Best brush for face lathering?

[Slohand]

I have been making due with a very inexpensive boar bristle brush for the last two years as I have delved deeper and deeper into wet shaving.

I am ready to make the leap to a badger brush. Of course, the question now becomes, which one?

I have discovered that I am happiest with face lathering, so I am wondering which brush are favored by others who like that method.

What are the characteristics of a good face lathering brush?

What are the advantages of a badger brush over a boar for this particular task?

Must I pay a prince's ransom to get such a brush?

Any thoughts and suggestions would be most appreciated.

Slo

 

[huntmol]

My recommendations (sorted by price):

Edwin Jagger Medium in Best
Simpsons Commodore X2
Rooney 1/1 in Super
Simpsons Duke 2 in Best
Simpsons Classic 2 in Best
Custom Shavemac in Two-band D01​

 

[Vlad]

The advantages of a badger over a boar for face-lathering are pretty subjective. I don't think I can come up with one. In my opinion, any grade of badger above the machine-cut pure will be great, so you don't have to pay a lot. If you're price range is under $50, it would probably be better to get a really great boar rather than a not so great badger. If you're itching to drop $100 or more, there's all kinds of options.

For face-lathering you will probably want a badger with a bristle loft under 50mm. And keep in mind that bigger knots will dry out slower, so if this is to be your only brush I would go with about a 20mm knot, but there are other variables like the density of the brush and where you store it to dry.

 

[Leche]

I agree with Vlad, I don't think their is much of a difference between boar and badger. They work slightly differently but both are excellent hairs. My favorite badger is a short lofted (48mm) golden nib silvertip badger done by Vitaman. My favorite brand name brush would be the Simpson's Duke 2 in best and the Semegue 1305 Boar brush.

 

[KiltedShaver]

It seems the general consensus that the best brush is one that has a short loft (45mm-50mm), has a decent backbone/density, and some prefer a rougher badger/boar. To me this last point isn't as important, however, YMMV.

I am one of the ones that think there's a big difference between boar and badger (granted that may be because I have only used a cheap boar, but I digress) and I think that getting a badger would be in your favor.

I have two brushes, both restorations with Finest extra stuffed badger hair knots from The Golden Nib, and they work wonderfully for face lathering. they are both set within that short loft range.

Those are some of the characteristics that I would look for were I in your position! Hope you find something that will make your shave!

Cheers!

 

[RayH]

I think you should go for a brush with a small dense knot. Boar or badger, it doesn't matter. WCS has three choices in the smaller department.
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Omega-21047-Banded-Boar-Shaving-Brush_p_797.html

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Omega-599-Silvertip-Badger-Shaving-Brush_p_770.html

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Wee-Scot-Best-Badger-Shaving-Brush_p_389.html

and then there is this one which is larger but still isn't that big.

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpsons-Case-1-Best-Badger-Shaving-Brush-C1_p_545.html

and then there is this one.

http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Simpson-Special-1-Pure-Badger-Shaving-Brush-S1_p_555.html

 

[linty]

I have limited experience, but the Ehsan from Bullgoose has been excellent! Scrubbier than my Duke 3 in best and easier to control.

 

[Perished]

I have limited experience, but the Ehsan from Bullgoose has been excellent! Scrubbier than my Duke 3 in best and easier to control.

Another Bullgoose brush I'd recommend is the 'Douglas'. Few weeks of breaking in results in a stunning face lathering machine. That and a Semogue 1305.

Do not underestimate the Boar!

 

[Muscles]

Custom Flat Top Shave Mac (Got mine with Silvertip)

Just got mine a couple of weeks ago and it is now my go to if I am face lathering. My Chubby 1 in Best will be sticking around though for times when I have a few days stubble

 

[vitaman]

My vote would be a Semo 1305 or Rooney 1/1 in super.

 

[Obiwan]

Out of what I've tried, I'd suggest the Duke 2 in best

 

[mretzloff]

My recommendations (sorted by price):

Edwin Jagger Medium in Best
Simpsons Commodore X2
Rooney 1/1 in Super
Simpsons Duke 2 in Best
Simpsons Classic 2 in Best
Custom Shavemac in Two-band D01​

+1

That Rooney is one of the best deals in shaving.

 

[linty]

Another Bullgoose brush I'd recommend is the 'Douglas'. Few weeks of breaking in results in a stunning face lathering machine. That and a Semogue 1305.

Do not underestimate the Boar!

The Douglas was a little out of my price range, but I do like the looks of the handle. The Simfix Grosvenor would be another economical alternative.
Never tried a boar myself.

 

[vitaman]

The Douglas was a little out of my price range, but I do like the looks of the handle. The Simfix Grosvenor would be another economical alternative.
Never tried a boar myself.

vintagescent.com can hook you up! Get on the boar train, you won't regret it!

 

[kellicat]

My recommendations (sorted by price):

Edwin Jagger Medium in Best
Simpsons Commodore X2
Rooney 1/1 in Super
Simpsons Duke 2 in Best
Simpsons Classic 2 in Best
Custom Shavemac in Two-band D01​

Would these be also good soap brushes? I'm on a MWF kick lately, and I think I could have a better soap brush than what I use currently.

Also, could someone link a site where a Rooney 1/1 is sold? I assume classicshaving has them, but I'm confused on the numbers.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

The Colonel X2L is a superb face latherer. I too agree, a nice boar haired brush, will soften up to the extent it is indistinguishable from many fine badger brushes. The Golden Nib Finest is a very, very soft tipped badger knot if you want to go the restoration route (also highly recommended!!!), and finally my Rooney 1/1 in Super is one of those brushes that falls into the category "if you had to pick just one". P.S. the Colonel falls into that category as well, but I use an "O" ring on it to tighten up the density. The Rooney 1/1 stands on its own.

 

[Vlad]

Would these be also good soap brushes? I'm on a MWF kick lately, and I think I could have a better soap brush than what I use currently.

Also, could someone link a site where a Rooney 1/1 is sold? I assume classicshaving has them, but I'm confused on the numbers.

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=153

 

[RockyNomad]

I just own the Semogue 830, which is a boar, and use it for face lathering. It's my first and only brush so I can't give any comparisons but it seems to do the job very well.