HD Rocket -vs- Fatboy (need advice)

[Bulldawg]

Guys,

I'm thinking about dropping a few dollars on an HD Rocket in excellent condition. After trying all types of Merkurs and Gillettes, I settled on the Fatboy as my one and only razor. I'm considering the HD Rocket and need some advice from someone that's tried both. I'm not a collector and I normally prefer to have just one razor for daily use. I understand they're about the same size and the Fatboy is approx 7 grams heavier. Outside of that, do you have any input or other things to consider when comparing these two razors? thanks!

 

[jakespoppy]

Just a thought for you. I haven't tried an HD Rocket, but if you have the opportunity to get one, they seem to be much harder to come by than a Fatboy. Perhaps you should try one when you get the chance and decide based on your personal preference. Particularly since this, although not as much as say shaving creams/soaps or A/S's, is still one of those personal preference things. You can always pass either one along to another member interested in either one. I'll be interested in which way you decide to go, and which you prefer.

 

[SepticTank]

Really it's a YMMV thing - what is "missing" from the Fatboy for you? That may help to answer the question.

 

[razor_n_blade]

If you just keep your Fat Boy at one setting for your entire shave (in essence making it a "fixed head" razor), then get the HD. It is an aggressive, yet smooth shaver, and although I run the risk of being burned at the stake as a heretic, I prefer the HD Rocket (and it's fraternal twin, the #58) over the more ballyhooed razors like the #16, #66, 1949-50 Executive, US Aristocrats, President, or Diplomat.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with an HD Rocket, but, as has already been said, it is easy to move one of these along if you don't like it.

 

[texbilly]

Although I rotate pretty regularly, an HD Rocket is my go to razor and it's feel and performance are close to perfect for me. Although on the aggresive side, I can still zip around my beard with ease and without much worry of danger! Good luck!

 

[Legion]

Its funny that people are saying the HD Rocket is aggressive. I find my one to be quite mild. And I only have my Fatboy set on three...

 

[Bulldawg]

Thanks for the feedback guys, I've decided to purchase the HD Rocket

Just a thought for you. I haven't tried an HD Rocket, but if you have the opportunity to get one, they seem to be much harder to come by than a Fatboy. Perhaps you should try one when you get the chance and decide based on your personal preference. Particularly since this, although not as much as say shaving creams/soaps or A/S's, is still one of those personal preference things. You can always pass either one along to another member interested in either one. I'll be interested in which way you decide to go, and which you prefer.

Good advice. thanks...I've decided to try the HD Rocket...perhaps there's room for 2 razors in my den Once I receive it I'll compare the two.

Really it's a YMMV thing - what is "missing" from the Fatboy for you? That may help to answer the question.

Nothing's really missing with the Fatboy as far as I can tell. I guess it just bugs me knowing there may be a DE out there that can give the Fatboy a run for it's money. To date, I haven't tried a DE that can hold a candle to he Fatboy

If you just keep your Fat Boy at one setting for your entire shave (in essence making it a "fixed head" razor), then get the HD. It is an aggressive, yet smooth shaver, and although I run the risk of being burned at the stake as a heretic, I prefer the HD Rocket (and it's fraternal twin, the #58) over the more ballyhooed razors like the #16, #66, 1949-50 Executive, US Aristocrats, President, or Diplomat.

I don't think you'd be disappointed with an HD Rocket, but, as has already been said, it is easy to move one of these along if you don't like it.

I typically adjust the settings a few times but my technique has improved to the point where I can adjust pressure and shave with about any setting. I guess I never could understand how any razor was different from the Fatboy on a higher or lower setting. The heads of the razors appear to be the same.

Although I rotate pretty regularly, an HD Rocket is my go to razor and it's feel and performance are close to perfect for me. Although on the aggresive side, I can still zip around my beard with ease and without much worry of danger! Good luck!

What you just said is the exact reason that I've been wanting to try one

Its funny that people are saying the HD Rocket is aggressive. I find my one to be quite mild. And I only have my Fatboy set on three...

I typically keep my Fatboy on 4 for the easy areas and 3 for the sensitive areas like the neck.

 

[pablo_h]

If you only use '3' or '4' on a FB, definitely buy and try the rocket. I'd say keep them both though.

 

[scottish steve]

I sold on my English-made HD Rocket as it just din't seem to do it for me. It looked stunning and felt like true quality, even by Gillette standards but I never, ever used it. I have a Slim Adjustable, (which I don't think is too different from a fatboy) and I love it. It doesn't scream "bespoke" but as a tool for the job, its just great at setting 5.

 

[pablo_h]

Well buy some more, they love them here as well as rockets, aristocrat jnrs and aristrocrats. You couild easily get £40 for them and buy and trade all the USA gillettes you want.
It seems to me that everyone in the UK wants USA gillettes and vice versa.

 

[bonusmarple]

The 71g HD Rockets are solid, quality razors. You will not go wrong with having one in your collection.

 

[Oldguy]

I have both of these razors in my 10 razor rotation. Before I got the HD Rocket I used the Fatboy maybe every 4 shaves. Now that I have the HD I find I use it 3 times more than the Fatboy. I think it's a more refined design and a very good shave. I don't find it very aggressive.

Len

 

[scottish steve]

I don't find it very aggressive. Len

Maybe that's what got me. It looked and felt like a scythe but didn't perform like one