Da Vinci vs. Thaeter vs. shavemac 3 band

[German]

There were quite some posts on Da Vinci brushes lately but it seemed they did not get as much traction because there were some questions regarding their knot/loft ratio that seemed not to make them very suitable for face lathering. As Da Vinci is a famous manufacturer of artist and make up brushes I thought I give them a try and I got myself a Da Vinci 293 and I thought I let you know my impressions vs. comparable Thaeter and shavemac 3 band brushes. Here are the contestants: All 3 band Silvertip brushes (these are caliper measurements):

shavemac 25 series: 25mm/52mm
Thaeter 49125/1: 26mm/50mm
Da Vinci 293: 23mm/52mm

Craftmanship: All brushes are well made and did only shed an occasional hair. Made in Germany - enough sad

Softness: Thaeter rules, if even only by a notch - I have yet to find/use a 3 band that is as consistently soft as Thaeter. However, the difference to the Da Vinci and shavemac (regular silvertip) is only subtle; all three feel great on the face.

Density: Thaeter, Da Vinci, shavemac; this is not a D01 silvertip. Flow through is great on all three, probably a notch better on the shavemac

Backbone: Thaeter, Da Vinci, shavemac: shortest loft and biggest knot and pronounced bulb shape - what more to say: Thaeter is ahead, though only a bit over the Da Vinci

Lather: all make great lather with creams, soaps alike

So what about the loft of the Da Vinci - too high to be a good face latherer? Despite the largest loft/knot ratio (52/23mm) the Da Vinci did not come across as floppy. Actually, it has nice backbone and the knot is kind of a bulb/fan hybrid.

For me the Da Vinci faired well in this comparison to its better known German cousins. It is a good face latherer, soft, with backbone and good flow through. If you like larger knots, then you may have to go for the 290 with a 25mm knot that I have not tried yet.

In the top view below the Da Vinci is on top, Thaeter on the left and shavemac to the right...

 

[kentclark]

Great post! And very helpful comparison.

 

[joshua1970]

very nice review - that Da Vinci is a beauty!!!!

 

[CHSeifert]

Very nice review - thank you for this, German

 

[Loric]

Thanks for the great write up!

Does anyone know if its possible to get a Da Vinci with a shorter loft?

 

[German]

Not to my knowledge. You may contact DaVinci to see, if they would make you a custom.

Thanks for the great write up!

Does anyone know if its possible to get a Da Vinci with a shorter loft?

 

[Rivguy]

While I do not have a Thaeter, I do own three Shavemac DO1s and three Da vinci brushes. The Da vinci brushes are outstanding brushes and deserve a closer look. All of us notice how things come and go on this site. Some products are "hot" and then lose traction in a short time. Da vinci brushes are the real deal and will serve their owners very well providing luxurious shaves for many years. The build quality is second to none in my view.

Regards,

Doug

 

[sgtd]

While I do not have a Thaeter, I do own three Shavemac DO1s and three Da vinci brushes. The Da vinci brushes are outstanding brushes and deserve a closer look. All of us notice how things come and go on this site. Some products are "hot" and then lose traction in a short time. Da vinci brushes are the real deal and will serve their owners very well providing luxurious shaves for many years. The build quality is second to none in my view.

Regards,

Doug

Th beauty of German engineering.

 

[chibi]

I have the the Da Vinci 290 and 293 on the way. Looking forward to trying them.

 

[Phog Allen]

I too ordered a Da Vinci 293. I have not purchased a new brush since the B&B 2009LE Kent and could not get a real vibe from any of the major players. Then I saw some great threads on the Da Vinci brushes and the 293 won me over. I await its arrival. Every post I read by those who own them have been universally positive. I do not think I can say that about any other brand of brush.

Cheers,Todd

 

[deruitem]

Thanks for the great write up!

Does anyone know if its possible to get a Da Vinci with a shorter loft?

Same here, they look like a mop

 

[Mick]

Same here, they look like a mop

You could face lather with either, I have, and you would be pleasantly surprised.

The 293 is an excellent face lathering brush. Stiff enough to build a good lather and soft enough to release it for 4 or more passes.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/297253-Da-Vinci-293-Bead-Handle-Brush-Review

The 290 rivals my BK8 in a bowl with any product. I cannot make up my mind which of the two I like the best.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/297106-Da-Vinci-290-Globe-Handle-Brush-Review

 

[Phog Allen]

Thanks Turtle. Your excellent reviews steered me to the 293. I think we get too caught up in loft height at times. A dense brush with good hair has plenty of backbone for face lathering. I think many associate backbone with hair thickness and loft height and it may be a more valid descriptor. I prefer the former and from photos and your reviews the 293 is plenty dense. Density is my primary requisite. I have one of the original Savile Row 3824s(bought about the time of Joel's Brush Wars) with its higher than current loft. Supposedly not as good for hard soaps as the shorter loft models it must not have gotten the memo because it beats the toughest hard soaps into whimpering submission. I have a hunch the 293 will be just fine.

Cheers, Todd