Thread: Question about brushes.

I have been using a boar hair brush since I started shaving. When I purchased my first straight on Monday I picked up a travel size kit that included a small badger brush. I like the feel so much better that I am now wanting to get a full size, but have a few questions.
I read a article that explained that a silvertip is not necessary for beginners because it can be easily damaged by a rookie. Since I am not really interested in a silvertip at this time what grade would you recommend? Keep in mind I have been using a brush since I was 15 but only boars hair.
Next question would be what size knot do you recommend for an every day brush?

Thank you in advance for your help. Also you can check out my post on the introductions page for a little background on me.

Edit: by grade I mean pure or fine. Also if you would absolutely recommend a silvertip let me know why.

Go with the best you can afford. If that means a silvertip, go for it.

How exactly did this article suggest a beginner would ruin a slivertip? Sounds like a bit of fear-mongering to me. There aint anything different about a silvertip that would make it any more susceptible to damage than any other kind of badger brush IMO.

There's really no substitute for getting out there and physically examining the brushes to see what meets your needs. I really have no idea what you like, so am very hesitant to recommend a knot size or loft - the fact that so many variations exist is an indication that different people have many preferences with this stuff - you need to work out the one or ones that suit you.

If you are considering buying off the net, then unfortunately the price you pay is that you are unable to examine them physically, and you might have to take a chance. On the other hand, a good vendor may have a returns policy though it may be like underpants - quite hard to return used underpants (don't ask me how I know...)

Good luck,

James.

Hi Jared,
The brush guys will be able to give you specific answers on badger grades, as for me, I have yet to find a badger brush I did not like. I have close to a dozen badgers & I really could not tell you the difference in the hair/cut of the badger. I'm a sucker for a beautiful handle & usually buy based on the handle. I like to save antique store badgers from the shelf too. Maybe someday I'll be educated enough to tell the difference in the hair types. Until then , I'm just having fun collecting badgers.

It said a rookie is more likely to break off the finer hairs in a silvertip. I didn't quite get it either that is why I chose to ask. I am planning on going to a store next week to try some out. Thanks for the help.

The article is hogwash

I'm with Jimbo and Hirlau on this one - if silvertip strikes your fancy, then go with silvertip. If it doesn't, then go with something else. Let's face it, if you want a silvertip and buy something else you will a) resent not getting one to begin with, which will lead to b) buying a silvertip anyway.

IMHO the change from boar to any kind of badger will be far greater than the change from one grade of badger to another. At least that has been the case in my experience.

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I'm just having fun collecting badgers.

Brings to mind the immortal words of Walter Sobchak:

"Also, let's not forget - let's *not* forget, Dude - that keeping wildlife, an amphibious rodent, for uh, domestic, you know, within the city - that aint legal either."

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

The article is hogwash

Thank you!

Jared as long as you rinse the brush and let it dry in a brush holder, a badger brush will last you a very long time & I'm talking many years.

Silvertips are very nice, but I like best badgers, they lather up easier for me. Dont let me influence your decision. Re knot size I like em a little big. I have 2 parkers that are 26mm knots. They can hold lather for 4 passes if you want. Im down to 2 passes though so that doesnt matter.

Thanks everyone. Looks like I'll have to see what suits me in the store.

I use a Simpson #4 everyday for the last month. I have heard this is bad. So I bough a boars hair brush. I don't like it one bit....but it does well with soap pucks. I am looking on SRD and whipped dog has great prices and a couple guys here have said they make good silver tips and a lot cheaper.....but you get what you pay for is what I have learned. Good luck!