Beginners kit I put together for my 17 year old cousin

[KW Driver]

I was gunna say, a broken in boar vs new would certainly aid his initial intro. I’d say let him learn on a boar, and buy his own synth later if he wants. If you teach him how to use the boat, he’ll have no issues with a synth later.

I also agree with limiting the blade options early. The Astras should be just fine. I went through low end blade samplers when I started and never liked any of them, once I knew what “good enough” was. Get him comfortably confident with the Astras then let him play with and discover what he likes would be my course of action choice.

 

[gpjoe]

Very nice.

Other than styptic, I wouldn't change a thing.

Keep it simple for the new shaver. I would still give him the two razors, and let him to try both initially, then urge him to stick with one for a month or so, to focus on the shaving.

As far as blades, I see TONS of posts to new shavers telling them to "get yourself a sample pack" with a lot of different blades, so I dont see why suddenly it may bad for your 17 year-old cousin. I think it wise to give him a variety.

...and the best thing you are adding to the kit is your guidance...that is invaluable.

Well done.

 

[Lil Cooties]

I have made the following changes to the kit:
-Added Natio aftershave balm
-Added styptic pencil
-Removed Lord blades (keeping Derby, Astra SP and BIC)
I will suggest to use the Merkur first and learn how to use that well (sticking with one blade for a while before the trying others), before trying the Tech. I am unsure whether to even include the Tech, I believe the Merkur is more beginner friendly as (at least to me) I can feel the blade easier and tell whether it is too steep or too shallow, which I think is useful to a beginner.