Thread: Back to my Fatboy. Just for nostalgia.

I first joined this site. To educate myself in the ways of using a straight razor.
For 30 years I used my trusty Gillette Fatboy. All of that time. It was loaded with grocery store brand blades. I know many of you cringe thinking about the mediocre quality of my shaves. What was I to know. I made do with canned shave cream also. No frame of reference. My dad had a Fatboy. Worked at Acme markets. So I used what he used.

Curiosity led me to straights. And my total ignorance of them led me here. I have enjoyed the journey immensely. Have been stricken by all of the acquisition disorders to one degree or another.

Now while waiting for my largest to date outlay of money for a Koraat 14 2.0. I decided to see what all the more learned folks on here were talking about. Concerning the myriad of double edge blades available from around the world.
After researching what you guys considered good/great blades. I got a sampler of 15 different blades 2 of each.

First ones I decided to try are Voskhods. They get a good bit of positive reviews. And at $8.00/100 if they work for me. Would be almost TGTBT.

Five shaves in. I can say they are far superior to the generic ones I used for all those years. If any of the other sample blade exceed the ease and comfort of the Voskhods.
I will be even more disappointed in myself for not finding them earlier in my life. And enduring those unenjoyable shaves until finding this site.

It's been fun to revisit my old friend. When I pick my perfect blade. Then I will have a good option for when I choose not to use my straights.
Thanks again to all that post their thoughts and opinions. And help others improve their kit.
Ken.

There is a world of new DEs out there and really superior blades like the Feather and the Astra's and the Gillette 7 o clocks (to name a few). With the right combo you can get a shave equaling a straight.

Yes, nothing improved my DE/SE shaving more than learning to shave decently well with a straight razor. Too bad that came 40 years into my shaving experience but better late than never. There are a few DEs/SEs out there that can rival a straight razor shave if used properly.

Bob

I used my Vintage Gillette British TV Superspeed last week, as I had to shave but could not really use a straight as I had an accident at work, I got hit in the face with a Land Rover tailgate and had a very large graze on my cheek and chin, so a DE it had to be, aa very good shave indeeed, I also have a fatboy but thats sitting in a display cabinet.
I use Rapira blades, very Cheap but I only like them or Astra.

Gentlemen,
Every shave den should have a Fatboy — as well as the Merkur 34C, one of the best razors ever made, I believe. Yes, with the right blade and the proper technique, safety razors such as the Fatboy can give a superb shave. Since these days I prefer milder safety razors, I keep my Fatboy on 4 or 5 settings and get a sweet shave. My blades of choice are: Feather, Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge, Iridium Super, Astra and Israeli Personna Reds.

Indeed Ken. I still use DE, especially when I travel. I do agree with your assesment that it's difficult to beat Voshkods at that price point. I also use POLSILVER blades regularly.
Cheers.

I have GSB’s, polsilvers ,astra’s, 7 o’clock and the vaunted feathers to try.
But am impressed with the Voskhods. Another nice shave tonight.

The GSBs are good for me as are the Feather blades. Mind you the Feather blades can be a bit harsh if you don't watch your weight and shaving angle.

Bob

Quick update, for anyone curious.
Last nights shave with the Voskhod #6. Was comfortable but not as nice as I want.
For me 4-5 shaves would be the SOP for this blade. Wound up on #3 setting (Fatboy) That’s $.02 per Shave. Not bad.
Next up tonight. Gillette Silver Blue will next to enter the shave den. 15 brands going in.
But only one will come out on top. This is my personal March Madness.

I only shave with a DE a couple times a year like when in a real hurry or traveling. Depending on circumstances I reach for either a Gillette 3 piece New Comb, a Red Tip or a Fat Boy, first choice being the Fat Boy.