SR 3128 Silvertip Review

[guenron]

Greetings (patient) Gentlemen,
Though it has been a long time a comin', it is here now! My review of the Savile Row 3128, while overdue, (hopefully) accomplishes two things. The first is to communicate my utter joy with this purchase. The second is to provide you with some insight into the brush and try to offer some of the comparisons that might assist you if you are comtemplating a new brush.
Let us begin. After throwing temper tantrums every day waiting for the SR 3128's arrival I came home one evening and SWMBO greeted me with, "Here's another box from Rhode Island to feed your habit. Oh, and by the way the UPS driver complained again about too many deliveries to the house!"
Hmm.. With that portentous greeting I dove into my box opening frenzy. My efforts were rewarded with the following handsome example of the pinacle of the badger brush making art.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=913
New SR3128

So that you have a point of reference for its size, here it is siitting amongst some QED products.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=785
New SR3128 Amongst the Products

My first impressions upon holding the brush were that it was substantial and yet comfortable to hold. It is exceptionally pleasing to the eye and the touch. As it was 8:00PM and dinner was getting colder, the problem was could I wait for the morning to shave?
Discretion being the better part of valor and SWMBO's glare made that a no brainer. I decided on my plan of attack for the next AM. I was going to use this lovely brush with cold pour soaps, hot pour (triple milled, etc.), and creams. Here is a picture of the SOTD on Nov 29. Unfortunately I rinsed the brush, so no lather to see. What is interesting (and impressive) is the beautiful bloom on day 1, November 29..

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=787
SR3128 Nov 29 Wet Bloom

For the next several days I used QED soaps in jars and sticks with absolutely fabulous results. The shear pleasure lathering with this wonderfully resilient badger was beyond compare. For you SOTD aficionados I shall go to the next message and string the QED soap shots for your viewing pleasure.

[guenron]

The following pictures show the volume and quality of lather in the brush remaining after four passes.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=801
SOTD Nov 30

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=805
SOTD Dec 01

Now I moved on to some of the QED Shave Sticks. The lather in these brush pictures was generated from the lovely kissing scrub of this luxurious hair bundle on my cheeks and neck after I had rubbed them with the stick before pass one. Here's what is left on the brush after four passes!

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=817
Dec 02

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=836
Dec 03

All I can say it WOW!!
Next I moved on to one of the three T's. Let's go to the next message.

[guenron]

For those of you that pamper your visage with creams from the three T's, here is a picture of the SR 3128 after four passes with Truefitt and Hill West Indian Limes Cream.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=838
Dec 04

For you doubting Thomases out there that are saying, "So what? Any bristle can whip up a cold pour or a cream." this next picture will dispell all doubt. After four passes with Truefitt and Hill Luxury (Hard) Soap.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=842
Dec 05

This next photo is not the "Money Shot," all wet and lathered, but an after the shave picture that shows the brush and how it has bloomed.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=850
Dec 06

Another Truefitt and Hill cream lather photo.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=856
Dec 07

And one more photo of the bloom.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=860
Dec 08

I can still feel the doubting.. Okay, for the most skeptical I am moving to the next message with the Geo. F. Trumper's (Hard) Shaving Soap in a Bowl.

[guenron]

Let us begin with that wonderful Trumper's Rose soap. Watch that SR 3128 whip in into a lather, and that's still after four passes.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=866
Dec 09

Let us check the bloom the next two days.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=878
Dec 10

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=903
Dec 11

One last Trumper's soap shot before moving on.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=911
Dec 12

Please note that the bloom is not continuing to expand beyond the limits that are desireable for nicely controlled application of your lather. We owe this to the shape of the bundle and quality of the hair which is really most excellent.

I am going to move to the next message to pick up a pair of photos with very different soaps than we have seen thus far.

[guenron]

The SR 3128 seems to just love lathering. Here you can see the performance photo after four passes with Crabtree and Evelyn Almond Oil Hard Soap.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=922
Dec 13

And here our latest "In Vogue" Nancy Boy Cream.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=930
Dec 14

Gents, I hope I have assuaged any concerns about lathering. It just doesn't get any better than this, no matter how much more you pay. This brush gets the highest scores for efficacy and pleasure of use. Let us now move on to some comparisons.

