Why the Fatboy?

There's no question the Fatboy is a complex piece. Whether that's a good thing is a matter of perspective. Personally I don't find Gillette's adjustment mechanism significantly better than that used by the Gibbs/Apollo/Merkur adjustables which preceded it (consistent calibration doesn't matter unless you use more than one razor) and the TTO while nice just creates opportunity for problems of misalignment as the razor ages. It is better balanced than the Gibbs and Merkur (both equally hefty) but I prefer the shaves from them over the Gillette.

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Is the Fatboy more aggressive?

Is the Fatboy more aggressive?

Than what? If you're talking about the Slim, then no. If you're talking about the SA, then definitely.

seems I'm the odd man out here. I love the Fat Boy. I have a big old schnozzola and can shave under it with just a bit of manipulation. It rids me of my grizzly beard just fine. And the "cool" factor is off the charts.

Nobody here hates the Fatboy. It's a fine razor. It's just that a satisfying shaving life can be led with other razors.

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Nobody here hates the Fatboy. It's a fine razor. It's just that a satisfying shaving life can be led with other razors.

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...and other soaps, brushes, aftershaves, etc.

The gillette toggle is probably the highest point of engineering for Gillette. The fatboy was a stripped down, simplified version.

I think it has the reputation it does because there is nothing quite like it.

The Gillette's are the only Adjustable that changed blade gap and angle at the same time.

And of the Adjustables, the fatboy just looks badass.

There were millions made and I've gotten great shaves from them.

Most that come in are off on alignment / gap. I wonder if that is what has led people to think it's mild.

Blade gap should be 0.015 inches at setting 1 with a blade inside. Use a feeler gauge.


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See my comments above regarding the benefits of complexity being a matter of perspective. If most Fatboys are out of alignment given modest use..(and presumably most going to Razor Emporium aren't beaters), well... it's not all gravy that's all. It's like a 12 cylinder Jaguar always out of tune because nobody can afford the maintenance.

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See my comments above regarding the benefits of complexity being a matter of perspective. If most Fatboys are out of alignment given modest use..(and presumably most going to Razor Emporium aren't beaters), well... it's not all gravy that's all. It's like a 12 cylinder Jaguar always out of tune because nobody can afford the maintenance.

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Actually most razors coming to us are beaters so perhaps we see the worst of the worst.

Today a customer brought in an Edwin Jagger that was bought less than 3 months ago. It was dropped and the threads snapped off inside the handle.

Say what you will, but gillette razors can survive falls and components bend perhaps, but rarely snap.

I completely agree that they are prone to issues if dropped, and god knows when you buy a vintage razor how many drops it has had over the years. But I still find them impressive beyond anything on the market today.


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Ambassador??

My impression was that Edwin Jagger issues replacements as a matter of course, particularly for a new razor.

Of course FBs look cool , and brass Gillettes would be expected to do better when dropped, but durability and shave ability are two different things.

My hope is that the Ambassador would have something going for it in that regard beyond just a stainless steel build.

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