View Full Version : 2008 B&B LE - What say ye?
scoopster
02-11-2009, 12:39 PM
Well it seems like its been pretty quiet of late about the 2008 B&B LE brush. I know a bunch of folks have one. So...
How are folks liking their 08 LE's?
How do they compare to your other brushes?
Who is going to be the first one to post in the Reviews section, thereby establishing your place in B&B history?
Austin
02-11-2009, 01:05 PM
I just wish I had one. :mad:
Sullybob
02-11-2009, 01:12 PM
I just wish I had one. :mad:
+1 :frown:
I was lucky enough to score one of the brushes from the B/S/T. Initially, when I saw these brushes I wasn't very interested and passed on the group/limited buy. A 20.5mm knot? Forget it, too small. After seeing all the pictures of these very stately looking brushes, I had to try one.
1) Handle. Absolutely, positively, no questions asked the best handle I have ever, well, held. Form and function. Form - the handle has a very sexy and slim look, beautiful, and complements the hair (knot) nicely. Function - very comfortable and long! Usually, brushes with small knots have obnoxiously tiny little handles that I have trouble holding onto ... this one is very comfortable and keeps your hands dry.
2) Knot Density. Dense enough! So many at B&B are looking for the absolutely densest, couldn't possibly pack another hair into the knot, brush. Fine, but these dense brushes tend to hoard the lather and require a squeeze of the knot to release the lather. I find this attribute of uber-dense brushes rather annoying. The B&B LE '08 is, my opinion, perfectly dense, meaning I am not constantly fighting the knot for the lather from the $20+ puck of soap, but yet there are enough hairs in the brush so it doesn't look like a Charlie Brown Christmas tree :tongue_sm
3) Loft Height. Perfect, for this hair. If the hair on this brush was longer I think the brush would be floppy. I am a soaper and this brush lathers the hell out of soaps.
4) Knot size. As I mentioned earlier, I passed on this brush initially because of the knot size, my bad. I don't know if it is the bloom, but this little brush acts more a 22mm or 23mm brush, to me. I couldn't be happier with the size. Agile enough for the soap dish without making a mess, but yet it doesn't feel like I am lathering my face with a Q-Tip.
Bonus - I really like the looks of the Kent stamp and the red Kent case. These small things really provide an overall regal effect.
To all of those involved with the design and manufacture of these brushes ... BRAVO! I cannot wait for the encore.
scoopster
02-11-2009, 02:07 PM
Great review Jeremy!
Darjeeling Express
02-11-2009, 05:13 PM
Jeremy, thank you for the thoughtful comprehensive review. It sounds like a wonderful brush.
DustBow
02-11-2009, 06:35 PM
Love mine.
Used it exclusively for about a month after it arrived.
Jeremy summed it all up well.
scoopster
02-11-2009, 08:06 PM
I just switched over to my Chubby 1 this week. I was using LE exclusively for over a month which is the longest I've ever gone not switching brushes since I got into this shaving gig.
I just switched over to my Chubby 1 this week. I was using LE exclusively for over a month which is the longest I've ever gone not switching brushes since I got into this shaving gig.
+1, I have been forcing myself to use my other brushes lately.
yomuppet
02-11-2009, 08:22 PM
Based on the reviews and specs: this would be close to my ideal brush.
But the price is more than I was willing to spend at the time, so I did not get in on it. I'm sure it's worth every penny, congrats to those who got it.
Cheers.
J
mdunn
02-11-2009, 08:28 PM
mine arrived yesterday afternoon, im going to take it for a whirl as soon as I get home tonight!
gister
02-12-2009, 07:50 AM
It is OK brush, nice looking handle, average performer.
Way too expensive.
Thebigspendur
02-12-2009, 08:33 AM
I agree, way too expensive and its just too small. Compared to my other medium sized brushes it just doesn't perform. I use it as a dedicated brush for Castle Forbes cream because I get just enough lather to do one shave whereas with my other brushes with the same quantity of product after I finish shaving I have enough lather left to shave a platoon.
infotech
02-12-2009, 09:07 AM
This has been one of the least hyped, less talked about shaving item to pass through this forum! Pretty surprising if you ask me...
DustBow
02-12-2009, 09:20 AM
It's for those who like small or small-medium brushes.
If you're a fan of bigger brushes, you probably won't like it that much.
I like smaller brushes and usually only do 2 passes so I like it very much.
scoopster
02-12-2009, 09:42 AM
This is the smallest brush I've used to date and at first I was skeptical. But I quckly found out how to to charge it up for my usual three passes plus touch up.
