Giving a men's shaving set: which one is right?
In short: Which shaving kit for men makes a good gift? The most important point is not the price but the blade he shaves with today. If he uses Gillette Mach3, choose a Mach3 set. If he uses Fusion5 or ProGlide, choose a Fusion5 set. If he wants to try traditional wet shaving, a safety razor set is the right start. Good sets start at around 51 euros; most gifts cost between 93 and 196 euros.
Step 1: Which blade does he use?
A look in the bathroom is enough. The blade head tells you the system:
| Blade head | System | Matching sets in our shop |
|---|---|---|
| 3 blades | Gillette Mach3 | Bolin Webb R1, Erbe Mach3 sets |
| 5 blades, a single trimmer blade on the back | Gillette Fusion5 or ProGlide | Bolin Webb X1 and Generation, Erbe Fusion sets |
| one exposed blade, metal handle | Safety razor | Safety razor set or a razor on its own |
| Foil or rotary head, battery | Electric shaver | Probably not a wet shaving set |
Mach3 and Fusion5 blades are not interchangeable. A set for the wrong system means he has to switch blades. Blades for both systems are sold in every drugstore; in Germany a Mach3 blade costs around 2 euros (October 2026).
My tip: I shave with a cartridge razor myself and get on well with Mach3 blades. With Fusion5 you have to take particular care that the blades, and above all the gaps between them, stay clean. The best way is to rinse the blade head from behind with a jet of water again and again while you shave. At the end I clean the blades thoroughly with the Erbe Razorking (20.62 euros). – Karl-Heinz Bales
Does he use an electric shaver? Then a wet shaving set is an experiment. Whether switching makes sense is covered in our guide Electric razor or wet shaving.
Step 2: What should the set include?
| Set | Contents | For whom |
|---|---|---|
| Razor with stand | Handle, blade, stand | Men who use shaving foam from a can and like a tidy bathroom |
| Razor with case | Handle, blade, travel case | Men who travel a lot |
| 3-piece | Razor, shaving brush, holder | Men who lather with shaving cream and a brush |
| Travel set | Short razor, travel brush, leather pouch | Business travellers |
| Safety razor set | Razor, brush, soap, blades | Getting started with traditional shaving |
A stand is more than decoration: the blade stands free and dries. Blades that lie wet go dull faster – more in our guide Extend razor blade life.
Step 3: Badger hair or synthetic?
Many 3-piece sets include a shaving brush. The bristles decide how the lather turns out and how it feels:
- Badger hair: holds a lot of water and builds a fine, dense lather, for example in the Erbe nickel-plated shaving set.
- Silvertip: the highest grade of badger hair, especially soft. Found in the Erbe sets of the Milano series.
- Synthetic: no animal hair, for anyone who cares about that. Some Erbe sets come with it.
Important for every brush: after shaving, let it dry with the bristles pointing down. That is why a good set includes a holder.
Shaving sets by budget
Prices on hairstyletools.com, as of 26 October 2026. Shipping costs depend on the destination country.
| Budget | Set | System | What makes it special |
|---|---|---|---|
| up to 75 € | Vie-Long Barber Set, 50.65 € | Safety razor | 5 parts: razor, brush, 50 g soap, 5 blades, gift box |
| up to 75 € | Bolin Webb Generation, 71.32 € | Fusion5 / ProGlide | Aluminium, 35 g, iF Design Award 2023 |
| 75 to 150 € | Bolin Webb R1 Matte (Black, Blue, Graphite, Red), 93.03 € each | Mach3 | 45 g, “Gravity” stand 200 g, “Best Shaving Razor 2026” from Esquire according to the maker |
| 75 to 150 € | Erbe nickel-plated shaving set, 113.69 € | Mach3 | 3-piece with badger hair brush and holder |
| 75 to 150 € | Erbe men's travel shaving set, 134.32 € | Mach3 | Cowhide leather pouch, approx. 13 × 7 × 5 cm |
| 150 to 200 € | Bolin Webb X1 Argent Black, 165.38 € | Fusion5 / ProGlide | 55 g, magnetic stand, made in England |
| 150 to 200 € | Erbe Milano series, wengé wood, 196.33 € | Fusion5 | Silvertip brush, holder, wengé wood handle |
All Bolin Webb sets come in a gift box, and we buy them directly from the maker in England. From our own sales: in 2026 the Generation set is our most requested Bolin Webb product; over recent years the X1 with magnetic stand has had the highest sales. See all shaving sets.
