Got my Stubby - So do I want a Chubby? Or a Shavemac? Or nothing?

[vocalistbob]

I like big, 2-band brushes; I already have a Rooney 2XL (pretty amazing) and I just bought (haven't arrived yet) a Thater 4125/3 silvertip 2-band (28 x 52) and a Vulfix #41 silvertip 2-band (29 x 57).

I want to add one more brush in this size range, but am not sure whether to buy a Simpsons #2 Chubby or a Shavemac 167-2B. "Brush Nirvana" for me would be a brush with tips as soft as the best 3-band silvertips and backbone like the Rooney 2xl. The Chubby and the Shavemac are essentially the same price. I am a bowl latherer and switch off between creams and soaps.

So which of these two comes closest to my ideal? Or have I already got the best of the best? Or is there some other brush I should consider (a M&F maybe)?

 

[German]

A shavemac 2 band will not have soft tips. A Simpson 2 band can have soft tips but you never know in advance... So if softness is the primary concern in a 2 band for you then you already have the best in class brush: Thäter 2 band...

 

[shave~extacy]

+1 your Thater is your best option.... the Shavemac will be scritchy and the Simpson will have a fair amount as well

 

[PozzSka]

If you get a 2-band D01 it will be scritchy...

However, a Shavemac Finest or Silvertip, will not be scritchy...try this link and build your own Shavemac http://www.shavemac.com/products/Experts/Shaving-Brush-EXPERTS-SELECT.html

 

[Vlad]

I'm on the Shavemac Experts site right now trying to decide on a Silvertip brush. SBAD is tough.

 

[PozzSka]

I'm on the Shavemac Experts site right now trying to decide on a Silvertip brush. SBAD is tough.

Brushes are way less expensive than espresso machines, however... ;-)

 

[CFSoto]

I like big, 2-band brushes; I already have a Rooney 2XL (pretty amazing) and I just bought (haven't arrived yet) a Thater 4125/3 silvertip 2-band (28 x 52) and a Vulfix #41 silvertip 2-band (29 x 57).

I want to add one more brush in this size range, but am not sure whether to buy a Simpsons #2 Chubby or a Shavemac 167-2B. "Brush Nirvana" for me would be a brush with tips as soft as the best 3-band silvertips and backbone like the Rooney 2xl. The Chubby and the Shavemac are essentially the same price. I am a bowl latherer and switch off between creams and soaps.

So which of these two comes closest to my ideal? Or have I already got the best of the best? Or is there some other brush I should consider (a M&F maybe)?

Hi Vlad,
Why don't you buy a Rooney Stubby 3XL. Or do you already have one? I love them even more than the 2XL.

Craig

 

[Vlad]

Brushes are way less expensive than espresso machines, however... ;-)

No joke. Easier to hide from the family, too.

Hi Vlad,
Why don't you buy a Rooney Stubby 3XL. Or do you already have one? I love them even more than the 2XL.

Craig

Already got one.

 

[Mick]

I have the 3XL so I can imagine that the 2XL is going to be just as nice.

I find that I still enjoy my more "human sized" brushes just as much as the ones that take 2 hands to control

 

[vocalistbob]

I had considered a 3XL since I like my 2XL so much, but it's kind of pricy and I thought I'd try a brand that I don't already have (Shavemac or Simpson) - or M&F???.

 

[maxman]

Kent not on your list?
Consider a BK-12 if you want big.

 

[vocalistbob]

Max: I have a BK8 which is pretty big at 26mm x 57mm, but what makes it seem much bigger is that the knot bloomed like no other brush I have ever seen. The overall width of the bloom is noticeably bigger than my other brushes with 26 - 28mm knots. The BK12 is a bit over the top to start with at 31mm x 63mm and if it blooms like the BK8 did, I won't be able to get it through the bathroom door.

And at the same time, I am not so in love with my Kent that I would pay a premium price for the BK12.

 

[narativesoul]

i had a BK12 it was literally as big as my face

 

[Face&Head]

I'd go on the Shavemac experts select site and order a 3-Band D01 with a 28-54 bulb shaped knot with the handle of your choice. You'll get one of the finest knots available with more than ample backbone and beautifully soft tips. Having the loft/diameter ratio <2 is important as is the bulb shape.

 

[Face&Head]

i had a BK12 it was literally as big as my face

I bought this brush and only use it for head lathers.

 

[maxman]

Yeah, I had one and gave it to my brother.
It will lather you head to toe.

Ok, just thought I'd throw that out there. I'm a Kent fan.

 

[xraygun]

Based on your own description of likes, I think you might enjoy a Chubby 2 in Manchurian.
Slightly smaller knot, but with hair you might really like is a SOC Badger. The European White hair in these brushes meets your qualifications and heck, you can't beat the price unless you find a dead badger.

 

[Face&Head]

Based on your own description of likes, I think you might enjoy a Chubby 2 in Manchurian.

Ray, have you found really soft tips with Manchurian hair? That hasn't been my experience so I was wondering if there was some significant variability with these brushes.

 

[Bravado13]

Ray, have you found really soft tips with Manchurian hair? That hasn't been my experience so I was wondering if there was some significant variability with these brushes.

Not my experience either and I've tried 3 different Manchurians and sold my most recent in the Polo 8. There's simply NOTHING soft about that hair grade to me and I gave them a fair shake and was pretty much in denial until I had one too many skin rash episodes with the darn things. Its for those who enjoy scritch and scrub. No 2 ways about it. The Manchurians are exceptional in a lot of other regards, truly they are but if you want soft tips.. to the OP.. trust me, not the brush for you.

 

[xraygun]

Whoops. I read the OP again. sorry. I misread part of it. I missed or confused the "soft as three band super" part and just saw the backbone part. Scratch that previous advice.
I think there are 3 of these threads going right now.


Sounds like what he is describing is the original batch of Blonde Badger in the M&F's, but those don't come up for sale often.