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  1. #1
    Member ehammers's Avatar
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    Default What's the deal with framebacks?

    I have been looking around SRP for general information on frameback razors, but I haven't yet found a thread that has it all in one place. If there is such a thread, I'd appreciate being directed to it, if not, perhaps some knowledgeable souls can answer a few questions for me.

    I am curious about what exactly defines a frameback razor? Why did/do they make them that way? Were they more popular at a certain point in time? Why do people prefer them or not?

    Thanks,
    Erik

  2. #2
    Senior Member Walt's Avatar
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    I believe framebacks were made to be economical. A thin blade that didn't require extensive grinding was locked into frame that provided the necessary angle for honing and stropping. It provided the thin feel of a hollow ground blade, yet was still quite stable. Some blades were welded permanently into the frame and others could be removed and replaced with an identical blade if needed.

    Regards - Walt

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  4. #3
    Senior Member blabbermouth hi_bud_gl's Avatar
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    There is 2 framebacks
    1 Frame back
    2 is Faux frame back

  5. #4
    Member ehammers's Avatar
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    What is the difference between the two types? Why would someone want to make a faux frame back?

  6. #5
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    The razor club forum shows some examples here in the Frameback Fanciers.
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

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  8. #6
    Large Member ben.mid's Avatar
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    Not sure why anyone would make a faux frameback, apart from aesthetics.

    Strangely enough, a true frameback does little for me, while the faux framebacks seem to get me very excitable!

  9. #7
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    Just a supposition, but I think the frameback was an attempt at economy and expediency and as Ben said, the faux frameback was in response to the popularity of the look of the design.
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

  10. #8
    Member ehammers's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by JimmyHAD View Post
    The razor club forum shows some examples here in the Frameback Fanciers.
    Thanks, I somehow missed that club.

  11. #9
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    This is speculation, based on the little I know of the history of razor production.

    If anyone can add information or correct what I said, please jump in!

    -----
    Until 1880 (plus or minus 10 or 20 years) razors were heavy grinds -- wedges or near-wedges.

    Then a demand developed for thinner grinds, but the techniques for grinding the blades hadn't been developed or weren't economical or practical for general production. The frameback came about as a compromise: a method of making a thinner, lighter-weight blade.

    After a decade or two (three? four?), hollow-ground razors replaced the framebacks.

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  13. #10
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    Quote Originally Posted by Magruder View Post
    This is speculation, based on the little I know of the history of razor production.

    If anyone can add information or correct what I said, please jump in!

    -----
    Until 1880 (plus or minus 10 or 20 years) razors were heavy grinds -- wedges or near-wedges.

    Then a demand developed for thinner grinds, but the techniques for grinding the blades hadn't been developed or weren't economical or practical for general production. The frameback came about as a compromise: a method of making a thinner, lighter-weight blade.

    After a decade or two (three? four?), hollow-ground razors replaced the framebacks.
    I'm not sure faux framebacks could be "ground", they appear drop forged. Even a true frameback blade seems like it would be a lot easier to drop forge than evenly grind a sliver of metal without destroying the temper.
    Last edited by Spect; 05-02-2010 at 07:37 AM.

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