Shavemac 177 or BK4

[Hawkins]

Now in the market for a 4th brush (my first three being a Proraso boar, a small EJ pure badger, and the only one use I currently a medium EJ super which looks suspiciously like a SR208). I like my current EJ, but it seems very floppy and am looking for something a little more firm. FWIW I'm using creams exclusively now and always face lather. However, I would like to try soaps again with hopefully more success. I'm most interested in the BK4 and SM177 as they just "look right" to me and seem to have very good reviews on the boards. As always, any help is greatly appreciated:smile:
Greg

[JCMH]

I don't own a Shavemac but I do have an SR3824 which may or may not be a dead ringer for a Shavemac. I do own a BK4 and like you I use creams exclusively. I don't lather on my face, I make my lather in a bowl because I feel you get a better quality of lather in a shorter period of time. My BK4 is an extraordinary brush but my guess is that the majority of the chaps here will lead you to a Shavemac, probably because you are leaning towards trying soaps again & the Shavemac supposedly works better than a BK4 in that area.

Hope this helps!

Regards,

[Must Dash]

I own an EJ Chatsworth Lined silvertip and a Shavemac 22377 (http://www.shavemac.com/index.php?lang=en&area=men&sel=2&cat=8&product=22377&prod_id=3)

I find the EJ to be a good brush but, as you do, a bit floppy and perhaps better suited to creams than soaps. When I compare it, visually, to my Shavemac, it looks a big notch below. The Shavemac holds an almost perfect shape, whereas the EJ doesn't. I can't comment on the BK4 - other than the fact that I want one (it's the box, it's the box!) - but I reckon that the Shavemac is brilliant. Bernd provided excellent service.

Cheers and whatever you buy, I hope you enjoy it.

Jeremy

[beisler]

[my guess is that the majority of the chaps here will lead you to a Shavemac,

+1--In my opnion,the SM177 is hard to beat

[greenerock]

The 177 is awesome but I don't own a BK4 so I can't compare. The 177 seems to be the perfect size for me and has the right balance between softness and stiffness.

[JonnyAngel]

I own a Shavemac 944 and 167. As well as the BK4. They are two very different types of brushes. Shavemacs have alot off density and backbone to them. The Kent has more personality.

Seeing how I use creams most of the time. I would be willing to give up both my Shavemacs before I gave up my one Kent. Just has more personality. The germans are long on quality but short on feeling.

[JCMH]

I own a Shavemac 944 and 167. As well as the BK4. They are two very different types of brushes. Shavemacs have alot off density and backbone to them. The Kent has more personality.

Seeing how I use creams most of the time. I would be willing to give up both my Shavemacs before I gave up my one Kent. Just has more personality. The germans are long on quality but short on feeling.

I couldn't agree more...my Kent..there is just something about it that is difficult to descibe. Out of all of my brushes the BK4 is the one I reach for now. Personality is a great way to descibe it.

Regards,

[joel]

I use soaps most of the time... yet still prefer the Kent to my shavemacs. The BK4 is really a dandy.

[jojo]

YMMV. I had both brushes, and ended up selling my BK4. I find the Shavemac 177 to be a great combination of density and softness.

[JCMH]

I use soaps most of the time... yet still prefer the Kent to my shavemacs. The BK4 is really a dandy.

You were right Joel...it was worth the wait.

Regards,

[Mr. Igg]

I use soaps most of the time... <snip>...The BK4 is really a dandy.

+1

I don't own any Shavemacs, but my BK4 works very, very well with soaps.

[Tech 62]

I own a Shavemac 177 & a BK4.Tough one,The Shavemac has a lot more backbone when lathering on the face than the BK4 but the Kent mysteriously makes gobbs of lather with cream or soap & is a luxurious feeling brush,soft like cloud,you can barely tell it's touching your face(with a small amount of pressure).The Shavemac is somewhat of lather hog(lather tends to stay in the brush).Lathering on the face feels firm(closer to the boar brush)but no scruby feeling,nice & soft.I personally prefer the Shavemac out of the 2.That said I have a Shavemac in Finest badger(don't recall the model #,23mm knot,same as the 177) & it's my GO TO brush.The difference is small & 30 percent ? less money.My .02 cents CANADIAN.I've been wet shaving for 1 year, lot less informed than most members,so take the advice with that in mind.

[FaPat5]

I don't own the shavemac, but I do own a BK4, and it is amazing. For &#163;40 this is an amazing!!!! brush. People say it doesn't work for soaps - they are just talking BS. I tried this awesome brush on my Penhaligons English Fern soap - no problem. It is just amazing, and it is a very nice size.

[rmedtr6]

I have a Shavemac 22579 and a BK4 in my rotation. I am able to get a great lather with either using soaps or creams with either brush. The BK4 is much softer than the Shavemac which, as stated previously, has more backbone. I find myself reaching for the Shavemac more often but I don't think you can go wrong with either brush. If you want something soft and supple to go with the Kent. If you want more firmness go with the Shavemac. They are both great brushes

[Timmy!]

The 177 rocks! I love mine!

[Must Dash]

I finally purchased a BLK4. Love the brush, but the cheap, hollow plastic handle is a bit of a disappointment. Probably won't buy another Kent, but could be tempted to buy another Shavemac.

Cheers

Jeremy