I was looking at the vulfix brushes at classic shaving and it seems that each series is available in a large, medium or small size. Is it worth it to pay the extra $10 or whatnot to get a bigger brush?
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I was looking at the vulfix brushes at classic shaving and it seems that each series is available in a large, medium or small size. Is it worth it to pay the extra $10 or whatnot to get a bigger brush?
Definitely maybe.
Brush size is sort of a personal thing. Most agree that a big brush is a bit more luxurious to use than a smaller brush. They tend to hold heat better and make it pretty easy to whip up a big batch of lather. So...yeah a big brush is worth the extra money.
Unless it's too big. Then a smaller brush is better.:)
Seriously, it's worth it to try a couple of sizes of brushes to see what does it for you. Me? I like a larger brush, so I would say it's worth it.
In my opinion, any time someone says, "Is it worth it to buy a ..." regarding anything to do with a hobby, whether it's engine parts, cooking utensils or shaving supplies, the answer is usually "YES!!!"
We rarely need an excuse to spend money on the things we enjoy.
- Mark (S-4-C)
For me, the larger brushes (larger than 24mm) work better with creams. Whereas, 24mm and less are better for soaps. That's been my observations so far. But it really is a personal thing.
I have 5 quality brushes in a variety of sizes. Started big...big is better right? Anyway, I've come to the conclusion that medium and tall works best for me. I can get to the bottom of my scuttle or mug without getting much soap on my fingers, yet the additional handle / bristle length doesnt impede use on a puck or shallow soap container, or even face lathering. I have a Kent that is floppy and I like it, but my favorite is stiffer. My favorite is my Rooney Heritage...the taller one. By the way my largest is a Vulfix like the one you are looking into purchasing. Good brush but clangs around in the mug. Just too big for my preference.
Good luck.
All excellent points, thanks a lot guys. I think I'm going to go with the big one for no other reason than because it is big.
be aware that depending on the brand a bigger brush will be softer and that is one reason a lot of guys prefer them to use with creams rather than a puck of hard soap. If you like a bit of stiffness in a brush the taller lofts and larger diameter knots may not be what you want.Quote:
Originally Posted by jroffler
To me a nice compromise is something like a medium sized Rooney with a 23mm knot and maybe a 50 to 55mm loft. I've never had a Vulfix. From what I've read I've often seen them described as being on the softer side.
I'd actually prefer something on the softer side. That's pretty interesting though.Quote:
Originally Posted by JimmyHAD
Just like potato chips, one brush is not enough. There is no perfect brush. Each one has it's own attributes. The 28mm is pure luxury.
bj
A quality brush is just that and it will serve for any soap or cream you use. I have tried 30mm brushes and I don't like em. They are too big and messy and floppy. I prefer medium sizes but that's just me.
This is purely personal preference.
So I'll share mine.
I prefer a small brush.
I often build the lather on my face, and a smaller brush gives me more space to swirl around. For the same reason, I find a smaller brush more suitable to massage the lather into the whiskers. I do not want my entire cheek covered with just one dab. (as said, this is purely personal preference).
Best regards,
Bart.
+1
I use a 20mm or a 24mm but really find the 20mm ample. Saves on soap too :p
Me too.
My daily brush is only 18mm, and I've never found it inadequate for even a moment.
The other plus, is if you have a traditional scuttle, you can't dip a 30mm brush into it.
Luxury to me is the feel of the brush on my face. A big brush does not allow much room to swirl it about on your face without plastering your nose and ears....where a 20mm let's you brush, and swirl and stroke that soft badger all over your face, without much collateral damage...:)
I recently went from a Tweezerman up to a SRD #4 brush, and I really do appreciate the difference and have become a large brush convert. Even as a face latherer, the large brush is great at getting a lather up.
Once SBAD kicks in it really doesn't matter anymore. I started with a 24mm knot / 60mm loft sized brush. Worked my way down to an 18mm knot. Slowly progressed my way back up to a comfortable 23mm knot with a 55m loft. For years that's what I used and loved. Felt it was the perfect combination for my likings.
Then not so long ago I tried once again a bigger 24/60 brush and loved it. Got an even bigger 27/58 brush. Now I look at my smaller sized brushes and think they look like toys. I got another 29/60 big brush on order.
For me, yes a quality bigger sized brush should be part of your brush collection.
Brush size is a matter of personal preference. I personally like bigger brushes (24 - 29mm knots) because they generate lather very quickly, and I have big mug so the brush must have go coverage for me.
Also I like a little lather in my nose and ears:)
There is a myth that small brushes are better with soaps, but that is exactly what it is a myth. Falsehoods and lies from the small brush lovers to undermine those of us who choose a different path. :matrix:
Most people would consider consider 23mm knot medium but you must not forget the loft of the brush which plays an equally important role in how big the brush feels. Larger loft means brush feels bigger be it a little less dense.
So when considering a brush take into account both loft and knot size.
I use my 28/58 on soaps all the time with no ill effect--it's almost big enough to fit in my Schwarzweisskeramik!:D
I face lather, so I prefer brushes in the 21-23mm range
What Bill and Jim said.
Personally, I prefer a smaller brush, partly because I like a certain degree of accuracy in applying lather. I really do appreciate the soft, luscious feel of a larger one, but every time I use such a brush I feel guilty of extravagant exuberance waisting good soap that'll end rinsed out of a brush instead of off my face.
And then there is the aspect of circumstance: a small stiff boar might be nice on hot days, whereas the qualities of a large soft silver tip may be fully savoured on a cold winter's day.
This is a personnal matter. I have had big brush's but i will not go bigger than 26mm now. If curiosity has the better of you you could buy boar brush's of the sizes you are curious about relatively cheaply and give them a whirl.