Wolfman WR1 gap advice please

Thank you so much!

Thank you so much!

For a little background, I was not lucky enough to snag a BBS-1 directly from LA Shaving, but bought a one owner second hand at what was not an unreasonable price, compared to what they were going for later.

I've had it for years, and didn't shave with it much since I have a large rotation, and wanted to keep it in pristine condition. So I never really got to 'know' the razor. Anyway, what a difference a blade makes.

So I shaved with it using a Gillette Platinum a few days ago and wasn't that happy with the results. Just so-so. This morning 3 days growth, a brand new Feather blade, and the shave was nothing short of spectacular.

Smooth as silk, and 2 pass max BBS with absolutely no burn or irritation. 

Just to update as I said I would. 

Thank you so much!

For a little background, I was not lucky enough to snag a BBS-1 directly from LA Shaving, but bought a one owner second hand at what was not an unreasonable price, compared to what they were going for later.

I've had it for years, and didn't shave with it much since I have a large rotation, and wanted to keep it in pristine condition. So I never really got to 'know' the razor. Anyway, what a difference a blade makes.

So I shaved with it using a Gillette Platinum a few days ago and wasn't that happy with the results. Just so-so. This morning 3 days growth, a brand new Feather blade, and the shave was nothing short of spectacular.

Smooth as silk, and 2 pass max BBS with absolutely no burn or irritation. 

Just to update as I said I would. 

I bought mine directly from John years ago. 2016 I think was the year.

I also didn't shave much with it because I was thinking... it was so precious (silly me) reading all these comments and the reactions of some people that couldn't get their hands on it even though they had the money. I was using many other razors all these years, Rockwell 6s was a favorite.

About a year ago, I realised that it's a beautiful shaving tool and must be used as such. Since then, I am enjoying wonderful shaves with this beauty and I know for sure that this razor will be in my rotation for the following years. Rockwell is a nice razor but BBS-1 gives me better shaves, it's in a different league.

BBS-1 and WR1 (milder gaps) are the razors I'm currently using. I also have a few vintage and still kept the Rockwell for sentimental reasons mostly, but I haven't used them for months. This says something about how good James' creations are. Of course, I sold all the zamak razors, nothing wrong with them, but having the Wolfmans and loving them, I thought there was no place for them in the rotation.

Does anyone prefer a different gap when picking a WR1 in a different metal?
I have just received a brushed titanium handle but no head. All my other WR1 razors are SS. While my brushed SS heads are a pretty good match I'd like to try a full titanium Wolf if I can track down a matching head.

In my limited experience, I found that a full Ti razor allowed me to increase the blade gap.  Case in point.  I have a .74SB SS which I considered the most aggressive Wolfman that I thought I could comfortably use.  I recently purchased a .86SB Ti and it is more comfortable and provides a closer shave than the .74 SS.

Sure, but which WR1 gap is the equivalent of the BBS-1 in terms of shave feeling/performance?

Sure, but which WR1 gap is the equivalent of the BBS-1 in terms of shave feeling/performance?

So I shaved with my BBS-1 this morning due to your question. I used a Gillette Platinum, but want to revisit it with a Feather in a day or two.

Great shave, but it was designed to be used with a Feather ... or so I've read somewhere.

The blade gap is 1.00 and the top cap is thinner than the WR-2. Below is a comparison photo BBS-1 on the left, WR-2 right.  

I'd say it's equal to my WR-1 .86 OC, or maybe even to the .94 DC. I always have a hard time with these comparisons. It's a good shaver AFAIC.

Jimmy, you could be on to something here.  Nothing shaves like a BBS1, HOWEVER, I have to agree with efficiency of it being close to .80-.86 on the WR1 scale.  However, on the blade feel side, for ME, it’s like a .54. I don’t get much blade feel at all.  The smoothness is where I'm baffled.  For it’s efficiency one would think it would be nippy, not so for me.  I like very mild smooth efficient razors, Normally you can’t have all that.  The BBS1 is as close to that as I’ve gotten in the James DuFour category.  It’s a very enjoyable instrument.

PLEASE lock that Feather in, it’s so much more enjoyable with that blade!

+1 on endorsing the feather + bbs1 combo! Works great for me also ExtraProtein

Think I'm going to need to borrow a LASSC BBS-1 at some point. Now I've tried all the other designs: WR1, WR2, WR3 and both Guerrillas... my bronze WR3 should be here by the end of the week.

Think I'm going to need to borrow a LASSC BBS-1 at some point. Now I've tried all the other designs: WR1, WR2, WR3 and both Guerrillas... my bronze WR3 should be here by the end of the week.

I've only used a WR1 and who wouldn't want to take one for a spin after that endorsement

Think I'm going to need to borrow a LASSC BBS-1 at some point. Now I've tried all the other designs: WR1, WR2, WR3 and both Guerrillas... my bronze WR3 should be here by the end of the week.

I have owned three BBS-1s throughout the past few years. I let them all go. Beautiful but not efficient enough for me. The WR1 heads geometry fits my face much better. After many trials my WR1 lineup is WR1 .67 SB SS, WR1 .74 SB Bronze, and WR1 .86 SB Ti. The only WR2 razor I have and am somewhat satisfied with is WR2 1.35 SB SS. My efficiency benchmark razor for comparison is Blackbird Ti.