Thread: Random Find

So I ran across these razors a week or so back when I picked up a straight. I knew nothing about DE's then, and still very little now, but I was back by that shop in running errands today and picked up another straight and these three.

The first two I think are Fat Boy's but I don't understand what the numbered collar is supposed to do. They open up beautifully and one even had an old blade in it. The first one's handle is smaller in diameter, maybe a ladies version? IDK.

The other is a Gem Micromatic with a different style of twist open top. The thing about it is, I can't figure out how the blade is supposed to fit in it. I picked up some of these wilkinson blades at the pharmacy and they fit in the Gillette's but they're too wide to fit in this Gem and they don't fit over the posts either. I'm sure there's a REALLY stupid answer to this, but I don't know what it is yet. If you guys don't tell me and make me look stupid you're wasting a great opportunity.

Thanks!

It uses these

Gem Super Stainless Blades Size: 10 02-0213

Originally Posted by rodb

It uses these

Gem Super Stainless Blades Size: 10 02-0213

So are those any different than the sleeve of them I use for paint scraping?

So I just used the Fatboy razor to shave. First DE shave and I figured out what the numbered collar does. Have to have a blade in it to figure that out. I also figured out that over tightening the butterfly closure basically eliminates the razor's shaving abilities.

I did NOT use the Marlin High Speed blade to shave.

Those are the same size as the paint scraper ones but much sharper.
Don't use the paint scraper ones!! I know from personal experience. lol

Originally Posted by BigJim

So I just used the Fatboy razor to shave. First DE shave and I figured out what the numbered collar does. Have to have a blade in it to figure that out. I also figured out that over tightening the butterfly closure basically eliminates the razor's shaving abilities.

For now stick with a middle of the road setting, like 4, 5 or 6 until you have a few shaves under your belt. The Fat Boy can be as mild or aggressive as you want, an she does bite at the top settings.

I am curious what happened when you "over-tightened" the doors that affected its shaving ability? With the old gillettes its usually just a slight twist, maybe an 1/8 of a turn, before it firms up. You shouldn't have to reef on it. I suspect the mechanism may be a bit loose.

Originally Posted by Ryan82

. I suspect the mechanism may be a bit loose.

May be. Tightening it down pulled the edges toward the bar, effectively doing the same thing as running the collar up to 9. Any tips on how to tune her up to work like she's supposed to would be great. I woke up this morning to NO razor burn (shaved on #1 with the butterfly just to the closed position without being loose). So I pitched the Hydro for good. Once my straights get back I plan on using them primarily, but I'll keep this fat boy as a better experience shaving with better results (and much cheaper replacement blades!).

Originally Posted by rodb

Those are the same size as the paint scraper ones but much sharper.
Don't use the paint scraper ones!! I know from personal experience. lol

Any idea on a common store that might stock those blades? I had a great experience with the Fatboy and just want to try the Gem out. I'd hate to buy a giant sleeve of blades for it and pay postage only to find out I don't like it as much as I'm currently digging the Gillette. I got the Wilkinson blades from Wally-World, but don't remember seeing any SE blades there (will have to double check).

Thanks!

CVS and Walgreens here in MN still have those.

In bulk I get these
Dissection Tools, Scissors, Blades, Forceps, Scalpels, Spatulas

PM me with you address and I'll send you a few

The Gem SE razors are closer in feel to a Straight, as the blades are stiffer, but the DE will be more forgiving

Grabbed up the Fat Boy over lunch today and noticed it rather squeaky, and it felt like metal rubbing metal. Would you guys recommend 3 in 1 machine oil to keep it operating smoothly? Or is a sqeaky action just a part of DE razors/Fatboy razors?