Thread: I'm new to all of this

Originally Posted by mitchshrader

Yes, about the brush and returning it, though many places won't allow it 'for health reasons'. I'm a little startled that a Col. Conk product was unsatisfactory, although personally, I wouldn't be put off by the boar bristles. They're a little coarser but add body and longevity (at that price point) and give a bit more bang for the buck.

If you have sensitive skin and find it unsatisfactory you should certainly return it, (given you can) and move up to a nice fat pure badger that pleases you.

If it ain't fun, there ain't much point to it.

+1 If it ain't fun, there ain't much point to it.

Well Morrison, it sounds like your brush is a bit on the cheaper side. I have been using a badger brush for about 3 years (I too only recently made the transition to straight razor shaving, before I was using a double edge razor). I will agree that it does sound like it is a combination between badger and possible boar bristle. Some people like the combo, some people like only boar, it's all up to preference. Try watching some videos on YouTube by a guy who goes by Mantic59, or search for "Shaving Lather". He uses a DE, but has great videos on shaving brushes. If you decide to get a new brush, check out Vulfix. They have many low, mid, and high end brushes, and mine works SUPER well for me even though it's a cheaper one. Hope this helped!

Oh, I almost forgot! Jhenry had mentioned just painting my lather on, rather than pressing the brush into my face to help further the lather. But, when I did this, the lather seemed to be even thinner.... I put some conditioner on my brush, and that did help (after shampooing it), but it still feels like the brush is coarse when applying the lather....but the lather does build better.

Seems like I am between a rock and a hard place.....any suggestions?

Xman, thanks for the prep advice, I will definitely remember to do that~

Oglethorpe, I am going to try the method that you mention, I will update on it later

Thanks again!!!

I wish I got to this sooner since I have a Col. Conk Badger Brush. It cost about $55 and it was adverstised as their best badger brush. I have been very impressed with it. No hairs fell out of it, the hairs hold water well and has the right balance of being soft to the face, but stiff enough to swirl up a lather. It still looks just a great as they day I got it.

The kicker on this brush is that it was made in England and I suspect some reputable people assembling this for the Col. Conk label. There are likely a few groups making the brushes for the Col. Conk line and it could change based on a number of conditions.

I think I lucked out with mine - Kudos to whomever made this one.

If you don't feel satisfied with yours, then return it. Shavemac seems to be a lot of bang for the buck and I hear a lot of positive comments from SRP members who have them.

Good Luck,

Pabster

Lots of good advice here already, so welcome to SRP

You've found a great group of people!