Need advise for a new brush.

[xgunterx]

After shaving with a cheap brush for a long time I think the time has come to let it retire.
I paid a visit at the site of Shavemac but I really need advice.
But first I will describe my routines involving using a brush which I got used to.
First of all I face lather all the time.
Second, I do reload after each pass, so the brush doesn't need to hold lather to shave 5 people.
Another important factor is that I use soaps for 75% in relation to creams.
And last but not least, I have very soft water which of course is a help to get a good lather.
And I don't like the itching feeling of the stiff boar brushes.

So here are my questions:
- As to knot size, I think that 22mm is the max to be useful for face lathering, no? If so, is 18mm better if you're getting used to reload after each consecutive pass or should I go for the middle of the road (20mm)
- What type of badger? As stated, I face lather, do use soap most of the time and don't like the stinging feeling.
Is a silvertip too soft to load on harder soaps? Can this be concurred by opting for the denser D01 silvertip?
Or go for the finest?
- And what about shape? Fan or bulb? What is the consensus considering face lathering?

 

[alabamalawyer]

I would suggest looking at a Rooney 3/1 in Super, a Simpson PJ2 in the two-band bristle or maybe even a Saville Row. The Rooney and Simpson will have bit more backbone, which I find helpful when face lathering. The bristles will be soft but with some stiffness due to the knot's density. The Saville Row will have enough backbone but very soft tips. The SR should be a bit more flexible, but certainly not floppy.

 

[Tha Baron]

I would suggest looking at a Rooney 3/1 in Super, a Simpson PJ2 in the two-band bristle or maybe even a Saville Row. The Rooney and Simpson will have bit more backbone, which I find helpful when face lathering. The bristles will be soft but with some stiffness due to the knot's density. The Saville Row will have enough backbone but very soft tips. The SR should be a bit more flexible, but certainly not floppy.

I have a Rooney 1/1 and PJ2 two-band... I would go with the PJ2 though since there is more loft, but a little more springy-ness in the brush.

I can't comment on the SR, but I have heard only good things and is very close to a Shavemac that I like alot.

 

[huntmol]

Rooney 3/1 in Super. Amazing brush for the price. Dense, scrubby, great for face lathering

 

[Fozz7769]

If badger is the direction you want to take - have a look at the Simpson 2 band Eshan at bullgoose.

If piggy is your preferred direction - Semogue 1305, 830 or 620 - vintagescents.com

Omega also make some fantastic brushes.

Good luck.

 

[dreadpirate]

Rooney 1/1 in Silver Tip. Plenty dense for soaps. I have a 1/2, but that's a bit bigger than the knot size you want.

 

[xgunterx]

Well, I changed my preferred choices after all.

After face lathering for almost my entire shaving career, I used a bowl today.
I liked it that much that I started with a blanc paper again to decide on which brush to buy but I finally placed the order just a few minutes ago.
I opted in the end for a Shavemac silvertip D01 24mm AND a Shavemac finest of 22mm.

I was interested in a Shavemac D01 26mm but I was afraid it would be too big for me so 24mm it is.

 

[Greyfox]

Enjoy your new brush.

 

[huntmol]

Make sure you ask Bernd for a custom shortened loft!
I recommend 45mm-55mm depending on your preference.