Wolfman WR2 Head Discussion

We talked Jimmy back on the ledge.

https://youtu.be/Ct-DFbG_f5M

As mentioned in my previous Journal posts, I really want the WR2 to work for me. I've never fully bonded with the 1.25 gap. It requires a lot of touch-ups for me and has never really given me a perfect shave. My name recently came up on the list for a new Wolfman and I have strongly considered ramping up to a higher gap.

So, for my last 2 shaves, I "shimmed" the WR2 up to a 1.55 gap to see how a high gap WR2 performs for me. To do this, I found 3 of my least favorite new blades to sacrifice for this experiment. I used a sharp pair of scissors to cut about 1/16" off the sides of each of the 3 blades. It doesn't take much... basically just need to cut off the sharp edges as evenly as possible and not leave burrs. We want these guys to stack flat and not scratch the razor. I used 3 shimmed blades since each blade is .10mm in thickness... so 3 shims = .30mm and that brings my 1.25 WR up to a 1.55 gap. The 3 shims are placed between the bottom plate and new Feather blade to increase the blade gap. So to be clear the order is: Top-cap, Blade, 3 shims, bottom-plate, handle.

On to the shave....
The change was immediately noticeable and I had no problem finding the correct blade angle (something I struggle with on the 1.25). There was obviously way more blade feel and audible feedback. While the 1.55 gap is aggressive, it was also very controlled. At no point did I feel I was going to cut myself or lose an ear. I did give it the respect of a very light touch and to my amazement, after 4 quick passes realized I didn't need any XTG touch-ups. Don't think this has ever happed with a razor for me. The shave was smooth and irritation-free with no weepers or cuts. Color me impressed.

Here's some pics of the adventure:







Before (1.25 gap):



After (1.55 gap):

Back in March of this year my Google order came up and I took the postpone option, saying I'd wait for Ti. I had no confidence that Ti would ever happen. It seemed to be a discontinued item. Then in October when James announced the price increases, and the pending availability of Ti and bronze I sent the email to place my order with Ti.

For the past few years, whenever I had the opportunity to order from James it always seemed to be around my birthday ... purely by coincidence. So I always mentioned that it was coming up .... as old as I am it may be my last ... and how about Ti ? 

I always got the same answer ... which was not now. So on Oct 20 I sent the email requesting Ti ... mentioning my birthday ... On Nov 1 I received my invoice and paid immediately requesting expedited UPS shipping. 

Yesterday, Nov 5 it was at my door in FL ! A week past my b-day, but finally got a Ti Wolfman. The basic/matte is exactly what I'd hoped for. Very like the Satin finish in the SS. I prefer Ti to have that gun metal gray finish like an old Colt Single Action with the bluing worn off. 

So a WR2 1.35 SB, WRH 7/3 96mm. Shaved just wonderful. I've read guys, Tester 28 in particular say that Ti is smoother of the face than SS. Having shaved with other Ti DEs I never really noticed a difference, but I did with this one. It is just smooth as silk, and the 1.35 gap is great. 

Finally, what a nice personal touch I found when I opened the packaging. 

That looks AWESOME Jimmy!
Looking forward to your comparison of the 1.35Ti vs the Mühle R41 Ti SE

I also like this hybrid handle in Ti (in SS it never appealed to me)

If you have a scale handy I'd love to know the handle weight please?

Congrats Jimmy and belated birthday wishes! 1.35 is a great gap. It's my favorite Wolfman gap by far in the 2 series.

That looks AWESOME Jimmy!
Looking forward to your comparison of the 1.35Ti vs the Mühle R41 Ti SE

I also like this hybrid handle in Ti (in SS it never appealed to me)

If you have a scale handy I'd love to know the handle weight please?

Thank you Tester. 

The Ti 96mm 7/3 weighs 45 grams on my scale

A SS Darwin 55 grams

A SS hollow 90mm WRH1 65 grams

The complete Ti razor, handle, base plate, and top cap 65 grams !

Edit: No comparison to the Muhle R-41 Ti 'OC'. I've heard the gaps are the same, but because of blade exposure, maybe geometry, the Wolf is a much more enjoyable shave for me. Not that the R-41 Ti isn't a DFS ... it's just not in the same league as this 1.35 SB.

The Ti 96mm 7/3 weighs 45 grams on my scale

The complete Ti razor, handle, base plate, and top cap 65 grams !

Edit: No comparison to the Muhle R-41 Ti 'OC'. I've heard the gaps are the same, but because of blade exposure, maybe geometry, the Wolf is a much more enjoyable shave for me. Not that the R-41 Ti isn't a DFS ... it's just not in the same league as this 1.35 SB.

Cool its about 5gm less than my Ti set with the WR2 1.55 and a WRH7 XL handle.

Thanks for the comparison to the R41 Ti...it confirms what I have heard from others.

Antique Bronze WR1 .67. This was the razor I wanted and was hoping it would be offered again. No more razors for me now.

Happy Holidays! Gobble Gobble . . .
Finally got the Wr2 Ti that I have been waiting on for years!! Can’t wait for Wolfman Wednesday! 
Wr2 1.35 in polished Titanium with WRH1 handle

Love it. Also, not sure why the WRH1 doesn't get more love. I more often see the WRH2 and WRH7 for sale, but for me, the WRH1 and Darwin handles are perfection.