El Toro Ganso has landed!

[kooshman7]

When I heard from Phil he was getting a custom two banded brush from Vie-long I knew I'd have to get one. I ordered a 16510 from him earlier and it is a very unique brush to me. The hair is just unlike anything else. It is a bit high in the loft though, and something most would prefer to use with a shaving cream.

When I opened the container holding my new El Toro Ganso I was surprised by how much smaller this was! Didn't bother to see what the handle measurements were. I was too excited to order, but the size is fine as it fits quite nicely in the hand.

I haven't used it yet, but that will come later tonight. Just from moving it across my hand and face it feels just as soft as the 16510, except much more backbone. It's not stiff, but it has a very resilient, almost springy backbone to it. Not quite like any other two band I've come across.

I asked Phil to pick out a great brush for me and he definitely delivered! I'll try to post tonight again on this brush after use, but for now a few pictures of El Toro Ganso along with his bigger brother, and my new Plisson!

 

[FLTiger]

I will admit that this brush has horned its way onto my short list of brushes to buy. I will watch this thread with interest.

 

[andrew98]

That is one seriously great looking brush. Congrats!

-Andy

 

[Joe Edson]

I'm still debating between that one and the 16726 as my next brush. Although, phil has mentioned the 16726 has a little wider knot and lower loft, so I'm starting to lean that way.

 

[Open Channel D]

newbie question....who is Phil?

 

[mretzloff]

newbie question....who is Phil?

The owner of Bull Goose Shaving and a great guy.

 

[bran]

Mine just came in at lunch today. Try to wash out the funk and get it ready for the morning. I hope you enjoy your!

 

[kooshman7]

Yeah out of all the brushes I've had, I never knew what people were talking about with badger funk until I got a Vie-long! I'm impatient so I'll use it a little later tonight when things settle down.

Already gave it 2 times with the shampoo, and one lathering with some Arabian Spice Kell's. I find that particular soap sticks with the brushes for a long time.

 

[kooshman7]

Just got done awhile back using the brush, and the first use was very nice! Can't wait to use some other soaps and creams to try this out. I used some Valobra Menthol that I ordered along with this brush and it worked quite well! The brush did like to hold onto the lather, but was willing to share pretty good.

The brush has very soft tips, perhaps softer than the 3-band is. Don't let that fool you though! If you want a brush with excellent density and backbone and very soft tips, this would be an excellent candidate! As you can see the brush has barely bloomed after use. I look forward to using this brush more and breaking it in and seeing how it performs with my various soaps and creams! At the price this brush goes for, it's a steal!

 

[rodeo]

That is one very sharp looking acrylic handle! I'm not a huge fan of most acrylics but that one is definitely nice.

 

[Dude123]

This brush is definitely a looker, its gonna have to go on my list, which seems to keep getting longer every time I log on here

 

[andrew98]

This brush is definitely a looker, its gonna have to go on my list, which seems to keep getting longer every time I log on here

Same here.

-Andy

 

[AJMiami]

what I great looking brush..I have the olive wood handle one and it is one of my top brush.

 

[Joe Edson]

what I great looking brush..I have the olive wood handle one and it is one of my top brush.

you're talking about the 16726? I'm pretty sure I made my mind up that that will be my next brush purchase. I love the handle of the El Toro, but according to phil the olive wood handled one has a slightly shorter loft and wider knot. Plus the olive wood looks great. I'll get the acrylic handle when I eventually try the 16910.

 

[_MementoMori_]

Well... isn't this just great. I thought I didn't want any more brushes until I read this thread. That Vie-Long is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.

 

[Loner16]

Well... isn't this just great. I thought I didn't want any more brushes until I read this thread. That Vie-Long is absolutely drop-dead gorgeous.

My thoughts exactly!

Phil keeps coming up with these gorgeous "must have" brushes.... What's a fella' to do but add one to the collection??

That is beautiful!

 

[Gallo]

oh, that's a beauty

 

[rodeo]

It's definitely worthy of a closer look!
-

Product Description
Vie-Long made this two band brush especially for BullGoose Shaving so I dub it "El Toro Ganso". This special two band brush is versatile and is equally at home with creams and soaps alike.

Brush Dimensions:

Knot Diameter: 22mm

Loft: 50mm

Overall Height: 91mm

Hair: Vie-Long Two Band White Badger

Product of Spain

 

[huntmol]

That's a great looking brush! I'd love to try one of those out!

How does the backbone compare to the other two brushes you have?

 

[kooshman7]

No contest Huntmol. ETG beats those two out easily! The Plisson would come next compared between the three, but that's only because of the size of the loft. If the 16510 had a loft comparable to ETG it would be a much closer draw, but still going to ETG I feel.

I know you like the Simpson Tulip 2 in 2-band and that would be a very good spot at putting it in I feel. It blooms a little more than the Tulip 2 and just a little less dense, but hard to notice. I don't see any problems for this brush doing it all. Going to throw some triple milled soap this brush's way soon.