[guenron]

Here's a splendid brush that looks and acts like a real thoroughbred! Equally efficaceous, as we have seen, with all types of soaps and creams. So how does it stack up with other brushes? I kept some notes on my initial impressions.
On taking it out of the box:
What a lovely brush. How splendid the feel. The handle, graceful, and yet chunky in a manly way. Nice balance.
On first use:
Had a splendid lathering with my new silvertip Savile Row 3128 brush.
Efficacy Scores:
Latherability with QED Violetta: Excellent+.
Water Retention with Pure Oklahoma Arsenated (not to be confused with Arsenio Hallenated) Water: Excellent.
Warmth Retention: Excellent as you would expect with a brush this well endowed (densely packed 28mm knot).
Tactile Pleasure Visage: Excellent and very stimulating.
Tactile Pleasure hand on hilt: Excellent.
New Brush Issue Scores:
Eau de Blaireau (aka wet dog aroma): Seemingly non-existent. Good show, difficult to note even with my sensitive proboscis and I am not sure that I am not smelling something that was used to sterilize the bundle.
Bloom: Too early to tell.
Overall New Brush Experience:
Really excited about this brush. Still have to walk carefully so as not to frighten the women. Or as they say on that TV advertisement for natural male enhancement, "Ron is feeling big and commands respect!"

In the next message we can take a look at some of the brushes I have been using for comparison.

[guenron]

As they do in those TV crime fighter shows, let's hold a lineup.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=962
From left to Right:

Edwin Jagger for Crabtree and Evelyn Super Badger
Vulfix Old Original #41 Super Badger
Shavemac SMF Custom Silvertip
Savile Row 3128 Silvertip
Kent BK-12 Silvertip

Adding approximate retail prices:

$85.
$130.
$110.
$150.
$220.

Being the bright lads you are I am sure you are wondering why I have them lined up in this order. The lineup is based on apparent knot size, from smallest to largest. Some manufacturers and/or retailers choose not to disclose the size of their knots.

Undisclosed
30mm (By Retailer)
26mm (By Retailer/Manufacturer)
28mm (By Retailer)
Undisclosed

It would seem that some retailers have difficulty in measuring their wares. That aside, while just fine brushes, I am going to drop the two smallest out of the consideration because it would appear that they both weigh in with approximately 22mm to 24mm knots and with neither having the quality of the hair in their three bretheren. Make no mistake, despite the claims of some, hair quality does make a difference. And don't make the mistake that hair quality is to be confused with the latest absurd grading of some of the new old manufacturers/retailers. Several weeks ago I put together a trio of brushes (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=802) in the generally recognized hair grades. You too can learn the difference in performance based on quality by trying a package of brushes out.

This leaves us to ponder brushes 3, 4, and 5. Let us look at 3 and 4, and then 4 and 5.

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=961 From left to Right:

Shavemac SMF Custom Silvertip
Savile Row 3128 Silvertip


http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=960

From left to Right:
Savile Row 3128 Silvertip
Kent BK-12 Silvertip



More to come in a comparison of the Brushes!

[Nick]

Ron,

That's a gorgeous brush, and a very in depth review. Thanks! :thumbup1:

-Nick

[DoubleE]

Ron:

Excellent, very comprehensive review. :thumbup: (Like we would have expected anything less of you!) I find the more I use my 2136, the more I enjoy it! They are great brushs at a moderate price. Anyone looking for a new brush would do well to purchase one of these beauties!

Jerry

[Scotto]

Ron or Jerry,

Could you comment on this brushes propensity for the tips of the bristles to bend over? I notice on my soft-tipped brushes I get a lot of bristles this way. I think it is just cosmetic, but various brushes behave quite differently in this respect.

[Cliff]

Great review Scotto, hope you have mucho many great shaves from it.

