Thread: Rattler - Faux Frameback Question

What is the difference between a faux frameback and a rattler? I've seen both terms used to describe the same type razors and hope someone more knowledgeable that I can clear this up especially to help the beginners so they understand..........

I believe that real frame backs are designed with thin blades that can be inserted into a slot in the tang and locked in place with a set screw. That way one razor can accommodate several different blades and the user can replace a dull blade with a sharp one by loosening the screw. You can have a sharpened 7-day set with only a single tang that permits swapping blades in and out.

A faux frameback is similarly constructed, but the blade is welded or soldered in place permanently.

A rattler is a single grind. Here’s a pic of one for sale at Griffiths Shaving Goods.

Faux frameback is the name modern users have applied to rattler grinds.

They are one and the same.

A frameback can have replaceable blades or not. Its a 2 piece construction.
Voidmonster covered the rest.

Here's an old Joseph Rodgers Dutch Rattler that came in for honing sometime ago.

Originally Posted by Gasman

A frameback can have replaceable blades or not. Its a 2 piece construction.
Voidmonster covered the rest.

I stand corrected.

Is there no distinction between framebacks with removable blades and those with permanent blades? Seems that could lead to confusion when talking about them without pictures.

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

Here's an old Joseph Rodgers Dutch Rattler that came in for honing sometime ago.

Yeah, as a marketing slogan, it's messy. That's not a rattler grind. Probably a much older usage of the term. As fare as I know it's only the ones sold as 'Dutch Rattlers' that don't have a rattler grind. This is the canonical rattler grind.

Originally Posted by DZEC

I stand corrected.

Is there no distinction between framebacks with removable blades and those with permanent blades? Seems that could lead to confusion when talking about them without pictures.

Nope.

In fact I have a LeCoultre with a fixed blade that is otherwise identical.

It's also worth noting there are a lot of different designs of framebacks. Some have a blade inserted into a handle made of a different metal, others are just ground very thin with a brass or German silver frame to adjust honing angle. There are even some oddballs with plated tangs (the Dittmar brothers from Heilbronn), but they're all called framebacks.

And, of course, the late, great Neil Miller has already covered this extensively and authoritatively.

And in case anyone's curious, here's a link to the book Neil is talking about.

He also mentions that sometimes very large razors are honed with the spine off the stone for people with very thick beards.

Originally Posted by celticcrusader

Here's an old Joseph Rodgers Dutch Rattler that came in for honing sometime ago.

I need that in my life!

Originally Posted by earcutter

I need that in my life!

Just keep it away from your other ear if you get it.