Thread: Gillette Fatboy problem with adjustable

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

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?

I have a Fatboy replated by a member here, which I am very happy with. It really only depends on where you're located. There are a few services in Europe that I know of, which are very good and reasonably priced.

The $120 US service you speak of, I think I know what it is and there is a reason why it's that expensive. It's a strictly business reason and has nothing to do with the quality of the service. You would do better to just buy the razor from them, rather than have them replate your own.