Thread: Gillette Fatboy problem with adjustable

I recently picked up an F-1 "Fatboy" which had a frozen adjustment dial and base plate. I was able to free everything up, depressed the red spring to tighten up the dial, and got everything working.

Thing is, everything I've read indicates that setting 1 is the least aggressive, and setting 9 the most. Yet on mine, setting 1, where the blade is flatter, seems to require the most care and causes the most nicks and weepers. But by dialing all the way up to setting 9, and causing the blade to bow up more, the shave still requires care, as these fatboys seem to bite pretty easily, but the shave seems much more mild with fewer weepers, contrary to what I expected and based on what I've read about these razors. So on mine, setting 1 seems most aggressive, setting 9 the least.

Is my fatboy backwards? Or is this just a normal variation? Or what?

IIRC the blade gap should increase as you go from 1 to 9. Maybe check and see if it is doing that?

Bob

Yea, someone forced it and un-intentionally “Overclocked” it, and it is out of sequence.

Set it on 1¸take a toothpick and push down on the red spring and turn the dial to the left, do not force. It should be back in sync. If it won’t go it needs cleaning, soak in hot water and dish soap.

Pressing the spring down should disengage the spring, but it may have crud build up under the spring.

I have soaked them for a couple weeks to get them free. They are nickel plated brass so no harm in soaking, you must break down the hardened soap.

Search Fatboy Overclocking, for more info.

Originally Posted by BobH

IIRC the blade gap should increase as you go from 1 to 9. Maybe check and see if it is doing that?

Bob

The gap increases, but as the settings increase to 9 and the center of the blade is bowed upwards toward the head of the razor, it seems that a bit less of the blade edge is exposed, and there is more of a downward angle to the edge. Maybe it's a shaving technique thing. Anyway, I suppose as long as I can get it to work at 9, that's all that matters. Just suprised, maybe a little disapointed, it worked out that way.

Got a good close shave with it though. That's what really matters. Now I have to decide if I want to send it for replating, or leave as is.

Originally Posted by honedright

The gap increases, but as the settings increase to 9 and the center of the blade is bowed upwards toward the head of the razor, it seems that a bit less of the blade edge is exposed, and there is more of a downward angle to the edge. Maybe it's a shaving technique thing. Anyway, I suppose as long as I can get it to work at 9, that's all that matters. Just suprised, maybe a little disapointed, it worked out that way.

Got a good close shave with it though. That's what really matters. Now I have to decide if I want to send it for replating, or leave as is.

Yup, sounds about right to me, no expert though. Could be that you are used to straight razors and are using an angle on the Fat Boy similar to a straight razor. What I mean is that you drop the handle down very little, use a very light touch and that is what is giving you an excellent shave. Seems most of the aggressive DEs I have used worked best that way. If you lower the handle too much you get scraping not cutting the hair. Sweet shavers aren't they.

Bob

So, I've concluded it's an angle thing just like all other razors. I had become used to shaving with an early model Gillette Tech and naturally continued with that same "feel" using the Fatboy. Two different razors, two different techniques. The Tech was much more forgiving, the Fatboy not so much. But I found my sweet spot at No. 7, and now think I'm a bit infatuated with the adjustables. Kind of kicking myself for passing up a slim several weeks ago. Never again!

Another acquisition disorder. Just when I thought I had kicked it.

I always thought an adjustable DE was a good beginners razor that you could grow into as your shaving and lathering technique improved over time. Start mild and work your way up to wild, if you wanted. No need to start with a mild razor and gradually work through a few to get the aggression level you finally want. Add to that by trying out various blades to see which worked best for you and you can really tailor the razor to you. A buy one and done thing but that would be no fun would it?

Bob

Since this seems to be the most active Fatboy thread, I'll ask here: anyone used any of the razor restoration services for re-plating and tune-up? I've looked at one online charging $120.00 for factory nickel, number repaint, and re-adjust of the mechanism. Seems high, but the finished product looks great. Any opinions?

Originally Posted by honedright

I recently picked up an F-1 "Fatboy" which had a frozen adjustment dial and base plate. I was able to free everything up, depressed the red spring to tighten up the dial, and got everything working.

Thing is, everything I've read indicates that setting 1 is the least aggressive, and setting 9 the most. Yet on mine, setting 1, where the blade is flatter, seems to require the most care and causes the most nicks and weepers. But by dialing all the way up to setting 9, and causing the blade to bow up more, the shave still requires care, as these fatboys seem to bite pretty easily, but the shave seems much more mild with fewer weepers, contrary to what I expected and based on what I've read about these razors. So on mine, setting 1 seems most aggressive, setting 9 the least.

Is my fatboy backwards? Or is this just a normal variation? Or what?

Can you take some pictures of the blade gap at 1 and at 9.

razorplate.com, no need to go to anyone else, he has a backlog but well worth it Tc