Thread: Review of Dr Dittmar 2 Band Silvertip Shaving Brush

I recently bought a Dr. Dittmar 2 Band Silvertip Shaving Brush from Royal Shave and thought that I would take a minute to review it. Since the brush was originally marked $139.95 and was on sale for $64.95 I thought I would take a chance on it. According to the website the brush has a 24mm knot using 2-band, high quality silvertip badger bristles. I have now had it for a few months and have used it at least 20 times.

To start, this brush was one heck of a value at $65 bucks. Dr. Dittmer was generous with the bristles and it is a pretty dense knot. It really soaks up a lot of water and makes working up a nice lather, using a cream, easy. Also, I have only lost a couple of whiskers during the break in (and none in the last month). However, for those of you who like some backbone on a brush, or use soaps, it may not be for you. While the brush is extremely soft tipped and an absolute decadent feeling on the face, it is very floppy. This doesn’t matter to me as I only use Castle & Forbes, TOBS or Geo F. Trumper Creams in a scuttle. I do not know from experience, but I would imagine the lack of backbone, it might make working up lather harder if you use soaps or build lather on your face.

All said it is a great value and I would give it 4 out of 5 stars as far as functionality and 3 out of 5 on fit and finish; as it is kind of plain, like a Simpson, and the handle feels like a cheaper plastic. That being said, I still give this brush high marks and wouldn’t hesitate to recommend it to someone.

Thanks for that review.

Is that brush made by an individual or is it a name for a brush sold by Royal and made by a known outfit?

Good looking brush and thanks for the review. The thing I find odd is the brush is advertised as a 2 band yet it is floppy.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

Good looking brush and thanks for the review. The thing I find odd is the brush is advertised as a 2 band yet it is floppy.

Bob

Is floppy because the loft is at least 55mm or more

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

Is floppy because the loft is at least 55mm or more

Yea, it might be the loft, I have an SOC 2 band that is 24mm with a 53mm loft and I would not call it floppy nor does it look to have as big a bloom. I would almost bet higher than 55mm.

OP could you measure the loft and let us know what it is? Thanks.

Bob

It is a Dr. Dittmar brush. It was purchased at Royal Shave.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Thanks for that review.

Is that brush made by an individual or is it a name for a brush sold by Royal and made by a known outfit?

Gentlemen,

I saw that brush on sale and, knowing it would be floppy, chose not to buy it. For that price, though, it seems like a bargain, especially if you bowl lather. I like Royal Shave and have found quality products there, as well as some bargains.

Dr. Dittmar is perhaps something made for Royal Shave, I don't know. The only place I have seen the name is on their site. I am only familiar with Dr. Dittmar shave soap, which I found mediocre.

Thanks for the review. My brush buying days are pretty much over, unless pixelfixed comes up with something else I can't resist, but floppy is a deal breaker for me. I can handle soft with backbone, even though I tend to like scritchy. Floppy is a non starter.

Scritchy...or don't even waste my time.

I have a number of old two banders so I'm really spoiled. The Manchurians come the closest but I don't think I could ever see myself buying any regular silvertips again.