Edwin Jagger Chatsworth DE safety razor

Edwin Jagger Chatsworth DE safety razor (Chrome)
Price - £55.99 (shaving-shack.com)

Edwin Jagger Chatsworth DE Safety Razor (Chrome)

This was the first DE safety razor I purchased having been attracted to traditional wet shaving by the promise of a luxurious, more comfortable shave and I can honestly say - I haven't been disappointed.

After doing some research I decided to go with the Sheffield based, Edwin Jagger branded razor with it's reputation of quality and origins in the North of England where these razors are still made today.

Looking back I think I was over zealous jumping into the world or DE shaving with the purchase of this relatively expensive razor.  However, I couldn't have asked for a better introduction, this is a fantastic product.

As with most Edwin Jagger razors manufactured today the Chatsworth Chrome sports the MÜHLE 'hybrid' safety bar - rake design head.  This style of razor head is common to many double edge safety razors produced today owing to it's combination of safety and comfort along with the ability to yield a quality shave.  This particular razor provides an excellent, comfortable, but not overly mild, shave over 2-3 passes when combined with the right razor blade (I use a feather).

The Chatsworth is a relatively long handled razor at 12.5 cm in total length, considerably longer than the classic Edwin Jagger DE89 (9.5cm). It's also heavier at 90g compared to the 76g DE89.  Whether these differences contribute to a better shave is a matter of opinion and whether these differences warrant a £34 price increase on the DE89 is up for debate.  As I see it, you'll be using your razor almost everyday so why not splash out on something just right?  The deciding factor for me is the longer, more ergonomic handle which I find more comfortable and I was ultimately swayed by the 10% discount offered by the shaving shack for signing up to their news letter.


The Chatsworth razor also comes in a 'Barley' variation with a textured handle with a price tag of around £72.  I find this additional cost unnecessary considering the flawless smooth finish of the chrome razor looks great as it is and I've not had any problems holding onto it razor even when wet. 

This 3 piece razor screws together solidly and can easily and safely disassembled even when loaded making for easy cleaning and blade changing.  The feather blades I use have a tiny overhang on the non-cutting edges of the head which provides purchase for unscrewing the handle when a blade is loaded. 

The Edwin Jagger Chatsworth Chrome is a great razor and I look forward to getting many years service from it.  My only quarrel is the hefty price tag considering a comparable shave can be obtained from the DE89.  While I personally find the longer, heavier Chatsworth Chrome razor more comfortable and asthetically pleasing, my advice to a new wet shaver would be to go for the DE89 or equivalently priced razor and spend the difference on some quality shaving cream and aftershave balm.  Then again, you can't put a price on wet shave degeneracy. 

Nick @WetShaveLondon