My DE Razor is dead, need a new one

Vote 4 Pedro

My Edwin Jagger DE89l has broken..it's dead.
The thread has stopped locking the blade in so it's unable to hold the blade in tight enough to shave with.
like its threaded but it tightens up all the way with no blade in but the handle just spins away once you put a blade in.
It must be threaded on the female side where you can't see.
I was never heavy handed with it.

Basically i need a new DE asap...
any recommendations for something a bit better quality and something that will last a few years,
not to expensive though, up to around 50 euro.
I was thinking of a Merker or a Muhle but i have never owned either so i don't know why other than they "look" better quality ?

I found the Edwin Jagger DE89 a great razor to start with but a little mild, I think i'd like something a little more aggressive i think.

Thanks for any advice.

Buddy97mm

The 2013 Muhle R41 seems highly regarded and can be got online for about €28-€35.

I just bought the Muhle R106 (same head, different handle) from Amazon for £18 delivered, but it doesn't seem to be available for that price any longer when I tried to post the link. Have only used it twice so far, but looks like it could be good. Certainly regarded as a much more aggressive razor, I had been using an EJ86 previously myself.

nc6000

The Merkur Progress would get my vote. It's a brilliant razor.

uncle_sam_ie

Most modern DE razors, Merkur and Muhle included, are made from Zamak (zinc die casting alloys) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RltPb4Vta0Y. So the quality won't be there. If you want a quality razor that will last you a lifetime you either need to buy a modern stainless steel one like a feather( http://www.shaving.ie/stainless-steel-razors/ ) or a vintage one like a Gillette made from brass. Seeing that your budget is around 50 euro I'd recommend a Gillette Super Speed Red Tip. The most aggressive of the Gillette Super Speeds. The Gillette Slim Adjustables are also good. You can get them off of ebay or etsy.

EDIT: Beautiful razor, mild though, https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/203865898/beautiful-1947-48-super-speed-gillette?ref=sr_gallery_12&ga_search_query=Gillette&ga_order=most_relevant&ga_page=5&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery

Also I should mention, try and get in touch with Edwin Jagger. I've heard of people having success with getting them to replace defective razors.

hitemfrank

If you are set on not getting another Edwin Jagger, I would say avoid Muhle also. I think the are pretty much the same (as in made in the same factory) but have different handles.

jpb1974

Can't go wrong with a Merkur 34C or Muhle R89 - great daily shavers.

Gran Hermano

EJ are as already mentioned just rebadged Muhle razors.
Shaving.ie were selling the heads separate Iin the past if a replacement would work.

An adjustable gets my vote for second razor. If you know what your preferred setting is on a Progress it makes it easier to search on line for reviews on other razors and gauge whether they might be too mild or aggressive. In hindsight if I'd known this it would have saved my picking up too many mild razors when starting out.

The stainless steel razors from Weber and ikon are my current razors of choice but might be too aggressive for you.

Vote 4 Pedro

Thanks guys, it's good to know about the Muhle razors been the same as the Edwin Jagger, I didn't know that...

Cabaal

Gillete Superspeed 1950's version,
Much lighter then the Merkur progress and its cheaper on ebay

Vote 4 Pedro

I think i'll get a vintage Gillette and a new Merkur,
anyone have any thoughts on the Merkur 38c Long Handled, i like the look of it but will most likely get a gong handled progress.

hitemfrank

Cabaal wrote: »

Gillete Superspeed 1950's version,
Much lighter then the Merkur progress and its cheaper on ebay

There was something about the 50's version that I didn't like. The 40's version was much better for me for some reason.

Vote 4 Pedro

So I've just bought a Merkur 34C HD, i needed to order something quickly as i only had the EJ 89l, I bought it from Shaving.ie and it was marked as dispatched almost straight away, within 5 minuets or so.

I can now take a little longer to choose another razor,
I nearly ordered the Merkur Progress with the long handle but i was a little put off with the plastic end on it,
can anyone say if this takes anything away from the razor or is it not a problem as i would still like to have an adjustable.

So for the next while i'll have to use my Duvo Shavette, only shaved with it a few times as i found it a little tricky to use and i chickened out and went back to the DE.

Gran Hermano

Knowing the exemplary service of shaving.ie I reckon you've a good chance of a delivery on Monday.

