Looking to get a good brush for face lathering

[TomFox]

I think face lathering could help speed up my shaves, but alas I do not have a suitable brush for face lathering.

I am looking at the 21mm Shavemacs in Finest and Silvertip (I think I'll wait on D01 till I am sure face lathering is for me) at West Coast Shaving. They are from like 65-75 dollars and seem like a great deal.

Also looking at the Rooney Special Super silvertip 3/1 from Vintage Blades.

I do have rather delicate skin so, if I am going to face lather I definitely need something soft.

Thanks for the help.

 

[ssilcox]

I can't comment on Shavemac, but I do have a Rooney 1/2 that is superb for face lathering. It is soft, but not super-soft. Only thing I had to compare it to was a savile row 3824, and the SR was a but softer.

 

[persco]

You cannot go wrong with a Shavemac brush. I have a 20 mm (45 mm loft) in finest. It is a fantastic brush. The Rooney 3/1 has a shorter loft than the standard Shavemacs (mine was a custom for about 80 USD), and so is great for face lathering.

 

[summit_4000]

Although I don't normally face lather, I was forced into a quick shave this morning. I used my Rooney 3/1 super silvertip and Tabac soap. It lathered great. Surprisingly, my quick 5 min, 2-pass shave was one of the best I have had recently.

The Rooney's can be found with slightly different lofts depending on where you get it. Vintage Blades offers 50mm (std - I own) or 47mm ("Special" - I just ordered in 'Coral') versions. The super silvertip may be more comfortable for face lathering than a pure badger, as may be the slightly longer loft. I would appreciate others sharing their opinion on this since I do not usually face lather.

I also use a Simpson Duke 3 in 'best' for soaps. It is a bit 'softer' than the Rooney, but also lathers very well with both soaps and creams.

 

[domino]

If you want a soft brush still with good backbone, you may want to consider the Shavemac Finest. It is a lot less $ than the D01 grade. The short loft, small knot makes it easy for face lathering, excellent flow thru, plus there is no break in period. On the other hand, the Rooney is also soft and another good option, but it is firmer and it does require some time to break it in. Both are in the same price range.

 

[andrew98]

If you want a soft brush still with good backbone, you may want to consider the Shavemac Finest. It is a lot less $ than the D01 grade. The short loft, small knot makes it easy for face lathering, excellent flow thru, plus there is no break in period. On the other hand, the Rooney is also soft and another good option, but it is firmer and it does require some time to break it in. Both are in the same price range.

This is my recommendation, too. Well said!

-Andy

 

[buddydog]

I have a silver-tip it holds a lot of lather,but I think its too soft....

 

[TromboneGuy]

My favorite brush is a Rooney 1/1 - perfect for face-lathering. However, I also have a big floppy Vulfix that face lathers off a puck of triple-milled like a champ. It's all in how you use it.

 

[mretzloff]

Get a Rooney 1/1. I have a Shavemac D01 and wish I got a Rooney 1/1. If you have the money, get the 1/1 in finest.

 

[beginish]

Both the Shavemac 177 and Rooney 2/1 have worked great for me as face latherers.

 

[andrew98]

If you want a soft brush still with good backbone, you may want to consider the Shavemac Finest. It is a lot less $ than the D01 grade. The short loft, small knot makes it easy for face lathering, excellent flow thru, plus there is no break in period. On the other hand, the Rooney is also soft and another good option, but it is firmer and it does require some time to break it in. Both are in the same price range.

We're talking about a Custom Short-loft Shavemac in Finest (not D01) that you'll need to order from Bernd via email. You do, however, get to pick the knot dimensions and handle shape/color, which is pretty cool. I recommend 19 to 21mm diameter knot with a 45mm loft. This brush has better flowthrough than my Rooney 1/1 Super Silvertip and Shavemac Custom D01.

-Andy

 

[moonshine44]

I use a high loft (compared to my silvertip travel brush, which I haven't used yet. The BB is somewhere close to 55 mm. I didn't sink the knot in the handle very far) 24 mm best badger I made using a Golden Nib knot for all my lathering needs. It holds a lot of soap, is only slightly scratchy, and does a phenomenal job of lathering on my face. I used to build all of my lather on top of the puck in my mug, but I'm rapidly discovering the joys of face lathering...