Gifting A Straight Razor

I recently acquired a Torrey razor that has "Army" etched onto the blade. I got it with the intention of giving it to my nephew, who is in the Army, as a Christmas present. He's the kind of kid who likes to figure things out and do things for himself, but now I'm wondering if giving a SR "cold turkey" is a good idea. I'm not even sure how he shaves, mach5, electric, what? I don't know. I'm going to have it honed and shave ready for him, and write him a letter with some advice i.e. watch Lynn's videos etc.

I was just wondering if anyone has any other ideas that might be a good way to ease him into the world of straight razor shaving. Or if anyone has had a similar experience.

thanks,
John

How about suggesting he join SRP?

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Originally Posted by HarleyFXST

How about suggesting he join SRP?

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Soap, strop, and brush?

I wouldn't be giving someone a straight unless I knew they had interest in one and realized what is involved. Maybe a DE would be better for initiation to wet shaving and then talk to him about it if he likes the DE and wet ritual.

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

I wouldn't be giving someone a straight unless I knew they had interest in one and realized what is involved. Maybe a DE would be better for initiation to wet shaving and then talk to him about it if he likes the DE and wet ritual.

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I agree, if you give it to him and he doesn't like it, nobody will get any use from it.

Seeing how he's in the army he may appreciate the gesture whether or not he chooses to use it, just as a net keep sake. If you have the chance to sit with him after you give it to him you can explain the benefits and he may give it a shot..
I wouldn't give a razor as a gift to introduce someone to wet shaving with out the basics- a VDH brush, a puck of soap or cream, a drug store aftershave and of course a strop or some way to maintain the edge. Without a strop he's not going to stick with it very long, the razor will start pulling in no time, and he woul be turned off.

All in all I'm sure he would appreciate it, use whether he uses it or not.

Thanks for the replies everyone. I'd also be giving him a brush and some soap; maybe I should throw in one of my safety razors that I don't use anymore. I've got an extra Schick injector (my favorite safety razor) and a new pack of blades; tell him he should shave with that a month or two before starting with the straight, in addition to joining Straight Razor Place!

I say there is nothing wrong with giving it to him, just make sure to at least get a strop with it. Would be better if you could give it to him in person so you can explain the greatness of straight razors and kind of point him in the right direction on how to use it and such. even if he doesn't want to use it (for some crazy weird reason) I am sure he will still appreciate the gesture. Pus Torreys are awesome razors

p.s. what unit is he with?