[Scotto]

Great review Scotto, hope you have mucho many great shaves from it.
You mean Ron.... I don't want to spoil his glory.

[DoubleE]

Ron or Jerry,

Could you comment on this brushes propensity for the tips of the bristles to bend over? I notice on my soft-tipped brushes I get a lot of bristles this way. I think it is just cosmetic, but various brushes behave quite differently in this respect.

Scotto:

I don't notice the tips bending over on this brush. Attached is a picture of the bristles shot with a macro lens. Most bristles are relatively straight but you can see some that have a slight bend. My guess is with soft tips, there would be some bending here and there. It is certainly not noticeable with the naked eye.

Jerry

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1033

Up close and personal:

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1034

[atnight]

Ron- I've never seen anyone write so ecstatically about shave gear. You are truly a character. Your thorough pictorial was fun to skim through, and I look forward to the comparison of the SMF vs the Saville Row. As a new SMF brush may be on the horizon, I welcome any information to help me make an informed choice.

[alchemist]

Excellent review Ron. Please compare this brush to the SMF brush and to a regular Shavemac Silvertip in terms of

1- softness of tips,
2- stiffness or resiliency of hair (ability not to splay out) and
3- packing density of hair.

If you see my post "Brush Advice Needed", you'll understand my need for this comparison

Thanks in advance,

[Cliff]

You mean Ron.... I don't want to spoil his glory.
OOPS, you're right. My mistake, I fat fingered. :scared:

[roughrider]

Great review Ron.

[Coche_y_bondhu]

Ron,

Just one word: WOW :a14:

Cheers,
Richard
Down South in Plano

[shavingrace]

Ron, you are a menace! Brilliant review. Now, my every waking moment is going to be consumed with the insane need for one of these brushes to add to a collection that already numbers four (three Kents and a Vulfix #41), with another on the way (R.A. Rooney medium-size Style 1 Super Silvertip). I must say that your beautifully round Savile Row outshines the rest, and they are all lovely brushes. By the way, what about this odd assertion that SRs are made by Shavemac in Germany? I have always taken it for granted that Progress Vulfix made this line on the Isle of Man, alongside their own...can you clear that up, Ron?

Regards,

Phil

[guenron]

Ron, you are a menace! Brilliant review. Now, my every waking moment is going to be consumed with the insane need for one of these brushes to add to a collection that already numbers four (three Kents and a Vulfix #41), with another on the way (R.A. Rooney medium-size Style 1 Super Silvertip). I must say that your beautifully round Savile Row outshines the rest, and they are all lovely brushes. By the way, what about this odd assertion that SRs are made by Shavemac in Germany? I have always taken it for granted that Progress Vulfix made this line on the Isle of Man, alongside their own...can you clear that up, Ron?

Regards,

Phil
Good question Phil. The origins of each range of the Savile Row brushes are a mystery to me. I have gotten to the point though, where I am more amused by the guesses than the underlying question. I've seen some of the cognocenti insist that the Savile Row Tortoise Hogs are made by Kent (I know for a fact that this assertion is incorrect), the Silvertips by Shavemac, the older 200 series of supers, bests, and pures by Vulfix.. And it goes on!
It is enough for me to know that when I buy an SR I can be confident that I am getting the best value for my money from a vender that will stand behind the product.
BTW, I have it from a highly responsible source that there is an expansion of the 31xx and 33xx line to 32mm knot models. Now that's a brush!!:badger:

[rtaylor61]

Ron,

I asked Steve at Kent Brushes about whether they made the Savile Row SR-208 brush.

His reply:

It looks like our T8 but we have not supplied Saville Row with shaving brushes .Our BK8 is a white ivory effect with a different shape socket.Hope this helps
regards
steve davis
kentbrushes

I asked him this because I had been looking at the BK 12 they have on ebay, and didn't want to get a larger version of my SR-208. I love my 208, but anything larger in the "same brush" would be too floppy for my tastes.

