Brush Suggestion

[kfreeman]

I'm in the market for a new shaving brush (or at least I'd like to figure out which I'd like when I am "money in hand" in the market). At present I generally use creams. After working through a GFT sampler pack, and really only liked the Violet cream. I enjoyed the Eucris EDT so much that I'm strongly considering becoming a soap user, which I've always wanted to be anyway. I have, to this point, been making lather in a bowl, and so I'll probably continue to do so, if not that I'll learn to face lather. I'm solidly on the fence, nice isn't it?

I currently have a "Pure" brush from Art of Shaving. I don't know what size it is (as it's not listed on their website). I enjoy the brush size, and the handle is nice as well. It is, however, a bit scratch for my tastes and this is what happens to be convincing me to look into a new brush. I assume that the AoS "pure" is trimmed to shape, hence the "sharper" ends/scratchy feeling.

I'd like to get something a bit softer, and perhaps a bit more densely packed as far as the knot goes. As for aesthetics I'm an "understated elegance" kind of guy. I don't like black handled brushes. Initially I've been looking at the brushes by Edwin Jagger noted in the "Difference between Pure, Best, Silvertip etc" sticky. I am open to other suggestions, given that the handles on those brushes look a if they'd be uncomfortable.

As for price I'd like to keep it below 100$ (I live in the US). I'm not one to have a lot of things around that I don't use, so I want a brush that will be a staple for me in my usual routine.

I think I've hit most of the bases here... If I've left something out let me know!

Thank you,

KMF

[StuMcB]

Have a look at this site (sipsons) it'll give you an idea of brush handle shapes and sizes. It'll all so help with prices. Hope this helps.

http://www.simpsonshavingbrushes.com/shop.html

[eastomjac]

put a new knot in your handle if you like it.its not hard and cost less than a new brush.heres a link for the best knotsIMHO;http://www.thegoldennib.com/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=5_9

[kfreeman]

I was considering getting a few knots from TGN, as I could then get a chance to try out a few different things (I would buy some handles and glue the knots in) for a decent price but I don't know much about them as far as quality goes. Of course this though leads to other dangerous ideas, like going into business for myself, becoming independantly wealthy, etc.

[SlickWilly]

I was considering getting a few knots from TGN, as I could then get a chance to try out a few different things (I would buy some handles and glue the knots in) for a decent price but I don't know much about them as far as quality goes. Of course this though leads to other dangerous ideas, like going into business for myself, becoming independantly wealthy, etc.Me too I have a lathe sitting in my shop-shes waiting on new parts but buzzing out a few wood blocks would be fun, but shaving is something I do a few times a week. Sure wish I had heard about DIY brushes awhile back...

You get what you pay for always comes to mind, I recently found a kit at the grocery store for the VDH brush, soap and bowl. I wanted the bowl not the brush. For $3 brush I can't complain I can say I will never buy another Boar brush again though. I like prickly brushes for some reason. I like my tweezerman brush sure it's cheap and sheds for the first few uses but it has served me well it was $12, I want a $20-35 brush though now. Something that resembles a cactus like prick. :D

[kfreeman]

Me too I have a lathe sitting in my shop-shes waiting on new parts but buzzing out a few wood blocks would be fun, but shaving is something I do a few times a week. Sure wish I had heard about DIY brushes awhile back...

I don't have a lathe, but it seems like "blanks" are for sale, and as such, I think I might end up with a few very nice brushes!

[Greyfox]

Simpson Duke 2 or 3 in Best

[Nando]

I have a Simpson Duke 3 in Best which is wonderful for face lathering. West Coast Shaving has them in stock.

[kfreeman]

They seem like nice brushes (I had taken a look at them prior to posting, so it seems I have, at the very least, decent taste).

[mftoms59]

Another Alternative would be a Semogue or Omega Boar Brush or Two, they do require a slight "break-in" period, allowing the tips to soften by splitting/splaying and can be softer than lower grade Badgers. Additionally it allows the knot to "open" during the building and releasing of the lather, which is accomplished by allowing the Brush to completely dry and may take slightly longer than 24 hours. Once the Brush has broken-in, usually ~12-15 lathers, it can be used everyday without any problems.

The Semogue and Omega are the two Mainstays of Boar Brush Producers, of which there are many to choose from, you could also look at Vulfix or Muehle Boars.