Need a new better brush could do with some advice please :)

[NewGuy]

Hi everyone,

I just started DE shaving a couple of months back but I think its time for me to upgrade my brush. Im shaving with a Merkur Futur, Derby blades and using Geo F Trumper Shave Cream - Coconut.

I have been using a pretty cheap brush as it was my first ever brush. The brush can be found here:

http://www.mankind.co.uk/Men-U-Barbiere-Shaving-Brush-and-Stand--Black-PRODMUGK1/

I think its time for a new one as this brush just doesnt feel the same as it used to as I think the bristles have become more stiff and also have started falling out. The next brush ive been thinking to buy is:

http://www.mankind.co.uk/Men-U-Premier-Shaving-Brush--Black-PRODMUGK11/

I would like to ask has anyone had any experince with the above brush? Also my budget is around £30-£35 (around $50) so what would you guys recomend I buy?

Thank you all.

 

[Bertilak]

Hi everyone,

I just started DE shaving a couple of months back but I think its time for me to upgrade my brush. Im shaving with a Merkur Futur, Derby blades and using Geo F Trumper Shave Cream - Coconut.

I have been using a pretty cheap brush as it was my first ever brush. The brush can be found here:

http://www.mankind.co.uk/Men-U-Barbiere-Shaving-Brush-and-Stand--Black-PRODMUGK1/

I think its time for a new one as this brush just doesnt feel the same as it used to as I think the bristles have become more stiff and also have started falling out. The next brush ive been thinking to buy is:

http://www.mankind.co.uk/Men-U-Premier-Shaving-Brush--Black-PRODMUGK11/

I would like to ask has anyone had any experince with the above brush? Also my budget is around £30-£35 (around $50) so what would you guys recomend I buy?

Thank you all.

You are using and considering brushes that fly under the radar here at B&B. Maybe there is someone around who can comment on them. For under $50 I would consider one of these: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=209.

I don't have first hand experience of any of them but have had several Rooneys and they are all fantastic brushes -- brushes that I generally prefer to others costing nearly twice as much.

 

[luvmysuper]

No experience with synthetic brushes at all.
It does say that the brush hairs are non-porous and don't absorb water, so I'm puzzled as to how that works.

 

[mretzloff]

£29.95 ($49) for a synthetic? Is this some cruel joke?

 

[NewGuy]

£29.95 ($49) for a synthetic? Is this some cruel joke?

I assure you this is no joke!

Its just im new to the whole shaving brushes scene lol.



I get the feeling I should go with a Rooney?

looking here:

http://www.classicshaving.com/Rooney_Shaving_Brushes.html

there are so many to pick from.. Is there any one that sticks out as a great brush?

Thanks again.

edit: I have pretty big hands and face for that matter! So I think I may need to get a bigger size brush. So I guess ill have to extend my budget a bit so please feel free to give advice on anything around or under $100

 

[Bertilak]

there are so many to pick from.. Is there any one that sticks out as a great brush?

Any of the Rooney's will be a great brush at a good price when compared to the competition. You just need to decide on three things:

1. Style -- basically the handle shape.
2. Size -- basically how much badger hair. Usually measured in millimeters of "knot size". Bigger always costs more but is not necessarily better. There will be a size that is your "Goldilocks" size: just right for you. You may need to buy more than one brush to figure out what this means to you. Different brands will have different amounts of hare stuffed into the same knot size. Rooneys are known for being quite full.
3. Grade of hair. Here is where relatively small changes in choice grade can make a big difference in price. The grade called "super" in the Rooney is probably the most popular as a good place along that curve to stop. Lesser grades are cheaper but not by an earth shattering amount. Higher grades are nicer but the price starts to get serious.

Rooney has other brushes beyond the selection at Classic Shaving. See http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=116.

 

[DirtyDave]

Consider either the Crabtree & Evelyn BBB or the Edwin Jagger BBB. Both are made by Edwin Jagger and are really the same thing, I have read. I have the C&E version and it has worked out very well for me.

