DE Shave Set for Groomsmen

[jmbatule]

So I'm getting hitched in October and as a wet shaver who's constantly trying to convert others, I've been contemplating putting starter kits together for my groomsmen gifts. I had been throwing a few ideas around but was inspired when I found this: http://imgur.com/a/2GJyM

I would love to do something like this for my groomsmen but I would want to do it right and this could get rather pricey (especially with an EJ razor AND engraving). My second concern is the quality of the brush in the VH set.

With that in mind, a few questions:

1. First and foremost, is shaving too personal a routine/ritual for such a gift? I would hate to put the time, effort and $$ into these kits only to have them go unused.
2. What would be an acceptable starter razor to include in the kit?
3. Is it worth upgrading the Van Der Hagen kit to the luxury kit? (upgraded brush, soap and bowl, and adds a brush stand)
4. Would most men rather skip the shave kit and opt for a full bottle of bourbon?

Some necessary information: I have 6 groomsmen and would like to keep it all under $200 but can spend more if it makes the difference.

Thank you in advance for the input!!

 

[minimalist]

I'm not experienced enough to give you any real input. I just wanted to say that if I was a groomsman and got the gift in that photo, I'd think you were the cooled mother effer on the planet.

I will say this, $200 seems pretty damn low.

 

[BrookR1]

If my limit was $33 for each groomsman, I would either go with just a nice razor or go with a nicer kit (and skip the razor) like the ones offered on italianbarber. I think it's better to give fewer nice gifts than a bunch of cheap gifts.

 

[ckang79]

You can also try Garry's Samples (http://sampleshop.blogspot.com/). He has starter kits for $33. I would probably pay a little more and pick up another puck of soap to include though. Don't want to scare your groomsmen away with the Arko!

 

[DirtDiver]

I second Garrys. You can also get cream samples cheap. IMO it is easier to start someone with a cream than a soap.

Those pictures are awesome... well set up (aside from the derbys )

I think a quality razor (like an EJDE8x), some cream samples (cheap from Garrys), and an inexpensive boar brush would be a good start, with a pack of Astras (they seem to be the most well rounded IMO)

 

[Kooze]

Italian barber also has some inexpensive kits

http://www.italianbarber.com/25-kits-under-25

however, I must agree with the following:

If my limit was $33 for each groomsman, I would either go with just a nice razor or go with a nicer kit (and skip the razor) I think it's better to give fewer nice gifts than a bunch of cheap gifts.

 

[jzuzphreek]

Also, cigar boxes can sometimes be had at local tobacco/cigar shops for less than a few bucks... sometimes even free.

 

[Chevyguy]

Since you've got until October take the time and talk to each of your groomsmen and find out what they are shaving with right now, or ask their wive's or GF's. Shaving is a personal thing so it is alway's good to ask. That way you also can find out if they are alergic to anything skin related.

Clayton

 

[SocalRick]

I think it's a great gift!

 

[ateace]

It's very likely that the DEs will go unused, either eventually or immediately.

If that will upset you, eliminate the razor and spend the budget on higher quality creams/soaps and brushes.

 

[jzuzphreek]

It's very likely that the DEs will go unused, either eventually or immediately.

If that will upset you, eliminate the razor and spend the budget on higher quality creams/soaps and brushes.

Or just pick 6 members here to send the razors to.

 

[DukeNDuke]

First of all, thanks for the link to those pics. I wish I was a groomsman in that wedding! What an awesome gift! I'm going to use that gift idea in the future.

My thoughts on your situation would be to skip the razor and get a nice brush and cream for your groomsmen. Every man shaves and could benefit from having a good brush and cream, but many aren't ready for a safety razor....yet. You could get a nice brush from Larry at the Whipped Dog and a tub of TOBS for around $42 or so. I know, a bit more than you wanted to spend. Personalized gifts are always cool too...how about having the brush handles engraved with each guys initials? Heck, maybe you could find 6 cool containers for the cream and have them engraved too. Anyway, I'm sure other members will be along to give you a few more ideas. I know that if I was one of your groomsmen, I'd be thrilled to get a shave related gift...but then again, I'm a member of B&B!

Congratulations on your upcoming wedding!

 

[MFNEWYEARAMDG]

I agree with 2 of the above posts. Get them a nice brush and some cream samples. The lather created by a brush and cream will be appreciated and used, whereas a de razor may not be... The brush and cream experience will probably open them up to more traditional saving products like the razors which they could buy for themselves or could be great birthday gifts in the future.

congrats on the wedding!

 

[Go West Young Man]

You'll be lucky if 1 of the 6 guys don't permanently consign the razor to a dusty back shelf within the week. Stick with s brush and quality soap, IMO

 

[jzuzphreek]

I agree with 2 of the above posts. Get them a nice brush and some cream samples. The lather created by a brush and cream will be appreciated and used, whereas a de razor may not be... The brush and cream experience will probably open them up to more traditional saving products like the razors which they could buy for themselves or could be great birthday gifts in the future.

congrats on the wedding!

You'll be lucky if 1 of the 6 guys don't permanently consign the razor to a dusty back shelf within the week. Stick with s brush and quality soap, IMO

And Liquor! Don't forget the liquor!

 

[DirtDiver]

You'll be lucky if 1 of the 6 guys don't permanently consign the razor to a dusty back shelf within the week. Stick with s brush and quality soap, IMO

And Liquor! Don't forget the liquor!

+1

 

[global_dev]

Semogue boar, plus inexpensive wooden bowl and puck of something decent plus a fifth. No De, but perhaps you could go GD 66 with a simple rescale.

 

[rotto66]

I agree that spending the money on better higher brushes and creams or soap is the better way to go. But if you do decide to go with the razors I would definitely recommend not engraving them. That way if they decide a DE is not for them or if they do like it and down the road they want to upgrade it will be easier for them to sell. I know I don't want to buy a razor on EBAY with the name of someone else on it.

 

[jesseix]

I'm pretty sure that setup you posted pics of was from someone on the boards, I can't remember how long ago the post was but you might be able to find it and ask the OP how much he spent in total... I think its a great idea, and like others have mentioned above you might be able to put together a kit with something other than the EJ razor and stay pretty close to your price range. I'm not sure if it would be possible but maybe one of the vendors could put together some type of custom kit for you if you reach out to them and let them know what you're looking for.

 

[tyrionstark]

I think tha idea is flat out awesome! I'm slowly reconditioning some razors and assembled some nice old brushes that I am going to take my time restoring, to essentially give a bunch of guys I know shave sets for Christmas/bday. They probably won't be as appreciated as I'd like....but to heck with it.

Go for it man....