RAD is kicking in and I am contemplating purchasing either the Merkur 34c or the Edwin Jagger DE89L. I am presently using a Merkur 38c Barber Pole. Please share your thoughts, as I really value all that I have gleaned from this community.
Am brand new to this forum and DE shaving. I just received the Edwin Jagger DE89L today. Have been using a super speed for the last month. This is one fine made razor. The first shave, w/ feather blades, today was great. The plating on this razor is 1st class. It felt good in my hand which is larger then most. There are others who will give you better reasons I'm sure but for me it was a good purchase.
Can't say anything about the EJ89DL because I've never used one. On the other hand, I can't say enough great things about the Merkur 34C, aka. the HD. Simply a fantastic razor. It was my first DE. Did I say this is a fantastic razor? I've heard good reviews about the EJ. Many will tell you, "GET BOTH!" You just might wind up doing that anyway. If you think you're going to, get the one that pleases your eye first.
My 2 pennies would be go with the E.J. at this point, since the 34C and 38C share the same head design, so the shaves should be similar.
The EJ is a grand shaver, a little lighter than the 34 but feels and looks better. The new EJ head is basically the same as the 34 but feels a little less agressive.. Ill go with the EJ..
Another vote for EJ-I have the 38C and the EJ-both great razors. As Bill says the 38C and 34C are very similar. I find the EJ a bit less aggressive than the Merkurs but I've heard some say it's extremely aggressive-I don't see it.
I have no experience with the Merkur, but I can't seem to use another razor in the 2 weeks I've had my DE89L. It's top notch quality, I like the weight, and I've had only great shaves with it.
Thank you for the input. My wife thinks I am crazy, and does not understand the fascination with seeking the perfect shave. I tried a Feather in the 38c for the first time two days ago, and absolutely loved it. I was able to do in 2 passes what usually takes me 3-4. Thanks again for being a great community!
Ha ha, that? Oh that's easy to explain. :think002 :think002 :think002 :think002 And just as soon as Tom stumbles into this thread, I'm sure he'll do just that.
I love my 34c. Here some complaints about the short handle but I have come to really like the control it gives.
I thought the EJ 89L handle was about the same length, no? The 34C is a nice razor, though. The handle did seem quite short when I looked at it in the cutlery store, but that was because I was used to cartridge razors with long, lightweight handles. The handle on my Gillette Slim, although longer than that on the 34C, is still much shorter than the handles on most cartridge razors.
