No but I understand that the designs are similar and that there may have been some collaboration. Also check the BST on this forum. There are often some good deals to be found.Does Muhle make most parts for EJ and Merkur?
No but I understand that the designs are similar and that there may have been some collaboration. Also check the BST on this forum. There are often some good deals to be found.Does Muhle make most parts for EJ and Merkur?
Made in Canada too, I think!Rockwell 6C would be a nice option also, and it's adjustable with different base plates, and is around your price range.
Muhle R89 and Merkur 34c are quite similar in performance; yet people tend to prefer one or the other. I think the Merkur is more utilitarian, it feels like a good tool. The Muhle R89/EJ DE89 has a finer finish, like a piece of jewelry. I think the Merkur 37c is better than either of them in terms of performance.So apparently there is a 3rd option in terms of handle size. Does anyone have both the Edwin Jagger de89 Regular and Short handle that they could take a photo for me? I really don't need a long version but I'm curious about these two.
I watched two different videos where reviewers compared the EJ de89 and the Merkur 34C. While the reviewers said their faces ended up feeling the same in the end, the EJ de89 gave a better experience. But!! they still said they like the Merkur 34C more. I found this weird... So what I'm guessing is that the de89 is like a Lexus and the Merkur is more like owning a Mercedes. While the de89 does everything and in some regards better (in these comparisons) they want to avoid feeling buyers remorse with having paid more or they value the allure of a higher regarded brand more than the experience. I could be wrong but just sort of what I'm picking up on.
Welcome Mushroom! I, like you, started with an inexpensive TTO and that got me hooked. my next razor was a Merkur 34c and that was an improvement. After that I acquired a Muhle r89 and an Edwin Jagger de89. I found both of those to be superior to the Merkur 34c. As others have stated you seem to be on the right track. I really don't think you can go wrong with any of the razors you mentioned. So stop and think what's important to you. TTO, 3 or 2 piece, knurling on the handle? For a few bucks more you can get a Rockwell 6c. It shaves fantastically and you have the advantage of several different plates. For about the same price you can pick up a Razorock Game Changer, I often wonder how many people new to DE shaving would end their quest right there had they gone for one out of the gate.
Thanks again for your input and warm welcomes everyone. This forum thus far has certainly been one of the least toxic forums that I have been on in a decade and you should all be proud of that.
Thanks, I've seen a lot of people talk about the Rockwell 6c. I think for what I'm going after right now it's a little out of my price range. I'm seeing it $25 more than a EJ de89 not sure it would be worth that much more? I could buy a EJ de89 and a retro super speed for the same price. I don't like having a bunch of odds and ends laying around so not sure I'd want all those plates. However, would jump on it most likely if it cost less. I don't know where they are actually manufactured but it would be neat to buy more "local" company. I've never heard of the Razorock Game Changer. Is it an actual Game changer? Why do you like it so much over others?
So just go for the razor you like first, you have to make your own journey through Shaveland. I started with the Mühle R89 and am now using straight razors, you'll never know what you try next, but I know something for sure, razors love their herd and they can't stand to live alone ;-)
My next razor after the Mühle was a FATIP Piccolo and then I started to buy second hand, many good things you get for a small amount of money.
A good blade to start with the EJ or the Merkur are the green Astras. They are sharp and stay sharp for several shaves, you can buy a sample pack at amazon or ebay, but many times there are sample packs that are missing a handful of blades while the others are still there and people just give them away for PP. If you want to have an individual pack go to Wet Shaving – Bolzano, Gillette, Personna Double Edge Razor Blades - https://www.razorbladesclub.com/.
Mushroom, if you are leaning towards an Edwin Jagger DE89 I can't imagine anyone here would discourage you from pursuing that razor. It is a very solid razor. Mine has the "ivory" handle and I'd be glad to shoot you a pic of it. If you are looking to acquire a vintage Gillette I would say hang back and visit some antique stores and surf eBay. I have bought several flair tips for $5-$10, my Fat Boy was $20 and my slim aristocrat was $25. I have enjoyed browsing/shopping for these razors and I can't imagine not coming across something in due course.
As to blades my experience is that the difference is somewhat negligible, providing you are using a quality blade. I certainly won't discredit more experienced shavers stating they can differentiate between an Astra or a Derby and some of the sharper blades (ie Feather) I would be hesitant to put into a razor that I was unfamiliar with or a razor that is very aggressive. But all that being said you can tell a difference, I have eliminated Shark blades as something I would ever purchase. When I began I put a "watch" on a sampler pack that I saw on eBay. A few days later the seller dropped the price by $1. I ordered it for $3 and it arrived a few days later through the USPS in a first class envelope.
Lastly, what are you using for a brush?