Randy

[shavingrace]

Good question Phil. The origins of each range of the Savile Row brushes are a mystery to me. I have gotten to the point though, where I am more amused by the guesses than the underlying question. I've seen some of the cognocenti insist that the Savile Row Tortoise Hogs are made by Kent (I know for a fact that this assertion is incorrect), the Silvertips by Shavemac, the older 200 series of supers, bests, and pures by Vulfix.. And it goes on!
It is enough for me to know that when I buy an SR I can be confident that I am getting the best value for my money from a vender that will stand behind the product.
BTW, I have it from a highly responsible source that there is an expansion of the 31xx and 33xx line to 32mm knot models. Now that's a brush!!:badger:


Ron:

My cousin, an old Marine officer, had a conversation with the same highly responsible source on Friday. 32mm is just so evil--and irresistible.

Thanks for the well expressed doubts; my own suspicions run along those same lines, though this Shavemac connection is entirely new to me. The unimpeachable source was apparently very cagey about where exactly the Silvertips are made, which somehow validates your comments above. There is something of the Brit-centric in all of us shaving fanatics, and this despite the fact that plenty of made-in-England products have roundly slipped on the quality marker. It's the old Dickensian shop filled with obscure potions fantasy, I'd wager....

Considering the quality and breadth of your own collection, how do you rate the very different brushes that make it? Do you consider Shavemac the equivalent of R.A. Rooney, Simpsons, Kent and Vulfix (with the understanding that SR at the top-most end is likely made by Shavemac)? Your opinion matters to me; you have just the right mix of tools to establish solid good taste credentials.

Regards,

Phil

[guenron]

Ron:

My cousin, an old Marine officer, had a conversation with the same highly responsible source on Friday. 32mm is just so evil--and irresistible.

Thanks for the well expressed doubts; my own suspicions run along those same lines, though this Shavemac connection is entirely new to me. The unimpeachable source was apparently very cagey about where exactly the Silvertips are made, which somehow validates your comments above. There is something of the Brit-centric in all of us shaving fanatics, and this despite the fact that plenty of made-in-England products have roundly slipped on the quality marker. It's the old Dickensian shop filled with obscure potions fantasy, I'd wager....

Considering the quality and breadth of your own collection, how do you rate the very different brushes that make it? Do you consider Shavemac the equivalent of R.A. Rooney, Simpsons, Kent and Vulfix (with the understanding that SR at the top-most end is likely made by Shavemac)? Your opinion matters to me; you have just the right mix of tools to establish solid good taste credentials.