As far as cost goes, for me it really doesn't matter to me. This is a hobby and hobbies cost money. I am very happy to have a B&B branded brush in my collection.
I have a custom shavemac from a different forum's group buy. The brush is bigger (but still small). I paid a tad less for that one. The handle is nowhere near as nice as this Kent model, nor was the presentation box. From a value proposition I think they were pretty close.
jeffb
02-12-2009, 10:00 AM
It is one of my favorite brushes! I love the handle and have had no performance issues at all. I typically prefer a smaller brush (although I've really been enjoying my CH3 lately) and this is by far the best smaller brush I've used.
VR6ofpain
02-12-2009, 08:48 PM
I have been using it (have not rotated in another brush) since I received it (I got it the first week they were shipped to the members state side). Great brush. In all this time it has only lost 4 hairs. That is a much better number than any other brush I have owned.
Colphax
02-13-2009, 05:12 AM
It's currently the only brush that touches my face. The dome gets my BBE 90% of the time, with my Tweezerman or el cheapo AOS sampler brush doing occasional guest appearances.
It's a nice brush. I was concerned when I ordered it that it would be too small for me but I can load it for 3 or 4 passes. The handle is very distinctive. Its not my favorite brush but it is one I like quite a bit and use often. When it first came out, some posters said they would not take $500 for it. I'm not looking to sell mine but if someone offers me that much, she's gone.
Thanks for the review!
Mine just arrived yesterday, so my first lathering with it was today ... what, wait?? :tongue_sm
I'll need several latherings to really get a grip on detailed thoughts, but they'll be positive. One thing I CAN say right now, though, is the handle is very well designed. I agree with the review comments about it being very ergonomic ... so much nicer to hold that a Chubby.
To JKH ... have you tried the B&B Essential brush too? I'm wondering how you feel the two handles compare, if you have had the chance to compare. I ask because I think the Essential handle is even better-designed than this one (although the '08 looks better in a classic sense.)
To JKH ... have you tried the B&B Essential brush too? I'm wondering how you feel the two handles compare, if you have had the chance to compare. I ask because I think the Essential handle is even better-designed than this one (although the '08 looks better in a classic sense.)
Classic case of YMMV! I bought one of the round 1 B&BE's. No matter how I tried, I just couldn't find a comfortable grip on the handle. However, I think it is one of the coolest looking handles out there. Oh well, you can't win them all!
Jeremy,
Thanks for the sharing your experience. Nicely done! :thumbup1:
biomesh
02-14-2009, 07:52 AM
I have quite a few brushes and the B&B LE 08 is definitely unique.
The knot while not being overly dense as to being stiff does have plenty of backbone and has very soft tips. The short loft with the dense knot provide a very controlled lathering area. Some brushes due to their size will splay out and can make a mess or are too floppy and make the lather building process difficult. The LE 08 definitely takes care of both of those issues.
The handle is hefty for its size and its design is very ergonomic, IMO. The only (minor) negative I can see in the brush is that the handle near the knot is about the same size as the bloomed size of the brush. This along with the short loft can make the brush hit the soap container/mug/scuttle. While it has not done anything yet, I fear that eventually the brush could become damaged.
Overall a very nice brush which can easily provide 3-4 passes worth of lather when fully loaded. This is honestly the best looking brush I have.
Thank you to all who worked to get this brush designed, manufactured, shipped, etc. Your hard work is very much appreciated.
rsp1202
02-14-2009, 09:16 AM
Sorry if I missed this before, but are there plans in the works for later in the year to offer this brush with the same knot/different handle?
Sorry if I missed this before, but are there plans in the works for later in the year to offer this brush with the same knot/different handle?
Yes - sort of. After seeing most fellas comments, i've been thinking about making the knot bigger. :smile:
rudy812
02-14-2009, 10:36 AM
The B&B 2008 LE brush is awsome,
When I finally received the 2008 B&B LE Kent brushes, my first impressions? The Kent presentation packaging is first rate and very pleasing and then, Oh??? The Kent brush is smaller than I expected. I am first disappointed in its' size and it reminded me so much of the size of my first beginner brush that I bought when I was 16 years old. I prefer about a 2mm bigger size knot, but then again, I rather have a brush that is smaller then something too big. It's 20mm - 21mm knot is very acceptable to me.
