Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor Review

The Edwin Jagger DE89 Chrome Double Edge Safety Razor is a beautifully crafted tool that combines classic design with modern precision. Its chrome-plated finish offers a sleek, durable look, while the balanced weight and closed-comb head deliver a smooth, comfortable shave—perfect for beginners and seasoned wet shavers alike.

Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor Review Outline:

• Why Shave with Edwin Jagger Safety Razors?
• Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor Overview
• Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor Review Summary
  • Wet Shaving Quality and Shaveability
  • Aggressiveness
  • Blade Gap
  • Grip
  • Handle
  • Blade Replacement
  • Affordability
  • Style
  • Material Quality
  • Care
• Who Should Use the Edwin Jagger DE89?
• Who Should Avoid the DE89 Safety Razor?
• Other Safety Razors Similar to Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razors
• If You are Looking for an Upgrade
• Is the Edwin Jagger DE89 a Good Razor?

Why Shave with Edwin Jagger Safety Razors?

British brand Edwin Jagger is one of the best-rated brands in wet shaving, and their Edwin Jagger DE89 is many guys' first experience with the trademark. Simply put, they have an artisan approach but are as affordable as many bespoke-produced brands.

Since launching in 1988 in Sheffield, England—the birthplace of stainless steel—they’ve taken the world by storm, creating gorgeous, enduring shaving instruments and wet shaving products that honor classic design while benefiting from the precision of modern technology.

Soon after Edwin Jagger sold its first safety razors in 1988, it became world-renowned for excellence in performance at a surprisingly polite and gentlemanly English price. It’s now cemented itself among the other great houses of men’s grooming—Thiers Issard, Merkur, Muhle, and Feather—each known for their reliability and good taste. When holding an Edwin Jagger razor, you know you own a quality instrument.

Wet shavers really can’t go wrong with an Edwin Jagger safety razor. Its mild aggressiveness is oh-so-buttery smooth, well-balanced, and a great transition from a cartridge razor to the dapper world of traditional shaving.

Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor Overview

Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razor Review Summary

Photo by Felipe C.

The Sheffield native Edwin Jagger DE89 double-edge razor was so influential when it launched in 2008 that lesser brands immediately launched copycat double-edge razors. Edwin Jagger upgraded the DE89 several times after that, in 2010 and 2012, focusing on thread performance and improved design (you can't miss the telltale logo on either side of the handle). Today, it continues to punch well above its price tag by delivering a quality shave worthy of much more expensive razors.

The DE89 is a very popular safety razor for a clean BBS shave, and in no way, shape, or form is the most aggressive razor available, quite the opposite! And that is why it's swooned upon. Ask any wet shaving enthusiast, and they will tell you you can’t go wrong with the Edwin Jagger DE89 double-edge razor. It delivers an exquisitely comfortable and very close shave—the Goldilocks of DE razors. The DE89 is a mild razor—not too aggressive, just right—with little to no razor burn. The Edwin Jagger DE89 razors have a mild to medium aggressiveness, are perfect for beginner wet shavers, reduce razor blade chatter and pulling and tugging to minimize skin irritation, deliver a closer shave, offer timeless style, come in 7 finishes, and cost ranges from $43 to $68. It's got a lot to love!

The closed-comb scalloped head offers precise control and removes facial hair with fewer strokes. The blade gap makes it hard to cut yourself when shaving; it is forgiving and efficient, yet still delivers a silky, smooth shave—perfect for beginners or those with sensitive skin.

It’s easy on the eyes, with its high-quality chrome finish, a broad, ribbed handle, and a hand-polished chrome-plated head. It can last 5 years or more with proper maintenance. Is this safety razor worthy of the glorification that razor collectors rave about? In this Edwin Jagger DE89 review, we will go over the anatomy of the DE89 series and test its strengths, weaknesses, and real-world performance.

Like Mick Jagger once said (completely unrelated), "You can't always get what you want, but if you try sometime you will find you get what you need." And these Edwin Jagger safety razors are precisely what you need.

