overwhelmed by brushes

[RJB]

Yes, this is another 'which brush to buy' post. But, I have done my research and read the stickies on this forum. Thanks in advance for your help

I am looking for a christmas gift for my husband. He has used a safety razor with a shaving brush for a few months now and is sold on the whole system. He went through his barber for the basic starters. He has merkur safety razor, cheap soap, and an omega shaving brush with synthetic bristles. He spent very little money just to see if he liked it at all before he invested.

He has very coarse facial hair and has a significant five o'clock shadow. When he shaves he has just gotten out of a hot shower so his facial hair is softer and warm. I get in big trouble if I open the bathroom door and let some steam out and cool air in!

The only hint I have from him is that the ultimate brush would be a silver tip badger hair brush. So, I have done a lot of looking online and have read some posts on here and other review sites. I would like a rich looking brush that is well made and he will use for a long time. But, I understand he may discover some things he would prefer better after he has shaved for a while, so it is not the end of the world if he decides to buy another brush down the road. After researching, I am comfortable spending $100-200 on a brush.

Here is what I have narrowed it down to:

http://www.highlandmenscare.com/edw...trk=gdfV21233_a_7c463_a_7c1393_a_7cEJ_d_CSBst

Good place to buy? Good, well rounded choice? Have some other suggestions? Talk to me! I am open to any advice!

 

[jkh]

Are you sold on the chrome handle? The loft (hair height) on that brush is 60mm, which is a bit on the tall side for current offerings in the marketplace. Something with a 50 mm (+/- 5 mm) would work better as an all round brush that would work equally well with both soaps and creams for either face or bowl lathering.

I have never heard of the website you have linked, but that doesn't mean much

 

[jkh]

Here are three brushes that I feel you can't go wrong with (from a few of the many exceptional vendors that service B&B members):

Simpson Duke 3

Savile Row 3824

Rooney #3/1

Do you think any of these would strike your husband's fancy?

 

[TonyH]

Here are three brushes that I feel you can't go wrong with (from a few of the many exceptional vendors that service B&B members):

Simpson Duke 3

Savile Row 3824

Rooney #3/1

Do you think any of these would strike your husband's fancy?

+! on the Rooney. I have a Rooney Silvertip, and a Semogue Boar and that's it. I love them both and would recommend either of them whole heartedly.

 

[Blue58]

Are you sold on the chrome handle? The loft (hair height) on that brush is 60mm, which is a bit on the tall side for current offerings in the marketplace. Something with a 50 mm (+/- 5 mm) would work better as an all round brush that would work equally well with both soaps and creams for either face or bowl lathering.

As stated above the loft of 60mm is a bit tall for a 21mm brush. And as you said your husband has very course facial hair so he is going to want a brush with more backbone... I would suggest at least a 24mm brush with a 50 to 55 mm loft.

Edwin Jegger make good brushes. I hope this was helpful. Good luck

 

[djh]

Here are three brushes that I feel you can't go wrong with (from a few of the many exceptional vendors that service B&B members):

Simpson Duke 3

Savile Row 3824

Rooney #3/1

Do you think any of these would strike your husband's fancy?

I knew that there was a reason we let Jeremy have a Steward's Badge. Great suggestions there!

 

[wimbouman]

The only hint I have from him is that the ultimate brush would be a silver tip badger hair brush. [...] I would like a rich looking brush that is well made and he will use for a long time. [...] After researching, I am comfortable spending $100-200 on a brush.

Good place to buy? Good, well rounded choice? Have some other suggestions? Talk to me! I am open to any advice!

Healthy budget!

Jeremy gave some excellent advice above.

Alternatives could be:

The new Muhle Silvertip:

or the African Blackwood:

Also, Rudy Vey makes nice custom brushes so you may want to contact him if your search fails!

Good luck!

 

[Hex]

+1

Ditto to all the above recommendations and I would include Shavemac as well.

http://www.shavemac.com/shop/products/Shaving-Brushes/Traditional-Lines-D01/Shaving-Brush-SB1-944.html


And sorry if I overwhelmed you.

 

[johnniegold]

Everyday use.

Heavy, coarse beard.

Higher-end brush.

I think The Simpson Chubby 2 in Best should cover it.

 

[bbarton713]

Everyday use.

Heavy, coarse beard.

Higher-end brush.

I think The Simpson Chubby 2 in Best should cover it.

+1 no matter where he went in his shaving journey this would be a keeper and a wonderful gift to receive.

 

[wimbouman]

Agreed with the above postings, gents.
But I think those do not match the 'silvertip' requirement!

The Superchubby CH2 maybe does:

That is, if this super badger is silvertip indeed.

 

[JPDyson]

Shoot, I'd put Simpsons Best up against a lot of what passes for Silvertip. Still, the Rooney 3/1 is tough to beat, and the SR 3824 is sure to be a pleaser (I had the 3722 - different handle, smaller knot, but same hair - it's magic).

 

[beginish]

Of all the brushes suggested (and not a dog in the bunch), the SR3824 will be a brush that handles both soaps and creams with aplomb, and has a luxurious face feel.

 

[Antique Hoosier]

As a Gentleman, who wouldn't be thrilled to open a Christmas package with a Simpson brush inside?!? Makes me wonder how many have actually been unwrapped on that special day...imagining Dad or Son or Uncle pretending to lather his cheeks showing off for the camera.... you know it has had to happen.

 

[RJB]

Wow, you were a lot of help! I'm at work now reading the replies on a break. When I get home I will take some time to research all of the suggestions in more detail. I am so glad you mentioned the brush height, it really makes sense now why this could be a problem. I will keep everyone posted! And thanks for the laughs, too. I will make him pose for the camera with it, lol

 

[jtadmin]

Another thing to think about is replacing his cheap soap for him. I can't real give you advice on a brush since I am all new to this DE shaving but man oh man as a newbie I can defiantly tell you that using cream is just the best experience in the world as it lathers so thick and nice. Replacing his cheap soap to a better soap, or even a cream would sure be a nice secondary present. I use Art of Shaving Creme Non Scent for my sensitive skin.

Good luck!

 

[Slartibartfast]

To add to the brushes listed, I like the Thater brushes also.

 

[SubmarinerLV]

Everyday use.

Heavy, coarse beard.

Higher-end brush.

I think The Simpson Chubby 2 in Best should cover it.

Yes I think this would about do it!

Regards Grant

 

[SliceOfLife]

Shoot, I'd put Simpsons Best up against a lot of what passes for Silvertip.

I agree. Simpsons Best is superior to a lot of silvertips out there. I like it better than their 3 band super in fact. I would say a Chubby 1 or 2 in Best is a great option. Just pick the size you like best. I prefer the Chubby 1 but you may want a "larger" gift just because it is more impressive.

The only other brush I've experienced that I'd recommend at that price range is a Shavemac Custom D01 in a fan or extreme flat top shape. 23 or 24mm.

 

[Hex]

Something to be careful about is the size of the handle.

Without knowing how the handle affects comfort, my 1st "expensive" was a Simpson something or other.
The knot was wonderfully dense and soft but the handle was far too short for my big hands and because I bowl lathered and the brush was too short to get well into my lather bowl.

My recent conversion to face lathering causes me to regret selling it.

Just something to consider.