Looking for a 2nd brush - Have T&H (Rooney Type 1 large) in Super

[milesandcoltrane]

Hi Gents,

I've been inactive in the forums for a while. Having gotten back into trad wetshaving after a brief hiatus I'm looking to expand my brush collection.

I've used boars in my first few years - mostly Omega. And the one I really liked - after years of break in - was the large Pro model - the Big Bruiser. Massive loft and knot size. This one: http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/omega-10098--the-big-br10098.html

I didn't like the other Omega Boars I had due to the shorter loft and general scritchiness - I have relatively sensitive skin when it comes to brushes.

However I've misplaced this particular brush and am left with the Truefitt & Hill Badger brush. It's got a huge knot as well ard 26-28MM but with a shorter 50-52 MM loft. The handle says its Super Badger and I'm not sure if its a Silvertip. It definitely has pretty soft tips. Should be this model: http://www.truefittandhill.com/detail_00281__19.html I enjoy this brush immensely but would like something bigger (loft wise especially) and even softer if possible.

Something that combines the large floppiness of the Omega Big Bruiser with the ultra soft tips of Silvertip Badger. I understand this might be an even floppier brush since it'll be badger - but I'd like to get it as a brush devoted to creams (majority of my rotation) rather than soaps (which I can use the T&H for anyway).

From the old days, I recall the Kent BK12 was something I always had my eye on, but I'm not too convinced about the handle design. Looks a bit uncomfortable. I prefer the Simpsons Chubby type handle (which is similar to what I have on the T&H I think). The Omega handle was novel but I think more suited for a barber than for own use.

 

[vocalistbob]

I also have a T & H size 3 and love it. The BK12 might be a good choice, but be prepared for the fact that, not only is it softer, that high loft gives it an enormously wide bloom. Big brushes are my thing, but I found that BK12 bloom to be too large, even for my taste. I found the handle to be very comfortable to use.

A few other brushes come to mind:

Thater 4292/6 (28mm x 59mm)
Shavemac 220 (28mm x 66mm). The actual knot will probably be wider than 28mm
Simpson Chubby 3 in Super 3-band - not a high loft, but it's extremely soft and lush. (30mm x 52mm)
A custom Shavemac silvertip from Rudy Vey
A custom 3-band Blonde Badger from Morris & Forndran

 

[milesandcoltrane]

Thanks for the reply Bob. Those suggestions look fantastic - especially the Chubby. Have read/heard so much about them in the early days when I got into this and they remain very seductive. Only concern is the reputation for hogging lather. Would prefer better flow. (Even the T&H style 1 size 3 tends to hog lather a tad, though not too much).

Shavemacs are another interesting option. The 2 bands look very tempting as well.

After my shave last night, I did realize that when my lathering technique gets sloppy so does the lather. Gets in my nose, ears etc.

I'm also tempted to get a radically smaller brush - especially since I face lather almost every time. Something like the Wee Scott or Case or even the Special 1 possibly.

Then I could mull over the large brush options. A custom from RV would be very nice as well. Ahh SBAD strikes!!!

 

[teeitup418holes]

I also have a T & H size 3 and love it. The BK12 might be a good choice, but be prepared for the fact that, not only is it softer, that high loft gives it an enormously wide bloom. Big brushes are my thing, but I found that BK12 bloom to be too large, even for my taste. I found the handle to be very comfortable to use.

A few other brushes come to mind:

Thater 4292/6 (28mm x 59mm)
Shavemac 220 (28mm x 66mm). The actual knot will probably be wider than 28mm
Simpson Chubby 3 in Super 3-band - not a high loft, but it's extremely soft and lush. (30mm x 52mm)
A custom Shavemac silvertip from Rudy Vey
A custom 3-band Blonde Badger from Morris & Forndran

Exactly what Bob said...Bob knows his brushes.