Soft and stiff

[insomb]

What's softer than a Rooney 1/1 but as stiff, or close to being as stiff. also a plus would be a small one. I felt the Rooney at T&H and want even softer.

Other interests were the Kent BK4 and the Rooney Heritage line. Can anyone do a comparison on these against a 1/1?

 

[ChrisG]

Rooney Finest.

 

[insomb]

Rooney Finest.

I assumed Rooney Finest is less soft and more stiff..? Shaving101 did a review recommending not to use it if you have sensitive skin.

http://shaving101.com/index.php/product-reviews/3-brushes/42-rooney-11-finest-badger.html

 

[insomb]

Pretty much I don't want it stiffer.. maybe slightly less stiff, but that's not the real priority for me. I want something soft, no prickles.

 

[ChrisG]

I assumed Rooney Finest is less soft and more stiff..? Shaving101 did a review recommending not to use it if you have sensitive skin.

http://shaving101.com/index.php/product-reviews/3-brushes/42-rooney-11-finest-badger.html

I am talking about this one...
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?productid=478&cat=154&page=1

Not sure what the editor in your link is talking about as I have a regular silvertip and can't imagine the finest being scratchy as the silvertip is soft as can be and the finest is even softer.

 

[insomb]

No you are thinking about pure badger I think. I am talking about this one...
http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?productid=478&cat=154&page=1

see shaving 101 link... maybe I should just go with the super. I have no idea what the stiffness is on a Kent or Vulfix but everyone says they are soft. I tried a Simpsons Wee Scott in best and though it needed to be softer and stiffer. Size was perfect so I need something not much bigger. Does this brush exist?

 

[insomb]

Sorry didn't see the comment on the link. Wish I had someway to see one of these things in person. I got a chance to feel the Merchant and Rhodes they sold too. Loft was bigger than I was looking for but the hair felt softer to me, maybe that was because of it being less dense.

 

[ChrisG]

see shaving 101 link... maybe I should just go with the super. I have no idea what the stiffness is on a Kent or Vulfix but everyone says they are soft. I tried a Simpsons Wee Scott in best and though it needed to be softer and stiffer. Size was perfect so I need something not much bigger. Does this brush exist?

http://www.truefittandhill.com/detail_00272__19.html#

Trust me when I say it, this brush is soft... This is probably just what you are looking for. It only gets softer as you use it too.

 

[insomb]

That's the one that I was fondling in the store. I do think after break in period it might be what I want. Maybe I should just go for it, I imagine I can get rid of it pretty easy on BST if it doesn't work out.

 

[ChrisG]

That's the one that I was fondling in the store. I do think after break in period it might be what I want. Maybe I should just go for it, I imagine I can get rid of it pretty easy on BST if it doesn't work out.

I don't think you can go wrong with it, I mean when the brush is wet and you put it to your face it's different than feeling it dry on your hand. I mean if you want the Kent you can get it for a good price here...

http://www.shaving-shack.com/kent-bk2_pure-grey-badger-shaving-brush-white.html

But I think you won't be disappointed with the Rooney. I hear the Kent's are pretty floppy brushes. I will also say I saw an Omega boar and was surprised at how dam soft the brush was when it was broken in.

 

[insomb]

That kent is so cheap because it's in pure not ST. I hear they are floppy too, but people say they use them with soaps and I rarely use triple mill anyway. I have an Omega, and it does get soft after break in. I scrubbed the crap out of it last week and really tried to work it to get the bristles to break down even further. It didn't soften up, but I really want to emphasize how soft I want the brush to be. However, as you mentioned I was feeling a brand new dry 1/1 so you might be right. I have to tell my girlfriend what I want for xmas this week. Probably will go with the 1/1. Vulfix doesn't get as much attention around here, but I'm wondering if they have a model specifically made for soaps that isn't floppy.

 

[insomb]

Sorry, I meant the Omega did soften up.

 

[Frowzy]

Basically a Rooney finest is feather soft, but has a lot of backbone. It's expensive, though.

