Thread: Best brush dimensions for begginers

A 24mm knot set at a loft of 50mm well serve you well for any lathering technique.

Originally Posted by Obie

Alex,
Many brushes come with the handle in the 50-55mm range, mostly about 50-53mm. I prefer a handle in the 60-70mm range. Not many, however, are available in that range. One of the sweetest brushes I have with a long handle is the Simpson Polo 8 in super badger. I love that brush. It's costly but worth it, I think.

For you, 50-55mm range should work. I still think the Simpson Commodore 3 in best badger I suggested earlier is a good way to go. Also, you might try the Vie-Long silvertip known as Lord Randal; it's a sweet brush, in silvertip.
Vie-Long Lord Randal in Silvertip

Thanks. I see that you are not a fan of the more bulky brushes(like the Chubby).

Originally Posted by Alex7

Thanks. I see that you are not a fan of the more bulky brushes(like the Chubby).

You are very welcome, Alex.

Because of a hyper sensitive skin, I use only silvertip brushes with silky soft tips.

I've had the Simpson Chubby and sold it. The brush is great, but the handle is too short and the backbone a little too much.

For me, a silvertip with a medium dense brush and medium backbone works well.

Originally Posted by Alex7

Why does everyone recommend the 23 + knots and not the 22 knot? Also I see recommendations for a 50 mm+ loft.

22mm base knot is fine for a beginner
I remember me.

You would never be able tell any diff between a 22/23/24,the key to any of those knots is proper loft.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

You would never be able tell any diff between a 22/23/24,the key to any of those knots is proper loft.

What is a proper loft? Above 50 mm?

50/52 will be fine.

Hand size should have a significant role in deciding what size handle to use. I have rather large hands; the dimutive handles found on brushes like the Semogue 610 and B&B Essential are OK but are far from my favorite. The Vulfix 2235/2236, Semogue 1305, SOC, and 1800, and for sure the Omega Pro 49 are great manly-sized grips which are fine for my application. I'm ordering a new bespoke brush which will retain the Classic L7 shape but measure in about 5mm larger than the original. Knot will be a 25mm Muhle STF set to about 50mm. Thinking this might just be the Swiss Army knife of all my brushes. That title is currently held by my Simpson Colonel X2L, a great all-purpose brush in its own right.