A birthday present for my future brother-in-law

[catherix]

Tomorrow is his birthday and after a little deliberation I've decided on a simple starter kit to hopefully convert my little sister's fiancé to wetshaving. I picked up a couple things and grabbed some items from my modest collection and put together a little kit. I wanted to hear what you all think of this for a new wet shaver.


Included in his starter kit:
-1967 black handled SS (recently PIFed to me by Wcoppage. hard to let go as its my first SS)
-Shea Moisture Shave Brush (PIFed to me by shaverjoe, also hard to let go after test lathering it. would be a great travel brush.)
-10 pack of Astra blades
-Nivea Sensitive ASB
-KMF Green Tea and Bamboo SC
-Antique bowl for lathering

Picked up the bowl on the cheap from a local antique shop for 3 bucks. Used it for awhile but I preferred a larger bowl as I have a larger brush and seem to make quite a mess sometimes . I've been looking for awhile for a SS but I know this is a favorable razor for a newbie and would love to convert him so I'll let it go. I suppose I can always find another one . Astra blades were my go to for awhile until I discovered Personna Lab Blues(thanks again Joe!). I figured it would be a good blade to start with because I found them fairly sharp and pretty smooth. The Nivea is new to me and comes recommended by a friend. Smells pretty neutral and I didn't want to overwhelm the guy with all the amazing scents quite yet. Seemed like it would be a good ASB so I picked a bottle up for myself too (for those days when I'm feeling pretty neutral )

The KMF seems to be highly regarded around these parts so I figured it would be good for a newbie. I wasn't sure whether I was buying the right thing or not. Seems to have a mild scent to it but it is very nice and clean. Brought it home and test lathered it to make sure it would preform well with his brush and was impressed with the results.

A bowl full of worthy lather with very little effort. I think I had a bit too much product to start with but it was overall an enjoyable test lather. That little brush really does perform well with creams. Haven't given it a run with soaps yet but I would imagine it would do fairly well. I wish I had an amazing brush to give him but I only have a VDH boar and my AoS fine badger(I'm not giving this one away ). But overall its quite a performer considering its price, I was quite amazed honestly.

Any feedback on these products for a starter kit would be great. I really hope he ends up loving it.

 

[luky7evens]

I think that would be a great gift and starter kit.

 

[Jtokle]

Great kit, just make sure he understands that a vintage razor is a great gift when it comes to wet shaving.

I've had discussions with a few people that didn't understand why you'd want a used razor or brush and thought it was gross when I mentioned buying used shaving gear.

 

[catherix]

Great kit, just make sure he understands that a vintage razor is a great gift when it comes to wet shaving.

I've had discussions with a few people that didn't understand why you'd want a used razor or brush and thought it was gross when I mentioned buying used shaving gear.

I have had the same conversations with my friends. I've actually already gone over that convo in my head. Lots of "cleaning and sanitizing" and a little bit of "they don't make em like they used to." We'll see how it goes over...

 

[mistervee123]

Great stuff. Just one thought. I found the KMF products a little lacking on the lubrication spectrum. Something to consider if he's a total noob. Never look a gift horse in the mouth though, as my mother told me.

 

[dpmtherrien]

That's a great gift. In laws are usually a PIA, hope he appreciates it.

 

[catherix]

Great stuff. Just one thought. I found the KMF products a little lacking on the lubrication spectrum. Something to consider if he's a total noob. Never look a gift horse in the mouth though, as my mother told me.

Well that was the type of feedback I was looking for. Do you think CO Bigelow would be better? I have a tube of it and would happily replace it if needed
(just don't tell SWMBO, she's sick of the expenses I've had lately)

 

[Jtokle]

I am a complete noob (only been at it a month) and I just got my first order of C.O. Bigelow the other day.

I have never used KMF but I can tell you that I was absolutely thrilled with the Bigelow. I've been using a shavette while saving for a real straight, and had been using Col. Conk soap. The Bigelow is way easier to lather for me and the protection is amazing. Maybe my technique has just been improving, but the blade feels a lot more forgiving to me with the Bigelow. The menthol blast is also addictive but not overpowering.