 

[insomb]

Okay, so is Rooney Finest their Heritage line? It say's on vintage blades what sounds like... no. I just don't understand why this guy on shaving101 would say not to use it if you have sensitive skin. To those of you that are using the Rooney... what is your skin like? What kind of products do you usually go for? Me, I go for really really mild stuff with virtually no fragrance if any, and can only use tallow like once a week, and that's pushing it. I really don't even know that I should be face lathering at all to be honest. I have to take it really easy when I use the other brushes and at least 2-3 times a week I have to not face lather at all. I just bowl lather and then squeeze the lather out of the brush and apply so my face can rest. I would like to use a brush everytime, I simply haven't gotten one that is soft enough to enable me to do that, so that's my concern because I know Rooney's are known for having a strong backbone, especially the ones priced above the supers. Maybe I really do need a floppy guy, but I like soaps too... so I hope I'm able to find one that can work with soaps as well.

Penworks: yeah I was looking at a Rudy Vey 20mm Golden Nib knot prior to going to T&H. I know that's not Penworks but I beleive it's the same knot. I think his handles are awesome. Penworks has some nice ones too, although, my main objective is a functional pursuit (grade of hair) not the handle, and from what I've read... which is always so mixed I never know what to beleive, Badgers from Chinese origin are inferior to European. I didn't have it explained and do not know if that is true or even what was meant by that, that's just what I heard so I took it for what it was.

I really do have an interest in the Kent and the Vulfix and I know they are in the minority, but if any of you guys own a lot of brushes... enough to make a comparison on how these are... or if any can dig through soap, I'd love to hear. (Remember I don't use triple mill) aside from this Institute Karite I have which seems to lather easier than anything I have anyway.

 

[ChrisG]

Okay, so is Rooney Finest their Heritage line? It say's on vintage blades what sounds like... no. I just don't understand why this guy on shaving101 would say not to use it if you have sensitive skin. To those of you that are using the Rooney... what is your skin like? I have very dry skin, and if I am not careful I get ingrowns and bumps. What kind of products do you usually go for?For cream I go with T&H which is for all skin types but don't go out of my way for unscented products because I am super sensitive Me, I go for really really mild stuff with virtually no fragrance if any, and can only use tallow like once a week, and that's pushing it. I really don't even know that I should be face lathering at all to be honest.I suggest getting a 3/1 then , but the 1/1 is good for bowl lathering as well to be honest I have to take it really easy when I use the other brushes and at least 2-3 times a week I have to not face lather at all. I just bowl lather and then squeeze the lather out of the brush and apply so my face can rest. I would like to use a brush everytime, I simply haven't gotten one that is soft enough to enable me to do that, so that's my concern because I know Rooney's are known for having a strong backbone, especially the ones priced about the supers. Maybe I really do need a floppy guy, but I like soaps too... so I hope I'm able to find one that can work with soaps as well.

Penworks: yeah I was looking at a Rudy Vey 20mm Golden Nib knot prior to going to T&H. I know that's not Penworks but I beleive it's the same knot. I think his handles are awesome. Penworks has some nice ones too, although, my main objective is a functional pursuit (grade of hair) not the handle, and from what I've read... which is always so mixed I never know what to beleive, Badgers from Chinese origin are inferior to European. I didn't have it explained and do not know if that is true or even what was meant by that, that's just what I heard so I took it for what it was.

I really do have an interest in the Kent and the Vulfix and I know they are in the minority, but if any of you guys own a lot of brushes... enough to make a comparison on how these are... or if any can dig through soap, I'd love to hear. (Remember I don't use triple mill) aside from this Institute Karite I have which seems to lather easier than anything I have anyway.

I tried to answer what I could in bold. I do like the vulfix brushes and I think they make Simpsons brushes. Might be worth looking into but I have never used one so sorry I can't be of help.