Regards,

Phil
Phil,
First I must say flattery will get you far!:blushing:
I do not wish to begin talking about that which passes for Rooney. The firms creative brush grading is more of a (questionable?) business practices issue than a badger grading system. When I learned that they were marketing a "Silvertip" quality brush that had a(n) (apparent) plugged hair bundle, I decided that their bill of faire was not for my plate. Let us be honest, anyone can produce a silvertip for a king's ransom, it is the firm that produces a quality silvertip for a rational price that will continue to have my business.
Had a Simpsons (actually two) years ago. Was a very good best badger "Colonel," as I recall. Unfortunately I would be hard pressed to buy one today because of their (seeming) inability to maintain consistent standards. If I was in a shop with a selection of their brushes available for examination, perhaps then. In that way I would be performing the selection and grading on the hind end that seems to be escaping them now. Perhaps it is all of the drivel we hear from the potentates of poobah and those that continually question the essence of badger hair? i.e., "My Polo 14 super is stiffer than my Polo 12 super," etc, etc. While we know about the variations (or we should) in badger hair, one should rightfully expect certain minimums of quality to be enforced for HIGH $ brushes, especially when they originate from firms capitalizing on their reputations for quality.
Love my Kent. As I only own one now, either I was very lucky (could be?) or they produce a really good brush (most likely). It was certainly not cheap, nor inexpensive, but it was worth the price. Despite some of the aforementioned potentates of poobah crying that it is floppy, moppy, suited only to be driven by little old ladies on Sundays in their jalopy, the BK-12 I purchased has a full, densely packed knot with a very generous weight of high quality tapers with creamy tips that blend into resilient shafts, etc. (Hmmm, if it appears to be like silvertip, performs like silvertip, and originates from an old house that calls it silvertip, could it be silvertip?)
Vulfix, my beloved #41! It is interesting that this particular brush, though somewhat floppy and moppy, is a lather making machine. Somewhat overpriced ($130) for its modest 26mm knot of superbadger, it still is a longtime favorite of mine. I wonder what it would be like with a denser (more hair in the bundle) knot? I guess I will never know and it would change its character too. It is a very good sub $100 brush.
My Shavemac, the original SMF brush, is really splendid. Excellent quality hair, preiswert hair bundle with good density and resilience. Lovely handle too. Marketed by a house that is rightfully proud of their quality product. I do not know what is going on at Shavemac presently. I am always concerned when "new" products are anounced, but I would say that the example I have of Shavemac shares the same quality plateau (or is on a higher one) with many of the premium brushes we've discussed.
As to the Savile Row Silvertips, the only reason I am not launching into my diatribe on "It ain't necessarily a Shavemac," is that it shares the same qualities, i.e. Excellent quality hair, preiswert hair bundle with good density and resilience. Couple this with Charles absolutely above-board business practices, well, he and Bernd might be long-lost twins separated at birth!:001_rolle
Some time ago I typed a badger hair primer (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=8469&postcount=5)in one of these threads for a fellow who was wondering "What's it all about." I feel most comfortable when I recognize the grading, sizing, weight and manufacturing practices used in a particular brush. Of late, the interplay of the Chinese badger harvesters and hair traders with the sprightley business practices of some of the "old" houses, makes buying a badger brush far more exciting than it should be. I can say this much, when I buy a brush from QED or Shavemac, I have confidence in the product and its purveryor. I do not believe that I will run into any unpleasant surprises, merely delight with a well-made product that is what it is advertised to be, not a second rate product masked in marketing gibberish and old school horse hockey.

[shavingrace]

Phil,
First I must say flattery will get you far!:blushing:
I do not wish to begin talking about that which passes for Rooney. The firms creative brush grading is more of a (questionable?) business practices issue than a badger grading system. When I learned that they were marketing a "Silvertip" quality brush that had a(n) (apparent) plugged hair bundle, I decided that their bill of faire was not for my plate. Let us be honest, anyone can produce a silvertip for a king's ransom, it is the firm that produces a quality silvertip for a rational price that will continue to have my business.
Had a Simpsons (actually two) years ago. Was a very good best badger "Colonel," as I recall. Unfortunately I would be hard pressed to buy one today because of their (seeming) inability to maintain consistent standards. If I was in a shop with a selection of their brushes available for examination, perhaps then. In that way I would be performing the selection and grading on the hind end that seems to be escaping them now. Perhaps it is all of the drivel we hear from the potentates of poobah and those that continually question the essence of badger hair? i.e., "My Polo 14 super is stiffer than my Polo 12 super," etc, etc. While we know about the variations (or we should) in badger hair, one should rightfully expect certain minimums of quality to be enforced for HIGH $ brushes, especially when they originate from firms capitalizing on their reputations for quality.
Love my Kent. As I only own one now, either I was very lucky (could be?) or they produce a really good brush (most likely). It was certainly not cheap, nor inexpensive, but it was worth the price. Despite some of the aforementioned potentates of poobah crying that it is floppy, moppy, suited only to be driven by little old ladies on Sundays in their jalopy, the BK-12 I purchased has a full, densely packed knot with a very generous weight of high quality tapers with creamy tips that blend into resilient shafts, etc. (Hmmm, if it appears to be like silvertip, performs like silvertip, and originates from an old house that calls it silvertip, could it be silvertip?)
Vulfix, my beloved #41! It is interesting that this particular brush, though somewhat floppy and moppy, is a lather making machine. Somewhat overpriced ($130) for its modest 26mm knot of superbadger, it still is a longtime favorite of mine. I wonder what it would be like with a denser (more hair in the bundle) knot? I guess I will never know and it would change its character too. It is a very good sub $100 brush.
My Shavemac, the original SMF brush, is really splendid. Excellent quality hair, preiswert hair bundle with good density and resilience. Lovely handle too. Marketed by a house that is rightfully proud of their quality product. I do not know what is going on at Shavemac presently. I am always concerned when "new" products are anounced, but I would say that the example I have of Shavemac shares the same quality plateau (or is on a higher one) with many of the premium brushes we've discussed.
As to the Savile Row Silvertips, the only reason I am not launching into my diatribe on "It ain't necessarily a Shavemac," is that it shares the same qualities, i.e. Excellent quality hair, preiswert hair bundle with good density and resilience. Couple this with Charles absolutely above-board business practices, well, he and Bernd might be long-lost twins separated at birth!:001_rolle
Some time ago I typed a badger hair primer (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showpost.php?p=8469&postcount=5)in one of these threads for a fellow who was wondering "What's it all about." I feel most comfortable when I recognize the grading, sizing, weight and manufacturing practices used in a particular brush. Of late, the interplay of the Chinese badger harvesters and hair traders with the sprightley business practices of some of the "old" houses, makes buying a badger brush far more exciting than it should be. I can say this much, when I buy a brush from QED or Shavemac, I have confidence in the product and its purveryor. I do not believe that I will run into any unpleasant surprises, merely delight with a well-made product that is what it is advertised to be, not a second rate product masked in marketing gibberish and old school horse hockey.



