If you are into wet shaving and looking for a Razor, nothing does it better than a double safety razor. But in a market saturated with safety razors, finding a suitable razor can feel like a never-ending uphill task. 

If you are looking for a new safety razor or want to switch to wet shaving, one of the popular choices is the Edwin Jagger DE89. Anybody who has used this razor will tell you that it gives a great shave with minimal pulling and tugging. 

What Is Edwin Jagger DE89

Edwin Jagger was first established as a company in 1988. Since then, the company has built quite a reputation for making stylish, high-quality shaving products. 

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is a double edge safety razor that has gained quite a reputation among wet shavers. What’s interesting is that the DE89 wasn’t entirely produced until 2009.

Over the years, though, it has grown in popularity. The razor is now competing for top spots with razors like the Merkur 34C, in production since the 1930s. 

The Edwin Jagger DE89 offers an enjoyable experience for bearded men who want to switch to safety razors. 

Benefits of Using Edwin Jagger DE89 Razor

Affordable

The DE89 is an affordable, straight razor that should cost you about $30. Despite the low cost, the razor still does the job perfectly. 

Provides a Comfortable Shave

The Edwin Jagger DE89 has a mild to moderate blade exposure. This provides a comfortable shave that is free of irritation. 

Craftsmanship Quality 

Everything about this razor will make you fall in love with it the moment you open the box. The build quality, head design, size to weight ratio, balance, and plating are second to none. 

Quality That Lasts a Lifetime

Edwin Jagger razors, including the DE89, are built to last. As such, when you buy the DE89 and clean and maintain it well, you can pass it to your son and even grandson and they will still use it for years. 

Ideal for Beginners

The DE89 is built so well that it doesn’t matter if you are a beginner or a seasoned wet shaver. The razor provides a close and comfortable shave every time.  

How Does Edwin Jagger DE89 Razor Work

The DE89 has become quite popular among wet shavers and men looking to switch to wet shaving. The razor is built to last and provides a close and comfortable shave free of irritation. 

Whether you are looking for a clean shave or to maintain stubble facial hair styles, this is one of the best safety razors to get the job done. 

It is not the most aggressive razor, but it gives you a close shave if you are patient enough to do a two or three-pass shave.

Pros and Cons of Using Edwin Jagger DE89 Razor

Pros

• It’s an excellent razor for beginner shavers and experienced wet shaving enthusiasts. 
• The DE89 has a beautiful chrome finish that gives it a high-end look.
• It’s an affordable razor that you can get for as little as $25 on Amazon. 
• It has an excellent blade alignment that gives you a close and comfortable shave. 
• The weight is excellent, as well as the distribution and balance point. 

Cons

• The chrome finish is beautiful, but over time it will begin to tarnish. This, however, only happens when you don’t dry the razor well after use. With proper cleaning and maintenance, the razor can last a lifetime. 
• Some customers have complained that the bolt that holds the head and the handle loosens quickly. 
• While the grip is sufficient, it could be better.

Features of Edwin Jagger DE89 

Design

While lilac, colored, or 3D laser diamond, gold plated handles are great and attract razor collectors, the beautiful chrome finish of the DE89 looks pretty impressive. 

The chrome plating is of high quality. What’s even better is that even parts that are not visible have the same silky chrome finish. 

With proper maintenance and cleaning, the chrome finish can last for years. Even the Merkur 34C, the main competitor of the DE89, doesn’t have such a finish. 

Handle Options

The DE89 comes in two variants – the DE89BL and the LBL. The BL has a smooth chrome handle, while the LBL series comes with lined knurling on the handle. 

Length

The DE89 is 3.75 long, putting it directly between the Merkur 34C and 38C in terms of length. It is, however, shorter than the Gillette SkinGuard by about 1.75 ″.

Weight

The Edwin Jagger DE89 weighs 2 to 4 ounces depending on the length. If you’ve used disposable razors and have just switched to safety razors, the DE89 will feel heavier. 

However, if you are switching from a different safety razor brand, the DE89 is lighter than most safety razors on the market. 

Aggressiveness

When it comes to aggressiveness, the DE89 falls on the mild side. This is a good thing because it means more room to experiment with different blades. 

Accessories

Edwin Jagger also makes shaving accessories like travel cases. They also make the world’s best shaving brush in different qualities if you want one for travel. 

Also available are matching chrome plated made to match your razor and shaving brush. 

Since the DE89 has almost the exact specifications as the Muhle R89, any accessories made for the R89 will work with your DE89.

Comb

The DE89 has a scalloped safety bar that has a closed comb. This design, coupled with the blade opening, provides a mild aggressiveness when you are shaving. 

Grip

As mentioned earlier, there are two variants of the blade – the LBL and BL series. Both models look the same except for the handle design. 