Strengths:

• A well-rounded, smooth, and close shave
• Compatible with all standard DE razor blades
• Mild to medium aggressiveness; excellent for beginners and for sensitive skin
• Elegant and timeless design
• The polished chrome is stunning and durable
• The three-piece design is easy to clean and maintain
• Affordable price point and value offering
• Premium Sheffield steel materials and manufacturing tolerances
• One Feather razor blade included

Weakness:

• Mechanical failures can occur due to improper maintenance
• Cosmetic deterioration may occur if not dried and stored correctly
• Handle not ideal for larger hands
• The grip could be more robust; some shavers have noted slips when shaving in the shower
• It may not be aggressive enough for very thick, coarse facial hair to get a close shave

Wet Shaving Quality and Shaveability

Shave quality and performance (aka shaveability) matched with affordability is the main reason to purchase the Edwin Jagger DE89 safety razor.

The precision, closeness of shave, and comfort of the DE89 are undeniable—you can tell these safety razors were put together by people who take great pride in their work—and it offers an excellent shaving experience.

Thanks to the 3-piece scalloped closed-comb head design that guides your hair into the razor, you feel a smooth, effortless stroke every time. The safety bar is sturdy and forgiving; it doesn’t let the blade bite you so easily. The blade gap has an excellent sweet spot between the bar and the head, maintaining a gentle cutting angle without pulling or chattering.

Beginner's Tip: Use your brush and lather to map your face and keep track of your shaving direction.

Aggressiveness

This razor falls on the mild-aggressiveness scale, making the DE89 series great for both experienced wet shavers and beginners. The safety bar is forgiving, and we found that shaving with the DE89 head made nicks and cuts a thing of the past. Smooth as silk and great for those with sensitive skin or shaving sensitive areas.

A note to new safety razor shavers: since you haven't perfected the art of shaving with a safety razor yet, you may cut yourself until you get the hang of it. Always have a styptic pencil handy and an alum block to cool the afterburn.

The DE89 series features a classic close-comb head that neatly directs your facial hair to the razor, making the shave feel positively smooth. However, you should still use a shaving brush to perk your hair up and prepare it for the blade.

Blade Gap

The blade gap of Edwin Jagger DE89 safety razors is what puts the DE89 in the best-shave category and why it is a preferred daily driver for wet shavers and the perfect DE razor for beginners. All versions of the Edwin Jagger DE89 have a fixed 0.71 mm blade gap from the razor's edge to the safety bar, providing the perfect balance for a very close shave and a generous "sweet spot" for getting the blade angle correct. A perfectly balanced shave with nimble aggressiveness and efficiency, the Edwin Jagger DE89 produces a mild, luxurious, comfortable shave: neither overly brutal nor too mild, with divine forgiveness.

Grip

The Edwin Jagger DE89 handles like a fine English sports car, hugging curves and corners. With various knurlings to choose from, such as the classic DE89 with a smooth chrome handle, the Edwin Jagger DE89Lbl with a chromed lined handle, and the infallible grip of the Edwin Jagger DE89 black chrome 3D diamond, whatever your preference or where you shave, the Edwin Jagger DE89 series has something for everyone.

The only differences across all the variations are the finish, the knurling style, and the handle length. All Edwin Jagger razors offer a good grip and an easy balance point for those who prefer to shave in the shower. The chrome finish DE89 or the lined version may not provide the grip you need to prevent slippage in wet conditions.

Handle

Choosing the right safety razor from the DE89 series is quite simple; each one has the same head as the others, with the same closeness of shave and comfort level across blade exposure and blade gap, a scalloped safety bar, a closed comb, a balance point, and identical shaving performance.

The only nuance between the variations is in the style, the handle length, and the grip. Everything from the top down, so to speak. To help with your decision-making, start with your preferred shaving location—if you prefer shaving in the shower, a smooth handle is not recommended; go for one with extra grip. If you have larger hands, choose a longer handle length.

