Looking for ONE brush to rule them all

[riplikash]

Short version of the question: If someone could only buy a single brush, money not really being an object (within reason, 300 or less), which brush would you recommend? What is the ULTIMATE brush in both function and luxury? (yes I know the question isn't actually that simple)

Long version:
So I'm not much of a 'collector', more of a perfectionist. I like to have the best possible tools, both functionally and aesthetically. I am very fortunate to have a wife that supports me in this. :) I've been wetshaving for years, starting in college with one of those walgreens boar bristle brushes, then a tweezerman, and currently a 24mm wood handled silvertip from badgerbrush.net, which I quite enjoy. But it has been really nagging me for the past few months knowing I have never really owned a top of the line, high quality brush.

My wife finally put her foot down and told me to stop being indecisive and just get my dream brush already. Personally, I think she just wants to steal my silvertip for full time leg shaving duties.

What am I looking for? Having not owned THAT many brushes, I am not sure I know WHAT I should be looking for in a brush, but here is what I know so far: I haven't found a knot too big yet, though 25mm is the biggest I've tried. And I like a bit of scrubbing action (kind of miss that about my tweezerman, though the boar bristle was too much). I like a nice stiff peaked marangue lather. I LOVE luxury.

My research so far says the chubby 2 best badger is where it is at. I like the idea of the chubby 3, but almost every review says "too big for regular use", which saddens me.

But what are your thoughts? I would like to avoid making a 200$ mistake. What are the contenders for top brushes?

[Monkeyboy]

Do you use soaps, creams, both? Build lather in a bowl, face lather, both?

It looks like you're leaning towards a Simpson best, this is a great choice for providing the pleasant scrubbing action you're looking for.

A chubby is a great brush but one that's not for everybody. It is quite stiff due to the short loft and incredible density of hair.

At 27mm knot the chubby 2 is pretty large and a lot of badger. I'd say for most the chubby 3 31mm is too large.

[riplikash]

Both soaps and creams. Bowl lather.

Stiff seems like it would be a nice change. My silvertip is downright floppy at this point.

[dpmtherrien]

I've found the Rooney 2/1 to be just fine. :thumbup1:

[kfralin]

If I could only have one brush, it would be either a Chubby 2 (I like the 2 band, but thats just me) or a Kent BK8. I would struggle endlessly to decide upon which and finally decide I need both. The are very different and both very amazing. I am sure there are others that would merit consideration. SWMBO will not be pleased....

[MaxP]

You're getting some great recommendations.

For some of, we really don't know what's the "right" brush unless we've tried it. And then, the thought comes, "Yeah, but what about THAT one?"

And some of get caught in a quest for nirvana. If I were only able to settle on one and convince myself that, "This is the one that works very well for me."

And then, stay away from here! There's just too many enablers!

[Easttexasman]

Rooney Heritage 2XL is the one for me.It has the softest tips I have ever felt and the density is dense but not so dense that will bother you.


Paul

[kg0mz]

YMMV. My favorite is a Rooney Heritage 3XL. I like the size and the soft tips. A Chubby 2 while considerably smaller is very nice. A much different brush, but also high quality.

[Luc]

My recommendation would be to find a few vintage handles and buy some knots to restore them.

[rajun50]

I have the Chubby 2 Best, and I absolutely love it. You can't go wrong there. Highly recommended! Although I haven't had the pleasure of owning/using one, the Kent brushes look about as luxurious as they come. Maybe one day...

[ssultan]

I could happily spend the rest of my days with my Chubby 2...

[Blix]

I could happily spend the rest of my days with my Chubby 2...

How many brushes did you own again?

:biggrin:

[global_dev]

when i think luxury, i think big & soft knot, not too dense, maybe even a bit moppy...

[global_dev]

I like the idea of the chubby 3, but almost every review says "too big for regular use", which saddens me.


they are absolutely wrong.. CH3 (i have one in super) is an easy brush to work with if you are familiar with larger brushes...

I also like the Vulfix 41, which has a few fans, but it's less dense than a CH, but also nicer lather "flow".. and the Vulfix 40 is very luxury...

