Just what I needed to see. I sit here waiting for my DE89 and Proraso cream to be delivered in the mail today. I need to tackle a one week beard for my first real DE shave, and was feeling nervous I'd let it go too long. But then, the only alternative at this point would be to knock it down with the last dull cartridge blade I ever intend to buy. So thank you for that confidence!
I hope it went well! The DE89 will have zero issue with a week's worth of growth, just make sure you take your time if this is your first shave. Check out my wetshaving tutorial playlist on my channel if you need more information on how to use your new razor!
Hi Michael- Nice shave today- well done. Razor, blade, shave cream and technique did a very smooth job of dealing with a week’s worth of beard growth! Thank you for the video and have a good week ahead. Best regards, as always.
It's such a great balance of comfort and efficiency, and the chroming is very well done, and just proves that "even the DE89" can easily take care of heavy growth.
The de89 made quick work of that growth. Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding the right blade and razor combo. I’m sure the Voskhod was a factor in the comfortable and smooth shave. I haven’t tried the Himalayan heights but I have tried the pots of milk and the stuff is amazing. This brand is one of my favs hands down. Have a blessed day Michael.
Same to you, and no argument on the Pots of Milk. I have not yet tried it but the Wholly Kaw donkey milk soap base is supposed to excellent...try that as a follow-up to the Pots of Milk!
Don’t have anything from Wholly Kaw, although I’d like to check out Jamestown gentelman. The notes composition sounds pretty good and anything with donkey milk in it is a huge plus. Have a great weekend Michael.
I never thought the DE89 would cut right through one week beard growth, but it did good as I saw. I'm a weekly shaver rather than a daily shaver as I usually go like 6 to 8 days without shaving, and once every week I would shave and then go one week without it. It's basically how my shaving schedule works, and in a few years daily shaving will become a norm
I also agree that skipping a day often results in the best shaves. That extra day of growth makes the shave a lot more comfortable, really easy to get a BBS that way. My beard starts to itch after four or five days of not shaving, it's awful. I used to like having a beard, but now I find it difficult to get over the itch.
HI, Michael. Great video as always. Kudos for going a whole week without a shave for the team. But I am puzzled about the Meißner Tremonia's Exotic Elemi scent -- I have the Rasierpaste -- and wondered if you could help out. Your scent description is what I generally hear, but it's not what my nose tells me. For me, the dominant scent is of an exotic black pepper mixed in with other herbs and spices that mostly serve to bring out its pungency. The pepper scent is so overpowering that I can't get past it to appreciate the woody and citrus notes that everyone else raves about and that I know are characteristic of elemi. If I had to compare this scent to something, it would be to a classic Brooklyn pastrami rub, which used tons of black pepper. It is a pleasant scent, but it makes for an unusual morning shave experience. I almost always prefer M.T.'s Dark Limes or Salty Sea Sage. It's not to the point that I find myself reaching for the brown mustard for the pre- or post-shave, but it makes me wonder what's up with my nose, which usually hones in on what everyone else is noticing. Not even my daughter, who deals in perfumes, knows what I'm talking about. Of the three M.T. soaps I have, the elemi is her favorite, but for reasons that escape me. My question is: Can you detect in the aftershave any of what I'm getting from the shave paste? Thanks as always.
No, at least it never struck me as peppery...it is much more on the wood and incense side for me. I will have another strong sniff and let you know, but no pepper for me!
Thanks, Michael. That's helpful. Even if it's not confirmation it tells me I'm caught up in some kind of association. I'll figure this out with my daughter. Many thanks. -- Warren
What a coincidence, I will be adding this model razor to my collection within a couple of days. I have numerous razors and not remotely a beginner DE shaver but I do not have a Jagger and I want to have at least one razor from the the Big Four(Muhle, Merkur(I have the 34 C), Parker and Jagger).
HAHa, I've never used a cartridge until two years ago when I started at MenEssentails, gave me a whole new perspective on wet shaving. Now I make videos so I can try and get women into it as well. --CC
Hello Michael. I am in North Carolina as well. I’ve never commented before, but I have watched your videos for years. What is that song at the end of the video?
