Jagger DE89 + Weber Bulldog: Worthwhile upgrade from an HD?

[billbarol]

Hello gents -- I'm new to wet shaving and have been lurking in the forums for a couple of weeks, soaking up some of the incredible knowledge and expertise that's on display here. You guys have given me a fast education in, and a real appreciation for, these beautiful shaving tools, and I'm grateful. I'm also better shaved than I've ever been since I started shaving in the '70s. So first of all: Thank you, and I'm glad to be here.

Like a lot of guys here, I took my initial plunge with a Merkur HD, and I like it. I've had some minor irritation issues to deal with, but I suspect that's more to do with my technique than with the Merkur or the other products I've been trying (American Crew Shave Oil, Proraso and TOBS creams, and Proraso balm, plus a variety of blades). I've also lined up a nice little starter set of vintage Gillettes (a Flair Tip and a Tech, each from my birth year, and a '40s style SS). Now I'm looking to add another new razor, and I like what I've been reading about the Jagger DE89 + the Weber Bulldog handle. My question is, will I notice the incremental expense the combo will cost me over what I paid for my HD (approx. $76 vs. $44)? With the usual caveat that YMMV, is it an upgrade in terms of efficiency, comfort, fit and finish, feel in the hand etc.?

Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[wagstaff]

You can't really answer with the caveat YMMV... that is, comfort, feel in hand, and efficiency at least are entirely in "YMMV" territory.
My problem is that I don't have Merkur HD to really compare; this complicates things because I've read that the Weber razor shaves very much like the Merkur HD. Without the HD, I'd just recommend get a Weber. If you're paying $76 anyway, might as well get an all stainless razor. I like the Weber head more than the DE89 head, too, myself.... but.... YMMV. And it may or may not be more similar to what you already have.

Another option is the SLAB razor, which has a stainless handle that's indistinguishable from the Weer Bulldog, and its own razor head for very little more. There have been various reports on the head; to me it seemed more aggressive than the Weber (and presumably more than the HD), though the intent was to come up with something in between the EJ DE89 and the HD int hat regard. Worth an experiment, and a very nice handle.

Nice little starter set of vintage razors, too. (I'd mull over a Slim or a Fatboy, too, while you're thinking. They're great razors).

Welcome to the forum -- I just noticed that was your first post!

 

[Cornishman]

This is my EJ89 with a Bulldog handle:
It's a great razor to use!

 

[JCinPA]

I have basically the same setup as Cornishman except with an Ikon bulldog handle, they are practically identical, and it is fantastic.

However, while visiting with forum member DukeNDuke, who has both a Weber and has the DE89 and has used both heads on his handle, he can't tell the difference. That tells me you should just buy the Weber like Wagstaff recommends.

I tried to get EJ to make a handle like this, but they don't get it, for some reason. So now I'm recommending Weber Razors. That handle turns it into a power tool.

 

[shavefreak]

Like wagstaff said get the new Razorock slab and use that handle, it's great, the head is great also very much as good as the 89.

 

[nehpets4627]

Just a heads up... if you ask these guys if you should buy something, nay ANYTHING, they're probably going to say yes!

With that understanding, your best friend in terms of developing a better shave in the early stages will be TIME with the razor you already have in-hand. If you have the patience and self-control to shave with your Merkur for 6-months, you'll come a long way in developing your technique without spending money on something that may or may not help. I would take it another step and spend no less than a month with any given blade unless it's a complete dog for the first full week. Also try to stick with one soap/cream that works well to further limit the number of variables. Limit the number of variables and you should be able to truly work out what works and what doesn't.

After at least 6 months of developing your technique and selectively testing blades, go nuts and spend all your money on custom handles, multiple heads, etc. If you want to experiment somewhere, do it with brushes and maybe creams/soaps... you can always test lather without putting blade to face, but not so much with razors and blades.

As a note, this is coming from someone who bought 5 razors (3 new, 2 vintage), 2 dozen types of blades, a dozen creams/soaps, and 4 brushes in the first 3 months... only to sell all the razors and spend the last 2.5 years with the Lord L6. Only now am I slowly starting to experiment again with different razors.

 

[takeshi]

With the usual caveat that YMMV, is it an upgrade in terms of efficiency, comfort, fit and finish, feel in the hand etc.?

The problem is that's a huge caveat. Whether any DE is worthwhile or an upgrade really depends on the person and not just the DE itself. The DE89 head is well made with excellent fit and finish. I don't use the Weber bulldog handle but it seems well made as well. Comfort, efficiency and feel in the hand are going to vary from person to person and can only be answered by trying it out.

 

[Graybeard57]

I have the EJ DE89 head coupled with the Weber bulldog handle. It's a great combination, IMO. I cannot compare it to the Merkur or any other head paired with the handle, but I can assure you that DE+Weber is a manly razor. Enjoy your shaves!

