Newbie with First Brush Anxiety

[tbrim]

So, I bought my first brush a month or so ago after my 81 year old father badgered me into it (pun intended, of course). Unlike most purchases I make in my life, I didn't research it to death, and consequently bought a well reviewed silver tip on Amazon. It's a Parker. I bought it before I realized that there was this alternate dimension known as DE shaving, which I haven't done in about 40 years.

So, while I am totally enjoying using a brush, bowl and a variety of soaps, I am not sure the Parker is performing as a $60 brush should. While it seems to lather fairly well (I have nothing else for comparison), I find that it's a big floppy rag on my face. Instead of applying the lather with the tips of the brush, I end up having to use it like a paint brush to paint the lather on. Maybe that's the way it's supposed to work.

Anyway, after doing some reading here, I think I want to try something else. Maybe I need more backbone to my brush so that it will spread on my face better. Am I a boar bristle candidate? Or do I just need a better badger brush with more backbone? Seems like you poor guys do nothing but continually offer suggestions for various supplies for us newbies. Sorry.

 

[NSmalls]

Whats your budget like for this purchase?

 

[branford]

First, brush anxiety or badger dysfunction is nothing to be ashamed about. Most wet shavers suffer from it at one time or another. You are no less of a wet shaver if your brush is a little floppy. Or so I heard, from a friend, . . . definitely not me, . . .

More seriously, you story is common. Your brush is fine and is working as intended. At worst, you might have spent a little more than was necessary. However, that does not mean there isn't room for significant improvement.

A boar brush will definitely provide more backbone, but will be much stiffer and feel very different from a good badger brush. Given their low price, you could easily try both a inexpensive boar and badger.

Keep in mind that a shaving brush has a number of specifications, and each individual tends to have their own preferences. There is no perfect brush for everyone. It truly is a situation of YMMV.

The most important aspect of a brush is the knot, including (i) the quality of hair, (ii) size (diameter), (iii) loft (height from handle to tips), and (iv) density (how densely the bristles are packed in the knot). There is absolutely no standardization in hair quality among the various manufacturers. Silvertip, best, pure, two-band, manchurian, etc. are only guidelines. For example, one company's silvertip may be vastly superior (softer) or inferior to another brand. There are also a variety of boar qualities (as well as horse and synthetic). Handle size is also a considerations, including height, diameter shape, in additional to type of material (wood, resin, etc.)

A good starting point for a badger brush would be a medium knot (22-24mm), medium loft (48-52mm), in a silvertip knot from a reputable company. I routinely recommend Whipped Dog. They are very popular brushes on B&B (I own 2) for both the beginner and experienced, they are of excellent quality, solid resin handles of different colors (or pottery selections), very inexpensive, and Larry, the proprietor is a gentleman who will provide honest advice and professional service. Once you sufficiently learn about your personal preferences, there is an immense selection of custom and high-end brushes from which to choose. Go slow and don't overspend until you know what you like, want and need.

If you want try a boar, I would recommend Semogue brushes. They and Omega are the two main quality boar manufacturers. I believe that Semogue is of slightly higher quality, particularly the handles. I would start with a 1305 (or the 830 if you like an acrylic handle). Vintage Scent has the largest selection of Semogues at good prices (don't forget the coupon code). A overview of most of the Semogue brushes can be found here for your review.

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask more questions!

 

[tbrim]

Whats your budget like for this purchase?

Without sounding like too much of an ***, it doesn't really matter.

 

[tbrim]

First, brush anxiety or badger dysfunction is nothing to be ashamed about. Most wet shavers suffer from it at one time or another. You are no less of a wet shaver if your brush is a little floppy. Or so I heard, from a friend, . . . definitely not me, . . .

More seriously, you story is common. Your brush is fine and is working as intended. At worst, you might have spent a little more than was necessary. However, that does not mean there isn't room for significant improvement.

A boar brush will definitely provide more backbone, but will be much stiffer and feel very different from a good badger brush. Given their low price, you could easily try both a inexpensive boar and badger.

Keep in mind that a shaving brush has a number of specifications, and each individual tends to have their own preferences. There is no perfect brush for everyone. It truly is a situation of YMMV.

The most important aspect of a brush is the knot, including (i) the quality of hair, (ii) size (diameter), (iii) loft (height from handle to tips), and (iv) density (how densely the bristles are packed in the knot). There is absolutely no standardization in hair quality among the various manufacturers. Silvertip, best, pure, two-band, manchurian, etc. are only guidelines. For example, one company's silvertip may be vastly superior (softer) or inferior to another brand. There are also a variety of boar qualities (as well as horse and synthetic). Handle size is also a considerations, including height, diameter shape, in additional to type of material (wood, resin, etc.)

