Thread: Frameback

Can anyone tell me the advantage if any of a frameback razor over a non-frameback razor?

Hi. I love framebacks and have several. I believe, initially, a frameback razor allowed the makers to use a better quality steel, as there was less steel used. My framebacks are all Swedish, so the steel is very hard, so it wears less. I find sometimes, depending on how I've honed and stropped the razor, they can feel less smooth on my face than something like a W&B.

As far as advantages, if you like a light razor a frameback is for you. The lightness allows you to get a lot of tactile feedback. I think if one has a light hair growth, as I do, a frameback can be better than shaving with a heavy wedge.

The tangs are very narrow, so can take some time getting used to, your thumb doesn't sit on a nice wide tang like with other razors, so your grip needs to be precise. I find a hold a frameback much lighter than when I use a heavier razor, and using a frameback ATG under the neck one can really go very lightly.

The lightness can make stropping more difficult too.

If you haven't got a frameback I'd highly recommend getting at least one. Just like everyone needs at least one wedge in one's collection one needs at least one frameback.

Here's a photo of my favorite a Klas Törnblom.

Originally Posted by Chugach68

Can anyone tell me the advantage if any of a frameback razor over a non-frameback razor?

Frame backs tend to have thin blades that are easy to sharpen. However they act and behave a lot like full wedges because the frame stiffens the blade.

But otherwise they really came about because of a need to conserve steel. The Swedish razor makers really took it to a new art form in its hay day.

Frameback are easier to fabricate since the blade is usually the same thickness, except at the edge like on the picture below. A lot more work goes into hollow grinding.



Another great advantage to a frameback razor is its ability to have several blades for one frame, like a 7 day set, interchangeable blades.


I remember reading an old article that claimed that when framebacks came out, most considered them as cheap razors, that said when you do get to try one, they are a real pleasure to shave with.