Wolfman WR2 Head Discussion

My view: I think 4 shaves do not provide much information to accurately nail the true character of a razor.
It takes me a good month or two of frequent usage.
You will find yourself intuitively adapting to the geometry of the razor...the way you hold it, the angle you wield it....
these will all undergo subtle changes over 4-6 weeks. And then, you'll know.
I would not write off any razor in 4 shaves, much less a Wolfman.
However, I admit this approach may not work for everyone.

My view: I think 4 shaves does not provide much information to accurately nail the true character of a razor.
It takes me a good month or two of frequent usage.
You will find yourself intuitively adapting to the geometry of the razor...the way you hold it, the angle you wield it....
these will all undergo subtle changes over 4-6 weeks. And then, you'll know.
I would not write off any razor in 4 shaves, much less a Wolfman.
However, I admit this approach may not work for everyone.

That has been my experience as well. You've not only got the variations from the razors you're familiar with, but the blades, time between shaves, and of course the phase of the moon ... IOW, how you feel physically/mentally that particular day.

My view: I think 4 shaves does not provide much information to accurately nail the true character of a razor.
It takes me a good month or two of frequent usage.
You will find yourself intuitively adapting to the geometry of the razor...the way you hold it, the angle you wield it....
these will all undergo subtle changes over 4-6 weeks. And then, you'll know.
I would not write off any razor in 4 shaves, much less a Wolfman.
However, I admit this approach may not work for everyone.

Gents,

Took it for another spin today. My standard two-day interval, three-pass shave. GSB.

Much improved. Not sure what it is, but getting better. Agreed with Tester28. Still need to proceed slower than I expected and ATG, the blade is definitely there, but less irritation overall, post-shave, especially, neck area. Still there, but less. With the exception of ATG, it was always very smooth WTG, XTG (no blade feel for me). The issue has been irritation in between passes or post-shave. That’s not the the razor’s fault at all. It really is a work of engineering science and art.

But today, as said, overall, better. It must be down to fine adjustments in maneuvering and touch. I do not think I could use this gap daily, but I did not buy it with that in mind.

Will stick with it for now. Cheers!

DW.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

If skin irritation is a problem,
First port of call in my experience would be to look at pre shave routine and quality of soap product used and lather quality,
The old three P’s adage springs to mind, Piss poor prep = piss poor performance 
As a general example a cold shave using an aerosol foam may not get the best shave no matter how great the razor.......
I used to think I had sensitive skin before I experienced many soap types and brushes, however since I discovered my skin loves Tallow soaps some years ago, and I practised a solid pre shave routine, I now never ever get irritation, nicks, weapers, or anything else, and this is including straight razor shaves and regular Wr2 1.45 & 1.55 as my go to DE shaves.
I credit awesome shaves not to the great Wolfman alone, but to a Solid pre shave regime.
Great shaves start with great skin care.........for me.

Worth a mention? 

This thread has been a valuable resource and I just want to add one more data point with my initial experiences/thoughts as a new owner of the WR2 0.95mm gap + WRH2 90mm hollow -- may be useful for those leaning towards the mild end of the gap range.

Shaver Profile

Blade-feel preference: Mild (less blade exposure)
Hair type: Regular
Preferred shave frequency: Every 36-48 hours
Preferred shave passes: WTG, XTG, XTG
Preferred DE blades: Gillette Silver Blue, Astra SP, Polsilver SI, Permasharp

Initial Impressions/Shaves

Sneaky efficiency is the notable attribute of the WR2 as it cuts very close in relation to the amount of blade feel. The first shave was far too close with more nicks/weepers/blood than I’ve seen in a long time -- it felt like I was learning to DE shave again. Adapted quickly and I've gotten 3 consecutive shaves -- ranging from 24 hours to 48 hours of growth -- with amazing, blood-free and consistent shaves that are super close and comfortable.

What I learned:

• [font=Arial]Ride the guard/safety bar.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Watch the pressure.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Avoid buffing.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]With the hollow 90mm WRH2 handle, the razor is head-heavy. The balance point is located where the knurling begins near the top of the handle.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]The Merkur 34C fits perfectly in the WRA1 stand. [/font]
  

Compared to Other DE Razors

• [font=Arial]Gillette Slim Adjustable[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Merkur 34C[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Rockwell 6S[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Karve CB Stainless[/font]
  

Gillette Slim Adjustable (prefer setting 2)

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels comparable to a setting 3 in terms of blade feel. 

