A Fatip and two Pearls

[wimbouman]

It has been quiet on the DE front since last year's haul of R41s.

But today a razor arrived that I have been eyeing for quite some time: the Fatip Grande.
And it had good company: two of Barbiere di Figaro's new razors, the Pearl three piece razors SS04 and SSH02S.

Here's the line up of these open comb razors:



The Fatip is even in the Grande version much smaller than I expected.
It looks like a maneuverable razor, and we shall see if it lives up to its legendary reputation of effective (some say aggressive) razor.
It seems a well built razor also, though some of the finishing is less than perfect.



The Pearl SS04 is a three piece razor that weighs 82 grams according to the specs and has a longer, sleek handle of 10,1 cm.
It comes in a nice blue plastic box.



I think that this is the longest handle in my collection, so I am curious about the shaving ergonomics.
The first thing I noticed was the weight and the knurling.
These razors are made of a brass, and they do feel substantial indeed.
The knurling is very neat, well done.
At 17 euros, this could turn out good value for money!

A bit more expensive is the Pearl SSH02S at 19 euros.
It comes in the same blue box.



I think it is a stunning razor!
It reminds me of the Fatboy in terms of its dimensions, aesthetics and heft.
Also the combination of chrome head and matte handle is really nice and classy.
It is on deck for tomorrows shave, I cannot wait to try it.



Kudos to Barbiere di Figaro for the excellent service.

 

[ateace]

Nice haul!

I've been eyeing the smaller, chunky Pearl and the Fatip Grande for a while.
I'll be watching for your reviews!

 

[Galhatz]

The Pearl looks like a Cadet, and if so then you got there a superb razor, my current favorite.

I eagerly await your impression of the two..

 

[Azarius]

It has been quiet on the DE front since last year's haul of R41s.

But today a razor arrived that I have been eyeing for quite some time: the Fatip Grande.
And it had good company: two of Barbiere di Figaro's new razors, the Pearl three piece razors SS04 and SSH02S.

Here's the line up of these open comb razors:

View attachment 286329

The Fatip is even in the Grande version much smaller than I expected.
It looks like a maneuverable razor, and we shall see if it lives up to its legendary reputation of effective (some say aggressive) razor.
It seems a well built razor also, though some of the finishing is less than perfect.

View attachment 286330

The Pearl SS04 is a three piece razor that weighs 82 grams according to the specs and has a longer, sleek handle of 10,1 cm.
It comes in a nice blue plastic box.

View attachment 286331

I think that this is the longest handle in my collection, so I am curious about the shaving ergonomics.
The first thing I noticed was the weight and the knurling.
These razors are made of a brass, and they do feel substantial indeed.
The knurling is very neat, well done.
At 17 euros, this could turn out good value for money!

A bit more expensive is the Pearl SSH02S at 19 euros.
It comes in the same blue box.

View attachment 286332

I think it is a stunning razor!
It reminds me of the Fatboy in terms of its dimensions, aesthetics and heft.
Also the combination of chrome head and matte handle is really nice and classy.
It is on deck for tomorrows shave, I cannot wait to try it.

View attachment 286333

Kudos to Barbiere di Figaro for the excellent service.

I love the look of the Pearl SSH02S, yet another version of the new modern Indian Open Comb that is now being sold and marketed by four vendors. I may need to buy that just for the handle alone, and keep the head as a spare.

I think that once you use the Pearl Open Comb, your FaTip will collect dust, as least that has how it has been for me.

 

[Galhatz]

wimbouman: is the bottom of the handle smooth or does it have a slight texture to it? for me it is important because I like to rest the razor on my pinky and I found that a smooth surface there is too slippery. I ended making a little hack/mode to my Cadet TP-02 (very similar to yours), all about it here:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/318685-Need-advice-about-Cadet-handle

Azarius: Could you elaborate a bit about Cadet vs Fatip. I enjoy my Cadet OC head immensely and having read that it shares some similarities with Fatip/Joris heads got me very much intrigued. I think the finish on the cadet is very good. The plating is great, on (very) closed inspection, the machining on the teeth is not perfect, compared say to a Gillette NEW. On the other hand, you have too look really close and it borderlines with nitpicking. I think the plating is so thick to cover up machining/polishing imperfections. None of it changes the fact that it is a truly brilliantly design head. Some folks reported that Fatip finish is not so great and some blade alignment issues, what is your impression? btw, your daily photos are really a pleasure to watch and they make me want to photograph my daily shave.

