Thread: Frank shaving brushes

I have a Franks Silvertip and two Finests. I also own and use a variety of Simpsons, Rooneys, Shavemacs, Plisson, TGNs and others. Even with the "higher end" brushes in my collection, the Franks (especially the Finests) still see regular use. I would rate them as comparable to the TGN knots in quality. They lack some of the density and backbone of some of the "higher end" brushes (e.g. Simpsons, Rooney Finest and XL Heritage, Shavemac D01), but compare very favorably if one also considers softness, flow-through and lather holding. All in all, I think they are a great value and probably all the brush non-collector would really need in terms of functionality and enjoyment.

Nothing but the best to say about franks shaving brushes. I picked up a Finest badger for about 25$. One of the best investments I've made as far as brushes. Not only is there a great variety in knots but a huge variety in handles as well. I will definitely go back to them for more, and hold it in as high a regard as many top shelf brushes.

To compare Frank Shaving Brushes with the Luxury Brand Brushes, you have to consider the knot size and loft. To get a similar size you will be looking at 4 to 5 times the price, minimum. I can't give you comparison pictures yet, ( I am traveling ) but Frank Shaving is a true large luxury brush, to get that in a Simpsons you have to look at size 3 and above eg Persian Jar3 (PJ3) Simpsons less expensive brushes are tiny compared to what you will get with a Frank.

Almost ALL badger hair comes from China so the origin of the hair is the same, yes the Simpsons etc. do sort their hair a little more thoroughly and that is what you are paying for, also the handle, Frank used resin moulded handles, they have good weight and feel solid (not like plasitc injection mould) and the luxury UK/European brushes offer mostly lathe turned handles, again adding to the quality and price accordingly.

To put it simply Frank Shaving Brushes and NOT a cheap Chinese imitation They are a quality brush from the source and I highly recommend them.
All the Best
Sam.

I've had my Franks 26mm Finest for a few days now and I'm very impressed. It's quite dense and has a good balance of spine and softness. For the price, I don't think you can beat it.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

I've had my Franks 26mm Finest for a few days now and I'm very impressed. It's quite dense and has a good balance of spine and softness. For the price, I don't think you can beat it.

Where did you find a finest @ 26mm? The biggest i can find is 24.

Originally Posted by ehehat

Where did you find a finest @ 26mm? The biggest i can find is 24.

I found it on ebay but I think it's actually a silvertip and not a finest. I think that the ad was wrong. It's still a very nice brush though.

So was it the 28mm silvertip? I still dont see 28mm in finest. if so, you think the silvertip has good backbone? I was looking at that same brush but ended up going with finest due to some slightly mixed reviews about the silvertip being a little floppy.

Originally Posted by ehehat

So was it the 28mm silvertip? I still dont see 28mm in finest. if so, you think the silvertip has good backbone? I was looking at that same brush but ended up going with finest due to some slightly mixed reviews about the silvertip being a little floppy.

The listing said 26mm Finest and I reckon I got a 28mm silvertip. For the price, it's still a great brush. The backbone on it is pretty good. It's certainly not floppy. I've got a couple of quite expensive Muhle brushes that I struggle to use as they're too soft but this one is pretty good. I face lather with cream most of the time and it's great for that.

Originally Posted by johnmrson

The listing said 26mm Finest and I reckon I got a 28mm silvertip. For the price, it's still a great brush. The backbone on it is pretty good. It's certainly not floppy. I've got a couple of quite expensive Muhle brushes that I struggle to use as they're too soft but this one is pretty good. I face lather with cream most of the time and it's great for that.

Good stuff John, thank you. Now, where is my paypal account.......

I had mail delivered today : Silvertip Bagder Hair Shaving Brush,Richmond Faux Ivory Handle Larger Knot---28mm!

To say that I am delighted with this would be an understatement.

That could, of course, be partly due to the fact that, for at least the last twenty years, I have been using this :





I'm looking forward to trying it.

I think that I would enjoy owning it even if I never used it.


Steve