 

[insomb]

Thanks Chris. Yeah, I can't use T&H or GFT daily. I don't get ingrown hairs or bumps really, my skin just gets super dry and irritated if I use fragrances, lather too much, use a blade one day too many, hot water... just about anything. The one reason I stopped looking at the 3/1 was because the loft is supposedly higher. Personally, the 1/1 looked like the max in size that I wanted. I want a travel size brush but there are only so many choices that come to mind. I also don't know when Vulfix took over Simpsons and what grade of hair they are supplying. I thought they were using the same hair grade but I'm not sure. Anyway, I've used the Wee Scott in Best. It's the right size. I just want the hair grade softer. I do think it could use more backbone... but certainly not much. I am fairly okay with it. On shaveblog I guess the blogger found a vintage Wee in ST, but they don't make them anymore... best only :\

 

[ChrisG]

Thanks Chris. Yeah, I can't use T&H or GFT daily. I don't get ingrown hairs or bumps really, my skin just gets super dry and irritated if I use fragrances, lather too much, use a blade one day too many, hot water... just about anything. The one reason I stopped looking at the 3/1 was because the loft is supposedly higher. Personally, the 1/1 looked like the max in size that I wanted. I want a travel size brush but there are only so many choices that come to mind. I also don't know when Vulfix took over Simpsons and what grade of hair they are supplying. I thought they were using the same hair grade but I'm not sure. Anyway, I've used the Wee Scott in Best. It's the right size. I just want the hair grade softer. I do think it could use more backbone... but certainly not much. I am fairly okay with it. On shaveblog I guess the blogger found a vintage Wee in ST, but they don't make them anymore... best only :\

Sounds like you should bowl lather buddy. What about a little EJ brush? IT's even smaller than a 1/1.

http://www.theenglishshavingcompany...lver tip badger shaving brushes@b|0|user||26|

Or a Shavemac? They have very customizable options and a lot of people like them... This one is close to a 1/1 for example but smaller.
http://www.shavemac.com/shop/products/Shaving-Brushes/Traditional-Lines/Shaving-Brush-SB1-167.html

Let me know what you end up getting and what fits your needs I will subscribe to this thread.
I

 

[insomb]

I will search the EJ review and add it to consider. I beleive it's really soft. And it is smaller than a 1/1. That might be a good one to look into. I think they offer a smaller one than that even. I have to double check. Not interested in the shavemac, everyone says the rooney's are softer and shavemacs shed, so not for me.

Btw, when people talk about bowl lathering... what exactly are they doing? Lathering in the bowl and then just applying the lather to the face with the tips lifting the hairs.. or no hair lifting? I figured it's the same thing as face lathering without the scrubbing etc.

 

[ChrisG]

Yes you whip up a nice slick lather in a bowl then take the brush fully loaded with said lather and start applying it to a wet face and get a desired amount onto your face.

 

[dchasef]

That kent is so cheap because it's in pure not ST. I hear they are floppy too, but people say they use them with soaps and I rarely use triple mill anyway. I have an Omega, and it does get soft after break in. I scrubbed the crap out of it last week and really tried to work it to get the bristles to break down even further. It didn't soften up, but I really want to emphasize how soft I want the brush to be. However, as you mentioned I was feeling a brand new dry 1/1 so you might be right. I have to tell my girlfriend what I want for xmas this week. Probably will go with the 1/1. Vulfix doesn't get as much attention around here, but I'm wondering if they have a model specifically made for soaps that isn't floppy.

To make a slight correction, while the Kent says Pure Badger on the handle, it is silvertip grade badger - and it is as soft as a pillow. Personally, I am hoping to get a Rooney 3/1 sometime soon for a little more backbone with my soaps. The BK4 works very well with both soaps and creams, but I would like to have a second option with a little more scrubbing action. If softness is a priority, I would recommend a BK4 or an Omega silvertip (I hear they are among the softest). Both are definitely cheaper than the Rooney Heritage line, but both are lacking in backbone.

Good luck with your search!,
Chase