measurements/fan or bulb?

[joshb1000]

I know this is a newb question, but my first brsuh is finally looking to be upgraded to something new, a bit more higher quality. Let's face it, the 8 dollar Pure badger Shea Moisture brush i have is getting degraded in respect to my better razor scuttle and strop. I want to upgrade, looking to get a Super Badger or Silvertip but can decide bulb or Fan, as well as i have no idea what the current measurments are on the brush i have now, so i dont have a reference of where to go from here. Any help is appreciated.

[deighaingeal]

Everything is a personal preference, shape I personally prefer the bulb as I think they feel fuller as I use them. You can get a rough estimate of your current knot size by using a caliper at the base of your knot with no pressure on the hair. Then utilize this measurement and go from there, whether you want larger or smaller. I have started going smaller even been debating on a wee scot. I find this part fun because you get to try something new.

[joshb1000]

Awesome, thanks for the tip. Now the question is to spend the money of the Super badge or just a normal silvertip? I'm sure as with everything its all matter of preference. Thanks again.

[deighaingeal]

I find some of the super silvertips to be to floppy, while they feel luxurious they also hold onto the lather and have a slightly weaker backbone.

[joshb1000]

I find some of the super silvertips to be to floppy, while they feel luxurious they also hold onto the lather and have a slightly weaker backbone.

In your opinion what do you feel has the right balance of everything you need?

[deighaingeal]

Wow this might get easier via email

I like different brushes for different soaps, but I have a couple of go to brushes. One was the first I made it is a 24mm super silvertip, my latest go to has been a 18mm two band, but my choice will rotate as I make new ones or as my mood changes.

[Bill S]

Grading and the subsequent naming of the various qualities of badger vary from manufacturer to manufacturer. Therefore, you have to be a little careful about relying too heavily on what the knot is graded when choosing a brush. Within a product line I think you can assume that as you go up in grade the quality of the knot also improves, but you can't necessarily extend that thinking across different lines.

Also, other factors such as density of the knot, overall length of the bristles in the knot, shape of the knot, etc. all affect how the brush will perform.

I think you are better off, assuming you can't select in person, to form a good idea of what qualities you are looking for in a brush and contact a qualified retailer that has several lines and models in stock for a recommendation. This is a pretty subjective decision, so specific input is going to be more valuable than generalized info.

Even if you were to decide that you are only going to buy the highest quality brush, considerations such as soap vs cream, water holding, etc are going to come into play. That's why guys end up with multiple brushes and regularly use more than one.

[joshb1000]

Thanks for the clarification on all of this. I may grab one of each, after all... taxes are coming back soon.