Hello Den Friends! It's been a few weeks since I've been around these parts and please allow me to say that I am very happy to finally be back! Married life has been treating me very well, no complaints there (or here for that matter). Life in general though has been a crazy ride. A lot of my free time has been dedicated to work - which is always a bummer. I've been studying for a new certification for my job, updating my resume and re-applying for my job so that I can continue to work and then to top it all off, I've been assigned to work in California for the next 3 months, only to return for holidays and my Honeymoon during the first week of December. Otherwise, I'm going, going, back, back to Cali - Cali. Anyway, enough about me. What I really wanted to post about was my new razor, the Edwin Jagger DE89 Barley (aka EJ DE89 Barley). I received this bad boy a couple months ago, but resisted temptation to use it before my wedding day. I will say, it took a lot of will power to leave it alone, but I am happy to report that my first shave with my EJ was on my wedding day and it did not disappoint. First off, I ended up choosing a Voskhod blade in my EJ. After all the blades I trialed, the Voskhod felt like the best choice and paired up with my new razor was a match made in heaven. I look forward to stocking up on Voskhods and Astra SP's. Both blades delivered amazing shaves and again, paired up with my new EJ Barley, my shaves really can't get any better...for now. Now, let's talk a little about the razor. I'm going to just be blunt about it - it's the best razor I've ever tried. I know that doesn't say much, since all I have to compare it to is a RazoRock 3pc (which has been given a new home in Illinois) and a bunch of vintage Gillette's like the Fat Boy, Ball End Tech and Fat Handled Tech. I haven't grown the cahones to actually try my SE GEM razor yet. But anyway, compared to the aforementioned razors, the EJ DE89 Barley is in a league all it's own. The Look: This baby is a dream to look at. All chrome-y and sleek. The tight knurling offers a nice grip on the razor even with lather-full fingers. The blade angle is just right (for me) and in all honestly, I couldn't tell the difference in angle until I actually shaved with it. As far as looks are concerned, I give this razor a 10 and it would be worthy to present to any lucky soul as a gift. Guys, start dropping hints to your family members now - start dropping hints early and maybe Santa will leave one in your stocking...if you're lucky. The Shave: Like I've been preaching this entire post, this razor shaves like a dream! I was lucky enough to achieve my FIRST BBS shave on my wedding day. Believe me, I was ecstatic and couldn't stop talking about how GOOD my shave was. I think my Best Man, whose house I stayed at the night before the wedding, thought I was kind of nuts...getting married in 4 hours and all I went on about was my shave. LOL!! I went through my usual routine and aside from my razor, all my other gear was what I had been using for the past few months. My heart pounded as I raised the razor to my face, I even hesitated for a moment while staring at myself in the mirror. But, there was no turning back. I played it safe and started WTG. Now at first, it didn't seem like the fist pass was anything to shake a stick at. It wasn't until after I rinsed and was able to assess it's work did I see a significant reduction in my beard. I lathered up again and gave it a second pass, this time going XTG. HOLY SPUTNIK! After my second pass, I really didn't need to go for a third, but I'm OCD and I had to complete my shave. I lathered up again and yup, you guessed it, I went ATG. Just when I thought there was nothing left to shave, my 3rd pass was just what I needed to truly achieve that BBS shave that we all hope to obtain with every shave. Even in my usual trouble spots, it was smooth. In the end, all I was left with was a face so smooth a doctor would slap me! Not one nick or weeper in sight. Shaving Nirvana... The Experience: All in all, there is nothing I dislike about this razor. It looks good and for me, it gives me a shave that would make you jealous! I tried it with a Feather blade and felt that together, it was an overkill. As you may already know, Feather blades are VERY sharp. However, I really feel that the EJ Barley performs the best with a Voskhod or Astra SP. Everything about that combination is "just right". I do plan on trying more razors and blades in the near future, but for now - knowing that I found the perfect combo, is comforting. Even through all the hectic-ness and chaos of daily life, I find great comfort in knowing that I can lock myself in my bathroom and a half hour, walk out with a clean, smooth shave, ready to take on whatever the day throws at me. Maybe it was a fluke and I just so happened to come into a few AMAZING shaves. Then so be it. But I will say this, feeling like I can take on the world after a great shave makes it worth every penny and I am truly happy that I purchased this razor. My advice to anyone on the fence about an EJ DE89 (Barley or other), do yourself a favor and invest in your happiness. Until next time my friends, SHAVE ON!!
It is a beautiful razor. I'll have to try the Voskhod with it. Crystals have worked best for me to date. Glad you're enjoying the barley ... and saving it for your wedding day will always make it a special razor for you.
Well said and so true!! You might want to consider trying a Viking's Sword blade, I actually find they shave smoother and closer than the Astra SP's for me and "NO" wax spots to deal with ...
Nice post. I'm also a big fan of EJ razors. The DE89L is the only DE razor I've ever owned or really cared to own. Back when I bought mine I don't think the Barley was available. My only complaint with my EJ is that the handle does get slippery when my fingers are wet and soapy (whoodathunkit right?) and the Barley handle really makes me want one for that reason. EDIT: Also, I'm curios about something. Can you please elaborate a bit on what you mean by "Feathers are overkill". I'm pretty sure that everyone would agree that there's no such thing as getting too close and comfortable a shave, which is why we all use traditional shaving gear. Did you find that the other blades did just as well as Feather, but for a bit less money? TIA
Congrats on being married. I've never tried the DE89. Maybe I will someday. I'm glad you have no trouble with the grip, it seems to trouble some people. All in all, congrats.
The EJ DE89 Barley was my first DE razor purchase. Many suggested the Merker, but I went with the EJ. I love it. I have several vintage razors, and few adjustable, but this is truly my best shaver. I use the Astra SP in it. Congrats.
Congratulations on the recent nuptials! The EJ89s seems to earn considerable praise from their users and your review is inline with others I have read. I purchased one for my son (Shiny chrome, not the Barley), and he has been quite pleased with it. Enjoy your new DE razor!
I'm with you buddy, the latest addition to my collection was the EJ89 in slick chrome, awesome shaver true enough. I hear alot about it being slippery but I have to say, mine is just the opposite, it sticks to my fingers extremly well. I just attribute it to the handle being hot and the skin on my fingers being prunified from the 45 minute shower I take after work every day. Anyway, yea buddy , you got yourself a good one. And congrats on the whole knot tying thing.
I just ordered one yesterday can't wait to get it also ordered shave soaps from Prairie Creations and some Astra Superior Platinum blades.
