Thread: Jagger 89 Barley vs Gillette Tech vs Gillette Aristocrat ?

Money has a wish to be spent . . .

I have a Gillette Tech and Gillette Aristocrat. I prefer the Aristocrat. They were both low-cost antique store finds.

I'm thinking about getting a Jagger 89 Barley, just to see what a modern, high-quality DE razor is like.

Can somebody compare the three? or compare the Tech or Aristocrat to the Jagger?

Thanks --

Charles

Hello Charles,
The two Gillettes and the Edwin Jagger come from two different worlds. Of the Gillette line, I prefer the Aristocrat. I have one and use it for travel. The Tech is a good razor, too, and on the mild side. They both give good shaves, and are well made — true American workmanship. By the Edwin Jagger 89 "barley" I assume you mean the new EJ, the 89BA11. This is a stunning razor in every way. The workmanship is dazzling and the shave silky. Which one would I choose? Which one would I recommend? The Edwin Jagger, of course.
Stay well.

I don't have the Gillettes you mention just the Fatboy and it's a very good shaver but Obie is correct. No matter how I fiddle with the settings on the Fatboy the EJ simply gives a better shave in every way as does the Feather Stainless for that matter. I guess the modern design is just superior.

agreed with all. Go EJ!! I do like them all but the EJ is the best for me with many different blades
Paul

OK -- thank you all.

I just looked at the eBay items of "cedarfurnitureman". Considering what vintage DE's are selling for, the Jagger doesn't seem so pricey!


Charles

I have a Tech, I think it is one of the first ones. I also had one of the later ones, and I can tell you that hands down, the older one is better. I also have a couple of the first DE razors, they all work well enough. They're all great shavers...though none are (as) close shavers as a straight. But man-oh-man, was it a steep curve...but I would never go back.

Which 89 did you buy!
The new 2011 with the octangular handle?? Or ???

This one:

Edwin Jagger Classic Safety Razor, Barley Handle | Fendrihan Shaving Store

The "barley" pattern is like a light knurling, or gunstock checkering. It reduces the "bling", but improves the grip with wet, soapy hands.

I suspect that it's impossible to have both (a) good chrome plate, and (b) sharp-edged, deep knurling. Under magnification, you can see that the "barley" pattern was designed to avoid sharp edges. Maybe somebody who understands plating can explain it.

Charles

Jagger by far the best of the 3...

I can make no comparison because my one and only DE is the Jagger.My wife bought it for me for christmas. I must say that it has given me a very quick and comfortable BBS shave. I have only used it twice because its really hard to pick up when I have a bunch of straights ready to rock. I use the feather blades with it FYI.