Thread: Does size matter?

How small can a brush be and still do a great job of making lather so you don't have to keep loading it up during a shave. By the same token how large can a brush be before it just creates one big mess and becomes unpleasant to use.

I'm talking diameter here but do the other dimensions including handle size change these parameters?

Modine has a 18mm by Pixelfixed(IIRC) that is used frequently.

I am not sure I would like a brush that small. OTOH, some of those 30mm+ brushes seem unwieldy. JMO

I have a 31+ that makes a great lather,,,,, a long handle is nice also,,,,,I often match the brush with the scuttle or bowl I use that night,,,, I even match brushes with the type of cream or soap.

Your making me think "ouch" . I have 5 brushes at the ready. All DD , M1 thru M5. The smaller ones are easier to be neat with and I didn't notice any big difference in having to add more soap or anything like that. 1 note though , the smaller they get the scritchier they get. Naturally pick up more soap that way.

If I have to, I'll measure them :<0)

Originally Posted by Hirlau

I have a 31+ that makes a great lather,,,,, a long handle is nice also,,,,,I often match the brush with the scuttle or bowl I use that night,,,, I even match brushes with the type of cream or soap.

John I think you also have a 38,Thats big

1 I like a huge brush, but when i travel i use a tiny cheap burma boar brush that i re knotted its like 18mm and i have no problem i do have to re load but when i travel i use shave stick also. i am also a head and face shaver. reloading takes 2-3seconds its not a hug deal so i reloa after the first pass and i usually have just enough in the brush for my entire head a thin coat for the third pass. on the face i reload barely and can achieve a 3 pass shave no problem on my face. just buy the small brush you want and you will learn how to use it.

My favorite brush is my Plisson (19mm knot diameter), for me, simply the best performing brush I've tried - perfect.

I would guess knot material and knot shape enters into it too. Quite a few variables really. So yes size matters but only relative to other parameters. I mean I have a Muhle Retro silver tip 25mm knot with a 56mm loft and , to me, huge bloom that is getting on to being too big. Oth my Simpsons Chubby 2 synthetic 27mm knot with a 50mm loft is quite manageable.

Bob

Should have added that either will hold enough soap for a 4 pass shave. Then again my smaller 22-23mm knotted brushes will do the same if I load them right in the first place.

20-22 mm knot dia seems to be the ticket for my face size. Any bigger, I just make a mess of things.

Cheers.

Originally Posted by pixelfixed

John I think you also have a 38,Thats big

Yes,,, I have a 38 mm, but it is a display piece only, too beautiful to lather with.
My 31 + is used often though,,,,