Edwin Jagger DE89 Review: The Perfect Safety Razor You Need to Try Today (2025)

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You’ll find the Edwin Jagger DE89 offers remarkable value with its chrome-plated zinc alloy construction and precision-engineered head.

It delivers a medium-aggressive shave that’s forgiving for beginners yet satisfying for veterans. The standard 3.3-inch handle provides solid grip, while the closed comb design guarantees consistent blade exposure.

At around $35-40, it’s priced competitively for its quality craftsmanship and smooth performance. Many users report reduced irritation compared to cartridge razors.

The DE89’s most impressive feature is its versatility—it handles everything from light stubble to three-day growth when paired with the right blade, making it a great option for those seeking a quality shave.

Edwin Jagger DE89 Review

You’ll discover why the Edwin Jagger DE89 remains one of the most recommended safety razors for beginners and experienced shavers alike since its 2009 introduction.

This Sheffield-manufactured razor features a chrome-plated Zamak head and solid brass construction, offering an ideal balance between mild comfort and effective cutting performance.

Overview of The DE89 Razor

Edwin Jagger’s DE89 razor stands as a cornerstone in the safety razor market since its 2009 debut.

This Sheffield-crafted double edge razor combines Brand Heritage with modern performance, featuring a three-piece design that’s ideal for beginners yet satisfying for veterans.

Its chrome-plated head and brass construction deliver Key Features like balanced weight distribution and a mild-to-medium shave.

The DE89’s Value Proposition lies in its exceptional quality-to-price ratio, making it one of the most popular entry points into traditional wet shaving, with a notable quality-to-price ratio.

Common Misconceptions About The DE89

Dispelling several DE89 misconceptions will transform your shaving experience. While many dismiss this safety razor as too mild, its balanced design delivers exceptional performance with proper technique.

The Zamak weakness myth persists, yet with basic care, your razor will last years.

DE89’s Reputation in The Wet Shaving Community

Nearly every wet shaving enthusiast recognizes the Edwin Jagger DE89 as a community cornerstone. You’ll find it consistently recommended across shaving forums and review sites for its exceptional balance between mild aggressiveness and user forgiveness.

The Edwin Jagger DE89 masterfully balances mild forgiveness with effective cutting power, earning its status as the wet shaving community’s trusted companion.

1. Beginners treasure its forgiving nature when switching from cartridge razors
2. Veterans appreciate its consistent performance across different blades
3. Budget-conscious shavers value its outstanding price-to-quality ratio
4. Collectors admire its enduring design and versatility

The DE89’s reputation remains unmatched for delivering reliable results regardless of experience level.

DE89 Construction and Materials

You’ll find the DE89 constructed with a chrome-plated head made of Zamak alloy and a solid brass base, offering both durability and elegant aesthetics in a three-piece design.

The razor features a variety of handle options including polished chrome, faux ivory, and faux ebony, all precisely engineered to provide secure grip even during wet shaving conditions, which is a key aspect of its design, highlighting the importance of elegant aesthetics.

Zamak Alloy and Its Durability

After examining the DE89’s construction, let’s look at what’s under the hood.

The DE89’s head is manufactured from Zamak alloy—a zinc-based metal with aluminum, magnesium, and copper additives. This composition offers excellent strength while maintaining a lightweight feel in your hand.

Though Zamak corrosion can occur over time, particularly around the threads, Edwin Jagger addressed this with a brass upgrade to the threaded post in newer models.

The plating quality substantially exceeds competitors in this price range, enhancing both appearance and protection. With proper care—drying after use and avoiding harsh cleaners—your DE89’s lifespan expectancy extends well beyond five years, even with regular use.

Chrome Finish and Corrosion Resistance

While Zamak has its limitations, the DE89’s chrome finish elevates your razor’s resilience and visual appeal.

Triple-plated chrome coating provides exceptional corrosion resistance, even in humid bathroom environments. The plating thickness exceeds industry standards, creating a barrier against daily wear. Proper drying prevents rust, further extending the razor’s lifespan.

