The Big, Bad Fatip Grande

**Viseguy** · 06-02-2012, 11:28 PM

After a month of trying, I think I'm finally getting the hang of the Fatip Grande. To me it's much more aggressive than my 2008(?) R41 (photo below), which I PIFed, although the heads do look the same.

Hmm, now that I look more closely, that old R41 is virtually identical to the Fatip Piccolo (photo here).

**dfigz** · 06-03-2012, 12:15 AM

That's a beautiful razor but not for me....Yeah i'm on the other end of the spectrum, the mild side. However I'm 100% Italian ... with red hair, blue eyes and fair complexion. I'm 6' 3" and 240lbs. I don't drive a Fiesta (I won't fit) but i do drive a Mustang (Not a GT500...the insurance would kill me if the car or the SWMBO didn't first) As for the Aggressive talk about being Macho ... that's BS ... I'm here to learn what works for for me. Products, Technique, Prep ... I left the testosterone on the football field years ago. The only thing is I'm just a bit envious that I can't use a damn good looking razor like that. Period.

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**Viseguy** · 06-03-2012, 12:24 AM

Originally Posted by dfigz

That's a beautiful razor but not for me....Yeah i'm on the other end of the spectrum, the mild side. ...

That picture is of the old R41, which I found to be on the mild side. The Fatip Grande is a lot closer to the 2011 R41 in aggressiveness, IMO.

Originally Posted by dfigz

However I'm 100% Italian ...

Me too!

**retrolike** · 06-03-2012, 10:04 AM

I'm wanting to buy another Fatip, I bought my 1st one from eBay but can't find them now. Where are these for sale?

**Viseguy** · 06-03-2012, 10:28 AM

Originally Posted by retrolike

I'm wanting to buy another Fatip, I bought my 1st one from eBay but can't find them now. Where are these for sale?

http://stores.ebay.com/MAGUIRES-Barb...id=p4340.l2563

**retrolike** · 06-03-2012, 11:08 AM

Originally Posted by Viseguy

http://stores.ebay.com/MAGUIRES-Barb...id=p4340.l2563

I'm looking for the chrome fatip w shorter handle...don't see any on the ebay store

**Oscroft** · 06-03-2012, 12:03 PM

Originally Posted by retrolike

I'm looking for the chrome fatip w shorter handle...don't see any on the ebay store

I'm pretty sure they've only ever had the shorter handle Piccolo in nickel...

http://www.ebay.com/itm/FATIP-PICCOL...-/261012110051

**htownmmm** · 06-03-2012, 12:08 PM

Originally Posted by retrolike

I'm looking for the chrome fatip w shorter handle...don't see any on the ebay store

That would be the Piccolo version.

marty

**dfigz** · 06-03-2012, 01:40 PM

Originally Posted by Viseguy

That picture is of the old R41, which I found to be on the mild side. The Fatip Grande is a lot closer to the 2011 R41 in aggressiveness, IMO.

Me too!

Eccellente !!!

Carl? right? ... you and I exchanged blades before ... grazie again!

Just Pardon my rant ... I was just commenting on bluesbishop's initial post. Not all Italians look like Michael Corleone ... Vedere

**gobucks1066** · 06-26-2012, 04:15 AM

Couldn't resist, just ordered the gold finish Grande Fatip to pimp up my razor collection and try an open comb. Anyone know what that plating is? Some kind gold coloured chrome perhaps?

**Oscroft** · 06-26-2012, 06:48 AM

Originally Posted by gobucks1066

Couldn't resist, just ordered the gold finish Grande Fatip to pimp up my razor collection and try an open comb. Anyone know what that plating is? Some kind gold coloured chrome perhaps?

No idea, but I have one and it looks pretty good in the flesh.

**chongo gordo** · 06-26-2012, 04:28 PM

I had to comment on the finish of my Fatip Grande. My initial reaction upon it's arrival is that had an industrial feel to it. It looked like a solid plate of nickel, but it wasn't really polished.
After a few weeks use it seems to have smoothed out a little. I've a feeling that many of the perceived imperfections might have been stray burrs from the milling process that had become glued to the razor during the electroplating process. This is little more than conjecture on my part, but none-the-less, it has a smoother feel than it did when new.

**ryder** · 01-29-2013, 01:01 PM

I really want to order one of these Fatip razors. From the vendor I intend on using in the UK I have the choice between the Piccolo and Grande both chrome plated (no other options).

Is the head on both razors the same? Is it just the handle that is different? I really cant pick which one to order!!!!