You've again hit the right notes with this one, and I appreciate your honesty. Actually, Ron, you deserve to be flattered, since you have guts enough to go 'round. My problem with Simpsons has to do mainly with reputation fueling prices that are no longer connected to reality. And I have also seen the shelf of pain, where no two brushes are of the same quality, despite coming from the same model line. Consistency makes great restaurants, and it applies to fabrication, as well. As you rightly point out, one should be able to count on consistently excellent standards of production from the best houses.

What you say about R.A. Rooney is outright worrying. The Style 1 Super Silvertip on its way to my door may have to go back to where it came...I'll judge the thing mid-week.

I agree that Charles is both forthright and passionate. I somehow trust fanatics, and Charles is nothing if not fanatically obsessed with quality and truth in advertising. One thing I know about the guy from reading old posts, is that he has, at one time or another, sold every British brand under the sun, and that supply and demand never quite matched; Charles could not get supplied reliably by some of shaving's grandest names, and as a professional, the experiences he suffered played on his psyche, which is to say that he is more likely than most to avoid entanglements with unreliable sorts. This is my rationale for the Shavemac connection--if one exists; and I'm beginning to accept it as fact--since Bernd is undeniably a professional, whose solid values, as you point out, are sympathetic to Charles. Good stuff, my friend.

I like Kent too, though Mr. Davis did not address the curious case of the rotating bristle bundle in my BK12 (the metal cup that holds the hair was literally spinning within the handle that holds it; I shaved and everything is once again solid--odd, to say the least!). My superb little BK4 has traveled with me far and wide, and the BK8 is a wonderfully soft and comfortable brush. Kent makes a unique product: their handles are most distinctive, in an old-fashioned way, and the bristle itself is really luxurious. Like you, I get terrific performance from the BK12, and I love the look of the brush, a ball of fluff that really gets the job done. I do want to know what happened when the aforementioned ball of fluff suddenly began spinning, however....

You have done a great deal to excite me about Charles's impressive new SR collection. I am going to acquire one of his beauties this week. After all, we can't have only Ron the Menace owning the best, can we now?

Regards,

Phil

[Kyle]

BTW, I have it from a highly responsible source that there is an expansion of the 31xx and 33xx line to 32mm knot models. Now that's a brush!!:badger:

...or is it more appropriately referred to as a lather broom?:biggrin:

[guenron]

...or is it more appropriately referred to as a lather broom?:biggrin:
It sweeps me off my feet! I sit here contemplating my taxes wondering if there will be enough left to get a 3132..:confused:

[Indy]

I just received my 3126 the other day and I really like the long handle on the 31xx series. The lather from my 26mm looks just as good as Ron's 28mm, so the size issue becomes personal preference IMO. I'm glad to see that it will soon be offered in more knot sizes giving many more the opportunity to have their favorite size brush with an awesome handle.

