Every time I see posts about custom brushes that ask for your desired loft I have no idea what I should pick or even what the loft does as far as effects. Could someone educate me on this topic? I bowl lather and use both soaps and creams.
What are the loose rules about loft sizes?
- Thread starter Markh3rd
- Start date
Varies, depending on knot size. For an average sized knot, anywhere between 20-24mm, I find <50mm to be best for face lathering and hard soaps. 50-55 is a decent "all-around performance" range. 55+ is more suited to cream and bowl use. YMMV - but this is how I see it.
Of course, that ignores density and hair type - you can get away with more loft in a tightly-packed two-band knot than with a less dense silvertip knot. Boar complicates it further - for me, I can add about 5mm to a "badger" configuration and it's suitable for the same uses if it's a boar (so 55mm Boar = 50mm Badger, sort of).
But, truth be told, there aren't any "rules". You gotta find out what you like. That's why there's so much variety in brushes.
Of course, that ignores density and hair type - you can get away with more loft in a tightly-packed two-band knot than with a less dense silvertip knot. Boar complicates it further - for me, I can add about 5mm to a "badger" configuration and it's suitable for the same uses if it's a boar (so 55mm Boar = 50mm Badger, sort of).
But, truth be told, there aren't any "rules". You gotta find out what you like. That's why there's so much variety in brushes.
- Thread starter
- #3
Thank you for the information, it was greatly appreciated.
A good all around loft to start with ( in badger) is 48-52 mm.
JPD is right...there really are no rules for all. Personal preference, knot, handle, hair all play a role in how a brush will perform for you.
I have found in 18-20mm knots that I like 42-45mm lofts....face lather only.
My rule is that if a brush has a loft >48mm (in the small to medium diameter knots) I know it is not for me. But that is my rule.
It can be difficult and expensive to figure out your rules, but fellows who bowl lather like you generally prefer much longer lofts than I do.
I have found in 18-20mm knots that I like 42-45mm lofts....face lather only.
My rule is that if a brush has a loft >48mm (in the small to medium diameter knots) I know it is not for me. But that is my rule.
It can be difficult and expensive to figure out your rules, but fellows who bowl lather like you generally prefer much longer lofts than I do.
- Thread starter
- #6
Well at least I have some starting point references now. I figured YMMV on this like all things shaving, but wanted some loose rules to point me in the right direction. Some place to start is better than totally lost lol.
Josh speaks my mind. I'll only add that I bowl lather most of the time, and find a somewhat longer boar quite useful for some products, some days - up to 60mm. But that depends a lot on the stiffness, which depends on the density and hair chairistics...so like Josh said, no fixed rules, just vague guidelines.
A good rule of thumb is- speak with who is making your brush. They will have the knot in their hand and if they know you want a real face scrubber or a mop they can adjust it for your preference.
Some brushes will surprise you, they may look a certain way but may not perform that way at all.
Some brushes will surprise you, they may look a certain way but may not perform that way at all.