However you have to be willing to sacrifice any thoughts of frugality with soap or cream. these big knots need enough loading otherwise you'll be unhappy.

[marvin100]

Rooney Heritage 2XL is the one for me.It has the softest tips I have ever felt and the density is dense but not so dense that will bother you.

Hope you're right--I have one on the way, and my expectation is that it will be my daily.

[Dpflaum]

I'm going to toss out a less common recommendation...

Simpsons Fifty Series. They range from 18-25mm and I absolutely love Simpsons Best hair.

[riplikash]

Wow, lots of great reccomendations! You people are going have me tempted to start collecting...which would be bad. :)

Never looked at the Kent's. I have to admit I am liking the handles on the BK series. Anyone tried a BK 12?

Though, as expected, it is coming down to a Rooney vs Simpsons decision...Bah that is a tough one.

[brucered]

...snip...Though, as expected, it is coming down to a Rooney vs Simpsons decision...Bah that is a tough one.

i had the same problem...ended up with both in 1 week. :lol:

[rkinz]

I tend to approach things like you do, and don't envision a large collection of brushes. I know that many prefer the manufactured standards, but the handmade brushes caught my eye immediately.

In January, I ordered one from Glenn Ey, in Australia, and have been very pleased. He uses only silvertip badger, and the craftsmanship speaks for itself. He lists on E-bay under fineshavingbrushes, with several detailed shots of each brush up for auction.

I have not found the silvertip to be "floppy" at all, but to have a good balance between softness and stiffness. And the burls he uses are hard and weighty. He is quick to answer questions, and quick to ship as well.

When I felt like I did want to get a second brush, I bought it from Glenn.

[Wil Dorenbos]

Short version of the question: If someone could only buy a single brush, money not really being an object (within reason, 300 or less), which brush would you recommend? What is the ULTIMATE brush in both function and luxury? (yes I know the question isn't actually that simple)

Long version:
So I'm not much of a 'collector', more of a perfectionist. I like to have the best possible tools, both functionally and aesthetically. I am very fortunate to have a wife that supports me in this. :) I've been wetshaving for years, starting in college with one of those walgreens boar bristle brushes, then a tweezerman, and currently a 24mm wood handled silvertip from badgerbrush.net, which I quite enjoy. But it has been really nagging me for the past few months knowing I have never really owned a top of the line, high quality brush.

My wife finally put her foot down and told me to stop being indecisive and just get my dream brush already. Personally, I think she just wants to steal my silvertip for full time leg shaving duties.

What am I looking for? Having not owned THAT many brushes, I am not sure I know WHAT I should be looking for in a brush, but here is what I know so far: I haven't found a knot too big yet, though 25mm is the biggest I've tried. And I like a bit of scrubbing action (kind of miss that about my tweezerman, though the boar bristle was too much). I like a nice stiff peaked marangue lather. I LOVE luxury.

My research so far says the chubby 2 best badger is where it is at. I like the idea of the chubby 3, but almost every review says "too big for regular use", which saddens me.

But what are your thoughts? I would like to avoid making a 200$ mistake. What are the contenders for top brushes?

Lider pro horse brush (29/68) a steal at 14 usd shipped world wide :thumbup:
Slaughters my Italian soft soap, great lather.

[htownmmm]

You're getting some great recommendations.

And then, stay away from here! There's just too many enablers!

I resemble that remark sirrah!


Wow, lots of great reccomendations! You people are going have me tempted to start collecting...which would be bad. :)



I tend to approach things like you do, and don't envision a large collection of brushes.

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!!!!!! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-alien003.gif

marty

[Vlad]

RESISTANCE IS FUTILE!!!!!! http://www.freesmileys.org/smileys/smiley-alien003.gif



At some point I said, "I'm more of a software guy...I'm happy with one brush and razor." I was wrong. :biggrin1:

[texaninkc]

Never owned a Rooney, but the Duke 3 in best (with the exception of the Simfix Grosvenor LE 2-band Super, is the only Simpson's brush I've tried) killed the itch to get a Rooney.

[Ron991]

164748

It does everything I ask, and does it well.

