Recs for Thick, Coarse beard

You can try putting a shim under a sharp blade in you de89 and shave wtg, xtg, xtg. Be patient. Chances are you haven’t nailed the shave angle. Spend so time learning the art (keep variables controled, stick to max 3 soaps). When you figure that out, go slowly go atg.
After that you can join the party, try some soaps, brushes, other razors and the whole package.

Today my best option is upgrading the handle.
EJ DE89 is a wonderful head, with the right technique.
https://damnfineshave.com/thread-franken...s-chimeras

Dumb question but what do you mean by trying shims?

Gillette Old Type with a thin cap.

I started out with a DE89, excellent razor.  I would recommend the Rockwell 6s - its my daily driver now and with the base plate selection I can have an aggressive shave or a mild shave or anything in between - I can even change plates between passes.  Its sad in a way how all my other razors are left gathering dust but I just can't help reaching for the Rockwell 

Dumb question but what do you mean by trying shims?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xWnJ18hVDDQ