New handle for EJ DE89?

[hipfan]

I've come to find that I like'em long, light, and thin (cough, cough, ahem), and the standard chrome handle on the 89 is just too stubby for me to give the razor a fair shake. Can anyone recommend a possible replacement? Put another way, I like a head-heavy razor!

I know that most shavers here seem to like heavier handles, so maybe someone's discarded stock handle from some other 3-piecer could do the trick? Dunno. Thanks in advance for any help!!

 

[talibeard]

Maybe you should have chosen a Mühle R89 instead. The handle has about the same diameter but according to a lot of members the corresponding EJ's handle is heavier. I like'm headheavy as you do and the Mühle really does the trick for me.

You might have luck with an aluminium Tech handle.

 

[ibrewbeer]

Depending on what you have in your collection so far, you might want to mix and match to see what feels right to you

 

[MajorBurnz]

Have Bob (cooncatbob) make one for you. If you get a long, thin wooden handle it should be light.

Let him know what you're looking for, and he'll make it for you.

 

[hipfan]

Maybe you should have chosen a Mühle R89 instead. The handle has about the same diameter but according to a lot of members the corresponding EJ's handle is heavier. I like'm headheavy as you do and the Mühle really does the trick for me.

You might have luck with an aluminium Tech handle.

I just took a look at the Muhle and some of the reviews, and I think you're right! I'll look into that Tech handle too. Thanks!

 

[hipfan]

Depending on what you have in your collection so far, you might want to mix and match to see what feels right to you

My current collection is pretty meager, unfortunately, as I've only converted from the dark (cartridge) side only a few months ago. My other razors consist of a Parker 86R and 96R. I seem to get much better shaves from those razors, despite the general consensus of the EJ being the "better" device. I think the handle design and weight distribution is the reason.

I don't think that the Parker handles are interchangeable with the EJ, but I may be wrong ....

 

[hipfan]

Have Bob (cooncatbob) make one for you. If you get a long, thin wooden handle it should be light.

Let him know what you're looking for, and he'll make it for you.

Just checked out some of the handles in the big thread devoted to his work. Nice! I'll definitely keep that in mind. Thanks for the tip, and thanks to all for the great suggestions and observations so far. Much appreciated.

 

[scottb]

I've also put the 89 head on a Merkur 23c handle, that worked pretty well.

In the end, I wound up getting a Cooncat handle as well. As the other folks here, I can vouch for his work.

 

[Pike]

You can't go wrong with a CCBob handle! Fantastic work and a great guy!

 

[Marco]

Maybe you should have chosen a Mühle R89 instead. The handle has about the same diameter but according to a lot of members the corresponding EJ's handle is heavier.

That is, in my opinion, the correct answer.
I totally agree.

 

[hipfan]

I had a great exchange with Bob regarding a new handle, and I now have one of his anodized aluminum "ultra lite" XL models on its way to me. We'll see how it goes. If that does not do the trick, maybe I'll see if I can work out a handle trade with a Muhle owner looking for a change.

Thanks again for all the help, gentlemen. I'll report back in when the new handle arrives!

 

[dtb]

I tried the EJ head in some Parker handles.. It fits. Both heads seem to be virtually identical in design except the Parker has a longer screw so the parker head does not fit in the EJ handle..

 

[hipfan]

I tried the EJ head in some Parker handles.. It fits. Both heads seem to be virtually identical in design except the Parker has a longer screw so the parker head does not fit in the EJ handle..

Problem is that my Parkers are both TTO models, not 3-piece. Or, would the handles from those work also?

 

[dtb]

Only a 3 piece handle can be used. There is no way to dismantle a TTO for use with a 3 piece head.

 

[smrex13]

I have a very heavy Parker handle (much like the Merkur 38c handle) that fits the Muhle head. I'm not using it anymore as I actually like the shorter handles. If you could give me your address, I'll be happy to send it along.

Best,
Scott

 

[hipfan]

Scott - That's really kind of you. I'll send you a PM. Maybe we can swap handles?

 

[hipfan]

The XL ultralite anodized aluminum handle I ordered from Bob arrived yesterday (incredibly fast shipping!), and I had my first shave with it this morning.

This combo might be the Grail for me. There's about a half inch of extra length over the stock EJ handle, and it's lighter than the EJ. The fit, finish, and overall quality are phenomenal. My first shave with it felt perfectly intuitive, whereas I was always adjusting and thinking with the EJ handle.

Thanks for the great recommendations. This combo is a real beaut.

 

[kingfisher]

Pretty much knew you were going to love the Cooncat Bob handle. Congrats on making your razor more to your liking.

 

[hipfan]

Yeah, the EJ is smooth as silk for me now. With the new handle, as well as some improved technique, I now see why the DE89 gets so much praise.