Contact with James Dufour at Wolfman

Some razor, brush and soap makers are placed on a pretty high pedestal by one particular forum. That's ok if it makes the owners of those products feel they are part of a special club. It's an elitism thing.

It's all about the shave for me. Guys should simply move on from waitlists or endless emails. Too many great shavers available now.

I rarely use the Wolfman anymore. The Charcoal Level 2, Mergress, 6S and Timeless all give me better shaves. The Blackland polished Blackbird and Sabre are coming Saturday.

Why waste time trying to contact an ornery character. Not worth it.

Hey Chris,

Mediocre performance? This may be a YMMV thing and I can respect that. What are you using that's better? I'm curious!

I've tried many razors and for me, Wolfman razors perform exceptionally well. Only the BBS-1 takes the top position in close shave/ smoothness / no irritation. I've compared against Tradere, Pils, Timeless, Blackbird, Weber DLC and PH, Mergress, Merkur 34C, Muhle R41 2011 and 2013, EJ R89, Charcoal Goods Level 1, Feather ASD2, Gillette Techs, Fatboys, etc. I'm sure I'm missing other DEs. The Classic Cobra is another great razor, but that is an SE.

I've read all the horror stories on Romera but took a chance and ordered one of his knots. It's fantastic. 26mm Manchurian with hooked gel tips. Beautiful knot, and a simple and easy transaction with no issues.

I've sent Wiborg probably a dozen emails over the last 2 years and have gotten 0 responses. That is horrible CS. Not even a simple update on his status. I understand he's sick, but come on. Post something on the website. How hard is that..?

There's definitely a mixed bag out there and I always appreciate artisans who provide exceptional customer service. I rate Will/B&M, Scott/L&L, Ron/CFG, Shawn/CL, Ryan/T+S and others right up there.

Cheers,
Eric

Some razor, brush and soap makers are placed on a pretty high pedestal by one particular forum. That's ok if it makes the owners of those products feel they are part of a special club. It's an elitism thing.

It's all about the shave for me. Guys should simply move on from waitlists or endless emails. Too many great shavers available now.

I rarely use the Wolfman anymore. The Charcoal Level 2, Mergress, 6S and Timeless all give me better shaves. The Blackland polished Blackbird and Sabre are coming Saturday.

Why waste time trying to contact an ornery character. Not worth it.

I just bought a Charcoal Level 2. I can't wait to use it. It looks amazing!

Cheers,
Eric

For me, the biggest customer service issues include:
- no answer to emails after order placed
- paid and big delays is delivery
- poor quality or performance
-big company and not respond or 20 minutes on hold for service

An artisan could probably set-up an automatic email response - thanks, not taking orders now, sign-up for newsletter.
If someone wants a Brad Sears/M&F, Wolf Whiskers, specific Paladin - patience is a virtue. Each has a different order system, long delays & better process.

My Guerilla razor is a favorite. I have only seen WolfMan razors in pictures and cannot comment on shave quality or finish.

Hey Chris,

Mediocre performance?  This may be a YMMV thing and I can respect that.  What are you using that's better?  I'm curious!

I've tried many razors and for me, Wolfman razors perform exceptionally well.  Only the BBS-1 takes the top position in close shave/ smoothness / no irritation.  I've compared against Tradere, Pils, Timeless, Blackbird, Weber DLC and PH, Mergress, Merkur 34C, Muhle R41 2011 and 2013, EJ R89, Charcoal Goods Level 1, Feather ASD2, Gillette Techs, Fatboys, etc.  I'm sure I'm missing other DEs.  The Classic Cobra is another great razor, but that is an SE.

I've read all the horror stories on Romera but took a chance and ordered one of his knots. It's fantastic.  26mm Manchurian with hooked gel tips.  Beautiful knot, and a simple and easy transaction with no issues.

I've sent Wiborg probably a dozen emails over the last 2 years and have gotten 0 responses.  That is horrible CS.  Not even a simple update on his status.  I understand he's sick, but come on.  Post something on the website.  How hard is that..?

There's definitely a mixed bag out there and I always appreciate artisans who provide exceptional customer service.  I rate Will/B&M, Scott/L&L, Ron/CFG, Shawn/CL, Ryan/T+S and others right up there.

Cheers,
Eric

I use straight razors, almost exclusively. Vintage razors that I buy for $2 or $3, restore them, sharpen them, and get fantastic shaves from them. There is no DE razor that can compare to a straight razor shave in terms of pure comfort, no matter who made the razor. It just doesn't compare.

