Hello Everyone! A while back I started a thread about the Rolls Razor (The imperial 1 with paperwork and a nice blue case) http://theshaveden.com/forums/threads/im-back-and-new-razor.47869/#post-927349 (Look there for photos and such) After a couple of months and many countless shaves, I think that I am in a better position to give my honest and personal take on the Rolls and some pieces of advice as well. This will be my last razor before a transition to a straight razor/ First, the story: Prior to purchasing the razor, I had come across numerous examples in antique stores and shows, nearly always broken and nasty looking, so I had given them a pass but not without some curiosity. Following a bout of RAD I found a fantastic example on ebay that surpassed all my expectations and for a really fantastic price (about $25). Naturally, when I first received it, I thought it would make sense to shave... not a good idea. While everything was in decent condition, the blade was not really sharp enough, more akin to scratching your face with a cheese slicer. After cleaning everything and using the included hone/strop, a little better but still dangerous. Needless to say, I eventually sent the razor out to Larry at whippedog and he did a fantastic job Review: Looks: The rolls razor is perhaps my most treasured razor; astetically, it's a work of art, especially including the blue extra case and the original paperwork. The blade may tarnish slightly and the gears may squeak, but these are easily dealt with some oil and some gentle polishing. People at college may think wet shaving is crazy but they're always impressed with this particular razor. The shave: Admittedly, I have razors that will do the job of achieving a near BBS easier or with more precision, but the rolls is more comfortable and much more fun to use. Following Larry's honing, I have never cut myself with the rolls (even with fast and numerous passes) and any irritation is minimal at best. The shick type i injector is a close second in terms of closeness but the shave I get can sometimes be irritating during ATG passes. The only problem with using the rolls is the size and shape of the blade; ATG passes under the chin and areas with less "flex" can be difficult to maneuver. I would recommend a different razor for clean up if perfection is required. Unlike other de, se and cartidge razors, the rolls will never clog or get "stuck" on a large patch of hair, nor will it accumulate soap residue or hair shavings after a while. On the flip side, the sherfield steel blade neeeds to be dried (often best using the strop) and taken care of. Maintenance: After being professionally honed, I can maintain a quite reasonable shaving edge using only the included hone and strop, not enough to sever a falling hair or pop hairs during shaving but sharp enough to easily shave without any sort of discomfort. I strop about 50 times before a shave and 50 times after a shave with a 100-200 pass honing session with oil when I'm having some trouble with the sharpness, maybe once every 5-6 shaves or so. This may seem ridiculous in comparison to a straight razor but it seems to work with me and even the original paperwork seems to suggest that honing should occur every week or so. I'm sure this could be extended by using a new piece of leather in place of the original strop and or some stropping compound. Tips: If you get a rolls razor, I have the following pieces of advice: 1: Get the blade honed; doing so will make an immediate and tangible difference. 2: The included hone is fine for maintenance work; there are numerous different opinions on the internet about how to sharpen the rolls razor, with some using lapping film, a glass plate and pieces of electrical tape to maintain the angle or using waterstones or many many other suggestions. This is fine if you want perfection and want to spend more money but unless you already have the equipment, the included hone should serve you well. The rolls razor is a fun razor to use, no need to stress yourself about the angles or what micron of lapping film is best suited for sherfield steel. 3: Relax, take it slow and don't worry about cutting yourself: When shaving, stretching the skin can be useful, but not necessary, and a nearly flat angle works well Ithe paperwork even suggests that the blade should be almost parallel to the skin). Watch for the corners with sideways passes under the chin and don't try and shape your beard with it. The razor may be sharp enough for detail work, but the handle and blade shape can make doing so more difficult than on a de or conventional straight. As for cutting yourself, I have been sloppy on more than one occasion with fast strokes and have never had a problem with cutting myself; irritation maybe, but never blood. 4: Have fun! Seriously, the rolls razor has a unique character and personality to it that you wont find on many other razors, (straight razors have a similar property). Aim for a comfortable, clean shave and you won't be disappointed. Sorry for the long post, but the review is long overdue. Man, I love this razor!
Great review. The issue I've always had with the Rolls (and contine to have) is that the hone doesn't really give the correct bevel to the edge. To get the best results you have to remove the blade and hone and strop it on a pasted bit of newsprint, denim or leather, and a barber's hone. Yes, one can get an acceptable edge from the hone and strop setup included with the Rolls, but not the best possible edge. Congratulations for sticking with it. I agree that of all the razors out there, the Rolls is one of the neatest and most unique designs out there. 2022 Edit: With care and patience, even a rusty edge can be brought back to snuff using the built in equipment. Strop paste is a must, as is religious adherence to the do's and don'ts outlined by Rolls. It's a wonderful razor, and an under appreciated gem.
Excellent review, Quasar! I'm glad you enjoy your Rolls as much as you do! It is (and probably always will be) one of my favourite razors. Since I've got three sets, it has occured to me that each has its own bevel angle. I guess it originates from wear on the attaching pin which allows the blade to 'wobble' more or less, according to wear. Therefore my blades aren't interchangable. Honing and/or stropping them in another set might ruin the edge. In fact, that is how I found out the differences in blade angles. But I've got one blade back to reasonable shaving condition, so I can shave to heart's desire!
I just completed a full three pass shave with one of my Rolls Razors last week,and your right just relax and enjoy the shave.I plan on using it this Sunday again I'll post the results in the SOTD thread, Thanks for a great write up!!!
I visit every antique store on my travels and I don't think I have ever been in an antique store that didn't have at least one Rolls. I don't know their history, but they must have been very popular at one time.
