Importance of a Quality Brush

[cwrighta70]

SO, when I put together my first kit, I purchased a Bass brush. Very inexpensive, but I figured it would last me for a while until I could spend a good amount of money on a nice Badger-hair Brush.

Last night, after my 5th shave, the whole thing FELL APART on me! I rinsed it off, went to lightly fling some water out of it, and EVERY bristle fell out!

Word of advice to any newbie: DON'T GET A CHEAP BRUSH!! Don't go to WalMart or CVS and buy the $5-$10 brush. Don't buy a cheap eBay brush. I'm not sure about the Crabtree & Evelyn brushes but I hear they get great reviews and start around $35.

EDIT: Another word of advice to any newbie: Forget about the word of advice I just gave to any newbie Seems that the cheap boar-hair brushes work just fine and last as long. I must've just had a random bad brush.

[Wildtim]

Take it back. Its a faulty one.

I have never had an expensive brush. While I want ot experience the luxury of a nice Badger I have never wanted to pay for one.

I have used a Bass brush for over a year now and have had no problems with it. It is the best Boar brush I have used. Which isn't saying much since its predecessor was a $5 brush from the drugstore which stayed in daily use for 15 years and still resides in my travel kit.

I expect to keep using my "good" brush for a long time yet.

[cwrighta70]

Interesting...I just figured this was a typical result when buying a cheap brush, but you've never had this problem?

If they last that long, what's the point in spending $100+ on another brush? I'm sure it feels different, but I'm not sure I can justify spending that much.

I even saw a silver-tip badger going for almost $500. Who in the world pays that much for a brush??

[Wildtim]

Interesting...I just figured this was a typical result when buying a cheap brush, but you've never had this problem?

If they last that long, what's the point in spending $100+ on another brush? I'm sure it feels different, but I'm not sure I can justify spending that much.

I even saw a silver-tip badger going for almost $500. Who in the world pays that much for a brush??

When you buy a more expensive brush you get:

Softer feel
Better water holding capabilities
Larger size/ choice of size
choice of shape
choice of handle

There are a bunch of reasons given but it really comes down to, you don't have to but you might want to. For some guys it's worth it. I'd like to give a nice brush a try, but it hasn't been worth it to me yet, I don't expect it ever will be unless I have a windfall of some type. There are too many things higher on the priority list.

You can also get by with buck a puck soap. It works just fine, But here I will pay a lot more for a nice smelling better working bar. Its all about priorities.

[Wildtim]

As an Aside, some of the premium brush makers make a boar brush as well. It is usually far cheaper than any of their badger brushes, in fact I have seen them as cheap as my Bass brush was. One must assume that they use the same construction as on, at least, their cheaper badger brushes that cost 2-3 times as much.

Vulflux
Altesse

[cwrighta70]

As an Aside, some of the premium brush makers make a boar brush as well. It is usually far cheaper than any of their badger brushes, in fact I have seen them as cheap as my Bass brush was. One must assume that they use the same construction as on, at least, their cheaper badger brushes that cost 2-3 times as much.

Good to know, thanks!

As far as the soap goes, I agree with you. I have a cheap puck from the local drugstore, but I have also spoiled myself with TGQ's Cavendish Black soap. Good stuff.

[bbshriver]

I had that happen with a bass brush as well. Was wringing it out and the entire "clump" of hair came off in my hand... no "knot" just a bunch of bristles glued together.. the glue came loose I guess due to water? I threw it away.

[cwrighta70]

right, it was the same with me...a big clump. I think I'm going to buy the Crabtree & Evelyn brush, just to compare the manufacturing as well as the feel. I just bought another $5 boar-hair brush from the local drugstore until I purchase the other. If nothing else, it will be nice to have a backup.

[gugi]

As far as the soap goes, I agree with you. I have a cheap puck from the local drugstore, but I have also spoiled myself with TGQ's Cavendish Black soap. Good stuff.

Works just the same with the brushes.

[cwrighta70]

Works just the same with the brushes.

Oh I can imagine. I'm sure if I ever get a nice Badger brush, I'll most likely toss my boar-hair out

Until then...