2nd brush advice for face latherer

[dbconlin]

Interested in seeing what you guys think about the myriad options available. For some background, my first brush is an EJ Best Badger in Medium. It has a 21 mm knot and and 53 mm loft. I ONLY face lather and am finding it a bit large for this purpose, although overall it actually works pretty well. I am interested in getting a smaller brush in both dimensions, but just how small should I go. Open to any and all suggestions besides those listed. Let's keep the price below $75 if possible (I think that is within the range of all the choices I list).

Bring it on! Enable me!

 

[BroJohn]

Kent BK4 Silvertip. Soft and lush. Very enjoyable.

-- John Gehman

 

[Schwert]

I am a Wee Scot fan....however for daily use I tend to favor my 18mm 42mm loft brush that I set in a Rudy Vey handle.

I would likely vote for the Rudy option you have above given those choices...even though I think I would prefer one of his in 18mm rather than 16mm.

 

[dbconlin]

I am a Wee Scot fan....however for daily use I tend to favor my 18mm 42mm loft brush that I set in a Rudy Vey handle.

I would likely vote for the Rudy option you have above given those choices...even though I think I would prefer one of his in 18mm rather than 16mm.

Thanks for your input! I actually thought about adding to the poll the 18mm custom from Rudy, but realized I wasn't sure what grades he has in 18mm and therefore how pricey it would be. If I recall, his 18mm knots are higher grade. Anyway, I will be looking into this option as well. How much loft do you have in your 18mm or what would you recommend?

Thanks, again.

EDIT: Oops, I see you answered my question regarding loft already...

 

[fidjit]

I'd be having a talk to Rudy.

Working with him you can have customised:

Handle
Colour
Shape
Size
Material
Bristle ( the TGN Finests are nice but only come in 20mm )
Knot size ( suggest 18 or 20mm )
Loft ( suggest 40-45mm )

I suppose the constraining factor here is the knot. I know Rudy can do the TGN, but not sure if he can get other "customised" knots as well.

 

[Futur]

I could be very happy if the only brush I ever had was my Simpson Colonel. The densly packed 22 mm knot with 46mm loft gives it great backbone and the Simpson Best hairs are also very nice and soft. I love the handle also. I think the brush is perfect for face lathering.
http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=28_42_56&products_id=393

 

[benvh]

Rudy Vey does awesome work. The finest knot w/ extra hair is so awesome for face lathering. Just do it!!!

 

[Schwert]

Thanks for your input! I actually thought about adding to the poll the 18mm custom from Rudy, but realized I wasn't sure what grades he has in 18mm and therefore how pricey it would be. If I recall, his 18mm knots are higher grade. Anyway, I will be looking into this option as well. How much loft do you have in your 18mm or what would you recommend?

Thanks, again.

EDIT: Oops, I see you answered my question regarding loft already...

I used an 18mm Grade A Silvertip in a handle I got from Rudy. I set it at 42mm...it could have been set at 45 and been fine too.

I want to try the 16mm knot for sure. I would set it at 40-42mm likely.

I really grew to love the Wee, but my 18 and 20mm brushes set at 42-44 mm are faster to load with soap, build lather faster and still keep it where I want it on my face.

I think Rudy can set you up great with something in a super classic handle in that 16-20mm range with a low loft that should make a better "all around" brush than the Wee.

That said that Simpson's Case has had my eye....

 

[warlandsboy]

Boar. Enough said.

 

[vitaman]

Rooney 1/1 in super or Semogue 1305 (I had to throw the boar in there)

 

[theinternot]

I second BOTH of those.. I have the Semogue 620... same brush, different handle.

Rooney 1/1 in super or Semogue 1305 (I had to throw the boar in there)

 

[Empty Words]

I recommend the Rooney 1/1 in Silvertip or Super ($65 and $75). A little larger than the brushes you have listed, but it's the best brush for face lathering that I have used.

 

[andrew98]

The 20mm diameter GN Finest knot in a Rudy Vey handle would be ace! I'd set it with a 42mm to 45mm loft. I voted for Finest/Rudy Vey above, but I think these dimensions are more realistic. Consider my vote a Finest/Other vote. I prefer small, short-loft brushes, and I only face lather soaps.

Good luck, and let us know what you end up with.

-Andy

 

[dbconlin]

Super, thanks for all the advice!

I put a handle material on hold with Rudy and am still deciding between 16mm or 18mm knot...based on much of the advice herein, I am leaning toward 18mm.

 

[dbconlin]

OK, ordered the brush from Rudy with the 18 mm Silvertip Grade A knot from TGN! Can't wait!!!