Thread: How do you guys feel about frame backs?

I see one up for auction that looks pretty clean. Any input would be appreciated. Also do you sharpen these differently?

I've got a couple of old W&B frame backs. They shave good. Some times it is a good idea to use a layer of tape on the spine when honing these. Chances are he frameback isn't as hard as the steel in the edge. A lot of people made them from way back to more recent times. Theirs Issarred and maybe Le Grolet, the Swedish makers made quite a few too. All good from what I hear.

I love framebacks. I've got a custom one that I got Brian Brown to make for me. Most framebacks have a smiling blade and I hone them the same as a normal straight with a smiling blade.

If you don't have one get it if you like it. I love them myself but I think for the most part frame backs are a love them or hate them razor. So you won't know till you try one.

3/5's of my favorite shavers are Swedish framebacks.

You will either like them or not like them. Jimmy is right on in regards to the honing, I've never encountered a FB spine that is as hard as the steel. Heck, I've got one in a box that has a brass sleeve over the spine...it is worn down pretty bad.

I only have one frameback, a Heljestrand, and it's among my finest shavers. It's like a full hollow wedge.

If someone wants to send me a frameback i'd love to try one out