Shavemac Custom

[Jethro1984]

Hello folks,

I have read a hodgepodge of info on the Shavemac line of brushes and have considered having a custom brush made for some time now (financially though, I keep forcing myself to wait). It will be my first "real" brush...my other is a Tweezerman. The Tweezerman works well enough but I want something with Silvertip hair and I'm really drawn to that Blue Faux Horn handle in the Shavemac custom creator. I know the knot in the custom line is 22mm.

With the following in mind, is a Shavemac Silvertip a wise choice, or am I considering a mistake? I know it is YMMV on many things, I am just looking for a general consensus here:

- I primarily use creams (like nearly 100% of the time, not really a soaps guy)
- I primarily face lather, and in the shower at that (I can use a bowl when I use the sink)
- I am looking for a soft brush that will explode lather, but not one so soft it can't be used for face lathering.
- I have hard water. And do not have the ability to get a water softener!

Please let me know your opinions Gentlemen. Much appreciative.

Jeff

 

[huntmol]

Personally, I would go with Finest. It's much more economical and performs just as well as Silvertip.

Andy did a great writeup here extolling the virtues of Shavemac Finest:
A (possibly) New Idea for Short-Loft Shavemacs

 

[Jethro1984]

Nice thread, thanks Hunter.

I'll consider it, certainly when it comes time to order. I'm also curious, what is "fan" shape. Is fan a flat top? If so, I definitely want bulb shape!

 

[Loric]

Fan is between a bulb and a flat top. Rounded but not like a sphere.

Pic cherry picked from a post by Robert Paulsen

 

[huntmol]

Nice thread, thanks Hunter.

I'll consider it, certainly when it comes time to order. I'm also curious, what is "fan" shape. Is fan a flat top? If so, I definitely want bulb shape!

Fan shape is the middle one.

 

[huntmol]

Also, I would recommend emailing Bernd and requesting a custom shortened loft when you place your order.

 

[Jethro1984]

I assume this would give it more "backbone" for face lathering? What loft is standard and what would you recommend? I also want to be able to use it for bowl lathering for those rare occasions when I do use a bowl.

I'm not sure if my tweezerman is considered fan or bulb but it seems to work relatively well either way so i'll probably stick with that bristle shape.

Right now they seem to be pretty reasonably priced due to currency being more equal. I want to pull the trigger by the first of the year if I'm going to do it at all.

 

[huntmol]

I assume this would give it more "backbone" for face lathering?

Yes, this would give the brush more backbone.

What loft is standard and what would you recommend? I also want to be able to use it for bowl lathering for those rare occasions when I do use a bowl.

The range for custom lofts is 45mm-55mm.
45mm will have a TON of backbone, but may have less flow-through and be a little trickier to use.
55mm will be very soft, almost floppy.
50mm is midrange, but I personally would recommend a 46mm, 47mm, or 48mm.

 

[Jethro1984]

Are the hair densities on the Finest and Silvertip the same or very close? I saw elsewhere you were talking about pass-through and ease of lather from finest being a bit better than a silvertip. And they're cheaper too.

In regards to contacting Bernd for a Custom Height, do I just use the contact form on the Shavemac website or is there another way that y'all have contacted him?

 

[chef8489]

Man i love my 24mm custom shavemac d01. Here are some pics with it. I also am pretty much only a cream guy.

 

[Jethro1984]

Very nice...I will also be going with the Blue handle but I am after the design that is 3rd from the right. What is the loft on your brush Chef?

So the D01 is the silvertip hair available in the custom made tool?

I think I will love softness of the silvertip hair but I just don't want it to be TOO soft since I face lather!

I ran the numbers on the brushes and there is only a 25 dollar difference right now between finest and silvertip. I do not want to have SBAD, I can't afford it so I need this one to count.

I've emailed Bernd with the same question I posted at the top of this page for his expert opinion and depending on what he says and how I feel at the moment of purchase, magic hopefully will happen.

 

[kbuzbee]

I think I will love softness of the silvertip hair but I just don't want it to be TOO soft since I face lather!

I only have one Shavemac. It's a 227XXL (30mm) silvertip. Most would suggest this is not a good brush for my use. I pretty much strictly face lather hard soaps. But, for me, it works wonderfully. Plenty of backbone, very dense. For face lathering creams, I would think it would be way more than adequate and you'll love the soft feel of the tips.

Cheers,

Ken

 

[Jethro1984]

Thanks Ken...I'm really leaning in the direction of the silvertip hair. It's what I wanted in the beginning since I know if I order Finest, then I'll want to get silvertip too.

 

[kbuzbee]

Exactly

Just know it will work wonderfully for you. None of that floppy, moppy stuff. It's a great brush.

I was actually more concerned mine was a bulb ( and it's VERY bulb!) but it works like a dream!

Order and enjoy!

Cheers,

Ken

 

[chef8489]

From what I understand the d01 is packed tighter and fuller than the standard silvertip.In my opinion it is very soft yet firm enough with plenty of backbone. I am not really sure of the loft size, it has been several years since I purchased it. I would go ahead and ask him the difference from the silvertip and the do1. I really love the blue in my brush.

 

[Jethro1984]

Chef...it appears yours is a bulb shape, yes? I like that particular shape, it's about the same as my tweezerman and works well for the dip and twist cream method.

Anyone get theirs engraved? If so, does it look pretty good or is it not worth it?

 

[chef8489]

Yes it is a bulb shape and does work well with the dip and twist method. Mine is not engraved. I like the idea that if I get tired of it I can sell it. I tend not to get anything I own engraved.

 

[Jethro1984]

I like the idea that if I get tired of it I can sell it.

I was thinking this as well! Plus it seems a bit expensive for a basic engraving job.

 

[Jethro1984]

I have not yet heard back from Bernd and i'm getting a bit ansy. I'm sure he's very busy with it being the holidays but i'm halfway tempted to just order the brush with whatever the standard loft is and not worry about it.

 

[Hex]

I have not yet heard back from Bernd and i'm getting a bit ansy. I'm sure he's very busy with it being the holidays but i'm halfway tempted to just order the brush with whatever the standard loft is and not worry about it.

He sometimes takes a bit to get back to you. It's worth the wait for a custom, but you won't go far wrong, if at all, by ordering a "standard"