The progress in both short and long handle was my most used razors for a couple of years. I really liked being able to tweak how mild/aggressive a shave I wanted. One thing that always bugged me was the plastic end cap. It looks cheap. It doesn't impact performance and I still recommend either the short or long version. There are a few after market customisations where shops/craftsmen have made chrome/metal end caps. A google on mergress should give you an idea but they ain't cheap.

nc6000

I've added myself to the Mergress waiting list. ☺

http://www.leesrazors.com/products/Mergress-Adjustable-Safety-Razor.html

Using the current exchange rate they work out at about €90 which isn't too bad for a custom razor. The standard Progress is usually around the €55 mark.

Has anyone on here got a Mergress already?

Vote 4 Pedro

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Knowing the exemplary service of shaving.ie I reckon you've a good chance of a delivery on Monday.

The progress in both short and long handle was my most used razors for a couple of years. I really liked being able to tweak how mild/aggressive a shave I wanted. One thing that always bugged me was the plastic end cap. It looks cheap. It doesn't impact performance and I still recommend either the short or long version. There are a few after market customisations where shops/craftsmen have made chrome/metal end caps. A google on mergress should give you an idea but they ain't cheap.

Just been looking online at the Mergress
There are some really nice looking ones out there but like you said... they ain't cheap.
i think i'd get one in a while, it would make a nice Christmas prezy from the wife.

Vote 4 Pedro

nc6000 wrote: »

I've added myself to the Mergress waiting list. ☺

http://www.leesrazors.com/products/Mergress-Adjustable-Safety-Razor.html

Using the current exchange rate they work out at about €90 which isn't too bad for a custom razor. The standard Progress is usually around the €55 mark.

Has anyone on here got a Mergress already?

Me too, I'll get the long handle version, it's more than i wanted to spend but it looks so good i think it will be worth it. The reviews on Lee's Safety Razors are all very good.
The long handled Mergress one works out roughly 100 euro but they will be import taxes as well...

Gran Hermano

Another option with no customs worry.
http://www.thegentlemansgroomroom.com/products/digress-hd-b-adjustable-safety-razor-brass-retrofit

uncle_sam_ie

Vote 4 Pedro wrote: »

" it's more than i wanted to spend but it looks so good i think it will be worth it. "

Hehe, I was on a budget too (no more than €100) but, ended up spending €150 on a ATT Kronos R1 Stainless Steel Razor. Don't regret it one bit though. Next on the list is a Simpsons Chubby 2 shaving brush.
And, DE shaving was suppose to save me money. :eek:

Gotham Knight

I got an ATT (Above The Tie) Kronos as well, with an R1 head. It's an outstanding razor. Expensive, but really well made and will last a lifetime. And with the range of base plates available you can definitely find one (or more) to suit you. It shaves close without you having to worry about nicks.

I bought it from shaving.ie and am now waiting on two other plates from ATT themselves.

I much prefer it to my Ikon open comb razor, although the Ikon DLC Slant is also an excellent razor and runs it close.

For me the Muhle R41 certainly gives a close shave but is just not as comfortable and easy to use on a regular basis.

Obviously we're all different, so YMMV.

Best of luck with the HD, I have one of those too and it's a nice razor.

One thing I would say though is if you're looking at a Mergress at least take a peek at 'Above the Tie'. And maybe check out some online reviews, especially on badgerandblade,com, which is an outstanding website.

phelixoflaherty

An engineering workshop might be able to rethread the handle with a a helical.


http://www.jensonusa.com/!BqdTIfp9wJNUJndOSk4rcg!/10-X-1mm-Helicoil-Insert

uncle_sam_ie

Gotham Knight wrote: »

I bought it from shaving.ie and am now waiting on two other plates from ATT themselves.

What plates did you get? I was thinking of ordering the M2 from ATT. I want to try out the open comb.

Gotham Knight

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

What plates did you get? I was thinking of ordering the M2 from ATT. I want to try out the open comb.

I've ordered the R2 and M2. I tend to like open comb so I wanted to try the R2 and I also ordered the M2 based on the reviews. Of course then I'll want to try a H plate and the Atlas handle. Should have just ordered the Atlas with three OC plates...

:rolleyes:

Gran Hermano

Here is another to keep an eye on - kick starter with interchangeable plates
http://sharpologist.com/2014/09/kickstarter-project-rockwell-razors.html

Vote 4 Pedro

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Another option with no customs worry.
http://www.thegentlemansgroomroom.com/products/digress-hd-b-adjustable-safety-razor-brass-retrofit

That's a good option and worth considering as you will know the price your paying rather that waiting to see if and how much the custom charges will be,
I prefer the Stainless steel version over the brass one but they both/all look better that the plastic end on the original

Vote 4 Pedro

Gotham Knight wrote: »

I got an ATT (Above The Tie) Kronos as well, with an R1 head. It's an outstanding razor. Expensive, but really well made and will last a lifetime. And with the range of base plates available you can definitely find one (or more) to suit you. It shaves close without you having to worry about nicks.