• Mirror-like Reflection stays pristine with proper maintenance
• Water-resistant Properties prevent oxidation when dried after use
• Scratch-resistant Surface maintains its luxurious appearance for years

Simply wipe your DE89 after shaving to preserve its signature gleam.

Edwin Jagger’s Customer Service and Warranty

While the DE89 boasts impressive chrome durability, Edwin Jagger’s customer service truly completes the package.

This England-based, family-owned manufacturer offers extensive warranty coverage that protects against manufacturing defects.

If your razor experiences issues, their responsive customer support team provides multiple repair options, including reasonably priced replacement parts.

The company’s service quality is consistently praised by wet shaving enthusiasts for its efficiency and helpfulness, which contributes to a peace of mind.

For peace of mind, Edwin Jagger’s warranty guarantees your investment remains protected, allowing you to focus on enjoying your shaving experience rather than worrying about razor durability or potential problems.

DE89 Performance and Shaving Experience

You’ll experience a mild to medium shave with the DE89’s balanced blade exposure and low-profile cap ensuring proper angle control during each pass.

The razor’s moderate aggressiveness (rated 4/10) delivers consistently close results without irritation, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced shavers seeking that perfect "Goldilocks" experience, with an overall aggressiveness that is well-balanced.

Mastering The DE89’s Angle and Pressure

Three key elements determine your success with the Edwin Jagger DE89: angle, pressure, and technique. Mastering the ideal angle (approximately 30°) creates the perfect blade feel and minimizes irritation.

• Let the razor’s weight do the work—avoid applying additional pressure
• Maintain short, controlled strokes while finding the DE89’s sweetspot
• Keep your grip relaxed but secure for better pressure control
• Always shave with the grain initially to prevent irritation

The DE89’s forgiving design helps you develop proper shaving technique through consistent practice.

Blade Compatibility and Recommendations

Having mastered the proper angle, let’s explore the wide blade variety compatible with your DE89.

The Edwin Jagger DE89 accepts all standard double-edge blades, allowing you to customize your shaving experience based on your skin sensitivity and technique. Blade sharpness and longevity vary substantially between brands. Many users find that blade material impacts shaving performance.

Blade Brand	Best For
Astra SP	Balanced performance
Feather	Closest possible shave
Derby Extra	Sensitive skin
Gillette Silver Blue	Smooth technique
Shark	Budget-friendly option

When replacing blades, make certain of proper blade alignment by twisting the handle to disassemble the three pieces. Position the new blade on the posts, checking for equal exposure on both sides.

The 0.71mm blade gap provides moderate razor aggressiveness, making the DE89 forgiving yet effective.

Shaving Results and Comparison to Other Razors

Now that you understand blade options, let’s look at how the Edwin Jagger DE89 actually performs compared to other popular razors.

When it comes to shave closeness, the DE89 delivers exceptional results with moderate razor aggressiveness (4/10), striking the perfect balance between effectiveness and comfort.

Your choice of blade substantially influences shaving results, but the DE89’s well-engineered design guarantees you’ll get a comfortable, close shave regardless of which blade you select.

DE89 Versatility and Customization

You’ll find the DE89 offers extensive customization through its 54 handle variations, which include options in materials, textures, and lengths to match your specific grip preferences and aesthetic taste.

The razor’s balanced design accommodates both beginners and experienced shavers, making it versatile enough to serve as either your primary daily tool or a valuable addition to your rotation collection.

Handle Options and Materials

Edwin Jagger’s DE89 line boasts solid brass handles that stand up to daily use while offering exceptional grip options.

The handle design substantially impacts your shaving experience, determining comfort and control during each stroke.

You can explore different DE89 handle options to find the perfect fit.

