I have been going at this incessantly for a few days now and it has gone far enough. My shaving kit is incomplete without a brush!
I'm picking up the Edwin Jagger DE89-11 as my first DE razor contraption, and after much deliberation might I add.
Colonel Ichabod Conk Safety Razor Stand for holding my chromed DE razor and future badger brush.
Proraso Shaving Soap, New Formulation or Shave Creme
Now, I need to cement a solid choice for a beginner who does not want to skimp on quality and feel, but who isn't made of money. My fiance has already given the green light on choosing the brush that I FEEL would be best, since it's an investment in a face she loves so much. My price range is $40-$60 ($70-$80 if it's an obvious winner and I gotta have it.)
I've done a lot of research on many websites including B&B (thank you for everyone's previously posted comments!, I am really enjoying this forum) so I have narrowed down my top choices. Other informed suggestions are welcome if they fit what I am looking for.
Criteria:
Now for the Show Down!
Parker 100% Silvertip Badger Brush w Olivewood Handle ($60)
Vulfix 2234S Super Badger ($60)
Simpsons Commodore X2 Best Badger ($72)
Omega 636 Lucretia Borgia's Silvertip ($55-$85)
Edwin Jagger EJ287 Super Badger ($66-$77)
Semogue Owners Club 2 Silvertip in Cherry Wood ($90)
There you have it. The contenders. Your views, opinions, thoughts will be directly responsible for the future of my face care regime. As if I needed to tell you, I'm only buying one right now so I won't have the luxury of getting a couple and testing them out.
*Any variations of the brands that I've listed that provide greater value (cheaper, fit requirements better, etc.) is of course welcomed and appreciated. I don't have to spend the farm on a brush. One last note, please try to avoid a lot of acronyms as I am not as skilled and wise as yourself, and I would be too embarrassed to ask.
I wish to take this time to thank anybody who reads this post, let alone posts a comment. I have tried to be brief in my words, yet succinct. I look forward to being a responsible and constructive member of this band of brothers! B&B
I'm picking up the Edwin Jagger DE89-11 as my first DE razor contraption, and after much deliberation might I add.
Colonel Ichabod Conk Safety Razor Stand for holding my chromed DE razor and future badger brush.
Proraso Shaving Soap, New Formulation or Shave Creme
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00837YY18/ref=ox_sc_act_title_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A2AJKL7IJZ3U1E
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L03N74/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1KY72LYV6LU4A
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B002L03N74/ref=ox_sc_act_title_2?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=A1KY72LYV6LU4A
Now, I need to cement a solid choice for a beginner who does not want to skimp on quality and feel, but who isn't made of money. My fiance has already given the green light on choosing the brush that I FEEL would be best, since it's an investment in a face she loves so much. My price range is $40-$60 ($70-$80 if it's an obvious winner and I gotta have it.)
I've done a lot of research on many websites including B&B (thank you for everyone's previously posted comments!, I am really enjoying this forum) so I have narrowed down my top choices. Other informed suggestions are welcome if they fit what I am looking for.
Criteria:
Medium sized brush as I plan on focusing on cup/bowl lathering.
Soft tipped Badger bristles in either Best/Super or Silvertip.
Decent size that's not too short or uncomfortable to wield.
Must be good for sensitive skin. Not too much abrasiveness.
I would prefer a cherry or olive wood handle but faux ivory would do if the brush mattered more than looks.
Decent backbone that would have a little spring so the bristles aren't all mashed in the center.
Soft tipped Badger bristles in either Best/Super or Silvertip.
Decent size that's not too short or uncomfortable to wield.
Must be good for sensitive skin. Not too much abrasiveness.
I would prefer a cherry or olive wood handle but faux ivory would do if the brush mattered more than looks.
Decent backbone that would have a little spring so the bristles aren't all mashed in the center.
Now for the Show Down!
Parker 100% Silvertip Badger Brush w Olivewood Handle ($60)
http://www.chicagoshaving.com/parke...-deluxe-olivewood-handle-with-free-stand.html
I love the look for the handle with the wood grain and chrome bottom accents. I think it would make an awesome pair for the listed gear above. However, Parker seems like a decent brush choice. Neither too much good or too much bad. And for $60, there may be exceptional brushes that I am missing out on because of the looks. (Side note, I can't find measurements on this brush - any help would be nice)
I love the look for the handle with the wood grain and chrome bottom accents. I think it would make an awesome pair for the listed gear above. However, Parker seems like a decent brush choice. Neither too much good or too much bad. And for $60, there may be exceptional brushes that I am missing out on because of the looks. (Side note, I can't find measurements on this brush - any help would be nice)
Vulfix 2234S Super Badger ($60)
http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/vulfix-2234s--super-badger-shaving-b2234.html
A lot of you speak very highly of Vulfix. This style seems to be within my range of size but I'm worried, that like Simpson, it will be too dense for sensitive skin and meant for a harder soap.