[insomniac]

If you want scrubby, there is only one brush.

Rooney Finest.

[Doodi1]

Even thought I would want to have 2 or 3 minimum in my rotation. If i was forced to choose only one brush, for me, it would be a Chubby 2.

[55dougie]

Brushes are like chips - "You can't have just one!" :thumbup:

[JPDyson]

The Shavemac Variable Loft brush :thumbup1:

http://www.shavemac.com/shop/products/Shaving-Brushes/Specials/The-Variable-Loft-Brush-22675.html

[drP]

Doesn't exist...pure illusion..

[PozzSka]

At this point in time (keep in mind this could change within days)...

If I had to choose just one of my brushes...it would probably be the Duke 3...great handle, face feel, density, etc.

Fortunately, I don't have to keep just one and I can use them all!

Edit: I guess I should clarify from which brushes I am choosing...Rooney 3/1, Kent B&B LE 09, Simpson Duke3, Colonel, Berkley, Wee Scot, Case, and Semogue 1460, 830, SOC, and 610. If I had to pick only one boar, it would be the SOC.

[bandg]

M&F 24-28mm, 50-52mm your choice of handle is quite hard to beat. I really enjoy Lee's work. Regards, Bradley

[Bestarrkin]

M&F 24-28mm, 50-52mm your choice of handle is quite hard to beat. I really enjoy Lee's work. Regards, Bradley

+1 I love my M&F Victorian very much.:001_tt1:

[kbuzbee]

Nothing new to recommend but seconds to several of the ones mentioned.

I tried a CH3 in 3 band didn't care for it at all but the 2 band is one of my all time favorites.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/kbuzbee/Chubby3.jpg

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/kbuzbee/2aa8d83d.png

The CH2 in 2 band is nice but a tad small for daily use:lol:

The BLK12 is indeed pure luxury. Too tall a loft for my preferences most days but a nice change of pace.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/kbuzbee/BLK12-1.jpg

And has been mentioned, you can email Lee what you're looking for and he'll have it to you in two weeks.

http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e173/kbuzbee/518d0f5b.png

Cheers,

Ken

[jsj_297]

Ive also owned the Kent bk-12 and also the bk-8, if you are just wanting pure luxury, either one of those is the ticket. They are great brushes, and the 12 is a monster! Monster of luxury!!! :thumbup1:

[captp]

One brush to soap them all
One brush to cream them
One brush to lather all
And in the shave den rule them
In the land Brushes, where the Badgers lay

Apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien

[ssultan]

And a fitting way to end this thread! Such a brush that you seek does not exist :001_tongu


One brush to soap them all
One brush to cream them
One brush to lather all
And in the shave den rule them
In the land Brushes, where the Badgers lay

Apologies to J.R.R. Tolkien

[kbuzbee]

Doesn't exist...pure illusion..

Peter lies!:lol: He has it, and he's not sharing:lol:


And a fitting way to end this thread! Such a brush that you seek does not exist :001_tongu

It does, Sameer!:thumbup: I just know it does.... It HAS to. The world uber brush, perfect in every detail. It will be mine.... My Precious!:lol:

Cheers,

Ken

[Natohog]

Rooney Heritage Emilion 2, the only brush I own because I got rid of everything else.

[drP]

Okay then...here it is...THE ultimate ÜBER BRUSH to rule them ALL....:001_tt2:

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l585/pvlpeter/50fb62f7.jpg

http://i1125.photobucket.com/albums/l585/pvlpeter/1f19b1b4.jpg

[ssultan]

There it is AGAIN...Peter that Ivory beauty is breath-taking, no matter how many times I've seen it in the past, it never fails to blow me away!!!

[GreekGuy]

Okay then...here it is...THE ultimate ÜBER BRUSH to rule them ALL....:001_tt2:


WOW Peter! What is that, a Taille 20?

[ssultan]

Yeah Nick, if memory serves me right, I believe it's a #20, a BIG hunking chunk of genuine ivory...

[drP]

WOW Peter! What is that, a Taille 20?

You're saying it...:wink2:

[hunter87597]

Bust out your wallet, and get a shavemac D01 variety.

