The razors that are generally recommended for a newbie are either the EJ DE89, or Muhle R89, both use the same head but have different handles. The main alternative is the Merkur 34c.
Any of the above will suit you well, as for blades that's a bit more tricky as different blades suit different people. You say you want a gentle blade, but that really doesn't exist. You need the blade to be sharp enough to cut your beard without tugging, but not too sharp. The Astra Superior Platinum is widely recommended to beginners, it's just me that can't get on with them, but there are plenty of other blades.
It would probably be worthwhile getting yourself a selection pack of different blades to try.