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I inherited a early 20th century Rolls Razor sterling silver case with razor, strop, etc. Has the greek design on it. But I also found a small navy blue leather box with the Rolls insignia on it and inside are 5 slots each with a small blade resting in them. I'm guessing they're for a different Rolls Razor than the sterling silver box one.
Anyone know what I'm talking about?

I don't have an answer to your question, Marcia, but I welcome you to SMF!

- Murray

marcia-panych wrote:I inherited a early 20th century Rolls Razor sterling silver case with razor, strop, etc. Has the greek design on it. But I also found a small navy blue leather box with the Rolls insignia on it and inside are 5 slots each with a small blade resting in them. I'm guessing they're for a different Rolls Razor than the sterling silver box one.
Anyone know what I'm talking about?

IIRC that was meant to hold additional blades mostly for family use where one razor could be used by multiple people, each with their own blade. The handle and strop/hone could be shared by all. It is a versatile and economic system.

My opinion, for what it's worth, is that this is what they call a "5 day set". Mostly associated with straight razors, and usually a 7 day set instead of 5. There is a separate slot for each day of the week, so that when all of the blades are freshly sharpened at the same time there will be a new blade for every day, so that the edges on the individual blades don't deteriorate as rapidly as would be expected if there was only one blade being used every day. This was something for the well-heeled gentlemen who could afford such a luxury.

I think the Rolls is an interesting part of shaving history. Not a history I might want to repeat but interesting none the less.

We're so used to disposable blades that the Rolls now seems especially out of place. On the other hand, some newer cars have been sporting 6-speed manual transmissions...