You made it look so easy! You totally nailed it! With my first pass I always leave some stubble back when I have a week beard growth. Indeed th DE89 did a great job! Exactly like my Parker 97R. They also have the same head. So, how many soaps do you have in full pack?
How many soaps that are either entirely or mostly full? 15? 20? Maybe 25 or more? Not sure it is that high, because I just gave away a number of work. I hate seeing them sit on the shelf, so I do keep passing on tubs of soap where and when I can. I knew already that the DE89 would have no issues, but it was really fun to do this - thank you for the suggestion!
I shaved every day since I was 20 now 37. My beard growth pattern is like your. Simply copied your moves and had the most comfortable shave some while ago.
Excellent, very glad to hear that! Funny how sometimes just seeing somebody else do it makes it clearer what you need to do, and hopefully with good results. I hope the great shaves continue!
Smart dude Michael🤔🤔 yes! Washers! How about putting a washer beetween the 2 pieces that holds the blade to make the razor a bit more aggressif. Good video 👌
I don’t think the washer would be enough to act as a shim inside the razor head (between the base plate and the top cap),and the size might cause the blade to bend unevenly in the razor head...I have never tried it though, so those are just guesses!
The washer helps to reduce strain on the handle and the bottom of the baseplate, and also helps to prevent any scratching or other damage to the baseplate from the handle.
I have the same edwin jagger razor. I bought a knurled SS handle from west coast shaving as a replacement and it has a much better grip. I'm liking my rockwell 6c as well since it is adjustable. Did you mention what blade you used? I must have missed it.
Good lather, rich and creamy. I notised that good soap soften a stubbles so well. Even mild E.J. razor clean the face very fast.) No chanse for one weel beard.) Thanks a lot for nice review!
Glad you enjoyed that! Yes, a good soap really helps prepare your beard for the shave, so I took a bit of extra time in this case to make sure I really built a good lather and also really worked it into my beard. That beard did not stand a chance.
If I remember correctly, this head was jointly developed by Edwin Jagger and Mühle, after which they each produced their own supply. The Mühle version is the R89, which comes with different options for the hand,e style and finishes.
I'm finding aggressive razors work better for me. It's easier to get a close shave, and my technique is good enough that I can shave with them. I'm using the Ikon Shavecraft Tech, similar in aggression to the R41 (though the Ikon Tech is closed comb). I get a fantastic one pass and clean-up, close to BBS (but I don't actually shave against the grain, it's not even necessary with a razor this aggressive). I don't like fidgeting with the blade angle on mild razors to get a close shave, I want to do as few passes as possible and get it over with quick (I know that's blasphemy in the wet shaving world, but if I'm shaving throughout the week I don't want it to take long).
Understood, makes perfect sense if you want a very good and fast shave...no need to feel like you are somehow doing it wrong if you don’t do three passes. What is your usual blade pairing with the iKon?
My absolute favorite blades are Gillette 7 O'Clock Blacks (just got a batch in from Maggard's). I find them almost as sharp as Feather, but much smoother. I also like Crystal blades, Astras, and GSBs.
That will have to wait, I still have a long list of new (or new to me) things to try out for review. Pots of Milk is really nice stuff, I will be happy to get back to it at some point in the future - God knows when!
The washer I use is a nylon washer, 1mm thick, 5 mm interior diameter, 10 mm exterior diameter. Look in your local hardware store or order online (likely in bulk only, 100 at a time?).
@@mfreedberg Thanks. I thought about going to Ace to find the right size, but didn't want to look like a crazy person carrying my razor around in hardware store. :D
First of all well done you, sticking this out, a whole week without any shave. But, you did, in deed, make the case that good old Edwin J. DE89 can be upto the challenge. Instinctively, myself I would have reached for an open comb razor to deal with a week's growth, and not so much because my week's long beard is any more than yours. Rather, because I have the bad habit of predominantly (even when I start my shave) shaving against the grain. I always start from the bottom of my neck, against the grain, heading upward. Have to say, even so I wouldn't discount the possibility that even in my 'unorthodox' way of shaving the EdwinJ might still give me the smooth & easy shave you've just had. I suppose, I shall have to try it. Here is a question though: a week's growth naturally has some length. So, is it not true that a straight bar razor might be more prone to clog with that longer hair than an open comb razor? Admittedly, you didn't appear to encounter/mention such problems during your shave I'm though wondering whether, aside you showing what the EdwinJ. can be made to do, the open comb (or the slant) might be better to be given priority for the task of tackling a weekly shave abstinence. Just thinkin'... probably too much about it.. :) Thanks for holding back Michael for a week and then sharing your shave with us.