Handle Type	Material	Grip Texture	Length	Weight
Classic	Chrome-plated brass	Smooth	85mm	67g
Lined	Chrome-plated brass	Vertical ridges	85mm	68g
Knurled	Chrome-plated brass	Diamond pattern	87mm	70g
Octagonal	Chrome-plated brass	Faceted design	86mm	69g
23K Gold	Gold-plated brass	Lined pattern	85mm	66g

The variety of handle options allows users to choose based on their personal preference for grip texture and handle length, ensuring a comfortable shave.

Suitable for Beginners and Experienced Shavers

The Edwin Jagger DE89 consistently bridges the gap between novice and expert wet shavers. Its moderate aggressiveness offers an approachable Learning Curve while delivering professional results.

You’ll find this safety razor adapts to your Skill Progression naturally, making it ideal regardless of experience level.

• First-timers appreciate its forgiving blade angle that minimizes nicks
• Experienced shavers value its precision for detailed work around jawlines
• Those with sensitive skin benefit from its gentle yet effective cutting action
• Anyone seeking Long-Term Value discovers a razor that grows with their Shaving Technique

The DE89 review consensus? It’s the rare tool that accommodates User Adaptability without compromising performance.

Using The DE89 as a Primary or Rotation Razor

Whether you’re considering the DE89 as your daily driver or part of a rotation, this versatile safety razor adapts seamlessly to your shaving routine.

This versatile safety razor adapts seamlessly to your routine, whether as a daily driver or rotation piece.

Its consistent performance makes it perfect for long-term use while maintaining excellent shaving results. For sensitive skin, consider razors with fewer blades ideal to minimize irritation.

Usage Method Ideal For Benefits

The DE89’s exceptional blade pairing flexibility lets you customize your shaving experience based on rotation frequency. For daily use, pair with smoother blades like Derby or Astra. When using occasionally, sharper options like Feather enhance efficiency.

Your handle preference matters too—textured handles offer better grip for primary razors, while smoother finishes work well in rotation. With proper care, this double edge razor remains a dependable companion for years.

Safety Razor Basics and Terminology

You’ll need to understand basic safety razor terminology before mastering your Edwin Jagger DE89 shaving technique.

Terms like blade gap, exposure, and comb design directly affect your shaving experience and help you select the right tools for your specific needs.

Closed Comb Vs. Open Comb Razors

Now that you’ve explored the DE89’s versatility, let’s examine a fundamental aspect of safety razors that affects your daily shave.

When selecting a safety razor like the Edwin Jagger DE89, the comb design substantially impacts your shaving experience. The DE89 features a closed comb design with a straight safety bar that guards the blade edge, reducing blade exposure for a milder shave.

In contrast, open comb razors use teeth-like structures that allow more blade exposure, creating higher comb aggressiveness but handling thicker stubble more effectively.

The closed comb on the DE89 provides an ideal shaving angle for beginners, letting you focus on technique rather than worrying about nicks. This design creates a balanced double edge razor experience that’s forgiving yet efficient.

Blade Gap and Aggressiveness Explained

In every safety razor like the Edwin Jagger DE89, blade gap substantially impacts your shaving experience.

This measurement between the safety bar and blade edge determines aggressiveness levels.

With its moderate blade exposure and mild aggressiveness, the DE89’s razor head design offers excellent efficiency tradeoffs.

You’ll find the perfect shaving angle comes naturally, providing comfortable blade feel without irritation.

For those with skin sensitivity, this balanced approach delivers close results without the harshness of more aggressive options, making it a great choice for a comfortable shave.

Handle Length and Weight Considerations

While blade gap affects cutting efficiency, the handle’s physical properties can dramatically impact your control and comfort during shaving.

The DE89’s handle length and weight deserve careful consideration for your personal shaving technique.

• Short handles (3.3") provide nimble maneuverability for precision work
• Longer handles (3.7"+) offer extended reach for leg shaving
• Weight distribution determines balance point and pressure control
• Grip variations (smooth, lined, knurled) affect stability when wet
• Handle design impacts user preference based on hand size

The DE89’s moderate weight (66-77g) creates an ideal middle ground that suits most shavers.

