Muhle R89 vs. Merkur 38M HD Long Handle

[orleansag]

I'm going to make the switch to a safety razor and I've been looking around a bunch on the internet. Talked to folks at vintage and WCS. So I'm down to this. I'm leaning towards the Merkur 38M. I have pretty thick stubble and have been using a Fusion for years now.

Any insights on the size difference between the Merkur and the Muhle? Quality? Merkur seems to be the go to blade and I have not heard as much about the Muhle. The Muhle is about 20 bucks more, so not that much if it's worth the shift.

Thanks for any comments.

 

[kwsher]

Welcome!

I have the Merkur 38c (Barberpole) and the Edwin Jagger DE89L. The EJ is the Muhle head on a different handle. Aesthetically, I like the Muhle better however the EJ has slightly more heft so went that route. The EJ is also somewhat less expensive (I got mine from Charles at QED for $28).

Both the Merkur and the EJ are very capable razors. Fit and finish the edge goes to the EJ. The EJ is a three piece razor, whereas the 38c is two like the HD. Not a big deal to me as they are both easy to change blades but you may prefer one over the other.

If I had to make an absolute choice I would go with the EJ or Muhle but either way you will get a great razor!

 

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

Good advice so far. On blades, when you mentioned Merkur as the "go to blade" did you mean as a razor handle or for the blade alone? I think most of the members here would tell you that Merkur makes good razor handles, but their blades are one of the poorer values available. The quality of the blades is pretty good, but they aren't the best and they are too expensive for what you get. Pick up a blade sampler from WCS and try a few brands for yourself.

 

[orleansag]

mblakele, I just meant that the Merkurs seem to be a popular choice for handles. Not necessarily razors. I will absolutely get a sample pack.

 

[mblakele]

Great!

Did you pick up the 38M that was just on the B/S/T? http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=163401

 

[kwsher]

Great!

Did you pick up the 38M that was just on the B/S/T? http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=163401

That's a fine razor at a great price! Same as mine but with matte finish.

 

[majikmaus]

Just started using a new Muhle R89 with the Derby blade that came with it. Seems less aggressive than the Merkur 33c I've been using (for me a good thing) but had no problem getting bbs in 3 unhurried passes. I might never use the Merkur again. The R89 has a larger yet much lighter handle than the 33c and the knurling is much more robust on the latter, giving the 33c a better grip. The finish and head design on the Muhle is much superior IMO, so I can def live with the grip. they're both 3 piece razors which makes me wonder: could I swap handles? hmmm...I'll let you know

 

[Hex]

I have a Muhle R89 and a Merkur Classic 1904 Open Comb.

Both give me good shaves, but the Muhle has a better quality finish.
The Merkur has some blemish spots on the underside of the head that I have tried to polish off. Unsuccessfully so far.

I also have an Edwin Jagger DE86, the ebony handled model, and the head looks identical to the Muhle. I plan to gift it to my son.

 

[orleansag]

I decided to go with the Merkur 38m. I'm hoping the extra weight will help. And I liked the matte finish. Got the standard sampler pack of razors from WCS. Some proraso and a nick pen.

We'll see how it goes when they come in.

 

[majikmaus]

on the handle swap: the posts are the same size and thread but, the Muhle post is longer so the Merkur handle bottoms out before it reaches the head, therefore, it won't work *shrug*

 

[orleansag]

Hacksaw?

 

[glassmtn99]

I have had both the Merkur 38M and an EJ 89L. For a first DE razor, I would recommend going for the EJ 89 series or the Muhle. The Merkur 38 series razors are quite heavy and I think can be somewhat aggressive. If you are set on the Merkur brand, then I would start with the Merkur 34c HD.

eric.

 

[majikmaus]

Hacksaw?

or maybe a tap to send the thread deeper into the handle

 

[orleansag]

So, checking back in, for those who care.

I ended up ordering the Merkur, but didn’t like the feel and weight. So, I returned and ordered the Muhle. Not that I have much to compare it to, but it’s a nice razor and I am happy with this purchase so far. I got the sampler pack from WCS…Derby Stainless, Astra Platinum, Crystal blue, Feathers (can’t remember which type) and Merkurs. I’ve tried bowl (w/ brush) lathering with Proraso soap and cream, face lathering with Proraso cream (brush and hand), and Gillette Complete gel (at the gym). I’ve tried 2 and 3 passes (I usually did 2 with my Fusion).

My results. At the gym, I actually prefer using the Gillette gel vs. face lathering Proraso cream with my hands. I know there are a million more creams/soaps, but I have a bunch of Gillette from costco before I made the DE switch from the Fusion (I know, I know…). At home I like using the Proraso cream with brush & bowl. The soap is good too.

So far, my favorite blades, hands down, are the Astras. The only ones I haven’t tried are the Feathers. I like the Merkurs least. Not many cuts to report. My second shave I caught the underside of my nose, nice cut. But after that, only small nicks. And lately, nothing. Trouble spots…under the nose, mid jaw-line on my right side and around my Adam’s apple. Probably no surprise there. I’ve been using the blades for about 3 shaves.

As for the Muhle. I really like it. It’s got some weight, but not too much. The handle is great, even soapy and wet. Seems well made. The three piece set up is OK. Requires me to be a bit more careful, but razors are involved so good to take it slow.