Firstly - a big thanks to all that have allowed this pass-around to happen - a Wolfman pass-around!
I'm not going to spend much time on the craftsmanship of the razor. It's a Wolfman. He manages to achieve a finish that I could not even begin to comprehend was possible when I was an apprentice using lathes and milling machines. As an engineer myself this is a joy to behold.
GEM have been my least favourite blade format (1st - AC; 2nd - DE; 3rd - Injector; 4th - GEM) but using this razor has slightly changed that. It has always felt to me that GEM are less sharp than DE or AC blades, and I've tried at least 12. I've had 8 shaves with the WR3, interspersed and bookended with my Streamline and my Sabre L2; four with the milder SB and four with the 'wild' OC.
Everyone states the key to a GEM shave is to ensure the razor is almost flat to the face and the 'odd' balance of the WR3 encourages / facilitates that. This long handle with the flare at the end does a fair job of off-setting the very head-heavy balance of the razor and the balance point is where the knurling sits so it actually feels well balanced, in my hand at least. The big off-set head naturally swings the blade into the vertical position when starting on the cheeks and the shave just gets better from there on, whether using the mild SB or wild OC. It's like using a hoe and the odd balance means I focused on the angle when using it irrespective of whether shaving my cheeks, neck, chin or jawline. I managed to get really great enjoyable shaves from both heads but I think I'd opt for a OC in between 0.4 and 0.7 as the 0.7 could be a tiny bit harsh if too much pressure was used ATG.
The realisation that the WR3 encourages, maybe even enforces a very, very steep shave lead me to experiment with my Sabre L2 (which has been on the transfer list at times). I replicated the near vertical angle of the head and was rewarded with an excellent shave easily the equal of the shaves I've had from the WR3. I think the 'better' balance of the Sabre had encouraged or enabled a less steep angle as the design, once in hand, balances more like a DE and I'd been slack in maintaining the 'flat to the face' angle needed for a good GEM shave.
While I think the WR3 is a eccentric or odd looking, beautifully machined, expensive because of the unparalleled attention to detail, excellent, excellent razor I don't think it's one I would buy if I had the means. This razor has re-taught me that for GEM shaves it's all about the angle and far less about the holder. Consequently, if I had the funds for a Wolfman it would be a stainless steel polished WR2 with a hollow handle and not this intriguing razor.
