Thread: Scrubby soap brush suggestions- again

I know this question has been asked about 600 times (at least on other forums), but here it is again.

I'm thinking out loud here so bear with me...

I'm looking for an "every day" brush to use with my soaps. I want something on the dense side and a bit "scratchy" if you know what I mean. All of the silvertips I've tried have been a little soft for my taste.

I have a Vulfix #405 in Best (22mm knot, 52mm loft) that works very well with soaps, but as usual I want something more.

I'd like to try the Simpson Chubby 2 or maybe one of the Duke models, but I've seen so many stories of problems with their quality lately that I hesitate to spend the big bucks on such an iffy thing. In any case, I'm thinking of something with maybe a 23-24mm knot and a loft of no more than 55mm.

I've heard good things about the small Rooney brushes, but they seem very similar in size and look to my Vulfix. Anyone know what Rooney grade works best with soaps?

I've also seen Shavmac in the "lesser" grades recomended for soaps. Has anyone tried one these in pure or finest (="best")? They do seem to have a greater loft than I would like though - about 58mm.

Can any of you guys suggest another brush I might consider? Additional thoughts or insights would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Jordan

Rooney small, style 1, in finest

I use soaps exclusively, and I've been using mine every day since I got it last March and it's a really great brush, and an absolutely tremendous soap brush. Lynn is using one just like it on his DVD if you want to see one in action.

Originally Posted by mparker762

Rooney small, style 1, in finest

I use soaps exclusively, and I've been using mine every day since I got it last March and it's a really great brush, and an absolutely tremendous soap brush. Lynn is using one just like it on his DVD if you want to see one in action.

Wow, that's a quick reply. Thanks MP. I do like to feel a little scrubbing action.
The Finest isn't too soft? I tend to think of the "higher end" grades as being the softest - that's just a perception... Thanks.


Jordan

As a rule, finer = softer. But Finest/Manchurian/HMW hair is the exception to the rule. These have very stiff bristles, comparable to the lowest grade badger, but the tips are extremely soft, softer than the highest grade silvertip. I think this is why that particular grade is so desirable and expensive, because it's so unlike the other grades that it's almost like a completely different animal. Well, that and the luminously white tips and the long dark shafts.

Hi,
I received my second Shavemac brush and love it!
(I have a larger one that's great, but is very soft--with more limpness).
This new one is the smaller one (21mm knot) and is made of pure badger.
Because it is "pure badger" AND is a smaller knot, it has wonderful massaging capabilities and is never soft or limp when applying the lather. It also whips up a great, creamy lather. I don't find this particular brush any less superior in function (lather-wise) because it is made of "pure" badger.
I really like the firmness of the brush when working the lather onto my face. (This is more in line with your question.)
(You can also get a feel that is more firm by holding the brush at the base of the hair, rather than holding the handle only. Make sense?)
AND, this wonderful little sports car is only $25.50!
Ron A.

Thanks for the input guys.

I've been leaning toward a Rooney for some time, so I went ahead and pulled the trigger on the small 1 in Finest. Whoa boy! Can't wait to try it.

Later in the year I'll jump for a Shavmac or Saville Row.

Jordan

Originally Posted by jnich67

Later in the year I'll jump for a Shavmac or Saville Row.

You say that now... My Rooney stopped my SBAD dead in it's tracks

Try the Simpson Duke 2 in pure. I got mine from Lee. It is definitely scrubby!

RT

Or, you could really "slum it" and get a boar brush.

I don't think I could handle anything floppier than that, quite frankly.

- Scott

Hard to beat the Chubby 1 or 2 in super if you want more scratchy try the Plisson in Black Badger.