Thread: Time for a new brush

I've been using a Vulfix 1000A for years. It's distinctly "meh" and I think it's time to upgrade. I'm looking for something softer, more luxurious, better water retention, etc, while not breaking the bank. While the wife would probably let me go higher, I think I'd like to stay under $80 USD if I can help it.

A friend bought a Truefitt & Hill Regency super badger and raves about it. He's actually going to let me borrow it tomorrow and I'll see if I like it. Assuming so, with the B&B code on the T&H site, it looks like it'll be around $61 shipped. It's my understanding that this is actually a re-branded Vulfix.

I'm also eyeing the Classic Shaving brand Super Badger, at Classic Brand Super Badger Shaving Brush in Black or Ivory. It's $50 before shipping. I emailed the guys at Classic to ask who manufactured this brush and they claim they don't know. I can't find any reviews online or other information about this brush, so I'm a little wary of ordering it.

Thirdly, I've been contemplating the Edwin Jagger 872 (aka medium best badger). It's in the range of $50 as well.

As far as preferences go, I'm looking for a brush that has a little backbone but isn't stiff. I lather in the scuttle instead of on the face, and may use soaps or creams depending on my mood. I'm looking for a medium-ish knot and I prefer a bulb shape to a fan.

Given the brushes above, would you recommend one over another? Is there a brush that I've neglected in my list that you think I should evaluate?


Thanks guys!

I can't speak to the brushes you mentioned but, in that price range I have a Parker Silvertip with the chrome handle. It's great for soaps and creams, bowl or face lather.

I've had it for almost a year in my rotation and have not seen any loss of bristles.

It was my first brush but it holds its own next to my customs and such.

You might look at the Vintage Blade Brand Brushes, inexpensive and great quality, 24mm pictured below has some backbone, yet is soft; Great Brush for the price!
Vintage Blades LLC::Shaving Brushes::Vintage Blades Brand

I would highly reccomend a simpsons brush. you can get certain models like the colenel for about 80 bucks if you look around. and they are by far the highest quality for the money IMHO. once you get one, be sure to share a pic with us

Most of the Simpson brushes I'd glanced at were $100 (or well over)... thanks for the suggestion on the Colonel. I've added it to my list.

In your price range if you want a medium size or larger and backbone in a silvertip you have a chore ahead of you. The backbone part is the hard one. Mostly those would be two banders or the Simpson Manchurian line or the Thater models. You might want to reevaluate the qualities you want or save some more money unless you want a small brush.

Seems to be the day for me to agree with TBS yet again. If you can stretch your budget just a tad you might want to consider the SOC 2 bad badger. It has a 24mm knot with a loft of 57mm that is bulb shaped and in the $90.00 price range give or take. Needs to be broken i n a bit to get all the softness working and has enough backbone to work well with MWF or creams and will bowl or face lather well. It is my #2 brush just slightly behind my Simpsons Manchurian with a similar knot. If nothing else, do yourself a favour and web search it before deciding on a brush.

Bob

I was actually looking at what manufacturers are calling "Best" or "Super" instead of Silvertip. It's my understanding that this grade will be softer than pure badger and hold more water, while generally having more backbone that silvertip (speaking general hair characteristics here - I know knot density and loft also play into backbone).

Am I incorrect?

Also, I was thinking knot size in the 22-24 range. Maybe I incorrectly called that medium?

Edit: typo

I don't own one of these but I have been curious for quite a while. If you are inclined to gamble on recommendations, here's one to consider.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/brush...g-brushes.html

The silvertip brush I have I find to be alot floppier than I like so I have been using a finest badger alot more lately cause it is quite soft, but has decent backbone. I find that it has nice water retention also.