Thread: First Badger?

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Well X if I were you I would not get the pure. I also would not get the Boar either. For someone starting out it might do but for a more advanced shaver I would save my dimes and get the best I could afford but certainly not less than a best. Matt has some really good bargins in his brushes. I have three of his in silvertip and they are top notch brushes. To me the pure is just too scratchy and doesn't hold that much water. remember the hair on a pure is..well.. the leftover stuff no one else wants.

Well cheers for that. When I'm ready to replace my EJ I'll get a Best.

Am I right in assuming that stiffer bristles are better for soaps than softer?

X

One rule of thumb that will normally apply. The blacker the bristles, the more "scratch" the brush will be. I've got a couple that are a bit uncomfortable. However, my Simpson Duke 2 is a pure brush, and it is quite comfortable. Maybe because of the difference in badger rating. There is no set uniform code on this, so the Simpson Pure is very much like my C&E Best. Here's a link to a pic of both the Duke 2 and my Simpson PJ2 Best:



Remember, the rule of thumb I started with? It's not absolute because of two reasons. First, the lack of uniform standards, and also because many brushes contain bleached badger hair. Brushes that have been bleached will be stiffer.

X, stiffer bristles tend to work very well with hard soaps, but any brush can get the job done. I'm using a brush right now that is so "soft" that I have to dip the shaving cream from the container. I tried using the "poke and twist" method, and could not get enough cream on the bristles to build lather. Okay, no comments about the "poke and twist" line.

RT

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

... The blacked the bristles, the more "scratch" the brush will be. ...
... X, stiffer bristles tend to work very well with hard soaps, but any brush can get the job done. ...

That's what I figured. I guess I was just surprised to find out that there was such a difference between the Pure and the Best. I sure notice the difference between my Best and my Super Silvertip. I don't think I'd be comfortable with something too much rougher then my EJ Best, but I want to rough up that soap as well so I must be in the right ballpark.

Thanks for the tips and opinions guys. I guess my Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush from Crabtree & Evelyn is still a great brush and (to get us back on topic) it was my first. Works great with both creams and soaps too.

X

Originally Posted by Steelforge

Here's a recommendation for you.

Robert showed me a new brush they have in, made for the Gentlemans Shop by Rooney with Silvertip badger - and only costs £30!!

http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/acata...rush.html#a420

After a close inspection and comparing it alongside all the other brushes Robert sells from Kent, Rooney, EJ, Simpson etc I decided to buy one. I have to say it's outstanding,

Thanks for the tip! Time for a badger!!!

Thanks all

Simon

As Steelforge said "Gentlemans Shop by Rooney with Silvertip badger - and only costs £30!!"

I concur.

A good silvertip brush will take you a long way..

Originally Posted by xman

That's what I figured. I guess I was just surprised to find out that there was such a difference between the Pure and the Best. I sure notice the difference between my Best and my Super Silvertip. I don't think I'd be comfortable with something too much rougher then my EJ Best, but I want to rough up that soap as well so I must be in the right ballpark.

Thanks for the tips and opinions guys. I guess my Edwin Jagger Best Badger Brush from Crabtree & Evelyn is still a great brush and (to get us back on topic) it was my first. Works great with both creams and soaps too.

X

X, I think you'll do fine with a Best from Matt. I bought one from him last year and its great with soaps. I use soaps 4/5 of the time and I usually reach for one of my Best grades instead of the silvertips. Go for it! Just my $.02

I'm considering a Simpson Chubby 2 in best, but I've been hearing horror stories on their recent quality control problems. I'm thinking of asking someone to make me a knockoff. Is Matt back at the lathe yet? Thanks.

Jordan

The 'Steelforge' endorsed brush is on the way....I'll let you know how it is!

I have ahd nothing but good experiences with 'The Gentlemans Shop' I have the pure badger from them and was extremely pleased with it. I don't think the silvertip was available when i bought mine, or i would have shelled out the extra 5 pounds for it.
Let us know how you find it.
Nick

Originally Posted by nickyspaghetti

I have ahd nothing but good experiences with 'The Gentlemans Shop' I have the pure badger from them and was extremely pleased with it. I don't think the silvertip was available when i bought mine, or i would have shelled out the extra 5 pounds for it.
Let us know how you find it.
Nick

It's a beauty...really dense but soft and so well crafted it's untrue. Definitely worth the money!

Thanks for the tip Steelforge!

Si.

Using the brush after a Wilkinson Sword Boar is very very different, it is really just so dense and does take longer to get a lather going but once its there! Wow! What a difference...

Just can't wait for that stench to go!