Wolfman WR2 Head Discussion

That said, I’m jumping back on the list with interest in the 0.85mm gap.

Is he offering that gap? I think that would be custom and I don't think he does that anymore?

Also, if it is too aggressive for you, you can tame it by putting a shim between the cap and the blade. That will effectively decrease blade exposure for you.

Yes, 0.85mm was available for custom order (under the condition that no returns were accepted).

I would think a shim between cap and blade actually increases blade exposure... or affect how well the blade is held down?

I know a guy that got a .75 and he said it was pretty much useless

Very cool. I did not know he offered that.

Putting a shim between the blade and the bottom plate increases exposure and gap. Putting a shim between the cap and the blade decreases exposure for the same amount of gap. If you Google "blade exposure" it is one of the first few images. On one of them it's called reverse shimming. It has to do with increasing cap height and the tangent between the base plate and the cap. Easier seen than said. But it could help you in the near term so you can enjoy what you have during the long wait for the next one.

I have a 0.95 and prefer a more mild razor for my head shaving. I reverse shim and it's a dream.

Ah, I was imagining something like a thin washer that would reduce the curve of the blade. Might try that shim after a bit more uses.

I think the guard riding has been adopted by the big gap crew. I suspect it’s helpful in making these Aggressive razors more skin friendly. When I use my 1.05 and 1.15 (which I find too aggressive for daily shaves) I treat it like all other razors and ride the cap.

Admittedly it’s been a while since using DE..

Edit - my point being that this razor isnt designed to shave any differently than any other. Start favoring the cap and bring it down till the hair catches. Just like any other razor. If you’re finding yourself riding the guard a lot - maybe consider trying the next gap down.

Yeah, not going to ignore the initial thought that this gap may be a touch more than I'd like -- which justifies entertaining the 0.85mm gap.

Going to see how I tweak the technique going forward to minimize reliance on the safety bar. Makes sense that the blade shouldn't be cutting at a high angle, which would basically be scraping at that point.

I'm not even opposed to trying 0.75mm

I think the guard riding has been adopted by the big gap crew. I suspect it’s helpful in making these Aggressive razors more skin friendly. When I use my 1.05 and 1.15 (which I find too aggressive for daily shaves) I treat it like all other razors and ride the cap.

Admittedly it’s been a while since using DE..

Edit - my point being that this razor isnt designed to shave any differently than any other. Start favoring the cap and bring it down till the hair catches. Just like any other razor. If you’re finding yourself riding the guard a lot - maybe consider trying the next gap down.

This is a very insightful point Sean. I have a few razors that I find very inefficient - I suspect if I ride the cap they will work properly / as intended. 

I also think it is possible that your insight may have been informed by your straight razor experience. Perhaps you likely had adopted this technique before, but it has probably been reinforced by using straights. 

These technique insights are useful. I for one tend to focus on gear too much and technique too little. 

Thanks for the tip.

Thanks simon_zzz for the review of the 0.95 gap. This reminds me that I never typed up my impressions of the WR1 .48, something I'll put in the WR1 thread soon.

If I wanted to try the WR2 I'd like you start with the 0.95. The problem with getting ultra low gaps will be selling them if they don't work out like for Kehole's friend. I have to assume the .95 has negative exposure as the 1.15 is reportedly neutral but maybe not given your experience so far?

Thanks simon_zzz for the review of the 0.95 gap. This reminds me that I never typed up my impressions of the WR1 .48, something I'll put in the WR1 thread soon.

If I wanted to try the WR2 I'd like you start with the 0.95. The problem with getting ultra low gaps will be selling them if they don't work out like for Kehole's friend. I have to assume the .95 has negative exposure as the 1.15 is reportedly neutral but maybe not given your experience so far?

There are those such as ourselves who would be interest in trying the ultra-low gaps if they end up in BSTs.

Based on looks, it is hard to tell the exposure.



My unscientific approach: I moved a pen along the cutting plane and the blade caught. So, at least not negative blade exposure?

With the Karve SB A, you can see the negative blade exposure:



Again, highly unscientific here.


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That's how I would do it too. Very simple. Cool Pic of the karve!

Helpful even if not totally accurate photos. Like you I preferred the Karve A over the B plate and would have tried the AA if I still had the razor.

Not sure what the equivalent WR1 gap is to the .95 but the .54 definitely has blade feel for me. The .48 is a jump up in comfort and smoothness at an efficiency cost.

I received my WR1 48SB yesterday and shaved with it today for the first time. Nacet blade. Despite being the mildest of the available options, this has plenty of blade feel and is plenty efficient. It may be the most efficient razor in rotation...more efficient than the WR2 95BS, more efficient than the Karve B plate and a touch more efficient than the Tatara Masamune. Tomorrow, I will try a Gillette Yellow. Overall, not as smooth as the WR2, but amazing final result.

Interesting, I assumed the .95 would be more efficient than the .48

I get terrific shaves with a Med Prep in mine.