FATBOY vs SLIM ADJUSTABLE

[Antonio]

So I've been considering buy both of these. I want people's opinions on the difference in shaving between these two razors. I realise that the FB seems to be god's gift to wetshavers (for some people) but is it really far superior than the slim adjustable. Just looking for some opinions. I also realise that the prep and the choice of blades makes a huge difference in the shave, but I'm just looking for overall shave performance and difference between them. Thanks.

Antonio

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

The Slim has a slightly longer handle and thinner profile head than the FatBoy. And the FatBoy is, well, fatter. This also means that it is a bit heavier than the Slim. As they are both adjustable, you can find the blade exposure that works best for you with either. It is pretty hard to pick a favorite of the two. I like the longer handle of the Slim as well as its lower profile head, but I like the extra weight and balance of the FatBoy. I'd say, get both and then you can decide for yourself which one is best. If you find that you only want one, you can easily sell the other.

 

[Walt Whitman]

Personally, I prefer the Slim Adjustable. For me, it is easier to maneuver around my face, especially under my nose (the Fatboy has a "taller" blade enclosure). The feel of the Fatboy in the hand, its heft and heavier head, give it a bit more of a solid feel, and rests on your face slightly heavier. But still, I get a better, easier shave with the Slim.

YMMV.

 

[Snood]

Does anyone have a side by side image of the silm & fatboy? i've been curious to know the physical differences in comparison to a slim (which i have seen and held in person but not used as I bought it as a gift).

 

[Walter Sobchak]

I've shaved with both, but I prefer the Slim. I like the long handle and the balance that the Slim provides. You might consider picking up one of each in 'shaver grade' condition to try them out. You'll always be able to recoup your investment if you decide to sell one off.

 

[Chickpea McGee]

My first razor was a Fatboy, but my go to razor is a Slim.

 

[mark_mw]

The Fatboy has a certain "heft" I haven't found in any other razor. As they were produced for only 4 years vs. some 24 years for the variants of the Slim, relative rarity (especially with the clean cased examples) has to be an appeal factor as well. Go with the Fatboy now as each passing month only brings higher prices

 

[Blue-EyedSon]

Does anyone have a side by side image of the silm & fatboy? i've been curious to know the physical differences in comparison to a slim (which i have seen and held in person but not used as I bought it as a gift).

This thread is a really nice photo comparison of the differences between a Fat Boy and a Slim.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=94034

 

[Snood]

This thread is a really nice photo comparison of the differences between a Fat Boy and a Slim.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=94034

Oh thanks, just what i was looking for. The fatboy isn't as, well, fat compared to the slim as i'd thought.

 

[Pioneer]

The Fatboy has a certain "heft" I haven't found in any other razor. As they were produced for only 4 years vs. some 24 years for the variants of the Slim, relative rarity (especially with the clean cased examples) has to be an appeal factor as well. Go with the Fatboy now as each passing month only brings higher prices

Really. If you don't pick one up now you may never be able to afford one.

 

[Sledgehammer39]

For me the Fatboy is a nice shaver as is the Slim. The differeces would be the heft and head profile. The Fatboy gets a lot of attention, maybe because it's production run was smaller compared to that of Slim. I like my shaves better from my 40's SS. Of course YMMV applies here. My advice is get both and give it a trial run. If there is one you don't like you can easily sell it.

 

[RJFree]

Are there only two Gillette adjustables from the 50's-60's era? E-bay has a couple of offerings for something called a Super Adjustable (in black). Both of them are supposedly NOS in the original packaging. Would these be the same as a Slim? They are definitely not a Fat Boys.

 

[Legion]

I have both (well... a couple of both...) and I actually feel that there is not too much difference between them in the shave quality. The higher price of the Fatboy more reflects the comparative rarity rather than any quality benefit.

 

[dod.e.ratherwell]

Are there only two Gillette adjustables from the 50's-60's era? E-bay has a couple of offerings for something called a Super Adjustable (in black). Both of them are supposedly NOS in the original packaging. Would these be the same as a Slim? They are definitely not a Fat Boys.

Nope very different razors: The long black slim is much slimmer than the slim (eek what a sentence) and if I remember correctly a little lighter.
All three can give a similar shave with the 1-9 adjustable the difference is in the feel due to weight and control because of the ergonomics.
I have all three and my go to is the Slim.

 

[RJFree]

Thanks, Legion and dod.e.ratherwell ( I totally got your "eek" sentence.) This Forum is great! I'll be looking for an excellent Slim. The high quality Fat Boys seem to be in high demand, driving the prices out of sight on The Bay.

 

[BBrad]

My experiences with Slims vs. Fatties is kind of mixed. Both are beautiful works of art, and wonderful shaving tools.

Every Fat Boy that I have tried left me a little disappointed . . . not quite living up to the reputation and hype. Slims, on the other hand, I found to be generally pleasant and easier to attain wonderful results with. Maybe its the weight, balance, head profile, or some other je ne se quoi?

Right after Christmas, I spent a little "Santa" money and picked up a MINT Slim Aristocrat (Slim with gold plating) from another B&B member. It was the best Gillette shave EVER!!!!

Earlier this month I scored an Executive (Fat Boy gold plated) on eBay . . . and the Exec ever so slightly out-shaved my SA . . . but both of them are top-notch and each has earned a regular spot in my rotation!!

Really like 'em both - and do believe the gold-plated versions are of higher quality than the regular nickel plated razors.

 

[Razor Emporium]

i prefer the slim for touchup work...

 

[maxman]

From my experience every razor is different, every face is different.
I have a Fat Boy, a Slim and an Executive. They are all very different razors.
right now i'm on the slim. I like it the best of the three.
But with the variations in the adjustable settings and blades, soaps, &c, the only way you'll know is to fork out the money and try it.
The prices of the Fat Boy's increase every day it seems.
I love my slim to to point of wanting to purchase another one just as my travel razor.

 

[pauls51]

I have both and find that my FB has a better balance in my hand...

But again YMMV!

 

[Hanlon's Razor]

I think that the Fatboy feels better in the hand, but the head is a little "fat" too. I got into this DE thing a few years back and, after reading this forum for awhile, I just had to have one. I purchased one from one of our members, and while I love the heft and feel of it, It doesn't give me the finesse that can be achieved with a slimmer head. I think of it as the F-250 of the DE razors. The Slim is a bit better, but I've found that my thick-handled Tech is like a sports car in comparison.

As the previous poster mentioned: YMMV!