Gift ideas

[lowcountry_sc]

My father, a preacher and my hero (for reasons not related to shaving) "discovered" DE shaving not too long ago. He let me try his kit and I was blown away. Shortly thereafter, a gift box arrived in the mail with a Merkur 38 Long Handled Barber, an Omega silvertip, TOBS sandalwood, Olivia's King Kong, a variety of blades, and some Speick balsam AS.
So I'd like to return the favor this Christmas, but the only thing is I'm currently back in school (at age 35!) and have a family of five. Money is so tight I had to sell my Harley to put a new roof on my house! So I need something relatively inexpensive but that will make his shaving experience even better than it already is. Any ideas? Maybe something that not everyone knows about but makes a big difference in the quality/enjoyment of your shave...

 

[BarryP13]

Prorasso pre shave cream, Prorasso Shaving Cream or Prorasso aftershave splash. Any one would enhance his shaving experience.

 

[lowcountry_sc]

Great idea, but he already got turned onto Prorasso cream (to go along with his TOBS avocado.) How does the pre-shave cream work (beside the obvious)? That might be an option...

 

[lowcountry_sc]

I'm also looking for something a bit out of the ordinary, or a bit out of the box, etc. Like a small handcrafted cream that you swear by that hasn't been discovered by the masses, for example...

 

[PFP_Dad]

If he likes poraso, maybe a puck of Vostok from QCS? I just tried it last night and love it (I'm also a fan of Poraso). It smells kind of pepperminty and is quite cold.

 

[sychodelix]

Either Mike's or QCS should really impress him if he hasn't tried them.

 

[Rob341]

A radio for the bathroom ..... You could have your kids make him something, like a blade bank.

 

[Timo]

My father was a preacher as well. I would see if someone who restores brushes can do one with his favorite scripture on it, in it or something like that. For Christmas, I am making my Pastor (a Texas Longhorn fan) a custome brush. I am taking an old wood brush, painting it high gloss burnt orange then having a the vinyl sign guy at the mall make a longhorn silhouette for one side and my Pastors name on the other side, then I will apply several layers of varnish. Lastly I will be installing a new TGN knot. Total cost for this custom will be about $30.00 - $35.00 and it will be an original, one of a kind.
Maybe get a whipped dog handle and see if an engraver can engrave on the handle a scripture....

 

[lowcountry_sc]

Great suggestions. I'll keep them all in mind. I emailed somebody about a brush restoration, that would be a bang on idea if it wouldn't cost me an arm and a leg. Also like the idea of kids making him a blade bank- anybody have experience with making one that could give advice on handy features beyond a hole in a wooden box (eg., a lip around the edge,etc.)? As far as Mike's or QCS, any specific recommendations on where to get it? Thanks again...

 

[CGW409]

How old is your Dad?
Maybe try finding him a birth year (or better yet birth quarter) vintage Gillette depending on is year of birth you can find some reasonably priced vintage razors in decent shape that a little elbow grease can get really nice.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

A GEM 1912 and some single edge blades to introduce him to something besides double edge equipment.

 

[celestino]

Weber DLC/ARC/polished-head; any one of them! Great stainless steel razor and a great shaver. Good luck.

 

[Rob341]

How old is your Dad?
Maybe try finding him a birth year.

I have a lot of vintage Gillettes laying around.

 

[lowcountry_sc]

Thanks guys. Awesome ideas. My internet was on the fritz so I couldn't log on...I'll post a follow up with whatever I decide upon. Right now I'm leaning towards a custom disposal bank from the kids, and a vintage razor from me. He was born in Dec., 1947. I guess I'll have to start doing research on which razors were manufactured then. Anybody know any off the top of their head?

As a side note: I gave up on internet forums being a reliable and enjoyable source of info. a long time ago. B&B is slowly bringing me back...So thanks again.

God bless,

Fred

 

[sharpen]

Hi B&B is a really reliable source of info about shaving. People here are dedicated and there is no Internet trolls like I've seen on some other forums.

Some gift ideas could be :
A lathering bowl if he does not have one already.
A razor from his year of birth seems very nice too.
Single edge blades and razor if you want him to try something out of the ordinary can also be a great idea!

Keep us updated sir