When I am not using a straight, it is either my GEM G-bar, a Slim that was free, a 48-50 Super Speed that cost me $20, or a Maggard's V3/MR22 handle that cost $15 for the stainless, lathe-turned handle, and $6 for the V3 head. Any of those 4 razors will give me an outstanding shave, with zero discomfort, zero irritation, exceptionally close, and very smooth(as long as I use a quality blade). I didn't have to sit on a wait list, I didn't have to beg to be treated with respect, and I didn't have to spend a small fortune.

Personally, I have never used a Wolfman Razor. My statements that the razor is not exceptional is a direct result of reading the reviews of the razor from the majority of people that have used it. The reviews are almost invariably as follows: "GORGEOUS razor! The shave was OK." To me...that's just plain silly, but I would never deny someone the right to spend a few hundred on a mediocre razor that they find really pretty. That's a decision for everyone to make on their own. I have yet to read reviews that tout the Woflman as an amazing shaver that out performs every other razor on the market. In fact, your quoted post is the first time that has even come CLOSE to that sentiment. Granted...I do not participate on other forums, and I do not read every review of Wolfman razors, mostly because I have no interest in purchasing one.

My point all along has been to try and understand why Jim gets a free pass on mediocre quality and horrible customer service. And I say "mediocre quality" referring to the overwhelming majority of the responses I see to the quality of the SHAVE, not the polishing. Diamonds and bars of silver are really pretty, too, but they don't shave for crap... I'd rather spend $20 on a beat up razor that shaves really well then $250 on a really shiny razor that shaves ok...

And I will concede that "mediocre" may not be a fair term. The shaves are average. Not exceptional according to reports and reviews. Mediocre technically means the same thing, but I do see where that word imparts a more negative connotation than "average", so I will concede that point...in fairness...

Personally, I have never used a Wolfman Razor.

Hey Chris,
If you were closer I'd love to have you test out a Wolfman or BBS-1 and let me know what you think.  There is no substitute for first hand experience.  

We're all different and if you found a system that works best for you, rock on!  :-)  I tried straights for a limited period but had a lot of trouble with it.  Lots of dragging and irritation.  I'd like to give it another go at some point down the road.

Cheers,
Eric

Personally, I have never used a Wolfman Razor.

Hey Chris,
If you were closer I'd love to have you test out a Wolfman or BBS-1 and let me know what you think.  There is no substitute for first hand experience.  

We're all different and if you found a system that works best for you, rock on!  :-)  I tried straights for a limited period but had a lot of trouble with it.  Lots of dragging and irritation.  I'd like to give it another go at some point down the road.

Cheers,
Eric

I appreciate the sentiment, and while I agree 100% that there is no substitute for personal experience, I would not be very likely to borrow such an expensive item. It's simply too much responsibility for someone else's gear, and with virtually no means to replace it in the event of a mishap, I would not be comfortable with it in my possession.

If you decide to give straights another chance, let me know. I have quite a few that are exceptional shavers, despite being average looking...

Personally, I have never used a Wolfman Razor.

Hey Chris,
If you were closer I'd love to have you test out a Wolfman or BBS-1 and let me know what you think.  There is no substitute for first hand experience.  

We're all different and if you found a system that works best for you, rock on!  :-)  I tried straights for a limited period but had a lot of trouble with it.  Lots of dragging and irritation.  I'd like to give it another go at some point down the road.

Cheers,
Eric

I appreciate the sentiment, and while I agree 100% that there is no substitute for personal experience, I would not be very likely to borrow such an expensive item. It's simply too much responsibility for someone else's gear, and with virtually no means to replace it in the event of a mishap, I would not be comfortable with it in my possession.

If you decide to give straights another chance, let me know. I have quite a few that are exceptional shavers, despite being average looking...

Sounds good, man! I have crazy sensitive skin and am always on the hunt for what will provide the best shave with the least irritation. It would be cool to meet up with you during a LAWSS event and talk razors. Cheers!

Eric

Hey Chris,

Mediocre performance?  This may be a YMMV thing and I can respect that.  What are you using that's better?  I'm curious!

I've tried many razors and for me, Wolfman razors perform exceptionally well.  Only the BBS-1 takes the top position in close shave/ smoothness / no irritation.  I've compared against Tradere, Pils, Timeless, Blackbird, Weber DLC and PH, Mergress, Merkur 34C, Muhle R41 2011 and 2013, EJ R89, Charcoal Goods Level 1, Feather ASD2, Gillette Techs, Fatboys, etc.  I'm sure I'm missing other DEs.  The Classic Cobra is another great razor, but that is an SE.

I've read all the horror stories on Romera but took a chance and ordered one of his knots. It's fantastic.  26mm Manchurian with hooked gel tips.  Beautiful knot, and a simple and easy transaction with no issues.

