Fatboy or Slim?

[docfitch]

Since I got my SS Flare tip (Z2) (which I am beginning to prefer to my brand new Parker), I've been looking more and more at the older models. I notice a lot about the Fatboy, and I have seen comparisons to the Slim. What are the pros and cons of each and preferences of one to the other?

Ken

 

[GatorShaver]

Fat Boy has a higher profile head (more domed) and a shorter, fatter handle.

The Slim has a shorter head and a skinnier, longer handle.

You do have to be careful because lot of them on eBay are mislabeled, you can tell the difference from pictures because a Slim has the cross-hatch knurling down the entire handle and a ring of cross-hatches on the adjustment knob, while the Fat Boy has an area at the top of the TTO without cross-hatching and the ring on the adjustment knob only has raised ridges rather than the cross-hatching. I'm sure someone else can post pictures that will make what I'm describing more clear.

Personally, I find the Slim to give me a far better shave than the Fat Boy and find that the lower profile head makes it easier to shave in tight spaces like under my nose. That being said, the Fat Boy has a very vocal group of fans so clearly YMMV.

 

[docfitch]

Thanks, Gator. I'm looking at a couple razors on ebay. I'll have to compare them and see if they match your descriptions.

Ken

 

[Kevan]

Slims are easier to get and great shavers, but if you get lucky and find a Fatboy in good condition for a decent price, I think it's the better bet (slightly) because of its weight.

The head on the Fatboy is more domed but I don't have that much of a problem getting under my nose with it. I just puff my top lip out.

 

[shavervinnie]

I've personally gotten better results with the Fatboy. I tried the Slim. It's not bad. But, The iconic Fatboy has better balance and I tend to like the shorter handled options on razors better. Once you find your setting, and the right blade(s), the Fatty is a great razor to have in your arsenal.

 

[dreadpirate]

I have both and they are both great DE's. If you can find a descent fatboy, get it since they are becoming more scarce. There still seem to be plenty of slims.

If you don't care about collecting, then I would give a slight nod to the slim since they are generally less money and give as good a shave (IMHO). If heft is important to you, then maybe you want the fatboy.

Getting both is an option

 

[docfitch]

Getting both is definitely an option. I have been looking.

Ken

 

[ShavinBacon]

Get both. The fatboy is cool but the slim shaves me better. I like the operation of the fatboy better. Sounds wierd, I know.

 

[Masterkova]

The Slim gives me a much better shave and is my go-to razor.

The Fatboy is a bit more aesthetically pleasing in its proportions but that's about it.

I say get a Slim to shave with and a President to look at.

 

[Johhny Schleps]

Ultimately I would say the Slim.

Get one of each.....they are both worth owning.

 

[AlanL]

... I like the operation of the fatboy better. Sounds wierd, I know.

Nothing weird at all. Because the TTO knob on the Fat Boy is so much fatter than on the Slim, it requires much less force to get an equal amount of torque, especially for that locking twist. So it feels much smoother. This was the first thing I noticed about my FB.

 

[vitaman]

I've had both and prefer the slim.

 

[knlgskr]

I have both for sale; PM & Email sent.

 

[buddydog]

I have both,I used my slim this morning.It will probably be the last time I ever use it.I have tried and tried to like it.It just doesn't work for me.I like the feel of the fat one better,but beyond feel,I can't get a good shave with the slim.

 

[tchmango]

Hands down it is the Fat Boy.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

Gotta throw a vote for the Slim.

 

[Alegre]

I own both, but my favorite is the last innovation, the black handled Super Adjustable, made from 1969 on into the 80s. I use the shorter handled version, but it`s still a bit longer than the Slim. It feels great in my hand and it delivers.

 

[ShavinBacon]

Nothing weird at all. Because the TTO knob on the Fat Boy is so much fatter than on the Slim, it requires much less force to get an equal amount of torque, especially for that locking twist. So it feels much smoother. This was the first thing I noticed about my FB.

You know, that was the word I was looking for. Smooth. The locking mechanism is so smooth on the fatboy. It is a much firmer twist on my slim (which I took out of the blister pack). Thanks. Guess I am not the wierdo the voices in my head tell me I am (wait...did I say that aloud )

 

[mandoman]

Get both

 

[Chester]

Ultimately, you'll want both... if only to satisfy your curiosity.
Of the two, I prefer the slim.
I keep one in each dopp and one at my GFs house.
They're cheaper (shouldn't have to pay more than 30 simoleons) and easier to find, imho.
-- Chet