Edwin Jagger DE89 vs Merkur 34C (Which Razor is Best?)
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Edwin Jagger DE89 vs Mekur 34C; which one to get? I’ve used both these razor for 3 years so I have a pretty good idea about the pros and cons of each razor.
Edwin Jagger DE89
The DE89 is a made in England 3 piece safety razor. It comes in various handle lengths/colors but all of them share the same razor head.
Shaving Dynamics
The Edwin Jagger DE89 is a mild safety razor. This means that this razor is great for beginners as well as men who shave daily. It is a smooth safety razor with excellent shaving dynamics.
For men with a thicker or longer stubble, or those who shave only once or twice a week, the DE89 can be a bit too mild. This is also true for the Merkur 34C.
Check out of our list of the Best Safety Razors to buy in 2022!
Personally I find that the DE89 is slightly more efficient than the Merkur 34C but a lot of men have the opposite view.
With good technique, you will easily get a close and comfortable shave with the DE89!
Construction
The DE89 is made from a chrome plated zinc alloy which means the razor is fairly durable. If you don’t drop the razor and dry is properly after shaving, it should last many years. With that said, this is not a stainless steel or brass razor so it can break if you drop it from a significant height.
The finishing of the DE89 is absolutely stunning and I’ve heard that the chrome used on the DE89 is the same used on Rolls Royce vehicles.
The DE89 is clearly the more beautiful and aesthetically pleasing razor compared to the Merkur 34C.
A shorter handled DE89 comparable in length to the Merkur 34C. The DE89 also comes in longer handle lengths. So you have plenty of options to choose from!
Pros
- Affordable
- Great for beginners or men who shave daily
- Stunning chrome finishing
- Available in multiple colors/lengths
- Excellent shaving dynamics
Cons
- Not as durable as a stainless steel razor
- Mild razor which might not suit men with heavy stubble
Merkur 34C
The 34C is a 2 piece safety razor that is made in Germany. It only comes in 2 finishes; chrome and gold. The 34C features a shorter handle compared to the standard DE89.
A longer handled version, the Merkur 38C is also available with the same razor head. With the longer handle also comes a bit of extra weight.
Shaving Dynamics
Like the Edwin Jagger DE89, the Merkur 34C is a mild safety razor that is great for beginners and men who shave daily or every other day. Personally, I found the 34C to be a bit smoother compared to the Edwin Jagger DE89.
The Merkur 34C also felt more balanced during the shave. I also felt safer (i.e. less chance of cutting myself) with the 34C. With that said, the mild nature of the 34C might not be the best choice for men who shave only once or twice a week or who have heavy stubble.
Construction
The Merkur 34C features a chrome plated brass handle and a chrome plated zinc alloy head. This makes the razor moderately durable, more so than the Edwin Jagger DE89.
The 34G is the gold plated version of the standard 34C. The gold color is stunning and really makes the razor stand out!
Pros
- Excellent shaving dynamics
- Fairly durable construction
- Great for beginners and men who shave daily
Cons
- Shorter handle (Get the Merkur 38C instead)
- Not very efficient for men with heavy beards/stubble
- Only 2 color options (gold and chrome)
Conclusion
I hope you enjoyed this comparison and review of the Edwin Jagger DE89 and the Merkur 34C. Both razors are absolutely terrific for men who are new to wet shaving as well as for men who shave daily. You really can’t go wrong with either!
