Rolls Razor - The Forgotten Jewel of Wet Shaving
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- Опубликовано: 12 окт 2024
- The Rolls Razor has been around since the 1920's. No one ever seemed to throw them away. It's a straight razor with a traditional safety razor handle. This video takes another look at this iconic piece of shaving history.
Link to blog article: bit.ly/1ZeaKrS
just found one of these at a thrift store & everyone including shop employees were mystified by it- until I found this video! we all were delighted at how it worked, thanks so much for posting
I have never seen anything like this razor. It is quite the eye opener for me. Thanks for the demonstration.
I have several from the first years to the last. I love these razors! If you follow the instructions they are a near perfect shave.
Really like your films, you are not afraid to experiment with some old kit. The Rolls was a great bit of kit and was a favourite with RAF aircrew in ww2 as my dad (who is still alive) told me. Best wishes from over the pond
Can't find your comment asking about sharpening. About 10 full strops on the stone followed by 20 or so on the leather. The blade may been the bevel set by someone who know how to sharpen straight razors. I know it's close to being sharp enough when I look at the edge with a loop and the edge has an even very smooth and shiny look to it.
i have two rolls razors , one i use regular and the other came from old stock in a shop, it has never been used and has all of the paperwork is inside it and the blade is still in its protective paper cover, the strop has its white paper covering still in place, the box that the razor comes in is in mint condition
Could you share a few pictures/do an unboxing video?
Will you ever consider selling the new shop stock version? My 90-year-old father used to own and use one of these, he often remarks about it, and it would be nice to buy him one. I’m in the U.K.
Thank you sir I have learned more from you than anyone else I have a rolles razor I also have straight razors. I am on blood thinners but I
I have had no bad shaves. Thank you for all you teach.
I have found the rolls razor to be very enjoyable to use. alot of the fun was in restoring them to shave ready condition.
Thanx for these videos. Very difficult to find razor enthusiasts
I finally got around to cleaning an Imperial #2 I acquired when my uncle passed away. Cleaned and oiled the stone, dressed the leather, and got to work. The shave was not as rough as I thought it would be, but the blade does need more work. Importantly, on disassembly of the handle, I found rust on the rod portion of the bottom half of the handle. These things get wet inside and look like the only way to dry them thoroughly is to take apart the handle after use.
+John L Yes, they must be dried completely or they will rust.
+MadScientist .OfWetShaving (BigJohn) Sent my blade out to "A Sharper Razor" yesterday for honing and reconditioning. Can't wait to get it back.
Thanks for your videos.I have been wet shaving for about three months. I have come to really enjoy your videos and your blog. I hear you about cutbacks. I have been faced with it thoughout my career. For me, I am finally at the point where retirement is a likely outcome. As an atheist, you won't get any prayers, but I hope you can hang in there long enough that retirement becomes more likely than layoff. It's a stressful time, I feel for you. Thanks again. Glad you've a renewed interest.
Awesome video, man! Added to a growing list of favorites. I bought a Gillette Super Speed, thanks to your recommendation, and I love it! I thought my Merkur 34c was pretty great, but for me, the Super Speed is far better. I find your videos to be very comforting and soothing, as well as, very thoughtful. I'm only about 4 months into DE shaving, and I thank you for being such a good guide. Good thoughts and prayers being sent, but I also really think you're a survivor, and you'll get through this just fine. Thanks again and take care.
+Bohab13 Thanks for watching. Yeah I am a survivor...just tired.
Thanks for sharing I have never seen one before and if was interesting to see. Also will be praying and thinking about what you said on the Job.
I love my Rolls!
It is a unique animal, though, and will hurt you if you are careless. Use the right technique and it's a really nice shave.
Good video!
Greetings from the UK. My old man got one of these for his 21st birthday. He's 92 now. Had it my possession for a few years but have never been able to get a decent enough edge on the blade for a close shave. Dad had the same problem according, to him. Guess I should be looking for another blade, really.
find someone who sharpens straight razors to put a new bezel edge on it...should work well then.
@@FutrNovlst Thanks. Mind you, I've just bought a 400/1,000 whetstone for other sharpening projects. Maybe that might do the job, too, or is that a big no-no?
@@mickst9709 Give it a try.
Just received a 1940 Rolls, found on eBay. It looks like it has never been used...stop and hone are absolutely without marks, and all protective papers in place. A real find.
Thanks for sharing. Please keep on publishing experiences :)
I found it today and be trying to forget it... you even start this video clean lol
At one of the antique shops here in Shawnee they have one that I believe is in excellent shape for $35.00.
Great video. I have 4 of these in different grades of poorness. where do you get these pro honed?
Nice video again, thank you!
I have a Shavette. I think that’s the closest lol without getting a cut throat! But I see what u mean! Very interesting price of history
I won a rolls razor on ebay good video need to learn how to use it don't know much about it
i would really like to see how the Wilkinson sword empire 7 day razor works, i don't suppose you have one of those yet? maybe something else to look at some day.
got one in the mail today, never been used I think. Sharp as a tack
Great video. I have 4 of these in various grades of poorness. Where do you get these pro honed?
Do an Internet search. that's where I found one.
