Just adding to my post above, last week I received a WR2 1.45 OC and picked up a WRH2 90mm Solid and WRH3 90mm Solid, all in basic polished/textured finish. It took about 2 weeks to arrive from Australia, most of the delay was leaving Canada
I appreciate all the comments and opinions from the posters in this thread, it has been very helpful taking it all in while on the waiting list for 5-6 months!
My experiences to date:
I've used a feather blade once, and all other shaves been with a Wilkinson Sword Super Sword-edge (vintage, made in England). The shave I had with a fresh feather wasn't the best, as I was using non-preferred shaving cream instead of my normal SV or MDC Soap. I need to re-try the feather. The vintage wilkinsons are my go-to blades in general since I as able to get a large stash of them.
On my skin, the WR2 1.45 OC cuts closer than the R41, but with less irritation and greater margin or error/flexibility around the blade angle.
For me the WTG pass is very satisfying and efficient, and it does such a good job I could call it a day right there. I find the second ATG is more a clean-up of difficult areas. I've found on my neck shaving ATG is more comfortable than any other DE razor I have.
For my rate of stubble growth, shaving close with 1.45 leaves my skin "bbs", but enough to shave the next day. I think any less blade gap than 1.45 would be not efficient enough for my taste, and >1.55 probably too much.
IMO the solid handles are great, although I generally prefer heavier razors. I do appreciate razors with total weight 75-90gram, like Gillette New Improved Big Fellow/New Deluxe Big Boy which are my favourite vintage razors. I didn't want to re-create those razors just get, but I might look into lighter weight-hollow handle in future
I have found the ergonomics a bit tricky with the WRH3 due to the smaller grip area, it demands from more fine motor skill /second coffee to keep it under full control.
Today's shave was with a Super Sword Edge blade (day 8) on WRH3 handle, SV Dolomiti Soap, truly excellent.
LOOT,
CK89 and
JimmyH like this post