Thread: what's the lowdown with framebacks?

I've seen them since I've started collecting. I know that hollows give lots of feedback (which I love) and wedges just chop through like silent ninjas. But what aspect of framebacks make them so desirable? What are the advantages/disadvantages?

I've looked through the wiki, but I'm not finding answers so I thought I would put it to the mentors here to see if I can get some edumacashun.

I have found that most framebacks are a wedgey blade with the frame. For me, the feedback is usually like a half hollow or heavier, but with a much lighter razor. A lot of framebacks seem to be Swedish, and I'm not too big a fan because of the hard steel, stiff grind, and light weight - I find I really need to just float the razor over my face. If you are the type that really focuses while shaving, it can be a great experience. But if you drop your concentration they can bite.

I also don't like the (typically) narrow tangs and the (typically) tapered heal. Again, more personal preference.

Don't let my thoughts guide you, though. Pick one up and see what you think.

Thanks. I recently picked up a near wedge, but I'm not thrilled. I really like hollows and the feedback. I was hoping it would be like a hollow but even more so.

I agree that, in general, they are like a heavy grind but lighter in weight.

They are also typically, for me, the smoothest shavers.
I hate shaving with wedges, but I love shaving with framebacks and hollow grinds. Go figure.

Anyhow... Try one out for yourself. You might love it or you might hate it. Or you might just like it.
Or you might dislike it, but only slightly. Or you might enjoy it, but not enough to refer to it as "love".

There is only one way to know.

The low down?! They're damned ugly, never tried one. Would if it was offered. Never would throw away good money on something that ugly though. My POV.

Originally Posted by holli4pirating

I have found that most framebacks are a wedgey blade with the frame. For me, the feedback is usually like a half hollow or heavier, but with a much lighter razor.

+1

I think out good holli hit the nail's head here, I got several and I share his views, except that I like them a lot They can bite, but can also provide very nice close shaves. And a 4/8 swedish frameback really is a light bird in your hand. (I actually went and weighed one, came in at 31 grams/1.09oz)

I like them. They're different to use and very light in the hand but they shave very well and I think they look good.

Mine has a brass frame and is hollow ground as well and I really like it.

I've had a couple of TI 69 framebacks. Very smooth shavers, very stiff blade. Think of it as an easy to hone, lighter weight wedge.

I have several of these in my collection. I think they are pretty cool looking. The blades are definitely stiff, but they normally hone up well and shave very nicely. Some of the old ones were made to be able to exchange blades in them. There was a screw for removing and changing them out. Charlie Lewis is making them today and they are a lot of fun.

Enjoy,

Lynn

Originally Posted by Lynn

I have several of these in my collection. I think they are pretty cool looking. The blades are definitely stiff, but they normally hone up well and shave very nicely. Some of the old ones were made to be able to exchange blades in them. There was a screw for removing and changing them out. Charlie Lewis is making them today and they are a lot of fun.

Enjoy,

Lynn

How are framebacks honed? Is it different from honing a wedge or full hollow?

Thanks!