Some of the Rolls handles screw/unscrew and the bottom adjusting the ball end of a long rod. Others have a ball bearing that depresses when you push the blade in. If that is gunked up than it is hard to get the blade in until you clean that part up some. But first see if the bottom unscrews.
I've taken a much closer look at the rolls now. The hone has a strange indentation in it and a fair size chip in it. The leather strop is just beat up enough to probably not be worth using. There are three small nicks in the blade which I may be able to hone out. The handle holds the blade at a slight angle. I'm not sure whether it's slightly bent or if it's supposed to be that way (I think it's bent.) On the up-side, all of the metal (the case and razor) are in good condition and only need a little bit of cleaning. If I want to use the razor, I probably will have to get a different strop and hone.
I picked up a pack of GEM blades at Walgreens yesterday and gave the 1912 a go last night. The sound of the thicker blade seems kind of strange at first. It was a pretty comfortable shave, though I did nick my neck a few times. I do like the way the comb on the 1912 is designed compared to the Gillettes. It wasn't the closest shave I've had, but it was a mostly pleasurable experience. I'll probably keep the 1912 in the rotation anyhow.
Patience.. a little practice pays off.. those things will give you the best shave once the technique is down. sounds like you are off to a good start though.
SE has become a favorite for me...As with all of this, i get better with every shave. PM me your address and I'll send you some of the Pella Gem blades I got from Bong in the group buy.
Was that offer for me or the OP? I have some blades coming from Bong myself. It is a great offer by the way.
My next quest is shave creams. I have Kiss My Face and Bigilow and some samples on the way as well as two tubes of some hard to find stuff on the way as well.
I've been using the Bigelow/Proraso mostly lately. I did finally discover that KMF unscented and mint are available at the local Tom Thumb (Randalls/Safeway) grocery stores, so I'll have to give that a shot. I've ordered a bowl of Tabac and a variety of cream and soap samples that I'm looking forward to trying.
Honestly, my favorite grocery store is a regional one available only in south and central Texas called HEB (The initials of the founder). Alas, I moved too far north. Tom Thumb is a ridiculous name for a grocery store, but it's there and they carry some decent stuff from time to time.
well, southerners aren't immune either. Ex: Piggly Wiggly. Oh wait- you're Canadian. We're you calling all of us Yankees? Them's fightin' words.* :happy102 So that's where they get the name! *joking, joking, joking. do not take me seriously.