Life span of Edwin Jagger DE89L?

glic83

Just wondering how long these should last?
Bought it as part of a starter kit in Dec 13, so have been using it the last 3 1/2 years, then yesterday after shaving to it apart to clean and now it won't see back together, the head just comes apart from the handle, so either the threads are worn on the head, handle or both. Would this be normal after this time frame?

I've no issues if this is the case, I'll need to replace it, have sensitive enough skin so a standard DE would probably be best unless someone has other recommendations?

beardybrewer

I wouldn't really put a lifespan on them. I'm using a vintage DE from the 50's.

I believe they are just chromed brass so if you ever forced the threads that would probably do it. You might try contacting them as they reputedly have good customer service.

glic83

Don't think I forced the threads I've always been careful with it, just seems strange that there was no sign of it coming loose, seemed snug and solid up until today. I'll pop them off an email,cheers.

uncle_sam_ie

The Jagger 89L's and most modern DE's are made from Zamak, pot metal. You hear about the caps breaking on them a lot. Jagger and Muhle use the same heads. The Merkur use a different design that holds up a bit better( screws in from the bottom). https://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-34c-hd-safety-razor.html
If you want a well made modern razor that will last, then look for one made from stainless steel, like the ATT https://www.abovethetie.com/products/atlas-r2-stainless-steel-safety-razor
but, they're expensive.
The other alternative is to buy a vintage razor from the late forties to the late sixties. The golden age of DE razors. These razors were made from solid Brass and very well made. https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/486623877/1959-gillette-superspeed-bluetip-e1-de?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=de%20razor&ref=sr_gallery_1

phelixoflaherty

If the female thread is worn it can be replaced with a helicoil. Its like a spring .
Engineering workshops can do it.

glic83

I contacted Edwin Jagger and in fairness they are supposed to be sending me out a replacement head, overall though it will eventually happen again.

Never really looks into the older vintage razors which I will do, another option I must look into is de razors with the butterfly system where the bottom of the handle opens the head.

beardybrewer

Great, glad EJ sorted you out. Always heard their customer service is good. FWIW, I've had a EJ89 for 5 years now although I don't use it anymore. I wouldn't expect it to just fall apart without cause.

The contemporary Twist To Open (TTO) razors weren't high enough quality for me. My first vintage was a heavy Gillette Rocket HD and it's still probably my best razor despite wasting my money on Aristocrats.

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/gillette-rocket-the-refined-de.8590/

All My Stars Aligned

beardybrewer wrote: »

Great, glad EJ sorted you out. Always heard their customer service is good. FWIW, I've had a EJ89 for 5 years now although I don't use it anymore. I wouldn't expect it to just fall apart without cause.

The contemporary Twist To Open (TTO) razors weren't high enough quality for me. My first vintage was a heavy Gillette Rocket HD and it's still probably my best razor despite wasting my money on Aristocrats.

http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/gillette-rocket-the-refined-de.8590/

Just wondering where you got yours. So many available online would be good to have a seller recommended.

glic83

I've started looking at various forums ref the vintage razors, it's a minefield, haven't a clue what is a good/bad price , where to buy etc , but I want something now as a treat to myself lol

uncle_sam_ie

glic83 wrote: »

I've started looking at various forums ref the vintage razors, it's a minefield, haven't a clue what is a good/bad price , where to buy etc , but I want something now as a treat to myself lol

I found most of mine off Etsy some on the bay. Also, on the The Shaving Room Forums, buy and trade you can find some good razors, http://theshavingroom.co.uk/community/index.php

Anything gillett after WW2 to the mid sixties you can't go wrong. Pre WW2, except for top end razors like the Gillett Aristocrats, the quality wasn't great.

This one is interesting, except for the postage http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Vintage-Gillette-Safety-Razor-1960-Brit-Pat-694093-/282509669380?hash=item41c6e37404:g:ab4AAOSwGJl
or this,
http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Vintage-1950s-Gillette-Super-Speed-Rhodium-Handled-Razor-Case-and-Dispenser-/122531177657?hash=item1c876d64b9:g:MqkAAOSwKytZMrVT I question the Rhodium plating though. Very few were. It was mostly the top of the line Gillette's.

Gillette Fatboy. Looks like an F4 one (late 1960's) http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Vintage-Gillette-Adjustable-Safety-Razor-in-Case-Plus-8-Spare-Blades-/371965978296?hash=item569ae666b8:g:ZxkAAOSw-3FZLCKb
most i'd go one that would be 65-70 euro

You might be interest in this. Not as expensive as their SS version but still gives you quilty.
http://www.giftsandcare.com/en/above-the-tie-safety-razors/4555-above-the-tie-calypso-r1-aluminum-safety-razor.html
this one would be milder,
http://www.giftsandcare.com/en/above-the-tie-safety-razors/4554-above-the-tie-calypso-m1-aluminum-safety-razor.html

beardybrewer

Had a quick look on eBay and found this:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Gillette-Rocket-HD-British-safety-razor-with-box-and-blades-pack-/201944572731?

I asked him how heavy it was (62g). It's a little expensive but excellent condition razors are in demand.

If budget is a concern this doesn't look bad:

http://www.ebay.ie/itm/Vtg-Gillette-Rocket-Parat-Safety-Razor-Brit-Patent-694093-II-German-Set-No57-/122543647176?hash=item1c882ba9c8:g:PggAAOSw-K9ZMuAV

glic83

Thanks very much for the replies guys, I've also joined TRS as recommended and having a good read around the site. It would be a lot easier if I knew what I wanted but there is just so much choice out there. You could easily spend a small fortune in a few clicks

glic83

Can't really fault customer service at Edwin jagger, new head arrived today with a 5 pack of derby blades, a Sandalwood shaving cream sample and a Sandalwood aftershave lotion sample.

hitemfrank

Their customer service really does seem excellent.

glic83

hitemfrank wrote: »

Their customer service really does seem excellent.

Above and beyond