Safety Razor Review

Fatip Piccolo (Open Comb) Razor Review – Small But Efficient

The next razor up for test and review was the Fatip Piccolo, the 42100 model, which is an open comb style razor. It’s surprising how efficient this razor is.

The brand Fatip has a bunch of razors that are well within the affordable range and priced under brands like Merkur, Edwin Jagger, and others. They might not quite match up to the quality of these other brands; however, based on a price range comparison, it’s easy to see that it is fair.

The last Fatip I tested and reviewed (my last shave actually) was the Fatip Grande which has the same head as this Piccolo open comb 42100.

The Piccolo (meaning small) also comes with a closed comb head that’s a lot milder, named Piccolo Gentle (Gentile).

While this is a very small looking safety razor, don’t be fooled –it has a bit more aggression than what a first time user might expect.

While this is a very small looking safety razor, don’t be fooled –it has a bit more aggression than what a first time user might expect.

The Brand – The Italian company Fatip has been trading since the 1980’s when Ilario Fazzini , a skilled artisan of Preman launched the brand. The first Fatip razor in production was during the 1950’s (not named Fatip back then). The company offers a range of safety razors that are affordable

Fatip Piccolo (open comb) Description & Features

Let’s take a look at the all important features and highlight the need to know aspects when choosing a razor. I will stick to reviewing the open comb model here rather than go into any details about the closed comb Gentile model (that’s a different razor and a different review article).

• Materials and Finish – The Piccolo is a brass made razor that will either have nickel (Nichelato) or chrome (Cromato) plating depending on which one is bought, with the nickel option being slightly cheaper (nickel has a tendency to peel and degrade color easier). There is also a gold color (Dorato) chrome model available.
• Open Comb – An open comb has the ability to cut through hair much easier than a closed comb and can require some skill to use. Unlike a closed comb that has a safety bar at the bottom section of the top piece, it has teeth that allow hair to glide through easily for cutting.
• Double edged – DE razors are the most commonly used safety razors. They provide a user with two sides of a blade to alternate between shaving strokes.
• Three parts – The razor head comes apart in two pieces and with the handle that’s three parts. Three-part razors are better for cleaning well.
• Blade replacement – Blade replacement is a little more difficult than a two-piece or butterfly-type razor. Users have to be a bit careful with their fingers as well when removing and replacing the blade for obvious reasons.
• Handle – The handle is a short stubby kind. Deeply engraved vertical lines offer users grip while shaving.
• Aggressiveness – The aggressiveness of the Fatip Piccolo is found in its open comb design more so than blade gap. The blade angle is quite curved which reduces aggressiveness and there is not a large amount of overhang from the top cap. I would say the Piccolo is a medium aggressive razor (or maybe slightly higher that medium).
• Size and Weight – Weight: 70 g / Total length – 80 mm / Length Handle – 71 mm / Width head – 42 mm.
• Warranty –There is a one-year warranty offered on Fatip razors.

How Well Does The Fatip Piccolo Open Comb Perform And Shave?

After just using the Fatip Grande open comb razor for about 3 weeks and knowing that the Piccolo has the same razor head it was not going to take long to see what the pros and cons of this razor were as I already know. I wasn’t sure how much difference the handle would make.

I must admit before I go into detail that I was pleasantly surprised. This is how I felt about the Grande.

First impressions – My expectations on the Fatip razors was quite low because they’re not expensive and very affordable. The razor does look and feel small; however, I have used a few smaller stubby-type razors before and know what to expect and can shave very well with them. I could feel there was enough grip on the handle, but it did feel a little slim for my liking.

The finish on this razor does not look quite as well done as I found on other razors like a Merkur, Mühle, Edwin Jagger, and others. However, I was willing to forfeit that for the reduced cost (get what you pay for comes to mind).

There was no skin adjustment when changing from the razors I used before the Fatip’s which is not always the case. It can take a few shaves with some razors when switching for the skin to adjust and for no irritation, but the Fatip just shaved with ease – straight away (very pleased).

How did the Fatip Piccolo shave with 3+ days of growth? This is when a razor like the Piccolo shines. The open comb style loves a decent bit of growth and I found there was no tugging at all on my chin area.

The shave was very efficient, and after 2 passes the job was somewhat done, although some of the usual touching-up was required.

As stated it is where (3 days) this razor shines, for me!

How did the Piccolo shave daily or every 2 days? Every 2 days was still a good shave, and although it did not feel as pleasurable to get rid of thicker stubble as it did when shaving after 3 days it did the job well.

On a daily shave routine, it does not feel like this razor is getting its intended use. I’m not, or rather my skin is not a fan of daily shaving with any razor, and if I was to daily shave I may go for something more milder and/or a closed comb.

I can see how the Piccolo is a great tool for guys that alternate how much stubble they grow and need a razor that can adjust and can deal with thicker growth.

What blades was best suited? A Derby, Astra and Personna blade worked very well for me. The Derby which is a mild blade was good enough, and I kind of knew not to step up to a Feather just for the sake of it – when these blades worked great already.

I would suggest to go with a mild razor blade and step up with something sharper if required. As always start low and test, keeping in mind that the Fatip Piccolo has plenty of blade exposure between its open-combed teeth.

Is it easy to use shaving under the nose and chin area? I found I did get quite a few leftovers to clear up after shaving, especially on the top of my lip.

After I got used to using the Fatip and how small they are I was able to make use of the smaller size because short-handle razors generally are easier to maneuver around the trickier parts of the face.

Once I got familiar with the Fatip Grande used before the Piccolo, I knew how to get a quicker shave around the lip section I mentioned, and under the nose. It’s just about getting to know the razor, which does not take long.

