Having not used a Frameback, I curious to know what the difference is in shaving quality. What is the reason for the frame back? I've been thinking of buying one but thought I'd get some feedback first.
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Having not used a Frameback, I curious to know what the difference is in shaving quality. What is the reason for the frame back? I've been thinking of buying one but thought I'd get some feedback first.
IMHO, the design provides thin gird just as a hollow ground blade but it adds the stiffness of a 1/4 hollow or heavier grind. I really like those features.
Frame backed razors are fantastic shavers IMO.
There is a wide range of views on them, that they were cheaper, because the frame could be made of a lesser quality metal, leaving the smaller blade only to be made from the higher grade steel, to that they are luxury razors offering complicated craftsmanship.
Also, many were produced as two, three and seven day sets, where you simply had a blade to change out. The French and Swiss make spectacular framebacks IMO.
I find that doing the "thumb-pad" test on them for some reason, gives the impression that they are not as "sharp" as a regular blade, don't know why this is for me, but may just seem to be the flatness of the blade. But they are uber sharp nonetheless, and never had any irritation from the shape of the blade.
I find I get some of my absolute best shaves from them, the French TI #69 being one of my favourites, along with LeCoultre, and Le Grelot, Eskilstuna and the Japanese make some awesome blades.
They are usually very light in the hand, smaller razors obviously, but they deliver stellar shaves, like sports cars, fast, easy to control, and delightful to use.
As far as I'm concerned, a nice frame backed razor is essential for the well rounded straight razor Gentleman.....you won't be disappointed.
;)
My take on the Sheffield framebacks is that they were a way to produce a light and easy to hone/maintain blade like the hollow grinds but using the enormous old grinding wheels from the waterwheel days that the wedges were made on. In other words, a competitive razor without major retooling. Every one I've had had been an excellent shaver.
+1 I'm A well rounded straight razor Gentleman, enjoy my framebacks as well.Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
I love my framebacks. As said above, they are fast, nimble and terrific shavers.
What you will find is that their tangs are considerably thinner than normal. That gives them a little different feel when holding in the fingers and when stropping. It really doesn't take that much getting used to.
Give one a try. I thing you'll be very impressed.
Pete <:-}
I seem to remember a thread from years ago in which Neil Miller stated iirc that in his opinion they were made as a cheaper to produce alternative to normally ground razors. That was my impression also. I do have one and it hones up and shaves very well. No real difference in the shave quality compared to other razors that I own.
Bob
I think everyone should have at least one!
Considering just how round(ed) this gentleman is, I should probably have more than just the one... :rofl2:Quote:
Originally Posted by Phrank
My one frameback is a TI 69 (69 Thiers-Issard frameback). It's one of those razors I don't keep in my regular rotation, but it makes regular appearances when I'm in the mood for a change. I usually use fairly heavy, wide blades, so the thin light frameback makes for a very different shaving experience. Not necessarily better, certainly not worse, but definitely different.
I love framebacks! Got two, Wm. Greaves & Joseph Rodgers & Son, both great shavers, light, nimble, very enjoyable, would love to have a few more. Everyone should have at least one in their rotation/collection!
I guess I,m in this group too cause Phrank sent me a frameback, and just as soon as I'm home I,ll get to using it,, iahd a frameback a couple years agoand it was a good shaver, but for some reason it moved on,, but this one is here to stay Frameback men unite! Tc
There are 2 types of frameback.
The true is the two piece and there is a faux frameback where the razor is one piece like any other razor but the blade profile is very similar to what a true frameback is.
Either way they all give great shaves.
Here is my one and only Frameback. It is a Leresche and came with 2 pristine blades. Super loud, but oh so smooth.
https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...02633e206b.jpg
Shaved with it this afternoon.
Tom
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro
Just bought my first frameback in a lot but I'm not sure what the make is. I can't see the name in the pictures but it looks like a Wosthenholm. I'm so excited to get it. I usually don't get lots that are in good usable condition. I normally buy lots that need work but I really wanted that one. I think there may be a couple of others that are even better in the group but the fancy craves what the fancy craves. Reading all this talk about them made me want one.
I just want you to know that you all ought to be ashamed of yourselves. Look what you made me do.:nono:
Ya' bunch of enablers.
Edit: in case I didn't say it I haven't gotten it in yet. I'm sitting on pins and needles waiting for it.
Although a frame back has a thin blade, it is quite stiff. Think of it in shaving feel as a wedge.