Need some razors for Groomsman gifts

[jonwings]

So I am getting married on July 31 and I have decided as my gift to the groomsman (their will be 3) I was going to put together shave kits to give them. The main part of this will be a quality brush with a couple different soaps, creams, splashes, and balms. I think I got a handle on that part of it, but I would also like to include a safety razor for them to try. For this type of gift, I do not feel comfortable repurposing one of my used razors, so I am thinking I need something new.

Any recommendations on a good new starter razor I can get in the $20 - $30 neighborhood?

I started half looking yesterday, but I thought I would ask the experts here for suggestions.

Thanks in advance.

 

[Telecaster52]

depending on their age, a birth year superspeed would be both a good starter, and a meaningful gift. They generally run $20-25 on BST

 

[faster_than_u]

What about these? $24 and a nice looking razor. Never knew they were that cheap now I got myself thinking lol.

http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=51

 

[Oldguy]

I agree that for this kind of gift, new is the way to go. I would probably go with something like the TTO Parker 60R. However I have never used a Parker so someone else will have to comment on the shave worthiness. But $25 is right in your ballpark and available. And congrats on your up coming wedding. It will be the greatest day of your life.

Len

 

[Sueto]

If you are going new, I'd go with the Merkur 33C or the 34C (HD). Pretty good start to any shave kit.

Maybe look into a vendor that does engraving and do engraved soap bowls.

 

[Dpflaum]

I can definitely suggest passing on the new TTO Parkers. While they look cool, they are poorly made and you can do much better for the money. I would go with a low end Merk for the budget, or try to scrape up another $5 per person and upgrade to the Edwin Jagger DEs, they are phenomenal.

 

[dpmtherrien]

What about these? $24 and a nice looking razor. Never knew they were that cheap now I got myself thinking lol.

http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=51

This would be an excellent choice. The 1904 is my go to DE, I tried approx. a dozen DE's before I settled on the 1904.

I believe the groom's men would be very pleased.

 

[Dennis]

Merkur HD - contact a vendor to see if they will cut you a deal for a multi-razor purchase. Can't hurt to try.

 

[jonwings]

What about these? $24 and a nice looking razor. Never knew they were that cheap now I got myself thinking lol.

http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=8&products_id=51

I was actually looking at that one yesterday.

If you are going new, I'd go with the Merkur 33C or the 34C (HD). Pretty good start to any shave kit.

Maybe look into a vendor that does engraving and do engraved soap bowls.

An engraved soap bowl is an excellent idea.

 

[michiganlover]

You didn't say what price range you were looking at, but if you want to go budget, but still be good quality, you could look at the Feather Portable ($10), or the Lord Smart from Shoeboxshaveshop for about $12:

Lord Smart @ ShoeboxShaveShop

The Lord Smart has a head on it, that greatly resembles a Merkur, and provides a very nice quality shave.

 

[norton]

Gentlemen's best has complete kits for about 24.00

http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx

New Feather portable, Blades, shaving soap, cream, boar brush. Even instructions - which hopefully address the angle aspect.

I have not seen these in person, but this seems like a nice ramp up kit for the money. The Gentlemen's Best products get good reviews here as well.

 

[jonwings]

Gentlemen's best has complete kits for about 24.00

http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx

New Feather portable, Blades, shaving soap, cream, boar brush. Even instructions - which hopefully address the angle aspect.

I have not seen these in person, but this seems like a nice ramp up kit for the money. The Gentlemen's Best products get good reviews here as well.

I do like the look of that kit. After reading the reviews on the Feather Portable, that seems like it might be the one. At first I was feeling iffy on that one due to the price point, but the reviews have convinced me that is a quality product. And if I can get a cheaper razor, I can give them more creams, soaps, and aftershaves.

The kit in itself is very tempting. Originally I was thinking of adding lower end Badger brush. Does anyone have any experience with the brush that comes with the kit. I still might get the kit and replace the brush.

I truly appreciate all the responses.

 

[talibeard]

..... or the Lord Smart from Shoeboxshaveshop for about $12:

Lord Smart @ ShoeboxShaveShop

The Lord Smart has a head on it, that greatly resembles a Merkur, and provides a very nice quality shave.

Another vote for the Lord; in contrary to most cheap razors this one is well made and gives you a great shave. You can't go wrong here!

 

[yuppiejr]

Gentlemen's best has complete kits for about 24.00

http://gentlemensbest.com/ShavingKits.aspx

New Feather portable, Blades, shaving soap, cream, boar brush. Even instructions - which hopefully address the angle aspect.

I have not seen these in person, but this seems like a nice ramp up kit for the money. The Gentlemen's Best products get good reviews here as well.

I'd say that's the way to go based on your budget, the reviews of the Feather Travel are exceedingly favorable as a starter razor (basically a Jappanese version of the Gillette Tech) and it looks like they picked a good mix of products to go with it. If you wanted to round out the kit with an inexpensive bowl I like this one from Shaveabuck.com (should get free shipping if you hit $30 which isn't hard to do) you'd be at the top end of your $30 per groomsman budget with shipping, etc..

Great gift idea regardless of what you end up stocking it with. I've got a shelf full of one of a kind comemorative engraved stuff from various weddings that... sits on a shelf... this is certainly a "manly" and useful groomsman gift that should last a very long time.

 

[Sueto]

that Gentleman's Best kit is good stuff. A great soap and cream sample. For $24, hell most good soaps cost more than that. You could maybe do some dopp kits and have them monogramed at a sewing shop or one of those boothes that are in most malls these days.

 

[gaj90027]

I learned to shave with the feather portable and cannot recommend it enough. It's a great looking tech clone and is built to last.

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

if you are going new, i'd go with the merkur 33c or the 34c (hd). Pretty good start to any shave kit.

Maybe look into a vendor that does engraving and do engraved soap bowls.

+1

 

[Hayden]

I would go with the merkur, feather portable is way to mild of a razor.

 

[ajkimmins]

That Merkur 1904/06 would be nice! Seems like it should be a good starter razor. I can recomend the Parkers. I have a 90R and have NEVER had a problem with it. In fact I shaved with it today! BBS!

 

[Unknownsoldier]

With regards soap etc. what about seeing if Mama bear can rustle you something unique up?????

Tom