Why yes, I am looking for help to pick up my next brush

[insomniac]

1. Existing brush: Tweezerman badger. Overall I like it, but I have nothing to compare it too. It doesn't seem to make that wonderful lather that others talk about. I also have an old cheap boar brush that I don't use.

2. I use soaps and creams, trending towards soap recently (Tabactoberfest) but also creams as well. So far I've only done lathering in a bowl.

3. I want my next brush to make wonderful thick lather Say, I want to step up from my Tweezerman to something that gives me a better experience.

4. Brush aesthetics... I like ergonomics, so easy to grip by the base of the knot. A bit of heft is a good thing. Looking classy is a good thing. Color isn't terribly important.

5. Budget... I'd say in the $50-70 range. I'd go over a bit if it got me a much better brush, and go less if the brush was just as good and it saved me money so I could buy more soaps and creams.

6. Size... I was thinking maybe a bit larger than the Tweezerman - 22-23mm?

7. I've been looking at the Shavemac "Finest Badger" 23mm, but there seems to be good word about the Rooney "Special."

8. This will not be my last brush

 

[luvmysuper]

:7. I've been looking at the Shavemac "Finest Badger" 23mm, but there seems to be good word about the Rooney "Special." :

These are both good choices. Brushes are like everything else here, YMMV, so your going to get a thousand recommendations.

:8. This will not be my last brush :blush:

It never is.

 

[crankymoose]

Rooney special 3/1 from Vintage blades they start at about $40up to $75 would be my choice given your specifics and in your price range

 

[insomniac]

Rooney special 3/1 from Vintage blades they start at about $40up to $75 would be my choice given your specifics and in your price range

Do you know if the $40 one a "pure" or "finest" badger? I was hoping to get something with the properties of the latter.

 

[crankymoose]

Do you know if the $40 one a "pure" or "finest" badger? I was hoping to get something with the properties of the latter.

the $40 brush is pure Vintage has it in super silvertip for $75 a finest will run you around $200,

I take it you know a finest from one manufacturer may be totally different quality hair then a finest from another, as there is not much consistentcy among makers in the names of the grades of hair, but with Rooney finest is there very top of the line where as with others silvertip may be

 

[cooltide]

semogue 2015HD
vintagescent.com

 

[infotech]

Rooney special 3/1 from Vintage blades they start at about $40up to $75 would be my choice given your specifics and in your price range

I'll add another vote for the Rooney 3, 1 Super. High quality, good price. You really get more than you pay for with this one.

 

[SavantStrike]

I'll add a +3 for the Rooney 3/1

I have the Pure and it's a HUGE step up from my Tweezerman. It's a lathering POWERHOUSE. I think the only knock I have on it is it is a 23mm bush, and maybe a 22mm brush might not need quite as much soap to load up, but seriously it's perfect! Also, I haven't been breaking it in for months like I did with the Tweezerman, but the Pure is a bit prickly every once in a while (that should change with wear though I think). I don't regret my 3/1 at all. Anything beyond that I think would be a re knot of a vintage brush, or a TON of money...

You could either go for the Pure or the Silvertip (for a little less prickliness/scrubbyness). Both fit your budget, and both will dominate for both soaps and creams.

I recommend the coral handle .

 

[insomniac]

I'll add another vote for the Rooney 3, 1 Super. High quality, good price. You really get more than you pay for with this one.

Cool. I think we may have a winner. It does seem like a very good deal.

Now... tortoise shell or ivory...

 

[Greyfox]

Savile Row

 

[insomniac]

3/1 Super in Tortoise is on the way

 

[infotech]

3/1 Super in Tortoise is on the way

I have the exact brush/handle. I don't think you'll be disappointed!

 

[Scissors]

3/1 Super in Tortoise is on the way

Yay! Let us know when it arrives and what you think!

 

[crankymoose]

it will take a little time for your new Rooney to break in maybe 1-2 weeks or so depending on how oftenyou use it etc, so right out of the box it will ge a very good brush but when it breaks in it will work even better, seems when new they want to hold onto the lather a little but nothing major