Why the Fatboy?

We all know Gillette has made perhaps hundreds of different types of razors. Why then is the Fatboy such a sought-after razor? What I'm asking this wetshaver community is: what makes the Fatboy so good?

I have to say every vintage Gillette (TTO) I've ever tried were way too mild. I'd say they would have given me a decent shave when...I was 9. So, I don't see the fascination.

Internet hype. Faux scarcity. A lot of folks caught up in the hype then have to justify to themselves the price paid which leads to more hype. Hype leads to hoarding and speculation driving up prices more. It's a beautiful, well made razor that's all, but there are a lot of beautiful, well made razors that offer a superior shave for less money, especially once Gillette blinders are removed.

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It's a pretty awesome piece of engineering that holds up really well, as do all those early TTO Gillettes. I think the Fatboy gets a lot of hype, whether justified or not depends on your view. When I started into the vintages, I really wanted a Fatboy, but everything I found that was in somewhat decent shape was just too $$$. Happened upon a Slim Adjustable in excellent shape that didn't break the bank. It does me just fine, especially when set anywhere from 7-9 and sated my vintage adjustable needs.

I have to agree I am not sure the reason why this razor has the popularity and expense it does. Perhaps the nickname makes it stand out?

We all know Gillette has made perhaps hundreds of different types of razors. Why then is the Fatboy such a sought-after razor? What I'm asking this wetshaver community is: what makes the Fatboy so good?

Honestly, the Fatboy is probably my least favorite vintage Gillette razor.  Of the adjustables of that era, I much prefer the Super Adjustable (aka Black Beauty) and the Slim.  The reason for this is that I find the Fatboy has a more pronounced curve in its head, a higher arch, and I find it harder to maneuver around my face, particularly under the jawline.  For this reason, I don't get as close a shave as I do with the Slim or Super Adjustable.

EDIT: I have had mine for quite some time and purchased it before some vintage razor prices went through the roof. I believe I paid $25.00 and it was (and is) in excellent condition. However, I was not overly impressed with the shave from the get-go.

i am way less impressed with the quality of the shave I get from mine these days than I was when I first started shaving with a DE. I can say the same thing about the slim and the super adjustable too though.

The price for the Gillette "195" "Fat Boy" "Fatboy" Adjustable has gone almost through the roof mainly due to eBay. Folks just have to have them and don't want to be outbid. I think that is why these razors are selling for so much money lately. I find it funny that the nickname "195" refers to the original price that Gillette sold a lot of theses razors for: $1.95. Now, some of them are selling for over $100 on eBay!

The price for the Gillette "195" "Fat Boy" "Fatboy" Adjustable has gone almost through the roof mainly due to eBay.  Folks just have to have them and don't want to be outbid.  I think that is why these razors are selling for so much money lately.  I find it funny that the nickname "195" refers to the original price that Gillette sold a lot of theses razors for: $1.95.  Now, some of them are selling for over $100 on eBay!

I bought a mint condition 1960 a couple years ago for around $80.

Some of them for $150-$200. eBay is just a vehicle for the mania. You don't see a Black Beauty going for that. And it's not like there's a scarcity, there are typically 120-150 to choose from. People with more money than sense.

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