Thread: Best brush dimensions for begginers

What are the best brush dimensions for beginners? What height should the loft and handle be? Also what are the best dimensions for the knot?

I am sure obie will be more help than me, but i have found something around 24mm knot size good. I would say a lot of the decision will be more about budget.
I have generally used whatever bristle brush I could pick up at the local chemist. Though obie put me on to the semogue brushes and for the cost they are nice. They are boar bristle which is stiffer than badger but 8 prefer them to the more expensive badger I have.

Alex,

In badger brushes, a 24-26mm knot and 50-55mm loft will be ideal. If you face lather, a 53mm loft would be ideal. A medium backbone is always a good idea. For the hair grade, I would stick with "best" or "silvertip." I abhor the "pure" badger grade and never recommend it. For brands, try Thater, Simpson, Edwin Jagger, Kent and Vulfix, although Vulfix will generally give you minimal backbone. I think one of my preferred choices for starting is the Simpson Commodore 3. It is an excellent brush and will serve you well.

Simpson Commodore X3 Best Badger Shaving Brush X3B

When it comes to pretty much all in shaving for rookies middle of the road is the way to go. Obie pretty much nailed it so....

Whatever you get I would go with something with a longer handle. Something like the chubby is a great brush but it can be messy with the short handle and can get slippery on you.

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

Originally Posted by Obie

Alex,

In badger brushes, a 24-26mm knot and 50-55mm loft will be ideal. If you face lather, a 53mm loft would be ideal. A medium backbone is always a good idea. For the hair grade, I would stick with "best" or "silvertip." I abhor the "pure" badger grade and never recommend it. For brands, try Thater, Simpson, Edwin Jagger, Kent and Vulfix, although Vulfix will generally give you minimal backbone. I think one of my preferred choices for starting is the Simpson Commodore 3. It is an excellent brush and will serve you well.

Simpson Commodore X3 Best Badger Shaving Brush X3B

Would the Simpson Harvard also be a good choice Simpson Harvard H4 Best Badger Shaving Brush

Originally Posted by Alex7

Would the Simpson Harvard also be a good choice Simpson Harvard H4 Best Badger Shaving Brush

Yes, Alex, the Simpson Harvard is a good brush, too, although I think it is way overpriced.

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.

You can go with a 22mm knot, too. I don't see a problem with that.
If you face lather, the 50-55mm loft will give you plenty of backbone. Any higher loft, in many cases, and you run the risk of having a floppy brush. I don't particularly care for knots smaller than 50mm — it's my personal preference. Other gentlemen might like smaller knots. What you like, in the end, is what matters.

Originally Posted by Obie

You can go with a 22mm knot, too. I don't see a problem with that.
If you face lather, the 50-55mm loft will give you plenty of backbone. Any higher loft, in many cases, and you run the risk of having a floppy brush. I don't particularly care for knots smaller than 50mm — it's my personal preference. Other gentlemen might like smaller knots. What you like, in the end, is what matters.

What about the handle? What dimensions are ideal?

Originally Posted by Alex7

What about the handle? What dimensions are ideal?

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