Muhle R89 vs Edwin Jagger DE89: Are they the same?

The wet shaving community relies heavily on the internet, and because of that, we’re not immune to the misinformation and half-truths that circulate online. When I was a kid, to find out the truth about something, you had to grab an encyclopedia, ask your grandparents or parents, or go directly to the source—sometimes even making a long-distance call or dialing an 800 number. Nowadays, we just Google it. However, this often leads to regurgitated information, which isn’t always accurate.

With this new series, I aim to tackle the myths and legends within the shaving community and separate fact from fiction. My name is Tobin, and in “The Den,” we’ll be diving deep into these topics. For the past six months, I’ve been collaborating with artisans and vendors to create a list of myths I want to address.

Today, we’ll focus on the myths surrounding the Muhle R89 and the Edwin Jagger DE89 razors. So, grab your tinfoil hat and security blanket—depending on your personality type, you might need them. In this series, we’ll go straight to the source and use scientific methods to determine the truth.

MYTH NUMBER 1. The DE89 and R89 have the same head.

The first myth is that the Muhle R89 and Edwin Jagger DE89 have the same head. This is completely false. Using simple scientific methods, like measurement, we can debunk this myth. Not only is the blade gap different but the angle and exposure are slightly different as well. The Mühle is milder than the Edwin Jagger. The Mühle has a blade gap of 0.45 millimeters (0.018 inches), while the Edwin Jagger has a larger gap of 0.71 millimeters (0.028 inches). So, myth number one is easily debunked just by using measurements.

MYTH NUMBER 2. Edwin Jagger and Mühle collaborated to make the two razor heads.

The second myth is that Muhle and Edwin Jagger collaborated to make the razor head, often referred to as co-branding. Some websites claim this collaboration, but neither company has ever made such a claim. I called both companies to confirm this. Edwin Jagger stated they have never partnered with Muhle. I had a similar conversation with Mühle, who confirmed they have never collaborated with Edwin Jagger.

If Mühle and Edwin Jagger were lying about not collaborating, what would they gain? Co-branding is common and beneficial for companies, so it would be a badge of honor if these two respected companies had come together. Thus, applying logic and going directly to the source debunks myth number two.

I have several more topics planned for this series and welcome your comments. I’ve shared measurements and contacted Mühle and Edwin Jagger for verification. Don’t just take my word for it—contact them yourselves. Both companies were very approachable and helpful.

Thank you for joining me in “The Den.” I hope this was coherent and informative. Remember, this is all in good fun. I appreciate your time, and I look forward to seeing you next time.