Thread: Help pick badger brush for soaps

Hey all - I'm working with Rudy Vey on a luxurious/soft ST bowl brush. I have a couple brushes already (cheap-o's - tweezerman and VDH kit brush), but would like something more suited to soaps. Still soft, but with enough backbone to load on a harder soap.

I saw a Simpson PJ2 which looked nice. I've seen a few variants - pure, best, and 2 band. Could anyone explain how those compare?

I imagine pure and best are progressions in softness, but the two band throws me. Tighter pack, more stuffing, or... ? Softness compared w/ the others?

I'm hoping to still bowl lather, but with some MDC (which is somewhat soft it seems and shouldn't be a problem), and some other pucks which are much harder. MWF maybe next - don't know how hard it is, since i've not tried it yet.

Appreciate your help and suggestions!

Rob

IMO, if you want backbone from a badger, there is no better brush than a Rooney.

Rob,

+1 on Theseus's suggestion. Rooney's are great shaving brushes.

You may also want to consider a Simpson Chubby, Commodore or Colonel badger shaving brush. They are supposed to be great for shaving soaps.

Thank you both.

Hmm - Rooney's seem comparable price wise. Any suggestions on one that's suited to harder soaps? Prefer longer/bigger handles (XL-XXL hands), and able to bowl or face lather (prefer bowl/scuttle).

See the Alibaba and some others up to silvertip. Looking to stay <100, but max <150. Like i said - have a RV ST in process (a while out - still discussing). That one is going to be TGN SST knot - uber soft for bowl lather w/ cremes. Luxurious soft, but probably not great w/ hard soaps.

I'm still curious about the differences between pure, best, and 2 band... Any insight there?

Appreciate the quick responses guys!

Rob

I would reccomend the simpson but that is merley cuz I am a huge fan of their brushes. I own sevral and love everyone. Try the commodore. its great for soaps and not so harsh on the wallet

Rob,

As for your questions concerning differences in badger hair, check out this link from Vintage Blades.

Shaving Info : Men's Shaving Supplies : Shaving Accessories : Badger Shaving Razor Brush : Shaving With A Straight Razor : VintageBladesllc.com

Different manufacturers grade their badger hair brushes differently. A Simpson Super Badger, for example, is the same quality as a Rooney Super Silvertip Badger.

You can also check out the new Simpson line of Manchurian badger brushes. They say they are very close to classic two band but a bit softer and springier.

Vulfix 404 is excellent for harder soaps. Combo of boar and badger. UK made too.

Originally Posted by sleekandsmooth

I would reccomend the simpson but that is merley cuz I am a huge fan of their brushes. I own sevral and love everyone. Try the commodore. its great for soaps and not so harsh on the wallet

besides knot size - x1, 2, or 3 best for soaps? Looks like the loft is a bit longer as they get bigger diameter.

Originally Posted by jhenry

Rob,

As for your questions concerning differences in badger hair, check out this link from Vintage Blades.

Shaving Info : Men's Shaving Supplies : Shaving Accessories : Badger Shaving Razor Brush : Shaving With A Straight Razor : VintageBladesllc.com

Thanks Jhenry. I know a bit about the different grades, what confuses me is how the 2 band fits in with the best, pure, etc. Specifically for that PJ2 i was looking at.

Trying to determine if it's refering to coloring (2 bands of color), or packing (tied w/ two bands - ie denser)? And how it compares softness wise with best and pure.

With the different grades, and not standard, it really comes down to comparing every knot's variants... I'm just not willing to buy one of each. Trying to avoid SBAD... look to be failing.

Thanks!

Rob