First razor for a boy coming of age

[rannalf]

Ok guys, I'm looking for opinions, so let 'em rip!

My son just turned 15 and will be ready to start shaving soon. I want to gift him a starting shave set up/den, possibly for Christmas. Here are my thoughts, feel free to let me know if I am making any stupid assumptions. I currently shave with either a straight or a '56 Gillette SS with Personna blades from sally beauty. I think he would be best starting with a DE, and I'd like to get him something new/shiny, as I don't really have an heirloom piece or anything to hand down to him. I don't really know anything about new DEs, but some searching on here has turned up that the EJs are probably a fine place to start, and would last as long as he takes care of it. I do want to start him with a nice-ish brush (although I am currently using a VDH boar!). Honestly, I'd like to get the whole shebang wrapped up for ~$100. This is kind of the direction I am thinking of going, but PLEASE chime in if you see something and think "you can do WAY better than that piece for the same money!"

EJ DE86 (black) from Amazon - $31.08
VDH Luxury shave set from Amazon - $29.66
Blades - ??? probably start with the same Personnas that I use from SBS
AS/ASB - I have a few AS that he can try to see what he likes, and I use Nivea for men sensitive skin ASB, probably start him there, too.
Soap/creme (other than the VDH luxury) - I use either C.O. Bigelow creme (Proraso) or L'occitane Cade soap, either of which I assume would be fine for him.

Seems like this would in fact get the job done in my price range, and surely would be better than some plastic Mach 978 with canned goo. Any better options for the money that you guys and gals know of?

[One2mny]

that sounds like a fine first shaving kit. And since you have options for him to try thats even better!

[MickR]

looks good from here, I was going to suggest 'GoodFella' Razors, but I don't know that you would get them in your price range. They're made in New Zealand.


Mick

[MattCB]

I know Maggard razors have new DE razors that have been fairly well received. Prices are pretty good as well.

[Lynn]

If you can swing it, I would recommend an adjustable DE for him if you can find one in your price range. It will allow him to learn with his beard now and give him the flexibility to adjust the razor as he gains more beard.

Have fun.

[rannalf]

Thanks for the advice, all! I can't believe those Maggard razors are as inexpensive as they are! Lynn, is there an adjustable you recommend? I have only ever used the 2 super speeds I have as far as DEs go, so I'm pretty lost when it comes to that. I'd consider a nice vintage that I could have replated for myself at some point, and maybe one for him later, as well. Where that is concerned, has anyone used RazorEmporium's service, and did it live up to expectations?

[Hirlau]

I would get him an adjustable vintage Gillette from ebay or on occassion they jump in our Classified section.
Also our classified section has a trade area, I'm sure you have something that a member will trade you an adjustible for.

[henryconchile]

I would get him an adjustable vintage Gillette from ebay or on occassion they jump in our Classified section.

I agree with the old Gillette adjustable. I have an old Gillette Slim Adjustable DE that was given to me by a coworker. It adjusts to shave great with different types of blades. The Slim and Fat Boy models are sold all over ebay.

Also, you could throw in an alum block or bottle of witch hazel in the shave set. They'll help with the nicks, irritations, etc.

[JBHoren]

Yes, they're all "vintage" (curse eBay sellers for destroying that word's worth). And they're lightweight, sturdy, easy-to-use (fixed shaving angle), and oh-so findable and affordable, online.

Here's the result of an eBay search for "Schick injector razor". The models/styles are many and varied, and the prices are inexpensive; perhaps taking a look together might work well.

For PTFE-coated, injector razor blades, Ted Pella is the place to go.

It's like The Most Interesting Man In The World says: "I don't always shave with an injector razor; but when I do, I use a Schick."

Smooth shaving, my friends!

Update: This is a particularly good example (yes, I own one). It's a "newer" model, it's sturdy (damn near unbreakable), silver-and-black, the handle has "jimps" the full length on its sides, and the price! $29.99 (including S/H).

[Wayne1963]

I would advise the Edwin Jagger DE89. It is the perfect combination of mild yet effective. Plus, it will last you a long, long time.