What is the best safety razor for beginners?

Mild, forgiving razors dominate beginner recommendations. The Merkur 34C is described across r/wicked_edge as the staple first razor, while the Henson AL13 earns repeated praise for being "almost impossible" to shave at an irritating angle thanks to its fixed 30-degree, low-exposure head. Both are frequently suggested for people switching from cartridges.