Brush Technique

[mbrossar]

In a previous thread, I mentioned my disappointment with my Vulfix 2234. My experience, similar to others, is that it's too floppy. To me, it smears lather on my face rather than brushes. I liken it to driving a Lincoln Town Car (not a bad thing if that's what you want to do) when I want to be driving a BMW. But this is not a review, it's a newbie question in disguise.

My question is this... I can gain a little more control over the brush by choking up on it a bit. That is, holding onto the base of the brush rather than the handle itself. It works okay, but then I get lather all over my hand, etc. But I wonder, is this a normal techique of some, many or most or is this just a way of controlling a brush that doesn't otherwise suit me?

Interested in your thoughts.

 

[AFG]

I've never owned a floppy brush but I have read of others using that technique. Its one way to control it and find out how stiff you like a brush. Try it and see how it works for you. Its no different than what some custom makers do by setting the knot deep in the handle to make it more stiff.

 

[tam.audio]

I use a Savile Row (SR220?) and it's probably a medium to floppy brush. I typically hold it such that the bottom is in my palm, I don't have any issues with getting lather on my hand. This grip also allows great control.

 

[cogito]

I read some wiki or tutorial on the site a while back that spoke of an old barber shop manual that said to put your index and middle finger on the hair of the brush for application. Basically hold the handle with your hand and stiffen the brush with your two fingers pointed straight out.

 

[GoldenMonkey]

Your technique is sound...watch Mantic's videos, and he does the same, even recommending doing it for better control.

 

[Thebigspendur]

Well you can take the town car and change the suspension and put huge tires on it and that's what you can do with the brush. But personally if I had a floppy brush and I didn't like it I would just sell the brush and buy another.

 

[_JP_]

Like other's have suggested, place the bottom of the handle in the palm of your and hand and hold the brush by the bristles with you fingertips.

If a really stiff brush is what you want, then consider a boar bristle brush such as the Omega.