What razor is this and is it worth the asking price?

[joebob2586]

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/atq/1697390086.html

Found this on craigslist and I don't know a thing about it, but it seems very pricey.

Just found another one too:

http://orangecounty.craigslist.org/atq/1735996452.html

 

[sproosemoose]

I don't know which razors these are, but for example $200 even if it is worth it I wouldn't buy it. You can get a really nice razor for much cheaper so really what's the point unless you want to collect it. As you can tell I am not a collector

 

[johnmrson]

The first is a Bostonian and isn't worth anywhere near $200. In that condition, I'd say $60 - $80. The second is a Rolls Razor and $25 is about right for one.

 

[joebob2586]

I figured 200 was a rediculous price, however it looked like a cool razor too bad...are Rolls Razors even worth having?

 

[Hoos]

The first is a Bostonian and isn't worth anywhere near $200. In that condition, I'd say $60 - $80. The second is a Rolls Razor and $25 is about right for one.

Agreed. It also appears the mechanism in the Bostonian set may have been removed/replaced. I've never seen a Bostonian set with the handle rest on the left, so that would make me doubtful about condition. No reason you can't make a counter-offer though.

The Rolls Razor would be worth $25 if all the parts are there, it's in working condition, and neither the hone nor the strop are cracked.

Some guys on B&B do shave with a Rolls and like it. But if you don't buy it, don't worry. You'll come across another one soon enough. They're fairly common.

 

[michiganlover]

I figured 200 was a rediculous price, however it looked like a cool razor too bad...are Rolls Razors even worth having?

The blade of a Rolls Razor can be made shave ready by a skilled honester. The included hone is not sufficient enough to hone the blade to today's standards, so in the end the Rolls Razor probably ends up having about the same level of maintenance as a full size straight.

It rightly has the reputation of being a "straight razor on a stick".

 

[Oldguy]

+1. The Rolls is high maintenance. You can't buy new blades and the ones that come with the used razors need a lot of work to be shave ready. I used my Rolls yesterday. I honed and stroped my best blade and the shave was very rough. If you want a nice razor get a Gillette Super Speed or Slim Adjustable.

Len

 

[sandmountainslim]

The seller of the Bostonian claims it from 1936 but would it not be much earlier than that?? Is it not an Old Type?
Wp

 

[joebob2586]

+1. The Rolls is high maintenance. You can't buy new blades and the ones that come with the used razors need a lot of work to be shave ready. I used my Rolls yesterday. I honed and stroped my best blade and the shave was very rough. If you want a nice razor get a Gillette Super Speed or Slim Adjustable.

Len

I have a 40s style SS and Tech, just looking for diversity to add to my collection...I emailed the owner of the Bostonian although I would never pay near 200 for a razor

 

[ssultan]

Extremely over-priced...not so much the rolls but the bostonian for sure...I would keep an eye on the B/S/T or just post a wanted ad...a lot of the members sell some beautiful razors from time to time at extremely reasonable prices...

 

[midniterambler]

The seller of the Bostonian claims it from 1936 but would it not be much earlier than that?? Is it not an Old Type?
Wp

its a new improved, mr. razor has one dating to 1922: http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/New Improved/1922 Bostonian silver.JPG

 

[Oldguy]

I have a 40s style SS and Tech, just looking for diversity to add to my collection...I emailed the owner of the Bostonian although I would never pay near 200 for a razor

That's great. If you want something a little different try a Gem 1912 single edge razor. They are plentiful and inexpensive and very good shavers.

Len

 

[joebob2586]

I have heard a few stories about GEMs being rough on the face?

 

[Oldguy]

The case of the Bostonian is broken. There should be two levers which connect the top of the case with the bottom so that the razor lifts up when you open the case. And yes the bottom part is inserted backwards and just resting in the bottom.

Len

 

[Oldguy]

I have heard a few stories about GEMs being rough on the face?

Not the 1912 model. That razor is very smooth. The Micromatic open comb is the nasty one.

Len

 

[amishmotorboat]

The case of the Bostonian is broken. There should be two levers which connect the top of the case with the bottom so that the razor lifts up when you open the case. And yes the bottom part is inserted backwards and just resting in the bottom.

Len

+1 on the levers missing.
Also, the tray on mine will pop out too. Not sure if it's supposed to. That one's been inserted the wrong way. That little notch in the middle/back is supposed to be middle/front so that it clears the latch mechanism.

 

[joebob2586]

Not the 1912 model. That razor is very smooth. The Micromatic open comb is the nasty one.

Len

Thanks for all the info...ill keep my eyes open for a 1912 model.

 

[taffy]

I have both of these razors and the rolls price is ok, but the other one