20 mm vs 22 mm

[pezdaddy]

Guys, all things considered (identical loft size, etc.), is there a big difference between a 20 mm and a 22 mm?

I'm currently using an original Ever-Ready 200T, which I believe is only a 20 mm knot. I'm the only owner it has ever seen, as it sat in it's original box for probably 30 years before I started using it. However, it's starting to shed, about one hair a shave. Eventually I'll probably restore the knot, as I like the vintage look of the handle, but for right now I'm buying a new brush.

The 20 mm knot seems to work for me, but I wonder if I shouldn't go to a 22 mm or even a 24 mm. Any benefits or drawbacks?

 

[Schwert]

I have an 14mm, 18mm, and 23mm, with 36, 42, and 46mm lofts respectively.

I think there is a huge difference between the 18 and 23mm brushes. I much prefer the 18mm knot over the larger version. I am adding a 20mm with 44mm loft next as I think it may be ideal.

Face lather only....soaps 99% of the time.

So I do think you will be able to discern the differences between a 20 and 22 knot....definitely a 24mm (which I think would be way way too big for my needs).

The benefit of my 23mm knot is that it loads with soap faster and lathers much faster than the smaller knots. I don't like how much soap it hogs though.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Guys, all things considered (identical loft size, etc.), is there a big difference between a 20 mm and a 22 mm?

I'm currently using an original Ever-Ready 200T, which I believe is only a 20 mm knot. I'm the only owner it has ever seen, as it sat in it's original box for probably 30 years before I started using it. However, it's starting to shed, about one hair a shave. Eventually I'll probably restore the knot, as I like the vintage look of the handle, but for right now I'm buying a new brush.

The 20 mm knot seems to work for me, but I wonder if I shouldn't go to a 22 mm or even a 24 mm. Any benefits or drawbacks?

There's not much difference between the 20mm and the 22mm. If you prefer a smaller brush either is fine, but I think I'd rather the 22mm, just for the fact that it holds more water. I have 6 brushes in my rotation, and all are between 20mm and 23mm. The ones I use most often are 22mm.

Now the difference between your 20's and a 24mm is where I believe you'll see a difference. My largest brush is my 23mm which doesn't see that much use due to its larger size and my preference for the smaller brushes. I have larger hands, but the smaller brushes just feel better and work best for me.

Its all a matter of personal preference though, whatever works best for you is your personal best shaving brush, so go ahead and try different brushes. My travel brush is the Dove stainless steel 19mm travel brush, and that is a brush that does one fine job.

 

[ambrose]

20-22 seems to be a real sweet spot anyway you go.

 

[rsp1202]

20-22 seems to be a real sweet spot anyway you go.

Agreed, but if Savile Row is shortening its lofts on the 3122 and 3120 (as they just did with the 3824), it's going to make the choice between the two that much harder.

 

[Mink]

I bowl lather only and the 22mm brush holds more water - and eventually more lather. I never run out of lather with the 22mm brush, but have had problems with a 19mm brush.

 

[thunderball]

...is there a big difference between a 20 mm and a 22 mm?

I think it's about 2mm.

 

[pezdaddy]

I think it's about 2mm.