Edwin Jagger DE89 is available in various handle styles and lengths. Our bestsellers are the most sought after in the wet shaving market:

• The DE89BL (with the polished chrome handle)
• The DE89LBL (with a lined knurled handle)

The most prominent differences among all the DE89 models are in the handle and grip; the head design remains the same.

Finishes (from standard to luxe)

• DE89 Chrome - beautiful chrome plating and polished chrome finish
• DE89 Long Handled Chrome Lined - Chrome finish lined handle
• DE89BA11BL Chromed Barley - Timeless barley chrome finish
• DE89KNBL Knurled Grip - Chrome finish knurled grip
• DE89Lbl Chrome Lined - Chrome finish lined handle
  
• DE89 3D Diamond Black Chrome - 3D diamond black chrome knurling
• DE89BA11Gbl Gold Barley - Timeless barley in a 23-carat gold plating
  

Handle lengths (short to long)

• DE89 Chrome - 3.24 inches
• DE89 Long Handled Chrome Lined - 3.6 inches
• DE89BA11BL Chromed Barley - 3.66 inches
  
• DE89 3D Diamond Black Chrome - 3.66 inches
• DE89Lbl Chrome Lined - 3.66 inches
• DE89BA11Gbl Gold Barley - 3.66 inches
• DE89KNBL Knurled Grip - 3.97 inches

Grip (smoothest to sturdiest)

• DE89 Chrome - Smooth
• DE89 Long Handled Chrome Lined - Horizontal grooves
• DE89Lbl Chrome Lined - Horizontal grooves
• DE89BA11BL Chromed Barley - Knurled (barley pattern)
• DE89BA11Gbl Gold Barley - Knurled (barley pattern)
• DE89KNBL Knurled Grip - Knurled (barley pattern)
• DE89 3D Diamond Black Chrome - Knurled (diamond pattern)

The differences among the Edwin Jagger DE89 double-edge safety razors are slight, but they matter in terms of preferences, wet shaving experience, aggressiveness, control, and maneuverability.

Blade Replacement

Here are a few alternatives on the mild side:

• Derby Extra Green or Extra Blue
• Astra
• Wilkinson Sword
• Gillette 7 O'Clock Super Platinum
• Big Ben
• Tiger Superior
• Bic Chrome Platinum
• Shark Super Stainless
• Voskhod Teflon Coated
• Personna Platinum

It’s easy to fall in love with replacing blades on the DE89. The razor cap top and base plate pop off and open up like the buns of a hamburger, and a new blade fits easily into place.

To remove and replace used razor blades, twist the handle; the top and base plate will loosen and release. Next, slide in your favorite DE blade and position it on the posts of the razor cap's top plate, then fasten the base plate and tighten the handle. Make sure you carefully hold both sides of the razor head to ensure equal blade exposure.

Note: You will need to reset the position each time you swap out a blade for a cleaner, more consistent shave. Always check that you have equal blade exposure before you begin shaving to avoid edge misalignment, and correct the alignment as needed.

As with any safety razor, especially the Edwin Jagger DE89, don’t tighten the razor head too much when putting it back together, as this can wear out the screw thread that connects the razor head to the handle (through the base plate). Often, this area can be a weak point in the design, so use a light touch. If something goes wrong with the razor, this is the likely culprit.

Affordability

For $43 to $68, depending on your finish and knurling preferences, you will get the performance, looks, and brand-name quality that Edwin Jagger is famous for. You will love how the DE89 shaves. It truly is one of the best safety razors wet shavers can buy for the price.

Style

There’s an undeniable elegance to all Edwin Jagger safety razors, especially with the DE89—it's one of the most beautiful chrome plating finishes you can buy. From chrome plating to 23-carat gold plating, to a classic lined handle, polished chrome razor heads, and the brand name embossed into the handle. This double-edge safety razor is just the ticket if you’re looking for a timeless classic design.

Material Quality

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is built with solid bones: polished chrome-plated brass manufactured to high-quality standards and manufacturing tolerances.