**merkur59** · 01-29-2013, 05:44 PM

Piccolo is shorter but has a heavier handle
Grande is longer but the handle is lighter.
I have a grande (nickel), but I prefer a heavier (I can live with the length though) handle.

From what I read - the heads are the same (tho the screw for the handle may differ - which lead many to experience frustration in trying to pair other handles with the fatip)
Fortunately, I was able to pair my 3 7/8" weber DLC handle with it (no longer in production).

**ryder** · 01-30-2013, 02:59 AM

I went with the grande in chrome.

Not expecting a quality finish, but hopefully a good shave.. If I don't agree with it you will see it on here for sale this time next week.

I got the grande because its something a little different. Wish me luck!

**ryder** · 02-01-2013, 04:35 AM

My razor arrived yesterday (thanks Nkdman.co.uk) less than 48 hours after placing my order, brilliant service.

I just finished my first shave with it and I have to say I am shocked at how it felt. The razor felt incredibly rough even tho I was using no pressure. I tried it with an ASTRA blade which work perfectly in my Edwin Jagger. I dont know whether the rough (and very very sore) shave was down to bad technique, bad lather, wrong blade or just the Fatip not been the razor for me. I will continue to experiment.

As for the razor itself, I think its a very pretty little thing but the chrome finishing is shockingly bad (compared to my equally priced Edwin Jagger), and also the handle just does not feel balanced, its too light. I might try it with my EJ handle at some point.

Any tips for shaving with this razor? (my face is fine now btw... I shaved 30 minutes ago then used Proraso green aftershave splash, which burnt like it has never burnt before, but has cleared things up well).

**StuMcB** · 02-01-2013, 06:33 AM

IMHO I found that the Fatip needs,

1) absolutley no pressure at all.
2) a good sharp blade, for me an Astra SP.
3) time, nice and slow.
4) check your angle, not as flat against the face as say a super speed.
5) IMHO glycerin soap works better, more slick, and slighty more cushion. Or an uber cream lather, again thick & slick.
6) super hot water and a pre shave cream, also helps (I shower shave and have to turn the heat up for the Fatip).
7) relax and hold the very, very end of the handle. Let the head do the work- no pressure.

I'm on my second Fatip. The first, a Piccolo was the butcher of my face.....it was sold on. I have with the 7 suggestions above been able to tame my Fatip Grande. She now knows whos boss.

One other thing, I found that a Merkur blade head gave a less aggressive shave.

**merkur59** · 02-01-2013, 07:31 AM

Originally Posted by ryder

My razor arrived yesterday (thanks Nkdman.co.uk) less than 48 hours after placing my order, brilliant service.

I just finished my first shave with it and I have to say I am shocked at how it felt. The razor felt incredibly rough even tho I was using no pressure. I tried it with an ASTRA blade which work perfectly in my Edwin Jagger. I dont know whether the rough (and very very sore) shave was down to bad technique, bad lather, wrong blade or just the Fatip not been the razor for me. I will continue to experiment.

As for the razor itself, I think its a very pretty little thing but the chrome finishing is shockingly bad (compared to my equally priced Edwin Jagger), and also the handle just does not feel balanced, its too light. I might try it with my EJ handle at some point.

Any tips for shaving with this razor? (my face is fine now btw... I shaved 30 minutes ago then used Proraso green aftershave splash, which burnt like it has never burnt before, but has cleared things up well).

Wow- that's service!

I hated my fatip nickel grande until a few months later when:

a. I paired it with heavy stainless steel weber DLC handle.
b. I use generous amount of cream to lather- any thicker or denser and the razor will skid

. It provides the necessary cushion while I learned to shave with it.

Now it is my go-to, alongside the R41.

YMMV

**rocky555** · 04-06-2013, 09:18 AM

After reading a lot about Fatip I was slightly afraid to use it...
But my new Fatip Grande has surprised me and provided great shave with no irritation, no nicks and cuts.

4 day beard was handled with ease, and after first pass it was good enough so that I could stop shaving and go out without problems.
I made all 3 passes and got BBS except on the neck area where I was afraid to "unleash" the Fatip freely.
Shave result is comparable with EJ89 but not with such comfortable shaving experience. With extensive use I expect to improve technique and results, and manage to get good shaves in 1-2 passes (which was the point of purchase for me).

I would recommend Fatip to all who have very hard beard as good choice.
I did not try dreaded Muhle R41. This Fatip is supposed to be close to R41 regarding the aggressiveness, but it did not seem so dangerous to me.

Finish of the razor is not great and you must make sure that blade is centred properly, but at least it is not expensive (I got it for 14€).
Handle balance is good for me and I don't see the need for different handle (except it is lacking quality finish).