 

[grubsteak]

Up until a month ago, my daily shaver was an EJ89 head with weber bulldog handle. The weber handle worked much better for me than the stock EJ89 handle, and this combo gave me (and still delivers) great shaves. However, about a month ago I picked up a fat handled tech. While the tech head didn't really do it for me and wasn't nearly as smooth as the EJ89 head, on a lark I put the fat handle on my EJ89 head and gave it a try. I was very surprised to find that I actually liked this combo better - much better, actually. Many, many guys around here like the weber bulldog handle for both its added heft and grippy knurled surface, and some will say it makes their razor more aggressive. For me personally, however, I have found that a lighter handle has distinct advantages. For one, it keeps the center of mass much closer to the razor head, which I think works better. I also have much more control with the lighter handle. I can adjust and control pressure as needed, rather than rely on the automatic pressure that a heavy razor provides. I can also pivot the razor head around to use the other edge much more comfortably and efficiently (due to the lower moment of inertia). That said, the fat handle of the tech - while lighter - offers what I DO still love about the weber handle: a short length, a relatively large diameter (although not as wide as the weber), and a grippy surface to hold on to. I realize I'm probably in the minority on this one, but bring it up for your reference. This is truly a YMMV issue, and you won't really know how something works for you until you try it yourself. And to anyone else with a fat handled tech and EJ89 head, put those two together and give it a try...you may be pleasantly surprised. Good luck finding a razor that works for you, billbarol!

 

[redrako]

Would the DE89 head / Weber Bulldog Handle be more efficient than your Merkur HD, Super Speeds or Tech?

Maybe.

As others have pointed out, this of course is one of those YMMV answers

Having used all of these razors except the 40's super speed, I would have to put the Weber head in between the DE 89 head and the Merkur HD head. IMO, the Weber is a tad less aggressive than the Merkur HD and perhaps two tads more aggressive than the DE 89 head.

For me the DE 89 head would be closer to your Tech and Super Speeds than the Merkur HD. So if you find the Tech/Super Speed razors good razors for you, EJ 89 is the way to go. If you want a very slightly milder version of your Merkur HD, the Weber is the way to go.

Another alternative for a heavy handle would be to pick up a Shave-a-buck SABI T1 or T2.

 

[jhamlin38]

That's exactly how i started. I started with a 34c HD for a few months. I then got an EJ89 and I noticed significant decrease in irritation. I then started modifying and improving my techniques and felt very comfortable and fast.
I bought an Ikon bulldog handle for the added weight and enhanced grip. The improvements were significant.
1. Added weight just plain works for me. I can feel the razor in my fingers better thus use less pressure eliminating irritation completely
2. The grip of the knurled stainless steel vs the plated pot metal let's me relax just a tad more, with zero concern of slipping, and allows focus of just shaving. Again, a subtle difference.
3. The most noteworthy difference occurs with ATG passes with less pulling or tugging, and zero irritation.
All of this added "feel" is what I was missing in the HD. I also feel that blade alignment in the EJ head vs the HD is much better, or perfect.
I went on to buy two OC razors, a 25c and a Cadet. The 25c is very mild and the cadet is very agressive.
Then I got an ikon OSS. All ss. But very mild. Perhaps milder than the 25c. It's BEAUTIFUL though.
For me the EJ89 head is perfect for everyday shaves. Add the ikon handle and its WAY better.
If budget is a concern, or an Ikon or weber stainless handle is just too expensive, purchase a Cadet open comb safety razor. The handle is hefty and solid brass. It has texture as effective as an Ikon, and weights the same, if not slightly more. Plus, it's at least 40 dollars cheaper, and you get an entire razor, for a new experience. The open comb of a Cadet is no joke. Very aggressive shaver, and not for the feint of heart.
Too bad I dropped the cadet and broke the head!
Plan on seeing a Black Cadet safety razor handle on BST soon!

 

[billbarol]

Great advice all around. Many thanks!

My only concern about the Weber head is that I've seen some comments to the effect that build quality isn't up to par with the EJ. Doesn't sound like those of you who own one have that issue with it.

 

[Ronnie Aloha]

I have both and the EJ is finished better than the Weber. In all honesty, I couldn't tell the difference in the shaves. I do have a Barley Chrome handle which is the heaviest EJ handle stock so that may have contributed to the lack of difference in shaves. If you want bling, go with the EJ if you want sturdiness and a more modern industrial look go for the Weber. I don't think you can go wrong either way. Also, after shaving with a Merkur head with a bulldog handle, I don't feel as though any of the three razors stood out over the other. Stepping up for me as far as aggressiveness was a Cadet, Fatip and R41.

 

[ArNav]

Weber is a tad more aggressive than EJ DE89. Probably on par with Merkur HD.

 

[ERVARGASNY]

I love my Weber and EJ89 Combo, It is one of the Smoothest Combos i own doesn't feel as raw as the Merkur HD. I would Totally say go for it

 

[Chadao]

To me, Weber is slightly more aggressive that the EJ. It took me a couple of shaves to adjust my technique, but I am slow to learn...

 

[wagstaff]

Agree with Chadao. Weber is a bit more aggressive; it's also a different blade angle. I think much of the preferences come from what feels like a more "intuitive" angle to any particular shaver. With practice the adjustments are automatic, but as a newb the Weber just "fell" at the right angle more easily than the Jagger, for me. I think this is why people prefer the Merkur or the Jagger, too, in part. This is one place the mileage varies.

My Jagger is a nice razor. I used it with the Weber handle for a good while. But now it sits in a box, basically, as I've come to prefer the Weber straight up. I use a Tech with a Weber handle if I want more mild; more often I'll use something more aggressive, still. But the Weber DLC (or maybe my newly-acquired ARC) are settling in as "daily drivers". I'll use something more aggressive when I have more than a day's growth of whiskers, or if I'm in a big enough hurry to make due with a single pass.

 

[tacchini]

the webber or ikon bulldog handle makes a great addition to most razor heads, i have used the ej with the webber bulldog handle and it was a great piece of kit, a lot better than the standard ej handle, for about a month now i have used the webber with a english flat based tech head and find it just a wee bit better than the ej head, the thing is with the bulldog handle you can try a few different heads and find the one that you like the most, or for a bit of variety.