I think you must in fact try it, and see just how easily the DE89 takes care of that stubble in your first and yet ATG pass. I bet it really has no issues with it! I think that the clogging, or lack thereof, is more a factor of the gap between the razor edge and the safety bar. As you cut through the hair, that gap allows the lather and hair to pass through to the underside, hopefully without clogging. The open comb bar could still clog if that gap is too narrow, I would think. I think any of the slants I have would do just as well, and perhaps feel even less resistance with that much growth. I took off my 30 days old mustache with the Merkur 37C with ease. If I do this again, and I think I will just for fun, I will use the Fatip Grande.
Nice shave👍 I like their pots of milk hard soap the best, strong & Scottish was nice but can’t go to work smelling like a cigar bar. With or without a beard? A handsome man either way.
I would like to try their hard soap, I have heard it is actually slicker than the paste -- if so, then the hard soap must be really good! Cigar bar in the morning? That would certainly raise some eyebrows at work. Thank you for the compliment - I think I prefer the clean-shaven me :-)
Nice shave. I assume you have no interest in extending this experiment during 'No-shave Movember' (then breaking out your Fatip Grande)? Then again, you already did it (to a lesser degree) with a Merkur 37C. /watch?v=9sjH9LIG3B4
My wife has already made clear that the mustache only look is not an option :-) The Merkur 37C just took it off in a few strokes, and I would think that the Fatip Grande would do exactly the same...no prisoners, no mercy!!!
thats odd i know i subscribed to your channel...somehow it was cancled i must notised oh for next time you let the beard grow buy a beard oil works wonders with the itchyness
Bloody hell Michael next time you want to shave off a whole week of hairy cheesy stubble, please I would love to see you shave with a Muhle R41...........Don't tell me your bloody scared of the R41.
Just what I needed to see. I sit here waiting for my DE89 and Proraso cream to be delivered in the mail today. I need to tackle a one week beard for my first real DE shave, and was feeling nervous I'd let it go too long. But then, the only alternative at this point would be to knock it down with the last dull cartridge blade I ever intend to buy. So thank you for that confidence!
I hope it went well! The DE89 will have zero issue with a week's worth of growth, just make sure you take your time if this is your first shave. Check out my wetshaving tutorial playlist on my channel if you need more information on how to use your new razor!
Hi Michael- Nice shave today- well done. Razor, blade, shave cream and technique did a very smooth job of dealing with a week’s worth of beard growth! Thank you for the video and have a good week ahead. Best regards, as always.
Same to you, have a great week, and thank you so much for watching!
The DE 89 is a marvel of shaving engineering. I pair mine with a Maggard MR 5 handle.
Razorock Mission handle for mine. :)
I meant to switch the handle and completely forgot to do so...but then again it’s good to show the original razor in action.
That's a great razor. I can really appreciate how a good razor and blade make shaving a heavy growth very easy.
It's such a great balance of comfort and efficiency, and the chroming is very well done, and just proves that "even the DE89" can easily take care of heavy growth.
How about a shave den tour?
I will think about it, I am afraid it might disappoint...but then again there is a lot of stuff up there on the shelves...
Yet another excellent video Michael.
Thank you, hope you keep enjoying them!
The de89 made quick work of that growth. Sometimes it’s just a matter of finding the right blade and razor combo. I’m sure the Voskhod was a factor in the comfortable and smooth shave. I haven’t tried the Himalayan heights but I have tried the pots of milk and the stuff is amazing. This brand is one of my favs hands down. Have a blessed day Michael.
Same to you, and no argument on the Pots of Milk. I have not yet tried it but the Wholly Kaw donkey milk soap base is supposed to excellent...try that as a follow-up to the Pots of Milk!
