Shavemac v Simpson's

[mbrossar]

I bought my first badger brush (a Vulfix 2234 [Super - 22mm knot - 50mm loft]) last week. While it was a huge step up from my old boar bristle brush, I'm not that happy about how big and floppy it is. After reading the primers on this site re: brush knots, lofts, hair, etc and several of the reviews, I'm considering a second brush already. I know brush preference is a personal thing, and I'm asking for a lot of comments that may not apply, but I'm going to ask anyway.

If I'm looking for a brush that's a little firmer (gives my face a little more scrub), which of the three would you recommend:
1. Stick with the Vulfix until I have more experience and more background in brushes.
2. Buy a Shavemac Best Badger with a 21mm knot even though the loft is around 57mm
3. Buy a Simpson's Chubby #1 (Best Badger)

Thoughts?

 

[whitebar]

For use with soaps or creams?

 

[cfriend]

And face or bowl?

 

[Gilgamesh2003]

The Shavemac with special D01 silvertip hair is, as far as I know, the firmest brush in Christendom. The tips are super-soft, though, so if you're looking for something bristly it may not be the best bet. The Shavemac best badger (what they call "finest) is a great brush and will probably be firmer than your Vulfix. I have no experience with Simpsons, but I'm sure other board members will be along presently to weigh in.

 

[mbrossar]

I use soap 80% of the time and I prefer lathering in a bowl.

 

[jackmormon]

I have a Shavemac D01 21mm from the lot buy, an Emillion, A 3/1 Finest, a Simpsons Major, Chubby 1 Best, and Chubby 1 Super. After owning and using these, I am a definitely a Simpson's fiend. (All of my Simpsons are all post Vulfix.)

There is a once used Chubby1 Best for $105 in the B/S/T. That is what I would suggest. A chubby for $105 is brush nirvana for a steal of a deal. (YMMV, AFAIK, yada yada)

 

[Stubblefield]

I'd suggest option 1, or else option 3. if you want firm and scrubby, a Simpsons Chubby is your ticket, or else a Rooney 1/1 in super.

If it were me, I'd wait.

 

[johnniegold]

Soap 80% of the time. I would go with the Simpson Chubby 1 Best.

If you were to consider a non Shavemac or Simpson brush, I think you would be pleasantly surprised with a Rooney 3/1 in Super. Great brush, great price.

 

[joel]

The Shavemac with special D01 silvertip hair is, as far as I know, the firmest brush in Christendom. The tips are super-soft, though, so if you're looking for something bristly it may not be the best bet. The Shavemac best badger (what they call "finest) is a great brush and will probably be firmer than your Vulfix. I have no experience with Simpsons, but I'm sure other board members will be along presently to weigh in.

A Simpson chubby is substantially firmer than a D01

 

[GMZ]

My first brush was a floppy Vulfix, then when I was on leave I got a Pure Badger travel brush from C&E. Night and day difference. I just picked up about a month ago a Shavemac 177 (23mm) in Silvertip. Works great with soaps and creams, I use a bowl to lather also. Uses a lot more water, but once youre on the other side of the learning curve it is amazing. Cant beat the price for one these days either.

 

[andrew98]

A Simpson chubby is substantially firmer than a D01

I'm assuming Joel is referring to pre-Vulfix brushes and/or Simpsons Super hair grade, in which case I have no experience. I have a brand new (post-Vulfix) CH1 in Best, and no way is it firmer than my Rooney 1/1, my custom Shavemac D01, or my custom Shavemac in Finest.

I would recommend a custom Shavemac in Finest with a 45mm loft (see the links in my signature) in whatever knot diameter and handle shape/color you prefer. It won't break the bank, and it will be excellent for soaps (bowl and face lathering). If you go this direction, just email Bernd at Shavemac, and tell him what you want. He'll then send you a link to buy the brush you describe. Just a thought.

-Andy

 

[Mr. Igg]

if you were to consider a non shavemac or simpson brush, i think you would be pleasantly surprised with a rooney 3/1 in super. Great brush, great price.

+1

 

[philamac]

I think you should give it another while. It takes time to get used to a new brush and to learn how to get the best use from it.

Last month I got a Simpson Duke Best, it was my second brush after the Jagger best I've been using for over three years. Only getting used to it now.

 

[huntmol]

I personally feel that Shavemac brushes are of higher quality and better value than Simpsons brushes.

Plus, you can customize handle color, size, shape, brush head shape, loft, and knot size!!! Try doing that with a Simpsons brush.

 

[mbrossar]

Thanks all for your wonderful advice. Based on everyone's input, and a little bit of fiscal input, I've decided to go off the board and get a Rooney 1/1 Super. Orderred it today. I hope it goes well.

Thanks again.

 

[domino]

Thanks all for your wonderful advice. Based on everyone's input, and a little bit of fiscal input, I've decided to go off the board and get a Rooney 1/1 Super. Orderred it today. I hope it goes well.

Thanks again.

One of the best,enjoy!