Welcome to TSD young man. You are starting your shaving-life off on the right foot. As opposed to the majority of us, who suffered interminably for 40+ years.
@Michael Bilyard from here in Western NY. Glad you decided to join us at TSD. I only wished I had started DE shaving at your age. Enjoy your time here, as you learn how to shave like a man.
Kind of razor : a good one ... A SE or DE if you are carefull, a straight (shave-ready honed) if you like risk Red bumps: a good skin preparation and lathering Advice: take your time and read a lot in this(and other) forums
Howdy from deep in the lone Star State! Once you decide on a razor (I prefer Single Edge) the best advice as has already been given is the 30 day challenge. Remember this, technique trumps tools all the time every time! Get good with your technique and it won't matter what razor you use. Good luck and great shaves!