Gillette Fatboy

Gillette stopped making (DE) razors some years ago. Merkur are probably the premier "modern" DE manufacturer though they don't make anything quite like the fatboy.

Here's a link to a review on the Fatboy:

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I don't think there is an equivalent, sadly. The Merkur adjustables seem to be very different beasts by all accounts, but I only have experience of Gillettes, so I'm sure others will fill you in on that.
Briefly, the Fatboy is a vintage Gillette twist-to-open adjustable razor, with nine settings ranging (subjectively) from ultra mild to sensibly "aggressive"; it has a relatively short but thick handle, hence the name, and is decidedly heavy. The general impression you get is of a high quality item with nice tactile feedback - I'm starting to sound a bit fetishistic now, but they really are very desirable razors: even the clicking of the adjustment mechanism sounds just right. A mint one might set you back £40, but probably a bit less; alternatively a Slim (same general description but with a longer, thinner handle) commands a lower price, say £25 tops. Somehow or other, I now seem to own one of each, and they shave very nicely indeed, thank you. Highly recommended. Here's some information from another forum which might be of interest if you haven't seen it yet:

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I thought it might be nice to try one of these. But Ebay prices are crazy at present so I will give it a miss for now. Seems like the other popular vintage is the Flare Tip Rocket so will be looking out for one. I simply want to understand the enthusiasm for these things.
 
Flare-tip Rockets are the English-made versions of the US-made Super-speeds (post 1950's I think).

Ours are a bit more aggressive than the US ones but both are very, very nice shavers.
 
I suppose we've veered off topic a bit now, but here's a nice Rocket link for those who haven't seen it:

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I liked the Fatboy so much I bought a second as back-up. I tend to use mine around the 4-6 mark depending on what blade I'm using. I think they are a great design and a substantial razor.
I made the mistake of trying a Slim afterwards and find it a tad too long and I much prefer the balance of the Fatboy.

Fido, A Slim adjustable is sure worth considering if you haven't tried any of the vintage Gillette adjustables. Easier to find and more reasonably priced than the Fatboys as they were in production for longer and don't have the ebay/Fatboy hype.

I have to confess that since I bought a long handled Progress it beats both the Fatboy and the
old shorter Progress/Mergress but I still like the Fatboy.
 
I have three fatboys, one bought for £10.00 !!! "BUY IT NOW" on the bay (right place right time i guess) has a tiny bit of wear on the side of the head, that is my regular razor now, combined with a Feather Blade....totally awsome shave :shave !!!

I have another that is in amazing condition, from a Friend in the USA, and another that i bought on the bay for £12.00 it was in quite good condition, but i paid £14 and had it replated :shock: :shock: ......sooo nice !!!

I have a Slim as well but i thought it was too long, prefer the size and weight of the fatty !

Steve
 
Pick a number, any number - every one's a winner.
Shave with it.
If it feels like nothing happened and your face is still full of whiskers, turn it up a notch and repeat from step 2. If your face vanished and turned into a side of meat, turn it down a notch and repeat from step 2.

3-4-5 are popular places to start. You can get a good shave at any setting though - really it's what suits you, your face, your technique, your blade.
 
Fido said:
I confess.

I now have a Fatboy purchased from Safety Razors Co.

Come on you fans:

Tips on how to get the best out of it?

Dave the guy who runs Safety Razors UK is great to work with, he replated a Fatboy for me, outstanding work !! :D

If any of you guys want to get a Razor Replated, i really can recommend him and his work...

Fido, how is your new Razor.................bet it's sweeeeeeeeeeeeet !!

I have found the best for me is with a Feather Blade and Fatboy set to 5

Steve
 
Hunny has it about right. Throw a dice. ;)

Difficult to resist playing with that adjustment dial, whatever setting you choose stick with it until you are used to using it (2 weeks). A feather light touch a mild setting and an extra pass will get you on your'e way.

See DE Razor review for a Fatboy post and more info.


1 - 3 MILD

4 - 6 MEDIUM

7 - 9 AGGRESIVE
 
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