Thread: Rolls Razor and F.W. Engels Craigslist Find

I came across a Craigslist ad in my hometown for a Rolls Razor and a F. W. Engels 5/8" "SUCCESS" 3pin. I am not living there anymore and was lucky enough to have a family member pick them up for me and send some pictures.

From some basic research, my understanding on the Rolls Razor is that the pebble finish case and box indicate that it is of the first generation of rolls razors. The instructions show a case with the "Greek key" style on it so I don't know if they are truly original. The handle that is used for the stropping action is cracked, but all other parts are in tact.

I could not find any information on the specific model "SUCCESS" of the F.W. Engels, the back is stamped with the "F.W. Engels" over "Solingen GR" over "Germany" while the front is simply "SUCCESS". Its a 3pin as well which I like the look of. If anyone has some information on this model it would be greatly appreciated. Im hoping to give it a basic polish and then send it out to get honed by a member here and turn it into a shaver. The Rolls I will probably sell.

enough with the reading! on to the pics, I will post better pictures when I pick them up in a week or two.

Great finds! I have that exact same Engels and I love it.

Thanks for the reply, I was familiar with Engels (although never used one) but could find nothing on the Success specifically, hoping to clean it up a little and send it out to be made shave ready!

Looks like the razor handle is missing or did you not make a picture of it?

You can see it tucked in on the right side of the last picture, it is in tact and accounted for

Here's a quick pic of mine.

Nice Work! Engels are sweet, but you have scored a pristine Rolls! Those shave nicely and provide a different experience. Good you have the instructions, too. I have found them to be spot-on with a good one. Enjoy!

I'd say to definitely keep the Rolls. I just bought one and finished honing the blade about an hour ago. Very impressed so far. Plus that is one of the early ones and, if I'm not mistaken, the hone portion of the early Rolls were CF's.

Originally Posted by Theseus

I'd say to definitely keep the Rolls. I just bought one and finished honing the blade about an hour ago. Very impressed so far. Plus that is one of the early ones and, if I'm not mistaken, the hone portion of the early Rolls were CF's.

That is interesting. The one the OP has shown has a different exterior finish from most Rolls. It must be an older one.

I thought the "pebble" finish was indicative of the early models

Rolls Safety Razor Page