Active Wolfman WR3 pass around

[Crossan]

For the moderns I'd probably list it most efficient to least:

Wolfman > Sabre L2 >>>>>>>>ATT G1...my finger didn't slip on the key there.

It's a balance for me though, the sabre is a lot more manoeuvrable and I don't think it's much less efficient, so it almost evens out.

I need to double check though as I have the attention span of a 3 year old, I'll do a half and half with the sabre and WR3 on Saturday (Day 4) so I can do a direct comparison. Then I'll take the plunge with the prototype.

Comparing to the vintages, I'm not sure it's anymore efficient but it is obviously heavier which feels more comfortable to me. I haven't tried an MMOC yet so I can't comment on that one. You'll have to shout out when you try it!

Cheers

Marc

 

[Masamune]

Thanks Marc.

Yeah, the G1 is fantastically mild. Even the updated version without shims etc.

I will likely do the same comparison when it is my turn - Sabre/WR3 - but thanks for first impressions. Good luck with the prototype. I'll be shaving with the Micromatic for the first time on Saturday.

Matt

 

[Boycie83]

Just for my own curiosity I took a couple of measurements, I just wanted to put it into perspective for myself with its only generally available modern alternative (Sabre).

There's a fair margin for error with the measurements, both with the calipers and user error with placement on the head but it gives it some perspective. I've also taken a snap (no measurements) with it beside a couple of vintages (1912 & Clog Pruf).

I've marked it under spoiler, so if you'd rather take it as you find it or just aren't bothered then please feel free to ignore.

Cheers

Marc

Spoiler: Measurement Pics

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Left to Right: ATT G1, Blackland Sabre L2, MM Clog Pruf, 1912, Wolfman WR3
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[BAW]

So - I’ve managed to get a hold of 0.40 WR3 head to organise uk pass around. James generously sent it to me to sort one out here.
It’s meant to be more low key one so going to ask that people who love gems, or are on wolfman list, or are tempted to get on it participate. It’s meant to act as means to try it out rather than promotion (there’s around 1 year long waiting list as is).

what is included in pass around:

- Razor head 0.40 gap with safety bar.
- wr7h handle - solid
- optional - prototype head, 0.74 gap, OC (really aggressive - and it’s me saying it lol).

if at least half of the people on pass around are interested in trying the prototype head, I'm happy to add it to pass around too

Now onto the more boring but necessary bit! Rules:
- open to active, UK members ( can be active either on here or ATG)
- 7 days to try
- Disinfect the razor before sending onto next person
- send via Royal Mail special delivery onto next person once you’re done with it (just so the full value of it is covered in case of loss/damage)
- when sending on to the next person , include me in message where tracking and passing of the address is (same as what was usually done for other pass arounds on here).

For the moment - let’s keep it as soft limit to 5 people. Once it’s with last person , I’ll let you know where to send it onto - since I’m planning on running the same on ATG.

Participants List:
- @Crossan
- @Masamune

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I would love to have a try, if there's still space on the list.

 

[riverrun]

Just for my own curiosity I took a couple of measurements, I just wanted to put it into perspective for myself with its only generally available modern alternative (Sabre).

There's a fair margin for error with the measurements, both with the calipers and user error with placement on the head but it gives it some perspective. I've also taken a snap (no measurements) with it beside a couple of vintages (1912 & Clog Pruf).

I've marked it under spoiler, so if you'd rather take it as you find it or just aren't bothered then please feel free to ignore.

Cheers

Marc

Spoiler: Measurement Pics

View attachment 81255 View attachment 81256 View attachment 81257

Left to Right: ATT G1, Blackland Sabre L2, MM Clog Pruf, 1912, Wolfman WR3
View attachment 81259

View attachment 81260

Maybe I'm biased as it was my introduction to SE razors and I have 4 of them, but the 1912 is the most handsome of the bunch.
(and it's not even a sun-ray)
I'll shave with 1912s and Micromatics until I get my hands on the Wolfman. Just to give it tough competition.

 

[Crossan]

Maybe I'm biased as it was my introduction to SE razors and I have 4 of them, but the 1912 is the most handsome of the bunch.
(and it's not even a sun-ray)
I'll shave with 1912s and Micromatics until I get my hands on the Wolfman. Just to give it tough competition.

Funnily enough the 1912 was mine too, it was through the newbie box that I had a go which kicked off the rest of it (damn that box!). But I can see where you're coming from, it is a stunning razor and clearly stands the test of time.

Good call, I'm looking forward to seeing everyone's experience with it. Always take what I say with a pinch of salt, I'm not the best at communicating the apparent nuances that others pick up on. Bitey...not bitey...just think caveman and that's about my limit.

 

[Crossan]

All done and dusted, cleaned, boxed and off to the next lucky recipient @Masamune

@Scorpio93 thank you again for the opportunity to try this out, very much appreciated.

Cheers

Marc

 

[Masamune]

Not had a chance to try it yet but here are a few more snaps of the WR3.



However, I did have time to take a few measurements with some other Wolfman handles.

WR3 head - 36g
With WRH7 handle (one from the passaround) - 107g
With Darwin - 93g
With WRH2 - 115g
With WRH3 - 112g
With WRH1 - 135g



I'm going to try with a variety of handles, possibly not the oversized WRH1 though! All handles are solid.

 

[Masamune]

First impressions

It's awesome, I love it.

 

[Masamune]

So I started off with OC prototype as I've been enjoying the Micromatics so much. It's really smooth but gives a nice efficient shave with zero irritation. The combs are smooth and you can barely feel them or the blade to be honest. Not super aggressive if you watch the angle and use a super light touch. Not sure why James has maxed out the production WR3 at 0.60 unless the blade exposure has been tweaked a little.

Yes, the head is oversized and it takes GEM blades but it's a great razor for me. Sure I would prefer something closer in size to the Sabre or Micromatics but it isn't an issue. Good heft in SS. I went with the WRH2 handle to start with. It can't compete with the Micromatic for agility and lower weight - unless you were to spring for a titanium WR3 perhaps - but it doesn't matter. It handles fine with a little care. Holds the blade excellently, so smooth and just feels solid compared to the Micromatic. I need to do a direct comparison to the Sabre soon.

Blade loading on the prototype isn't perfect with the little dot but it looks like James has solved that in the production razor. I'm going to try the 0.40 SB tomorrow but could easily use the prototype all week. Not a hint of irritation.

Thanks so much @Scorpio93

 

[Masamune]

Ah, that's much better for loading the blade.

Today was the 0.40 on the handle included on the pass around - WRH7. I like the balance of the WR3 on this handle and it's lighter helping with the light touch approach I'm taking. Think I will try the Darwin next to really bring the weight down. Very nice shave, smooth but not wildly more so than the OC even with the reduced gap. Obviously not as efficient as the OC prototype but an enjoyable shave.

The SB is closer in feel to the Sabre. I still need to do a half and half shave to get a proper comparison though. And a WR3 v WR3 shave as well.

Getting used to the size of the head now. I love the compact size of the WR1 but the larger format of the GEM razor isn't really an issue.

Will revert back to the OC tomorrow.

 

[Crossan]

Nice one, that OC is a cracker and would be my go to if I owned.

I struggled to feel much difference with the sabre compared to the SB, interested to see how you find it side by side and with the lighter darwin.