Wolfman WR2 Head Discussion

My take would be 1,35 or 1,45 with WR2 MUCH smoother

Wow, what a thread. It took me a few days to get through all of it but it‘s been an interesting read. Unfortunately, I am not yet certain which gap to go for as the experiences are just so varied. It seems a bit of trial and error is inevitable.

I have recently come to the conclusion that a BBS shave is not possible without going ATG. For the ATG pass, I have quite some difficulty with blade forward razors like to Blackbird and the Nodachi. Milder razors (Pils, Masamune base plate on Nodachi, H&S N075) lack efficiency and regardless of which direction I go, I always have stubble remaining. My best experience so far (as far as DE‘s go) has been a Karve E-plate. Despite the positive blade exposure, this seems to mow through my whiskers ATG with no trouble.

So, onto the WR2. What would make the most sense?
A. 1.15 SB WTG and ATG
B. 1.25 SB WTG and ATG
C. 1.25/1.05 SB. Aggressive with the grain pass and the milder side ATG

Would be grateful for some input.

BTW, I have a long time to wait.

First, simply MUST enquire, have you tried the Al Basekote plate on your H&S N075 or just the SS?  World of difference between the 2 plates. 

C option seems reasonable based on your description and my experience

Wow, what a thread. It took me a few days to get through all of it but it‘s been an interesting read. Unfortunately, I am not yet certain which gap to go for as the experiences are just so varied. It seems a bit of trial and error is inevitable.

I have recently come to the conclusion that a BBS shave is not possible without going ATG. For the ATG pass, I have quite some difficulty with blade forward razors like to Blackbird and the Nodachi. Milder razors (Pils, Masamune base plate on Nodachi, H&S N075) lack efficiency and regardless of which direction I go, I always have stubble remaining. My best experience so far (as far as DE‘s go) has been a Karve E-plate. Despite the positive blade exposure, this seems to mow through my whiskers ATG with no trouble.

So, onto the WR2. What would make the most sense?
A. 1.15 SB WTG and ATG
B. 1.25 SB WTG and ATG
C. 1.25/1.05 SB. Aggressive with the grain pass and the milder side ATG

Would be grateful for some input.

BTW, I have a long time to wait.

I hear what you're saying - personally I'm a bit overwhelmed by the whole blade gap discussion.  a lot of information, a lot of choices and a lot of subjectivity.  When I got hold of my Wolfman WR1 in (I think) 2015 - I got in just before he closed his waiting list that first time.  Anyway, I knew nothing about gap at the time and just ordered based on what I wanted SB/OC combination and the longer handle in high polish.  The gap was whatever James made as his default (I guess) I didn't specify and he didn't ask me.  To this day I don't really know wha the gap is but I know this, its very efficient, the SB side slightly more aggressive than the OC side but generally an aggressive and efficient razor.  

Even if James had asked me to specify a blade gap at the time I wouldn't have known what to ask for because I really didn't (don't) have a sufficient frame of reference to even know what I would like better.  If money weren't an object and he'd asked me what blade gap I wanted I suppose I would have replied, "all of them".  That way I could try every one and then really know what I liked for future reference.  Dare to dream 

First, simply MUST enquire, have you tried the Al Basekote plate on your H&S N075 or just the SS?  World of difference between the 2 plates. 

I had no idea the baseplate material makes such a difference. It is the SS version I'm referring to.

Thank you for your input with regards to the options mentioned. The only thing that bothers me about the DC option is that I would always have to check to see which side I am using and clean out the lather more often. Just a bit bothered that the shave won't be as "care-free". It may just be something I'll have to live with.

Wow, what a thread. It took me a few days to get through all of it but it‘s been an interesting read. Unfortunately, I am not yet certain which gap to go for as the experiences are just so varied. It seems a bit of trial and error is inevitable.

I have recently come to the conclusion that a BBS shave is not possible without going ATG. For the ATG pass, I have quite some difficulty with blade forward razors like to Blackbird and the Nodachi. Milder razors (Pils, Masamune base plate on Nodachi, H&S N075) lack efficiency and regardless of which direction I go, I always have stubble remaining. My best experience so far (as far as DE‘s go) has been a Karve E-plate. Despite the positive blade exposure, this seems to mow through my whiskers ATG with no trouble.

So, onto the WR2. What would make the most sense?
A. 1.15 SB WTG and ATG
B. 1.25 SB WTG and ATG
C. 1.25/1.05 SB. Aggressive with the grain pass and the milder side ATG

Would be grateful for some input.

BTW, I have a long time to wait.

I was going to recommend a 1.15 up until I got to the part that you like the Karve E. I haven't used an E plate yet, but I remember the D feeling blade forward.
I would recommend a 1.25 or even 1.35. The wr2 remains very smooth even at 1.55. I can't imagine the karve E being smoother than a 1.55, let alone a 1.35.

I need some recommendations for when my second slot comes around.  In February I received my first Wolfman razor; a 1.25 WR2 on WRH2 handle.  I went with the 1.25 gap because my everyday razors are either the .95 Timeless or the .84 GC, and I prefer a larger gap.  Unfortunately, the 1.25 WR2 is proving to be too much for everyday shaving.  It works great on 2-3 days growth, but eats me alive on 1 day growth.  So my question is; when my next opening comes around, should I get a lower gap WR2 (which gap?) or a .86 WR1?  At this point I'm leaning towards the WR1, but all opinions are welcome.

The WR2 .95 is a great daily shaver and it works well even if I have a lot of growth to shave off. It’s very efficient well being extremely comfortable. I’ve always had issues shaving daily and I’ve not used a better daily razor than the WR2 .95. It doesn’t have much blade feel, feels like a CG Level 1 or a Timeless .68 but more efficient than both, efficiency about a CG Level 2

My take would be 1,35 or 1,45 with WR2 MUCH smoother

Dude!  Thanks, man.  Super psyched to finally get one.  Loving the "MUCH snooker" description, as I've been really impressed with the Paradigms, though they are a bit too efficient for my every day use.  Do you currently own one or both of them in terms of your sense of comparison?

The WR2 .95 is a great daily shaver and it works well even if I have a lot of growth to shave off. It’s very efficient well being extremely comfortable. I’ve always had issues shaving daily and I’ve not used a better daily razor than the WR2 .95. It doesn’t have much blade feel, feels like a CG Level 1 or a Timeless .68 but more efficient than both, efficiency about a CG Level 2

iShave - have you ever tried the 1.05 WR2?  Any sense if the 1.05 is still reasonably good for daily driving?

Owned Paradigm 17-4, Ti and Ti2. Borrowed a couple WR2 in various gaps all SS though.