Edwin Jagger DE89 Review 2026: Is This Classic Safety Razor Still Worth It?

If you want to move from cartridge razors to traditional wet shaving, the Edwin Jagger DE89 is one of the safety razors worth knowing about.

The DE89 is a classic double-edge safety razor with a closed-comb head. Edwin Jagger makes the razor in Sheffield, England, and the current standard chrome version is built around a 93 mm overall length, an 83 mm handle, and a 68 g weight. It is compatible with standard double-edge razor blades.

The DE89 has been around for years, but its simple design still makes sense in 2026. It doesn’t have complicated adjustment mechanisms or an aggressive-looking head. Instead, it focuses on balance, control and traditional shaving.

Edwin Jagger DE89 at a Glance

Feature	Details
Product	Edwin Jagger DE89
Type	Double-edge safety razor
Head	Closed comb
Construction	Two-piece head
Standard length	93 mm
Handle length	83 mm
Weight	68 g
Made in	Sheffield, England
Blade	Standard DE blades
Included blade	Feather Hi-Stainless on current standard versions
Adjustable	No

Edwin Jagger currently lists the standard DE89 as a Sheffield-made, chrome-finished closed-comb safety razor.

What Does the Edwin Jagger DE89 Look Like?

The DE89 has a traditional safety-razor appearance. The chrome finish gives it a polished look, while the relatively simple handle keeps the design clean.

Edwin Jagger says the standard chrome version is machined from solid brass, triple-plated and hand-polished. The manufacturer also engraves Edwin Jagger and Sheffield, England on the razor.

It is the kind of razor that looks equally comfortable in a traditional shaving setup or a modern bathroom.

Build Quality

Build quality is one of the main attractions of the DE89.

The standard chrome version uses a brass construction with triple plating and hand polishing. The head is a two-piece die-cast design.

At 68 g, it isn’t an extremely heavy safety razor. The weight is distributed in a way that gives the razor a controlled feel without requiring you to push it against the skin.

This is important because traditional safety razors work best when you let the razor glide instead of applying cartridge-style pressure.

How Does the DE89 Shave?

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The DE89 uses a closed-comb head, which is generally associated with a more controlled and approachable shaving style.

Edwin Jagger describes the DE89 head as designed to provide a close shave while remaining relatively gentle. The manufacturer also specifically describes the closed-comb configuration as suitable for beginners and everyday shaving.

Your results will still depend heavily on the blade you choose.

The DE89 accepts standard DE blades, so you aren’t locked into one manufacturer’s replacement blades. Edwin Jagger currently includes a Feather Hi-Stainless blade with several DE89 variants and recommends Feather blades for the razor.

Is Edwin Jagger DE89 Good for Beginners?

The DE89 can make sense for someone moving from cartridge shaving to a traditional double-edge razor.

The closed-comb head isn’t designed as an extreme or highly aggressive configuration, and the balanced 68 g construction makes it relatively easy to maneuver.

However, a safety razor still requires proper technique.

You need to learn the correct shaving angle and use very light pressure. Even a relatively mild DE razor can cause cuts or irritation if you press too hard or use the wrong angle.

Blade Performance

One of the best things about the DE89 is its compatibility with standard double-edge blades.

That gives you the opportunity to experiment.

Some blades are sharper, while others may feel smoother or more forgiving. Your beard thickness and skin sensitivity also affect which blade feels best.

The current Edwin Jagger DE89 listing includes one Feather Hi-Stainless blade, and the company recommends Feather as a pairing for the DE89 head.

Pro tip: Don’t assume the included blade will automatically be your perfect blade. Once you learn the razor, trying a small DE blade sampler can help you find a combination that suits your skin and beard.

Handle and Grip

One interesting thing about the DE89 is that the head stays essentially the same while Edwin Jagger offers different handle finishes and shapes.

The standard model has an 83 mm handle and 93 mm overall length.

There are also versions with lined, knurled and octagonal handles. The octagonal version, for example, is designed to provide additional grip when your hands are wet or covered with shaving soap.

If you like the DE89 head but don’t like smooth handles, there are therefore several variants worth looking at.

DE89 Long Handle Version

Edwin Jagger also sells long-handle DE89 versions.

The current long chrome model measures approximately 101 mm overall, with a 93 mm handle and a weight of around 70 g.

This can be useful if you prefer a longer grip or simply find longer safety razors more comfortable.

The long-handle version isn’t a completely different shaving system. The major difference is the handle size and resulting handling.

Pros & Cons of Edwin Jagger DE89

Pros	Cons
Excellent traditional design	Not adjustable
Closed-comb head	Requires learning proper technique
68 g balanced construction	Chrome needs care
Made in Sheffield	Short handle may not suit everyone
Compatible with standard DE blades	Blade choice affects results
Good option for traditional shaving	Can cause cuts if used incorrectly
Multiple handle variants available	No built-in blade adjustment

Edwin Jagger DE89 vs Cartridge Razor

The biggest difference is the shaving technique.

With a cartridge razor, you can generally move the razor across your face with relatively little thought about blade angle.

With the DE89, you need to control the angle yourself.

The advantage is that you have a simple replaceable blade system and a traditional shaving experience. The downside is that it takes more time to learn.

For someone who enjoys traditional wet shaving, this isn’t necessarily a disadvantage.

How to Use the Edwin Jagger DE89

Step 1: Prepare Your Face

Wash your face with warm water before shaving. This helps soften the facial hair.

Step 2: Build a Good Lather

Apply shaving cream or soap evenly over the beard area.

Step 3: Install the Blade

Place a fresh DE blade into the razor head and make sure it is seated correctly.

Step 4: Use Light Pressure

This is one of the most important rules.

Don’t press the DE89 into your skin.

Let its weight do most of the work.

Step 5: Start With the Grain

For your first pass, shave in the direction your facial hair grows.

Step 6: Rinse

Rinse the razor regularly so hair and shaving cream don’t build up around the blade.

Step 7: Clean the Razor

After shaving, rinse and dry the razor properly.

Maintenance

The DE89 doesn’t require complicated maintenance.

Edwin Jagger recommends cleaning its safety razors regularly and avoiding harsh or acidic cleaning products. A soft brush can be used to remove stubborn residue.

Because the DE89 uses a chrome finish, keeping soap residue from sitting on the surface for long periods is a sensible habit.

Is the Edwin Jagger DE89 Worth It in 2026?

For someone who wants a classic, non-adjustable double-edge safety razor, the DE89 remains a relevant option in 2026.

Its main strengths are its traditional closed-comb head, balanced 68 g construction, Sheffield manufacturing, standard DE blade compatibility and range of handle variations.

The main limitation is that it doesn’t offer adjustable settings. If you want to change blade exposure or shaving aggressiveness, you’ll need an adjustable safety razor instead.

But if you prefer a simple razor where you can focus on learning your technique and experimenting with blades, the DE89’s straightforward design is a strong fit.

Final Verdict

The Edwin Jagger DE89 is a classic double-edge safety razor that continues to make sense for traditional wet shaving in 2026.

Its closed-comb head, balanced 68 g weight, standard DE blade compatibility and Sheffield construction give it a straightforward design without unnecessary complexity.

It’s particularly interesting for men who want to move away from cartridge razors and learn traditional shaving. Experienced wet shavers can also appreciate its simplicity.

The biggest thing to remember is that the razor itself isn’t the whole equation. Blade choice, shaving cream, preparation, pressure and technique all influence the final result.