Gillette Fatboy vs Slim

**aeonius** · 11-16-2009, 09:00 AM

Hello Gents,

As the title implies I am not able to decide which one of these razors to spend my money on. I could buy both but I will start with one at a time.

I turn to you guys to help me decide. Apparently there are two different camps out there, each supporting one of the razors mentioned here.

If it helps, I have very sensitive skin on my neck combined with a very thick beard. I've yet to achieve a BBS shave without regretting it the day after. It's either one or the other; either the shave is close but the irritation is plenty or the irritation is less but the shave is not as close. I know there are more factors than the razor that need be taken into concideration but lets concentrate on the razors for the time being.

The tools I've used thus far are a Gillette 1952 SuperSpeed, Merkur HD and Merkur Futur. The blades have I've used thus far are the Swedish G's, Merkurs, and Derby Extra's. The Derbys have been the mildest compared to the rest but nothing special. I am in the process of ordering some Red Pack Personas and some 7 O'clock Yellows.

On to the issue at hand. Why should I prefer the Slim over the Fatboy (or vice versa)?

Thanks in advance.

BR
/aeonius

**Protocol** · 11-16-2009, 09:19 AM

I use a Slim and just bought Bisbane's Fatboy. I haven't tried the Fatboy, but am told that the Slim is a great deal more maneuverable on account if its thinner head and longer handle. The Fatboy, otoh, is reportedly a more positive shave due to its greater weight and larger grip.

**Viiru** · 11-16-2009, 10:30 AM

Oh yes, there are definitely two camps about this one. One might expect that those two which look similar would work the same, but they really don't. In my case the Fatboy is one of the best working razors, but I can't seem to make the Slim work for me at all.

If one doesn't work, sell it and buy the other one. I think those who don't like either one are in a rather small minority here...

**WhosYerBob** · 11-16-2009, 10:46 AM

Originally Posted by Viiru

If one doesn't work, sell it and buy the other one. I think those who don't like either one are in a rather small minority here...

+1 I have the slim version and it works great on my sensitive skin.

**SUMMERSRL** · 11-16-2009, 10:51 AM

If you use any pressure at all you will be better off with the Slim. It is lighter in weight and less prone to creating irritation from poor technique.

If your technique is sound you may prefer the Fatboy because it is heavier and "better" at providing a close shave (one guys opinion).

**kingfisher** · 11-16-2009, 11:25 AM

Never tried a Slim, but my Fatboy rocks. I have a heavy beard, too, and the only thing that works for me is a SHARP blade and a Fatboy on 5 or 6. If you get the Fatboy, dial it to 5, and pop one of those Gillette Yellows in there, you will find the answer to your dilemma, because you will get a close shave without the irritation.

**aeonius** · 11-16-2009, 11:37 AM

So if I understand things right, the Fatboy gives you a better shave given your technique does not suck?

Is it a good idea to start of with a Fatboy and eventually move to a Slim? Or is it the other way around; start with the Slim and then try the Fatboy?

Thanks again.

/aeonius

**LinuxMintyFresh** · 11-16-2009, 11:51 AM

I'd go with a slim. They are usually cheaper, I think, and it's easy to get a nice minty/lightly-used one. Some might like the FatBoy, and I'm sure it's an awesome razor, but the Slim is great too. A slim was/is my first razor, and I don't think I'll ever need another. Of course now that I say that I'm going to start thinking about it and get stuck in RAD-mode (not to be confused with rad-mode in which I am all the time

)

**BlackDog** · 11-16-2009, 12:00 PM

I have the slim and the fat boy.
Both are excellent razors.
I like the slim better than the fat boy. It is easier to manuver and lighter in weight.

**Pike** · 11-16-2009, 01:16 PM

I learned to shave with a slim, but have used a fat boy for over 10 years...I just prefer it over the slim. From all I've read across many threads....I think you will get a 50/50 response on this one! :)

cc

**DonOhio** · 11-16-2009, 01:30 PM

Originally Posted by BlackDog

I have the slim and the fat boy.
Both are excellent razors.
I like the slim better than the fat boy. It is easier to manuver and lighter in weight.

Yup. I can see - feel, rather - why so many like the FB with that extra heft, but the Slim just feels nicer to me. The SA nicer still.

