Properly using a brush

[bmilcs]

Good evening Gents,

I've been creating threads left and right and for that I apologize.

However, I am trying to achieve as much knowledge as possible for my new hobby =]. Anyhoo, I purchased a Van Der Hagen shave set (http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Men...id=1369006116&sr=8-1&keywords=wet+shaving+kit). I've used the guides on the forum here to thoroughly break the brush in and I'm skeptical. I feel like it isn't really stimulating my whiskers while applying my shaving soaps/creams. The whole kit was $20, including a bowl, brush, and stand so I imagine the brush isn't of the best quality.

What do you think? Am I selling myself short? Yes, I'm new. Should I just deal with a crappy brush for a while so I can truly appreciate a good one down the road? I am very impatient mind you . I have the "best of the best" attitude and love to appreciate the finer things in life.

Anyways, I'd like to know your experience with this cheap set.

Thanks,
Bryan

 

[NSmalls]

I started with that set. That brush is the weak link. I would advise you to pickup an inexpensive Simpsons in Best grade. I have a Berkeley that I love that you can't really go wrong with.

 

[bmilcs]

I thought so. I just needed some confirmation. It just doesn't feel like it's doing anything other than acting like a hand mixer for my soaps / creams.

 

[bmilcs]

Well, after talking it over with the GF, that $50+ Simpson brush is outside of my budget. I'm looking for a $30 or so one. Best Grade is the way to go, aye?

 

[Cynomys]

Most people find the VdH brush to be too floppy. And, in addition, most report that it is a shedder. Mine seems to retain its hairs, but it is still floppy. When it first came out, there was a thread on how to repack the knot, but that may be more work than you want.

You might check into a good boar brush given your budgetary considerations. The Omega 10049 is only $9 and highly rated. Also the Omega B&B special for $20. Or the Semogue 1305 for $13 I believe. These are good brushes at a very nice price.

 

[viper22]

I started with the VDH brush, and I agree...it is way too floppy.

I picked up a B&B Essential Boar from WCS and couldn't be happier. Well worth the $20.

 

[Edinburgh]

Do yourself a favor and opt for the Semogue 2000 Boar. It's a marvelous brush.

 

[mmack66]

I started with a Burma Shave brush, which is probably worse that the VDH brush, and I did all right, though I wasn't really looking for whisker stimulation.

You can pick up an Omega boar brush for $10-$20 that might fulfill your stimulation needs.

 

[oldbluelight]

Don't be in too big of a rush to grab a better brush because you think it will make a huge difference. I'm curious about your lack of whisker stimulation. I'm not quite sure what you mean by that. If the brush generates a good lather, holds an amount adequate for the passes that you plan to do and applies lather efficiently without causing skin irritation it's doing its job. I don't think I'd enjoy using a brush if I could feel it interacting with my stubble. That sounds more like a brick than a brush. However, if you're determined to try for something better and the budget is $30 look at the Vie-Long horsehair brushes. BullGoose has a nice one on sale at that price.

 

[Chadao]

I would like to recommend the B&B Essential Boar Brush too. I also use a Whipped Dog silvertip. Not sure if that would fit in the sorta floppy category.

 

[Eeyore]

You might check into a good boar brush given your budgetary considerations. The Omega 10049 is only $9 and highly rated. Also the Omega B&B special for $20. Or the Semogue 1305 for $13 I believe. These are good brushes at a very nice price.

I can very much recommend the Omega boar brushes (the 10049 might be a bit large though), especially if you want to face lather (is there any other way? )

Another "secret" are the Vero brushes, made by a Dutch brushes and brooms company. Very good and very affordable, in my opinion, but I don't know about their availability outside of Europe.

I'd rather spend my money on a very good boar brush than on a mediocre badger. Remember; boar brushes need time to break in!

 

[Taipan]

The Vulfix 404 is a badger/boar mix and very highly regarded. About £10 over here, must be sub $20?

 

[badgertourist]

+1 for omega boar- I quickly upgraded from my starter kit brush and better lather and more comfortable on the face!

Drew

 

[Aristeros]

I started with that set. Took about 10 days for the brush to stop shedding but no problema after that and it made lather fine. That said, I mostly made my lather in the bowl.

 

[Eeyore]

+1 for omega boar- I quickly upgraded from my starter kit brush and better lather and more comfortable on the face!

Drew

And remember that a boar brush gets better with age.

Edit: just don't buy a boar brush with clipped bristles ... they are horrible!

 

[bmilcs]

The main issue I have is applying a thick layer of latter to my head before shaving. I'm finding that I can whip up a good lather but application is another story.

Im leaning towards the best badger variety on the larger side. I need to be able to adequately lather my entire skull. What do you think ?

Where can I get b&b brushes at?

 

[SteveWY]

Watch for the next run of B&B Essential brushes at West Coast Shaving. Also consider any Semogue brush. You can get a really outstanding boar brush for about $20.

 

[Galhatz]

My recommendations:
Frank shaving synthetic
Vie-Long Petree horse hair
Whippeddog 22mm silvertip at 50mm loft

 

[Go West Young Man]

I feel like it isn't really stimulating my whiskers while applying my shaving soaps/creams.

That's not the point of a shaving brush.

It just doesn't feel like it's doing anything other than acting like a hand mixer for my soaps / creams.

That the point of a shaving brush.

 

[cwf71]

Watch for the next run of B&B Essential brushes at West Coast Shaving. Also consider any Semogue brush. You can get a really outstanding boar brush for about $20.

In stock now with orange handle...
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Bad...-Boar-Shaving-Brush-Orange-Handle_p_1707.html