Thread: rolls razor question

Hello everyone:

I have a question about the rolls razors. I have 2, one is a 1948 and the other was made in 1937. The 1948 model has a 2 piece handle which screws upwards to tighten the blade in place. However the older one has a similar handle, it does not appear to be a two piece apparatus. I looked at it closely under a microscope, and could discern no joints. How was this made? And does it only slide under tension onto the blade, and not unscrew like the newer ones? Any information would be very helpful.

Thanks, David

Photos could help a lot.

I have a Rolls that came with a sales receipt from the 1930s, can't remember the exact year off hand. That Rolls has a handle that is 2 piece and allows you to tighten the handle to the blade. If I could not tighten the handle to the blade I would not attempt to shave with it. It may well be that you handle is seized up internally.

Bob

I have come across three different handle types:

Imperial No. 1: telescopic handle, silver-plated?
Imperial No. 2: solid handle, nickel plated.
Imperial No.3: solid handle, stainless steel.

I posted pics of them here.

Regards,
Neil

Neil:

Thank you for the link to the pictures. The 1937 handle looks like the one in your second picture down. The knurling is fine, and the finish is more silver looking than nickel. The 1948 has coarser knurling and a more yellowish tone to the finish (nickel). This is the handle which separates in the center, the 1937 does not appear to be threaded the same way. How does the handle from your second picture attach?

Thanks

David

Originally Posted by GotLead

Hello everyone:I have a question about the rolls razors. I have 2, one is a 1948 and the other was made in 1937. The 1948 model has a 2 piece handle which screws upwards to tighten the blade in place. However the older one has a similar handle, it does not appear to be a two piece apparatus. I looked at it closely under a microscope, and could discern no joints. How was this made? And does it only slide under tension onto the blade, and not unscrew like the newer ones? Any information would be very helpful.
Thanks, David

I found one of those handles to have a spring loaded ball/plunger surfacing at the handle side, inside the "C." I used a bit of penetrating oil and a chopstick to push that ball or plunger into the handle. Then it was able to get enough freedom to allow more penetrating oil into it and soon operated very freely.
~Richard

David

You might find this of interest The Rolls Razor - Part 2 - Instructions on use, and information on buying .

Bob

While perusing ebay for more of what I don't need, I came across a set of instructions which showed the handle being pushed forcibly onto the blade. Apparently the older handles (pre war,) were made this way. Later handles appear to be made to separate for easier assembly and cleaning.

Now I can relax, as this handle is not made to unscrew.

Thanks to everyone for their help.

David