Active Wolfman WR3 pass around

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With much regret the WR3 pass around set is on the way to Andreas @riverrun

Time to break out the Micromatic once again!

Final shave with the 0.40 SB

WR3 passaround 30.jpg

Nice smooth shave with the SB. However, I do find this SB a tad too mild in the efficiency. The OC prototype was just less work and ups the efficiency no question. As you can't order an OC with a gap like this one, I'm am still curious how the regular gaps will shave. Smoother or less efficient? I did read the blade exposure has been beefed up on the lower gaps, the mildest ones in particular.

Huge thanks to our hosts @Scorpio93, TSR and of course James at Wolfman.
 
Preamble

I haven't done a long, rambling review in a while.
@Scorpio93 tells me that's not the point of this pass-around, but I can't resist.
Here we go:

It's been slightly more than 6 years since I have used a Wolfman razor.
I was part of this Wolfman WR1-DC pass-around in late 2015:
The WR1-DC is an open/closed comb combination DE razor.
By coincidence, I'll shave with closed and open combs again.

First impressions

The machining on the handle and the closed comb head is - as expected - impeccable.
That Wolfguy certainly knows how to machine a piece of metal.
(The open comb head is not finished to the same degree, but it is a prototype. So that's OK)
The way the knurling on the handle reflects light when you spin it in your
hands is impressive. Flawless and mesmerising.
Next impression: The heads are rather large. The decision to have the
threaded post go behind the blade is an odd one. It clearly shows that the
razor was designed by someone coming from a DE background. I'll see how that
will affect the shave.

I checked blade loading with both heads. The tiny little dot on the OC head is
awkward. I prefer the way the closed comb head works. However, after years of
mostly using SE razors: There is a reason SE razors aren't three-piece designs.
Two plates, a handle and a plastic washer. Unscrew, take apart, change the blade, re-assemble, screw handle back on?
Changing a blade in a 1912 or a Micromatic will take a tenth of the time. Or less.
Both heads seem to hold the blade firmly though.

First shave

For the first shave, I picked the closed comb head, as that's what you can (sort of) actually buy.
Holy cow. That thing is good.

- Wolfman WR-3 0.40 gap with safety bar
- Wolfman WR-7H handle
- GEM stainless steel blade (1st use)
- Jayaruh 305 brush
- Proraso Green shaving cream
- Superdrug Forest Green ASL

It's the expensive-meets-dirt-cheap shave.
I won't bore you with a detailed pass-by-pass shave report.
My usual four pass routine - WTG, XTG, GTX, ATG.
First of all: the size of the head is not an issue. Under the nose - not a problem at all.
The knurling on the handle is in an odd place - not where I would hold the
handle. The handle was fine though, maybe a bit on the heavy side.
That's where my criticism stops.
The Wolfman is smooth and efficient. If you are used to GEM razors you'll hit
the correct angle straight away. I expected to say "my Micromatic can do that
at a fraction of the price", but honestly - it can't. This was one of the best GEM blade
shaves I have ever had. Full-on BBS without effort.

I'm impressed. That razor is really good.
There are however some elephants in the room, which I will talk about another time.

Next time I'll try the open comb.
 
Second shave

Today I went with the open comb prototype
  • Wolfman WR-3 prototype 0.74 gap OC
  • Wolfman WR-7H handle
  • GEM PTFE blade (2nd use)
  • Jayaruh 305 brush
  • Tabac Original Soap
  • Baxter of California Balm
  • Tabac Original ASL
To make it short: This razor is not for me.
Far too much blade feel, nowhere near as smooth as the other head.
While shaving I thought the teeth might be rough and unpleasant,
but after the shave, I took the blade out and ran the empty razor over my face.
The teeth are not the problem.
The result is just as BBS as yesterday's shave, but the alum block complained
and the ASL stung like hell. I know how to shave with NO PRESSURE™ and I even
got along fine with the Mühle R41.
This shave was not relaxing and pampering, it was downright unpleasant.
I hardly ever use Balm, but today it seemed like a good idea.

The remainder of my Wolfman shaves will be performed with the SB head.

I think I'll need to borrow a Sabre from somewhere.
 
Third shave

Back to the closed comb.
The shave was even better than the first one.
I now strangely find myself on the Wolfman waiting list.
Enough said.

Can anyone loan me a Blackland Sabre Level 2 for comparison?
Please?
 
Last edited:
I can loan you my Sabre L2 when I get home next week.

It's a shame I never did a shave-off with the Micromatic and the prototype OC. I've been using it over Christmas, original version no bumps and getting great shaves. I know some consider it aggressive, I'm finding it not aggressive enough, i.e. I can overshave if not careful. The Wolfman GEM is no doubt a smoother shave, especially ATG, not that the Micromatic is uncomfortable - far from it. Of course the Micromatic wins in the agility department, it's alot sleeker and lighter in the hand. And louder. Has anyone made a modern TTO GEM razor?
 
I can loan you my Sabre L2 when I get home next week.

It's a shame I never did a shave-off with the Micromatic and the prototype OC. I've been using it over Christmas, original version no bumps and getting great shaves. I know some consider it aggressive, I'm finding it not aggressive enough, i.e. I can overshave if not careful. The Wolfman GEM is no doubt a smoother shave, especially ATG, not that the Micromatic is uncomfortable - far from it. Of course the Micromatic wins in the agility department, it's alot sleeker and lighter in the hand. And louder. Has anyone made a modern TTO GEM razor?
That would be fantastic.
I think I'll do a shave-off with the SB Wolfman and a Micromatic OC next.
The Micromatic is not aggressive at all in my book. Agility is not an issue for me with the Wolfman.
Micromatics have the coolest design ever. Way ahead of its time and never bettered.
 
Darn!
I just went into the bathroom to have a Wolfman/Micromatic shave, switched on the light and the lightbulb went BANG!
Turns out it's the only light in the flat that takes a bayonet bulb and I don't have a spare.
The shave will now have to wait until after sunrise. It's one of those days. :rolleyes:
 
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