Thread: What is the point of frameback razors?

Not in any way do I question the need but don't understand what is the hook? I know there is the screw but why? Thanks!

The point is that " frameback" razors is a term for one with a frame ,or spine, being separate from the blade. Lots have a solid tang/spine and in some cases the blade and tang are one piece and the spine is applied separately. The "screw" you refer to is common in French razors and is a replaceable blade razor. Most are made solidly, and permanent. They were made alongside conventional razors for over a century because lots favored them! The English, French and Swedish made some fine ones and unless you have, give one a try! A totally different and quality shave IMHO.

The Swedish framebacks are some of my favorites, they are very easy to hone and keep an edge. They are a little strange to strop at first though.

Originally Posted by sharptonn

Most are made solidly, and permanent.

Also called a faux-frameback, just for reference sake.

I have seen three types of frameback styles: two piece with changeable blades, two piece with a fixed blade, and faux frameback (all ground from one piece of steel). There are a number of different types of frames, ranging from a slotted frame, a piece of tube attached on each side, a single tube that fits over the razor to form the "spine" on both sides, and I'm sure there are others.

With the blades, often there is a very noticeable taper from the toe to the heel. Some taper from the front third to the heel and from the front third to the toe to create a smile. Many have narrower than average tangs, as well. Personally, I don't like the narrow tangs or the drastic taper to the heel, but that's just my preference.

Framebacks also tend to have common shave-feel. They are usually stiff shavers because the blade section is usually flat ground and wedge like. If not carefully honed and handled during the shave, I find they can become harsh because they are stiff and light, so just a little too much pressure on the shave and you really feel it. But the up side is they are the kinds of razors where you just barely touch your face and the hair comes right off.

They seem most common with French, Swedish, and Swiss companies, but there are English examples as well. Not sure if I've seen German or American, but I'm sure they are out there.

I'm not sure what the point of framebacks and faux framebacks are besides they are a certain style and they have some typical shave characteristics. I would guess that two piece framebacks, whether permanently fixed together or with interchangeable blades, may have been easier to make because the blade is flat ground rather than hollow ground. Then, making a razor with interchangeable blades becomes quite easy and inexpensive because only more of the blades need to be made, as opposed to entire razors. There is also the ease of honing. Though the blades are flat ground, there isn't much metal there, so they typically require less honing. But a word of caution when buying - sometimes they have much more hone wear than is apparent, because the contacts on the hone are such small areas and the blade is so thin.

the point?.......awesomeness.

Despite the different styles and unique feel of a frameback, there is one over-riding reason why they were made - economy! There is less metal used in the first place, there is less metal lost in most styles as the grinding of the blade part is minimal, and there is probably less need for skilled craftsmen hand finishing blades as many of them were stamped.

A secondary issue may have been convenience - they are easier to bevel-set and those with replaceable blades were an asset for obvious reasons - if they were not we would all still be using open razors rather than disposable-blade razors. I expect that taking seven blades and one frame with you for an extended trip was a bit lighter and cost a lot less than taking a seven-day razor set.

Regards,
Neil

Originally Posted by Ryan82

Also called a faux-frameback, just for reference sake.

I really was in reference to the fact that most frameback razors have the components permanently assembled, unlike the ones with the screw. A "faux frameback" is not a frameback.

Originally Posted by Neil Miller

...there is one over-riding reason why they were made - economy! There is less metal used in the first place, there is less metal lost in most styles as the grinding of the blade part is minimal, and there is probably less need for skilled craftsmen...

A secondary issue may have been convenience...

+1 to both these thoughts. You beat me to it Neil.

So in a way these were the worlds first disposable razors or at least disposable blades.