Don’t have anything from Wholly Kaw, although I’d like to check out Jamestown gentelman. The notes composition sounds pretty good and anything with donkey milk in it is a huge plus. Have a great weekend Michael.
I never thought the DE89 would cut right through one week beard growth, but it did good as I saw. I'm a weekly shaver rather than a daily shaver as I usually go like 6 to 8 days without shaving, and once every week I would shave and then go one week without it. It's basically how my shaving schedule works, and in a few years daily shaving will become a norm
What is your normal razor for these weekly shaves?
Thnx Micheal
Very nice shave 👍 The R89 is my favorite razor!
Indeed, a wonderful razor!
I also agree that skipping a day often results in the best shaves. That extra day of growth makes the shave a lot more comfortable, really easy to get a BBS that way. My beard starts to itch after four or five days of not shaving, it's awful. I used to like having a beard, but now I find it difficult to get over the itch.
The itch is sometimes really obvious, but the worst one is the background low level nonstop itch...I shave every day :-)
May the force be with you!
And with you!!
This one, rockwell 2c and marvel closed combs are the best for me
The DE89 is just right in that perfect balance spot -- excellent all-around razor!!
HI, Michael. Great video as always. Kudos for going a whole week without a shave for the team. But I am puzzled about the Meißner Tremonia's Exotic Elemi scent -- I have the Rasierpaste -- and wondered if you could help out.
Your scent description is what I generally hear, but it's not what my nose tells me. For me, the dominant scent is of an exotic black pepper mixed in with other herbs and spices that mostly serve to bring out its pungency. The pepper scent is so overpowering that I can't get past it to appreciate the woody and citrus notes that everyone else raves about and that I know are characteristic of elemi.
If I had to compare this scent to something, it would be to a classic Brooklyn pastrami rub, which used tons of black pepper. It is a pleasant scent, but it makes for an unusual morning shave experience. I almost always prefer M.T.'s Dark Limes or Salty Sea Sage. It's not to the point that I find myself reaching for the brown mustard for the pre- or post-shave, but it makes me wonder what's up with my nose, which usually hones in on what everyone else is noticing. Not even my daughter, who deals in perfumes, knows what I'm talking about. Of the three M.T. soaps I have, the elemi is her favorite, but for reasons that escape me.
My question is: Can you detect in the aftershave any of what I'm getting from the shave paste?
Thanks as always.
No, at least it never struck me as peppery...it is much more on the wood and incense side for me.
I will have another strong sniff and let you know, but no pepper for me!
Thanks, Michael. That's helpful. Even if it's not confirmation it tells me I'm caught up in some kind of association. I'll figure this out with my daughter. Many thanks. -- Warren
What a coincidence, I will be adding this model razor to my collection within a couple of days. I have numerous razors and not remotely a beginner DE shaver but I do not have a Jagger and I want to have at least one razor from the the Big Four(Muhle, Merkur(I have the 34 C), Parker and Jagger).
Well, I hope you like it! I really cannot find fault with it at all, and it *just works* - great razor! Which specific one did you get?
I bought the completely chromed non knurled handle model...I am aware of the reputation for slipperiness and have a remedy for that issue.
That no lather touch up was brave.
I know no fear. Also, sometimes I do stupid things.
I've always wanted to see what that shave looks like. Thanks, Michael.
--CC
And now you know - no issues with a week's worth of growth! Try THAT with a cartridge razor :-)
HAHa, I've never used a cartridge until two years ago when I started at MenEssentails, gave me a whole new perspective on wet shaving. Now I make videos so I can try and get women into it as well.
--CC
Hello Michael. I am in North Carolina as well. I’ve never commented before, but I have watched your videos for years. What is that song at the end of the video?
“Booty Swing” by Parov Stelar!
Sorry, meant to add a thank you for watching, glad you are enjoying them!! Go Heels!
Hi Michael. I`ve yet to hear anyone say anything bad about the de 89. And for the price, you can`t lose. Thank you.
My only complaint? The smooth handle, and that is easily remedied (use another handle, or use some alum).
