Help me choose a new brush

[sid3000]

I know there's a bunch of these types of threads so I really appreciate the info you guys could give me

-Ive been wetshaving for 6 months and have been using a Tweezerman the whole time. I really like how firm it is but do not like the prickly sensation on my face when I apply lather.

Im exclusively a bowl-latherer. I also tend to use soaps more often than creams, and when I do use creams it's typically superlather. Also, my hand tends to stiffen up when I bowl lather with the Tweezerman - perhaps I need a different handle?

From what I hear I think I would really enjoy a Simpson Colonel X2l, but that is way out of my budget. Another thought would be an Edwin Jagger Best badger medium, but it has the same measurements as my Tweezerman and I think I need something bigger. The medium is within my budget, but a large would just be pushing it I think.

I REALLY want to restore a brush this month. Could a moderately-priced TGN knot match the quality of the pre-assembled brushes I mentioned earlier?

Thank you gentlemen

 

[Loric]

A TGN knot will be a big step up from a Tweezerman. It might not be as good as Simpson Super, but it wont be all that far off if you set it right. The 22mm Super Silvertip is one of my favorite knots. Not super dense, but exceptionally soft. The Simpson Colonel X2l is also a 22mm knot so the size would be about the same. I set mine at 44mm loft for face lathering, but if you set it at about 48mm I think it would do great for creams. The silvertip Grade A is nice too, dense and soft enough with good backbone. A solid all around knot, but not outstanding. I have a 24mm set at 50mm loft and it did great with creams, but even set in the low 50's it would still have plenty of backbone. I hope that helps.

If you bowl lather creams the Finest might not be the best choice, but I do love my 24mm over stuffed TGN finest and thought I should throw it out there to cover all my basses. This is a dense knot with great backbone and tips almost as soft as the Silvertip Grade A when properly soaked. That said the Super Silvertip is way softer for creams, and the backbone would be lost bowl lathering.

 

[sid3000]

So bowl lathering with soaps I should use Finest badger?

My main goal is to not get anything floppy, Id like it to be as firm as the Tweezerman,

 

[PatrickNewing]

Why not give a boar a try?
I posted a similar question and was told that a boar, being a little stiffer, might be intersting to try for a soap user.

They're cheaper too so its no problem to experiment.

I ordered a Semogue 1520 but its a Christmas present so sorry I can't tell you how good it is yet!!!

Think semogue are held in high regard considering the low prices.

 

[Hodari D.]

Semogue 2010 Limited Edition? Don't know if it's within your price range.

http://vintagescent.com/shaving-brushes-c-5/semogue-2010-limited-edition-p-104

 

[beginish]

Why not give a boar a try?
I posted a similar question and was told that a boar, being a little stiffer, might be intersting to try for a soap user.

They're cheaper too so its no problem to experiment.

I ordered a Semogue 1520 but its a Christmas present so sorry I can't tell you how good it is yet!!!

Think semogue are held in high regard considering the low prices.

Give the Semogue 1305 a try. I have been exclusively a badger user, until being inspired by the Brush Chronicles to pick up a 1305. In the week I have had it, I have been really impressed with how well it bowl lathers L'Occitane Cade soap, which my badgers did not handle nearly as well. The knot is pretty stiff, but it does not come off as too prickly. Once it breaks in, I expect it to be quite soft at the tips.

 

[Lusitano]

Check my thread. The LiJun & 1980 Finest Badger brush is way better than Tweezerman. I know it because I do have a Tweezerman as well. It's a 2-band badger with an excellent price tag. It's great for soaps.

 

[vitaman]

+1 on the Semogue 1305 and or the SOC from vintage scent.

 

[sid3000]

A search of 1305 vs 1520 yielded me conclusive results. Some people described the 1305 as a bit floppier than 1520 due to its higher loft, though it does seem to have a better handle.

I just want to make it clear that Im not having issues with building up a lather, Im just searching for higher quality hair at a reasonable price that will give that luxurious experience everyone with SBAD has around here

Ive been hunting for brush handles on the bay for the past couple weeks with no success so the odds of a restore are dull.

 

[Rushfan]

I highly recommend a Edwin Jagger super badger hair large 23mm knot...