Looking For a New Brush

It might be time to upgrade from my trusty old Ever-Ready C40 I've used for nearly 30 years.

Looking at all the choices is almost mind boggling. I don't want to break the bank. Many of the brush prices are IMHO absolutely outrageous. Over $100 to almost $400 for a brush... yikes!! I'm just looking for something simple. I'm going on 60 and all I want is a decent brush.

Here's my shopping list I've figured out so far:
- Best Badger
- 24mm or 25mm knot (a good full brush)
- Longish handle so I can reach to the bottom of the mug
- Not floppy (I use hard soaps)
- I have large hands so I need something I can hang onto
- Wood handles are nice but I've heard you don't want to soak them

I know that's probably a lot of criteria for wanting to stay on the inexpensive side. I'm drawn to the Conk 344 but I'm concerned with the wood handle and overall quality.

I'm kind of stumped. I'd appreciate any help from out there. Thanks in advance.

Pelkey

You could try "upgrading" your ever-ready with a new knot. golden nib sells them.

I know just the brush: http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...different.html You won't find a better one!

I know it is closer to the $100 mark but... If you want a long handle, a full brush, use hard soaps, and want something to last... You can't beat a Rooney 3/2. I personally have a 1/1 and I love it, but I have heard nothing but good about the 3....

Quote:

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Originally Posted by icedog

I know just the brush: http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...different.html You won't find a better one!

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That is a really cool brush handle! What'd you dip the knot in epoxy? Really cool idea!

+1 to replacing the bristles with a knot from Golden Nib. My current brush has a Golden Nib knot and I really like it. On that note, you can even repurpose something fun from around the house that would work as a handle but drilling a hole and gluing in a knot yourself. Chess pieces and old cane handles come to mind now, but use your imagination and you might find just what you're looking for.

I had no idea that brush was for sale, or I would have bought it a long time ago.. :p

FWIW, of all the brushes I own, my favorite by far is my Kent. They have a selection on their site (below) that range from synthetic to silver-tip badger. If you like to soak your brush but still want a classy look, you might seek a horn-handle brush.

http://www.kentbrushes.com/shopdispl...having+brushes

These are all great ideas. I've never thought about the new knot idea. There's a lot of food for thought.

I knew you guys could do it.

Thanks :bow

Pelkey

Seems I got the best of all my wishes on their way. I've been in contact with Rudy Vey. He's making a brush for me to my specifications. After doing some more looking I settled on a Rooney Style 3 Size 3 as the model. Faux ivory turned 70mm handle, 26mm finest badge knot, overall 125mm. All for 1/5 of the price on Vintage Blades. He's going to ship it on Monday. I'll let you know how it is. It's going to be quite a step up from my C40.

Thanks again for all the great suggestions.

Pelkey

Col. Conk brushes are made by Vulfix. Check out their brushes as they are a good bang for the buck and priced within your expectations. (less than $100)

The Vulfix I have is identicle to the one being discussed in this posting. Its handle is a bone cermamic and although I have submerged/soaked this brush every shave, the knot has never come lose. I have been very impressed with its overall performance and it holds up very well.

Whether it will last 30 years, only time will tell.

Pabster

If you can find one used I recommend my favorite brush...the Rooney Alibaba.
Really great for soaps and also creams. Love, love, love it.

Try penworks, I have a couple of their brushes and love them. Prices are pretty good also.

Shaving Brushes : Fountain Pen - Antique Pen - Vintage Pen - Fountain Pen Ink - Penworks AZ

I just received my new brush from Rudy Vey. It's an exact copy of a Rooney style 3 size 3 finest badger. Same "everything" including the knot. The Rooney lists for $390 on Vintage Blades. I got mine for $69. Love it!

Pelkey