20/64 Finest - ideal loft?

[Matt_Bloodletter]

I'm seeking any recommendations for setting a 20/64 bulb knot in Finest? This would be my second brush. I think my first was a little too high (a 22/65). I have zero complaints but want to do this one better.

Thanks for suggestions.

 

[JaxJim]

Ultimately I think this comes down to personal preference, Matt. For me, setting a 20 or 22mm knot at 64 or 65mm seems a bit high; I tend to like knots of those diameters set in the 45 to 50mm range. In any event, an old thread that you might find helpful can be found here.

An easy method to decide what works best for you is to set the knot temporarily using just a dab of silicone adhesive and try different lofts. Whatever you decide, good luck! Oh, and by the way, please post photos.

 

[Big Jim]

I suspect you mean you have a 20/64 knot prior to setting. The typical depth of the bore in the handle is 10 mm, which you give you a loft of 54.

Personally, I like a brush with a lot of loft. Many here feel that a loft of about 47 mm to 50 mm is more ideal, which would require a deeper bore.

A knot without much backbone (firmness) seems to benefit from a shorter loft, helping to compensate for the soft backbone. A stiffer knot, like the one you have, may be too firm if shortened.

Try it at 54 mm and set it temporarily with silicon so you can easily remove it and experiment with the loft. See what you like best.

 

[deruitem]

I would go closer to 50 or even a little lower

 

[Big_OC]

50mm is what i usually go for.

 

[Klopstick]

Don't go over 50mm. 48 is where I set mine.

 

[Dr Dulcamara]

48

 

[Matt_Bloodletter]

Cool thanks all. I will give it a whirl. I find my other one which I set rather high (will measure) has really good backbone compared to my Simpsons Best so it works fine (so good I sold one of my prized "civilian" brushes).

Will post shots of the finished product.

 

[Snargle]

A lot depends on whether you want to face lather, bowl lather, or both. Personally, I'm a face-latherer, so most of my brushes are set with a loft of 50mm or less. Once you get above 50, I find it too floppy for my face, but still might work fine for a bowl.

 

[FL shaver]

I favor 50-52mm. Just seems to give me optimum performance with all but the stiffest badger knots. I'll set black or pure badger knots a bit higher.

 

[Kostas1]

In my personal experience, the 2:1 or 2.1:1 ratio works well on custom knots or a situation like Shavemac (where you can get a knot custom made at 24mm diameter and 50mm loft, for example). Every time I've tried to follow this ratio with a TGN or any other finest knot, I've had 10mm of hair (in addition to the plug) below the top of the handle opening, resulting in what felt like too stiff of a knot that lacked any bloom.

But again, that's just my experience...

 

[GDCarrington]

48 - 52 mm depending upon how much splay you want.