I’m not a fan of the shaves from the Gillette Slim adjustable and don’t reach for it at all. Possibly because the result is always quite harsh. It feels like the blade is flexing too much during a stroke and causing irritation. Needless to say, the WR2 produces a closer, more comfortable shave for me on all fronts.

Merkur 34C

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels most similar, of all the DE razors with which I’m most familiar, to the Merkur 34C in terms of blade feel.

The WR2 is smoother and more efficient. It feels like the blade is held down more securely and that I could end the shave after 2 passes vs. the 3 passes required with a 34C. If you’re a big fan of the 34C, I think the 0.95mm gap is the perfect choice.

Rockwell 6S (prefer R3 plate) (no longer own)

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels comparable to the R4 plate in terms of blade feel.

I liked the R3 plate for the autopilot shaves it delivered with little blade feel. The R4 plate was more efficient but I just gravitated towards the R3 more for care-free shave.

Karve CB SS (prefer SB-A plate)

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels comparable to the SB-B plate in terms of blade feel.

I sold the SB-B plate because I kept getting odd nicks here and there while I was also comparing it with the SB-A plate alongside it. The SB-A plate has negative blade exposure and offered comfortable, irritation-free DE shaves consistently. I can shave with it on autopilot. I ditched the Rockwell 6S because I always reached for this razor for a bit of a smoother shave.

The WR2 0.95mm gap is smooth like the SB-A with the efficiency of the SB-B. But, I feel that -- at least for the time being -- I cannot use the WR2 as mindlessly as I can with the Karve SB-A.

Note: I think the Karve CB encourages riding the cap.

Conclusion

Look, we spent a lot of money and waited a long time for this razor. It’s a beauty. I wanted it to wow me on that first shave but that wasn't the case. Then, I remembered that many WR2 owners recommended a lower angle. That advice led to a change in technique that saved it for me.

Still, more use is required before the WR2 shaves become second-nature.

That said, I’m jumping back on the list with interest in the 0.85mm gap.

That said, I’m jumping back on the list with interest in the 0.85mm gap.

Is he offering that gap? I think that would be custom and I don't think he does that anymore?

Also, if it is too aggressive for you, you can tame it by putting a shim between the cap and the blade. That will effectively decrease blade exposure for you.

That said, I’m jumping back on the list with interest in the 0.85mm gap.

Is he offering that gap? I think that would be custom and I don't think he does that anymore?

Also, if it is too aggressive for you, you can tame it by putting a shim between the cap and the blade. That will effectively decrease blade exposure for you.

Yes, 0.85mm was available for custom order (under the condition that no returns were accepted).

I would think a shim between cap and blade actually increases blade exposure... or affect how well the blade is held down?

This thread has been a valuable resource and I just want to add one more data point with my initial experiences/thoughts as a new owner of the WR2 0.95mm gap + WRH2 90mm hollow -- may be useful for those leaning towards the mild end of the gap range.

Shaver Profile

Blade-feel preference: Mild (less blade exposure)
Hair type: Regular
Preferred shave frequency: Every 36-48 hours
Preferred shave passes: WTG, XTG, XTG
Preferred DE blades: Gillette Silver Blue, Astra SP, Polsilver SI, Permasharp

Initial Impressions/Shaves

Sneaky efficiency is the notable attribute of the WR2 as it cuts very close in relation to the amount of blade feel. The first shave was far too close with more nicks/weepers/blood than I’ve seen in a long time -- it felt like I was learning to DE shave again. Adapted quickly and I've gotten 3 consecutive shaves -- ranging from 24 hours to 48 hours of growth -- with amazing, blood-free and consistent shaves that are super close and comfortable.

What I learned:

• [font=Arial]Ride the guard/safety bar.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Watch the pressure.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Avoid buffing.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]With the hollow 90mm WRH2 handle, the razor is head-heavy. The balance point is located where the knurling begins near the top of the handle.[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]The Merkur 34C fits perfectly in the WRA1 stand. [/font]
  

Compared to Other DE Razors

• [font=Arial]Gillette Slim Adjustable[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Merkur 34C[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Rockwell 6S[/font]
  
• [font=Arial]Karve CB Stainless[/font]
  

Gillette Slim Adjustable (prefer setting 2)

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels comparable to a setting 3 in terms of blade feel. 

