Want to try a new razor (Muhle or EJ)?

[nathanb]

Hello folks,

So I am using an old ball handled Tech right now. I can get pretty good shaves with it but I am finding it a little too mild. It is a great razor but it does not cut quite as well as I would like.

I am thinking about getting a Muhle R89/R41 or an Edwin Jagger DE89... which one do you think I should get? I have heard some good stuff about both.

I am leaning towards the Muhle because: 1) I like the way it looks, 2) I would like to try an open comb and the EJ doesn't have one.

What do you think? I have a fairly heavy, thick beard. But it is not uncuttable with my Gillette Tech.

Thanks for any help that can be provided.

 

[tinker]

I received an Edwin Jagger DE89 as a gift for Christmas, have shaved 3 times with it and absolutely love it!!! No drag no burn and just about the best shave ever.
Im still on the first blade which is a yellow 7 o'clock and think I should easily get another couple out of it.
The razor is just superb! sorry I can't comment on the others on your list.
tinker

 

[ALL HANDS WORKING]

Did you give any thought to the 39c slant? I consistently get the best shaves from that razor, and it is a 2 piece, thus you can't put the base plate on backward (see my post about the Odd Muhle 89 problem).

 

[maurerc]

Do yourself a favour and try a Goodfella instead. It shaves as close as any open comb but is gentler than a Slim Adjustable on 1.

 

[MacMitch]

I used a Muhle R89 as I was learning. I liked it but it did not handle my coarse beard to my satisfaction.

I am now using a Deluxe Bull Mastiff handle from Bob's razors and a growing collection of open comb heads, all of which screw right into Bob's handle. The open combs do a much better job for me. You could even screw a MuhleR89 or R41 (the open comb version) into one of Bob's handles.

 

[Mink]

Both the 89's and R41 weigh about the same. I use both open comb and closed comb razors (Merkur 12C and EJ 89L), and I'm finding that, for me, the differences between the combs is not as great as the weight of the 12C (heavier). I can hold on to the 12C with just my thumb and forefinger and the cutting is effortless - in fact I need to consciously slow down and not apply too much pressure. I suspect the same is true for the Merkur 38C (closed comb version of the 12C). The EJ 89 is easier for touchups. If you're considering them because of the better finish of the EJ's and Muhle's over the Merkur's - then it's a valid consideration. Two or three months ago I would have told you that I prefer the open comb over the closed comb. It doesn't really matter to me now. In fact, I enjoy the variety.

 

[curtis909]

I am a Edwin Jagger DE89L user and it is the best razor I have used. Not sure why it works for me so well but it has stopped my search for finding what works best for me. I would give it a try and if you dont like it let me know i am thinking of getting a back up.....

 

[drumana]

The Muhle R89 is my favorite razor...

 

[drandall]

i recently got a edwin jagger DE89L and i was unprepared for:

1) the quality of the plating and the sheer attractiveness of the razor
2) the smooth, effortless shave

it's better than my chattsworth at about one third of the cost. it also looks killer in lined chrome and is shaping up to be my favorite razor...and i have or have tried quite a few.

for $32, i don't know how it could get any better.

i say "get thee a jagger!"

 

[elsmooth]

Funny you should ask...I just shaved with my EJ DE89 tonight for the first time. I've only the Merkur 33c and 34c to compare it to. The EJ blows the other two out of the water. I can't wait to practice with the EJ over the next couple of weeks.

For purposes of your poll, my vote is EJ, simply because I've never used the Muhle. However, if others are as thrilled with their Muhles as much as I am with my EJ, you can't go wrong with either.

Happy shaving!

 

[nathanb]

First off, thanks everyone for the replies.

From what I have been able to find out the Muhle R89 and the EJ DE89 are the same head, so I guess what I really need to know is should I go with the Muhle R41 or the Muhle R89/EJ DE89? Or to put it another way, the open comb 41 or the closed comb 89..?

Anyone used these two (open comb and closed comb versions) and can tell me which one they liked better and why?

Thanks,

 

[lamina]

I don't know about EJ head, it seems it's the same head as the Muhle R89...but about the Muhle heads: i own both versions, R89 and R41 and they are wonderful performers: well balanced, nice design and finitions, they glide smoothly over your face and deliver a BBS shave, kind of 50/50 preference!!

An excellent choice no matter wich one chosen and for 40 bucks you can't go wrong with them!!

 

[curtis909]

Which you choose is a personal choice as a few here said hard to go wrong either way.