Thread: 6/8 Wacker frameback for a first?

Hi gents,

I had a full beard for over 10 years until a few months ago. I have to admit that one of the reasons I took the plunge and shaved off the beard was the idea of using a straight razor someday... and after a few months of shaving with what passes for a razor at the super market I've decided the day is close at hand.

I'd like your opinions on the 6/8 Wacker "GebrGeldmacher Frameback" - camatillo rosewood from shavingshop.com for a first razor.

I know the price is probably too high for a first shaver but something about this guy just struck a chord, so if it's a great blade that will hold an edge for a long time and doesn't have any newbie gotchas, I'm willing to pay.

What I've read told me about stainless steel and high carbon steel but I cannot tell from the website which this is, nor do I even know which is better for my first razor. I plan on sending it out to be honed the first few times, one thing at a time for me... so that's not such an issue.

Bottom line, is this a good first razor, money not being a major concern since I've already fallen for it? Is there a better one you suggest I look at? Any gotchas I should look out for with this razor? I haven't heard of framebacks before but it looks pretty classy to me. Is the wood a good choice for the handle?

PS: I'm also considering the TI I saw mentioned elsewhere:
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...51/1203373.htm
It's hard for me to understand the differences between these razors (aside from the frameback), and which is better for a newbie, so your help is greatly appreciated.

Thanks for all your fine advice on the forums and I look forward to joining the ranks soon!

Tome

Either one of those is an outstanding shaver. I'd imagine that the most important thing for a n00b to think about is the weight difference. The club razor, the TI is a very light razor and terrific to handle on the strop and in the shave. The spine on that frameback looks substantial and might prove challenging to handle for some. If you've got a heavier beard you might really like the Whacker's weight. I've got a light beard and I like heavier blades.

Listen ... just save yourself the time and get both. You know you will eventually anyhow so just give in and accept that you need ad back up razor in case something happens to the edge you've got.

X

First welcome to SRP

I'm a newbie myself, but from what I've learned so far this is one fine instrument. If you've fallen in love and can afford it I don't see a reason why not go for it.
Alternatively if you look at the B/S/T section you can find a vintage frameback for less money. C utz is selling some of his razors so he may be able to hook you up. You'll get some more feedback here and if you end up liking the idea you can post a request in the BST. (That'll be my choice to start but the Wacker won't be getting off the hook either.)

But I don't think there is anything inappropriate about this one - quite the opposite, it's 6/8 which falls in the recommended range for a newbie. As far as grinds/stiffness steel, as one member said it before - for some time these factors will be dwarfed by your technique. With the little caveat that heavier razors like this one may be a bit easier because they naturally provide some momentum.

Good luck

Originally Posted by xman

Listen ... just save yourself the time and get both. You know you will eventually anyhow so just give in and accept that you need ad back up razor in case something happens to the edge you've got.

X

I concur - can't believe such an obvious solution didn't even occur to me

Personally I would go for the frameback.
I really love that type of grind. the first really good shaves I got are from the frameback I got from nelson.

Even today it remains my favorite razor. An added advantage is that the blade itself will be a bit thicker than a hollow ground, so normally it will keep its edge better when subjected to newbie use. As a newbie you'll make mistakes, and the edge of a hollow ground is more fragile.

I disagree with X about the weight issue. In the beginning I found it easier to shave with somewhat heavier razors. It is only recently that I got good shaves with full hollow ground razors.

It is indeed more expensive than what I would sugest as a newbie razor, but otoh it is a beauty and the resale value will be high enough that you wouldn't lose much if you should decide that straight razors are not for you.

I've owned both of those (no surprise there! )

They were both really nice shavers but IMO the SRP razor was 'nicer', I ended up selling the frameback and I still have the SRP razor.

If you can afford it get both, if not get the SRP one.

Quick follow up: Which of these razors do you expect I wouldn't be able to buy at this price in a year or two? Are any of these limited or are they always for sale at some site?

Thanks!

IIRC from Lynn's DVD the SRP is an edition of 250 pieces. John doesn't say how many frameback Wackers there are, but in addition to the supply you must take into account the demand for these and that's much harder to judge.

I believe that these are the only places you can get them (plus from members who already have them) and once they are gone they are probably gone for good. But there are many other razors with the same property and even in a month you may actually be more interested in some other rare razor, so don't buy based on what you think may happen in 2 years.

Thank you everyone for your advice. I woke up this morning and I knew what I had to do. The frameback in ebony is on its way. Thanks to everyone for sharing their experiences. It seems this could be a great razor, and perhaps there are nicer and I'm sure to find that out in the future. But I realized that cupid had struck, and if I didn't get the frameback I'd "always" wonder : ) I'm sure many TIs will be in my hands in the future.

Thank you again everyone! Now to find someone to hone it...

tome

I hope you enjoy it!

I myself love framebacks (this one is a faux frameback, actually)

Cheers
Ivo