I started over at 37. I'm in Colorado as well, (little obvious).. What store are you referring to? All my purchases have been on line or at the local Wal-Mart or Walgreens for aftershaves and such.
Yes I did go with the VDH. For 9 bucks, it was a start.
Got the brush washed and let it sit overnight. Shaved with the new brush and soap today with my cart since I do not own another razor yet. Skin doesn't feel as tight, and the shave was surprisingly closer. Maybe its just me taking more time and going wtg then atg which usually I had never done. Typically its just a rush job since even when I used to take time it turned out horrid.
I like VDH very much for starting out. I've bought other products to try since then, but not because there was anything wrong with the VDH kit. I'm 39 and just discovered DE shaving a few months back, I wish I had given it a try long ago. Funny how the people that know of my hobby seem to think that I'm the strange one for shaving with a real, honest to goodness razor instead of a "shaving system".