Edwin Jagger DE89 Review – A Mild and Easy Razor
Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor
A mild safety razor that has been popular for some years in the traditional wet-shaving community is the Edwin Jagger DE89. An attractive chrome razor with various handle options.
Pros
The design and hand-polished chrome finish make this razor attractive
The option to choose various handle designs and sizes
A good weight
Good choice of mild and beginners razor
Shave well for daily use
Good drainage and easy to rinse
Not expensive
Cons
It will be too mild for some guys and not the best option for coarse growth
Handles, even Knurled do not offer as good non-slip grip as fully Knurled
The Sheffield-born Edwin Jagger DE89 is a double-edged safety razor that’s high up in the recommendation charts for those learning to wet shave using safety razors.
The primary reason the DE89 is recommended for beginners is it’s a mild razor in aggressiveness that’s fairly easy to use.
The English brand, Edwin Jagger is among the select top brands worldwide that make and sells traditional safety razors to high standards, and as a user of many brands, I can attest to their high standards.
Let’s take a closer look at the Edwin Jagger DE89 safety razor and tell you how it fairs.
The DE89 made it into the Best Safety Razors for Beginners roundup.
Description & Features
There are five DE89 models, the classic or standard with a smooth handle (DE89bl), the lined handle (DE89Lbl), knurled (DE89KN), and octagonal handle types (DE898bgbl).
I will run through some of the differences between the five models shortly in the review and explain how each may benefit a user. It’s basically about handle grip and length.
- Chrome finish – The glossy chrome finish on this razor does make it look like a high-quality and well-designed product. The only issue with chrome-plated metals is the chrome can eventually wear.
- Handle – The five handle types are smooth, lined, barley/engraved, octagonal, and knurled. The knurled and octagonal offer more grip, than the barley, the lined, and the smooth do not have much grip and offer a glossy attractive appearance. I find barley/engraved handles better, although the lined handle provides some grip.
- Double-edged – You can shave with this razor on both sides and use a double-edged blade on the head. DE razors are the most commonly used.
- Closed comb – The bottom section of the razor head is a straight safety bar with a row of grooves to guide the hair, and this type of razor is safer and easier to use than open comb razors. It may not be best for those with dense and thick growth, though.
- Blade replacement – This razor comprises three parts; the handle, upper head, and lower head. The handle is unscrewed from the bottom while holding the razor head, and when it comes apart, you have three pieces. These types are harder to replace the blades than others; however, they are the best when cleaning them up.
Edwin Jagger DE89 Versions
DE89 Classic
This is the classic/standard DE89 with a chrome-finished handle.
Dimensions: 93mm (L) – 41mm (W) – 85mm (handle length) *
Weight: approx 61g
DE89 Lined
This lined handle version provides more grip than the classic/standard.
Dimensions: 93mm (L) – 41mm (W) – 85mm (handle length)*
Weight: approx 61g
DE89 Knurled
The DE89 Knurled model offers more grip than both the Classic and Lined versions.
Dimensions: 93mm (L) – 41mm (W) – 85mm (handle length)
Weight: approx 61g
* Longer handles – Both the De89 Classic and Lined models are also sold with a longer handle. The handle length is extended to 93mm and the overall length is 101mm. These are also slightly heavier and suit those with a bigger hand or who prefer a longer handle, and the extra weight can help make shaving slightly easier as the weight of the razor does the work.
The next models are not quite as popular, and they’re more expensive. The only differences are the type of handle and cost.
DE89 Barley
The only difference with the Barley is the engraved handle for grip.
Dimensions: 93mm (L) – 41mm (W) – 85mm (handle length) *
Weight: approx 61g
DE89 Octagonal
This one comes with an Octagonal handle that’s exceptional for grip.
Dimensions: 93mm (L) – 41mm (W) – 85mm (handle length)*
Weight: approx 61g
Other Finishes/Plated
Some of the five types are also available with various finishes or plating. There’s Rose gold, Gold Plated, and Black Gold. They are all very beautiful, cost a bit more, and availability is more scarce.
Which model from the DE89 range should you choose?
When choosing a safety razor, the handle and its grip are important. Some offer more than others. However, they may lose their attractive appearance.
- Classic chrome – Choose this for the look. This is very popular.
- Lined – For some grip while keeping the attractive chrome finish appearance. I would say this is the most popular.
- Knurled – This one offers a lot of grip without the chrome look. This is the style if you must have grip.
- Barley – The Barley keeps its look and provides more grip than the lined, but not as much as the Knurled. I like the engraved handle looks on this and other razors, and it could be my favorite type.
- Octagonal – This type offers a very good grip and keeps the chrome finish appearance. It is a unique look.
- Other finishes – The other finishes are for those who want gold or another appearance.
How well does the DE89 perform and shave then?
I’m glad you asked; after all that’s the main point, right?
I was shaving on this occasion with the lined handle version, and while I felt some grip, its grip is not quite as good as the barley engraved; however, there is not that much between them. I do prefer barley, though!
As usual with a mild type razor like this and others, such as the Mühle R89 they tend to leave room for mistakes when being slightly heavy-handed. This is why these razors suit those just starting to wet shave with safety razors –they are very forgiving.
The razor gap on the head of the razor is perfect for a mild shave. If you have a very coarse beard or growth, it could be too mild, but you would get there with the use of more passes/strokes and smaller strokes.
The bottom line is I get a good shave with this slick-looking razor. Not the closest of shaves, but as it is mild – it’s with ease.
Let’s give the Edwin Jagger DE89 some kind of Ratings
Handle Grip (Lined)– 7/10
The handle grip on the Lined version isn’t quite as good as the Barley engraved so I wouldn’t be happy with the classic no grip, and I already know I prefer the Barley engraved. If grip is very important, I would suggest buying the Knurled.
Weight and Balance – 9/10
The balance of the head and handle (approx 61g) seems perfect, and it is not too light or too heavy, which also makes this a good choice for those new to using safety razors. The longer handle models (approx 88g) will provide more weight for those that need it. I wouldn’t want a razor weighing less than 60g, as more hand pressure would be required.
Look & Design – 9/10
The chrome finish is attractive and the design of this razor is made to very high standards. I cannot fault it, and I feel like I am holding a quality product. The chrome finish is not likely to last a lifetime, but it should last many years.
Ease of Use – 9/10
One of the easiest and mildest razors I have used. Excellent for beginners and those prone to skin problems.
Value for Money – 9/10
Value alongside quality is well balanced. Of course, it’s not cheap at around $40, but it is quality.
Final Thoughts – Who is the DE89 best suited for?
The Edwin Jagger DE89 is most definitely suited for those new to shaving with a safety razor that want a quality product without breaking the bank. More experienced guys might also get along well with the razor if they need a mild razor and are upgrading from their old razor or a cheaper model.
Choose your handle well. I prefer the Barley engraved type, but you may need more grip with the Knurled or just want to go for the slick style of the Classic version.
About the Author
Jason
I’m the chief shaverer over here at ShavingAdvisor and when I am not shaving off any hair I have left, or writing about what I have shaved off – I do a load of other life stuff and enjoy a good cup of tea between doing stuff!
You Might Also Like
