Hi Herm I just wanted you to know I took your advice. After trying and failing, over the last month, to get a decent shave out of a Rolls Razor, apparently I just can't shave with a straight either on or off a stick. I kept patiently searching ebay for a Stahly. I just made a B.I.N. on one for $25 with free shipping, I figure the razor cost me $20 and based on my research I don't see getting one cheaper as possible. Anyway thanks for the advice honorable Master.
Grats on scoring one. I had another one or two shaves with the head on various handles and I really like it. Super efficient and mild at the same time. Using it on the original handle was....fun....but did not allow the head to show how good it really is - so slap it onto your handle of choice
I will use it with the original handle the first time, but I can't wait to try it with my other handles. I also have a Star shave head that has the same skeleton key looking holes on the blade plate. I can't wait to try it with the Stahly handle.
Nice hunting! See, your razor was waiting out there for you! Thanks for your kind words, but I still consider myself a rookie at this wet shaving stuff. 16 months in and I'm still learning. BTW, you're braver than I am. I'm not sure I would try a Rolls. I know they're out there, but I'm chicken.
Most vintage Rolls razors are not shave ready, due to previous owners being rather lax in maintaining them. They are a pain to hone correctly. Once they're set up properly, they work great, but I won't go that route again unless I come across NOS blades.
Trust me your not missing anything. I'm not ignorant to getting a razor sharp, even scary sharp edge on a knife, but honing a shaving blade is a whole nother animal. To be kind it was a ROUGH shave! I had to finish the shave with my Weber. The Rolls is on the bench until I'm ready/willing at the minimum, to have it professionally honed. Then maybe I'll try it again. In the mean time, I've got my new Stahly shave head coming and I am excited to give it a try.
Any way to get parts? I have my eye on one that needs seals and doesn't catch well and needs work. It looks really good.
Nevermind I found plenty of links with disassembly and repair. Google translate was my friend. EDIT: the girlfriend vetoed any more razors for now. I'll just look at them for awhile.
Don't need a club, but this was an interesting read. After I try mine with the original functioning handle, I'll see which others fit. A question for Stahly owners; The guard bars look like they would roll. Mine don't. Should they?