Ive been shaving with brush and soap for a year now and Im ready to invest in a better brush. I started out with the Tweezerman and I think there are better options.
So, following Docs outline in the stickies, here is some information to help you make a recommendation.
Thanks for your help. I look forward to your recommendations.
So, following Docs outline in the stickies, here is some information to help you make a recommendation.
- Current Brushes -- The Tweezerman is my only brush. Handle-- I like the size of the handle. I set the handle against my palm and my fingers can reach the bristles to pinch them. It just seems to fit my hand. I like the indentation just above the base because I hold it there when I flick it dry after rinsing. A similar sized handle in a new brush would be fine. Bristles-- The Tweezerman is too big and floppy. The bristles are all over the place.
- My lathery leanings: I face lather. So far, I only use soaps, no creams. I started with Tabac and currently use MWF. When I travel, I use a Tabac stick. When the new Proraso Sandalwood (for tough beards) hits the shores of the US, I plan to try it. I do have a puck of EJ Sandalwood that I really cant get much lather from. Im hoping the new brush does better.
- My wants-- Im looking for a brush with more backbone than the Tweezerman. I would prefer that it not be too scritchy or scrubby, although a small to moderate amount is fine. Doesnt have to be Super Silvertip. I do want badger, though, no boars. Im looking for a good everyday brush that will last for a very long time, build a good lather, release it on demand, and make my face happy. I want to buy this brush as though it will be the only brush Ill ever use. OK, you skeptics can get up off the floor and stop laughing, now. As evidence that I dont have AD, I only use one soap at a time, I only own one razor, and only have one brush.
- Brush aesthetics: In general, overall aesthetics are overridden by the performance of the brush. Kind of like buying a car. I like certain car colors, but Ill take performance over color. Having said that, here are my preferences. I talked about the handle size above -similar to the Tweezerman. I would like to have the indentation just above the base like the Tweezerman does. Material? Something durable. If the model I choose is offered in a few colors, I may go for horn, or something other than ivory. I dont want a metal or ceramic handle. Id like a brush that feels solid in my hand. Doesnt have to be hefty, though. The handle shouldnt be any slipperier than average.
- Budget.I would like to keep it below $70.
- Size -- As I said above, I think I want a smaller brush than the Tweezerman is. Something that I can use to face lather with more precision than I can now. I dont want a Wee Scott or a Chubby, thats overkill.
- General -- Im more focused on quality and value for money, than prestige. If there is a brush that is of a similar caliber to, say, a Simpson, and it will last as long, Im open to suggestions. At the same time, I dont want false economy-- a brush that is cheap, performs well, then disintegrates in a few years.
- Brushes I like-- Unfortunately, I havent been hanging out in the shaving section of B&B as much as I used to, so Im out of touch with the multitude of brush choices. Note: The reason I havent been in the shaving section as much is that Ive been spending more time in the Nib (now thats where Im at risk of AD!!).
- Please don't forget to tell us that this will be your last or only brush, and that "SBAD hasn't really gotten ahold of me." We need a good laugh. I already have that one covered, above.
Thanks for your help. I look forward to your recommendations.