The LBL series has lines on the handle that provide a better grip, while the BL series doesn’t have any knurling. Since the DE89BL doesn’t have any knurling, the handle tends to be slippery. 

Razor Head

The DE89 is designed as a three-piece razor that makes any wet shaver fall in love with the design. 

However, the chrome head construction that directly affects the razor performance makes the razor stand out. The three-piece design makes the razor easy to use for beginners. 

Performance

When you use the DE89 for the first time, you will notice the grip, thanks to the long handle. The DE89LBL has a better grip than the DE89BL, so it will all depend on your preference. 

The aggressiveness of the razor is neither too mild nor too hard and comes with a relatively broad spot that makes it easy to get the blade angle correct. 

So far, there haven’t been any complaints about how the blade is aligned in the razor head. The razor also has a rigidity to it that balances the weight without adding too much pressure. 

With razors that are too mild, you tend to put a lot of pressure on the razor, which leads to a more irritating shave. 

The DE89 is well constructed with a good weight plus balance. The handles come in different variants, so you can easily find a grip that works for you. The chrome finish gives the shaver a high-end finish and when maintained and cleaned well, it can last a lifetime long enough to be passed down from one generation to another. 

Compatible Razor Blades

Like most safety razors, the Edwin Jagger DE89 has a universal three-post fitting on the razor cap. This means that you can test across different brands of razors so that you can spend as much or as little as you want on razors. 

Price

The best thing about the DE989 is that it’s a cheap razor for the features and quality it offers, thus competing for top spots with more expensive razors that have been around for longer. 

At $30, it is an excellent entry-level safety razor. However, the metal beneath the chrome plating is a mystery that leads to some long-term durability issues. 

How to Use Edwin Jagger DE89 Razor 

Step 1 – Assemble your razor

The DE89 comes with three parts – the head, the comb, and the handle. Start by unscrewing the head from the handle. Fit your razor of choice between the head and the comb. 

Make sure that you line up the three holes in the razor blade, head, and comb. Your choice of razor blade will depend on your beard. 

Thicker beards require sharper blades. It’s, however, recommended that you don’t use feather blades if you have never used a safety razor before. 

If you have sensitive skin, consider using ultra-glide razor blades for sensitive skin. Next, fasten the blade by screwing the handle and head together. 

Step 2 – Pre-shave routine

Take a shower or clean your beard before you start shaving. This softens and moisturizes your beard for a comfortable shave with fewer nicks and cuts. 

Use moisturizing beard soap or scrub with warm water to remove any dead skin and dirt for a better shave. 

If you have pre-shave cream, work a small amount into your beard to soften your facial hair and prepare the skin for repeated contact with the blade. 

Draw warm water into the sink. Warm water not only feels good on the skin when shaving, but it clears stubble and gunk from the razor when you clean it between passes.

Step 3 – Apply shaving cream

Most casual shavers use shaving cream straight out of the can. It’s quick and easy. However, there are a few who’ve discovered the pleasure of lathering up, so they use warm water and a badger hairbrush. 

Stir a little dab of shaving cream or shaving soap. Work the soap or cream in a circular motion with your brush. Apply water as necessary. 

Mix your soap until you have an opalescent lather. Work the lather into your beard using gentle circular motions. 

Using a brush softens your beard and makes it easy for the cream to penetrate deep into your beard. Ifyoddon’tgetett, enough lather, try adding more shaving cream and a little water. 

Step 4 – Master the shave

Once you have worked enough shaving cream into your beard, you can start shaving. You need to use a fogless shaving mirror for impeccable shaving. 

Wet your DE89 razor and then position it at an angle or 30 degrees for a close shave. Shave with the grain on the first pass to ensure less irritation. 

When shaving, dip your razor into the warm water in the sink and swirl around. This dislodges any gunk and hair on the head and blade. 

Use small and light strokes when you are shaving. Make sure that you don’t press the razor too much onto your skin. Let the weight of the razor do the work for you. 

For easy shaving, hold the skin taut and make sure that you pay attention to the problem areas. 

These include the areas below and above the lips, beneath the jawline, and the other contoured regions rather than flat. Take your time when shaving these areas and shave against the grain. 

Step 5 – Apply more cream and shave again

The DE89 does a great job when you make two or three passes, although this depends on the length of your facial hair. 

Usually, the first pass removes the stubble and the second pass shaves away any remaining stubble without causing any irritation or cuts.

When making the second pass, shave against the grain but be careful. Like with the first pass, make sure you dip your razor in the warm water to unclog it. 

Repeat the process as many times as you want until you have the kind of a clean shave you want. Usually, with a DE89, two passes are more than enough. 

Step 6 – Post-shave routine

Once you are satisfied with the shave, clean your DE89 razor and splash cold water on your face. Cold water closes the pores and leaves the skin feeling fresh. It also helps stanch any nicks and cuts. 

