Is this normal for a Berkely? (pics)

[Chefbaze]

I just bought this berkeley today, and did a test lather. After it dried, its enormous! It looks like a Mushroom. Ive seen alot of photos of Berkely's and most seem to look alot narrower. Or is this just part of the breaking in period and.it will become narrower with time? At this point the loft is as large as the tub of Cella(pic) I hope this isnt a dumb question. If it its, please forgive my naivete, as im still fairly new to this shaving as a hobby thing.. Im just really curious why my berkeley doesnt look anything like most of the photos I'm finding.. Is it considered a ”dud”, and the less bulbous shaped ones are better? It was the only one left on the shelf where I bought it.(pasteur pharmacy)..

[beginish]

It's a handmade tool, and there is variation from brush to brush. Mine looks like that, and it works just fine for me.

[itsmedave]

If all Berkelys do that then I need one. Nice

[Foyle]

That's called "bloom" my friend. Enjoy the bloom. Embrace the bloom. The bloom is beautiful. The bloom is good.

[john parker]

Bought mine used from b/s/t. It did not bloom like that; stayed compact.

[ouch]

Bought mine used from b/s/t. It did not bloom like that; stayed compact.

If you bought one used, it already bloomed before you received it.

[Obiwan]

Beautiful brush. I love my Berkeley. I think it's one of the better values out there in the brush world (if there is such a thing). I find it compares very well to other brushes I own that were twice its price.

[RKG]

I have 2 Berkeleys. They are very different. One looks exactly like yours. The other has a tighter knot, a more bulbous knot and slightly shorter loft. I love them both.
That's the frustrating thing about handmade brushes for me. There's always the temptation to buy another of them same brush to see if you can get a "better" one or a different one. There's a picture of a really nice Berkeley here on B&B with a pure bulb-shaped loft. I'd love to find one like that.

Enjoy your Berkeley.

Bob

[ouch]

I have 2 Berkeleys. They are very different. One looks exactly like yours. The other has a tighter knot, a more bulbous knot and slightly shorter loft. I love them both.
That's the frustrating thing about handmade brushes for me. There's always the temptation to buy another of them same brush to see if you can get a "better" one or a different one. There's a picture of a really nice Berkeley here on B&B with a pure bulb-shaped loft. I'd love to find one like that.

Enjoy your Berkeley.

Bob


That's why I'm astounded at the service provided by The Superior Shave. The variety that exists between these hand made products can be enormous, and it's wonderful to see the exact item you're getting beforehand. Even though they will bloom differently, seeing a photo of side by side examples is invaluable. Whether it's a straight razor, a coticule, or a brush, I don't know anyone who wouldn't have a preference if presented with a selection of available items, and that's one of the biggest issues in buying online. Jarrod's photos go a long way towards solving this problem.

[rearviewmirror]

+1, he provides a SUPERIOR service. Too bad he has to charge me sales tax.


That's why I'm astounded at the service provided by The Superior Shave. The variety that exists between these hand made products can be enormous, and it's wonderful to see the exact item you're getting beforehand. Even though they will bloom differently, seeing a photo of side by side examples is invaluable. Whether it's a straight razor, a coticule, or a brush, I don't know anyone who wouldn't have a preference if presented with a selection of available items, and that's one of the biggest issues in buying online. Jarrod's photos go a long way towards solving this problem.