn't like, not close enough? I have been thinking of getting one to try, I just like the design

 

[Space]

could you be more specific about the difference between the 23c and the ej89l?

I have the 23c and it's great and I can't imagine anything being better, but everyone goes on and on about the ej89l

direct comparisons would be great!