Thread: Brushes: Machine vs. Handmade

I posted this over at shavemyface, but have only gotten one response. Anyone here have any experienece/opinions?

I've done some searching on the forum, but I haven't found anything more than references to the different makes.

Obviously, I don't need to be told which is better, but I am interested in everyone's opinion on the machine made brushes over at Shavemac. Those are in my price range, and I could probably even go for the finest badger brushes that way as they are around $35.

I think I read that machine made brushes have the tips cut for shaping, whereas the hand made brushes are shaped by plucking. I understand the importance of the tips, so the question is:

Is a machine made brush worth buying or should I get a lower grade hand made brush?

Thanks

Jordan,

There are a lot of different opinions on this. I have 4 Shavemac brushes. I have a Vulfix brush. I prefer the Shavemac brushes. as far as I am concerned, I don't care if they are handmade or not, but how they feel when I use them. If you are going to spend $35 for a brush, I would check out Crabtree & Evelyn. One of my cheapest, yet most used brushes. Does handmade mean better quality? In today's world, I'm not so sure.

RT

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

Jordan,

There are a lot of different opinions on this. I have 4 Shavemac brushes. I have a Vulfix brush. I prefer the Shavemac brushes. as far as I am concerned, I don't care if they are handmade or not, but how they feel when I use them. If you are going to spend $35 for a brush, I would check out Crabtree & Evelyn. One of my cheapest, yet most used brushes. Does handmade mean better quality? In today's world, I'm not so sure.

RT

I bought a Best Quality badger Brush from ShaveMac for around $62.00 w/shipping. As far as I'm concerned it's an excellent brush. I would definitely recommend ShaveMacs brushes.

Just my opinion...


Jim

Originally Posted by jmcamp54

I bought a Best Quality badger Brush from ShaveMac for around $62.00 w/shipping. As far as I'm concerned it's an excellent brush. I would definitely recommend ShaveMacs brushes.

Just my opinion...

Jim

It's a good opinion. Quality brushes at great prices.

RT

What's the best budget brush?

Originally Posted by xman

What's the best budget brush?

That's like asking what's the best razor, best whiskey, or whatever! It's a matter of personal preference.

X, what are you using now?

RT

You can get Vulfix pure badger for ~35$, Tweezerman for 15, and omega for ~20...

I have the Vulfix pure, 22mm knot, for ~39$, and I'm LOVING it...

Nenad

Originally Posted by xman

What's the best budget brush?

Well if your talking about badger brushes personally I'm partial to the Vulfix brushes.

Perhaps I'll start out with the Crabtree & Evelyn brush, and then when I can afford it, buy a more expensive Shavemac brush...That way the shipping isn't 30-40% the cost of the product...or 50% if I got the lowest grade!

Thanks for the input everyone.

I still don't think I've found anyone who has acutally used a machine made brush.

The Vulfix is a great brush, but when compared to the C & E brush, it is a bit floppy. However, I own both, so what does that say?

RT