Best shaving purchase I have EVER made.

[GreekGuy]

There it is AGAIN...Peter that Ivory beauty is breath-taking, no matter how many times I've seen it in the past, it never fails to blow me away!!!

Seriously, no kidding. Thats a real beauty there. Its so beautiful I don't know if I could bring myself to use it

[azmark]

Rooney Heritage 1xl

[PaqDan]

I had the same desire - to find one brush and call it a day. I honed in on Simpsons also, but wanted to feel the difference between models in my hands. I ended up making a trip to West Coast Shaving which is a little over an hour away from me. I went in thinking Chubby 1 in best was going to be the one. It's much smaller in person than I thought it would be. Chubby 2 had a lot of appeal, but the Duke was where I was heading until the very last moment when I spied the last Eagle 3 in Best left over from the 2010 B&B group buy. Bought that!

Bear in mind that if you do go for a premium brush and find it isn't for you, it can be resold on the B/S/T for not much of a loss. I check in over there just to browse every so often and Simpsons brushes at $5 or $10 under retail tend to sell very very quickly.

[kbuzbee]

Okay then...here it is...THE ultimate ÜBER BRUSH to rule them ALL....:001_tt2:



I told y'all Peter had it!:thumbup:

Cheers,

Ken

[texaninkc]

Never owned a Rooney, but the Duke 3 in best (with the exception of the Simfix Grosvenor LE 2-band Super, is the only Simpson's brush I've tried) killed the itch to get a Rooney.

I said this 45 days ago.... and the Rooney 2XL just felt great on my face. Extremely soft!

[lancj1]

This will disappoint you but I believe my Vulfix grosevenor boar/badger is that brush.

Great for whatever substance you choose and small enough to travel with. You can then buy a used car with the money you save.........

[Mark1966]

Short version of the question: If someone could only buy a single brush, money not really being an object (within reason, 300 or less), which brush would you recommend? What is the ULTIMATE brush in both function and luxury? (yes I know the question isn't actually that simple)


I'm doubt that it is $300 or less but for the ULTIMATE brush check out this thread (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/238726-The-brush-they-use-in-shaving-heaven!).

[Hex]

For myself, I would have a hard time choosing between a Rooney Heritage 2XL or 3XL and a M&F.

[drumana]

The "one and only" brush for me would have to be the Simpson Chubby 1. The knot, loft size and density factor is perfect for my preferences. Coming in at a very close second is the Duke 3 in best which is basically the same brush with a larger handle and slightly less dense knot.

[Natohog]

My ruler is a M&F 30mm/55mm.

[breadstick]

For me it's the Simpsons Colonel. It's the perfect size to both face and bowl lather and feels really great on your face when you use it. I don't see me ever getting another brush, unless it's another Colonel to set back for when this one is done MANY years down the road.

[bobfarvour]

For me, the Duke 2 in Best and the Chubby 1 in Super. Choosing between those two would be difficult, but I'd be happy with either one forever.
Soap or cream, bowl or face doesn't matter.

[Optometrist]

With the recent arrival of a Chubby 2 in Best, I believe I have found THAT brush

[Antique Hoosier]

With the recent arrival of a Chubby 2 in Best, I believe I have found THAT brush

I had thought this as well. A very fine brush. Then I bought the Chubby 3 in Best at T&H's site with 15% off. Now THAT....Is my solitary badger.

[FrankC]

My 2 cents, I went brush happy for a week or two and now am down to 3, an older T&H brush, a new LE Simpson Chubby 2 best and a Duke 3 best. I am trying to justify keeping the 3. I havent used the Duke 3 yet but do love the Chubby 2. The T&H only gets used if I decide to shave 2 or 3 days in a row. That rarely happens :)

[Mengao]

i have same problem 1 month ago, between Rooney Heritage 1XL and a Simpson Chubby 2, i choose a Rooney.

[kbuzbee]

There it is AGAIN...Peter that Ivory beauty is breath-taking, no matter how many times I've seen it in the past, it never fails to blow me away!!!

You are one to talk, my friend :thumbup:

Ken