**aeonius** · 11-17-2009, 01:07 PM

Let's see if I get this right then.

The Fatboy camp likes the Fatboy (obviously) because of the extra heft (compared to the slim) and the balance which provides a great shave given your skill is not totally crapy.

The Slim fans like the Slim because of the lower profile head that makes it easier to reach under the nose (for instance). They also like that it is easier to maneuver.

Is this about the jist of it? Anything I'm overlooking?

Thanks again.
/Aeonius

**Protocol** · 11-17-2009, 01:30 PM

I think the Fatboy crowd (of which I am a part now) also enjoys the relative exclusivity of shaving with a razor that was only made for a short period of time. It's sort of like dining on endangered Komodo dragon with a light stuffing made of Ivory-billed woodpecker.

**Pike** · 11-17-2009, 01:35 PM

Hmmm..I've never given it that much thought :) I learned on a Slim as a teenager and used that exact same razor until I picked up the fatboy 10 years or so back...I'm assuming my technique is ok by now...and the fatboy has always given me effortless great shaves...Not that the Slim gave me bad shaves...I chalk a lot of it up to greatly improved blades and creams....I guess I have a foot in both camps...I'm starting to sound like a politician so I better leave it at that! I think you're going to have to buy one of each and decide for yourself!

cc

**Pike** · 11-17-2009, 01:43 PM

Originally Posted by Protocol

I think the Fatboy crowd (of which I am a part now) also enjoys the relative exclusivity of shaving with a razor that was only made for a short period of time. It's sort of like dining on endangered Komodo dragon with a light stuffing made of Ivory-billed woodpecker.

Cool...I guess I'm in that club now by default! :) Going back to when I picked up my fatboy at a garage sale, all I knew was it looked like a short, fat version of my slim.

cc

**Protocol** · 11-17-2009, 07:17 PM

Originally Posted by ccoppola

Cool...I guess I'm in that club now by default! :) Going back to when I picked up my fatboy at a garage sale, all I knew was it looked like a short, fat version of my slim.

cc

It's all part of enjoying the finer things in life. You know. Like a rare, grass-fed steak, illicit Cuban cigar, single malt scotch barely old enough to date if she were a woman, and, yes, shaving with an endangered razor.

**cooncatbob** · 11-17-2009, 08:26 PM

The thinner head profile is a non issue, the extra thickness of the Fatboys head is below the blade.
The difference in head thickness is only 0.014, .406 to .392.

**Fatboy Slimhandle** · 11-17-2009, 09:03 PM

I can get a great shave from either of these razors. I don't feel like I have amazing technique or prep, but I guess I do things well enough to get a close and irritation free shave from a variety of different razors. They're both nice to use and give a good shave if you give either of them a chance.

Post on the BST that you're looking to buy one of each in working condition and try them both. It might not be super expensive, and you can pass them along once you've decided which you like (and then hunt down a really excellent example of the one you like best, of course!).

**Copierguy** · 11-18-2009, 05:42 PM

Hi aeonius,

A little off topic, but I struggled with irritation trying to get that close shave on the neck also. This is not a plug for a fatboy, but it happens to be the razor I tried this with. I would think any adjustable would work.

To work on angle, I turned the adjusting dial down to 1. It shaved a little milder than a mid 50s SS, but it forced me to concentrate on angle (or I got hardly a shave at all). While I did end up with a 5 o’clock shadow, I had zero irritation. It also forced (allowed) me to make more passes to get the job done. This gave me more time behind the wheel.

Also I thought I was using “no pressure” until I tried this. I held the razor by the TTO knob as lightly as possible without dropping it. This gives you the least mechanical advantage to apply pressure absentmindedly.

As results improved I would increase the number on the dial. Don’t rush it…..enjoy the shave. Choose comfort over close and the rest will happen in due course.

And now back to your regularly scheduled programming.

**DunEdinRanger** · 11-18-2009, 05:52 PM

I havae thick stubble and sensitive skin also. The slim works better for me than the Fat Boy. I get closer, more comfortable, shaves with it.

However, the last time I tried both, IIRC,I tried it with an Astra blade. I have been using the Dorco St 301 blade this week and have been pleased with the result. Pleased enough to consider buying 100.