Need help for a first brush.please?

[kwk1]

Hi, I'm totally new here and have done a bunch of reading.
I currently use a Mach 3 with canned cream/gel and no brush.

I've decided to order a DE89 and have ordered some AoS cream (neither have arrived yet).

For a brush, I'll most likely face lather with the cream to start, and possibly try soaps later on.
Two brushes that interest me are the Tulip 2 with super badger and a Shavemac 177 or 412 handle on the custom order page.
I'm leaning to the Shavemac with D01 3 band hair.
I was thinking 22 or 24 knot with 48 or 50 loft.

I would like some advice on the brush, especially knot/loft size.
Thanks for reading, all replies are appreciated.

EDIT: Forgot about the knot shape, was thinking bulb?

Ken

 

[goatee]

sounds like you already have a good idea. i was going to suggest a tweezerman since it is your first brush and the tweez is cheap.
one more suggestion is to bowl lather at first. just to get an idea of how much product/water to use.

 

[kwk1]

Sure, I could bowl lather to start, thanks.
Any feedback about knot and loft size?
I guess a brush for cream and soap, face and bowl use.

Ken

 

[goatee]

most brushes in my rotation are all homemade handles, and knots set myself. but truth be told,, i never measured the loft. i just set it to where i thought it was best and that was that.
a lot of these guys here are a bit more meticulous than i am. different knot styles are going to have a sweet spot. someone who knows will be along shortly to help i am sure.

 

[kwk1]

Cool that you make your own!
Hopefully someone will land me in the sweet spot.

Ken

 

[takeshi]

The sweet spot is subjective/YMMV. I mean, for example, my sweet spot is apparently a 28mm knot and 57mm loft. If this is your first brush I wouldn't expect to find the perfect one on your first attempt but good luck with it. It's through first hand experience that you determine where your own preferences lie. You can try using popular knot and loft measurements but popular and what you prefer are two entirely different things.

Enjoy the journey -- don't fixate on the destination. And consider that you can always BST whatever doesn't work for you.

EDIT: Forgot about the knot shape, was thinking bulb?

Same applies: it's a matter of preference.

one more suggestion is to bowl lather at first. just to get an idea of how much product/water to use.

I find it much easier to adjust with face lathering.

 

[kwk1]

Thanks takeshi. I'm thinking 24 by 50 in silvertip D01 with a bulb.
Would like something a little versatile for creams/soaps and face/bowl lathering.
I think I read somewhere that 46 is good for face and 56 is good for bowl.
So I'm thinking 50 might be a good universal loft.
The other problem is, Shavemac has some nice Buffalo horn handles that are tempting me!

 

[jojoc]

My experience with brushes is limited, but if you are going with super badger/silvertip and face lathering, I would go with a shorter loft -- somewhere between 45 and 50. I have a silvertip with a 22 knot set and 45 and LOVE it. I face lather. IMHO, no need to start with bowl lathering. I started with the AoS cream myself. This is what worked for me -- soak the brush, give it a lite shake or two (you don't want water pouring out, but nor should the brush be dry). Apply an almond size (or little less) amount of cream to brush, and start building a lather on your face in circular motion with the brush. If you are not getting a nice thick lather, add a couple drops of water to the brush. Also recommend watching some of the online how to videos.

good luck and enjoy!

 

[djh]

Whichever way you decide to go, you will end up with a quality brush; the big advantage with Shavemac is that you are able to tailor the brush to your needs; the disadvantage with Shavemac is that as a newbie, you are not necessarily sure what your needs are.

As far as knot size is concerned, that is obviously a question of personal taste, but I think that 20-24mm is the middle of the range these days and with a brush of that size you should be ready to go. Loft of about 50mm also sounds good.

Please take a look around the site, read as much as you can and take it easy. Learning to shave is not rocket science, but there is certainly more to it than dragging a plastic cartridge over your goo-smeared face. Good luck!

 

[Elbe]

With D01 it is advisable to use lofts of at least 48mm! Otherwise you'll have a stick!

 

[kwk1]

jojoc, thanks for the great advice on lathering as well as knots.
David, you are so right that I don't know what I will like.
But, I guess that's why most people have more than one!
Elbe, Iam definately going over 48 to avoid pricklyness.

With all your advice, I feel confident enough to go for a 24x50 in D01.
Just deciding on a 177 faux ivory or a Buffalo horn handle.
I think I should hold off on a Buffalo one till I know more what I like in a brush.
I read that the horn can crack and lose it's shine as well.
Does anyone have experience with one?

Again, thanks for all the great advice.

Ken

 

[JaggerDragger]

You can also just get an omega boar brush for under $12 at Shoppers Drug Mart (get some proraso soap too), then you can get to learning how to lather immediately without waiting on an order to ship. While learning to lather you can find out what attributes you like in a brush and research here more; maybe even keep an eye on the BST board and try something used for a bargain.

All in all you may find out that the little lowly omega boar is an amazing brush and worth every penny! Plus you will always have a beater brush to take on trips and such.

 

[kwk1]

You can also just get an omega boar brush for under $12 at Shoppers Drug Mart (get some proraso soap too), then you can get to learning how to lather immediately without waiting on an order to ship. While learning to lather you can find out what attributes you like in a brush and research here more; maybe even keep an eye on the BST board and try something used for a bargain.

All in all you may find out that the little lowly omega boar is an amazing brush and worth every penny! Plus you will always have a beater brush to take on trips and such.

Thanks Jagger, I just might get one at Shopper's to use until my new Shavemac arrives.

 

[kwk1]

It's official, I just ordered an Imitation horn, handle 177, with a 24x50mm Silvertip D01 bulb knot.
Can't wait to get it. Thanks to everyone for guiding me to this decision.

 

[JaggerDragger]

Right on, enjoy that brush!

 

[Obiwan]

Congrats, enjoy!

 

[kwk1]

Thanks guys!
I'm already contemplating my next one, just kiddin'!

 

[kwk1]

Well, almost everything came in the mail.
Just waiting on my AoS shave cream.
Can't believe the brush only took 1 week to make and ship to my door!
Very impressed with Shavemac.


New cat toy!

They even sent a small puck of soap.
In case you forgot, the brush is a 177 handle in faux horn with a 24x50 D01 knot.
It doesn't smell, atleast when dry and feels very soft on the face.
I am going to wait for the shave cream to come before I have a go with all my new stuff.
Thanks to everyones input, I think I made a great choice.

Ken

 

[cworks]

I just got a Shavemac #177 23mm Silver Tip Badger and love it. Amazingly soft. Let us know how you like it.

 

[kwk1]

Yeah, I was prepared for more pricklyness myself.
I sure will and, give some feedback on yours as well cworks.
I hope you enjoy the new brush.

Ken