How did they cut the slot in the old framebacks with removeable blades?

[kimfella]

The "vintage" version of a shavette: the old frameback style of razor that had a screw in the end of the spine to allow you to remove and replace interchangeable blades: how did they cut the slot for the blade? The slot is cut with a "pocket" at the pivot end to allow the blade to lock into place. I don't see any sign of a weld, as if they had cut the slot all the way back to the end of the pocket and then inserted a a piece part way in to form the pocket. How'd they do that?

[Slash McCoy]

Not all framebacks had the screw or had replaceable blades. Many were fixed permanently, and there were also some "faux-framebacks" that were actually one piece blades but resembled a true frameback in form, with pronounced spine and thin wedge shape to the rest of the blade. As for the actual framebacks, whether replaceable or fixed blade, I think they were probably forged, though, and not welded. Certainly not milled, I am thinking. I could be wrong...

[JohnnyDemonic]

That's a good question. LOL
Fold and hammer the steel around a form, hammer into the blank shape then slide the form out.
That's my guess.

[kimfella]

It could probably be milled with modern technology, but I doubt it could be done a century ago, or if it could, not economically. But hammering around a form; wouldn't that still leave a visible seam?

[spindlecone]

The had Milling machines well over a century ago,was done with either a Mill,a slotting saw or a broach.

[kimfella]

The had Milling machines well over a century ago,was done with either a Mill,a slotting saw or a broach.Thanks.
I had never heard of a broach before. A quick education on wikipedia and it seems unlikely in this case as a broach appears to be pushed into a started hole and then pulled right through and out the other side. A slotting saw seems more likely, especially if there is a tool that is a combination of a slotting saw and a broach.

Lots of lightning here now so I'ii unplug my computer and finish my thoughts later. Thanks

[onimaru55]

But hammering around a form; wouldn't that still leave a visible seam?

Looks like the tang at least was folded over on this one

[JohnnyDemonic]

Great pic Oni.
As for leaving a visable seam, I would say not always. It would depend on how hot the steel was, how many times you struck it and how hard you struck it.
Old Japanese swords were folded several times and there are no seems at all.

[honed]

Great pic Oni.
As for leaving a visable seam, I would say not always. It would depend on how hot the steel was, how many times you struck it and how hard you struck it.
Old Japanese swords were folded several times and there are no seems at all.
Just look at modern hand-forged Japanese kitchen knifes. Some has a mirror polish & still they have gotten a massive amount of hammering during the forging.
A good blacksmith could have forged that slot, no doubt.

[onimaru55]

You'll notice the seam is less visible towards the tail. I have a 2nd identical razor & no seam is visible but the rust may be hiding it.