Good evening, gents! I find myself in urgent need of your help. It seems I've been struck with my first major flareup of Shaving Brush Acquisition Disorder. I've thought long and hard about the situation, and I've come to the conclusion that the only way to resolve the issue is to give in and buy a new brush. My trusty Simpson Berkeley 46B best badger has served me well for the last year, mind, you, but the allure of something shiny and new is simply too overwhelming. The problem is that I can't seem to decide which direction to go now that I've narrowed it down to a few finalists. I like the basic size and feel of my Berkeley, so I'm not looking to run too far in another direction. I guess you could say that I'm looking for a brush that's one louder. I don't want to lose everything I love in the Simpson, I just want to increase the overall quality of my shaving experience. This is the part where I should probably mention that I'm a face latherer who uses about 75% soaps/25% creams and that I'm looking to keep this purchase under $100. I'm listing the Berkeley's vital stats alongside those of the contending finalists below for the sake of comparison. Please do me the favor of giving them a look and letting me know what you think. Thanks so much for the help, folks!
Simpson Berkeley 46B (Current Brush)
Hair Type: Best Badger
Handle Height: 45mm
Knot Diameter: 20mm
Brush Loft: 45mm
Price: N/A
Simpson Duke 2 (Contender #1)
Hair Type: Best Badger
Handle Height: 41mm
Knot Diameter: 21mm
Brush Loft: 46mm
Price: $92.60 (West Coast Shaving)
Rooney 1/1 (Contender #2)
Hair Type: "Super" Silvertip
Handle Height: 42mm
Knot Diameter: 22mm
Brush Loft: 44mm
Price: $84.99 (Vintage Blades)
Rooney 1/2 (Contender #3)
Hair Type: "Super" Silvertip
Handle Height: 48mm
Knot Diameter: 24mm
Brush Loft: 50mm
Price: $99.99 (Vintage Blades)
Wet Shaving Products Semi-Custom (Contender #4)
Hair Type: Superfine Badger Two Band
Handle Height: 48mm
Knot Diameter: 24mm
Brush Loft: 48mm to 54mm (selectable)
Price $80 (Wet Shaving Products)
I know that's a lot to digest, but I appreciate any input you fine folks might have. Please let me know if you have any questions that might help you point me in the right directions. I'm really looking forward to seeing your feedback! Thanks in advance!
Simpson Berkeley 46B (Current Brush)
Hair Type: Best Badger
Handle Height: 45mm
Knot Diameter: 20mm
Brush Loft: 45mm
Price: N/A
Simpson Duke 2 (Contender #1)
Hair Type: Best Badger
Handle Height: 41mm
Knot Diameter: 21mm
Brush Loft: 46mm
Price: $92.60 (West Coast Shaving)
Rooney 1/1 (Contender #2)
Hair Type: "Super" Silvertip
Handle Height: 42mm
Knot Diameter: 22mm
Brush Loft: 44mm
Price: $84.99 (Vintage Blades)
Rooney 1/2 (Contender #3)
Hair Type: "Super" Silvertip
Handle Height: 48mm
Knot Diameter: 24mm
Brush Loft: 50mm
Price: $99.99 (Vintage Blades)
Wet Shaving Products Semi-Custom (Contender #4)
Hair Type: Superfine Badger Two Band
Handle Height: 48mm
Knot Diameter: 24mm
Brush Loft: 48mm to 54mm (selectable)
Price $80 (Wet Shaving Products)
I know that's a lot to digest, but I appreciate any input you fine folks might have. Please let me know if you have any questions that might help you point me in the right directions. I'm really looking forward to seeing your feedback! Thanks in advance!