Shaving Set - "The Whetter" by Rolls Razor

Overview

Metal outer case has a rectangular frame enclosed by two detachable lids - the corners of the case are rounded. Lids both have a singular Greek key row pattern.
Side A has maker's logo - image of a kneeling man sharpening a razor.
Side B has maker's patent details.
Within the case, are several components.

On the inside of top lid: a leather strip marked "made in England"
On the inside of the bottom lid: a metal strip marked "made in England"

(razor handle missing)

MAIN COMPONENTS:
- Metal Outer Case: A rigid rectangular metal housing (often nickel- or chrome-plated with decorative patterns) that doubles as the storage unit and the mechanical sharpening frame.
- Detachable Lids / Sharpening Panels: Two non-interchangeable removable lids attached to the frame: one features a built-in grey whetstone (hone) for sharpening, and the other features a fitted leather strop panel for polishing the edge.
- Hollow-Ground Blade: A solid, non-disposable wedge-style safety razor blade made of "Best Sheffield Steel" with an integrated safety guard and hand-engraved patent markings.
- Internal Roller Rack / Honing Bar: A geared internal carriage inside the case that holds the blade and automatically flips/adjusts the angle as it is pushed against the stone or dragged across the leather via the handle mechanism.
- Razor Handle: A removable nickel- or chrome-plated metal handle that screws or locks securely onto the blade via a small ball-bearing mechanism for shaving, and stores neatly in the side channel of the case when packed.

Historical information

Each lid is released via a round patterned knob on each short side. Opening one side of the case reveals a razor blade contained within a roller rack with attached operating handle - all nickel plated - designed to slide along a track. Employing a back and forward sliding action sharpens the razor against a red leather strop sheet attached to the inside of the opposite lid. The strop is impressed at one end 'Strop. Made in England'. Utilising the opposite lid brings the razor against a black honing stone. The blade is removable. A separate nickel plated razor handle is included in the case and can be stored either in the side channel, or (for travelling) attached to the strop handle. Both faces of the razor blade are hand engraved - 'Rolls Razor Pat Nos: '224578 , 242718' appears on one side and 'Best Sheffield Steel' on the other.

Reference: https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/C1083464?

Details

Details

Registration number
cwa-org-124-2022.204
Item type
Objects
Material
Leather
Metal
Width
75 mm
Height or length
165 mm
Depth
20 mm
Inscriptions and markings

On metal case, there are two sides:

Side A - 'Rolls Razor / The Whetter'
Side B - 'Rolls Razor Ltd / Made in England / Patented in England and Abroad / English Patents Numbers: 457383, 284428, 242718, 242717 and pending".

Additionally, one side of the case is engraved 'BSC37C18'

There is a press button at either end of case, one has initial "H" and the other has initial "S".

On the blade, front is inscribed "Best Sheffield Steel", and on the back "Rolls Razor. Pat No's 224578, 22718"

Note: Reference Page from the original instruction booklet that outlines and names the parts.
https://www.tomonagura.com/the-rolls-razor/rolls-razor-restoration.html

Contextual information

"Rolls Razor Ltd"

Inside the metal case, there was a honing and stropping mechanism, a reusable hollow ground Sheffield Steel razor blade, and a handle for holding the blade when shaving.

Place made
Cricklewood, London, United Kingdom
Primary significance criteria
Artistic or aesthetic significance
Social or spiritual significance
Last modified
Wednesday, 22 July, 2026
Completeness
88
Busselton Historical Society

Busselton Historical Society

Shaving set
Shaving set
Shaving set
Rolls Razor logo
Rolls Razor Ltd
Rolls Razor blade
Rolls Razor blade

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