brush upgrade

['71_Olds]

I think this is only my second post, so please bear with me. So, lathered up with Tabac for the first time this morning and paired it with an Astra superior in my '56 Red Tip and had an excellent shave...best one yet. However, my C&E Pure Badger really took a dive on this one. Its been getting worse over the past couple months. Dropping hair, and just not performing to the level of the rest of my gear. I've had it for almost two years and its been in constant service. With that said, I'm looking for suggestions.

1: I use soap and cream equally and always face lather
2: something slightly larger with a denser knot is desired
3: better hair quality would be nice, but the scratchy/softness of the pure isnt bad
4: handle, well easy to hold when covered in lather would be good. Color, I dont care. A little heavier would be nice as well
5: $50-$80 is the range I'm in

I look forward to hearing the suggestions. And if you need more info I'll try to give it.

 

[ari95]

My choice would be Shavemac 23mm in finest. Mine does everything well, and it has a dense soft loft.

 

[jkh]

Based on the information you provided, I would recommend a Rooney #3/1

 

[Wingnut]

If you haven't already considered one, check out the brushes by member/vendor Rudy Vey (I especially like the "glass jar" brush that he just turned for a member here - look for that thread here to check it out). He uses knots from the Golden Nib, and has recently completed a restore of an old Kent for me and did wonderful work. A plus to having Rudy turn one for you is that it can be a true "custom" brush, where you can specify handle shape & size, knot hair, diameter, and loft. His workmanship is exquisite, and his prices are very competitive. I highly recommend looking into this option. Good luck, and let us all know what you settle on.