(06-22-2017, 06:12 PM)EricM Wrote: 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...