The Edwin Jagger DE89 is a highly popular and well-regarded double-edged safety razor within the traditional wet-shaving community.
Originating from Sheffield, UK, it is frequently recommended for those who are new to wet shaving with safety razors.
Design and Features
The Edwin Jagger DE89 is known for its attractive chrome finish and high-quality design. The razors are triple-coated, contributing to their high-quality appearance, though the chrome plating may eventually wear over many years.
A key aspect of the DE89 is the variety of handle options available, which primarily affect grip and appearance. The five main models include:
- Classic/Standard (DE89bl): Features a smooth handle, chosen primarily for its look and popularity. It offers less grip.
- Lined (DE89Lbl): Provides some grip while maintaining an attractive chrome finish, making it a very popular choice.
- Knurled (DE89KN): Offers substantial grip, described as finely knurled but not deeply engraved, and is recommended if grip is a top priority.
- Barley: Features an engraved grip handle that offers more grip than the lined version, though not as much as the knurled. This design is often liked for its aesthetic.
- Octagonal (DE898bgbl): Provides excellent grip while retaining a chrome finish and offers a unique look.
Some Classic and Lined models are also available with longer handles (93mm handle length, 101mm overall length) that are slightly heavier (approx. 70g) and suitable for those with larger hands or a preference for a longer grip.
Additionally, some models are offered with other finishes or plating, such as Rose gold, Gold Plated, and Black Gold, which are more expensive and scarce.
The DE89 is a double-edged (DE) razor, allowing for shaving on both sides, which is the most common type of safety razor. It features a closed comb head, meaning the bottom section has a straight safety bar with grooves to guide hair.
This design makes it safer and easier to use compared to open comb razors, making it a good choice for beginners, though it might not be ideal for dense or thick growth.
Blade replacement involves three parts: the handle, upper head, and lower safety bar. The handle is unscrewed to separate the components.
While this makes blade replacement slightly harder than some other types, it simplifies cleaning. The razor has a blade gap of approximately 0.71mm (0.027in).
In terms of weight and balance, the DE89 (approx. 68g – 2.3oz) is considered perfectly balanced and not too light or heavy, which also contributes to its suitability for new safety razor users. Razors weighing less than 60g might require more hand pressure.
Shaving Experience The Edwin Jagger DE89 provides a mild to medium shave. Its mildness makes it a good choice for beginners as it is not overly aggressive and is quite forgiving, allowing users to shave with ease and leaving room for mistakes. The razor is also suitable for those who shave daily.
It performs well with two or three days of growth, which is considered a comfortable sweet spot for many users.
While it might be too mild for individuals with very coarse beards or dense growth, achieving a close shave is still possible with more passes and smaller strokes.
The razor typically comes with a free Feather blade, which is known for being very sharp and recommended by Edwin Jagger for use with the DE89.
However, some users might prefer a milder blade, such as an Astra or Derby, if they experience nicks or soreness.
Pros and Cons Pros:
- Attractive design and hand-polished chrome finish.
- Option to choose various handle designs and sizes.
- Good weight and balance.
- Excellent choice for a mild and beginner-friendly razor.
- Good option for those who shave daily.
- Good drainage and easy to rinse.
- Good price point for the quality.
Cons:
- It may be too mild for some individuals and not the best option for very coarse growth.
- Handles, even knurled ones, do not always offer deeply knurled non-slip grip. The finely knurled version provides some extra grip compared to the lined version, but the barley engraved might be preferred for grip over the lined or classic smooth options.
Value for Money
The Edwin Jagger DE89 offers a good balance of value and quality. Prices vary depending on the model and retailer, generally ranging from around $30 – $50 USD or £22 to £35 in the UK. Despite not being the cheapest option, it is considered a quality product.
Who Is It Best Suited For?
The Edwin Jagger DE89 is most definitely suited for those new to shaving with a safety razor who desire a quality product without spending excessively.
More experienced shavers might also find it suitable if they need a mild to medium razor or are upgrading from an older or cheaper model.
When choosing, it’s advised to carefully consider the handle type based on your grip preference, whether it’s the sleek style of the Classic or the enhanced grip of the Knurled or Barley versions.
Check price on Amazon
