For a few years, I've been using one of those cheap Van Der Hagen brushes. It gave a decent lather, but I found it to be a bit floppy, and it shed at least a dozen hairs each time I shaved, enough that I had to to use a little Drano from time to time to keep the sink draining properly.
I was over at my Grandparents' house this weekend, and finally got the courage to ask my grandmother if I could have my grandpa's old Ever Ready brush, the one with the red bottom, and what appear to be boar bristles. I took it home, washed it out thoroughly (It smelled kind of funky after sitting for 30 years or so. Grandpa switched to Atras and shaving cream for some reason.), and eagerly anticipated using it this morning. It works like a dream! The knot is relatively small, and the bristles stiff but soft at the tips. I got great lather, and good coverage on my face.
If you can pick one up, I'd recommend it. I've seen a few brand new/old stock ones on eBay for a decent price. It's not silvertip badger, and it's got a plastic handle, so it'd be easy to look down your nose at, but I really like it.
Alas, Grandpa's old SuperSpeed razor appears to be gone for good. My frugal grandparents kept everything (the bathtowels were used and washed so much that they were transparent), but he didn't hold onto that razor!
I was over at my Grandparents' house this weekend, and finally got the courage to ask my grandmother if I could have my grandpa's old Ever Ready brush, the one with the red bottom, and what appear to be boar bristles. I took it home, washed it out thoroughly (It smelled kind of funky after sitting for 30 years or so. Grandpa switched to Atras and shaving cream for some reason.), and eagerly anticipated using it this morning. It works like a dream! The knot is relatively small, and the bristles stiff but soft at the tips. I got great lather, and good coverage on my face.
If you can pick one up, I'd recommend it. I've seen a few brand new/old stock ones on eBay for a decent price. It's not silvertip badger, and it's got a plastic handle, so it'd be easy to look down your nose at, but I really like it.
Alas, Grandpa's old SuperSpeed razor appears to be gone for good. My frugal grandparents kept everything (the bathtowels were used and washed so much that they were transparent), but he didn't hold onto that razor!
