Thread: Brush Suggestions

Hello all,

I am considering getting a second brush to use alternatively to my Thater 4125/0. I was wondering if anyone would give me some suggestions. I like what many others commonly like as well:

Dense - but not so dense as to be a total lather hog
Good Backbone
Soft Tips
Good with Soaps and Creams
Well Made (from a company with a good track record)
Ergonomic Handle
Small to Medium Sized (22mm -24mm)
A Handle that allows for both neck hanging and hanging by the end of the handle.

I might flirt with getting another Rooney even though I had issues with the one I had. Are Rooney's Finest truly finest?

I have also been looking at getting a Simpsons Chubby 1. That brush looks good, but the handle looks odd. It seems like it is designed for being held close to the know above the line.

Are there any "classic" brushes that everyone should own and try?

I am looking forward to all the suggestions. Thanks in advance!

Hello, Altshaver:

Please take a look at the Semogue silver tip.

I have that brush and it seems to meet your criteria, all except for hanging it from the handle rather than the point where handle and hair meet.

As for the Thater, which you have, I can't say enough good things about it. I have the 22 mm. and the 24 mm. and love both.

Regards,
Obie

Altshaver,

You might want to look at some of the other Simpsons brushes besides the Chubby 1 or a Vulfix, which now owns Simpsons. I own a Simpsons T2 Tulip and I am quite pleased with, but there are other Simpsons styles that may suit your fancy.

Hello:

I have many brushes but one of my favorites is this great little brush. For hard soaps it is just great. This bush is one of the cheapest ones I have, but I use it most days. Good back bone, holds lots of lather for 3 passes and comes with its own stand. Like most boar brushes it does improve after a week or two. For 20 bucks what do you have to lose.
1052 Omega Boar [OMEGA81052BOAR] - $19.95 : Fountain Pen - Antique Pen - Vintage Pen - Fountain Pen Ink - Penworks AZ

Crom

Probably the Simpson Chubby is as close as your going to get to a really classic brush. I have the #3 in super and it's a great brush.

My understanding is Rooney isn't making the finest right now.

If your a rich guy you could try a Plisson HMW.

I can't say that I am rich, but I am willing to pay for quality that will last. The Plisson brushes don't really thrill me too much, and that is before the price .

I think Classic Shaving has some Rooney's finest still in stock; however, those are pretty pricey.

Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

I think I am leaning towards a Simpson brush. The Chubby 1 in two-band looks really good and up my ally. Would anyone recommend the Chubby 2 in two-band over the Chubby 1? Would anyone recommend another type of badger hair for this brush? Does anyone have handle diameter measurements for the Chubby 1 and Chubby 2 around the neck and towards the bottom of the handle were it curves. I am trying to figure out if it will fit the stand I have in mind. I am also looking at a Simpson Eshan and a Simpson Polo.

You can call or email the vendor you are thinking of purchasing the brush from. They should be able to provide you with that information.

An alternative would be to look at the brush stands they recommend for different brushes they carry. I know that Vintage blades provides that type of information for their brush stands. Other vendors who advertise here at SRP may also provide that type of information. Bestgrooming tools also has a wire brush holder that I purchased to hang my Simpsons Polo Eight from.

I have a brushed stainless str8/DE razor/brush stand and all of my brushes fit. That is, I don't attempt to hang them by the ends of their handles, but carefully insert them in the brush holder to dry at the junction of the brush and the handle.

Do you face leather or bowl lather?
Do you intend to use this 2nd brush mostly for cream or soap?

I have an older Chubby 1 2-band, and it is great for facelathering soap, which is mostly what I do. Haven't tried the Simfix version, but I have only heard good things.

The Chubby 2 is bigger than your specified size criteria. I use it mostly for cream. It is a little too big not to make a mess with soaps in wooden bowls. It will also require much more product.

The Tulip 2 is a great brush, especially, IMO, for soaps. VB currently has them on sale.

The Polo 8 is also bigger than what you specified. The Simfix models have bigger knots/ longer lofts than the old Somersets.
What I am really liking is the Ehsan. It is like a Polo 6, if there was one. It fulfills all the criteria you stated, and for the price, is probably the best buy in brushes right now.

Thanks for the input RayG.

I intend to use the brush for both soaps and creams. I bowl lather at the moment, but I want to transition into face lathering. Normally, I prefer smaller brushes, but it seems like the Chubby 2 was preferred by more shavers from what research I have conducted. The Eshan looks like a great brush and it is wonderfully priced. The Tulip 2 is going for a great price at VB, but I have read that it is not as dense as other brushes, and it seemed a little smaller than what I was after. I'll definitely take another look at that brush though.

Thanks again for the information and suggestions.