High Quality Razor Comparable to EJ DE89?

[MiZeh]

Hey all,

I'd like to pick your collective brains, if you don't mind.

So, I've used an Edwin Jagger DE89 razor for the last 1.5 years. It's been a great razor, but as of today, the threads have given out and I cannot use it. It's been a great razor; I love the way it shaves (love it with Israeli Personna and Personna Med Prep). While I think the finish on it was nice, obviously it wasn't made to the same standards as perhaps other razors. Anyway, I'm looking to replace it. I'm happy to buy a new one, but back then I wasn't sold on shaving with a safety razor, and now I'm sold. And so, if there is another razor of a higher quality that shaves like the DE89, that may be worth buying.

I like the aggressiveness level of the DE89. My Gillette Tech is nicely made, but it's not really aggressive enough compared to the DE89. So, guys, is there another razor of higher quality that shaves like the DE89? Assume money is no object.

Thanks.

 

[ArNav]

Weber. Slightly more aggressive than DE89. Stainless steel, great handle. Worth every penny.

 

[takisg]

Weber. Slightly more aggressive than DE89. Stainless steel, great handle. Worth every penny.

Can you please provide a link to have a look? Thanks a lot.

 

[MiZeh]

Weber. Slightly more aggressive than DE89. Stainless steel, great handle. Worth every penny.

Also, which handle would you get? Anything comparable to EJ?

 

[ArNav]

http://weberrazor.hostedbyamazon.com/Razors/b/3455463011?ie=UTF8&title=Razors

I would get the Bulldog handle. It's much better than EJ handle.

 

[MiZeh]

Thanks ArNav! Looks like a really nice razor.

 

[Shutterbug57]

Are you looking only got a new (as opposed to vintage) razor?

 

[Sceptic Pencil]

So, guys, is there another razor of higher quality that shaves like the DE89? Assume money is no object.

Thanks.

If you are in the market for a modern razor, of the razors I have used, I would recommend the Tradere OC, or the Ikon Deluxe OC. In terms of vintage razors I would suggest a Rocket HD, a Red Tip or a Slim, as I would say that each of these are comparable to the EJ in terms of aggression.

 

[nortoons]

Alternatively, you could try a Maggard razor: http://www.maggardrazors.com/index.php/product-category/safety-razors/maggard-razors-safety-razors/

I just shaved with the MR6 last night, and I loved it. I hear they shave very similarly to Edwin Jaggers, at about half the cost.

 

[Mick]

Firsst determine if the threads are wonky on the cap or in the handle.

If the the issue is with the handle threads, just get another handle for your DE89.

The Jagger DE89 is one of the heads in my "free range heads" collection and I use it with a couple of different handles

 

[wimbouman]

weber. Slightly more less aggressive than de89. Stainless steel, great handle. Worth every penny.

ftfy

But another great case of YMMV!
I was about to suggest the Weber on a Bulldog handle indeed, but my only remark would be that it could be a bit less close and direct.

Anyway, it is a great alternative, indeed.

 

[takeshi]

I like the aggressiveness level of the DE89.

Seems like an odd statement. The DE89 is a mild razor.

In any case, the Feather AS-S2 seems comparable in performance to the DE89 (i.e. is also mild) to me.

 

[lostgen60]

I agree with Turtle, determine where the thread failure lies. There are some incredible handles out there: Sabi and Cadet are inexpensive alternatives and if you just need a head try the Lord L-6, Maggard or Cadet closed combs for inexpensive alternatives.

 

[Cumberland Sausage]

Might be worth contacting EJ and politely pointing out that you'd hoped a razor of that cost and supposed quality would have lasted a bit longer. A good manufacturer might feel inclined to offer a replacement.

 

[MiZeh]

Hey all,

Thanks for the responses. The threads are wonky on the head, and not the handle. Also, takehsi, I agree it's a mild razor. To me, it seems more aggressive than my Gillette Tech, however.

 

[Chadao]

+1

Weber. Slightly more aggressive than DE89. Stainless steel, great handle. Worth every penny.

 

[Chadao]

If money is no object take a look at Feather, Tradere, and Above the Tie. If you're interested in Open Comb, also take a look at the iKon.

 

[jedi7]

Glad I found this thread. I too have the same question. The weber seems a nice high end option to consider and so does the Feather. What about Muhle? Is the quality better than the EJ? Any comparable models?

 

[Jeff_H]

I think you will find the quality on the Muhle to be nearly identical to the EJ. I have the R89 and the R41 and don't believe the quality is heads and shoulders above EJ. Don't get me wrong, they are nice but not double the price nice.

I would also at least start with looking at the Weber. I prefer the Classic handle since it is a little longer, nearly 4". The Bulldog II is either 3" or 3 1/4". The Weber is a great intro into the Stainless Steel razors at a very attractive price compared to the others. The next one I would look at would be the ATT offerings (Above The Tie). The quality is outstanding and they look beautiful. My next look would be either Ikon or Feather along with Tradere.

I think most of the "best quality" modern razors are all Stainless Steel. Even some of the high end non stainless razors are built with Pot Metal for the heads and that is a shame. The vintage Gillette's are all brass and built to last several lifetimes.

Something that would be great to consider would be an Aristocrat, President, English Aristocrat and if it isn't in perfect shape get it replated in Rhodium, Nickle or Gold....or whatever your preference is. Something like that would last just as well as a Stainless razor, or close, but would be considerably more beautiful IMO. Price would certainly be less than the full ATT set, even with Rhodium plating.

Just an option. Good luck.

 

[Chadao]

I like the Classic handle, which is quite a bit longer...but I like really long handles. The Bulldog is a terrific handle, too...and as ArNav says much better than an EJ handle.

Also, which handle would you get? Anything comparable to EJ?