 

[wimbouman]

Galhtz, do you refer to the smaller SSH02S?
That one has an almost flat bottom.

 

[Galhatz]

Yes, the SSH02S is the one I had in mind. The other, I know, is polished to a mirror finish which is slippery when wet.

 

[celestino]

Very nice open-combs!

 

[JM]

wonderful!

 

[talibeard]

I can't wait to see your reviews on them wimbouman; I have been looking at the Pearls too and owning the Fatip as well as the current R41 I would like to know what you make of the Pearl OC.

Too bad you didn't get the safety bar version as well since they haven't got very much attention/comparison at B&B yet.

 

[wimbouman]

So, here's the first impressions on the Pearl SSH02S.

Today's shave introduced three new items, the Fatip Grande, the Pearl SSH02S and the new bespoke Simpsons Emperor #3 in faux horn.
For blades I chose a Gillette 7oc in the Pearl and a Med Prep in the Fatip.
To fit the bespoke theme, my QCS no.1 completed the set up.




First pass was with the Pearl.
To make a long story short: it did a fantastic job .

The SSH02S gave me a very pleasant and effective shave; after the first pass there wasn't much work for the Fatip to do.
The short, thicker, knurly handle makes it a joy to hold at least in my book.
Dare I say, it is as good if not better than a Fatboy at 5?

Second pass was the Fatip, and although it had the easy job it worked well.
Will try it with more stubble somewhere next week to see what it is really capable of.

Finished off with some 4711, and had a very nice SOTD.

 

[Elder Scrolls]

That Pearl SSH02S looks really good...and matches your gorgeous Emperor too !

 

[talibeard]

Have you had the chance to test the Pearls a bit more? I would like to see a full review from you, wimbouman!

 

[wimbouman]

Have you had the chance to test the Pearls a bit more? I would like to see a full review from you, wimbouman!

That was what I was thinking this afternoon when shaving: I really need to update this thread!

I have been shaving with my new acquisitions the whole week, of course. And whereas the Emperors have been a constant in the rotation, I have had the chance to test the razors with Arko, Mama Bear's Rosemary & Mint, Viking and Top Secret cream after their maiden voyage with the QCS.

To sum it up: the Fatip was as expected, the shorter Pearl continued to perform excellent and the long handled Pearl was a pleasantt surprise.

The Fatip Grande is Italian made, in style and design. So, although there's a couple of small imperfections (but nothing serious or annoying) this is a razor with style and flair. The handle is hollow, and even to my taste it could have been a bit heftier or heavier. Calling this a Grande is a bit pretentious as it is a shorty. I am glad I did not order the Piccollo! It is a pleasure to hold though. With its impressive blade exposure and gap it is also a close and smooth shaver. I have been getting consistent good shaves from it, though it leaves the skin a bit rough. Again, nothing serious, but I think the R41 really outperforms the Fatip in this regard. All in all, a great razor that is a nice piece in my den. At its pricepoint, I think the Fatip suffers serious competition from the EJs and Muhles.

The Pearls are definitely a serious contender for the Fatip. They cost 50% less, and are in my humble opinion as good or even better razors. I have understood that the Pearls are the same razors as Cadet, Matador and maybe some other brands. Pearl is the brand of Barbieredifigaro.nl. They certainly provide value for money, at least in this OC version.

I found the open comb Pearls a joy to use. The head is very well designed, and the heads of my Pearls are well made (but not flawlessly). The heads are sublime, and afford for effortless shaves. The shorter SSH02S handle is a gem. It is even more beautiful than on the pictures. The knurling is even en well executed. It has a Fat Boyish aura of rugged quality about it, and I like the matte silver looks in the two tone design. The SSH02S gave me two days of very easy and comfortable shaves in a row, in two passes. Day three, which was today, was a bit rougher but I also was bit less careful with the lather. If you like the shorter (Bulldog type) of handles, this Pearl could well be for you.

