Recommendation for a brand new wet shaver

I have a friend that wants to get into wet shaving. I told him I would make a recommendation for him and would appreciate your input. He can afford quality products, though not the high priced premium items.

Here is my best thinking, what do you think? This list was somewhat shaped by his being able to place one order with Maggard's to get everything.

Razor: Merkur 34C
Shaving cream: Taylor of Old Bond St, Almond or Sandalwood
Shaving Soap: Barrister & Mann Unscented, Beaudelaire or Lavanille
Brush: Maggard 24mm Synthetic
Aftershave: Fine American Blend
Alum and styptic

Razor blades: I'm not sure what to recommend

My favorite DE is my Maggard's V3 on an MR22 handle. The MR22 is no longer available, but the V3 head is a fantastic shaver, in my humble opinion. Virtually no effort. This is the V3, NOT the V3A which is slightly more aggressive...

Soap and splash...Italian Barber Amici combo is only $10, and still sits at the top of my rotation. $2.99 soap, $7.99 splash.

Brush...agreed. Maggard's 24mm synthetic is a great brush at a great price.

Clubman styptic is available in most drug stores still. Cheap.

Blades--TryABlade.com...

Lets not forget any TTO Super Speed and Schick SE (any after the E Type) are all mild yet effective razors. Aside from the obvious plug for vintage hardware, the $49.50 puts that razor in the "premium items" section you noted above. (for me anyway)

Also, Fine ASLs are more heavily scented than standard ASLs. Unless your convert intends for the ASL to do double duty as ASL and cologne, I would let that person browse the pharmacy brands first then step up. ie Skin Bracer, OS, Nivea brands, Gillette brands,....even Dollar Store brands.

Lots of converts get turned off initially due to aggressive razors or oddly scented products they arent accustomed to using. I try to start them off on all things mild, then increase the intensity and aggressiveness on each aspect (razor, blade ASL) as I go...if that makes sense.

I had in mind to give him a Gillette Tech. Like you and wyze0ne , I'm all over vintage stuff.

I didn't realize Maggards charges almost $50 for the 34C, it's on Amazon Prime for $32.39.

Also, olschoolsteel , I had to be out of the house really early today. I used your advice about showering and shaving last night. The friend I had breakfast with, who this thread is about, was mightily impressed at how close my shave was.

What about razor blades? I'm not sure what to recommend there.

How is Maggard's least aggressive razor. I agree that the V3A is a great razor, though it is more aggressive.

Good assortment for a beginner.

I generally start people off with a TTO per @oldschoolsteel . Most have seen a TTO and understand the mechanism more intuitively than a 2 or 3 piece.

The Razorock is mild and inexpensive.

This Parker is a gem as well.

I used to give away boar brushes but now give synthetics. Easier to maintain and less expensive to replace if somebody takes a wrong turn learning the ropes. Is it bad to boil my brush?

Soaps, I am with Chris and typically provide a Razorock soap in a relatively neutral scent.

Blades, I keep a stash around and throw a hodge podge sampler together but recommend typically that they start with the Astra SP and stick with it until they develop base skills. It's a pretty nice balance of edge and comfort from which they can explore later.

I would concur with what Kevin said to a T. When I started, I purchased a starter kit from Maggard's for around $50. It came with everything I needed except aftershave. I see their starter kits now are different and don't have as many options. Italian Barber does kits too where you can choose what items you want to include. Beginners can't go wrong with RazoRock products. Great performance and scents, easy to lather and at a great price. If they decide to go the vintage route, I would suggest a Gillette Tech or Super Speed to start with. There are plenty available on ebay, most in decent user grade condition.

I had in mind to give him a Gillette Tech.  Like you and wyze0ne , I'm all over vintage stuff.

I didn't realize Maggards charges almost $50 for the 34C, it's on Amazon Prime for $32.39.

Also, olschoolsteel , I had to be out of the house really early today.  I used your advice about showering and shaving last night.  The friend I had breakfast with, who this thread is about, was mightily impressed at how close my shave was.

What about razor blades?  I'm not sure what to recommend there.

How is Maggard's least aggressive razor.  I agree that the V3A is a great razor, though it is more aggressive.

Thank you Sir for the acknowledgement. My days were long and my "me-time" was short. Anything I could do early and have one less requirement for the day was an easy workaround. (night shaving that is) After yrs of being a morning shaver, it was a bit of an adjustment, but it fell to an easy routine with way less pressure over time.

As far as blades, I would start someone off with the many and varied try-a-blade assortments out there, or a 100 box of Personna Blues from Amazon. While many will never proclaim them as their BEST blades, nobody poo poos them as a total inferior blade. For me, they are my daily maintenance blade, and my razor testing blade. They are very consistent and very economical. (And the value added effect of being American Made)
As I see it, for the cost of the try a blade assortments, the Personna Blues almost wins out. A blade with the above attributes without being wickedly sharp, and not tear jerkingly dull out of the wrapper gets my vote as a good middle of the road blade.

I agree with a lot of that. I would substitute a 40s super speed for the Merkur for sure. I'd probably skip the styptic and alum, but that's probably because I have never used either. Instead of $25 for the Fine, I might suggest Tuscan Oud by RR. Or if you want to spend the $25, PAA Tombstone.

Everything else I think are great suggestions.

I have a friend that wants to get into wet shaving.  I told him I would make a recommendation for him and would appreciate your input.  He can afford quality products, though not the high priced premium items.

Here is my best thinking, what do you think?  This list was somewhat shaped by his being able to place one order with Maggard's to get everything.

Razor:  Merkur 34C
Shaving cream:  Taylor of Old Bond St, Almond or Sandalwood
Shaving Soap:  Barrister & Mann Unscented, Beaudelaire  or Lavanille
Brush:  Maggard 24mm Synthetic
Aftershave:  Fine American Blend
Alum and styptic

Razor blades:  I'm not sure what to recommend

I'd go with an aftershave with better ingredients like B&M.

As for blades, I recommend a blade sampler pack that is purchased from one of the many vendors available or by piecing together a sampling of blades from other wet shavers. Having a blade sampler was important in my return to wet shaving. I like the recommendation for a vintage Gillette Super Speed as the provide a mild and forgiving shave.