3 Piece Beginner's kit. What would you put in it?

TSD gang,
Have a friend looking to get into wet shaving with a DE razor and has a budget of $75.

What would you select in the way of razor, soap, and brush to get a guys started?

My suggestion was :
Merkur 34C or EJagger DE89
Stirling soaps
Stirling synthetic.

What would you choose?

Can he get a Badger brush or would it be better to do synthetic?

Thanks

 

Strong choice! Can't say I'd vary a whole lot. Maybe Caties Bubbles and or Barrister and Mann soap but Sterling a fine choice also.

Astra SP blade to start with.

Definitely a synthetic plisson type knot for $15-20 is plenty.

Any of the Fine After shaves.

Ymmv

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In 2010, I started with the humble VDH brush/soap/bowl kit, a Ming Shi TTO, and a small blade sampler. My total cost was less than $25.00.

 

Gem featherweight (or say a super speed if dead set on DE) VDH luxury kit. Learn the basics of solid technique then spend the extra money.

 

i've started several guys with one of each from these categories:

edwin jagger DE89 or merkur 23c/180
omega boar 10065/66
proraso green tub or c.o. bigelow tube

in addition to that, i throw in a couple of Top 10 samplers from tryablade.com

... and that'll keep ya under the $75 mark !!!

 

Have you shown him your gear, or a surprise? Soap sniffing might help in scent choices, or make him a sampler. A synthetic brush is a good starting point - no break in time. Razors are tough choices but going mild to medium works. A vintage Flair Tip is a great starting point in TTO's.

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NDC Super Speed, Williams soap, pure bristle (boar) brush, and a tuck of Voskhods.

 

I 'd say get a brush he won't have worry about soaking in stage of the game (a no brainer brush thats nice)

11.95

Some nice Stirling can be had on the bay for $12 including shipping


If you go vintage razor a Pre or post war fat handle Tech or a nice re-plated Flare ($55).





Sorry I went over, but if you go for a nice vintage in a case on the bay you can go way lower.

 

My first kit was a Merkur 34c, Omega 10066, a puck of Williams, and 100 Shark SC blades.

About all I would change out would be a stick of Arko instead of the Williams. It is easier to learn when everything is new. A DE89 would be a fine sub for the 34c.

 

That post right there has plenty of cowbell!!!

Proceed along the path!

 

A DE89 is a good razor, but like @Enrico mentioned above, a Tech or vintage TTO would also be good choices. They can be had for really nice prices and both shave very well. Most any synthetic brush these days are good choices, like from Maggard or Italian Barber. Choice would probably come down to handle style. As for soaps, there are plenty of good ones out there like Proraso. Razorock, Dirty Deeds, Love My Skin, etc. at very good prices.

 

I had to learn a bit to get the hd to perform like it does today.
My beginer advice would be;
Pearl tto
Astra sp blades
Arco stick
Route 66 Sweeney Todd
Stirling synthetic brush
Omega Alum
Aqua Velva ice blue
Route 66 botanical balm to match Sweeney Todd.

This should give two shave preferences, and cost about 80 bucks.

 

34C $30
Semogue SOC Boar $26
DE Razor Blade Sampler $10
Stirling Refill Puck $10
Total $76.00

 

Merkur 34C, it was my first DE and gave me a great start.

Because boars take time to break in I would give a synthetic or whippe dog silver tip.

Sterling does not work in my lather, because lather is so dependent on water I would give a soap that worked for me in all water. Tabac or Arko would be my choice.

 

That's an excellent starter kit. However, I have a couple of ideas (of course I have to put in my two cents). A vintage Gillette, such as a Super Speed, New, or Tech, can be picked up rather cheaply. Stirling is a great soap, so I think that is spot on. I recently picked up a Semogue 1520 boar brush and love it. It was less than $15, including shipping.

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The 34C was my first razor and an excellent one at that. I am determined to replace the one I gave away one day.

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Would anyone do a Rockwell 6C?

 

I can't get myself to spend that much on a razor, so I wouldn't recommend it for someone else. Beautiful razor though, in my opinion.

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That is why I said 6C and not the SS 6S. The 6C is only $45

 

Sorry, my bad. I read Rockwell and I automatically start dreaming about the 6S.

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