I have C&E BBB and would like to add another brush to grow the den. Do you guys have any suggestions? Nothing too expensive.... < $100.
Next shaving brush?
- Thread starter wallaje
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First, think about what you do or don't like about the C&E. That doesn't mean you have to hate the C&E; but, do you think you'd like to try a brush that's smaller or bigger? Softer or scritchier? Also, do you prefer to lather in a bowl, on your face, or either/both? Finally, do you prefer soaps, creams, or both? EDIT: Just saw you've only tried creams so far--that's OK, my recommendations still stand, and either leaves you able to broaden to soaps, though arguably, the Rooney might be better in that realm.)
Two great options are the Rooney and Shavemac brushes. Specifically, look at the Rooney 3/1 or 1/1 if you want smaller and firmer, while also being softer. ($75) It's also a fantastic option for face-lathering, though it works well in a bowl, too. Finally, it's outstanding with soaps, and fine with creams. I'd be shocked, honestly, if this isn't the #1 vote getter in this thread.
OTOH, the Shavemac is even softer--decadently so. It's probably a bit bigger than the C&E--I'm balancing its lightbulb shape against it's larger knot and trying to get an "in practice" assessment. It works well with creams, and fine with soaps, too. For me, it seems to work better lathering in a bowl, though I know some gents lather on their faces, too. You can also look at the Shavemacs in finest. I haven't tried them, but those who have note that 1) they have more backbone than the silvertip option, making them better with soaps, and 2) Shavemac's finest hair is still softer than many firms' silvertip. Shavemacs in silvertip start priced higher than Rooneys, while finest brushes are about the same as a Rooney in Super hair; but, happily enough, I'm pretty sure Shavemac brushes are still on sale at several places.
While I'd probably vote the Rooney if forced to choose, the Shavemacs on sale (try West Coast Shaving and see if Vintage Blades still has any) are truly compelling. If you can find one on sale, and if you can see yourself buying a 3rd brush anytime, I might go with the Shavemac at the sale price, saving the Rooney at a very reasonable $75 for later.
Someone else noted on a similar thread (I wish I could remember whom so I could give them credit), that if you start with these two brushes--Rooney and Shavemac--you'll know a lot more about what you like, and if you want more than 3 brushes, you'll be able to far more accurately target your personal preferences. (PS: Starting with the C&E was a fantastic choice, not only on its own merits, but as a way to help calibrate your preferences pretty quickly based on trying just a few more brushes.)
Have fun!
Two great options are the Rooney and Shavemac brushes. Specifically, look at the Rooney 3/1 or 1/1 if you want smaller and firmer, while also being softer. ($75) It's also a fantastic option for face-lathering, though it works well in a bowl, too. Finally, it's outstanding with soaps, and fine with creams. I'd be shocked, honestly, if this isn't the #1 vote getter in this thread.
OTOH, the Shavemac is even softer--decadently so. It's probably a bit bigger than the C&E--I'm balancing its lightbulb shape against it's larger knot and trying to get an "in practice" assessment. It works well with creams, and fine with soaps, too. For me, it seems to work better lathering in a bowl, though I know some gents lather on their faces, too. You can also look at the Shavemacs in finest. I haven't tried them, but those who have note that 1) they have more backbone than the silvertip option, making them better with soaps, and 2) Shavemac's finest hair is still softer than many firms' silvertip. Shavemacs in silvertip start priced higher than Rooneys, while finest brushes are about the same as a Rooney in Super hair; but, happily enough, I'm pretty sure Shavemac brushes are still on sale at several places.
While I'd probably vote the Rooney if forced to choose, the Shavemacs on sale (try West Coast Shaving and see if Vintage Blades still has any) are truly compelling. If you can find one on sale, and if you can see yourself buying a 3rd brush anytime, I might go with the Shavemac at the sale price, saving the Rooney at a very reasonable $75 for later.
Someone else noted on a similar thread (I wish I could remember whom so I could give them credit), that if you start with these two brushes--Rooney and Shavemac--you'll know a lot more about what you like, and if you want more than 3 brushes, you'll be able to far more accurately target your personal preferences. (PS: Starting with the C&E was a fantastic choice, not only on its own merits, but as a way to help calibrate your preferences pretty quickly based on trying just a few more brushes.)
Have fun!
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I vote for a Custom Shavemac in Finest - 21mm knot, 50mm loft
I used that C&E for a year and got a Shavemac finest a few months ago. The C&E is in the Shavemac box, never to return to action.
I got the Shavemac for $63 on sale at West Coast Shaving. It hasn't shed a single hair since I got it and it loads me up with an inch of meringue every time (Pre de Provence or MWF).
I, too, have a C & E BBB, and I love it, but I wouldn't trade my Omega for anything! (But one day, I still want to add a silver tip. 
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Omega Professional 48 or 49 or both.
