Tired of yardwork and projects on this hot summer day, I was long overdue to visit my ex-stepfather at his usual haunt, the local antique mall he runs with his wife. My son also wanted to look for an old record player to play the huge stack of albums I store in his closet. And I'm always looking for straights, so off we went.

After determining that he had no record players (and apparently straights move pretty quickly nowadays), in just idly browsing around I noticed that he had a shiny Rolls Razor in a display case. I had never seen one in person, just on-line, so he took it out for us to examine. Noticing my fascination with this gadget, he insisted I take it, free of charge! I tried hard to demur, I really did, but he wouldn't hear of it, so here it is!



It seems to be in good shape after an hour of polishing. From Hirlau's post, though, I know I need the velvet-lined case, box, and papers to make it complete (probably never happen). The only issue happened when I tried to gently pull up a corner of the leather strop to see if it is removable (I know-smooth move Ex-Lax!). Well, it is NOW! All the crystallized glue backing started to disintegrate and get down in the nooks and crannies of the case, though it still works on both the hone and the strop. Maybe someone cuts a replacement strop for these?

Quick questions: 1. Given the Art-Decoish design, does anyone know an approximate date for this? The stamped label gives a patent date of 1927.
2. I'm thinking some canned air cleaner, followed by maybe some graphite in the moving works, might smooth it up a little? I don't want to gum up the works, the strop, or the hone with oil.
3. Can you tease the actual blade out of that frame for honing?

I really look forward to honing this up and shaving with it! Thanks in advance for any thoughts. Aaron