Brush Suggestions

[ysuboy]

Hey everyone, I would like some advice on picking a new brush. I am entertaining the idea because my current brush (whipped dog synthetic) is a very good brush, but I think there are others I might enjoy more.

My previous brush Escali was too scritchy for me, wanted something a little nicer so I opted for the whipped dog (I also like the synthetic idea but its not a deal breaker if it is not). The whipped dog is nice but I think its a bit too soft, does not seem to have enough backbone and the resin handle is so slippery for me I have shaving cream all over me when I am done because I drop it so much. I have tried using a bit of alum on my fingers to hold it, ehh it works a bit.

So I am looking for something a bit stiffer, though not scritchy, would like synthetic but does not have to be.

Price? It would be great if it could be under $40 but if I am at a cusp of a good brush and a very good brush I am willing to spend an extra $10 or so.

Thank you for putting up with and reading all my wants and wishes. Hopefully I do not have kobe beef taste on a fast-food buger budget.

 

[dpmtherrien]

IMHO you can't beat the Vulfix 2234.

 

[GA Gator]

Vintage Blades house brand, 24 mm.

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=240

This is one of my favorite brushes.

 

[ysuboy]

Do you guys mind mentioning what you like about these brushes? Also I forgot to mention, I am going to be bowl or mug lathering with this brush.

 

[OkieStubble]

Muhle Synthetic V2 19mm

1. Tips soft like silvertip badger
2. Backbone that will compete with any boar
3. Lathers up better than both above. More lather with less product
4. Non animal product
5. Quality made
6. dries faster than badger or boar
7. No smell when new
8. Great for travel
9. Reasonably priced
10. Looks good
12. Easier to keep clean and sanitized

 

[UWBadgers1]

Vintage Blades house brand, 24 mm.

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=240

This is one of my favorite brushes.

Love mine! Solid all around performer. I CAN face lather with it, though something with a bigger knot, or slightly more dense would be more ideal, however I just have to use less pressure when face lathering, since the VB brush isn't overly dense, and isn't completely lacking backbone, but it is a "soft" brush all around. Soft tips, moderate backbone, moderate loft.

I have no trouble whipping up lather in my bowl (pictured center/right of the brush).

For the price, very hard to beat.

 

[ysuboy]

The Vulfix mentioned seems nice but also there seems to be some people who think its a bit too soft so it kind of scares me a bit since I have to make a decision based on other peoples reviews.

The Vintage Blade has my attention because of price and the reviews but again I am still worried about it being too soft, but its still not out of the question. Though with my interest growing in trying to use soaps and not just creams I am afraid of a brush too soft, but am definitely afraid of getting a brush too scritchy as well.

The Muhle so far seems to be taking the lead and peaking my interest the most. Is the 19mm the best for size? I read a lot of people wish they went bigger. Even when they got a 21. I am not worried about traveling with it so keeping it as small as possible is not a concern to me if that is the only benefit of a smaller knot.

Any other suggestions? I am going to sit on the idea for about a week. I have to wait that long to post something else on the BST. Once I can and sell my item(s) I will make my purchase with my earnings.

 

[NSmalls]

I don't think you will find a 2-band badger brush to be too soft. I could see you saying that about Vulfix, they have a reputation for that, but I think you will find 2-band to have sufficient backbone.

 

[OkieStubble]

The 19mm size is an excellent size for face lathering and travel. If you are a bowl latherer, or have fairly large hands, a 23mm will suit you better.

 

[ysuboy]

Ok Thank you!

 

[Doc4]

So I am looking for something a bit stiffer, though not scritchy, would like synthetic but does not have to be.

Price? It would be great if it could be under $40 ...

The B&B Essential Boar brush may just be what you are looking for. Lots of backbone, and once it gets broken in (give it a bit of time) the tips soften up nicely. It was my first boar brush, after numerous badgers, and it surprised me a lot.

 

[ysuboy]

HMM! That could be a possibility, I have read lots of good reviews of the B&B Essential. However, I think I may wait for a different color if I decide on this option. If I where buying for my gf I would gladly pick up the purple as it is her favorite color, for me, I am not sure about it. I realize more and more how vain I really am.

 

[UWBadgers1]

I don't think you can go wrong with the VB brush. I have the variety in a 20mm knot and believe its a great bowl latherer.

Very soft on the face with just enough backbone to keep the brush together and not splaying tremendously.

For $30, it's worth a try. If you dislike it, you can always sell it here, or give me a shout, and I'll purchase it from you.

 

[ysuboy]

I don't think you can go wrong with the VB brush. I have the variety in a 20mm knot and believe its a great bowl latherer.

Very soft on the face with just enough backbone to keep the brush together and not splaying tremendously.

For $30, it's worth a try. If you dislike it, you can always sell it here, or give me a shout, and I'll purchase it from you.

Now that is an offer I cannot overlook, this brush seems to have some very strong followers of it. HMMM!!! Decisions...decisions! Hope I can hold off till I have the extra cash from selling my razor. My mouse finger is getting pretty itchy right now haha!

Thank you all that have replied! Your help in selecting a brush and spending my money has been appreciated! Now I just got to do a bit more research to finally figure out which brush I want!

 

[ackvil]

The B&B Essential Boar brush may just be what you are looking for. Lots of backbone, and once it gets broken in (give it a bit of time) the tips soften up nicely. It was my first boar brush, after numerous badgers, and it surprised me a lot.

+1. I liked that one so much I ended up buying a SOC board that I also like.

 

[ysuboy]

+1. I liked that one so much I ended up buying a SOC board that I also like.

HHHMMM... why does it have to be purple this time?!?! haha!

 

[musicman1951]

SOC. $39. Great handle. Plenty of backbone. Not skritchy. Spectacular at making lather in a bowl, although many use it for face lathering. It is slowly but surely replacing the Kent BK8 as my favorite brush.

 

[ysuboy]

Is it just called a SOC? Or is this a acronym for the full name? sorry I am new to all this. =)

 

[SilentTuba]

HHHMMM... why does it have to be purple this time?!?! haha!

I just got mine today, and after one use, I love it. Great brush at a bargain price, get over the color and order one! (It's a darker purple, anyway...I think it looks great!)

 

[UWBadgers1]

Is it just called a SOC? Or is this a acronym for the full name? sorry I am new to all this. =)

SOC = Semogue Owners Club


http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sem...istle-Shaving-Brush-Cherry-Handle_p_1513.html