Aggressive razors such as Red Tips, open combs, 38c's etc are not kind to my face. I currently use a 1941 Ranger Tech and a 1947 SS. These give me good shaves without irritation. I have try many vintage razors and to date these are my keepers. However, I am curious abut the EJ's since there is so much positive chatter about them. So how do the EJ's compare with SS's. Thanks for your guidance.
How does a EJ 89L compair to a Super Seed?
- Thread starter Above The Tie
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I can't tell you much about the EJ 89 compared to the Super Speed, but I do have a "Slim" that I use occasionly. While the "Slim" is a fine vintage razor, and I'm in no way putting it down, the EJ 89 simply puts it in the shade.
Ironically I own a Super Speed (red tip), but I have never yet used it. I have never gotten around to it, because the EJ 89 is such outstanding shaving machine.
So you can consider it "two thumbs" up for the EJ 89!
(Of course your milage may vary)
DD
Ironically I own a Super Speed (red tip), but I have never yet used it. I have never gotten around to it, because the EJ 89 is such outstanding shaving machine.
So you can consider it "two thumbs" up for the EJ 89!
(Of course your milage may vary)
DD
The EJ DE89L shaves real smooth and is not too aggressive. I feel its less aggressive than my Merkur HD.
I want on a RAD spree about a year ago purchasing ~60 different razors. Of the vintage Gillettes, the 41 Ranger Tech is my favorite. I like it better than many more rare/expensive models.
However, last August I pruchased a DE89. I have not purchased another razor since. It cured my RAD. I don't even use the Gillettes anymore. Its either the DE89 or a slant if I have a weeks worth of beard to scrape off.
That is my experience. It sure is a fun journey to try a bunch of different razors until you find "the one."
Peace!
Edit-I lied. I did purchase another razor....a DE89L to have on hand as a back-up in case something happened to the DE89.
However, last August I pruchased a DE89. I have not purchased another razor since. It cured my RAD. I don't even use the Gillettes anymore. Its either the DE89 or a slant if I have a weeks worth of beard to scrape off.
That is my experience. It sure is a fun journey to try a bunch of different razors until you find "the one."
Peace!
Edit-I lied. I did purchase another razor....a DE89L to have on hand as a back-up in case something happened to the DE89.
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I have found the Gillette SuperSpeed, FatBoy, and BallTech to be very similar in how they shave, which makes sense. For the past few weeks I have been rotating those razors with an EJ89L.
I began DE shaving with the EJ89L loaded with red Personnas and found it to be a little harsh to learn good technique. I definitely felt the symptoms of razor burn the first few times I used it. I had the good fortune of receiving the Gillettes from my brother and using the same red Personna blades in all three of them. The Gillettes are significantly more forgiving and much more mild than the EJ89L. I actually used the EJ89L this morning, and still find that to be true.
If you find yourself getting excellent shaves with the SS, you may not want to risk buying an EJ89L, as it will bite you if you're not paying attention. But, then again, if you find it too aggressive for you can easily find a buyer on the BST forum.
I began DE shaving with the EJ89L loaded with red Personnas and found it to be a little harsh to learn good technique. I definitely felt the symptoms of razor burn the first few times I used it. I had the good fortune of receiving the Gillettes from my brother and using the same red Personna blades in all three of them. The Gillettes are significantly more forgiving and much more mild than the EJ89L. I actually used the EJ89L this morning, and still find that to be true.
If you find yourself getting excellent shaves with the SS, you may not want to risk buying an EJ89L, as it will bite you if you're not paying attention. But, then again, if you find it too aggressive for you can easily find a buyer on the BST forum.
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Thanks everyone for the great info. The decision is now up to me. Again many thanks. This is what makes this such a nice forum. Stan
It tends to take me 4 passes and a bit of touch-up with my Gillette SS to get as good of a shave as I get with 3 passes and no touch-ups with my EJ 89L. I like my SS, but I like my EJ so much (and my Slim) that I primarily use my SS as my travel razor.
I hope that you find what works for you and that you get many, many great shaves with your gear.
I hope that you find what works for you and that you get many, many great shaves with your gear.
Like you, most of the time I just want a close comfortable shave without irritation. My 40's SS, Tech and even my Merkur 34G give me just that. I don't have an 89L, but I do have an EJ Chatsworth Barley. Same head as the 89L, but with a longer, heavier handle. The Barley is definitely smooth and gives me a closer shave with fewer passes than the SS and Tech but I do get some irritation from it. It's still in rotation with the other 3, but only on special occasions would I want or need a shave that close. Maybe the 89L is not quite as aggressive as the Barley because it's lighter. I've also tried other vintage Gillettes, but the SS and Tech are still my razors of choice.
I have a 40s Superspeed, a 48ish Aristocrat and an EJ89L. I would say that they are all very similar. Would say that the Superspeed shaves as well as the EJ, but the EJ is better balanced and is nicer shaving (if that makes sense). Have been comparing the EJ with my Aristocrat this week, and would say that the Aristocrat shaves a bit closer, but again the EJ is nicer shaving.
I have a Gillete Superspeed and several Merkurs (slant, 39c, HD), but the EJ 89L gives me a better shave regardless of soap, cream, prep, blade, after shave, witch hazel, etc. Honestly, I think the EJ 89L should be the only razor any DE shaver uses (beginner or experienced). If you want something better than the EJ89L, try a straight. But even that may not be better.
Scott
Scott
I have the EJ DE89L and find it to provide one of the most comfortable shaves I have had (except with Lord blades).
The Super Speed's do seem to be requiring 4 passes plus clean up as compared to the EJ's 3 passes and clean up.
If you were looking at even costs... I'd take the EJ DE89L unless you desire that bit of nostalgia of the SS.
The Super Speed's do seem to be requiring 4 passes plus clean up as compared to the EJ's 3 passes and clean up.
If you were looking at even costs... I'd take the EJ DE89L unless you desire that bit of nostalgia of the SS.
For me, the EJ89L is definitely more aggressive than either my 40s or early 60s SS, but not that much more. Having developed a feel for the heft and balance of the EJ, it's hard for me to reach for anything else. Still, if I wantneed to go less than twelve hours between shaves, an SS comes out of the bullpen.
Of course, one day I may go for a slant or a straight and start preaching an entirely different gospel. RAD's been fun like that.
Of course, one day I may go for a slant or a straight and start preaching an entirely different gospel. RAD's been fun like that.
I think the EJ89 gives a reasonably aggressive shave but still very smooth. The EJ89 feels as smooth as a blue tip but shaves almost like a red tip. It's a very good razor in my opinion.
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