Merkur 180 vs Edwin Jagger DE89

[Toucan]

I'm buying a razor. Just 1. I want someone with experience in each to give me +/- reviews of each, please?

DE89L
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Edwin-Jagger-DE89L-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Lined-Chrome_p_726.html

Merkur 180
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merkur-23C-Long-Handle-Safety-Razor_p_52.html

Danke schon

Later of course I'll switch to Feather AS-D1; I've heard it's of the best quality

 

[RobE]

Google 'em. Plenty of info on both.

 

[Toucan]

If all people were proactive enough to just google everything, what'd be the point of forums? =P

 

[rivieraranch]

Merkur 180 is a girl's razor with its long handle. The EJ has broader appeal.

 

[talibeard]

They are both rather mild shavers; which you like best is a toss up before you tried them. The Edwin Jagger has a better fit and finish but most Merkurs are not too far behind, it is just that QC (especially regarding plating and blade-alignment) with Merkur can be off sometimes.

So overall quality of EJ is better but for the shave it is YMMV, though they are not very far apart. Merkur has a heavier handle so balance is a bit different as well (the EJ is a bit more head-heavy) but again, that is more a matter of taste than of being better. Both are really good for starting with a DE, as they are pretty forgiving, and are still fine for the veterans, as they are not too mild either.

 

[RobE]

If all people were proactive enough to just google everything, what'd be the point of forums? =P

You don't need me to tell you the point of the forums. A majority of the Google results will lead you right back here (and to other 'places' as well), directly to the info that you're seeking... and you don't have to wait to be spoonfed. But, I take your point.

 

[mdunn]

Discussion of razors... In the razor forum?! Unthinkable!

I can certianly see why this would annoy you rob. We must not have shaving discussion on a shaving discussion board.

 

[mistercitizen]

What's wrong with being spoon fed? Those were the best days of my life .

Ben

 

[rxonmymind]

Ej by a mile. Handles are fatter and just plain looks better.

 

[RobE]

Discussion of razors... In the razor forum?! Unthinkable!

I can certianly see why this would annoy you rob. We must not have shaving discussion on a shaving discussion board.

Me? Annoyed? A misjudgement on your part, I assure you; and in the future (starting now), you have my additional assurance that I'll post no further replies in kind, similar to my first reply (to the OP) of this thread. I thought I was being helpful, (Lol). The last thing I want to do is discourage discussions on a discussion board, the topic of which is central to forums core purpose. Mea Culpa.

(very sarcastic wit you have there mdunn. I like that! Reminds me of me... when I was younger.)
Sorry couldn't resist.
Your point taken.

 

[RobE]

What's wrong with being spoon fed? Those were the best days of my life .

Ben

Hahaha, lol. Me too, and the first few years after.

 

[RobE]

I'm buying a razor. Just 1. I want someone with experience in each to give me +/- reviews of each, please?

DE89L
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Edwin-Jagger-DE89L-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Lined-Chrome_p_726.html

Merkur 180
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merkur-23C-Long-Handle-Safety-Razor_p_52.html

Danke schon

Later of course I'll switch to Feather AS-D1; I've heard it's of the best quality

Maybe you shouldn't be so sure of that AS-D1 in your future. Of course, that's up to you, but I hear rumblings of a new & improved replacement model from Feather in the not-too-distant-future. As for your current two considerations... imo, it's the EJ DE89L for the win. An alternate to that might be the Muhle R89 (Grande or not to Grande, that is the question) same head, lighter, better? handle than the EJ...

Merkur's are nice, (I'm ignorant of the 180), but for a straight bar, current wisdom is for the DE89/R89 - BUT... I'll heartily recommend the Merkur M25 as a FINE OC alternate for your shaving pleasure.

 

[gus1942]

I'm buying a razor. Just 1. I want someone with experience in each to give me +/- reviews of each, please?

DE89L
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Edwin-Jagger-DE89L-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-Lined-Chrome_p_726.html

Merkur 180
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Merkur-23C-Long-Handle-Safety-Razor_p_52.html

Danke schon

Later of course I'll switch to Feather AS-D1; I've heard it's of the best quality

Certainly, the EJ is better quality, but I prefer shaving with the 180/23c

 

[daverojo77]

Toucan let us know what you go with. I just brought an EJ DE89 Should be arriving this week sometime. Good Luck!

 

[Tannhauser]

I went for the EJ myself when I started about a month ago. I have not been disappointed at all.

 

[adam833]

EJ feels really good in the hand

 

[Toucan]

Time for a (very late) follow up, just to throw my opinion into the pool.
After my first post, I bought the Merkur 180 because I wanted one that wasn't so mild. It works great. I don't mind the long handle at all, and although I can't comment on how it fared compared to other razors, it was a really good first time razor. I love wet shaving, and I only cut myself once, if ever, during shaving (a small nick).

I just ordered a Weber (I'm not sure if it's ARC or DLC - I've heard there's almost no difference between the two) Wave.

(remember how I said I was going for a Feather? You were right, I changed my mind lol - I heard that the Weber is one of the better stainless steel razors [I LIKE QUALITY ], and they go for the best prices too. Not to mention they're slightly more difficult to get your hands on, so the whole prestige factor goes into it - but I digress)

Anyway, I'll soon tell you how the Weber Wave compares.

BTW, I've been using only a simple badger brush I bought at Art of Shaving with Art of Shaving Soap. My pre-shave is a hot shower and my after shave is a splash of cold water ;D