When I was a teenager I started off with an electric razor until I was comfortable with putting a blade to my face. You can get real complicated with electric razors and it doesn't have to be. If you're looking at cost an electric will probably be better over the long run, but it will also depend on what kind of skin he has (smooth, rough, acne?). I prefer the closeness of a metal razor, but I also have easy skin to shave. I can make those expensive Mach 3 blades go a hell of a lot longer than recommended, but some friends with rougher skin go through them quickly. Those guys have the added difficulty that the average electric razor won't shave close enough for them.
