As a newbie - to B&B as well as the hobby of shaving - I appreciate the wealth if information here. Thanks to all the veterans of the forum who have shared and helped each other along the way.
About eight weeks ago, I uncovered my grandfather's Gillette safety razor, and after a little research into DE razors, I decided to give it a try.
I picked up some Van Der Hagen blades at Walmart and felt there was more available. I now have some Astras, which provided an upgrade.
I elected to keep his shave brush - a 150 Ever-Ready - for nostalgia but needed to find a new brush to use. I ordered a Viking Revolution brush & soap set, which was a fine introduction. I enjoy the stimulation of the bristles and the lathering process. (For years, I had used various disposables/cartridges, wet with no cream. So, this has been a re-introduction to soap and lather.) I look at shaving now as an enjoyable process, rather than a boring necessity.
However, I knew all along the brush set was just an introduction. I am looking forward to exploring soap samples and finding what works for me, both on the practical side as well as what provides more personal enjoyment.
I also see that the brush, sold as a badger, is shedding just a bit. It is still usable, but the shedding reminds me that it is a functional, but lower-end brush and will need replacing one day.
Here is where I appreciate your insight. Without jumping to a "premium" brush (in my mind, $75-$100 and up), what are good suggestions for a good, solid "next" brush for me? Maybe in the $20 - $40/$50 range, if that is possible (or less, if they exist).
I don't want to scour my face, but I do like a little bit of "bite" from the brush for stimulation and exfoliation. This feature has lessened a bit in the VR brush since I started using it.
I probably lean toward the natural badger component, but I'm not opposed to synthetic, if it makes sense and meets my preferences (which, admittedly, I am still developing).
I figure if I start looking now, I can have a good, reliable choice when replacement time comes.
Thanks for your wisdom, and I look forward to contributing back one day.
- Frank
About eight weeks ago, I uncovered my grandfather's Gillette safety razor, and after a little research into DE razors, I decided to give it a try.
I picked up some Van Der Hagen blades at Walmart and felt there was more available. I now have some Astras, which provided an upgrade.
I elected to keep his shave brush - a 150 Ever-Ready - for nostalgia but needed to find a new brush to use. I ordered a Viking Revolution brush & soap set, which was a fine introduction. I enjoy the stimulation of the bristles and the lathering process. (For years, I had used various disposables/cartridges, wet with no cream. So, this has been a re-introduction to soap and lather.) I look at shaving now as an enjoyable process, rather than a boring necessity.
However, I knew all along the brush set was just an introduction. I am looking forward to exploring soap samples and finding what works for me, both on the practical side as well as what provides more personal enjoyment.
I also see that the brush, sold as a badger, is shedding just a bit. It is still usable, but the shedding reminds me that it is a functional, but lower-end brush and will need replacing one day.
Here is where I appreciate your insight. Without jumping to a "premium" brush (in my mind, $75-$100 and up), what are good suggestions for a good, solid "next" brush for me? Maybe in the $20 - $40/$50 range, if that is possible (or less, if they exist).
I don't want to scour my face, but I do like a little bit of "bite" from the brush for stimulation and exfoliation. This feature has lessened a bit in the VR brush since I started using it.
I probably lean toward the natural badger component, but I'm not opposed to synthetic, if it makes sense and meets my preferences (which, admittedly, I am still developing).
I figure if I start looking now, I can have a good, reliable choice when replacement time comes.
Thanks for your wisdom, and I look forward to contributing back one day.
- Frank