Which handle

OK...I did a search and didn't quite find what I'm looking for.

I've decided to get the EJ DE89. I have and love my Merkur 34C but am wanting to "see for myself" the difference. Plus its a darn good looking razor. (And I've acquired a case of RAD).

Soooo..... Which handle should I go for? LBL(lined) or Kelvin(knurled)? I've seen where the plain smooth handle can be slick, so I want some grip and style. I couldn't find dimensions of the handle, just pictures. I like the size of my 34c, but if the handle is a tad longer, that's fine. Just not too long. (Again, pictures "looked like" the LBL was longer than the Kelvin.)

And yes, I know, YMMV.

 

I have never had an issue with my smooth handle. Just get all three.

 

I have a bluebeard scimitar with a smooth handle that I am afraid of dropping. I also fine I over grip a grippy handle. So my perfect handle is a ball end tech handle that I grip with just a couple fingertips at the ball. I think you owe it to yourself to try different handles with each head you own and see for yourself what suits your shaving style best.

 

Lol.. I guess I could.

 

Get The Barley.

 

You could, and if you don't like one, you could always sell or pif it.

 

I have the lbl and I'm sure I'd drop the one that isn't lined.

 

It seems I've done the reverse by starting with an EJ and only just acquiring a Merkur 34c a few years. The lined handle is very pretty and decent to hold whilst the barley is probably the prettiest and the grip is reasonable. The best grip is definitely from the DE3D which has the laser diamond knurled handle. That said I don't find it grippier than the Merkur in use.

To me, the EJ is silghtly less aggressive than the Merkur. I often have to pop a shim in the EJ whilst I'd say the Merkur falls somewhere in between being less aggressive than a shimmed EJ but more so than the plain, unshimmed Jagger. Hope that makes sense.....

The Kelvin is indeed shorter but with you already having the 34c, I'd try the standard length EJ as you may find you like the extra length.

 

I also have The Bluebeard Revenge Scimitar, however, I like the smooth handle and the balance of this razor. IMHO

 

take s look at the Matador elegante, it has a very nicely knurled handle.

 

I have the EJ 89-11. (smooth handle)
I too was concerned that the smooth handle may be problematic.



I was worrying over nothing. Handling the razor with wet hands is easy, and not slippery at all.
Now, if you intentionally soap up your hands first......

I don't know how they make the smooth surface of the 89-11 "grippy" when it is wet, but it is.
The EJ is a very good quality razor made by folks who design razors, build razors, and test razors.
I don't think they would design a handle that was slippery when wet. It just would not do their reputation any good at all.
Fear not the smooth handle if that is what appeals to you.
Pick the one that you like, and shave happy!!

 

There's always the 'Go Big or Go Home' option from UFO…

 

I have the Kelvin and although I find the handle light, I do like it.

 

Thanks everyone for their input and experience. I don't soap up my hands but they are obviously wet. I did finally find a site that listed the length of the razors and the LBL was only 2mm longer than the kelvin. Supposedly. While I do like the length and weight of my 34c, I may go with the LBL just for something slightly different.

Also, where do you find just the EJ handles? I found a few aftermarket handle makers but they don't seem to be my style.