I'll start a thread here, as it seems the appropriate place (other than the SOTD threads). I plan to learn how to use a single edge unmentionable starting in January. Also, I have been getting my bestest shaves with single edge razors, most of which are vintage GEMs and Schick injectors. As I learn a new skill, all advice is start slow and only 1 pass. I am toying with using mostly GEMs, as I have a few and really, really like them! While shaving the yesterday with the 100+ year old GEM Damaskeene, "GEMuary" popped into my noggin and stuck there. DecemBoar has been a lot of fun, so I may do many shaves in January using a GEM or Sabre as the main tool after my lesson. If I do, I will post them here unless mods think it is more appropriate to be in the SOTD thread. I won't do both.

I currently have two Wolfman WR-3 heads and a handle from a pass-around in the UK.

Wolfman have been around for a few years making high quality machined unmentionable razors.
They are infamous for their high prices and long waiting lists.
They now have started making the WR-3, a single edge razor taking GEM blades.

Here is a picture (courtesy of Crossan@TSR):



On the left is the closed comb version, on the right, is a prototype of the open comb version.
The head on the left is about $270, the handle is another $120 (US - the company is in Canada).
So we are talking almost $400 for the complete razor. That's quite a price tag.

I have received both in the mail today and have had a shave with the closed comb version.

Here is what I posted on the UK forum:

Preamble

It's been slightly more than 6 years since I have used a Wolfman razor.
I was part of this Wolfman WR1-DC pass-around in late 2015:
https://www.theshavingroom.co.uk/communi...ads/34585/
The WR1-DC is an open/closed comb combination unmentionable razor.
By coincidence, I'll shave with closed and open combs again.

First impressions

The machining on the handle and the closed comb head is - as expected - impeccable.
That Wolfguy certainly knows how to machine a piece of metal.
(The open comb head is not finished to the same degree, but it is a prototype. So that's OK)
The way the knurling on the handle reflects light when you spin it in your
hands is impressive. Flawless and mesmerising.
Next impression: The heads are rather large. The decision to have the
threaded post go behind the blade is an odd one. It clearly shows that the
razor was designed by someone coming from a DE background. I'll see how that
will affect the shave.

I checked blade loading with both heads. The tiny little dot on the OC head is
awkward. I prefer the way the closed comb head works. However, after years of
mostly using SE razors: There is a reason SE razors aren't three-piece designs.
Two plates, a handle and a plastic washer. Unscrew, take apart, change the blade, re-assemble, screw handle back on?
Changing a blade in a 1912 or a Micromatic will take a tenth of the time. Or less.
Both heads seem to hold the blade firmly though.

First shave

For the first shave, I picked the closed comb head, as that's what you can (sort of) actually buy.
Holy cow. That thing is good.

- Wolfman WR-3 0.40 gap with safety bar
- Wolfman WR-7H handle
- GEM stainless steel blade (1st use)
- Jayaruh 305 brush
- Proraso Green shaving cream
- Superdrug Forest Green ASL

It's the expensive-meets-dirt-cheap shave.
I won't bore you with a detailed pass-by-pass shave report.
My usual four pass routine - WTG, XTG, GTX, ATG.
First of all: the size of the head is not an issue. Under the nose - not a problem at all.
The knurling on the handle is in an odd place - not where I would hold the
handle. The handle was fine though, maybe a bit on the heavy side.
That's where my criticism stops.
The Wolfman is smooth and efficient. If you are used to GEM razors you'll hit
the correct angle straight away. I expected to say "my Micromatic can do that
at a fraction of the price", but honestly - it can't. This was one of the best GEM blade
shaves I have ever had. Full-on BBS without effort.

I'm impressed. That razor is really good.
There are however some elephants in the room, which I will talk about another time.

Next time I'll try the open comb.

Good day, eh!

When I was trying to get a comfortable setup with the Vector, I picked up some AC blades to try. The Schick Prolines were the best for me in the Vector. But the Vector and I had a short, but somewhat intense 5-month relationship. No matter what I did, riding cap or guard, I could not get my end-goal of a Really Comfortable Shave (full disclosure: I "borrowed" RCS from another user on another forum, as I like it as a goal better than the DFS or BBS ) While thinking about which razor to use next week, I realized that I never tried the other blades in either the Hawk or the General. Any thoughts on these blades? Or whether you noted certain blades work better in one AC razor versus another? I have used the Prolines exclusively since late Spring. But I do have two different Kai blades that were touted in another neighborhood, and recently picked up some Feathers, the Pros shown here and the super pros, which I understand are probably more than I want to deal with! However, I decided that since the Hawk and the General work for me (achieving RCS), maybe I should tinker with other blades and see if something else works better. Or at least as good and I can use up the packs I have. Thanks for any comments/advice/tips and even jokes!    

