Sophomore Brush

[blisbmb]

I'm in what I would consider my Sophomore year of wet shaving. My kit is simple. I own a Mercur 34C Razor, I usually use Derby blades, and I have what I would guess is a Vulfix 660 or 1000. It was a brush I bought from Lee's Safety Razors and has been good for now. But now that I've learned how to make a good lather, and can use a feather blade without chopping my face to bits, i would like to make an upgrade.

It seems that here on the forums we either talk about beginner brushes or top of the line brushes. What about the second brush? Is the next step up really a $100+ brush? I know there are a lot of guys who care about the look, but it's secondary to me.

So how about it? Recommendations for my second brush?

(Oh, BTW I usually use creams.)

 

[mretzloff]

If you are happy with your current brush, you trully do not need another one. If you do want one, however, there are plenty that would meet your expectations. What is your price range?

 

[altshaver]

There are many shaving brushes out there that you may like. You'll have to let us know what you like in a brush.

Size:
Knot Diameter?
Knot Loft Height?
Handle Diameter?
Handle Height?

Face or bowl lather?
Preferred Brands?
Handle Color?
Price Budget?
Badger Grade?
For use with shaving soaps or shaving creams? (Answer = Shaving Creams)

Personally, I like the Vulfix-Simpson and H.L. Thater brands of brushes. I have to say though that I too am on a brush discovering journey. Currently, I am lusting over a Vulfix-Simpson Emperor 2 in Three-Band Super Badger.

Good luck. I hope we'll be able to help you out.

 

[SubmarinerLV]

I'm in what I would consider my Sophomore year of wet shaving. My kit is simple. I own a Mercur 34C Razor, I usually use Derby blades, and I have what I would guess is a Vulfix 660 or 1000. It was a brush I bought from Lee's Safety Razors and has been good for now. But now that I've learned how to make a good lather, and can use a feather blade without chopping my face to bits, i would like to make an upgrade.

It seems that here on the forums we either talk about beginner brushes or top of the line brushes. What about the second brush? Is the next step up really a $100+ brush? I know there are a lot of guys who care about the look, but it's secondary to me.

So how about it? Recommendations for my second brush?

(Oh, BTW I usually use creams.)

Hmm generally guys do seem to make a "Jump" to a high end brush which is kinda strange. A great sub $100 brush would be a shavemac 177 http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Silvertip-Badger_c_76.htm , also consider a simpsons best. However if you are happy with the vulfix you really don't need anything else!

Regards Grant

 

[Vlad]

If you want an excuse to get another brush, we'll help you out. But you sure don't need anything else.

 

[njpaddy]

Christmas is a good excuse for a new brush and my wife is happy that she doesn't have to hunt for a gift. But I haven't been tempted to break that $100 mark just yet. Last year, my first good brush, was a Rooney 3/1 Super. A great cream brush. This year my second good brush is down just a notch (price wise anyway), a Simpson Colonel in Best. I've been using the Rooney for almost a year, so I'm looking forward to having a second.

 

[brianw]

Christmas is a good excuse for a new brush and my wife is happy that she doesn't have to hunt for a gift. But I haven't been tempted to break that $100 mark just yet. Last year, my first good brush, was a Rooney 3/1 Super. A great cream brush. This year my second good brush is down just a notch (price wise anyway), a Simpson Colonel in Best. I've been using the Rooney for almost a year, so I'm looking forward to having a second.

I just got a Colonel.... you are going to love it !!!!!

 

[Rivguy]

I have had two Vulfix brushes that have served me well for many years. One was around fifteen years old when it finally developed a terminal shedding condition. I have just rebuilt both of them. If you want to purchase a new brush you may want to try something different like a fan shape rather than a bulb. I agree with the others that more information is required prior to a recommendation.

You may wish to read the post on the brush forum regarding silvertip brush hair.

Best regards,

Doug

 

[Montecristo #2]

Rooney!

 

[ShaveDave]

A great sub $100 brush would be a shavemac 177

+1

I ordered a shavemac 25 (same brush slightly different handle) as a gift for someone. I had a look when it arrived and I almost didn't give that gift. It almost ended up as my second brush.

 

[Silky Glide]

I was in your position about three years and $2K ago - for the first few months I was OK with my Vulfix pure badger and a 34c that I bought from Lee's along with a puck of Colonel Conk's lime soap...then I decided that it was time to start experimenting - that meant trips to Pasteur's (across the street from my office on 34th Street), then to Pasteur's uptown store (they actually have different items in stock at the two separate stores) and nearby Cambridge Chemists, and Bigelow in Greenwich Village, then a few e-bay razors followed by a few B&B purchases, followed by a few vendors orders (hey - free shipping if I spend $80! sign me up!!) - pretty soon I was running out of space to store all my stuff - I had to go to Target and buy a new cabinet for my bathroom dedicated to shaving stuff (I am up to about 45 DE razors and 10 brushes now + I've got about enough blades, soaps, creams and a/s to take me to the grave). I do not regret it at all, but be prepared my friend...you are overlooking the abyss.

So in answer to your question, I would recommend a Shavemac - good for both soaps and creams or a Rooney Style 3 Size 1 - a great soap brush. If you want to switch up razors, I would recommend that you get yourself a slant and some Iridum blades. Best of luck!

 

[gobeavs]

I was in a similar boat just a while back. I had my first badger brush, which was an Omega I got on Amazon.com for about 35 bucks. It worked great for me, but I was longing for something else eventually.

I did some research and decided on a Simpson's Duke 2 in best, and man o man, perhaps the best 90 bucks I've ever spent. I'm sure at some point I will have to get something new and more expensive, but for now this brush is simply awesome for me. It works great for face lathering soaps and creams, but I'm sure it would work fine with a bowl as well.

 

[djh]

Rooney, Simpson, Shavemac, Thäter, Rudy Vey............ lots of people make great brushes. It might be a good idea to see what's out there and then come back to ask if we think that the brush would be a good buy and would suit your needs. The upcoming Christmas season is a great excuse for a new brush!

 

[blisbmb]

Thanks,

There is some great advice there. I have no idea what exactly I want since my experience is limited. I will put some of the brushes mentioned on my wish-list and start my fall into the saving abyss

 

[dpm802]

So how about it? Recommendations for my second brush?

(Oh, BTW I usually use creams.)

I'm also primarily a cream user.

My second brush was a C&E BBB that I purchased for $28 ... although C&E pulled the BBB from the shelves for about 1.5 years, I saw one in the store a few months ago, but its now priced at $65. Even with the regular 20% off sales, that's too much to pay for this brush.

My recommendation for a 2nd brush would be the EJ Best Medium, the OEM version of the C&E BBB. You can find these easily in the $40 range.

 

[huntmol]

Keep your expectations realistic - more $$ doesn't mean more performance. All brushes lather equally well.

That said, some members prefer higher end brushes for a different feel. I would recommend a Simpsons Duke 2 in Best, Simpsons Chubby 2 in Two-band, or a Shavemac Custom Two-band D01.