Thread: Moderate level (non-beginner) brush - what's your preference?

So my beginner brush was the cheap but reliable Tweezerman brush that has a solid following around here, especially for those just starting out. I like that brush, but am looking to get another, mid to high end brush. I always hear about Thaters, so I'm leaning toward one of them, but would like some others' thoughts.

So what say you? What's your preference for a non-beginner brush? Knot size, brand, etc?

Do you bowl or face lather?

For face lathering I would recommend anbrush with a lower loft like a Simpson Berkeley, Duke or Chubby1 or similar, for bowllathering I would go for a brush with a higher loft.

I have several Simpsons, Semogue and the SRP Thäther, of all the Thäter and my Chubby1 is the favorites, the Thäter being a brush working all over the place while the Chubby is most comfortable to facelathering.

But of course it all comes down to a personal prefrence

Bowl latherer... hence the nick on my razor from when I hit it against my bowl!


I always hear so much about the Thaters, they seem to be the go to for many. It's just difficult to pick one when you've only really had one brush so far. But let's hope this next one is just the second of many!

Uh oh, another BAD sufferer. Join the club, buddy!

I was puzzled, still am, about what shave brush to get as a step up. Finally went with a Vulfix 660 medium super badger silver tip not wanting to go way spendy. Turns out it face lathers and bowl lathers to my satisfaction. I use both soaps and creams but not the hard triple milled stuff. It works well enough so that I am not considering spending huge amounts on another brush. The priority for me is to round out my collection of hones first. No doubt in the future I might spend more on a brush though. Just saying you don't have to break the bank to get a very decently performing brush unless you want to.

Bob

I highly recommend the Thater two bands. I bought my first brush in '73 at Hoffritz For Cutlery in a shopping mall. No name just Hoffritz on the handle and it cost $80 back then so it was a high end brush. I used it daily for 30 years until I discovered the shaving forums and found I needed a couple of dozen more brushes.

Anyway, point is, if you are a beginner or a veteran shaver, it doesn't matter when it comes to the brush. You can use it for the rest of your life if you never pick up a straight razor again , so get the best one you can afford. Just IMHO.

I'm not a brush nut, having only 6 badger and two boar. I use the boar brushes to face lather with soap while in the shower and use the badger to generate lather in a bowl.

You can buy a "finest badger" knot with extra hair , and the handle of your choice , at thegoldennib.com . Glue it in real good with 30 min. epoxy , and don't use it for at least 24 hrs . Total cost including shipping + glue is less than $60 . I did , and I don't regret it . This brush makes the Vulfix 2234 is was using , seem like a piece of junk . I bought the 24mm size , and like it just fine .

I don't believe in beginner brushes. There are just quality brushes and non quality brushes.

You should buy a brush based on the characteristics you like. Soft, stiff,floppy, backbone and handle type and size to fit your hand. The size should match the bowl or scuttle you are using and then what you like. I think a quality brush will work fine no matter the soap or cream. It's like saying you need a certain razor to match a certain beard. I don't believe in that either. You need to decide these factors. Whether you buy a Plisson or a Simpson or Rooney or Thater or other name brands they are all quality brushes. There are other independent makers but you need to check with other owners to check with quality issues.

As far as the Thater 2 band, you definitely get what you pay for. Worth every penny! The 2 band knots from TGN are also great, as Dave says. I wish they would come up with a larger knot than 24mm. Maybe a 26? I am enjoying reknotting old brushes these days as I prefer the old longer handles.
Has anyone tried the short loft they have? I wonder if it is stiffer? In reality, a brush is a brush. It is a shame to not find out what you like best. I like them with backbone and am not finished with boar either. TGN boar knots are the best ones I have found, to me anyway! I have one which gets better with each use.