Franky's real name is Cutty Flam and becomes the oldest Straw-hat Crew member once he joins the crew, with 34 years. Franky is an excellent carpenter, who was trained as a kid by the legendary shipwright Tom, who also had Iceburg (future president of the Galley-La Company) as an apprentice. Tom is the builder of Oro Jackson, the late Pirate King Gol D. Roger's ship, as well as Puffing Tom, a train capable of sailing the seas. In similar fashion, Franky's ultimate dream is to build a dream ship that will sail around the whole World.

Eight years ago, however, Tom was sent to Enies Lobby to be killed by the World Government, after taking the blame for some damages one of Franky's ships had done. Drowned in guilt, Franky desesperately attempted to prevent that from happening -- going as far as to throw himself to the Puffing Tom to make it stop. After barely surviving, Franky re-built himself as a cyborg.

Tom also left in Iceburg and Franky's possession, the plans of Pluton, said to be an ancient weapon of mass destruction. And that's how he comes in contact with Nico Robin and the rest of Luffy's crew. After Robin's rescue from Enies Lobby and Going Merry's ultimate demise, Franky builds a new ship for the crew, Thousand Sunny, Franky's dream ship. He's then invited to join the crew, so he can contribute to seeing his dream come true.