Wish we could sticky this for everyone to see.
I have a question about #3..."Don't brush mash"...
I get the part about using mostly/only the tips when loading the brush with soap. But when I go to apply the soap to my face (great tip about face-lathering and shave sticks..), I'm not getting enough lather transferred from the brush (this is "flow-through", right?) unless I very slightly "flare" the brush tips out so they form kinduva circle on my face that is bigger than the diameter of the brush knot. Is this considered "mashing"?
For brushes, I've mostly been using a Semogue 1520 or a Simpsons Colonel X2L...the lathering process goes much smoother for both brushes when I use the technique described above, but especially so for the Semogue.
I want to make sure I care for the knots of these brushes, especially since I'm starting to get into some nicer brushes (still checking my pillow for that M&F Chief...) but to get that proper lather, I feel that a little "pressure" is necessary.
....advice?
"Mash" is a bit stronger than "flare", I think. It's fine to work the brush so it splays. IMO of course.
Agreed. I've seen some lather videos where the brush is pushed right down to the base of the knot/handle and so much pressure being used when it's not needed.
When apply to your face, the brush should and will splay/flare and enough pressure is needed to do that and it will then release the lather (flow). I find starting with gentle circular strokes then finish with the painting strokes works best. Depenending on dense the knot is, will depend on how much pressure is needed to achieve the optimum splay/flare.
I'm using a SR3824 Badger right now, and little to no pressure is needed when I face lather it. It releases lather like crazy and is ultra soft. Next week when I use my Old Style Rooney, it will require more pressue to achieve the same results.