How did you do your shaving brush research?

[Deltaboy]

I had a Boar Brush from a Shaving mug and Brush kit I got from Sears one Christmas in HS. I got a fake hair one from the Body Shop and my last one was a Badger from Twezzerman off Amazon. Looking at the Antique stores for a used Simpson ext that I can score for cheap. If not I will bit the bullett for this summer.

 

[insomniac]

I read the reports here, did my research, and - perhaps more importantly - waited.

Sometimes there are "fads" here at B&B, on the latest new brush or whatever, soon forgotten. Others are regarded as classics.

Another thing I did: ask. Make sure to know whether you are a soap or a cream guy, a bowl or a face latherer, whether you like a bit of "exfoliation" or want something super-soft, and you'll get excellent advice. Playing around with cheap brushes (for instance, the Tweezerman and Shea Moisture) will help you.

That's how I found my Rooney and I'm very happy with it. I would not recommend it for everyone, but there is no brush that will satisfy everyone. That's the beauty of SBAD

 

[WastedResources]

Very carefully!

I had done some internet research and found most everyone agreed that getting a good badger brush was the way to go. I thought I wanted a big brush, but I wasn't sure why. I was impressed by the Rooney selection of various grades of silvertip badger, but there were just so many to choose from. I started lurking around B&B in February, and found a post where a guy had just switched to a Rooney 3/1. I had no idea what knot sizes and loft really affected your shaving, so I bought a Rooney 1/1, because I thought it looked cooler. I face-lathered for my first dozen shaves, and the 1/1 proved to be the perfect brush for the task.

Simply put, I ordered one that looked cool, and was a small, silvertip brush in my price range, and then I lucked out.

I have since purchased an Omega Pro boar brush and the Rooney 3/1. I gave the Omega to my wife for leg shaving, and the 3/1 is my bowl/scuttle lathering tool. I couldn't be happier with my brushes, but I'll probably order the 2/1 so I have the collection of small Rooneys, then I'll move on to Simpson.

 

[wimbouman]

First brush was an unexpected item from the Muhle webshop.

Did all the research (a lot on B&B!) and decided for a Muhle as my first DE razor.

Initially decided to keep using the old L'Oreal gel.
Then, in the shop I found a gift box with a Proraso starter pack.
Had to buy it.

Then found out about the Muhle custom brushes, and fell for a Olivewood (I had just returned from a trip to Umbria) handle with a silvertip knot.

So, I had the razor, the (pre shave) cream and the brush in one buy.

Quite unexpected, but I still do love these items.
So, I guess it was a lucky first pick


Wim

 

[Ski-Patroller]

The first one I remember was an Ever Ready 750 purchased in 1963, followed by a couple more Evereadys, a 40N and 40R over the years. No special research, except that I knew I wanted 100% Badger (not Badger "Cased") Since finding B&B I've added a Muhle Travel and a Simspson Col 2XL and soon (I hope) a B&B Butterscotch.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

I started again wet shaving with a Vergulde Hand barbers boar brush I still had lying around (for the Dutch: that one is made by VERO). I got me a Semogue 2009 LE and some Jaguar boar brushes, then I discovered horse and switched to horse. I have some Turkish horse brushes now: medium and large. They work like a charm. Some from India in order, will let you know how they are. Sofar no Spanish ones.

 

[mblakele]

Either I have done too much research, or exactly the right amount. I enjoy every brush that I own, and they are all very different beasts. The only brush I have let go was a Tweezerman, and even it was serviceable - it wasn't a shedder, and it made good lather, but it wasn't going to get much use once I had the Penworks STR1-22 and Omega 10049.

Now that I face-lather it's the Penworks that doesn't get much use, mostly in favor my shortest-lofted brushes: a Rooney 3/1 and an Omega 81052.

Speaking of short lofts... there was a CH-1 on my doorstep this afternoon (thanks Phil!). But who knows? Maybe this will be the first brush that I don't like.

 

[Troggie]

Bought my first brush ( VDH) because I could get it locally. Still researching what type of badger brush I want. May end up with 2.. one cheapo off Ebay and another Thater to see if there is really a big difference in the knots.

 

[jss]

JKH, alot of brushes have past by these parts. But I before I bought an Emillion from Vintage Blades, I recall many, many back and forth posts with YoMuppet who was incredibly informative and helpful. Where is YO these days anyway?

Nice on Jeremy..

Good question Dar....

Best,

Julian