Having a custom brush made. Knot Size and selection.

[duderubble]

So I am having a custom brush and razor set made, I could have virtually any knot available (as a knot only), I will be dropping a chunk of change on the handle so I don't want to skimp, but then again I have no need to spend needlessly.

So I guess the question is, what would you get in terms of size, shape, etc. I think I want badger and I am a bowl latherer.

 

[yellafella321]

It would help if you could tell us what kind of hair you planning to get and who the manufacturer is. Generally speaking 24mm seems to be a sweet spot, and the loft can range from 44mm to 50mm depending on density and hair grade. I typically prefer fans, but you may not have a choice depending on the knot type.

 

[duderubble]

I guess the point is, I am open on knot type. I am looking at TGN, but would go elsewhere for something dense and luxurious, but the 24mm fan suggestion is a good starting point.

 

[celestino]

If you are not worried about the price, you could consider a Shavemac Silvertip or Finest knot or a Wet Shaving Products Manchurian knot with any handle from one of the handle makers. Two great knots.
The TGN knot are very nice, but don't have as much backbone, so depending what you like in a knot.....
Good luck.

 

[TheLegalRazor]

I have several brushes with 26mm TGN Finest knots and am very pleased with them. They're a good combination of density, backbone and softness. I have them set at a 50mm loft. I don't care for the TGN Finest F2. It's slightly more expensive than the Finest, but has less density and backbone.

The WSP SuperFine is also a good knot, although I find it has slightly less backbone than the TGN Finest and is more expensive.

The Shavemac D01 2 band is another good knot. It has more backbone than any other knot I 've tried. However, it is not soft. It is quite scrubby and, in some cases, could also be scritchy.

 

[NSmalls]

24x50 TGN Finest would be my choice.

 

[Teddyboy]

I also vote for a Shavemac Finest, and if you want to spend more, pick the D0-1 3-band. Send Bernd an email with your request-he is a very nice guy.

PS If you have Rudy Vey set the knot, it may make the transition easier b/c I'm pretty sure they're buddies. Have fun.

 

[duderubble]

OK, I compromised and am going for the TGN Super Finest 24mm set at 50mm loft. Is everyone good with that loft? lol. I guess I'm not ready for the super-expensive choices.

 

[Teddyboy]

I would keep the loft below 48mm if you want more backbone. Anyway, enjoy it.

 

[tailoredfamcam]

I have a 24mm TGN Super Finest set at a 45mm loft. I wish I would have kept it around 50mm, but I know this for next time. It works great for face lathering.
I also have a 24mm WSP superfine knot set in a Elite Razors M7 type handle. I love this brush. Love the handle, love the knot, love the color, everything. Absolutely wonderful.
The WSP may be a little more expensive, but it has less backbone than the TGN and makes for a better bowl latherer. Just my $.02.

 

[Okla1911]

I recently went through a similar thought process and found an old question list that helped me decide:

Your existing harem of badgery beauties! ... tell us what brushes you already have (if any) and what qualities about each you like or dislike.

Your lathery leanings ... mostly this means do you use soaps or creams? Do you facelather or lather in a bowl? Those answers can often influence the type and size of a brush.

What you want from your next brush .... now that you've told us which brushes you have (see above), tell us what you want from your new brush …

Brush aesthetics ... kind of a rough, catch-all phrase meaning "tell us more about what you want in the brush".

Budget

Brushes that have already piqued your interest ..

 

[duderubble]

I don't care much for the baqdgers I have. The new one is a pure badger Col Conk and it's nothing to speak about. I have a couple of vintage badgers that i like better, but they are way too loose and small. I like the lathering of my large boar better, but am hoping for somethin luxurious. I bowl lather with a mix of some puck soap and a complimentary cream each day. My favorite is Bigelow cream and a plain unscented soap like VDH.

I'm getting a longer handle on it for bowl lathering and I am thinking the 50 mm sounds like the right balance. This will be my first real step up brush, but I've got a rubberset 400 and a couple of other vintage brushes in stages of refurbishing--mostly knotless.