I think the OC head of the other Pearl is the same. The handle of the SS04 is substantially longer and thinner. The knurling is effective and a joy to hold, yet it looks a bit less precise to my eyes. It is probably an optical illusion; I know the finer knurling of my Sheraton looks less perfect than my Slim Adjustables or Muhles and it really isn't. My best guess is that the fine pattern is the cause. The handles are very solid, I think they are massive and made of brass so they give a real quality feel. The surprise was in the shaving; I found the longer handle a pleasure to work with. I expected it to be less maneuvrable, and indeed it feels so but it provides the same easy and close shave. A pleasant surprise.

So, two cost efficient (dare I say, inexpensive?) razors with top notch build quality. I rate the OC heads on par with a NEW, and that is one of my favorite razors. The handle of the SSH02S is among the most beautiful in my den. One could buy almost two of these Pearls instead of the Fatip, and have a pretty good deal. They will not replace the Muhle tootchcombs as my favorite razor, but are a nice and valuable addition to the den. I do think they could be the best imaginable entry point in the world of wet shaving now, or a perfect chance to get one's first open comb razor.

We will see how these razors will stand the test of time, but for now: what's not to like?

 

[talibeard]

A nice write-up Wim but the last thing I needed was another set of razors on my whish-list....

When you compare the curving of the blade in those three razors (R41, Fatip and Pearl OC) how are they different from each other?

 

[wimbouman]

A nice write-up Wim but the last thing I needed was another set of razors on my whish-list....

When you compare the curving of the blade in those three razors (R41, Fatip and Pearl OC) how are they different from each other?

Good question!
i cannotncheck that now, but tomorrow I may have the chance and the time to take some pictures!

 

[wimbouman]

@Talibeard - Here's the picture.
A bit crappy and the razors could have been cleaner (No, these are not faults in the plating but good old soap), but here they are.



The R41 is very flat in terms of curving.

The Fatip and the Pearl look almost identical to my eye.
The Fatip might just be a little more curved, but it is hard to determine.

 

[talibeard]

@Talibeard - Here's the picture.
A bit crappy and the razors could have been cleaner (No, these are not faults in the plating but good old soap), but here they are.

The R41 is very flat in terms of curving.

The Fatip and the Pearl look almost identical to my eye.
The Fatip might just be a little more curved, but it is hard to determine.

It is clear enough, thanks Wim. The one on the left is the in-between ('08-'09) R41 so to see. The verdict is still out for me but I think I like the Fatip a bit better than the present R41 and I think that is mostly because the blade is more curved when in place.

Those Pearls really look nice.

...The Pearls are definitely a serious contender for the Fatip. They cost 50% less, and are in my humble opinion as good or even better razors....
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
... One could buy almost two of these Pearls instead of the Fatip, and have a pretty good deal....

Now that is a bit optimistic I think, especially after Eric raised the prices for the Pearls last weekend. You can have a Fatip for €22.95 and the cheapest Pearl OC will set you back €17.95; that is not 50% less and most certainly not just over half what you pay for a Fatip....

You are a tricky enabler, Wim!!

 

[Alejandro1969]

The Fatip Grande is an amazing razor, pair it with a Feather and you're laughing! I like the Pearl SSH02S! Nice looking razor. I may consider one but on compulsion it may be a Fatip Piccolo for Xmas!

 

[wimbouman]

Now that is a bit optimistic I think, especially after Eric raised the prices for the Pearls last weekend. You can have a Fatip for €22.95 and the cheapest Pearl OC will set you back €17.95; that is not 50% less and most certainly not just over half what you pay for a Fatip....You are a tricky enabler, Wim!!

Tricky I am, and I have also a bad, bad memory and a wicked talent for mathematics

But seriously, that 50% is over optimistic indeed. Let's do the math with actual prices: Fatip at 25, 95 euro Grande (who would really want a Piccolo?) / Pearl at 17,95 (yeah, I could live with the long skinny handle) or 8 euros will result nowhere near 50% indeed (it's more like 30% cheaper). Or to put that in perspective, two large bock beers or five sticks of Arko. The four dollars that differentiate the Pearl SSH02S from the Fatip Grande are negligible IMHO. For a razor that could last a lifetime, such a price difference should not be the issue.