Another comparison of razors in my den. This time a newcomer being the Wolfman WR2 clone AX and an oldtimer being the Gillette Super Speed Red Tip.
DSCosmetics AX
I had a pleasant opportunity to acquire this razor from fellow shave enthousiast @Shaun asleep. I have read in various reviews that the AX is the closest clone / copy to the real WR2 - some state about 90% similar. For my curiosity close enough as I have no inclination to acquire a real Wolfman. This has everything to do with the current status of my den and nothing with Wolfman by the way. I think James' take on the Tech-like WR2 is one of the most beautiful razor designs to hit the market. Owning a Wolfman would just send me in a downward spin RRA*-wise. Enough mubling about. On to the razor.
My AX has a blade gap of 1.55mm and judging by the website the blade exposure is 0.06mm. This is by far the widest gap I have. The blade exposure seems to be in my regular ball park and also resembles the real Tech. From what I have read about the actual WR2, the blade exposure at 1.55mm gap is supposedly (measured with capilers) 0.40mm. That would be twice my Greencult 1.0 and at least three times more than my Blackbird. The AX in my experience, but I have not measured it nor do I have the tools to do so, is much milder than that. So the reported exposure seems right to me. It is definitely positive. However the razor has a wide angle to choose from and going shallow sort of neutralises the positive exposure.
The razor is all stainless steel. Three piece razor. The head weighs 35 grams and the handle I used (Razorock Barberpole) is 67 grams, so the entire razor in this comparison is about 101 grams. The blade clamping is extremely tight and is so tight that the blade is forced into position. This in itself is a good thing. However, the blade definitely needs help being released from the cap. That is fairly easy to do by the way, but it does require some effort. The only real peeve I have with the razor is the threading on the cap. The Barberpole fits easily and smoothly whereas other handles lock at a certain point. The Barberpole might be a lucky shot which is fortunate. Other handles not so far. What I really like is full blade coverage, so no side parts hanging out.
The shave is really smooth and comfortable. This can depend on the blade, but with that huge gap considering, I would still say the razor is smooth. It communicates confidence to the user which is very helpful in using it. Very effective razor as well. Higher end blades, like Nacet or Gillette Platinum require some precautions, but overall it isn´t really blade picky.
Gillette Red Tip
Well this razor doesn´t exactly need an introduction of course. I wanted to add the Red Tip for some time and last year the opportunity presented itself. This particular razor is 67 grams all brass (as far as I know). Positive blade exposure in my experience at least and the most effective one in my interactions with super speed type razors. For completeness sake I will mention it is a twist-to-open razor, but I kind of assume we already know that. The razor head is smaller than a regular blade and so I need to extra careful of blade tap overhang there.
Shaves with the Red Tip are just wonderful. Very effective and in my case I need to keep attention otherwise it will bite me or let me know I was there. The Red Tip can be a harsh shaver depending on the blade and the angle I choose. On average I would say the AX is the smoother razor of the two. In that sense the Gillette Aristocrat is equally effective, but feels (much) smoother to me when shaving. Then again, the Red Tip is the most aggressive Super Speed for a reason obviously.
Summary of results
Notes
Purely based on results I would say the Red Tip is a match for the AX and perhaps the better razor for me. It is very blade dependent for both razors I think as two shaves by the same person do not necessarily mean they are similar or the same. The results are also longer lasting with the Red Tip. The blade used is definitely not one I would readily promote. It is unlike other Lord blades for me. The shaves with both razors are very enjoyable. Each on its own can deliver great results. I just think the Red Tip has an edge over the AX. Other blades will definitely impact this assessment - the interesting point here being that both razors currently demand me using milder blades. To end blades tend to be harsher at the moment. Likely to be my technique more than anything.
*) Razor Rotation Anxiety
DSCosmetics AX
I had a pleasant opportunity to acquire this razor from fellow shave enthousiast @Shaun asleep. I have read in various reviews that the AX is the closest clone / copy to the real WR2 - some state about 90% similar. For my curiosity close enough as I have no inclination to acquire a real Wolfman. This has everything to do with the current status of my den and nothing with Wolfman by the way. I think James' take on the Tech-like WR2 is one of the most beautiful razor designs to hit the market. Owning a Wolfman would just send me in a downward spin RRA*-wise. Enough mubling about. On to the razor.
