Ikon Bulldog II handle with EJ DE89. Worth it?

FrankieG

FrankieG

Messages
4,059
Location
London, UK
Being quite new to the DE experience my only razor is currently an EJ DE89L (with lined handle). The razor seems to work well for me even though I'm still working on my technique, and I'm in the process of trying different blades with it. I can't say I find the handle all that slippery but I can't help wondering if my shaves would improve with a different or 'better' handle.

As I have no frame of reference as to how the DE89 compares to other razors, would it be worth upgrading with an Ikon Bulldog II handle (£43 from Connaught) or would I be better off putting the money towards another/different/better razor? The Ikon handle is the same length/diameter as my current one and that seems to fit my large hand well, although it's quite a bit heavier at 78g vs 46g of the DE89 handle.

Otherwise, are there any other replacement handles that aren't too short and are readily available in the UK that I should consider? Any comments appreciated :)

Ikon handle porn:

wpd94db14d_05.jpg


Handle machined from solid stainless steel, mirror finish.
New size: 85 mm / 3 1/3” long, weight - 78g / 2.75
 
Speak to Daz and have a custom JEC handle made. The knurling on mine is exquisite and very grippy. Thanks for another excuse to put up a picture! The photo is crap but the handle is a sheer joy with the Jagger head. 100mm long at 15mm diameter at the widest point. British made an' all!

8091890390_4aca0dfa89.jpg
 
Gairdner said:
Speak to Daz and have a custom JEC handle made. The knurling on mine is exquisite and very grippy. Thanks for another excuse to put up a picture! The photo is crap but the handle is a sheer joy with the Jagger head. 100mm long at 15mm diameter at the widest point. British made an' all!

8091890390_4aca0dfa89.jpg
Click to expand...

Looks great! What material is that? Stainless steel?
 
I use a Weber Bulldog handle (looks very similar to the Ikon) with my EJ De89 head and find it's a great combination. Also trying it out with a Tech head and it seems very good (but it rather offends my sensibility not to use the tech with its proper vintage handle).
All bets are off now I've got my shiny Weber head and handle... the De89 will be my holiday razor.
 
I have an EJhead with a BRW handle, and its an excellent shaver. I find the extra weigh due to the handle gives me a better shave. Plenty of handles to choose from these days.

Every time I use this razor I consider selling my others.
 
FrankieG said:
As I have no frame of reference as to how the DE89 compares to other razors, would it be worth upgrading with an Ikon Bulldog II handle (£43 from Connaught) or would I be better off putting the money towards another/different/better razor?
Click to expand...

At this stage, I would suggest you try out a different razor first.

Once you've tried out some other razors, and become more familiar with what works for you with DE shaving, then it might be time to try another handle. I now use a Weber Bulldog handle with my EJ DE86 head. The stock setup is great, but the Weber handle is a subtle improvement. New handles are fun, however I don't think I would have appreciated the difference without having tried out other razors first.
 
FrankieG said:
Being quite new to the DE experience my only razor is currently an EJ DE89L (with lined handle).

As I have no frame of reference as to how the DE89 compares to other razors, would it be worth upgrading with an Ikon Bulldog II handle (£43 from Connaught) or would I be better off putting the money towards another/different/better razor?
Click to expand...

Hi there,

Personally, I'd wait 6-8 weeks after starting this goofy 'hobby' before buying any new razor or handle. By then you'll be getting consistently good shaves and your technique will be all sorted out.

I'd be on the side of members who suggested you get another razor with a different head design for your next purchase. Not all heads shave the same and you wanna match that part with your face fairly quickly. Try a Merker or Weber and a Gillette or three. See which fit the best.

No sense in putting a nice handle on a head that's not right,

Martin
 
What Francorelli and Dodgy said, give it some time, then try out different razors. And different blades.

I think trying out different handles has got to be a last experiment.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom