Thread: Help with EJ89LBL

I am relatively new to straight razors, but I have developed enough skill to shave WTG and ATG with a straight. I then use a DE razor for the third pass because of some difficulty getting a BBS on my chin and upper lip using the straight. Perhaps I will refine my skills to the point the DE is no longer needed.

I have four DE razors and a variety of blades. I can get a comfortable, close cleanup pass with a Merkur 25C open comb, a Parker 24C open comb and a Van Der Hagen (Weishi??) closed bar. Although the EJ-DE89 is highly touted as one of the best DE razors for beginners, I am prone to getting razor burn and nicks with this razor. I can put a Feather blade in any of the other DEs and get a close, comfortable, but I am afraid I would tear my face up if I tried a Feather in the DE89. I do not see anything in the geometry of the razor that explains my difficulty using it.

Has anyone else experienced issues shaving with a DE89? Does anyone have a suggestion of what I might do to get a comfortable shave with the DE89?

The easy solution would be to toss the EJ razor in the trash and use one of the three that allow me to shave comfortably, but my training as an engineer has taught me that nearly all problems have solutions. Thus, I am trying to figure out what I can do differently to achieve improved results.

I have a DE89 and it works great for me. A safety razor limits the angle of the blade in relation to your face. If you hold the razor at a more aggressive angle the bar/comb will lift the blade off of your face. EJ's are a bit more aggressive then the Parker OC. That being said, neither are particularly aggressive razors so your issues are likely due to technique.

Originally Posted by BeJay

I have a DE89 and it works great for me. A safety razor limits the angle of the blade in relation to your face. If you hold the razor at a more aggressive angle the bar/comb will lift the blade off of your face. EJ's are a bit more aggressive then the Parker OC. That being said, neither are particularly aggressive razors so your issues are likely due to technique.

With the Parker 24C OC, I find an angle of about 40-45 degrees works best. With the EJ, I am probably closer to 30-35 degrees. From reviews on these razors, I thought the Parker and EJ were both considered moderately aggressive. I don't think the EJ would be recommended for beginners if it were really aggressive. I have observed that the open comb design of the Parker and Merkur keeps more protective lather on my face, reducing the risk of razor burn.

I had some trouble with the Parker at first, but as soon as I figured out the right angle, it worked like a charm. I purchased the Merkur after learning to use the Parker and have had no issue with it. Of course, the VDH is so mild I can shave blindfolded and not nick my face, but it is too mild for my heavy beard.

I have experimented with my EJ technique, but cannot seem to find the sweet spot. I may well need to change my technique with the EJ, but I need specific suggestions on what to try next as nothing I have tried so far has worked.

I'm far from being a DE pro, but this article suggests that feather and persona blades make it more aggressive. It suggests using derby blades for a milder shave.

Edwin Jagger DE89 Review

Try different blades. The EJ is a sweetheart, but different blades can change the whole experience. I can't use Feathers at all. I like Gillette greens in my DE89.

The EJ is a great razor, impeccable craftsmanship. As has been suggested, try different blades. I like the feathers, but not the derby. Astra was a good mid range choice for them from memory. Alternately try a feather with a couple of shaves on it, they seem to smooth out a bit.

A DE limits your ability to use a more aggressive angle, but it does not limit the use of a milder angle. Try shaving with the safety bar just barely making contact with your skin. I agree with the others that you should try it with some different blades.

Thanks to everyone who suggested trying a variety of blades. I have tried a few, but have not found one that works for me with the EJ. Thanks also to BeJay for suggesting that the safety bar should barely touch my face. I have always thought that part of the issue was the bar removing most of the lather before the blade contacted the beard. I will try a steeper angle such as I use with the Parker and see if that helps.

I did inspect all my razors carefully and found that the EJ does have a slightly larger gap between the blade and the safety bar than my other razors, so perhaps that is why I am having difficulty. I will make some adjustments with my shave later today and let you know how it turns out.

Yesterday, I shaved only one pass with a straight razor and then finished up with the DE89LBL. I used a 7AM Platinum blade, a blade of moderate sharpness. I tried adjusting the angle and ended up around 40 degrees as optimal for me. I was able to complete the shave with no razor burn and no nicks or cuts.

I love the appearance, quality and craftsmanship of the EJ DE89. However, I find that the razor is not very forgiving. I have to be nearly as focused with the DE89 as I am when using a str8.

I am surprised that so many people recommend this razor for beginners. If I had started out with this razor as my first DE, I would have given up and gone back to cartridge razors.