I’m not a fan of the shaves from the Gillette Slim adjustable and don’t reach for it at all. Possibly because the result is always quite harsh. It feels like the blade is flexing too much during a stroke and causing irritation. Needless to say, the WR2 produces a closer, more comfortable shave for me on all fronts.

Merkur 34C

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels most similar, of all the DE razors with which I’m most familiar, to the Merkur 34C in terms of blade feel.

The WR2 is smoother and more efficient. It feels like the blade is held down more securely and that I could end the shave after 2 passes vs. the 3 passes required with a 34C. If you’re a big fan of the 34C, I think the 0.95mm gap is the perfect choice.

Rockwell 6S (prefer R3 plate) (no longer own)

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels comparable to the R4 plate in terms of blade feel.

I liked the R3 plate for the autopilot shaves it delivered with little blade feel. The R4 plate was more efficient but I just gravitated towards the R3 more for care-free shave.

Karve CB SS (prefer SB-A plate)

The WR2 0.95mm gap feels comparable to the SB-B plate in terms of blade feel.

I sold the SB-B plate because I kept getting odd nicks here and there while I was also comparing it with the SB-A plate alongside it. The SB-A plate has negative blade exposure and offered comfortable, irritation-free DE shaves consistently. I can shave with it on autopilot. I ditched the Rockwell 6S because I always reached for this razor for a bit of a smoother shave.

The WR2 0.95mm gap is smooth like the SB-A with the efficiency of the SB-B. But, I feel that -- at least for the time being -- I cannot use the WR2 as mindlessly as I can with the Karve SB-A.

Note: I think the Karve CB encourages riding the cap.

Conclusion

Look, we spent a lot of money and waited a long time for this razor. It’s a beauty. I wanted it to wow me on that first shave but that wasn't the case. Then, I remembered that many WR2 owners recommended a lower angle. That advice led to a change in technique that saved it for me.

Still, more use is required before the WR2 shaves become second-nature.

That said, I’m jumping back on the list with interest in the 0.85mm gap.

Nice feedback, I like the “shaver profile” a lot. Actually, I think that would be useful info in everyone’s signature. I think I’ll add that to my own.
Shave frequency is especially important IMO. There is a big difference between a daily, every other day, and a 1 or 2 weekly shaver. The type of razor preference could be totally different based on frequency.
I shave MWF, 2and half passes, and I don’t have a heavy beard. My preference has shifted to increasingly efficient razors over the years. I’m loving the Ti Blackbird and my 1.25 WR2 (both in top three). I don’t want anything more efficient though. I like a certain amount of stubble when I shave. I’d have to skip another day with anything more efficient..

That said, I’m jumping back on the list with interest in the 0.85mm gap.

Is he offering that gap? I think that would be custom and I don't think he does that anymore?

Also, if it is too aggressive for you, you can tame it by putting a shim between the cap and the blade. That will effectively decrease blade exposure for you.

Yes, 0.85mm was available for custom order (under the condition that no returns were accepted).

I would think a shim between cap and blade actually increases blade exposure... or affect how well the blade is held down?

Very cool. I did not know he offered that.

Putting a shim between the blade and the bottom plate increases exposure and gap. Putting a shim between the cap and the blade decreases exposure for the same amount of gap. If you Google "blade exposure" it is one of the first few images. On one of them it's called reverse shimming. It has to do with increasing cap height and the tangent between the base plate and the cap. Easier seen than said. But it could help you in the near term so you can enjoy what you have during the long wait for the next one.

I have a 0.95 and prefer a more mild razor for my head shaving. I reverse shim and it's a dream.

I think the guard riding has been adopted by the big gap crew. I suspect it’s helpful in making these Aggressive razors more skin friendly. When I use my 1.05 and 1.15 (which I find too aggressive for daily shaves) I treat it like all other razors and ride the cap.

Admittedly it’s been a while since using DE..

Edit - my point being that this razor isnt designed to shave any differently than any other. Start favoring the cap and bring it down till the hair catches. Just like any other razor. If you’re finding yourself riding the guard a lot - maybe consider trying the next gap down.