Very nice Resors but Deep pockets need here

beardybrewer

Vote 4 Pedro wrote: »

I nearly ordered the Merkur Progress with the long handle but i was a little put off with the plastic end on it,
can anyone say if this takes anything away from the razor or is it not a problem as i would still like to have an adjustable.

Right?

Have you considered a vintage Gillette?

uncle_sam_ie

Vote 4 Pedro wrote: »

Very nice Resors but Deep pockets need here

It's worth it though. Of all my razors it's the one that will always give me the closest shave. Made from machined stainless steel it screams quality craftsmanship.
Here is a review. I didn't buy the system although, I probably should have.
http://sharpologist.com/2013/03/above-the-tie-7-piece-stainless-steel-razor-system-3.html

uncle_sam_ie

beardybrewer wrote: »

Right?

Have you considered a vintage Gillette?

I wouldn't be put off by the plastic. My 1952 Gillette SS has a plastic black tip and the next razors I want to get will be a WW2 razor made from black bakelite,
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/326724-Gillette-razor-ID-WWII-bakelite

Vote 4 Pedro

I got the new razor yesterday and I'd like to thank Shaving.ie for their great service.
I got the Merkur 34c HD. It's a really nice razor and better quality than my Edwin Jagger, seems better made, feels better etc.
Used It earlier this morning and got a good result with it, it was very easy to use and also quicker. The only thing is it seemed a little mild but still did a nice job and I'll hopefully be getting the Merkur progress around Christmas time.
I can see why so many people have the 34c in their collection.
I wish I had got the 34c instead of the EJ 89L in the first place but then again I thought the EJ was Good enough at the time and it was only cheap.
Very happy with the new razor anyway.

Michael G

I've been using this little beauty http://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-15c-open-comb-razor.html for several years, with Feather blades. It's superb value. At the moment I'm using this http://www.shaving.ie/products/feather-as-d2s-stainless-razor-stand.html. I bought it some years ago when I was still working and could afford it, but it is an amazing razor. It gives a wonderful shave, and you would have to be very determined and persistent to cut yourself with it, or even get a nick. But you do need a couple of hundred disposable euros,or else be in your twenties with sixty years of shaving still ahead of you.

Vote 4 Pedro

uncle_sam_ie wrote: »

Also I should mention, try and get in touch with Edwin Jagger. I've heard of people having success with getting them to replace defective razors.

Thanks i did contact Edwin Jagger about it, they asked me for some photos of the razor threads, i sent the photos along with my details and i just received a new razor in the post so that was great customer service, i also got a free sample of EJ shaving soap..Result.

Ryath

Vote 4 Pedro wrote: »

I got the new razor yesterday and I'd like to thank Shaving.ie for their great service.
I got the Merkur 34c HD. It's a really nice razor and better quality than my Edwin Jagger, seems better made, feels better etc.
Used It earlier this morning and got a good result with it, it was very easy to use and also quicker. The only thing is it seemed a little mild but still did a nice job and I'll hopefully be getting the Merkur progress around Christmas time.
I can see why so many people have the 34c in their collection.
I wish I had got the 34c instead of the EJ 89L in the first place but then again I thought the EJ was Good enough at the time and it was only cheap.
Very happy with the new razor anyway.

Wandered in here by accident a few weeks a go and have been busy ever since researching. Used to actually shave with a brush and soap but last few years just shave in the shower with a gillete fusion want to go back to shaving at the sink it's more enjoyable. Cost of cartages is also annoying though I can get a good shave for several weeks out of one. Going to go with 34c a Barrel EJ 89L or the Muhle r89. Most of the posts I've read rate the EJ or the Muhle above the 34c despite it being €10 dearer. You still rate the Merkur as better after a few weeks with both? Going to be up in Dublin today so might pop into Knights on the Green they have the 34c for a good price but only have the R89 long which is slightly dearer.

Vote 4 Pedro

I found them both very easy to use and both give about the same results but I prefer the Merkur over the EJ. Its easy to clean and if you need to give it a quick rinse mid shave you can do with just a quick turn of the handle as it's a two peice razor. It also feels better quality than the EJ. as well. Personally I find them both a little mild for me and I'll be looking for something a little more aggressive soon, I would be happy to recommend the Murker over the EJ but there is nothing wrong with the EJ at all and it's a great razor but just not for me.