Whether these will work with a large set of hans, I don't know. I don't see why not, either.

 

[rm71]

Consider either the Crabtree & Evelyn BBB or the Edwin Jagger BBB. Both are made by Edwin Jagger and are really the same thing, I have read.

+1. You can get the Edwin jagger BBB from The English Shaving Company.

 

[Luc]

The first brush is what I currently have. I never tried the synthec one. Those are made by Omega with Men-U stamped on them.

I would go with the recommendations, Rooney, Crabtree & Evelyn or Edwin Jagger.

 

[john parker]

My first brush was the C&E BBB (made by Edwin Jagger), which I bought from a shop where I was able to actually see, hold and feel it. That was helpful in making a decision on my first brush, beyond the good information I found here on the forum. Since you are apparently in the U.K., is there not a shop that actually has Edwin Jagger brushes you could inspect and check prices?

 

[NewGuy]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the advice. Im thinking now that Edwin Jagger is the way to go for me.

Just a question what exactly is the Edwin Jagger BBB as I cant find it anywhere? Does the BBB stand for something?

Thanks.

 

[Luc]

BBB = Best Badger Brush

 

[john parker]

And, the C&E Best Badger Brush is Edwin Jagger's medium size - 21mm knot. They have a small size - 19mm, and a large - but I don't know what that one is. To see their models, visit The English Shaving Company site. You will see they have different grades of badger hair, as well. Hope that helps. John

 

[HoratioCaine]

For around $115 (68.51 GBP, includes VAT), you can get a Kent BK8 from Auravita. It's a medium-large brush with very soft hair. It was my first "premium" brush, and although I've become more partial to Simpson and Plisson brushes, I still have a soft spot for Kents. It hasn't shed so much as a single hair the entire time I've had it. If the BK8 is too big, there always the BK4, and that will keep you well under $100.

That C&E brush isn't bad, either. I've never actually used one, but I've seen it in-store a number of times, and was pretty impressed by it. Edwin Jaggers are known for being some of the softest brushes around, although they have to go a ways to beat the Kent BK line in that department.

Edit: I should qualify my comment on the C&E brush. I just checked their site, and the one I referred to isn't on it. If I recall, the one I'm thinking of was actually their Super grade brush, which evidently they don't stock any more. (It's been a while since I've been in a C&E; I should have figured things have changed.) Its equivalent is probably available as an Edwin Jagger brush, but I don't know which size it was.

 

[Darjeeling Express]

You are using and considering brushes that fly under the radar here at B&B. Maybe there is someone around who can comment on them. For under $50 I would consider one of these: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=209.

I don't have first hand experience of any of them but have had several Rooneys and they are all fantastic brushes -- brushes that I generally prefer to others costing nearly twice as much.

I agree with Rob, this is an excellent step up for you by one of the most venerable and renown brush manufacturers.

 

[Nickelodeon]

+1 on the Kent. Either the BK8 HoratioKane mentioned or the BK4 (smaller, but still larger than the Jagger Best) is wonderful with creams.

 

[pablo_h]

Hi everyone,

Thanks for the advice. Im thinking now that Edwin Jagger is the way to go for me.

Just a question what exactly is the Edwin Jagger BBB as I cant find it anywhere? Does the BBB stand for something?

Thanks.

http://theenglishshavingcompany.com.../@cEdwin Jagger Best badger shaving brushes@b

I got the plain medium best badger brush, the one for £23
Seems they have a sale on the imitation ebony ones at the moment too.

 

[Chicken Enchilada]

You are using and considering brushes that fly under the radar here at B&B. Maybe there is someone around who can comment on them. For under $50 I would consider one of these: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=209.

I don't have first hand experience of any of them but have had several Rooneys and they are all fantastic brushes -- brushes that I generally prefer to others costing nearly twice as much.

+1 I got this brush a few weeks ago, and it rocks! This is a very high quality brush for only $40, lots of bang for your buck.