Thread: Handmade Brushes from Italy

You could ask yourself why buy a custom class razor for hundreds of dollars when a vintage piece can shave just as good.

In the day boar was the common man's brush but not because it was better or even close but because it was dirt cheap. Badgers were for the well heeled gentleman.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

You could ask yourself why buy a custom class razor for hundreds of dollars when a vintage piece can shave just as good.

In the day boar was the common man's brush but not because it was better or even close but because it was dirt cheap. Badgers were for the well heeled gentleman.

I assume by well heeled you mean rich?

Many people have money, but having money doesn't automatically make you a gentleman. Many people think of themselves as high class if they sip tea and use straight razors but straights were used by the common factory worker. If anything, it makes them look snobby. I have 2 Thaters and 1 Simpson Chubby 2 in Super in my collection that I have acquired recently but other than the fact that they are eye candies I cannot but feel a bit disappointed in myself for letting me spend so much money on them. Obviously I can't return them after having used them. As long as it gets you from A to B who cares. Cheers

Didn't you just tell us that no brush is worth over 100$? Thaters and Simpsons cost more than that sometimes a lot more, at least the ones I have do, maybe you found a cheaper source you can tell us about. Tc

Originally Posted by Rachmaninov

I assume by well heeled you mean rich?

Many people have money, but having money doesn't automatically make you a gentleman. Many people think of themselves as high class if they sip tea and use straight razors but straights were used by the common factory worker. If anything, it makes them look snobby. I have 2 Thaters and 1 Simpson Chubby 2 in Super in my collection that I have acquired recently but other than the fact that they are eye candies I cannot but feel a bit disappointed in myself for letting me spend so much money on them. Obviously I can't return them after having used them. As long as it gets you from A to B who cares. Cheers

At one time straight razors were the only shaving tool used by everyone not just the common factory worker. The only choice you had was if you could afford a plain Jane SR or a fancier more expensive one. I am sure the same went for brushes and other shave related items. Always has been that way and still is with most consumer goods.

If you have the money to indulge yourself with more expensive consumer goods after meeting your other obligations why not? You can't by class only the trappings of it. You either have it or you don't whether you are rich or poor or anywhere in between. I think most people realize that we all put our pants on the same way regardless of economic standing.

I'd try not to worry too much about what others are spending their money on. It's theirs to do what they want with even if you don't agree with it. You don't have to so long as you are satisfied with your own situation.

Bob

Well guys, this man is an Artist. There is no "right" or "wrong" price for art. This is nothing like put a piece of wood on a lathe and turn (with all the respect for lathe brushmakers, i'm one of them). This man seems study every single piece of briar, do a one-time-only project just for fit that piece of wood, and work it to the shape just by hand tools.

Pretty impressive, if you ask me

Originally Posted by nortis

Well guys, this man is an Artist. There is no "right" or "wrong" price for art. This is nothing like put a piece of wood on a lathe and turn (with all the respect for lathe brushmakers, i'm one of them). This man seems study every single piece of briar, do a one-time-only project just for fit that piece of wood, and work it to the shape just by hand tools.

Pretty impressive, if you ask me

Yes, the difference between the 2 methods of making a brush is the difference between imposing the final shape on a piece of wood and shaping the wood to a form dictated by the piece of wood itself.

The second method produces unique shapes not likely to be repeated. They are objects d'art and their practical use as a shaving brush handle is secondary to that. As a result some may function well as a shave brush handle and others not so much. Viewed strictly as art it is down to beauty being in the eye of the beholder.

Bob

This one certainly has its form forced on the piece of wood.

I would be surprised if this one is ever repeated though.

https://www.fendrihan.com/products/m...ving-brush-177

I like the shape those handles have. For me the question has always been how are the knots. At those prices they better be of the quality of Thater, Shavemac, Simpsons.