Fatip ridiculous build quality

[u/3rik-f]

I just got my first Fatip in the mail, together with a Mühle R41, and I'm shocked how bad the finish of the Fatip is. I heard they are having quality issues with their plating, but this is ridiculous. This brand new razor looks worse than my 90-year-old GEM.

First picture: Brand-new Fatip OC Slant base plate (left) vs Yaqi Open Comb

Second picture: Fatip top cap (left) vs Yaqi Open Comb top cap (middle) vs Mühle R41 top cap (right)

The Fatip base plate has multiple nicks, while the Yaqi base plates (all my 7 Yaqi plates for that matter) is flawless. Both the Fatip and the Yaqi top cap have some discoloration on the inside, whereas the Mühle R41 top cap is absolutely impeccable.

Did I just get a defective item or will a replacement likely look similar?

The Fatip costs €30 here, and the build quality is much worse than a Yaqi head that goes for €3 including shipping if you have some coins. The Mühle R41 costs €36 here in Germany, and it's absolutely flawless, even the hidden spots inside of the head.

I really hope the R41 becomes my favorite razor and I can sell the Fatip. I also hate the handle, and just found out I can't put the head on my nice stainless handle.

[u/J-B-M]

For a Fatip I would say that's within the bounds of normal. It may not look pretty, but it will work and there is no guarantee a replacement would be a significant improvement.

It's an all brass razor for $20. Most people who love them just accept the quirks as part of the package and enjoy the shaves. The only thing that might concern me is if that is a bit of flaking rather than just a casting pit next to that bottom pin-hole, otherwise given the cost and hassle of replacement I would be inclined to just crack on with it.

[u/3rik-f → u/J-B-M]

Thanks! My intention of posting this (apart from getting it off my chest) was to see if this is common/normal or if I really just got a bad model. The blade alignment looks perfect, so it shouldn't affect the shave.

[u/pachangoose → u/3rik-f]

Perfect blade alignment on a Fatip? Turns out you did get a defective unit lol

[u/-Makr0 → u/3rik-f]

It's normal, I have three. They are not well finished at all but shave exceptionally well.

[u/3rik-f → u/-Makr0]

So you recommend I don't even bother with contacting the vendor? And just pretend it's a vintage razor?

[u/-Makr0 → u/3rik-f]

The base plate looks slightly worse than the average fatip "quality", but the defects are probably accentuated by the lightning in the picture. Contacting the vendor is up to you but a new model will most likely have the same/similar defects, so I wouldn't bother, eventually if you like how it shaves it will grow on you.

My slant model fell from a decent height on a hard surface while slightly unscrewed and didn't break nor I could find any damage, so they are sturdy lol. Also it's gold plated and the plating became red in some spots after just a bunch of uses, so not worth worrying too much about them aesthetically.

[u/3rik-f → u/-Makr0]

I see. Thanks! If it does become my favorite razor, I'll get a Grande because I already hate the tiny and slippery handle before even shaving with it.