SuperSpeed vs FatBoy

[egh128]

My face and a 1956 SuperSpeed never got along. Ever.

How does the FatBoy compare to the SuperSpeed? I know the FatBoy is an adjustable, but it still has the Tech style head like the SuperSpeed.

I'd rather have an idea if it will work or not before I drop the money.

Thanks!

 

[Redzone]

Just my 2 cents and I am fairly new too.
I started with a Superspeed and found it forgiving apart from when paired with a feather.
Now I prefer the fatboy for both the weight and adjustability. Worst scenario its not hard to sell a fatboy if you dont like it.

 

[Maxime D.]

You could try a Red Tip Super Speed, it's my go-to razor.

 

[Copierguy]

Well with a Fat Boy you have a couple setting in the range milder the a 50s Super Speed. If your prep and technique are good you can get a very comfortable shave set on 1 with a Feather blade. Your 5 o'clock shadow may arrive ahead of schedule but a comfortable shave is what you'll get. Setting two is about like a Tech razor. 3 is like a Super Speed. 4 is like a Red Tip Super Speed. So you have a wide performance range in a Fat Boy. Then there is the great grip and hefty feel that comes built in. Oh did I say I enjoy this model a lot. The thing that always comes to mind when talking about the Fat Boy is how much fun it is to use.

 

[Trek2100]

Well with a Fat Boy you have a couple setting in the range milder the a 50s Super Speed. If your prep and technique are good you can get a very comfortable shave set on 1 with a Feather blade. Your 5 o'clock shadow may arrive ahead of schedule but a comfortable shave is what you'll get. Setting two is about like a Tech razor. 3 is like a Super Speed. 4 is like a Red Tip Super Speed. So you have a wide performance range in a Fat Boy. Then there is the great grip and hefty feel that comes built in. Oh did I say I enjoy this model a lot. The thing that always comes to mind when talking about the Fat Boy is how much fun it is to use.

Thanks for the information. I had wondered what the settings would be when compared with the super speed, red tip super speed and the tech's. Today I was shaving with my slim adjustable set to 6 with a Feather. I have 2 Fatboy's on the way. This can really get out of control, but it's fun.

 

[chamm]

If I don't put my Fat Boy at a 9, I might as well be shaving without a blade. I've tried more than one, so I don't think it's the razor.

That being said, though, by beard actually arrived on Earth inside of a meteor, so it's got super powers. One time, during an earthquake, I stopped a school bus full of children from driving off a bridge by snagging it with my beard. My shaving experience probably isn't typical.

My daily shave is a Mühle R41 2011, and if I abandon all sense and reason, and really go at it, I can get very close to a BBS. Although if I've got the time, sometimes I'll do a "mild" shave with the Fat Boy at 9 for the first pass or two. Truthfully, I could get a solid DFS using only the Fat Boy. It's really a flat-out spectacular razor. If I had to be stranded in the wilderness with just one razor, it would be a Fat Boy. Specifically, Miranda Kerr's Fat Boy. And of course, she'd eventually come looking for it, because it's awesome. Then I'd be stranded in the wilderness with Miranda Kerr.

Long story short; I say go for it!

 

[chongo gordo]

I used to prefer the 40's Superspeed or Red Tip, despite being on the mild side for my taste.

A Fatboy will give you a huge range of blade exposure. I liked it as a beginner, and more recently revisited it opened up flat out to 9, (and got an effortless, very smooth shave).

There, I said it. As a huge fan of early Gillettes, I used to think the Fatboy was kind of a gimmick razor. My opinion has switched 180: The Fatboy is awesome shaver, and I think everyone should own one.

 

[rxonmymind]

Like you OP I've never gotten along with the SS more specifically the 40's. Oddly I love the rockets. Anyway the Fatboy could easily be my only razor. It's adjustability covers a wide range of razors within its dial. From a blue flare tip or tech set on #1 to aristocrat Jr or senator set on #7-9. Also aesthetically it's one nice razor!

 

[egh128]

Sweet. Thanks for the info gentlemen.

 

[egh128]

And for a little more detail:

I know the SuperSpeed is widely considered a mild shaver, but I have sensitive skin and a tough beard. Every shave with the SuperSpeed felt like I was tearing my face to shreds.

 

[Tarheelboy]

I know every beard and face are different, but I always found the 40's SS to be really mild on my face. However, I like the size and weight of the Fat Boy. So what I do many days is set my Fat Boy on 1 or 2. But if I really want an easy shave I go to my 40's SS. I had my 1961 Fat Boy replated and it looks great. When I don't use it I almost feel guilty for spending that money on it.

 

[Trek2100]

If I don't put my Fat Boy at a 9, I might as well be shaving without a blade. I've tried more than one, so I don't think it's the razor.

Today I received my new Fat Boy that I won on eBay circa 1959. It's a beautiful razor and I really like the weight. Not knowing where to start the setting I put it on 6 for the first pass. Moved up to 7 for the second and finally wound up on 8 for the third. I was using a Feather blade. The shave was one of the best I've had. Since I have a coarse beard I really needed the higher setting. Tomorrow I may go straight to 9 for all 3 passes. When I go back to my Merkur Futur in the rotation I'll have to try a higher setting. I had been a little frightened to use a high setting on the Futur based on some of the threads however, a high setting could probably chip/shred trees.

 

[KipNoxzema]

Think of it this way. With a non-adjustable, you just spent money on one blade gap. What if it doesn't work for you? With a Fatboy or Slim, you can dial that shave right in. Fatboy is heavier than a Slim. YMMV. Good luck.