I can't say enough good things about the lather quality from this brush. It's super thick; I found I needed to add a bit more water to keep it from becomeing too thick. The long handle makes quick work of turning a small dab of cream into a volcano of lather. I think this brush might just double how long my creams will last, which in my book means it will pay for itself in short order.:thumbup1:

[drP]

It sweeps me off my feet! I sit here contemplating my taxes wondering if there will be enough left to get a 3132..:confused:

It's been a long time ago i posted over here; i seem almost a lurker :blush: :blush: :blush:

Today i placed an order at Charles' place for three brushes:blushing: :blushing:
-3824, 212 and....of course....a 3132:w00t:

Shortly my collection will consist of 77 lather machines.....i'm really in a state it takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes in the morning to shave: 20 minutes for shaving, 2 hours to choose a brush:001_rolle

Regards to all of you en speciale groeten voor Ron, lathermeister.

Peter

[guenron]

Hi Peter!
Well gents, since so many of you are interested in smaller brushes, I decided to order the lilliputan member of the Savile 31 Series of Silvertip, the 3118.
COme on over to here (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?p=25549#post25549) for the scoop.

[NYLaw]

Ron... What can I say? I have a lot to learn. And buy. That was a tremendous review. Months in the making. WOW! You've made me reconsider my 25mm knot limit.

Nice LINEUP, by the way! (And, believe me: Lineups are not only done on "TV crime fighter shows"- We do them every day, and sometimes night, unfortunately, too!)

[shavingrace]

The SR 3128 is the best brush I have used in over thirty years of wet shaving.

Regards,

Phil

[guenron]

The SR 3128 is the best brush I have used in over thirty years of wet shaving.

Regards,

Phil
Careful Phil! Someone could accuse you of being objective.:001_smile

[shavingrace]

Wouldn't want that, Ron--thanks for the warning...close call!

[Reidar]

I'm having trouble deciding between the 208 and the 3128 -- what does one have over the other? I'm currently using a Tweezerman, and I'm unsure as to what size is right for me, so I'd just like to hear what you guys would do.

[guenron]

I'm having trouble deciding between the 208 and the 3128 -- what does one have over the other? I'm currently using a Tweezerman, and I'm unsure as to what size is right for me, so I'd just like to hear what you guys would do.
Hello Reidar,
We are talking apples and oranges here when comparing the 208 versus the 3128. First, in terms of size, the 208 has a 25mm knot of lovely superbager. Soft and supple, the brush gives a luxurious soft address to the visage when lathering.
Here's one drying after a great shave:

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1874

The SR 3128 has a more densely packed 28mm knot of superior quality silvertip badger. Silvertip, while soft, provides greater resilience and that desireable scritchy factor.
Here's one drying after another great shave:

http://badgerandblade.com/gallery/displayimage.php?imageid=1903

Note the second photo is zoomed out significantly. Use the stand as a reference for relative sizes.
So the 3128 has size of the knot and weight of the hair bundle, along with the fact that the hair is of a higher grade and quality, i.e. silvertip versus super badger. There is one very important additional difference too, price.. Approx $150 versus $59.
Hope that helps..:001_smile

[Reidar]

It did, thank you very much guenron. I do think I'm going to go ahead with my initial choice of the 208; this leaves me more to upgrade my razor with, too (I'm using an old Wilkinson that I don't like much). Sometime in the future I'll give a silvertip a try. Thank you again, I couldn't ask for a better visual overview.

[Crhis]

An old thread but...

I just ordered one after the glowing 3124 review. Figured the same praise would apply but, you know, even more so with it being a bigger knot.

It's going to be a lather making monster isn't it?