How about blade overhang? There is a little, but nothing to shout home about. It’s insignificant and does not affect the shave experience.

What was the overall shaving experience like?

For me personally, the Fatip performed well above my expectations. A quick, comfortable and close shave without irritation.

I can’t say I felt or noticed any difference between the Grande and Piccolo handle, although I do like the stronger grip feeling I get from the Piccolo and then the thickness from the Grande.

On the aggressiveness side of things. While many state this is an aggressive razor I don’t experience it that way. It’s just efficient and has the ability to cut stubble so well because there is no safety bar.

I did not feel the cautiousness I use when shaving with the more aggressive Muhle R41 razor.

Look & Design – 8/10

I would say on appearances the Piccolo is a typical attractive shiny nickle or chrome razor. The finish does not look quite as good as on many other razors I have used on close inspection.

Being a three part razor does mean blade changing takes a little more effort than a two-part, butterfly and other razors. A new user to three part razors would soon adjust to this.  

While on the subject of blade replacement there may be times when a user will need to make sure the blade is aligned well. I seemed to have no issue with this as I make sure I align it first, but I have seen other people mention it.

Handle and Grip 8/10

If you like short and stubby types of razors then the Piccolo will tick that box for you. The opposite is true, of course if you like long-handle types, but if you have never used a short-handle razor then you could be surprised at how they maneuver around the face so well.

The vertical engraved lines on the handle offer plenty of grip for nonslip shaving. Not as much as knurled handles, but enough.

One thing I noticed was the grooves between the engraved lines do seem to get shaving cream and stuff stuck in there. It’s no deal breaker as I brush it off, but it is noticeable.

I would prefer a thicker handle as it’s a little thin for me. Didn’t affect the shave though!

Weight and Balance – 9/10

The Fatip Piccolo is a lightweight razor when compared with the likes of some of the popular closed comb razors, but not quite as light as the Merkur 15C (58 g) or Fatip Grande (66 g) which are both open combs. I guess it’s not so light when comparing like for like!

I felt this razor was slightly weighty and balanced which I really like.

Ease of Use – 8/10

The only aspect that required my attention was making sure the blade was aligned. I could not say that was difficult though!

For those new to using an open comb and/or three-part razors there is a learning curve there. The new user might be pleasantly surprised at how easy the stubble is cut through with less tugging and effort, even though they may need to shave a little cautiously the first couple of times.

Value for Money – 10/10

Top marks for value for money. Can’t go wrong at Approx. $20 – $22.99 USD, £15 – £20 GBP, 22 € – 25 € EU.

Note: Also available is the Fatip Piccolo Special Edition which gives a user the option of switching the bottom cap (base plate) between the open comb and safety plate. This has a black colored top, gold base plate and nickel handle that looks attractive, but quite a few complaints about the finish wearing off quickly.

FaTip Special Edition costs around $35 USD @ Amazon

Any Common Consumer Issues, Complaints or Positive Reports?

The two biggest complaints I have seen from buyers are first the blade alignment and secondly, the finish not lasting and peeling off or discoloring quickly. I am not surprised about these comments, although blade alignment should be easily resolved when paying attention while replacing a blade (I am not trying to take away the fact that a few of these guys find fault here, as it’s valid).

On the positive side of things, many guys love the efficiency, especially on coarse beards, and found this razor well worth the money compared to others.

It seems a lot of users had the same reaction as me and was pleasantly surprised. Expecting less probably as I did because of the low price tag.

Final Thoughts – and who is the Fatip Piccolo best suited for?

The Piccolo is an affordable razor that has the ability to cut through any growth with ease and does not seem to hold that aggressiveness I have seen mentioned and expected. Two swift passes and the jobs done (apart from my cleaning up leftovers actually).

Most open comb razors are not beginner razors for those new to shaving with safety razors; however, the Piccolo makes a great first open comb for those trying out this style of razor (might end up the only open comb required).

Do you have growth of 3 or so days frequently? Worth checking the little Piccolo out then.

For those that get a lot of irritation and razor bumps from all kinds of razors including closed combs could try this razor out. The safety bar not rubbing the skin can massively help some guys reduce irritation.

See you on the next shave down!

Related: Fatip Grande vs. Piccolo – Here’s The Differences & Similarities

Alternative Razors You Might Like

There is no doubt about it, the Fatip Piccolo is a great medium in aggression open comb razor. However, there are alternative razors that might be worth comparing and considering while you’re on your online search mission for a razor. I won’t add a lot of options though as this just makes for confusion.

Mühle R41

The Mühle R41 can be a bit of a beast of a razor for some guys. It has more aggression than the Fatip Grande and the blade curves less between the two top caps which adds to the aggression.

You’ll find the handle on the R41 is longer and thicker which may suit some gents, and the finish and appearance is quality. It’s certainly a beasts of a razor on heavy growth and requires some cation on the first few uses, and of course the right blade.

See Review: Mühle R41

---

Merkur 15C

The Merkur 15C is quite a unique safety razor with an interesting mixture of a small and slim handle that’s open combed. The handle is slimmer than the Grande and it’s a few grams lighter.

When using the 15C I found it to be less aggressive than the Grande, however, it still does a great job like other closed comb razors at cutting through heavier growth.

The handle is knurled and the 15C just seems to be a bit more solid and has a good finish. The Grande has that extra bit of cutting power though.

See Review: Merkur 15C

---

Fatip Grande

And of course the closest relative to the Piccolo that cannot be left out is the Fatip Grande. Shaves just as close at the Piccolo with one major difference.

The top or rather the base plate is the same as the Piccolo, it just has a different handle. The handle is solid rather than hollow, has a Greek column design and it is slimmer while having a little more weight.

See Review: Fatip Grande

You Might Also Like

---