I remember reading somewhere that I have to have the Fatboy's wings opened to change the shaving stetting Is there any thing I need to know about this razor before I use it? any help would be greatly welcome
There is a certain amount of tension when you tighten down the razor. The last 1/4 turn locks it in place. It's been suggested to loosen the razor that 1/4 turn or more when adjusting the setting. Don't think the doors need to be all the way open.
Although it's been mentioned that when the Fatboy came out, it really didn't need to be loosened any, but because of it's age, it wouldn't be a bad idea to loosening the knob a bit. I do that to all my vintage Gillette adjustables.
When the razor is tightened for a shave, the blade is rendered under tension and immovable. This tension in the mechanism will exert undue strain on to the dial if one is to adjust it like this. Gillette didn't mention this because they never expected their adjustables to last this long, nor did they wanted them to. They would like to see you getting another razor from them as they produced so many different models along the years for this purpose. To convince you to get their latest offering. This is easy to observe when one adjusts the fatboy in the relaxed position. The dial moves in an effortless way giving a reassuring click along the process. Adjusting it OTOH in the tight position will show that the knob will not move as effortlessly or reassuringly.
It's not necessary to take the tension off the "Doors"(correct term), when adjusting the Gillette Fatboy, or Slim Adjustable. Loosening them does make it easier though. I loosen them.
I do what the others have said and loosen the doors slightly before adjusting. Taking the pressure off the razor before making adjustments is always a good idea and certainly doesn't hurt anything. I'm not what some would refer to as a fatboy fan, but I will say that it is my favorite TTO razor and in my top 5 safety razors of all time. @Tylervanstone , I think you're going to like this razor.
I would imagine that back in 1959 when a Gent bought a new Fatboy and went to adjust the dial he did not loosen or open the silo doors.
Some of us did. It was just easier to turn if it was not fully tightened. To be honest that was in 1960/61 and not 1959 but I didn't get my Fat Boy until my Senior Year in High School.
so what do I do? I'm confused please give me some guidance I've never used this kind of razor before please give me some help
When you are using any of the vintage adjustables, most of us recommend loosening the doors a bit to set it to the desired number. Then, tighten it and shave.
Split the difference. Somewhere between the original instructions & what 57 years of experience have taught owners. Here's your 1960 paperwork.
Adjust it whichever way you wish. It's your razor. Then shave with it. Can't be more simple than that. Or, you mail it to me, and I will make the adjustments for you,
It's simpliciry itself. Just make sure you adjust it and then tighten. If you have to adjust mid-shave loosen the silo doors 1/2 turn, adjust aggressiveness, tighten and continue. If this is difficult to understand, then someone should post a how to video.