The last thing I needed was another brush (actually the last thing I need is more shaving soap, but the next to last thing would be another shaving brush). Somehow, though, the Yaqi Panda handle just amuses me enough that having it on the shelf and picking it up in the morning does make me smile. So for about $30, it seemed worthwhile. Also, I have a couple of other Yaqi 2 band badger brushes that I quite like. My "Panda" arrived yesterday, and as expected it had a bit of animal funk to it. I gave it a test lather with a highly fragrant soap (Kentucky Bourbon by Areefa Soaps in Ukraime) and was momentarily concerned as it lost 2 or 3 hairs.
This morning was the first shave with the Panda, and I was extremely pleased with its performance. No lost hairs, no problem whipping up plenty of lather with my Kentucky Bourbon soap, and a great handle for providing comfort and control with my somewhat arthritic fingers. In use the brush has plenty of backbone and soft, cushiony tips - even on its first use. The funk will take a few more shaves, or a couple of weeks to dissipate, but it was not overwhelming. I have owned much more expensive badger brushes from Simpsons, Shavemac and Zenith, but I didn't find that any of them ouperformed the Panda.
This morning was the first shave with the Panda, and I was extremely pleased with its performance. No lost hairs, no problem whipping up plenty of lather with my Kentucky Bourbon soap, and a great handle for providing comfort and control with my somewhat arthritic fingers. In use the brush has plenty of backbone and soft, cushiony tips - even on its first use. The funk will take a few more shaves, or a couple of weeks to dissipate, but it was not overwhelming. I have owned much more expensive badger brushes from Simpsons, Shavemac and Zenith, but I didn't find that any of them ouperformed the Panda.