Is this a good brush and value?
- Thread starter sproosemoose
- Start date
I don't know much about Parker's brushes, but surmise that you can do better at the price point. My personal recommendation would be adding $10 or so and going for a 21mm shavemac in finest. At less money, but still likely a better brush, would be a vulfix in best or super.
If the handle is metal, it can be very hot, if you are soaking your brush in hot water.
Given the reputation of the Parker razors I would be suspicious. That's in the same price range as many well-reputed brushes. You might consider a low-end Rooney (http://www.classicshaving.com/Rooney_Shaving_Brushes.html or http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=152), or a Penworks STR1-22 (http://www.penworks.us/?main_page=product_info&cPath=25_73&products_id=215 - recent discussion at http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=134530). My experience is limited, but I am very happy with my STR1-22.
+1, I wouldn't trust anything made by Parker. Buy it at your own risk.
I also wouldn't shell out for a pure badger grade brush from any maker. Just use what you have now until you can get a mid-grade badger or silvertip that's made by a reputable company. For $60, you can do a lot better generally, but you'd probably need another $15-20 for a decent silvertip depending on what brand/model you're looking at. But stick with the reliable brush makers no matter what you do.
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Agreed, look elsewhere at that price point.
Take a look at the Vulfix line of brushes. I've found them to be really nice brushes, and the price is good. Check them out here: www.classicshaving.com 
I own a Parker Brush in pure (shich judging from the tips is closer to best) and am very happy with it.
http://www.supersafetyrazors.com/100-Pure-Badger-Bristle-Shaving-Brush/M/B002RJC1HC.htm
My review is here:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=132023
As for quality, it is good quality and well constructed. I had a little shedding the first couple of weeks. It is a floppy brush compared to the Shavemac 25 22MM, but the loft is longer on the Parker. I will try to get some side by side pics. It makes the Shavemac look like a wee scott. Mine also has the metal base and is very heavy. I have not had issues with it being too hot to hold when soaking it pre shave.
As stated, the Parker is floppy, lathers nice w/both soaps and creams. It is not as dense as the Shavemac and the tips are not quite as soft. But it was 1/4 the price of the Shavemac. Dont get me wrong, I love my shavemac, but is it worth 3 or 4 times what I paid for the Parker? I would say no. And it is not because the Shavemac is not a great brush, it is beacuse the Parker is a real steal for the money. It is well made, looks great and is not going to fall apart on you.
That said, I paid about $25 for mine and it is now $30. Consider the Parker like a Kia. It is a decently made reliable car that can be had on the cheap. Sure you could get a fully loaded deluxe model with every option that may run you about $25K...but at that price point, you are probably better off looking at at something like a Honda, Toyota or VW. Would I spend $60 for a Parker Silvertip? probably not. I would spend an extra $20 and look at something with a nicer brand name. But I dare anybody to find me a better $25 brush than my Parker.
http://www.supersafetyrazors.com/100-Pure-Badger-Bristle-Shaving-Brush/M/B002RJC1HC.htm
My review is here:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=132023
As for quality, it is good quality and well constructed. I had a little shedding the first couple of weeks. It is a floppy brush compared to the Shavemac 25 22MM, but the loft is longer on the Parker. I will try to get some side by side pics. It makes the Shavemac look like a wee scott. Mine also has the metal base and is very heavy. I have not had issues with it being too hot to hold when soaking it pre shave.
As stated, the Parker is floppy, lathers nice w/both soaps and creams. It is not as dense as the Shavemac and the tips are not quite as soft. But it was 1/4 the price of the Shavemac. Dont get me wrong, I love my shavemac, but is it worth 3 or 4 times what I paid for the Parker? I would say no. And it is not because the Shavemac is not a great brush, it is beacuse the Parker is a real steal for the money. It is well made, looks great and is not going to fall apart on you.
That said, I paid about $25 for mine and it is now $30. Consider the Parker like a Kia. It is a decently made reliable car that can be had on the cheap. Sure you could get a fully loaded deluxe model with every option that may run you about $25K...but at that price point, you are probably better off looking at at something like a Honda, Toyota or VW. Would I spend $60 for a Parker Silvertip? probably not. I would spend an extra $20 and look at something with a nicer brand name. But I dare anybody to find me a better $25 brush than my Parker.
