Edwin Jagger DE86-BL Safety Razor Review

This is the first safety razor that I bought. When doing my initial research starting out, I found that there were two popular razors best suited to someone starting out: The Edwin Jagger and the Merkur 34C. The store I went to was sold out of the Merkur 34C, and being impatient it made the decision very easy.
- Unique design from the original designers of the DE8 Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor range, offers a very close, comfortable...
- Comfortable weight and balance for accurate, close shaving. This is an ideal razor, with a blade angle perfectly suited for both...
- A genuine Edwin Jagger design Double Edge Safety Razor from an internationally renowned supplier, based in Sheffield England....
- The two-part DE razor head is compatible with all standard Double Edge Safety Razor Blades and includes a FREE 5 blade pack of...
To clarify, this is a safety razor that is great for beginners – it is not a beginner’s safety razor. There is a difference, and that is that you will enjoy this safety razor long after you begin shaving.
It is well suited for a beginner as it is on the mild end of the shaving spectrum. When paired with a mild blade like a Derby Extra you will have a lower chance of cutting and irritating your face as you learn the proper blade angle and pressure. In addition to my face I also use this on my head with excellent results. As you become more comfortable you can essential throttle the aggressiveness by increasing the blade sharpness to something like a Voskhod and then all the way up to a Feather.
The Edwin Jagger has many model and different style choices which is well suited for personalization. The DE stands for double edge, DE86 is black, the DE87 is (faux) ivory, and the DE89 is chrome plated. An “L” at the end indicates a lined handle for extra grip, and the handles can be rubberized as well. I have also seen pink and purple handles being marketed towards ladies. The head on all of these models are the same.
I have seen concern over the grip on the smooth handle models. Having used the DE86 many times I can say I have had no issues with it being slippery. It may require a wipe every now and then, but so does every other razor and it is not problematic. If being slippery is an issue for you I have also seen people leave their alum block out to slightly rub your fingers and gain more grip.
The DE8x is a 3 piece razor which is easy to load, and I have found that every blade I have tried has no “slop” once it’s loaded. Some of the razors you really need to make sure the blade is properly aligned once you tighten it up, this one has been perfect every time.
I highly recommend the Edwin Jagger DE8x line, whether you are buying your first safety razor or just adding a classic to your collection. You will not be disappointed.
Overall Subjective Rating = 5/5
Make sure to check out some other Safety Razors or other Reviews.
Have you tried and Edwin Jagger DE8x? Make sure to leave your overall review, the community appreciates your vote!
- Unique design from the original designers of the DE8 Edwin Jagger Double Edge Safety Razor range, offers a very close, comfortable...
- Comfortable weight and balance for accurate, close shaving. This is an ideal razor, with a blade angle perfectly suited for both...
- A genuine Edwin Jagger design Double Edge Safety Razor from an internationally renowned supplier, based in Sheffield England....
- The two-part DE razor head is compatible with all standard Double Edge Safety Razor Blades and includes a FREE 5 blade pack of...
One thought on “Edwin Jagger DE86-BL Safety Razor Review”
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I have a DE89BL with the smooth chrome handle. No problems with the grip either. Chrome doesn’t have a slippery feel to me. Rubbing a little alum on your fingers through will give a greater grip to any razor if you need it.
It’s hard to beat the craftsmanship and attention to detail that Edwin Jagger does. The chrome plating is flawless and superb, equal to the Muhle razors I own.
My DE89 came with a pack of Derby Extra blades which I didn’t even open until recently. I wish I hadn’t, Derby’s just don’t agree with me at all. I remember the first shave I did with the DE89 and it was with an Astra SP blade, a fantastic combo.