A lot of you speak very highly of Vulfix. This style seems to be within my range of size but I'm worried, that like Simpson, it will be too dense for sensitive skin and meant for a harder soap.
Simpsons Commodore X2 Best Badger ($72)
http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/simpsons-commodore-x1--best-badger-shaving-brus1.html
Again, a lot of praise from those who own in this forum and other review sites. That being said, I have heard that this is very dense and great for harder soaps. The price is also a bit up there for a 22mm knot. If the Simpson brand is the gotta have, any educated suggestions for alternatives in their line would be appreciated.
Again, a lot of praise from those who own in this forum and other review sites. That being said, I have heard that this is very dense and great for harder soaps. The price is also a bit up there for a 22mm knot. If the Simpson brand is the gotta have, any educated suggestions for alternatives in their line would be appreciated.
Omega 636 Lucretia Borgia's Silvertip ($55-$85)
http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/omega-636--best-silver636.html
I like the style of the Omega lineup and can enjoy the fact that they are made in Italy but I am a little turned off by all the gold they have on their brushes. As for bristles, there is a lot of praise that they are super soft but have some backbone, however, I am worried it may be too mushy. Your thoughts and experience would be great on that. Also, I have listed two prices because they offer a 21mm & 23mm knot. It possible the larger knot would be a little dense and therefore not as floppy? But then again, is it really worth the $30?
I like the style of the Omega lineup and can enjoy the fact that they are made in Italy but I am a little turned off by all the gold they have on their brushes. As for bristles, there is a lot of praise that they are super soft but have some backbone, however, I am worried it may be too mushy. Your thoughts and experience would be great on that. Also, I have listed two prices because they offer a 21mm & 23mm knot. It possible the larger knot would be a little dense and therefore not as floppy? But then again, is it really worth the $30?
Edwin Jagger EJ287 Super Badger ($66-$77)
http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/edjaejsubaiv1.html
And now the Edwin Jagger. I have heard tremendous commentary on the EJ brushes. One member did a photo comparison of 3 EJ Pure, Best, and Silvertip brushes that helped a lot in my hunt. However, in that post, it showed the Silvertip getting mushed in the center and being marginal better than the Best. Now, this bristle is Super badger so is that a healthy median of resiliency and softness? The lack of non-wood handles is a bit frustrating, but I suppose Faux Ivory would suffice if the EJ trumps all others.
And now the Edwin Jagger. I have heard tremendous commentary on the EJ brushes. One member did a photo comparison of 3 EJ Pure, Best, and Silvertip brushes that helped a lot in my hunt. However, in that post, it showed the Silvertip getting mushed in the center and being marginal better than the Best. Now, this bristle is Super badger so is that a healthy median of resiliency and softness? The lack of non-wood handles is a bit frustrating, but I suppose Faux Ivory would suffice if the EJ trumps all others.
Semogue Owners Club 2 Silvertip in Cherry Wood ($90)
http://www.italianbarber.com/semogue?page=2
I'm kind of throwing them out there in the ring. Love the Cherry Wood styling and chrome ring. Completely handmade in Portugal. Heard wonderful things about it, but I feel this will wind up being the next one? 90 bucks? It is 24mm, as well. Is that too much or would that be wonderful luxury for my face.
I'm kind of throwing them out there in the ring. Love the Cherry Wood styling and chrome ring. Completely handmade in Portugal. Heard wonderful things about it, but I feel this will wind up being the next one? 90 bucks? It is 24mm, as well. Is that too much or would that be wonderful luxury for my face.
There you have it. The contenders. Your views, opinions, thoughts will be directly responsible for the future of my face care regime. As if I needed to tell you, I'm only buying one right now so I won't have the luxury of getting a couple and testing them out.
*Any variations of the brands that I've listed that provide greater value (cheaper, fit requirements better, etc.) is of course welcomed and appreciated. I don't have to spend the farm on a brush. One last note, please try to avoid a lot of acronyms as I am not as skilled and wise as yourself, and I would be too embarrassed to ask.
I wish to take this time to thank anybody who reads this post, let alone posts a comment. I have tried to be brief in my words, yet succinct. I look forward to being a responsible and constructive member of this band of brothers! B&B
I'm getting quite a list going for possible future brushes. Sounds like I definitely need to get a Simpson. But, for my all around choice, capable of doing all types of lathering but without being too prickly, I have chosen the Semogue Owners Club 2 Band! A couple of guys had mentioned a great site where it was much more discounted than I had anticipated. 
