Thread: Small or big brush

I have a Crabtree and Evelyn brush (130291). I find it very comfortable to use. It moves well around my face and holds a good amount of lather. My face is not particularly large and I also have a goatee. I noticed that most brushes are larger than mine. I know this is personal preference and that is why I am asking: do you prefer a small or a large brush? and why? I would be best if you could use knot size or other measurement in your response as large and small do not provide an objective measurement (I do not know how big mine is ;-)).

Al raz.

I've just ordered what looks like an identical Edwin Jagger brush from The English Shaving Company brings you an extensive range of handmade Edwin Jagger razors, shaving brushes, shaving accessories, shaving creams and aftershaves where it says it has a 21mm knot.

I already have an onyx-handled super badger brush which I love "Shogun" Luxury Onyx Super Badger Shaving Brush :: Shaving Brushes :: Shaving Shack It measures 24mm as it comes out of the handle, I don't know if that is defined as the true knot size though.

My super badger is lovely and soft, and using it to apply warm lather is very luxurious, but I do wonder how badly I'm missing out on the scrubby effect from a stiffer brush, which is why I have ordered the C&E/EJ best badger brush to try.

The main advantage of a larger knot is more hairs=more water and more lather is held in the brush. It also makes the brush firmer, but you have to factor in hair length, packing density and hair type in to that equation.

Best badger is relatively stiff, so you can get away with having a smaller knot size.
My super badger is quite floppy despite the large knot size. But wow it feels nice.

I have a 20mm silvertip & a 24mm Silvertip, both home made.
Like em both but the 20 is easier on the soap while the 24 makes enough lather for a full body shave

Hmmm maybe a 22mm would be just right

I use a "Semogue" 22mm Silvertip Badger, purchased from our own Leon at Vintage Scent | Rare and Antique Products for Men

I like my brush not too big. I build the lather on my face. A smaller brush allows me to move around better on the face. I don't want to be lathered up with one dab. Lathering is too nice to be done with one dab.

Bart.

Mine are Stephen's Woodworking Brushes purchased from SRD. One is 24mm and the other is 28mm, both Silvertip Badger. Absolutely love them.

I have the same two sizes of Stephen's WW brushes. (24 and 28mm silvertip)

They are great, I do find that I need to make slightly wetter lather to get the bigger brush to give up more of it when I am lathering. I love em both though.

-Rob

I have a 26mm Vulfix Super Badger (377) with a 55mm loft, which I've used for years. And after siccboater's review of the Stephen's woodworking brushes (thanks for that!), I got one of the 28mm brushes from SRD. I think they just about cover the range that I like to work with. I use an apothecary mug. So, maybe I'd lean towards something smaller if using a smaller bowl.

I still can't get over the value for money of the Stephens Woodworking brushes.

I love small brushes!

21mm, 20mm, 20mm are the knot sizes on my three brushes.

For me, the luxury of using the brush is to feel it against your face. A small brush allows you to swirl that soft badger hair up and down, all over without painting your ears and nose, etc. A 20mm brush holds plenty of lather-plenty!

A BIG brush may seem luxurious in the simple volume of badger hair against your skin, but a 28mm pretty much takes up an entire cheek by just putting it against your face.

I felt a big difference simply between a 23mm brush I recieved in error, and the 21mm that came to replace it (Shavemac). I much prefer the 21mm!

You have to decide what you want in your lathering: a big embrace of badger hair all at once (i.e.-28-30mm brush), or to feel that badger hair runn all up and down your skin as you build and swirl lather as you go (20mm brushes).

Or just stay with the middle of the road: 24mm....which is most likely what you have.

I went the big route and didn't like it. Too messy, too much lather. I tried small and found I just had to relather the brush during the shave. medium is best for me.

I would go smaller. I got a big (28mm) Silvertip badger and its beautiful, soft and and big pain in the butt. I love it, but to be practical a smaller brush is much more useful. Personally, I think boar bristle is not so bad. It really makes a stiff lather and exfoliates MUCH better! Cheap too!