What to consider when purchasing a brush

[GC77]

Thanks for this thread. I’m looking to treat myself for my birthday and with my back out of commission my golf addiction is on hold. Therefore a new general purpose luxury brush is on my radar. I’m returned to wet shaving after 40 years and I’d like a brush good mostly for bowls with creams and softer soaps (Mike’s) but I’d like to face lather on occasion as well. I was thinking of a M & F L7 or other custom when Lee has more time but that will not be in time for my birthday. Looking around this forum the Shavemac D01’s are getting great reviews. I was looking at the 167-2B 24mm fan. Also, why is 3-band recommended as opposed to two?

So what might be the best do everything all around brush for me?

 

[ChiefBroom]

Thanks for this thread. I’m looking to treat myself for my birthday and with my back out of commission my golf addiction is on hold. Therefore a new general purpose luxury brush is on my radar. I’m returned to wet shaving after 40 years and I’d like a brush good mostly for bowls with creams and softer soaps (Mike’s) but I’d like to face lather on occasion as well. I was thinking of a M & F L7 or other custom when Lee has more time but that will not be in time for my birthday. Looking around this forum the Shavemac D01’s are getting great reviews. I was looking at the 167-2B 24mm fan. Also, why is 3-band recommended as opposed to two?

So what might be the best do everything all around brush for me?

3-band Silvertips are typically softer than 2-bands, whereas 2-bands generally have more backbone. But in my experience, it's more a continuum than a bright line dividing two categories. E.g., to me the M&F group buy brush straddles the line in terms of its characteristics, although it has a 2-band knot.

Best do everything for you depends on what you like. I have a 24mm L7 in 2-band "Blonde Badger", and it fits the description for me. But mileage varies.

 

[GC77]

Thanks Ken - I sure do love the handles I've seen on the L7's. For Shavemac I'd probably go with an Ivory.

 

[GC77]

I've been checking out the custom options on the Shavemac site and I have an option for a 167 handle in tortoise finish with a 24 mm DO-1 2-band knot in a fan shape.

I do not see an option for 3-band. This would be a 50 mm handle height and I selected a 50 mm loft.

My question is whether this is a good choice for my luxury all around soap and cream brush for bowl and face lathering?

Any changes suggested?

Thanks

 

[brucered]

I'd go with a 3 band D01 for an all around brush.

I just checked and the D01 3 band is there. It is the 4th knot in the knot option. It is just called Silvertip D01

 

[GC77]

Got it - Thanks -It was not obvious to me that the DO1 was 3-band because the other option stated 2-band.

Is the 50 mm loft and fan option optimal? I didn't want it too short for bowls and I also have not owned a fan shaped knot.

 

[brucered]

Got it - Thanks -It was not obvious to me that the DO1 was 3-band because the other option stated 2-band.

Is the 50 mm loft and fan option optimal? I didn't want it too short for bowls and I also have not owned a fan shaped knot.

I find 24/50 to be the Swiss Army brush knot size and can be used for everything and anything.

I have the same handle and knot (167, 24/50, D01) in my Shavemac and couldn't be happier with it, but I face lather it 99% of the time. But I would have no issues bowl lathering it.

its one of the best knots available.

Shavemac D01 3 Band Fan

Overall Height: 99.10 mm
Handle Height: 50.00 mm
Knot Loft: 49.10 mm
Knot Diameter: 25.36 mm

 

[GC77]

Thank you kind sir! That is a beautiful brush - enjoy

Happy Birthday to me

 

[ramsa]

Amazing. The fact that there is so much choice and variation in brushes knocks me out.
I started with a VDH "Deluxe" box set from Walmart, and then found a Snagshout deal on a nice Beau Brummell badger for under $10.
Hooked at that point.
THEN, my local discount store has a couple Parker Black Badger brushes with stands for $9 each... and now I suddenly have 4 decent brushes at home for almost no money. Great!
Now I've found a New Old Stock Hardwright boar brush at a local antique shop for $15... and tempted to try that also.
This is crazy. And my wife is starting to wonder about my sanity.
And the razors, and blades, and aftershaves, and creams/soaps...
This IS crazy.