Rolls Razor

**dcnpaulk** · 08-17-2008, 07:24 PM

I was given to understnd that some of the collectors here posses these vintage single-edge razors which come with their built-in hone and strop. I was wondering if anyone here has actually SHAVED with one of these things, and if so, how was the experience?

**D.Irving79** · 08-17-2008, 07:35 PM

great shaver if you can get/maintain a keen edge on the blade.

**spinyeel** · 08-17-2008, 09:23 PM

I use one occasionally.Finding one with a decent blade can be difficult. Once you have a good sharp blade,the shave is very good. Always dry and strop the blade after shaving and it should last a long time indeed.

**Confuzius** · 08-18-2008, 05:13 AM

I saw one at an antiques fair a while ago for $25 in the original box with instructions, but I hesitated on buying it because I wasn't sure what kind of shape the strop was in or if I could recondition it. I'm regretting not getting it now.

**D.Irving79** · 08-18-2008, 05:16 AM

dont. $25 is too much for one. even one in good condition.

**Confuzius** · 08-18-2008, 05:25 AM

Ahh, cool, thanks!

**SepticTank** · 08-18-2008, 05:27 AM

Mint - to all intents BNIB - Rolls run less than GBP7 here...

**Limey** · 08-18-2008, 05:28 AM

Great points about the blade. I've gotten some very good shave with one. However, it took hundreds of passes on the hone to get the blade shave ready. These are very cool razors to work with and use but the hard parts are finding one for the right price in the right condition and then getting it ready to shave ready. Let me know if you have any specific questions about them mechanically or otherwise!

**galopede** · 08-18-2008, 05:56 AM

I love my Rolls. I have three now - RRAD!

They do take a bit of work getting them shave ready, but, owing to the auto sharpening and honing, no skill is needed, just a bit of effort. Suits me perfectly.

Bought all of mine from that auction site at no more than a few quid each. There are plenty on there so avoid any with bad photos or where you can see too much strop wear or a cracked hone. All the ones I've bought have arrived with a rather dry strop, only to be expected as they are getting on a bit, but a quick go with leather dressing has sorted them out just fine.

I gave mine about 100 runs up and down the hone followed by a good stropping. Gave it a try, did some more hone/strop. After about four attempts they are spot on and give the best shave i can get and that includes my Feather AC and the Feather/Slant combo.

Never had a nick with a Rolls either, even though they look rather dangerous!

Main tip is to use a smaller angle against the skin than a standard DE. Can't go wrong.

Who could resist that wonderful steel box on their shelf?

Gareth

**littlesilverbladefromwale** · 08-23-2008, 01:28 PM

Got two, they both work well.
Don't pay too much for them, there are loads of them around.
I think they are the most enviromentaly friendly razor around.
Not a bad shave too.

**Hanlon's Razor** · 08-23-2008, 10:00 PM

Originally Posted by galopede

I love my Rolls. I have three now - RRAD!

They do take a bit of work getting them shave ready, but, owing to the auto sharpening and honing, no skill is needed, just a bit of effort. Suits me perfectly.
...
Never had a nick with a Rolls either, even though they look rather dangerous!

Main tip is to use a smaller angle against the skin than a standard DE. Can't go wrong.

Who could resist that wonderful steel box on their shelf?

Gareth

+1!

Just three shaves now with my Rolls, and it just gets better each time. If you take the time to hone and strop it, you will get great results.

It only looks scary!