Any thoughts about which one to go with for a newbie? They both seem similar in appearance and also price. I checked the review section and I didn't see any reviews on the EJ. Also, Is the Merkur HD and 34C the same thing? Thanks!
I have the 89l I really like it. check out this video he even compares the two so you can look at them side by side. http://www.youtube.com/user/geofatboy here is a link where he saves with an HD http://www.youtube.com/user/geofatboy#p/u/23/2IuA8HGacJw look at how small that HD is though.
I have the 34C it was my first DE and have been using it steady for about a month. I enjoy it very much but will probably be trying a longer handled merkur or EJ model soon.
This is not a review, but for what it is worth... I have both a Merkur 34C and an Edwin Jagger DE89L. Both are really good, and well worth the money. The Merkur is a little more aggressive than the EJ. The EJ gives closer and less irritating shaves with the blades I have tried so far. After learning DE shaving with the Merkur and using it for two years, I switched to the EJ. Although I will still keep the Merkur as a backup, I will be using the DE89L for the foreseeable future. The knurled handle on the Merkur is definitely easier to grip if one has soapy paws. The lined handle on the EJ can get a little slippery if a shaver has soap on his hands. This is usually not an issue for me, and the DE89L handle is pretty good. Speaking of pretty, the quality of construction on the EJ is second to none, and the best I have seen on any product ever. When all is said and done it comes down to a slightly closer and less irritating shave vs. an easier to grip handle with soapy hands. That is just my experience, however, and your mileage may vary.
Yes, the 34C is the same as the HD. Just FYI, you may see a 34G, as well. C = chrome finish G = gold finish I can only speak for the HD - I love it.
After a few weeks of strictly only using my Futur, I decided to revisit my old friend (89l) I loaded her up with a Voskhod blade, what a smooth shave. BBS all the way. Just get it. You will not regret it. As far as a slippery handle. All you have to do is run your hand and razor under running water. Soap will make it slippery, not water.
Haven't used the 34C but I do have the 38C and the DE89L. I personally prefer the DE89L. It's difficult to give a recommendation to a newbie since there's no experience to go on but either razor would be a good first one. I've never noticed the handle of the DE89L to be slippery but my handle rarely gets wet or soap and the water around here is hard.
prb cant go wrong with either.. i was asking this question to myself just a little over a week ago. i ended up with the Merkur HD. with only 5 days of shaving with it (just got it last weds dec 15) i am very happy. i actually wanted the Muhle with has the same head IIRC as the EJ but about 3x the price. all in all i really like the HD. less parts to boggle with while changing blades but one of these days im sure ill get a true 3 piece razor. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gCxG-n9ot6M
Connaught Shaving has the Muhle R89 in stock for £22.95 (approx $36). For some reason, Muhle razors are much more expensive from other sellers.
You'll like the EJ - it's a nice smooth shave. And who knows? You might get the HD at some point too.
congrats emar, you made a great choice. I can't speak for the HD, but I thoroughly enjoy shaving with my EJ DE89L. The EJ DE89L is a gorgeous razor. Mine has the chrome finish which is shiny and that's fine with me. It's got a decent heft to it, heavier than my superspeed. And the shave is very smooth, depending on the razor blade I use. If you're going from using a mach 3 style cartridge razor to your first DE, you'll be amazed how fun and enjoyable shaving really can be.
I just purchased my first razor as well and went with EJ DE89L based on recommendations here. Hopefully by end of the week it will be here, and a report to follow
I just got the 89L in the mail and love it. Did my first shave last night. It had a good solid feel, nice weight. Felt natural in my hand and looks great. Would highly recommend the Edwin Jagger. Plus they are dirt cheap. Brian
I think model 180 is the same as well. Or perhaps 178 (I have a feeling this is the longer handle though). Personally, the HD is my go-to over the 89. The simplicity and the robustness of it makes me want to make it my only razor. I also cannot stand 3 piece razors. Additionally, theres an open angle to the side of the 89, if I remember correctly, that seems to "bite" me every time around. It never cuts me but I do feel a little sting.
