Alright brush gurus (edgerunner), here we go again!

[nrv216]

Gentlemen,

I know we get a lot of "which brush next" threads on here and I am about to post yet another. However, I am getting married in September and my future wife and I will then abscond to the luxurious Peninsula Hotel in Chicago for a few days (the real honeymoon will come later). So, seeing as how Chicago has some fine shaving establishments, I want to pick up a souvenier of the visit and have decided on a luxury brush!

I am not very picky about brushes and I face and bowl lather. I already own the following (in order of favorite to least)-

Simpson Duke 2 in best badger
Semogue 620 boar
Semogue 2000 boar
AoS pure badger travel brush
Vulfix 28 Boar

Now, the shops in Chicago only carry the following brands:
Truefitt & Hill, Caswell-Massey, Mason Pearson, Kent, Merchant & Rhoades, Edwin Jagger luxury, Muehle, Vulfix or Simpson.

I know that this is a lot to ask but, for those of you who bothered to read all this crap... any suggestions? I would like to keep it close to $100-150. Thanks in advance!

nrv216

 

[Vlad]

We need more specifics on the models you are looking at!

 

[nrv216]

Oh, I haven't even gotten to models yet! I am just trying to choose a manufacturer first. Baby steps. Right now I am leaning towards a Kent (maybe bk4 or 8), but I like the looks of the mason pearsons, EJs and the Truefitt and Hills. Are the T&H brushes done by someone else? BUT... Another simpson certainly wouldn't hurt my collection. Sorry if this is a worthless thread, I just tend to overthink things like this.

nrv216

 

[Loric]

If your going to go big, get a Simpson Chubby. IMO Chubby 2 band though its big and mostly a face lather brush, its one of my favorites. You cant get much denser than that in a two band.

 

[angelino]

I'd look at one of the nicer T&H brushes. They are re-branded Rooneys packed better then the originals from what Ive been told. Will be a great souvenir and will have the looks to match!

 

[edgerunner]

I ain't guru at all. There are so many more experienced members here that know brushes. I just know my brushes in particular. I like them all, and when suggesting something, I try to disregard my own preferences.
From your list and order I think you'll like Simpsons' 2-band like Tulip or Emperor. 'angelino' suggested T&H. I have a T&H Rooney which I like. But it's much softer than any of your brushes, and I think it splays more than what you'd like. Besides, if you don't mind a bigger luxurious brush, Kent BK8 is a wonderful choice. Against some believes, I don't have problems face lathering with mine.

 

[brucered]

M&F...everyone should try one. my vote is the L7 in 24mm, 2 band (hybrid or bulb knot). not sure what the going price is, but it should be around in your range.

great for bowl or face and good with either soap or cream.

most comfortable handle i have ever held.

 

[nrv216]

Great suggestions guys! I did not know T&H brushes were rebranded Rooneys! That will make it a tougher choice! I will make a list and then when I get to the stores, hopefully one of the recommended brushes will be there! Thanks!

Simpson Chubby (might be a little above what I want to spend)
T&H large brush
Simpson two band tulip or emperor
Kent BK8
M&F L7

nrv216

 

[brucered]

sorry for my L7 recommendation, as i'm not sure you'll find a M&F in a retail store and almost positive you wont' see an L7 handle, but you never know.

of the ones you listed, i'd go with the T&H rebranded Rooney. the rooney i had was a super brush and the M&F are similar from what i've read and understand.

Rooney/T&H would be my choice and i'd get the most expensive/most luxurious one you can afford and/or your fiancee will allow you to

Simpson Best, 2 band would also be a great choice. never owned a Simpson 2 band, but having the ability to see them in store and handle them and see the knots is a HUGE bonus for picking any brush.

you'll know which one to buy when you see them and hold them.

 

[MaxP]

In Chicago, go to the TH shop on Michigan Ave and Merz In the Palmer hotel.

Between them you'll find ample selection.

 

[nrv216]

Thanks bruce! I am leaning towards a T&H rooney right now and of course I will go for the largest one she'll allow! Now about this MF L7... I will need a very smooth shave for the actual wedding

nrv216

 

[nrv216]

In Chicago, go to the TH shop on Michigan Ave and Merz In the Palmer hotel.

Between them you'll find ample selection.

Guess which two websites I took the list of brush makers from? Thanks though!

nrv216

 

[Vlad]

The Tulip is ome of the better looking handles in my opinion...distinct, but not silly (ex. Milkchurn). The 2-band is going to give you a different face feel than you've had so far. You could use this brush the rest of your life, classic Simpson.

 

[nrv216]

So Vlad, you would opt for that over the T&H Rooney brush?

nrv216

 

[Mick]

Polo 8 would fit right into your line up and it will fit within your budget.

 

[Intrigued]

I would go with a T&H, a Kent, or a Simpson. As long as your going to be able to look at them up close and personal, I wouldn't try to settle on exactly which one until you can hold them in your hand. Then I'm sure you'll find that one calls to you more loudly than the others..... "Pick me!.. Pick me!"

All you have to do is listen when it calls your name.

 

[alohakid]

I think Merchant & Rhoades may be a sub brand of Truefitt & Hill which is a rebranded and up speced ? Rooney .
And Edwin Jagger luxury maybe a rebrand of Muehle .
Simpsons which may be the class act of the group was purchased by Vulfix in 2008 .
Soap or Cream ?

 

[shave~extacy]

Kent bk8 or a Simpson polo 10 represent luxury imo.

 

[Vlad]

So Vlad, you would opt for that over the T&H Rooney brush?

nrv216

Yes, I think I would. The Rooney doesn't have the density and backbone I would want for facelathering.

 

[bobfarvour]

Those Truefitt & Hill brushes are great. I'd go that route. Good price on them too.