Thread: 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

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

There is 2 framebacks
1 Frame back
2 is Faux frame back

What is the difference between the two types? Why would someone want to make a faux frame back?

The razor club forum shows some examples here in the Frameback Fanciers.

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!

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.

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

The razor club forum shows some examples here in the Frameback Fanciers.

Thanks, I somehow missed that club.

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!

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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.

Originally Posted by Magruder

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.