Rolls Razor Value Guide

The Rolls Razor is a marvel of British engineering that bridged the gap between traditional straight razors and modern safety razors. Its unique design features a built-in stropping and honing mechanism within a compact metal case, making it a highly sought-after piece for shaving enthusiasts and collectors of industrial design.

What Is Rolls Razor Worth?

The typical price range for Rolls Razor is $35 - $75 based on recent sales. However, values can vary depending on the item's condition, rarity, and other factors such as:

• Condition of the honing stone; cracked or heavily worn stones significantly decrease the set's utility and value.
• The state of the leather strop, as dried or cracked leather prevents the razor from being properly sharpened.
• Completeness of the kit, including the original cardboard outer box and printed instruction manual.
• Mechanical functionality of the stropping handle and the smoothness of the internal gear movement.

How to Identify Rolls Razor?

• Check the metal case for the 'Imperial No. 2' model name and the 'Made in England' hallmark.
• Verify the presence of the thick, hollow-ground steel blade which should be stamped with the Rolls Razor logo.
• Inspect the interior of the lid and base to ensure the leather strop and the abrasive honing stone are both intact.
• Confirm the presence of the removable handle and the oscillating drive mechanism that moves the blade across the stone.

History of Rolls Razor

The Rolls Razor was an innovative shaving device introduced in 1927 by Rolls Razor Ltd. in England. It combined the features of a straight razor with the convenience of a safety razor, integrating a sharpening and stropping mechanism directly into its case. Marketed as the 'Imperial No. 2', it was designed to provide a consistently sharp blade without the need for disposable blades, offering a more economical and sustainable shaving solution for its time. Despite its initial popularity, the rise of mass-produced disposable razor blades eventually led to its decline in the mid-20th century.