Lovely razor, and beloved for good reason.
You made it look so easy! You totally nailed it!
With my first pass I always leave some stubble back when I have a week beard growth. Indeed th DE89 did a great job! Exactly like my Parker 97R. They also have the same head.
So, how many soaps do you have in full pack?
How many soaps that are either entirely or mostly full? 15? 20? Maybe 25 or more? Not sure it is that high, because I just gave away a number of work. I hate seeing them sit on the shelf, so I do keep passing on tubs of soap where and when I can.
I knew already that the DE89 would have no issues, but it was really fun to do this - thank you for the suggestion!
I have Meißner Ice-Mint Aftershave.It ist verry good and very colling.
Greetings from Bayern
Amazing razor , i love shaving my beard as well as head with it 😊
DE89 is a classic for a reason, it's just well balanced in comfort and efficiency. Lovely razor.
Thankfully you didnt try vintange razor this time ....must have been a pleasure to finally feel ur skin
I think any of my vintage razors would have done just as well, from the Tech to the Old Type to the Slim Twist!
Yes, that shave felt very good :-)
I shaved every day since I was 20 now 37. My beard growth pattern is like your. Simply copied your moves and had the most comfortable shave some while ago.
Excellent, very glad to hear that! Funny how sometimes just seeing somebody else do it makes it clearer what you need to do, and hopefully with good results.
I hope the great shaves continue!
Very nice shave. 💈👍👏
Thanks, glad you enjoyed it!
Smart dude Michael🤔🤔 yes! Washers! How about putting a washer beetween the 2 pieces that holds the blade to make the razor a bit more aggressif. Good video 👌
I don’t think the washer would be enough to act as a shim inside the razor head (between the base plate and the top cap),and the size might cause the blade to bend unevenly in the razor head...I have never tried it though, so those are just guesses!
what razor blades go with the de89 for the best shave? I have sensitive skin. Thanks.
Great video what is the purpose for the washer?
The washer helps to reduce strain on the handle and the bottom of the baseplate, and also helps to prevent any scratching or other damage to the baseplate from the handle.
Michael Freedberg I always wondered thank you for the response
I have the same edwin jagger razor. I bought a knurled SS handle from west coast shaving as a replacement and it has a much better grip. I'm liking my rockwell 6c as well since it is adjustable. Did you mention what blade you used? I must have missed it.
The mighty Voskhod! Yes, I agree, replacing the handle makes a lot of sense, as this one is just a touch too slippery.
Good lather, rich and creamy. I notised that good soap soften a stubbles so well. Even mild E.J. razor clean the face very fast.) No chanse for one weel beard.) Thanks a lot for nice review!
Glad you enjoyed that! Yes, a good soap really helps prepare your beard for the shave, so I took a bit of extra time in this case to make sure I really built a good lather and also really worked it into my beard.
That beard did not stand a chance.
Hi Michael, thanks for you vids. Do you think the DE89 is made by Muhle?
If I remember correctly, this head was jointly developed by Edwin Jagger and Mühle, after which they each produced their own supply. The Mühle version is the R89, which comes with different options for the hand,e style and finishes.
Dank voor deze mooie shave video!!
Absoluut geen probleem, en dank voor het bekijken!
I'm finding aggressive razors work better for me. It's easier to get a close shave, and my technique is good enough that I can shave with them. I'm using the Ikon Shavecraft Tech, similar in aggression to the R41 (though the Ikon Tech is closed comb). I get a fantastic one pass and clean-up, close to BBS (but I don't actually shave against the grain, it's not even necessary with a razor this aggressive). I don't like fidgeting with the blade angle on mild razors to get a close shave, I want to do as few passes as possible and get it over with quick (I know that's blasphemy in the wet shaving world, but if I'm shaving throughout the week I don't want it to take long).
Understood, makes perfect sense if you want a very good and fast shave...no need to feel like you are somehow doing it wrong if you don’t do three passes.
What is your usual blade pairing with the iKon?
My absolute favorite blades are Gillette 7 O'Clock Blacks (just got a batch in from Maggard's). I find them almost as sharp as Feather, but much smoother. I also like Crystal blades, Astras, and GSBs.