With proper maintenance, polished chrome is easy to keep clean and corrosion-free. It has a nice, sleek sheen, and you don’t have to worry about rust as long as you don’t leave the razor in a pool of water (the chrome finish will deteriorate if kept constantly wet).

The underlying brass also offers several benefits. It’s antimicrobial, keeping your razor sterile and free of bacteria, and it adds weight and balance for handling. And while brass can tarnish, it is also resistant to rust, which is why brass is used to make navigational instruments often found on boats.

Care

Unlike most safety razors, the DE89 is entirely modular. Care and maintenance are a breeze because of its modular design. You can reach those areas that you cannot with most safety razors, which helps preserve the razor in tip-top condition for a very long time.

To get the smoothest shave from your Edwin Jagger safety razor, you should always take proper care of it. For most users, this is common sense. Keep it dry after use, rinse it clean from any shaving soap or shaving cream, and store the razor away from moisture. It's a good idea to use a stand or case to keep the razor in good condition when not in use.

Who Should Use the Edwin Jagger DE89?

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is a great safety razor for just about any wet shaver. People with mildly thick, average, or light-textured hair will find the head just right for trimming hair without ripping up the skin.

Beginner wet shavers will love how easy it is to learn the wet shaving technique with the DE89. That said, this safety razor isn’t only a beginner razor. The web is full of rave reviews about how much people adore the Edwin Jagger DE89; it's famous for a close shave and adequate protection against nicks and cuts, and it's good-looking enough to appeal to both enthusiasts and novices.

Who Should Avoid the DE89 Safety Razor?

This DE safety razor is well-loved by 99% of users. However, some men with large hands have found that the handles of some offerings are too small and weighted towards the blade, so if you have larger hands, we recommend the chrome-lined, longer-handle model.

Similarly, guys with dense facial hair and coarse beards may find the safety bar too mild, which can make your shave feel more like a hack job, so if Mild Mitch isn't your cowboy name, you should read about the Muhle R41 that we previously reviewed or try using a really sharp, fresh blade such as Kai blades, Feather blades, or Merkur DE razor blades.

Other Safety Razors Similar to Edwin Jagger DE89 Safety Razors

Muhle R89

The Muhle R89 is just as popular as the Edwin Jagger DE89, but with a slightly longer handle (4.21 inches vs 3.24 or even 3.66 for the long-handled version). Many users have found the head of the Muhle R89 a carbon copy of the DE89, but both manufacturers refute this claim. Both provide a moderately aggressive shave.

Merkur 23C

This is also a popular alternative, about half an inch longer. It also has an excellent grip, opting for a more grippy diamond-knurled handle.

If You are Looking for an Upgrade

Muhle R41 GS

The Muhle R41 GS is designed for more experienced shavers, with a slightly heavier, slightly more aggressive razor, a large gripping handle, and an open-tooth comb that allows for various techniques. Guys with thicker hair or larger hands might prefer the R41 to the DE89.

Rex Ambassador

The Rex Ambassador is still in the family of adjustable razors. Heavier and made out of stainless steel, advanced shavers may want to consider this model, which allows users to adjust the aggressiveness of the shave by changing the blade gap settings.

Is the Edwin Jagger DE89 a Good Razor?

In no uncertain terms: absolutely and emphatically, the answer is yes!

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is a very popular safety razor and for good reason. We put this safety razor through rigorous tests among the most discerning wet shaving enthusiasts, and the feedback, as mentioned earlier, came in nothing but aces. It has a good weight, is suitable for most men, has a handle length that fits most hands, and gives most men who use it a comfortable shave, with a great value-to-price point across all variations.

The few complaints many shavers have are mainly about the grip, but with so many variations, you can easily avoid any issues. It's not an aggressive razor, but it provides an incredibly close shave. You won't necessarily need shaving brushes to get a great shave, but a great razor helps.

Overall, it's a fantastic safety razor for a super close, mild shave.

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