Commodore X3 vs Commodore X3

[bbarton713]

I bought a pre-Vulfix Commodore X3 today off of BST. I have a post-Vulfix model and it is my favorite brush right now. I find that if I haven't really thought about which brush I want to use I naturally pick up this one.

I will be doing the whole measuring thing and then will do some soap and cream tests to see how they measure up to each other.

Oh, and pictures too!!!!

 

[c0ry]

This sounds like a thread worthy of subscription.

Looking forward to your analysis. Congrats on the brush!

 

[talibeard]

Hear, hear. Enlighten us!!

 

[TMH478]

Yeah right! I want to hear this!

 

[jgkeegan]

I bought a pre-Vulfix Commodore X3 today off of BST. I have a post-Vulfix model and it is my favorite brush right now. I find that if I haven't really thought about which brush I want to use I naturally pick up this one.

I will be doing the whole measuring thing and then will do some soap and cream tests to see how they measure up to each other.

Oh, and pictures too!!!!

I'm intrigued by the possibilities here and also the related reaction you described of naturally reaching for first X3.

--james

 

[Darjeeling Express]

This is going to be good.

 

[bbarton713]

So my pre-Vulfix Commodore X3 arrived in the mail yesterday while I was tied to my desk with designs and conference calls. I was finally able to sneak down to my den just before dinner and do a couple of hand lathers and snap these pictures.

In the overhead shot the pre-Vulfix X3 is the dark-haired one on the bottom of the picture.

I used my Pre-V X3 this morning and it is a different brush. You can see in the pictures that it is shorter and the difference in height is represented in the loft. The net result is that it is a much firmer brush with a lot more backbone which makes it a great soap brush. I can get a good lather with a soap and the Post-V X3 but it takes a bit more work.

I lathered up with some Martin de Candre savon à raser (first time using it) and got a good amount for a face lather with very little effort.

The brush felt good on my face but definitely was firmer and not as prone to splay out in a large area like the newer model.

The handle is the same shape, in general, but you can tell these are handmade because of the difference between the two. The loft is different but if you look at the overhead pictures the post-bloom sizes are very similar.

I now have two X3 brushes but certainly don't have two brushes that are the same. One is definitely more a cream brush while the other will probably do a better job with soaps. I'm going to use the pre-V tomorrow with a cream and see how it goes but based on my hand lather with TOBS almond it is going to be a pleasant experience.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

Bob, this is incredible. Looking forward to more of your thoughts and reactions.

 

[bbarton713]

I showed my two brushes to SWMBO and she said of the Pre version, "It looks like someone gave it a haircut."

I explained and had her feel the difference the shorter hair had on the overall feel of the brush and she seemed interested. When I moved on to how the handle looks a little different because they are handmade I lost her.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

I showed my two brushes to SWMBO and she said of the Pre version, "It looks like someone gave it a haircut."

I explained and had her feel the difference the shorter hair had on the overall feel of the brush and she seemed interested. When I moved on to how the handle looks a little different because they are handmade I lost her.

Welcome to my world. You're lucky you got that far. Luckily I have full support and tolerance from my wife for the hobby. Occasionally, just occasionally mind you, she will listen to an enthusiastic reaction to some great brush or razor (she does admire the craftsmanship and beauty of the razors) - but after about 45 seconds - enough is enough. One subject gets no traction: lending and using previously owned brushes. I actually consider myself a very lucky man.

 

[bbarton713]

Welcome to my world. You're lucky you got that far. Luckily I have full support and tolerance from my wife for the hobby. Occasionally, just occasionally mind you, she will listen to an enthusiastic reaction to some great brush or razor (she does admire the craftsmanship and beauty of the razors) - but after about 45 seconds - enough is enough. One subject gets no traction: lending and using previously owned brushes. I actually consider myself a very lucky man.

I've gotten the "you've got to be kidding me" look when I've mentioned buying used anything in regards to shaving. If she only knew how much more stuff I'm able to buy going the used route she'd be happier for me!