A good starting point for a badger brush would be a medium knot (22-24mm), medium loft (48-52mm), in a silvertip knot from a reputable company. I routinely recommend Whipped Dog. They are very popular brushes on B&B (I own 2) for both the beginner and experienced, they are of excellent quality, solid resin handles of different colors (or pottery selections), very inexpensive, and Larry, the proprietor is a gentleman who will provide honest advice and professional service. Once you sufficiently learn about your personal preferences, there is an immense selection of custom and high-end brushes from which to choose. Go slow and don't overspend until you know what you like, want and need.

If you want try a boar, I would recommend Semogue brushes. They and Omega are the two main quality boar manufacturers. I believe that Semogue is of slightly higher quality, particularly the handles. I would start with a 1305 (or the 830 if you like an acrylic handle). Vintage Scent has the largest selection of Semogues at good prices (don't forget the coupon code). A overview of most of the Semogue brushes can be found here for your review.

Good luck and don't hesitate to ask more questions!

Thanks branford. I have been looking at Semogue boars. Prices are certainly right. Will check out Whipped Dog as well. Worth it just for the name!

 

[NSmalls]

Ok sounds good. Couple different recommendations:

Vintage Blades Brand 2-band badger: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=240

Rooney Heritage: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=170

Rooney standard line: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=152

Semogue Owners Club badger: http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sem...adger-Shaving-Brush-Cherry-Handle_p_1514.html

 

[tbrim]

Ok sounds good. Couple different recommendations:

Vintage Blades Brand 2-band badger: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=240

Rooney Heritage: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=170

Rooney standard line: http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=152

Semogue Owners Club badger: http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sem...adger-Shaving-Brush-Cherry-Handle_p_1514.html

Thanks NSmalls. They are beautiful.

 

[MaxP]

You may want to try putting an o-ring on the Parker and see what you think of it's behavior then.

 

[Dave Colangelo]

Since budget is not really a concern then sky is the limit for you. Unless you are very lucky its going to take you a few brushes before you find one you really like. From what it sounds like I would suggest either a semogue owners club in super or a Simpson chubby 1. Both are very popular here and for badgers have good backbone but are soft and pleasent to use at the same time.

Regards
Dave

 

[tbrim]

You may want to try putting an o-ring on the Parker and see what you think of it's behavior then.

Seriously? Where would you find something like that? A hardware store?

 

[branford]

Seriously? Where would you find something like that? A hardware store?

You could also try a woman's hair band. My girlfriend made the suggestion long ago to help tame a floppy brush and it worked quite well.

 

[jovan]

Simpson's in best badger are a good choice but it sounds like the Chubby or Claasic, something with a similar knot size to reduce the floppy feeling. Avoid like the Rover as it would be floppy for you.

 

[branford]

Thanks branford. I have been looking at Semogue boars. Prices are certainly right. Will check out Whipped Dog as well. Worth it just for the name!

If you choose a Whipped Dog, definitely pay the extra $5 for a lower loft. I would recommend 5 -7mm lower for a 48- 50mm loft.

 

[NSmalls]

Simpson's in best badger are a good choice but it sounds like the Chubby or Claasic, something with a similar knot size to reduce the floppy feeling. Avoid like the Rover as it would be floppy for you.

The Best badger grade of hair is all over the place. It is hard for me to recommend it to someone who is still sorting out their preferences with brushes.

 

[musicman1951]

I bought a Parker for my first brush as well. Some people really like exceedingly soft brushes, but it didn't do it for me.

Since you're using a bowl I recommend an SOC - outstanding bowl brush (some people swear by it for face lathering as well) only $39 and gets you a boar - which you need for your budding collection. It's pretty good sized and not scritchy on the face. An excellent contrast to the Parker.

 

[Jarick]

I would agree that you should try putting a hair band on the brush. You can start at the bottom and move it up slightly. That will make the brush a little stiffer in the bristles and not so floppy. If you like the feel, you can get a Whipped Dog silvertip in a shorter loft for about $30. Otherwise you can get a really nice boar like a Semogue 830 or B&B Essential for $25-30.

 

[yellafella321]

You're exactly where I was last Feb - hating my Parker brush. I recently acquired an SOC Boar and it just doesn't do it for, but that's comparing it to some very expensive brushes.

It'll be hard to know what you really like without trying a bunch of brushes. The first ones I'd recommend to set your frame of reference are the Emillion 2, SR3824, and 4125/2. Of those brushes, the only one i"ve kept is the Emillion, and have moved on to generally more expensive brushes, but it's a great starting point.

Another great starting point is the Vintage Blades "Finest". Had I started with that I probably would have been a pretty happy camper.

 

[Joezamboni]

I had a Parker, then the overpriced knot started shedding and I ripped it out and put a 24mm TGN finest in its place.

Do the same, there are many here that will support me, lol

 

[rxonmymind]

I just used my Parker. It's ok not that bad of a brush. I like painting aspect of it. But I know a lot of people don't but once in awhile you'll come across a soap that requires one and that dials it in. For me it was Mikes soap. The SOC boar sucked at whipping up his soap but the Parker was a champ. Meh,I'll keep it.