I've sent Wiborg probably a dozen emails over the last 2 years and have gotten 0 responses.  That is horrible CS.  Not even a simple update on his status.  I understand he's sick, but come on.  Post something on the website.  How hard is that..?

There's definitely a mixed bag out there and I always appreciate artisans who provide exceptional customer service.  I rate Will/B&M, Scott/L&L, Ron/CFG, Shawn/CL, Ryan/T+S and others right up there.

Cheers,
Eric

I use straight razors, almost exclusively. Vintage razors that I buy for $2 or $3, restore them, sharpen them, and get fantastic shaves from them. There is no DE razor that can compare to a straight razor shave in terms of pure comfort, no matter who made the razor. It just doesn't compare.

When I am not using a straight, it is either my GEM G-bar, a Slim that was free, a 48-50 Super Speed that cost me $20, or a Maggard's V3/MR22 handle that cost $15 for the stainless, lathe-turned handle, and $6 for the V3 head. Any of those 4 razors will give me an outstanding shave, with zero discomfort, zero irritation, exceptionally close, and very smooth(as long as I use a quality blade). I didn't have to sit on a wait list, I didn't have to beg to be treated with respect, and I didn't have to spend a small fortune.

Personally, I have never used a Wolfman Razor. My statements that the razor is not exceptional is a direct result of reading the reviews of the razor from the majority of people that have used it. The reviews are almost invariably as follows: "GORGEOUS razor! The shave was OK."  To me...that's just plain silly, but I would never deny someone the right to spend a few hundred on a mediocre razor that they find really pretty. That's a decision for everyone to make on their own. I have yet to read reviews that tout the Woflman as an amazing shaver that out performs every other razor on the market. In fact, your quoted post is the first time that has even come CLOSE to that sentiment. Granted...I do not participate on other forums, and I do not read every review of Wolfman razors, mostly because I have no interest in purchasing one.

My point all along has been to try and understand why Jim gets a free pass on mediocre quality and horrible customer service. And I say "mediocre quality" referring to the overwhelming majority of the responses I see to the quality of the SHAVE, not the polishing. Diamonds and bars of silver are really pretty, too,  but they don't shave for crap...  I'd rather spend $20 on a beat up razor that shaves really well then $250 on a really shiny razor that shaves ok...

And I will concede that "mediocre" may not be a fair term. The shaves are average. Not exceptional according to reports and reviews. Mediocre technically means the same thing, but I do see where that word imparts a more negative connotation than "average", so I will concede that point...in fairness...

Chris, as someone who has a Wolfman DC (original gap), I can weigh in with at least somewhat of an educated perspective. Having tried a variety of DEs, I think blade gap and exposure are only two variables that matter. The overall design matters. The Wolfman by my estimation is a modern update of the "Open Notch" design which from my knowledge was pioneered by Gillette with the NEW series and continued with the Tech razor. One of the advantages, I think, of this design is that the relatively "open" area allows for a wider range of cutting angles relative to the blade gap and exposure. This wider range of EFFECTIVE angles results in an instrument that can be used by an experienced shaver, one who is very PRECISE in their angle/angle adjustments, with a greater level of efficiency than a design with a more "closed" area. A perfect example of a "closed gap" is the EJ/Muhle 89. The 89 head design is so often copied, I think, because it provides a decent amount of efficiency when used at the proper angle but will not bite if it is used at an improper angle. Therefore it is relatively forgiving while still being effective in the hands of a good shaver.

The Wolfman design, however, with its more open notch, rewards very good shavers with greater efficiency than that of the 89, but it will punish lapses in technique in terms of both angle and pressure.

Therefore, the rave reviews the Wolfman gets are most likely from very good shavers, and the "mediocre" reviews are likely from those who are less experienced or simply don't have the time to develop the precision required.

I personally have found that I am fine using the Wolfman for my WTG pass, but unless I really slow down and pay attention, I can get some mild irritation going ATG. Which is why when I am pressed for time I use my Muhle 89 going ATG.

To sum up, I wouldn't call the Wolfman head design "mediocre," I'd call it more demanding of good technique than many modern DEs. Just my 2 cents!

I appreciate that. I've had similar experiences with aggressive vs non-aggressive razors. But the reports that call the performance of the Wolfman razors "average"(trying not to be condescending as I realize I was being before) aren't all coming from new shavers without firm fundamentals.

And as I said earlier this thread marks the first time I have read a report of "exceptional performance". From anyone, not just an exceptionally skilled shaver.

With that said, there is still no legitimate justification for poor customer service. Even if every person that ever bought a Wolfman reported that they were the absolute best razor ever imagined, I would be confused over the idea of forgiving horrible customer service from an artisan.

That's just me. There really is no need to convince me of anything. I really don't care that much I just find it curious...


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