The Fatip Piccolo is an open-comb safety razor produced by an Italian company, available as model 42100. While it appears “small and stubby”, this razor is surprisingly efficient and offers more capability than its size might suggest. It holds an overall rating of 8.5 out of 10.
Design and Build Quality
The Piccolo is a brass-made razor with plating options of nickel (Nichelato) or chrome (Cromato), and a gold-colored (Dorato) chrome model is also available.
While it looks attractive with its shiny finish, the finish quality might not match higher-priced brands like Merkur, Mühle, or Edwin Jagger. A common concern is that the chrome or nickel finish is prone to discoloring or peeling over time.
As a three-part double-edged (DE) razor, it disassembles completely, making it easier to clean thoroughly. However, blade replacement can be a bit more challenging than with two-piece or butterfly razors, requiring care with fingers.
Users may also need to pay attention to blade alignment during replacement, though this issue is often easily resolved with care.
The handle is described as short and stubby, featuring deeply engraved vertical lines that provide plenty of grip for non-slip shaving.
It is a solid, non-hollow handle but some users might find it a little slim. A minor note is that the grooves on the handle can sometimes collect shaving cream.
The Piccolo weighs 70g, with a total length of 80mm and a handle length of 71mm. It is slightly heavier than the Fatip Grande (66g), and many find its weight and balance to be very appealing.
Shaving Performance and Aggressiveness
The Fatip Piccolo is noted for having “a bit more aggression than what a first time user might expect”.
It’s categorized as a medium aggressive razor, or possibly slightly higher. Its aggressiveness primarily stems from its open comb design rather than the blade gap, as the blade angle is quite curved, which actually reduces aggressiveness.
Despite common perceptions of open comb razors, the reviewer found the Piccolo to be efficient rather than overly aggressive, noting it cuts stubble effectively due to the absence of a safety bar. It doesn’t induce the same caution required for highly aggressive razors like the Mühle R41.
This razor “shines” when cutting through thick growth, especially 3+ days of stubble, with no noticeable tugging. It delivers a very efficient shave, often requiring only two passes with some touch-ups.
While still performing well on every-two-day growth, it’s less ideal for daily shaving, for which a milder or closed-comb razor might be preferred. The Piccolo is an excellent tool for those who alternate stubble length.
For blades, mild options like Derby, Astra, and Personna worked very well. It’s advised to start with a mild blade and only step up to sharper ones if needed, keeping in mind the significant blade exposure of the open comb.
The razor’s smaller size, once users become accustomed to it, can make it easier to maneuver around tricky areas like under the nose and chin, despite initial clean-up efforts being required.
The blade overhang is minimal and does not impact the shave. Overall, the shaving experience is described as “quick, comfortable and close shave without irritation,” performing well above expectations.
Pros:
- Slices through thick growth nicely (2-3+ days).
- Good price and excellent value for money.
- Offers a quick, comfortable, and close shave without irritation.
- Solid, balanced feel.
- Can reduce irritation and razor bumps for some users due to the lack of a safety bar rubbing the skin.
- Makes a great first open comb razor for those exploring this style.
Cons:
- Chrome or Nickel appearance is likely to discolor or peel over time.
- May take effort to align the blade.
- The handle might be too short or thin for some users’ preference.
- Grooves in the handle can trap shaving cream.
- There is a learning curve for new users of open comb or three-part razors.
Value for Money
The Fatip Piccolo receives top marks for value for money, earning a 10 out of 10 rating in this category. It’s priced affordably, approximately $20 – $22.99 USD, £15 – £20 GBP, or 22 € – 25 € EU.
Many users, like the reviewer, were pleasantly surprised by its performance given its low price tag. A Special Edition model is also available for around $35 USD, offering a convertible base plate, but it has more complaints regarding the finish wearing off.
Who is the Fatip Piccolo best suited for?
The Piccolo is ideal for individuals who frequently have 3 or more days of growth. It’s also worth considering for those who experience irritation and razor bumps with other razors, including closed combs, as the absence of a safety bar can significantly help reduce skin irritation.
While most open comb razors are not recommended for beginners, the Piccolo can serve as an excellent first open comb razor for those looking to try this style.
Final Thoughts
The Fatip Piccolo (Open Comb) razor generally performs well above expectations for its price, delivering an efficient, comfortable, and close shave with minimal irritation. It’s a solid, affordable option that can easily become the primary open comb razor for many users.
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