Apply some aftershave afterward. An aftershave helps tone and hydrates the skin. You also need to hydrate your skin with a moisturizer, seeing that you’ve just prodded and poked it when shaving. 

A moisturizer will also help prevent irritation and razor burns. If you have sensitive skin, skip the aftershave or use a mild and gentle moisturizer free of dyes and perfumes.  

You might also want to use premium beard oil going forth. If you have a mustache, as part of your post-shave routine, a mustache comb keeps your mustache looking well-groomed.

How to Clean Your Edwin Jagger DE89 Razor 

Step 1 – Disassemble your DE89 razor

The first thing you need is to detach the head and comb part from the handle. To detach the DE89, twist the handle off. 

Step 2 – Soak the part

Fill a sink with warm water and add a mild soap. Soak the parts to remove any hair and dirt lodged in the parts without damaging the razor. 

Step 3 – Clean using a rug

After soaking for a while, use a soft rug to clean up and build up. Avoid using a paper towel or other coarse materials that may scratch the beautiful chrome finish of the razor. 

Step 4 – Scrub the tight corners

For the hard-to-reach nooks and crannies, use a small soft bristle brush or cotton swabs to clean.

Step 5 – Disinfect the razor

Disinfecting removes any dead skin cells and bacteria left on the razor after cleaning. A simple dip and rinse in isopropyl alcohol followed by a quick scrub in warm water will do.

Step 6 – Rinse and dry well

The chrome finish of the DE89 can last a lifetime when well cleaned and maintained. Ensure that you always dry your razor thoroughly after use and after cleaning. Store the razor in a clean and dry place.

Edwin Jagger DE89 vs DE86 vs DE87

Edwin Jagger has a few quality shavers in the DE series. When looking for an Edwin Jagger safety razor, you will come across models like the DE89, DE86, and DE87.  

There are such significant differences between the three models. The only difference is in the design of the handle.

Does More Spending Mean More Quality

When it comes to safety razors, more spending doesn’t always translate to more quality, as it’s obvious the Edwin Jagger DE89. 

Their razor doesn’t cost much, yet, it competes with other high-end razors that have been in production for much longer. 

The razor comes with a beautiful chrome finish that gives it a high-end look. It also has three pieces which all translate to the quality of the shave. 

The head and handle design plus the weight and balance give this razor a more competitive edge over other expensive models. At the end of the day, if you are a wet-shaving beginner or are looking to switch to safety razors, the DE89 is an excellent place to start. 

Do’s and Don’ts With Edwin Jagger DE89

Do’s

• Do clean the razor after use to remove any hair, dead skin, or dirt that may clog the parts.
• Do store the razor in a cool, dry place away from moisture to prevent rusting and damage to the chrome finish. 
• Do combine the razor with the right blade for a clean, comfortable shave.

Don’ts

• Don’t use feather blades if you’ve never used a safety razor before. Feather blades are the sharpest blades and require experience to use. 

FAQ About Edwin Jagger DE89 

Where can I buy the Edwin Jagger DE89?

You can buy the DE89 directly from Edwin Jagger. You can also buy the razor from Amazon and other vendors, where you can expect to pay more than $30.

Is Edwin Jagger a good brand?

Edwin Jagger is a good brand making cheap razors but competing with other high-end and more expensive brands. The DE89 is a classic example of value and quality. 

Are Muhle and Edwin Jagger the same?

The Edwin Jagger DE89 has a striking resemblance to the Muhle R89 head. As a result, some people have assumed that Muhle provided the early DE89 heads. According to Edwin Jagger, though, the companies bought individual heads and Edwin Jagger has no sources through Muhle. 

Where are Edwin Jagger safety razors made?

Edwin Jagger safety razors are made in Sheffield, UK. Edwin Jagger uses generations of skills that are associated with the Sheffield steel industry.

How do you assemble an Edwin Jagger razor?

The Edwin Jagger safety razor comes with three parts – the head, comb, and handle. To load the blade, all you need is to turn the handle, remove the plate and slide a new blade into place before replacing the top and base plate and tightening the handle. 

How aggressive is the Edwin Jagger DE89?

The DE89 is known for a smooth shave free of irritation. This is because the razor is mild, which is great. After all, you get to experiment with different blades. 

Conclusion 

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is one of the most popular razors among wet shavers. The razor is cheap and mild enough for beginners. On top of that, it has a beautiful chrome finish which is its major selling point. It also has a great handle, head design and the weight and balance are second to none.

The razor, which began to be entirely produced in 2009, now competes for top spots with razors like the Merkur 34C. If you are thinking about switching to safety razors, the DE89 will serve you well. At the same time, if you want to try wet shaving for the first time, this is a great razor to begin that journey with.

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