Chaps, I am in the market for a big, soft brush

[Ignatius]

Any recommendations?

I'm looking at the Vulfix #41, but thinking the 30mm knot may be a bit much.

Maybe a Shavemac with a 26-28mm knot.

I like Kent brushes but have somewhat gone off the handles on the BK range, so they're out.

Thoughts?

 

[cegadede]

Got one of those and I'm lonving it: http://www.straightrazordesigns.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=53_55&products_id=609

 

[AFG]

I think the most luxurious brush I have ever used was a three band Simpson Chubby 2 in super badger. Only slightly less soft is the same brush in best badger at quite a bit less cost. 27 mm knot so its big but not outrageous and not hard to use. The QED Savile Row silvertips are also extremely soft and less money than the Simpsons. I have a 3824 with a 24 mm knot and love it but there are larger sizes available if the 24 is too small.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

I own a Vulfix #41.... Love it. Also have a Simpson Polo 10 (would love a 12)... a Simpson Tulip 4.... ALL Big brushes... My Simpson Chubby 2 is "petite" in comparison. Love Big Brushes!

 

[Bristlingbeardofodin]

The Vulfix 2236 is more in the knot range you mentioned and it is a huge brush. I have one and it is very soft. The handle is much bigger than pictures seem to indicate.

 

[spanx]

If you're really in the market for a big soft brush, then the vulfix #38 is what the doctor ordered.

 

[BroJohn]

The large size Omega Silvertips are lusciously soft.

-- John Gehman

 

[Antique Hoosier]

Let me please expand on the Vulfix #41. When I first began using it, it gave me the impression of being this huge luxurious badger lathering machine. I then put it aside and used primarily other brushes including several Plisson's to include the #12 HMW... Only after I dedicated close to a month with the Vulfix, paired with soaps such as MWF and Trumper Rose did I discover what a "tactical" brush the #41 could be. I learn to corral the power of this huge brush and concentrate it on generating TONS of controlled lather with enormously pleasing face feel. The handle of the brush allows for a near perfect grip to say the least. Once you get the hang of it, the #41 can be an awesome addition to your shave den.

 

[Sterling Cooper]

Rooney 3/3?

 

[Empty Words]

I recommend a Rooney 1/3 in Silvertip or Super. I have one in Silvertip and it is the softest brush that I have used. The knot is 26 mm and the loft is about 55 mm. It lathers great in bowls and you can still face lather with it, though it can be a bit messy.

 

[rm71]

Saville Row 3824 with a 24mm knot is a great large brush IMO.

 

[Ignatius]

Fellas, thanks for all your inputs.

The Simpsons brushes are a bit pricey for me, so they're out.

Now, the big Rooneys are somewhat intriguing; a big AND dense brush must make for a slightly weird sensation. I do have a Rooney 1/2 and love it, but feel its solely a soap brush and way too dense for creams and anything other than face lathering soaps. Certainly interesting though and if one comes up cheaply on b/s/t I may not be able to resist.

However, I'm looking for something a bit more 'VUlfix' - like; a less dense brush that will whip up lather from creams and soaps and release it easily. High density brushes are all the rage now, I know, call me contrary... At the mo the only real options are the Vulfix brushes or the Shavemac/Savile Row. Just checked the Vulfix site and the #41 is only 26mm apparently, I think thats my fave right now; love the stubby style handles on all size brushes, and really like the look of it.

 

[Ignatius]

I own a Vulfix #41.... Love it. Also have a Simpson Polo 10 (would love a 12)... a Simpson Tulip 4.... ALL Big brushes... My Simpson Chubby 2 is "petite" in comparison. Love Big Brushes!

The Vulfix 2236 is more in the knot range you mentioned and it is a huge brush. I have one and it is very soft. The handle is much bigger than pictures seem to indicate.

Chaps, do you own these Vulfixes in the 'Super' grade, perchance? If not which, and how would you rate their softness?

 

[blantyre]

The Kent BK12 is the larger one (the other is a Savile Row 3118). The BK is 30+ mm knot and very soft and luxurious.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=82142&stc=1&d=1262703401
BKSR.jpg

 

[MasterP]

I have a shavemac 30mm in bulb shape, silvertip. Even though it is 30mm it doesn't feel like a 30mm bec of its shape and loft length. So its not floppy. I love it.

 

[texbilly]

I think the most luxurious brush I have ever used was a three band Simpson Chubby 2 in super badger. Only slightly less soft is the same brush in best badger at quite a bit less cost. 27 mm knot so its big but not outrageous and not hard to use. The QED Savile Row silvertips are also extremely soft and less money than the Simpsons. I have a 3824 with a 24 mm knot and love it but there are larger sizes available if the 24 is too small.

I also have a Simpson Chubby 2 in Super and completely agree. Dense and firm enough to handle any soap yet extremely soft and luxurious. Wonderful!

Let me please expand on the Vulfix #41. When I first began using it, it gave me the impression of being this huge luxurious badger lathering machine. I then put it aside and used primarily other brushes including several Plisson's to include the #12 HMW... Only after I dedicated close to a month with the Vulfix, paired with soaps such as MWF and Trumper Rose did I discover what a "tactical" brush the #41 could be. I learn to corral the power of this huge brush and concentrate it on generating TONS of controlled lather with enormously pleasing face feel. The handle of the brush allows for a near perfect grip to say the least. Once you get the hang of it, the #41 can be an awesome addition to your shave den.

Shavemac 220, 28mm silvertip.
Knot Size 28mm
Handle height: 54mm
Brush loft: 66mm

I had the same experience with my Shavemac 220. The first few latherings were almost intimidating as this monster produced and spread lather from my neck up with a few swipes. But after "revisiting" it after a few weeks off, I learned to back off on the lather party and discovered how the big knot can be used in a much more controlled manner. I'll never be without at least one BIG brush. Pure luxury! Good luck with your search.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

I'm not aware of different grades of badger for the #41. Even though I own the 3 nice Simpson brushes, Id keep only the #41 if I had to choose one brush. It is just that good for me personally.

 

[Sueto]

jeebus! that BK12 looked like a wig Tina Turner would wear. Looks like a monster. Did they just stuff the badger in the handle and call it good?

The Kent BK12 is the larger one (the other is a Savile Row 3118). The BK is 30+ mm knot and very soft and luxurious.

 

[Bristlingbeardofodin]

Chaps, do you own these Vulfixes in the 'Super' grade, perchance? If not which, and how would you rate their softness?

I own the 2236 and find it very soft and to produce great lather. It feels great to smoosh it onto the side of your face and have it cover almost the whole side, You have to likea big handle however to like this brush.

 

[bythbook]

The Kent BK12 is the larger one (the other is a Savile Row 3118). The BK is 30+ mm knot and very soft and luxurious.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=82142&stc=1&d=1262703401
BKSR.jpg

MAN! I am wanting a BK12.

*******
rotten forum; rotten topic/thread; rotten pic of BK12.

...just ordered one.