When it should be a special gift
For a wedding, an anniversary, retirement or a milestone birthday we carry the Bolin Webb prestige sets. All three come in a wooden box, yet they are made for daily use: they take blades from any drugstore.
| Set | Price | System | What is special |
|---|---|---|---|
| R1 Chrome | 258.40 € | Mach3 | Razor and “Gravity” stand in dark “Smoked Chrome”: elegant without being loud |
| R1 Gold 24 carat | 351.43 € | Mach3 | Razor and stand coated with 24-carat gold |
| X1 Carbon | 434.12 € | Fusion5 / ProGlide | Handle with a carbon-fibre plate by Reverie, a British supplier to motorsport; five coats of clear lacquer sprayed by hand; magnetic stand |
The X1 Carbon has been discontinued by Bolin Webb; we are selling the remaining stock. According to Bolin Webb, the handles are cast from zinc alloy in Birmingham and polished by hand.
Care: rinse with water after shaving and dry with a soft cloth; no abrasive cleaners.
After unwrapping
- Blades: A Mach3 or Fusion5 handle needs refills from the drugstore. What that costs over five years is worked out in our guide Shaving systems compared by cost.
- Shaving cream: Lathering with a brush needs a cream or soap. A good match is Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood shaving cream (75 ml tube 14.42 €, 150 g tub 18.55 €).
- Technique: For a first safety razor, our guide Wet shaving tips for men helps.
- Delivery and returns: Usually 2 to 5 business days from dispatch. Returns are covered by our terms and conditions.
Frequently asked questions
Is a shaving set a good gift for men?
Yes, if it matches his blade. A Mach3 or Fusion5 set fits straight into his daily routine. A safety razor set suits men who are curious about traditional shaving.
Which shaving set is good for beginners?
For newcomers to wet shaving with cartridges: a set with a stand, for example Bolin Webb R1 (Mach3) or Generation (Fusion5). For newcomers to the safety razor: a complete set with razor, brush, soap and blades from about 51 euros.
Do Mach3 blades fit a Fusion razor?
No. Mach3 (3 blades) and Fusion5 (5 blades) use different connectors. Fusion5 handles also take ProGlide blades.
Which is better, 3 or 5 blades?
For many men, 3 blades are a good balance between closeness and comfort. 5 blades give a very smooth result straight away, but they cause more friction on the skin and cost more. More in our guide How many razor blades are really necessary.
How much does a good shaving set cost?
Complete sets in our shop start at about 51 euros. A branded set with metal handle and stand costs about 93 to 165 euros, a 3-piece set with silvertip brush about 196 euros. Special sets such as the Bolin Webb R1 Gold 24 carat cost about 258 to 434 euros.
Badger or synthetic: which shaving brush is better?
Badger hair builds a fine, dense lather; silvertip is the softest grade. Synthetic brushes contain no animal hair. Both last a long time if the brush dries with the bristles pointing down.
Is wet shaving or an electric shaver better?
A wet shave cuts at skin level and is closer. An electric shaver cuts above the skin, is quicker and needs no lather. The full comparison is in our guide Electric razor or wet shaving.
Is a safety razor really better?
It touches the skin with just one blade per stroke and so causes less friction. The blades are cheap: around 0.50 euros each instead of around 2 euros for Mach3 (German prices, October 2026). It does take a little practice.
What are the disadvantages of a safety razor?
The first shaves take longer, and without the right angle you get small nicks. If you give one, a complete set with soap and spare blades is the best choice. Tips to get started: Wet shaving tips for men.
How fast will the gift arrive?
Usually within 2 to 5 business days from dispatch. Shipping costs depend on the destination country.
Sources
- Manufacturer information from Bolin Webb (blade systems, weights, manufacturing, awards) and Erbe Solingen, as of October 2026
- Blade prices: our guide Shaving systems compared by cost, as of October 2026
- Prices and delivery time: hairstyletools.com, as of 26 October 2026