Brush Suggestions For Face Lathering

[Shaving_Noob]

Hello everyone.

I have been searching the forum as to what brushes are recommended for face lathering and I have found plenty of info, but I still feel a little lost. A little background info: I currently have a Vulfix super badger brush that I bowl lather with. Not really sure what the make/model is though. I also use AOS shaving cream, but was thinking of trying out Cella and Proraso soaps later on when the tub is running dry. I take a hot shower before my shaves as well as lathering up and using a hot towel to help soften the hairs even more. I have tried face lathering twice before, but the brush tears my face apart and I get plenty of irritation that will keep me from even shaving.

I have an idea of what kind of brush I wanted, but I wanted a little more info before I pull the trigger. I was thinking about buying a custom Shavemac silvertip brush because I would know exactly what I was getting. I also wanted something that was fan-shaped because they are generally regarded as more suitable for face lathering, at least from what I read. My skin is extremely sensitive and I think that I would need as soft of bristles as possible. The price range I would go with is about $130 at the most.

So, some questions that I have. Do you think that a custom Shavemac would be a suitable option for a quality brush that would be suitable for face lathering? Are there other less expensive alternatives that would still fit what I am looking for? Any opinions/suggestions for what kind of shape the brush should be? Any suggestions on the loft, height, etc of the brush? And if I get a really soft brush, would that make lathering soaps difficult?

Any help is greatly appreciated.

 

[NCJack]

I have two Bob Farvours, best badger, about 45-50 mm height, one more of a bulb than a fan shape, and they do great. I find them to be slight "lather hogs" when bowl lathering, but on face lathering they really come into their own. Have used with Arko, DR Harris stick, AoS cream and Proraso, all big 3-4 pass lathers. Pretty soft with plenty of backbone. Price around $60 (incl. shipping) as I recall. He's in the hobbyist/vendor section here. Also, have a Wet Shaving Products silvertip, bulb, very dense and soft but good backbone, great for face lathering, about $25-30 shipped.

 

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

You did not mention the hair type in the Vulfix, but it sounds like you mainly need something softer. With $130 to spend I would actually split between two good brushes: say the Rooney 3/1 super and the Simpson Colonel. Both are well known as good general-purpose brushes, suitable for bowl or face, but with very different characters. I have been using both this week, myself.

You could substitute a Shavemac finest for either, I suppose.

 

[Memphis]

I will be following this thread closely. I have the same question

I use a Colonel in Best Badger and I find it gives me a little redness where I have lathered most on my face.

I was thinking of a Silvertip. I heard those are soft. I love my simpsons, so I think I'm a Simpsons whore and want to get collection of Simpsons brushes

 

[Badger]

Try a Thater 3 band silver-tip with a 26mm knot. You cant go wrong