Many enthusiasts appreciate its weight distribution that doesn’t require additional pressure during use—letting the razor do the work naturally, which is a key factor in achieving a comfortable shave with precise control and comfort during shaving, and ultimately results in a better shaving experience with proper technique.

Choosing The Right Safety Razor

You’ll need to take into account both your skin sensitivity and shaving experience when selecting an ideal safety razor such as the Edwin Jagger DE89.

The right razor should match your technique level while providing enough efficiency for your beard type without causing irritation.

Considering Skin Type and Experience Level

Your skin’s unique needs should guide your safety razor choice, with the Edwin Jagger DE89 being particularly versatile across experience levels.

• Sensitive skin users benefit from its mild design that minimizes irritation
• Beginners develop proper technique with reduced risk of nicks
• Coarse beard shavers can make multiple passes safely
• Those battling ingrown hairs appreciate the forgiving blade angle
• Experienced shavers value its consistent performance

The DE89’s moderate aggressiveness delivers an effective balance of comfort and closeness. It’s an excellent starting point in your razor progression, accommodating various beard thicknesses while reducing shaving irritation. This safety razor adapts to your growing skills without overwhelming newcomers, providing a smooth shaving experience.

Experimenting With Different Razors and Blades

Now that you’ve considered your skin type, it’s time to explore blade options for your Edwin Jagger DE89.

Start with a sampler pack to discover which blades provide ideal razor blade alignment with your safety razor.

Test each variety for 3-7 shaves, noting comfort and closeness. Your shaving frequency and skin sensitivity will impact results.

Technique tweaks might be necessary between brands. Consider incorporating razor rotation with different blades.

Remember—perfect pairings are personal, and what works in others’ DE89 reviews may differ from your experience.

Building a Shaving Kit With The DE89

You’ll need to complement your DE89 razor with quality accessories that enhance its performance and protect your skin during the shaving process.

A complete kit should include a natural bristle or synthetic brush, a glycerin-based soap or cream, an alcohol-free aftershave balm, and a stand for proper storage and maintenance of your razor.

This setup is crucial for proper storage and maintaining the longevity of your DE89 razor, ensuring it continues to provide a smooth shaving experience.

Selecting a Shaving Brush and Cream

Now that you’ve selected your DE89 razor, let’s pair it with the perfect brush and cream to elevate your wet shaving routine.

The right combination makes all the difference in your shaving experience.

For shaving products, look for creams with natural ingredients that complement your brush material. Quality cream ingredients like glycerin, shea butter, and essential oils protect sensitive skin while creating rich lather.

Understanding shaving cream types guarantees maximal skin protection and shave quality.

Master proper lathering techniques by starting with almond-sized cream, adding water gradually, and working in circular motions. Different scent profiles let you customize your shaving accessories based on season or mood.

Aftershave and Skincare Routine

Now that you’ve mastered your brush and cream selection, the post-shave routine deserves equal attention.

Your DE89 provides the perfect shave, but skin hydration and irritation reduction complete the experience.

Apply an alcohol-free witch hazel toner first to calm any razor-induced redness.

Follow with a quality post-shave balm that suits your skin type. Consider balm product availability when making your selection.

For shaving skin protection against acne and dryness, consider adding a lightweight moisturizer. This routine customization guarantees your face feels as good as your shave looks.

Tips for Maintaining and Cleaning The DE89

Regularly maintaining your Edwin Jagger DE89 guarantees peak performance and longevity. Proper razor maintenance preserves both function and appearance of this quality shaving tool.

1. Rinse thoroughly after each use to remove soap residue and hair
2. Perform monthly deep cleaning with mild dish soap and a microfiber towel
3. Dry completely after washing to prevent corrosion of the chrome finish
4. Disassemble occasionally to clean threads and inspect for wear
5. Store in a dry location away from moisture when not in use

The modular construction quality of the DE89 allows access to all areas during cleaning.

The DE89 is known as a mild to medium razor, making it forgiving during cleaning.

Avoid harsh chemicals that could damage the triple-coated chrome finish.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)