Thread: Good Brush as a gift

I have a friend who is really into straight razor shaving whats a good brand for a silver tip badger brush?

Originally Posted by isayno

I have a friend who is really into straight razor shaving whats a good brand for a silver tip badger brush?

It's complicated. You might hit the mark, or miss by a country mile. Buying a shaving brush is such a personal matter: the size and shape of the handle (and the material from which it's made); the "knot" -- it's diameter, shape, and loft (and whether it's a 2-band or 3-band); and the badger hair, itself (densely-packed, or floppy; "scritchy", or soft). If it was me, I wouldn't buy your friend a shaving brush. But then, you're not me. Still, keep these things in mind.

My favorite brush is a Plisson #12 in Pure Black Badger, with a simple, black acrylic handle. I also have two Rooney brushes -- both style 1, size 1 -- one in Super badger (3-band), and the other in Finest badger (2-band). The Plisson, I bought from Atkinson (Vancouver); the Rooneys, from Vintage Blades.

yea, you have the "big" outfits like Vulfix and Simpson and Rooney for instance. Then there are all the little independent guys making brushes. You just need to read the threads here to see what everyone seems to like then go to all the sites and investigate.

I don't think anyone would be too disappointed with a Thäter. The reviews are generally positive. Then again if you want to give something unique then track down someone who can turn a handle on a lathe (from a nice timber or acrylic for example) and have them install a badger knot. The knots from online retailers like 'The Golden Nib' are well regarded and pretty affordable. Good luck!

If you can, find out what he has. Then, buy him any model from a brand he doesn't have. A common trait among most of us that are into this hobby is the joy of trying and owning something different from what we already have, no matter what it is. Even if it ends up not to be his favorite, I'm sure he will enjoy the process of finding that out.

Yes there are so many to choose from. I would also recommend aside from going for a number 1 brand (which may not be everyone's number 1 brand!) that you get the person gift vouchers to a reasonable amount. That should help them to choose what they want. Obviously get vouchers for a store with a wide range of brushes.

All good advice here. First, choose a respected company with a broad product line. For me, Simpson would be perfect. Then find a brush that fits your price range. Simpson's range from about $40 to several hundred.
The gift will be well received, pretty much guaranteed.

Brushes are such a personal thing as to what people like and there is a huge variety of brands and models available that it is difficult to find the right one. Me, I would favour getting a gift certificate from a reputable supplier that carries a good selection of brushes. That way the person can chose exactly what they want and if it is more than the value of the certificate they may now be able to afford that brush that was just too expensive before. Maybe a little impersonal but very practical from my POV.

Bob

Originally Posted by isayno

I have a friend who is really into straight razor shaving whats a good brand for a silver tip badger brush?

I have five Thater silvertip brushes, among other model silvertips. Which would I suggest over all the rest? Thater, of course.

It would really help if you provided an idea of how much you're looking to spend on the gift. Good silvertip brush can be had for anywhere from $30 up to $300 or more...

As the previous posters have mentioned, it all boils down to what you'd like to spend... and what type of characteristics or brand names your friend is/isn't into.