You can find a Gillette Old Type on the bay for cheap. Also, not sure what the common consensus is here but I am a fan of the Micro Touch One, as well.
If you really want to get in with acceptable-to-decent quality for rock bottom price, I have to say that Bestshave.net offers a pretty good bang for the buck. Grab this razor for 1.99 (while the sale lasts) and this brush for 2.45 and you have a respectable (if not pretty) start on wetshaving. Shipping was about $8, so roughly $12.50 for razor and brush. The Yuma razor looks kinda rinky-dink, feels a little light, but shaves nicely. Though you have to pay attention to center the blade when tightening the handle, it gives really good audio feedback and a nice, mild(ish?) shave. Not the mildest, but still more mild than a "moderate" razor (milder than a New, I think). The brush put me off a little at first because it is sort of a hollow cone. However, it loads quickly and lathers very well. While you are there, may as well top off with an Arko stick or some blades to get to your $15.00. It takes roughly two weeks for delivery. So there ya go!
Did you tried that Yuma razor? I think I have a similar one and it was rough and pretty aggressive. But I'm not 100% it's the same one.
Yeah. For the money, I bought two. I've only tried one. They are both ugly ducklings, but the one I used gave a real nice shave. Remember: it's on you to align the blade in the head! It's not that hard. Just pay attention as you tighten the handle (hold in place with your thumb and forefinger). The Yuma is great if you like audio feed back. It is loud! My only reservation on the Yuma would be guessing at the chance of getting a dud. I wouldn't stake my reputation (I have one?) on a conclusion based on a sample size of n=2! These nice-shaving cheap razors are obviously chunked out by the boatload. I wonder what percent of defectives they make? Of those defectives, do they screen any out before they get to Bestshave? This is why I look at the histograms on Amazon reviews! A few people will be very loud about their complaints. Most people probably do not make reviews. Some people will enthusiastically endorse an inferior product. In the end, you still rolls your dice, dontcha? I like shaving with the Yuma. I'll use it again, I'm sure! Maybe tomorrow...
Tagging onto this, you could also opt for a RazoRock travel razor. Same head as the RR Mission, but the handle breaks down for easy travel.
I agree with everyone saying to go vintage. If he has some antique stores in his area it would be wise to check those out! When I first started a year ago I got a Gillette tech, super speed and knack all for $15. Now I just need to get myself a fat boy!
I was going to recommend this, but the price has really jumped. I am wondering if that is real or a typo. Well, it is free shipping. I contacted the vendor and he replied, "Item is out of stock, should be back in stock in about 15-20 days. Price should go back to normal then!"
No such thing as a decent DE for under $15. The new ones cheaper than this or even twice as expensive are made of pot metal (which easily breaks), plastic, or aluminum (threads may get stripped). There are new ones at $100+ that don't break but may rust (Stainless steel) or "it's only the blades that rust inside them" say their proponents. Vintage Gillettes (quality made with brass that don't rust or break easily) are pretty expensive right now. The twist to open Gillettes may be a gamble for a newbie due to the many fragile exposed parts which are interdependent on each other and can get bent. Even the knobs on them can get droopy. They are also certainly more expensive than $15. A vintage Gillette 3-piece razor such as a Tech has much less to go wrong and they are less expensive (around $20). I've always found 3-piece designs to be annoying to load though- disassembling the whole razor and have the handle roll off while I'm putting it together... Take a look at the Lord razors for new. Three piece design and the aluminum handle can get stripped if you're not careful but it has no alignment problems and only costs around $10. As well as being excellent shavers. Unlike the much more expensive Merkur I had, this one could survive a fall. If you want a quality made well designed razor that can last a lifetime and can be had cheaply look no further than the GEM and Ever Ready single edge razors. Such as this one: Similar razors can often be had for as little as $10. Made of solid brass that won't rust and a helluva lot beefier than a Gillette TTO. It has no annoying 3 piece loading either. It is also TTO but has no fragile little exposed parts. It is so rugged that the manufacturer even advertised them as guaranteed unbreakable.
I picked up a RazoRock Jaws from Italian Barber and enjoy how it shaves. Price is 14.99. Shipping may blow your budget though. http://www.italianbarber.com/razorock-jaws-three-piece-open-comb-double-edge-razor
Just got a RiMei (advertised on eBay as a JunJie) that came for $2.97 shipped. I put it together with the blade that came along with it (also labeled as a RiMei Platinum) and although I haven't yet attempted a shave with it, my first impression is that it ain't half bad looking, has nice weight to it, and has good blade alignment. It's a 3-piece. Here's a photo. It took only 10 days to arrive. The seller on eBay was Linxiaosellor if anyone else is interested. Will post more info after I try to shave my head with this. In the meantime, here are pics: Honestly, how bad can it be for under $3? I think it looks nicer than my Weishi or the Micro Touch One (also a Weishi).
It looks really nice. It just boggles my mind how there is profit in an item like this manufactured and shipped from the other side of the world. Interested in hearing how it shaves.
I bought one of those about a year ago. I used it 3 times and threw it away. It was full of nicks. It looked okay and felt okay until I had a blade in it and was shaving. Then it was like the razor they'd give James Bond to shave with before they threw him in the pool of piranhas. Blood everywhere. I had to repaint the bathroom and burn the towels.