YMMV, of course, this is just the opinion of one noob to someone putting together a gift set for another noob. I am absolutely in love with C.O. Bigelow and figure that I'll stick with it (got three 5 ounce tubes) until I upgrade the rest of my gear.

 

[catherix]

I am a complete noob (only been at it a month) and I just got my first order of C.O. Bigelow the other day.

I have never used KMF but I can tell you that I was absolutely thrilled with the Bigelow. I've been using a shavette while saving for a real straight, and had been using Col. Conk soap. The Bigelow is way easier to lather for me and the protection is amazing. Maybe my technique has just been improving, but the blade feels a lot more forgiving to me with the Bigelow. The menthol blast is also addictive but not overpowering.

YMMV, of course, this is just the opinion of one noob to someone putting together a gift set for another noob. I am absolutely in love with C.O. Bigelow and figure that I'll stick with it (got three 5 ounce tubes) until I upgrade the rest of my gear.

Yah I've used it a number of times and would say its pretty good. I just wasn't sure if he would love the scent. Its lubricating but not the best I've tried (IMO, YMMV of course). When I test lathered the KMF I didn't shave with it but did the hand test and I would say it wasn't as slick as I would like but seemed good enough.

More opinions on this would be awesome. Anybody else on which would be better for a newbie? Considering things like ease of lathering, slickness, quality of shave, effect to the skin? I've found it much easier to lather everything in my den the last few weeks so its hard for me to say right now whats easy to lather or not. I'm at a point where its easy for me but I'm not experienced enough to say what would be easy for others.

 

[catherix]

More opinions on this would be awesome. Anybody else on which would be better for a newbie? Considering things like ease of lathering, slickness, quality of shave, effect to the skin? I've found it much easier to lather everything in my den the last few weeks so its hard for me to say right now whats easy to lather or not. I'm at a point where its easy for me but I'm not experienced enough to say what would be easy for others.

I just wanted to try one more time to see if anyone had an opinion on whether CO Bigelow or KMF would be better for a newbie. I have both and don't mind giving him either one. Let me know what you think.

 

[Illadelphia]

Imho, every newb should start with co biggs.

 

[catherix]

Going with the bigelow based on others comments. I'll hold on to the KMF for now and get him some later once he's got the technique down a bit. Thanks again for the input. I'll likely post later on how the gift goes over.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

The CO should be nice especially when he's able to whip up some "real" lather with it. Also, make sure to spy on his bathroom to make sure he's using the product. If he does, he really loves your sister.

 

[catherix]

The CO should be nice especially when he's able to whip up some "real" lather with it. Also, make sure to spy on his bathroom to make sure he's using the product. If he does, he really loves your sister.

Hahaha I hope he uses all of this! He will be my first convert if he does! And I'll likely bring him to the forum as well so I have someone to talk about my disorder(s). I'm sure that it's only going to make the AD's worse but that's a price I'm willing to pay!(pun somewhat intended)

 

[cpeter47]

That razor looking mighty familiar!

 

[deruitem]

Nice start!

 

[catherix]

That razor looking mighty familiar!

Hmmm really???!? Must be a case of mistaken identity!

Hopefully he loves it! It's hard to let it go(it's really in pretty good condition!) but it will be a really great razor for him to start with. I just hope I can help him understand that it's a darn nice razor!

 

[Krona Kruiser]

If you have reservations about a vintage SS get him an SS clone from Ming-Shi. A lot of the Sally's are stocking them up for under $15. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...t-s-a-Ming-Shi-but-it-s-a-DE!!!!!!?highlight=

 

[cpeter47]

Hmmm really???!? Must be a case of mistaken identity!

Hopefully he loves it! It's hard to let it go(it's really in pretty good condition!) but it will be a really great razor for him to start with. I just hope I can help him understand that it's a darn nice razor!

It's a perfect razor to start with. Not only that but the TTO is really neat.

 

[Hoss75]

Nice kit. He's a lucky bro-in-law