+john stephen www.asharperrazor.com/straight-razor-sharpening-honing-service
Aw man. My grandpa Left me one of these. Why did I sell it?!?
I seen this razor in antique store while picking up some vintage straight razors. how much would be a good price for one in mediocre shape & good shape? thanks John. I have started posting vids. check them out and I will get a rolls razor & review it.
+ShaveNontheDarkside One with everything there in good shape (hone intact, strop not damaged - dented or cut) with a blade that doesn't have a lot of rust, blade guard, spindle or whatever you call what the blade sits in on the stropper, handle...such a set would be worth $30 plus. The upper limit would depend on overall condition, case, what you are willing to pay. For sets missing pieces and in rough condition although complete I wouldn't go over $20-30 tops. Such incomplete or rough shape sets would be worth between $10-20. That's just my opinion.
+MadScientist .OfWetShaving (BigJohn) ok. well explained and, I will begin the search.
+Emmanuel Goldstein thanks I'm going to check now.
the little flip bar is really to protect the blade when you rest it on the sink while attached to the handle. it never touches your face when you shave, so not really a safety razor. taking the bar off makes it easier to hone outside of the case, but you have to be sure to never sent it down with the sharp edge down.
The flip bar is an important part of the stropping process. It provides the feeling of "safety" that a bare blade doesn't have even if it is primarily psychological although it does also provide minimal "guidance" of a sort regarding the angle. As far as being a safety razor...compared to a straight razor it is definitely safer so in the total scope of things it is a safety razor.
I tried it yesterday. And indeed, it doesn't get the shave I get from a DE blade. And I think I know why. DE edges add chrome to the edges of the blade and eliminate tagging. So, in our minds we don't hesitate to thrust the blade and we make bold strokes with confidence. But shave after shave with a DE blade will give us tagging after the chrome wears off.
John. What did you use to re-condition the leather ?
+Chuck Wilkins Cleaned with mild soap and water, then applied mink oil.
+MadScientist .OfWetShaving (BigJohn) Thanks ! I just found one with all the parts and pieces for a reasonable price.
I'm really curious what is on your shelf in the clear triangular bottles. I don't recognize the bottle.
aftershaves originally in plastic bottles...bottles bought at a local flea market.
Ah ha. I saw those and suspected bottling of some sort since they matched and doubted that many from one vendor. I was thinking self made aftershaves or something. I typically use just alum, but have a few liquids and balms I made since I couldnt find what I was looking for. a real good and simple one is typical witch hazel, but add some golden seal root powder or liquid extract, some of myrrh gum and maybe a scent you like (many esential oils are antiseptic and antifungal, not just nourishing). that one will clear up nearly any skin issues. if its a really bad shave (I experiment a lot and Im not afraid to go crocodile dundee with a sharpened object or knife) or just a really dry day, I reach for a similar balm to moisturize. however, I have not settled on any matching bottles or tubs and just use what I have. Being 20 miles from town with lots of unpaved road; yeah, I even have some in hot sauce bottles with the labels still on them. Now thatll confuse someone! but the little slow pour bottle inserts make them dispense just right. My rural isolation is another situation rolls would be good for. no blades to run out of, and it all stores with the strop and hone in a small box. I have no problem with straights, but try storing one and a strop and stone in a similar sized box without something getting bent out of shape. there is actually not much learning curve to a straight. Now a shavette you should be more carefull with. the real blade is more forgiving.
I have one of those!!!
How many ppl were holding their breath watching this.
There are plenty of them on Ebay UK. Practically giving them away.
I really want a Rolls Razor, but no matter how good eBay photos are, I find myself suspicious of the state of the pieces. What if the leather is no good, what if the hone has hairline cracks? I would really like to have one, but I fear it will stand besides my straight razors which I rarely use because I can't home them properly.
They are usually relatively inexpensive. To get a very good set I bought several very inexpensive ones and combined them. If the leather is bad it can be reconditioned or replaced. The stone can function with a crack. I have one set where I glued the two pieces together. You just have to find deals and then jump in and play with it.
@@FutrNovlst Yeah, I agree. I hope the one I bought arrives this Friday. Can barely wait :)
Have you stopped making shaving videos.
Not on purpose but for the time being. A lot of problems in my home life the past year.
@TRS800 I'm still breathing. Still in a rough spot but hopefully will get better and my life more settled in the next few months.
@@FutrNovlst Glad to know that! God speed!
what is your opinion on Gem Razors?
Gems Razors are very good razors. Would recommend the coated stainless steel blades made for shaving...you can't just buy the hardware variety for scrapers.
thank you for your feedback
i highly appreciate it my friend.
so was that edge off the rolls hone and strop?
Had to work the bevel on a barber's stone first, then the rolls equipment keeps it in shape.
MadScientist .OfWetShaving ahh seems like it worked . just
wondering some of mine have a pretty big gap betwwen the guard and blade .. think a bevel is a bevel or that mess with the intended geometry?
also always afraid of snaping it on the strop or stone but after seeing you... ill give it a try seems to not effect it .. do u remove the guard when u hone ever hone with tape just curious ...
Yes I remove the guard. Tried tape. Once got the feel of it don't need it.
Razor emporium will sharpen a rolls.
You look like Ronald Reagan
fortoggen