Another Obtuse Noob Brush Question.

[Gvanaken]

Hey all.
I've been doing all my tutorial reading and it appears that there is a "break-in" period that new brushes go through upon starting their lives as the caressers of manly men's faces.

As a person who has yet to take my first shave, and looking for a decent "starter" brush, should I be concerned that an un-broken-in brush will hinder my neophyte attempts to make my first lather?

If so, would anyone care to advise on brushes that may have a shorter break-in period or are more user friendly for beginner lather makers?

And, as a side, should I teach the misses to make my lather for me?

Thanks and happy shaves!

 

[mblakele]

Are you looking at any particular brushes? Most "starter" brushes should work well after a few practice lathers. Practice lathers are a good idea anyway.

Extensive break-in is only characteristic of boars. But in my experience many boars will make good lather pretty quickly, too. In many cases the break-in is about softness and lather-holding capacity.

To a lesser extent I find that some really dense badgers get better after a month or so, too. But I think medium-dense brushes are better for starting out, anyway.

 

[EloquentRune]

Welcome to the forums! mblakele is absolutely right about practice lathering. It really helps you get a feel for not only your brush but your technique with whichever soap you are using.

 

[Gvanaken]

I'm sure you're correct about practicing. I won't have a choice in that regard.

I really haven't made a decision yet on my first brush. There are so many styles to choose from. I'm leaning toward an "all around" brush, although I seem to be drawn to the ball type knot as opposed to the fan. I think I should go with a medium loft as a noobie, then indulging in the experience of all the varieties after learning the basics.

Perhaps an Omega or a Semogue? Or maybe a Volfix...

Thanks for the reply!

 

[Gvanaken]

My first soap out of the gate is going to be Proraso's green tub!

I was going to get some Mama Bear's but I think I'll use the saved funds toward a decent brush and treat myself as I learn.

For example; "Hey George, you didn't cut your ear this month. You've earned a tub of Mama Bear's in the wooden bowl!"
Incentive.

 

[imleftyoureright]

I think either of those boars will treat you just fine. I've heard some mixed reviews on vulfix so I might steer clear of them for now. I've also found Taylor of old bond street to be the easiest to lather cream I have and it also provides a great shave. I have the avocado in it. Good luck

 

[oldtrout]

An Omega or a Semogue boar would be a fine choice as a first brush. My second brush was a Semogue 610 and it a favorite of mine.

If you can teach the misses to create your lather, more power to you. There are too many "other things" my wife doesn't do for me as often as I'd like; adding making my shaving lather to the list would not be in my best interest.

 

[merkur59]

Hey all.
I've been doing all my tutorial reading and it appears that there is a "break-in" period that new brushes go through upon starting their lives as the caressers of manly men's faces.

As a person who has yet to take my first shave, and looking for a decent "starter" brush, should I be concerned that an un-broken-in brush will hinder my neophyte attempts to make my first lather?

If so, would anyone care to advise on brushes that may have a shorter break-in period or are more user friendly for beginner lather makers?

And, as a side, should I teach the misses to make my lather for me?

Thanks and happy shaves!

Boar:
Semogue 830
Omega 10275 or 80266

 

[u2u]

Vie-Long makes several excellent brushes in horse. Wish I knew of them when I started. Horses are under appreciated and give great value. If it matters to you, no horses are hurt in the making of horse brushes. No break in is required and they lather like best badger.

 

[ouch]

You're going to be able to make good lather from day one. It may be a little smelly lather............

Before you try to impress your friends with a megabuck silvertip (they won't know what it is, anyway) try a value priced badger or a good boar, which may cost even less. The B&B limited edition boar completely changed my opinion of boar brushes- it's great and goes for a song.

 

[vickywally]

+5 on boar brushes. Very underrated but excellent performers.

Also, its interesting to me that they're labelled 'boar' brushes when they're actually domestic pig hair (different species from wild boar). I don't get it - we're ok to eat the pig - but not rub him on our skin?

 

[Jarick]

I think the Semogue 830 would be an excellent first brush. Nice middle of the road brush and good quality.

Watch some videos and practice lathering and applying to your palm. Once you can get lather that looks kind of like shaving cream, you're golden.

Even a mediocre lather should be better than most cans, in my opinion!