I just bought a Slim and have been wondering why they sale for significantly less than a Fatboy most of the time. From what I have seen, I would have expected to pay twice what I paid for the Slim to get a Fatboy in similar condition. Do more people prefer shaving with the Fatboy? Is it rarer? Is it because it has a cooler name?
Why is a Fatboy worth more than a Slim?
- Thread starter jeffriley
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I prefer the look and feel of my Slim of the FB. Both shave well, but find the balance and head size better on the slim.
Not to mention, they are 1/2 the price and built just as well.
Not sure what economic reasons are, but I think you hit on some of it. The Fatboy is an iconic, flagship, adjustable razor, cool name, tougher looking. There must be other reasons, but I see no need to source out and pay inflated FB prices, when you can get 3 Slims for the same price in better condition.
Not to mention, they are 1/2 the price and built just as well.
Not sure what economic reasons are, but I think you hit on some of it. The Fatboy is an iconic, flagship, adjustable razor, cool name, tougher looking. There must be other reasons, but I see no need to source out and pay inflated FB prices, when you can get 3 Slims for the same price in better condition.
perhaps its supply n demand...
- Thread starter
- #4
It is certain to be an issue of supply and demand. I'm curious as to what is pushing the supply and demand curve. Mostly I'm interested knowing whether it is an issue of superior performance or more collector interest.
The Fatboy was made for 4 years, and the Slim was made for 8. So perhaps there are many more Slims in the world than Fattys.http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gillette_Dating_Information
That would be my take on it. I use both and find that the Slim does a better job. I think that its longer handle helps me maintain the proper angle of attack.
Its the you tubes fault, dont get me wrong cool razor but there are more desirable razors out there imo.
+1 to all of this - purchased a Slim and FB to start, glad I purchased the FB so I have first-hand knowledge but I've moved on and strictly use my 2 Slims at the moment.
"Worth"? I'm not an economist but there has to be something to supply/demand. The Gillette Adjustable ('58-'61) was the first adjustable and it was only produced for 4 years so there are fewer out there. Older + fewer= higher perceived market value. Think vintage cars.
Is one worth twice as much? That's up to the buyer. I tend to agree with those who actually prefer the Slim because of the longer handle and refined design.. That said, I love my Fat Boy because of the very cool, retro, '55 Chevy kind of style. I was lucky to score one for $20 at an antique shop. Beware of ebay prices and know what you want to spend.
"Cooler name"? The original was called the Gillette Adjustable or "195" because it cost $1.95. There was a lot of discussion on B&B and other sites about the "Fat Boy" name. that was never its name but a nickname given by the emergence of the wetshaving community in the last 6-8 years I believe. If you find anyone who was around back in the day they just called it an adjustable.
Is one worth twice as much? That's up to the buyer. I tend to agree with those who actually prefer the Slim because of the longer handle and refined design.. That said, I love my Fat Boy because of the very cool, retro, '55 Chevy kind of style. I was lucky to score one for $20 at an antique shop. Beware of ebay prices and know what you want to spend.
"Cooler name"? The original was called the Gillette Adjustable or "195" because it cost $1.95. There was a lot of discussion on B&B and other sites about the "Fat Boy" name. that was never its name but a nickname given by the emergence of the wetshaving community in the last 6-8 years I believe. If you find anyone who was around back in the day they just called it an adjustable.
The Fatboy was the first, the ground breaker, while the Slim was just a later variation. The bulky, heavy 50s styling appeals more to the "SHARPER HEAVIER MORE AGGRESSIVE" alpha male in all of us. And there were fewer produced so they're relatively rarer.
There is one thing I like about my Fatboy that no Slim ever had (AFAIK): threaded end-cap at the bottom of the handle. Means I can disassemble the razor for cleaning without damaging it. Not that I ever actually shave with it anymore, since I got my Traderes, but I still like that feature.
The Fatboy is highly sought after and was made for less years. Has a completely different head than the slim.
Correct
Well, I know why I wanted one: it was what my father always shaved with and his had gone mission since his death and I wanted a birth year razor (Jan. 1958). However, my Black Beauty (1975 Long Handle Super Adjustable) consistently gives me a better shave than the D-4 Fatboy I bought.
