(12-23-2021, 08:06 PM)riverrun Wrote: I currently have two Wolfman WR-3 heads and a handle from a pass-around in the UK.

Wolfman have been around for a few years making high quality machined unmentionable razors.
They are infamous for their high prices and long waiting lists.
They now have started making the WR-3, a single edge razor taking GEM blades.

Here is a picture (courtesy of Crossan@TSR):



On the left is the closed comb version, on the right, is a prototype of the open comb version.
The head on the left is about $270, the handle is another $120 (US - the company is in Canada).
So we are talking almost $400 for the complete razor. That's quite a price tag.

I have received both in the mail today and have had a shave with the closed comb version.

Here is what I posted on the UK forum:

Preamble

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:
https://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/community/threads/34585/
The WR1-DC is an open/closed comb combination unmentionable 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.

(12-23-2021, 10:17 PM)GAW9576 Wrote: Wow. $400 will buy several spectacular vintage/antique SEs or many many great vintage/antique SEs.

(12-23-2021, 11:10 PM)Whiterook Wrote: I wonder how it would compare with the Blackland Sabre.  The Sabre is pricey too.

• 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
  

(12-26-2021, 10:02 PM)riverrun Wrote: 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.