My AX has a blade gap of 1.55mm and judging by the website the blade exposure is 0.06mm. This is by far the widest gap I have. The blade exposure seems to be in my regular ball park and also resembles the real Tech. From what I have read about the actual WR2, the blade exposure at 1.55mm gap is supposedly (measured with capilers) 0.40mm. That would be twice my Greencult 1.0 and at least three times more than my Blackbird. The AX in my experience, but I have not measured it nor do I have the tools to do so, is much milder than that. So the reported exposure seems right to me. It is definitely positive. However the razor has a wide angle to choose from and going shallow sort of neutralises the positive exposure.
The razor is all stainless steel. Three piece razor. The head weighs 35 grams and the handle I used (Razorock Barberpole) is 67 grams, so the entire razor in this comparison is about 101 grams. The blade clamping is extremely tight and is so tight that the blade is forced into position. This in itself is a good thing. However, the blade definitely needs help being released from the cap. That is fairly easy to do by the way, but it does require some effort. The only real peeve I have with the razor is the threading on the cap. The Barberpole fits easily and smoothly whereas other handles lock at a certain point. The Barberpole might be a lucky shot which is fortunate. Other handles not so far. What I really like is full blade coverage, so no side parts hanging out.
The shave is really smooth and comfortable. This can depend on the blade, but with that huge gap considering, I would still say the razor is smooth. It communicates confidence to the user which is very helpful in using it. Very effective razor as well. Higher end blades, like Nacet or Gillette Platinum require some precautions, but overall it isn´t really blade picky.
Gillette Red Tip
Well this razor doesn´t exactly need an introduction of course. I wanted to add the Red Tip for some time and last year the opportunity presented itself. This particular razor is 67 grams all brass (as far as I know). Positive blade exposure in my experience at least and the most effective one in my interactions with super speed type razors. For completeness sake I will mention it is a twist-to-open razor, but I kind of assume we already know that. The razor head is smaller than a regular blade and so I need to extra careful of blade tap overhang there.
Shaves with the Red Tip are just wonderful. Very effective and in my case I need to keep attention otherwise it will bite me or let me know I was there. The Red Tip can be a harsh shaver depending on the blade and the angle I choose. On average I would say the AX is the smoother razor of the two. In that sense the Gillette Aristocrat is equally effective, but feels (much) smoother to me when shaving. Then again, the Red Tip is the most aggressive Super Speed for a reason obviously.
Summary of results
| Date | Razor | Blade | Facial Impact Score | Effectiveness |
| 11.09.2024 | DSC PoleAxe AX | Lord Cool (3) | 8.00 | 8.50 |
| 12.09.2024 | DSC PoleAxe AX | Lord Cool (4) | 8.00 | 7.00 |
| 13.04.2024 | Gillette Red Tip | Lord Cool (5) | 8.00 | 8.50 |
| 14.09.2024 | Gillette Red Tip | Lord Cool (6) | 8.00 | 8.75 (8.50) |
| Summary | DSCosmetics Poleaxe / AX | 8.00 | 7.75 | |
| Summary | Gillette Red Tip | 8.00 | 8.50 |
Notes
Purely based on results I would say the Red Tip is a match for the AX and perhaps the better razor for me. It is very blade dependent for both razors I think as two shaves by the same person do not necessarily mean they are similar or the same. The results are also longer lasting with the Red Tip. The blade used is definitely not one I would readily promote. It is unlike other Lord blades for me. The shaves with both razors are very enjoyable. Each on its own can deliver great results. I just think the Red Tip has an edge over the AX. Other blades will definitely impact this assessment - the interesting point here being that both razors currently demand me using milder blades. To end blades tend to be harsher at the moment. Likely to be my technique more than anything.
*) Razor Rotation Anxiety
