15 years ago when I started this hobby, Mark aka Mantic59 was considered one of the gurus. I found his YouTube instructional material valuable, and our similar tastes in razors (Merkur Progress and mild non-adjustables) made his information even more helpful to me.
I’ve enjoyed reading his blog from time to time, but had begun to question some of his conclusions and recommendations simply because I think that objectivity tends to evaporate once one starts getting kickbacks for product referrals. So when he described the PAA Peregrino shave brush as “astonishing” and “better than badger costing several times as much” I figured what the heck, it’s a cheap experiment. I made the wish to Santa Claus who came through with the Amber Aerolite, which is essentially the same brush but in a better (to me) color scheme.
I like the idea of synthetics, and I own a couple of Razorocks that are fun to have in the rotation. But I wouldn’t rank them above my badger or boar brushes in either lathering or on the face performance. Playing around with the Amber Aerolite “dry” and just out of the box I expected a similar performance as the bristles felt only a little different from the Razorocks. The handle shape was a big thumbs up, however, and to me reason enough to justify the addition to my den.
In actual use I was pleasantly surprised. The Amber Aerolite had a lot more backbone than expected, and did a great job both building and applying lather. It’s closer to my Saville Row badger than any other brush I have, and that is a very high complement. Plus not only is the handle pleasing to look at, I believe that it is now the best performing one in my collection — I find it easier to grip when slick with later than my others.
Conclusion: For around $20, I have to agree with the guru — astonishing.
I’ve enjoyed reading his blog from time to time, but had begun to question some of his conclusions and recommendations simply because I think that objectivity tends to evaporate once one starts getting kickbacks for product referrals. So when he described the PAA Peregrino shave brush as “astonishing” and “better than badger costing several times as much” I figured what the heck, it’s a cheap experiment. I made the wish to Santa Claus who came through with the Amber Aerolite, which is essentially the same brush but in a better (to me) color scheme.
I like the idea of synthetics, and I own a couple of Razorocks that are fun to have in the rotation. But I wouldn’t rank them above my badger or boar brushes in either lathering or on the face performance. Playing around with the Amber Aerolite “dry” and just out of the box I expected a similar performance as the bristles felt only a little different from the Razorocks. The handle shape was a big thumbs up, however, and to me reason enough to justify the addition to my den.
In actual use I was pleasantly surprised. The Amber Aerolite had a lot more backbone than expected, and did a great job both building and applying lather. It’s closer to my Saville Row badger than any other brush I have, and that is a very high complement. Plus not only is the handle pleasing to look at, I believe that it is now the best performing one in my collection — I find it easier to grip when slick with later than my others.
Conclusion: For around $20, I have to agree with the guru — astonishing.