Thread: Frameback vs non-frameback

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.

Originally Posted by Phrank

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.

+1 I'm A well rounded straight razor Gentleman, enjoy my framebacks as well.

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!

Originally Posted by Phrank

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.

Considering just how round(ed) this gentleman is, I should probably have more than just the one...

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!