Thread: Please recomend brush for Newbie

I have 6 brushes - 2 silvertips of different heights, super badger, 2-band badger, Semogue OC boar, high mountain badger. Of the six, my favorites are the Semogue boar and the high mountain badger (though I really like them all). The Semogue had plenty of backbone and massages my face while having really soft tips; the high mountain is very similar - nice backbone with gel soft tips. I found that I appreciate backbone, I like the mild exfoliating effect. This takes nothing away from the others, it's the conclusion I came to after trying a wide variety.

Originally Posted by mafuzul1

In the brush section of the intro, it explains that silvertips holds and builds the best lather. For the guys that do not use silvertip, can you explain why you chose your brush?

thanks Guys.

I don't exactly "not" use a silver tip brush as I own a few and also a few boar brushes. I use these from time to time but my go to brush is anyone of 4 synthetics I have. Of the 4 I have had 3 reset to lower than factory supplied lofts. I have found that for face lathering these re lofted synthetics lather as well as any of the silver tip brushes I have. They feel good on the face, similar to a Simpsons Manchurian and an SOC 2 band, with soft tips and good backbone. They hold enough lather for a 4 pass shave and dry a lot faster too. As usual YMMV applies.

Bob

Since you are on a budget probably one of the small brand or the Omega's or semogue brushes would be what you want. However when you are talking budget it reminds me of the plaque my watch guy has in his shop-something to the effect of-when the excitement about the great buy fades and the realization of the poor quality sets in.

nice! ... wise one

Originally Posted by mafuzul1

In the brush section of the intro, it explains that silvertips holds and builds the best lather. For the guys that do not use silvertip, can you explain why you chose your brush?

thanks Guys.

It's all YMMV my friend...

Badgers are traditionally labelled the "best" and yet the much cheaper, broken-in boar bristle brushes give just as good a result with super soft tips.

The modern synthetics are well designed and made; they share most, if not all, characteristics of the natural bristles. They don't 'store' the water/heat as much, but they require less soap to produce as much lather. They are economical and efficient.

Horsehair brushes are often overlooked by purists but are often cited as having the good characteristics between boar and badger. Many fall in love with a good horsey brush.

It all depends on YOU. Any good brush will create a lovely, serviceable lather from a decent shaving soap.

It all depends on what YOU like in a brush:
Soft tips or scritchy?
Backbone or floppy?
Water retention or quick drying?

And it all depends on how YOU lather:
Bowl? Face? Palm?
Swirl? Pump? Paint? Combo?

And THAT is why shaving should be approached like an ART form rather than a SCIENCE project. It's very much down to your own personal experience.

[/SOLILOQUY]

If there was a universal "best" in shaving we'd all be using the exact same brush, same razor, same soap, same strop and same set of hones. Fortunately we are all different and you just have to make an educated guess as to what might be good for you. It might take several tries to get what you want. Good luck.

Bob

Originally Posted by BobH

If there was a universal "best" in shaving we'd all be using the exact same brush, same razor, same soap, same strop and same set of hones. Fortunately we are all different and you just have to make an educated guess as to what might be good for you. It might take several tries to get what you want. Good luck.

Bob

^^^ Good advice.

Borrow or swap brushes with someone. Work out your style of brush (eg floppy, bowl lathering) and read heap of reviews. Then just jump in and get something. You can always sell it again later.

Happy searching!

I'd recommend Semogue 1305 for your first brush! I own one and its perfect for face, bowl, and anything you throw at her!

Many many times the Simpson Colonel X2L is heralded as the best all-around brush you can buy. I tend to agree. The Semogue 1305 is also a wonderful brush. Only issue is some guys have a problem with the painted handle. Not to worry. The exact same knot can be had in the Semogue 610 which has a no-maintenance attractive acrylic handle. Me?? I have both.........

As you can see, brushes equal money! A boar brush from Walgreens beats a substandard sloppy 'silvertip' anyday, IMO
I used a VHD for a few years as starting, no issues as broken-in. JMO. Boar brushes should not be discounted for beginners (and me)!
Omega makes some doozies! Reasonable!