One razor that garners such varied discussion as the Fat Boy. It is either embraced or hated. Most of us have one in our dens. Some use it regularly others occasionally, others do not touch it. Why does one razor bring out such lively discussions? Is because of aggressiveness or the lack of its aggressiveness. Other discussions are about the dial setting, full blown or lower. Yet other discussions about the blade choice. There is always a discussion about choosing the Fat or its sleeker cousin the Slim. I personally like the Fat Boy. It has a very unique personality and the personality changes with using different blades or the different settings. I have tried milder blades the shave quality was less then stellar. I begin experimenting with different blades such as Super Max, Big Ben Rapira, Voskhod etc. I thought a dial setting of 6 and even 7 was the answer. The blade and settings is just part of the equation. Last I week my Fat Boy and I became friends. What I have learned is that the Fat Boy does have a very distinct personality unlike any of my other razors. First I have learned blade choice is crucial. Last week I loaded the Fat Boy with a Gillette 7o'clock Black (Black Ninja). I dialed it down to five. Next I have learned that choking up on the handle and a gentle hand work best. Lastly is the angle of the head against the face. This combination of these factors have given me the best shaves from my Fat Boy. The Fat Boy, can be as aggressive as you choose. I believe the more aggressive you make it the better the shaves that it will deliver for you. In my opinion the choice of an aggressive/sharp blade is crucial. Secondly the dial setting at the lower end worked best for myself. If you have given up on your Fat Boy, trying making friends with it and you will be rewarded with great shaves. I am glad that the Fat Boy and I are now buddies.
I'm middle of the road, I neither love nor hate the FB. I've had several, parted with them all, and just came by one last weekend and already shaved with it, just as a reminder. I definitely see the FB's appeal; it's a formidable looking axe. But it's just never struck me the way it does many so it's not one I desire to have permanently on my shelf. That means nothing, of course -- I'm very taken with a relatively obscure, no-name three piece that I'll never part with...one that I know in my head probably shaves about the same as a Tech, a razor which shouldn't bore me but does. This sure can be a crazy, irrational hobby, can't it?
Every time I've picked up my Fatboy, it has done a good job. I don't suppose I've really picked it up that often, though. Too many good razors, and I only use one a day.
I can't say I have ever tried a Fatboy, and Ive heard it said that a Super Adjustable is more similar to a Slim than a Fatboy, but maybe I will try some of these tricks to try and get better acquainted with the SA. I have always had a preference for a more aggressive razor/blade, so maybe I'll just bite it and try the thing with a sharper blade. Sounds like I gotta get me some Voskhods.
great write-up Brad, i have a fatboy but dont use it as much as I should, EJ89l and a Gillette slim (and a Muhle R41 in 2weeks) are also in my rotation dont get me wrong I really like the FB and would never sell it, I just need to give it a little more lovin
I just got a FB this weekend from a local antique mall. It's all cleaned up and ready to try in the morning!
Excellent. SoS thread will soon be starting for the next week's shaves. We look forward to you reporting your shave!
I've got one that I paid a fair bit for and now the market seems to have quieted on them, maybe it's time to get to know it a bit better. This razor was NOS when I bought it and has only been used a handful of times.
+1 Mine prefers to be called, "Pleasantly Plump" Very nice writeup. I go through phases with mine, though I tend to favor my superspeed a bit more. Black Ninja or 7 O'clock yellows has definitely been the way to fly for me with the Fatboy. Though, I did try out a Voskhod with nice results too.
I loved my user grade FB and kept it until I recently found a mint FB in the case...sold my user grade. Now I wish I had the user grade back as I am in need of money and am thinking of selling the mint FB to someone who would appreciate it and making a few buck to get through the Holiday season. I think they are outstanding razors.