After being visited by the three Christmas Spirits all in one night,, Scrooge is a changed man, and needs to prepare himself for going out.


Shaving was not an easy task, for his hand continued to shake very much; and shaving requires attention, even when you don't dance while you are at it. But if he had cut the end of his nose off, he would have put a piece of sticking-plaister over it, and been quite satisfied.

A Christmas Carol, Stave IV, p. 70.

Hi guys long time no see. Where are y’all buying your GEM blades now days. I seem to remeber someone on Etsy but I can’t dig that far back in my brain lol

This arrived in my stash from stuff I've bought from ebay past few months. Set is in remarkably good condition but missing the Thursday blade holder. The instruction manual was easy to follow and understand how it works. The  blades are clean of rust and the strop is in good condition. I've applied some neatsfoot oil to condition it.
I will pass the blade gently over a 12k naniwa stone and strop it after honing and see how well it shaves. Fill post a report.

My wife has told me we'll be going to Ikea sometime in the next two weeks. The best part of that is Atlanta Barber & Beauty Supply is a short drive away and I'm thinking to try and stop in and pick up one or two after shaves. Their prices are super reasonable. They carry a large selection of Clubman Pinaud/Jeris, Coachman, Lustray, Barber by Marmara, Lucky Tiger and Master After Shaves.

I love the three classic after shaves that I already have, but wanted to hear any recommendations you might have. I've seen a number of folks use the Lustray Spice and am considering that. Clubman Citrus Musk is also on my mind, but not sure if there is enough difference between that and the modern Aqua Velva musk that I have. Maybe a bay rum. And, all I know about The Veg is that "the veg picks you, you don't pick the veg." Can someone explain what's up with the veg?

I thought there was a thread around on these but I can not find it.

I used this very nice kinda strange very good shaving razor again. It is easy to load with an injector blade, as long as nothing is bent out of shape. If the bottom holds the blade tight then you are good to go. It is a very easy razor to use and can be picked up for very little ching,

I recently acquired this beautiful 1887 Kampfe Brothers Star from twhite. Tom honed the 3 blades for me before sending it out. He did a fantastic job. I'm glad I was able to add this beauty to my collection. It was my first shave with a wedge blade safety razor. I do believe I have another blade to add to the set. I'll have to search.

                   

In my opinion the Shave of the Day is the bedrock of TOST3 member engagement. My intention with this post is to recognize those that take the time and effort to post their SotDs, particularly images. These SotD posts inspire me to stay current with TOST3 activity and also shave and post daily. Thank you to everyone highlighted below!

Admin Note: This is a first effort of something that I'd be willing to continue doing. I reviewed all posts in the November SotD thread. It was a challenge to decide which images to select! I don't think I missed anyone, but if I did holler at me for an edit. Please let me know if you like a highlight reel thread or not; PM me if appropriate. I'm also open to any suggestions on how to improve/modify. Wchnu gave me the thumbs up to post everyone's images via a third party site. This allows visitors to see everyone's images and hopefully lead to more folks signing up. If in the future you would not like your images to be used in this manner, please let me know and I will adjust accordingly. I'm keeping my commentary below to a minimum to allow the images to shine!

I want to kick off the highlight reel by giving a tip of my cap to Jayaruh for his month of 3D printed razor posts. I appreciate a good theme, thanks Jim! Username alphabetical order used for the remaining highlights. Please remember, as recently pointed out by GAW9576, you can click on the green arrow at the top of each quote to take you back to the original post as I'm choosing to not quote much if any text.

Additional Admin Note: I had to split this post into two, as the system only allows for 10 images and 2 videos, while I had 16 images and 3 videos. When finishing this post, please continue on to Part II!

(11-01-2021, 01:26 AM)Jayaruh Wrote: November is here, and I have designated it as 3D Printed Razor Month. I will be using all of my printed razors this month. I have 14, so most will get used at least twice. Here we go.

(11-01-2021, 04:26 PM)Jayaruh Wrote:

(11-25-2021, 04:38 AM)AndyD Wrote:

(11-06-2021, 11:02 AM)Dave in KY Wrote:

(11-30-2021, 03:29 PM)GAW9576 Wrote:

(11-28-2021, 07:32 AM)Grassy Wrote:

(11-07-2021, 11:32 AM)ischiapp Wrote:

(11-30-2021, 05:22 PM)MaineYooper Wrote:

(11-21-2021, 07:16 PM)mayer57619 Wrote:

(11-27-2021, 11:48 PM)Old Sarge Wrote:

(11-04-2021, 06:06 PM)srqshaver Wrote: