Razor Archive Series: Gillette 195 Fatboy Adjustable Double Edge Safety Razor

I’m Matt Pisarcik, founder of Razor Emporium, welcome to our channel!
At Razor Emporium, we believe in empowering men and women to practice traditional grooming using quality new and vintage shaving supplies. Our business is made up of three core areas, Service, Retail, and Education.
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[@modmlot]

A few weeks after my Dad died, my Mum called me to come over and give me something. It was my Dads 195. I cried like a baby.....

[@john6217]

I can relate... My mother gave me my grandfathers - was a wonderful gift.

[@flynlow43]

I found a brand new one still in the store bag with receipt about 10 years ago. The case had never been opened. Razor never touched. I started shaving with it and used it daily because I thought it was a cool piece. Wasn't until a year ago, I found out they were sought out by collectors. It is an E2. I may have been able to sell it for a little money but I do enjoy using it and it my daily driver still. I will never go back to disposables for sure. Thanks for the video.

[@tenore8]

A "Real Man's Shave" LOL, couldn't make this commercial today...:-(

[@kp5209]

I know right? We now live in a society of socialist cucks

[@EdwardErfurt]

An amazing piece of engineering that works almost 60 years after production.

[@johndeeter4030]

I have a reconditioned "fatboy" which was listed as a 1962 model but upon looking at it, it is actually a 1961 (G-4). Wish it came with the case but it was just in a bag with a card stating when it was re-done (plated cleaned etc)..I did find me a 1956 Gillette DE razor because like you stated, it was the year I was born.

[@gosho2212]

The first razor I've shaved with. The daily driver I'm still using. A gift from my father I'll always remember...

[@cboswall]

I found mine in my grandfather's 1958 fatboy in the closet after he passed away 13 years ago. I'm still using it.

[@greeneeguy]

Found mine in the wild, in the case with the “wrong” blades, for $12. Best razor purchase I’ve made yet. Love the 195 Adjustable. Set on 7 with a Gillette Wilkinson Sword blade, it’s nearly flawless. In fact, it’s Friday, so I’ll be shaving with it in just a bit 😁👍🏻💈

[@dalecrummie5818]

My dad got his Fatboy in 1959 and used it up until he quit shaving in 1993 when he grew a beard, he had gone bald and started telling people he didn't go bald, his hair just fell. Then I got the fatboy.

[@KarmaFlight]

I found one in a local antique store for $10 and had it restored. It is a classic!

[@secaII]

Love my 195. Had Razor Emporium restore it and it shaves like a dream 😎

[@droogii1142]

60 years later, they're still a great shave. Love using mine.

[@Shaverboy516]

Was waiting for this one, I love the old commercials and the history behind this iconic razor, Keep these vintage videos coming Matt, really enjoy them:)

[@stevemeadowlands1246]

I always get compliments in my SOTD when my Razor Emporium revamped Rhodium Fat Boy comes out for a spin.

[@Tmanaz480]

I come from the fountain pen community, and I'd say the fatboy is the Parker 51 of Razors.

[@thatkid386]

I had fatboy in my twenties and some how it was destroyed and for 2 decades I've been looking for that razor. Now I've found it!

[@TheLchr]

I started my journey with Gillette vintage razors with a 1964 Slim Adjustable. Sure enough it didn’t took me long to get my first 1959 195 Gillette Fat Boy and I love it because of the way it shaves, it looks and it feels. It’s a great great razor.

[@richardhoover1439]

Man oh man, oh man!! This razor is my birth razor (7-13-1960). When I bought my first one, it became my favorite and still is. I have tried most since leaving the ridiculously priced cartridges. Yes it is too bad that this is no longer made. I guess I will have to spring for one of these revamping's on one soon. They truly are a beautiful piece of Americana.Thank you for your cool videos and all you do to keep this spirit alive!!

[@zacbushong1344]

Count me as “illuminated”! Matt, I so appreciate the effort you & your team are putting into the Friday videos. Keep up the great work. Enjoy your long weekend. Take care, Zac

[@spanishfly7709]

I dreamed of it! Thought about it! Eager for it! And it happend... my Gillette 195 adjustable came in the mail today from ebay for.... that right $22.00 "a real man's shave"

[@stevenroper6125]

Can't wait to send mine in for a replate. The absolutely best shaving razor in terms of aggressiveness mixed with comfort. If Gillette reissued these they would make a killing and get rid of those jokes called Fusions.

[@DaveR24]

Another great history lesson about vintage Gillette razors. Keep up the great work!

[@ratchetz]

Ahhh the 195 - definitely need to add that to the collection to go along with my slim.

[@JMac.]

Great video! I absolutely love my 195.... it’s one of Two DE’S that I have settled on as my go to lineup.

[@classicalhollywoodfilm8378]

This is my first safety razor I got it like 3 years ago and it still works good mine is from 1959.

[@garrettvannorden7723]

I just got one yesterday, my first razor (I've been spoiled with electric shavers) I cleaned mine up and gave it a quick polish, works just fine! the code is E1 for anyone wondering.

[@lawrencelamb9601]

Awesome video. Thank you for clearing up some questions I had. I've got one of these I've been using for a while. It could stand a restoration. I might have you do it or maybe just get one of your revamped razors. I really enjoy your channel. I've become quite interested in DE and traditional shaving. I have a quite a few straight edge cut throat razors but don't generally have the time to use them. DE razors give me the quality shave I'm looking for and satisfy that touch of luxury I love. I always look forward to your videos. Thank you.

[@jeronimomacias481]

One of my favorite razors that is in my regular rotation.

[@darylnd]

I got mine last week. It arrived the day after my first RE order. (RE Pre-Shave soap, REX 1955 and 1966 samples, Semogue 820 boar brush, Sensitive Skin blade sampler, RE indestructible lather mug, Antiga Barbearia de Bairro Alumen. Thanks for throwing in the RE Heritage soap sample!) I've only had one shave with it so far, with a Gillette Platinum blade from the King C. Gillette kit I bought at Walgreens. I got a great shave with that, using the RE Pre-Shave bar, Semogue brush, and REX 1966 soap. I'll have another go tonight, with one of the blades from the Sensitive Skin sampler. I've used straight razors for more than 20 years. I'm just starting with DE safety razors. The Fatboy has a bit of corrosion and pitting. Nothing terrible, but a good excuse for the RE Revamp.

[@claytonbolt2827]

Got my $1.95 adjustable revamp razor I bought from the website shaved with it this morning and it is absolutely wonderful. Might I add y’all did a wonderful job and I’ve never been more excited to receive a razor.

[@RazorEmporium]

Clayton Bolt happy to hear!!

[@papik1965]

Hey thanks as always for your review! Really nice razor, classic but also with style. I've got the comb version, but will definitely look out for one of these on my travels:-)

[@terrym1065]

Thanks Matt👍 Another trip down memory lane. Great lesson on the 195, interesting that only the American factory made these then exported. I've two mint examples, case, blades and instructions. Way cool retro looking but I don't use them, I have other vintage Gillettes I use. Great video, waiting on the next one. Enjoy!

[@chrischiampo7647]

Love the1.95 Fatboy Adjustable 😀👍🏼 Thanks Matt Shared too 😎😊👍🏼

[@koosk41]

Brilliantly enthusiastic and full of information as usual. The walking encyclopedia of Gillette history 👍

[@JohnHartConductor]

In an odd way, this particular video in the series feels like “coming home,” you know what I mean? The Fatboy is so iconic and ubiquitous that there’s a sense of “home” about it.

[@NuggetsHoopster]

Thanks for the informative video, Matt! Love my 1960 fatboy :)

[@robertlarkham2428]

I just bought a revamped from you. Can’t wait to shave with it.

[@WolfRanger2008]

It's nice to see the true back story on a razor that so many wet shavers are obsessed with acquiring to the point that they are willing to pay outrageous prices for one....

[@EricAdamsYT]

I’m looking to buy one now and I can’t say that I consider the higher prices outrageous, especially when you look at the new razors on the market and the price points they’re coming in at. A good adjustable razor regardless of how old it is it’s just expensive now. Why not buy something that has a little history to it?

[@4ksandknives]

The video we've all been waiting for ^^

[@ftrez1040]

I'm sure that 90% of what I know about Fat Boys I learned from Razor Emporium's web site & videos. I ended up with a Rhodium re-plate back in July and I love it. I dream about finding one in an antique store in it's original case. Maybe someday.

[@johngoard8272]

I have three fat boys now all in original cases and a refurbished ( by your company) slim adjustable with rhodium plating, and I recently acquired a 1969 Black Beauty and to be honest all of them are my go to razors now. The nearest razor that I like to use to the Gillettes is a stainless steel Feather AS-D2 I have may others but these are my base shavers the Black Beauty at the moment being my favourite.

[@mikeh9701]

Hi Matt- Great video, as always. An iconic piece to own. Would love to have seen the Christmas presentation case that was inside the box! I hope you have a great holiday weekend ahead and all the best!

[@craigster1573]

My daily razor (1959 E1) and in my humble opinion , it is the best Gillette razor ever made

[@Germinalx]

He talked me into one yesterday…should be here soon!

[@TheCrash212]

Great video, Matt. I have my Dad's Fat Boy, E-4, and still shave with it. Dad was a little OCD about taking care of his stuff and consequently it's in almost pristine condition.

[@guyfisher2050]

Got my "New" Fatboy E4 from flyingrazors767 Ebay store. Razor, box and blades were incredibly in pristine new condition. Amazing shave. I use both Rex Ambassador razor and my new Fatboy enjoy them both

[@davidbenvie9870]

Fat boy is one of my top 5 razors that I rotate. In fact, 4 of my top 5 are vintage Gilllettes.

[@jedknouse7053]

thanks for explaining these

[@kgrinda]

I have 3 with one in a case. I very much enjoy it for my collection. I've only shave with it once. They are amazing in the engineering that went into them at the time. I can imagine sitting around the table at gillette. thinking of ways to sell blades, when someone presents the 195 storyboard.

[@silverwiskers7371]

it is hard to beat the 3 piece open comb, i shave with one over 100 years old and several generations of my family before me used the same razor, and, it is safe to say many more generations after me will use it as well, a one piece cant do this without it falling apart apart, all machines with moving parts will wear out eventually...

[@johngilmore9517]

I have 2 and love them both equally. Just like my kids.

[@K5MOW]

My dad had a Gillette Fat Boy. Great video

[@ibsoarin]

My Grandfather gave me his Gillette Super Speed when he acquired his Gillette 195 Adjustable. My Father inherited the Gillette 195 Adjustable and I will get it from Dad when he passes it to me. After 60 years of use, I assume it will need a restoration! I understand why it has lasted so long when you explained its brass construction with nickel plating.

[@zlopez-steele3362]

My Gillette Fatboy is my favorite razor. It is the must efficient razor I own. I like to use treet black beauties with my razors cause I personally feel that carbon steel blades are more forgiving for me.

[@buckturgidson1448]

I’ve got two, a used ‘59 and a new ‘61 that’s in an unbroken case w/blades and paperwork. I’m not a collector so I want to use the ‘61 but can’t *quite* make myself do it yet. Maybe that’ll be my Christmas present to me. 🎁💈🎄

[@davidkennar6902]

So that's where the creatives from 'Gilligans Island' got their concept . Thanks Matt!

[@Tmanaz480]

Now that I've fallen down the safety razor rabbit hole I've been digging through boxes trying to find my late dad's. It's a gold fatboy in a clamshell Milord case. Maybe from his previous razor? I never actually shaved with it--My first shave was with a black and chrome Trac II.

[@johnwachter6975]

Always enjoy fanboy shave!

[@Rumpleskin]

Crazy how they priced razors in the day.now they would be 99.99.I love the fatboy (have 11).bought most mislisted on eBay.

[@Rumpleskin]

@Thomas Jefferson no doubt....greed

[@MartinOcando]

Surprisingly enough, and after a year and a half wet shaving and collecting several razors, I still don't own a Fatboy. I plan to fix that soon. Hope I can find one with the box. Looks really neat.

[@myblueskynight]

I do have a Fatboy in my collection, but I would love to have that case to display it in!👍

[@Deadbuck73]

It is Fatty Friday! My current fatty came from a gent who worked for Gillette for years... that and 50¢ will get me a coffee but it does make it just a whisker more meaningful to me when I lather up!

[@germanshepherd13]

have a few but love my slims the best!

[@victormazzella5796]

Nice razor, thanks.

[@dc76384]

Love my fatboy razors, one of which has been plated in rhodium. Thank you Matt. But for a good shave I'll take the slim adjustable everytime over my fatboy

[@robertcochran7103]

Thank you for posting this excellent video. When I watch your channel, I am always trying to think back to my childhood and the razors that the men were using. I cannot remember what razors my father used. I vaguely think they were Gillettes, but I have no idea what model(s) were involved. My father (and grandfathers, for that matter) never taught me how to shave. I had to learn on my own. My maternal grandfather had a very old open comb razor that he used till the day he died, but I dared not touch it in any way, and I don't know what brand or model that was. He kept his on a shelf built into the wall that was next to the kitchen sink. That is where he shaved. I'm under the impression that he used Williams Mug Soap, but it is no more than an impression. My paternal grandfather had either a straight razor or a double edge razor. His house did not have any hot water service for many years. He would heat a pot of water on the stove and use that to wash himself with and shave. I only rarely saw him shaving. My own were quite poor so $1.95 for a new razor might have been quite a big expense. My grandfathers could both easily afford new razors but they simply were not the types to experiment with better ones or better blades. I wish I had paid greater attention to their shaving equipment and routines.

[@dalecrummie5818]

My dad bought one in 1959, he used it up until he went bald, then he grew a beard and started telling people his hair fell, and I got the Fat Boy.

[@ricjefferson1493]

Great vid, Matt! Let's talk about our favorite Slim Adjustable next! LOL 💈💈

[@thereturningshadow]

I use a 1960 Fatboy (stamp code says it's 1960) that was once my father's razor. I got it when he died. The first couple times I used it I cut up my face something fierce but after learning to properly use it, it gives a closer better shave that the Mach 3s I have been using for years. When I first started shaving around 35 years ago I started with the Gillette Atra 2 then after 15 years I moved to the Mach 3 (had to learn to use that one too to not cut myself up) and then about 10 years ago I went to the Fatboy. The Mach 3 was good for quick shaves, especially if you shave in the shower but the Fatboy is best for a proper shave. One that takes about 20 minutes. I always shave twice with it. The first pass is always downward with the grain and then the second is always upward against the grain and I don't recall a closer shave than with the Fatboy.

[@nate4shave]

Great info for Antique Gillette Fat Boy Undo

[@shaiq-nbaiq1826]

I picked up a 195 today at the antique store for 12 bucks. The doors open up nicely. The adjustment collar clicks in every position. The numbers are all painted. It could use a good polishing...and ironically is a G1 production...had to pause the video to look for myself.

[@boodles07]

What does everyone like for shave number on the Fat Boy? Mine is at Razor Emporium right now getting a revamp. Excited to get it back!

[@stansteiber]

Given the time period and the new atomic age, I'd speculate Fat Boy derived from transposing to Fat Man and Little Boy of WWII fame. Regardless, I have 2 Slim Adjustables and figuring I'll be getting a Fat Boy. I was born in 1958 so it I want a birth year adjustable from Gillette . . . :) Thank you for all your time and effort you put into these videos. I enjoy them very much!

[@RazorEmporium]

Perhaps - how colloquial terms arise is always a mystery.

[@jshawnrittenour2665]

After using this razor 1 time I just knew there was nothing else !!!

[@sam2753]

Still one of my favorite shaves by Gillette - both the Fatboy followed closely by the Superspeed Flare-Tip.

[@markdunne2288]

Excellent!

[@deshave5260]

Great vid as always, Matt. This is why every man and woman should own a Gillette $1.95 Adjustable razor, AKA The Fatboy. In my humble opinion, this is the iconic razor that every collector HAS to own before they can REALLY call themselves a true DE safety razor enthusiast. Loving the Archive Series, mate. I will be sad when it comes to an end.

[@Hippo1251985]

I was not waiting for this :) I am still here waiting for the slim adjustable!

[@mikerose51]

Dominik Kraus I have a 64’ Slim and a 69 109super Adjustable. Their my top razors

[@thedoctor0123]

Thnx to your videos i learn a lot , nice info and what a comercial , shave like this is like a secret... no one else arround does it ... we are a few... but mutch clever 😏

[@MrImperial67]

My grandfather gave me this razor. It was his Father’s. Born 1897 died 1980s

[@nathanieldaiken1064]

As far as I know, most men shaving in the 50's and 60's only used the "adjustable" settings to extend blade life. Otherwise, they'd find a setting they liked and leave it set there.

[@fewmaster7774]

Had over lubricated my Fatboy and thought I've ruined the adjustables. But a bath in Denture Cleaner put it back to function again. It's a nice way to get uncommon stuff clean again. (I sound like an ad, but I ain't.)

[@Waldemarvonanhalt]

I wonder if Matt ever considered making a TTO design razor when he was scheming up the REX line of razors?

[@RazorEmporium]

Absolutely

[@josephburton8684]

My dad's Gillette is Stainless Steel, E4.

[@RazorEmporium]

Gillette never made a stainless razor handle. Its stamped brass, nickel plated. Very cool- a classic

[@sbcwinn]

As always, I enjoyed your video very much. The Fat Boy has a cerytain cache about it. But if you strip it down and see how its made, you not only get a feel for its workmanship, but moreover the engineering that went into it. But I do have a question that haunts me every time I use mine. Why did Gillette only make the razor for three short years. It is a very endearing razor and had everything going for it, including tons of units sold. Why would they ever stop making them? I am sure that Gillette could have still sold a ton of them through the mid to late 60s.

[@cashau2965]

...Thanks Matt excellent review as usual...I need some advice on the Fatboy actually...I just can't come to terms with mine, at low settings ( 1 or 2) it's ineffective while at higher settings it's quite irritating to my skin. I checked the blade alignment etc and all seems ok...what could it be? in any case I must agree with you it's not the best razor Gillette has made..my Aristocrat shaves like a charm in comparison

[@RazorEmporium]

Cas Hau it’s likely the fact that as the gap increases so does the angle. Stick to 3-4-5 and you should be close to the Aristocrat.

[@cashau2965]

@@RazorEmporium .... thanks Matt I'll try...

[@callumcraig3664]

If the fatboy was so good and popular , why did they stop making it ? Where as the slim boy kept being made

[@azshooter348]

I love my 195 ... I love my Slim more ...

[@rif6876]

Love to see a fatboy vs slim comparison. Also- if the fatboy isn't that rare, why is it the most expensive made to order?

[@firecured1701]

Global shave is coming up with a replica (fat guy) lots of guys have high hopes, I'd say let's wait n see

[@shaneskavdahl3638]

Hello, Curious to know how you acquired such an outstanding collection. Hoping to get lucky like you my friend. I love these vintage razors. Gillette certainly doesn't make them like they used to!

[@RazorEmporium]

Buy and sell tens of thousands of razors. Keep the best.

[@michaelsandiego5668]

Absolutely beautiful razor that everyone should have in their shave den. I do agree that it is a great razor but not the best razor. I find the slim shaves a little bit more better than the fat boy, but that is just my humblest opinion. I have a few vintage Gillette razors in my collection and all are great shavers. But the custom made razors will out perform majority of these vintage razors by a large margin. Especially the cnc machined razors with their tight tolerances will be a much better shaver than these vintage razors. Nonetheless these fat boys, slims, superspeeds, and the tesch razors are great razors to have in your den, I do and I will continue to hunt them down in the wild.

[@ozkanhatip6046]

It seems Fat Boy’s mechanism for adjusting the blade gap was quite different from Gillette Black Beauty Adjustable.🤔 If I do not mistaken, base cap in black beauty was in static form that wasn’t moving upward and downward instead in Fat Boy that base cap platform moves upside and downside.

[@RazorEmporium]

Özkan Hatip the adjustment method is exactly the same fatboy - slim - super adjustable. The blade gets pushed up away from guard by the forked tray. The doors hold the blade down so it ends up changing gap and angle at the same time.

[@ozkanhatip6046]

RazorEmporium what I saw from the tv ad scene at the beginning of this video the base platform of the fat boy moves ups and downs if I don’t have mis judgement

[@sheshaveswithjill4838]

Love my Fat Boy.

[@brianjohnson6021]

Love my Fatboy you guys did in rhodium 🥰 send me a shirt please

[@viningscircle]

Some eBay sellers price theirs like it's more rare than in reality. Patience can pay off for those seeking to obtain one.

[@dannydietze]

That animation at 0:30 is a bit exaggerated, 50s advertising. Still my favorite razor though, I just set it and forget it but prefer the feel to the others

[@edwardmiles6513]

Now that you mention it, my Gillette date code references are, in chronological order, x1, y1, g1, m4, p2, r2, u2, c4/d1 .They are burned into memory, for reasons good and ill.

[@captainbackflash]

Dude! G like giraffe? Why not G like Gillette?

[@tenore8]

Touché...

[@leshartman6155]

This razor is in heavy rotation at my house. If this isn't the best Gillette, what is?

[@jkdurden]

I’m curious to this as well.