I want to see a video again using the POTS of Milk!
That will have to wait, I still have a long list of new (or new to me) things to try out for review. Pots of Milk is really nice stuff, I will be happy to get back to it at some point in the future - God knows when!
One week beard? I'm jealous, I got this kind of beard after 2 days
Does anyone know what size washer is best? Thanks
The washer I use is a nylon washer, 1mm thick, 5 mm interior diameter, 10 mm exterior diameter. Look in your local hardware store or order online (likely in bulk only, 100 at a time?).
@@mfreedberg Thanks. I thought about going to Ace to find the right size, but didn't want to look like a crazy person carrying my razor around in hardware store. :D
First of all well done you, sticking this out, a whole week without any shave. But, you did, in deed, make the case that good old Edwin J. DE89 can be upto the challenge. Instinctively, myself I would have reached for an open comb razor to deal with a week's growth, and not so much because my week's long beard is any more than yours. Rather, because I have the bad habit of predominantly (even when I start my shave) shaving against the grain. I always start from the bottom of my neck, against the grain, heading upward. Have to say, even so I wouldn't discount the possibility that even in my 'unorthodox' way of shaving the EdwinJ might still give me the smooth & easy shave you've just had. I suppose, I shall have to try it.
Here is a question though: a week's growth naturally has some length. So, is it not true that a straight bar razor might be more prone to clog with that longer hair than an open comb razor? Admittedly, you didn't appear to encounter/mention such problems during your shave I'm though wondering whether, aside you showing what the EdwinJ. can be made to do, the open comb (or the slant) might be better to be given priority for the task of tackling a weekly shave abstinence. Just thinkin'... probably too much about it.. :) Thanks for holding back Michael for a week and then sharing your shave with us.
I think you must in fact try it, and see just how easily the DE89 takes care of that stubble in your first and yet ATG pass. I bet it really has no issues with it!
I think that the clogging, or lack thereof, is more a factor of the gap between the razor edge and the safety bar. As you cut through the hair, that gap allows the lather and hair to pass through to the underside, hopefully without clogging. The open comb bar could still clog if that gap is too narrow, I would think.
I think any of the slants I have would do just as well, and perhaps feel even less resistance with that much growth. I took off my 30 days old mustache with the Merkur 37C with ease.
If I do this again, and I think I will just for fun, I will use the Fatip Grande.
Open comb razor Will get clogged way easier when dealing with longer hair, than closed comb razor.
Do you have a preference between the paste or the hard soap?
I have never tried the hard soap, sadly, but I have heard it is actually slicker than the paste -- if so, the hard soap must be very very good!!
Nice shave👍
I like their pots of milk hard soap the best, strong & Scottish was nice but can’t go to work smelling like a cigar bar.
With or without a beard?
A handsome man either way.
I would like to try their hard soap, I have heard it is actually slicker than the paste -- if so, then the hard soap must be really good!
Cigar bar in the morning? That would certainly raise some eyebrows at work.
Thank you for the compliment - I think I prefer the clean-shaven me :-)
Nice shave. I assume you have no interest in extending this experiment during 'No-shave Movember' (then breaking out your Fatip Grande)?
Then again, you already did it (to a lesser degree) with a Merkur 37C.
/watch?v=9sjH9LIG3B4
My wife has already made clear that the mustache only look is not an option :-)
The Merkur 37C just took it off in a few strokes, and I would think that the Fatip Grande would do exactly the same...no prisoners, no mercy!!!
Blowin that kush
Make sure to get some fresh air, too!
thats odd i know i subscribed to your channel...somehow it was cancled i must notised oh for next time you let the beard grow buy a beard oil works wonders with the itchyness
If I were ever to grow a beard, then I would certainly use a beard balm or oil, as the itchiness and dry skin drove me crazy!
Bloody hell Michael next time you want to shave off a whole week of hairy cheesy stubble, please I would love to see you shave with a Muhle R41...........Don't tell me your bloody scared of the R41.
I don’t have one, and no, I am not scared :-)
The only razor I used for less than a full pass was the Rocnel...no way.
I believe I can smell R41 Chicken 🐓