When I quickly got over its size, I began to look at the form and function of its’ shape, materials and workmanship, more like serious craftsmanship. It is absolutely stunning, its' a real work of art. It is art! No BS, it is one of the most appealing eye candy shaving brush that I laid my eye on; and I have seen just about everything. It has a vintage, very high class, top notch, and old world quality and craftsmanship look and feel to it.
When I first pick up this brush, there is no subtleness about it. This brush has the most perfect and positive balance and feel. My palm and fingers naturally position itself comfortably to the curves of the handle. I can use more than one positions, thus reducing fatigue and also setting, adjusting and reflecting to whatever mood and energy that I may be in. The balance can best describe as a 45/55 balance ratio, with the fulcrum point slightly ahead to where my fingers rest, located at the ball of the handle; thus giving the brush an almost neutral, but slightly brush end heaviness, balance and feel. I really don't like brushes that are mostly balanced and weighted at the back of the handle. This brush is designed for full feel and control, and without any fatigue. It is right at home with my large hands and I can only personally describe it as most perfect. For years I have been looking for a high end, high quality replacement one brush that had a similar feel of a long wooden classic handle of my first brush, which I became accustomed for over 25 years. By a milestone, this Kent brush, without any intimacy, has already surpassed that comfort zone. Except for my personal desire for about a 2mm larger knot, overall there is something so right and so perfect about this brush.
THE SHAVE
After taking my shower, I saturated my brush inside cheap wine glass, and began a simple face prep. I grab my brush and notice an impressive amount of water absorb, especially for its knot size; I squeezed the excess water and begin pasting it with Old Tailors’ Lavender shaving soaps. I use a very shallow 5” shaving dish and fill it half way with hot tap water. I lather up until the brush can’t absorb any more water; again, it absorbs more than I expected. I prefer the final lathering on my face while the water in the brush is still warm. I also like to use a wetter soap/water combination until I feel my whiskers can’t absorb any more water. This method changes the soap/water ratio and I continue on until I that get serious lather that every wet shaver is looking for. It works, at least in my theory?
At first the brush felt stiff and the tips are not as soft as expected. I know that will change once it gets broken in. There was a scrubbing sensation that I have never experienced before. Also new, after the first shave, for about an hour, I had a tingling sensation and a very mild and light discomfort pressure sore in the few spots on my face, I blame the hard and forceful brushing stroke technique that I developed from the backless, lighter dense shaving brushes that I have used and became accustomed. Before the second shave, the brush has a bloom that enhances the eye candy factor even further and the tips are noticeably softer. On my later shaves, I have experience and gained a more positive results when I experimented with different soap/water combination and techniques, just to find that sweet spot to match the characteristics of this brush. This time I was much gentler with the brush and what I got was a feeling that my face is getting a light message. I never experience that before. It was not a pamper sensation, but more of a therapeutic feeling with my face muscles. It wasn’t a happy joy joy experience, just something extra that I got out of this brush. I didn’t realize how stiff and tight my facial muscles were; It would take time and effort to loosen up those muscles. This brush will not come close or a replacement to a proper facial message, just the results are nice and unexpected.
Compared to a very large brush, I was able to localize, focus and gained higher control in scrubbing, brushing strokes and applying lather. Also, there was alot less waste. The large brush may retain heat longer and apply the lather quicker, but only by about an extra minute or so. Again, I have quickly developed a distaste for large lofty brushes that remind me of a mop from each use; it useful if I have a face as large as my girlfriend peach fuzz big ass, but that is my own opinion; by the way, she now uses and owns my big brush.
Conclusion, I am deceived, this brush is a real performer. I experience a close and comfortable shave eveytime. It seems to perform like a larger brush, but with the feel and characteristic of a small brush. This brush can pick up a lot of soap and water impressively and very quickly for its knote size and volume. Once I enter that soap and water combination sweet spot, it lathers beautifully. This brush work fine with creams, but it is more suited for soaps.This brush has to be one of the finest silvertip small brushes available, regardless of price point. Honestly, I am not qualified or knowledgeable enough to really judge or criticize as how high the quality this silvertip brush is and its’ price point. I just know what I am willing to pay and how well a shaving brush works for me. To me, it is the most perfect brush. "The objective is met!!!" "Oh yeah!!!" I am enjoying the brush and I am very happy. This brush really get the job done and will be my daily user.
yomuppet
02-14-2009, 12:50 PM
Yes - sort of. After seeing most fellas comments, i've been thinking about making the knot bigger. :smile:
I think the small knot/loft + big handle combo is part of what made this one such a success. By all reports, you did a bang-up job.
Regards.
J
VR6ofpain
02-14-2009, 01:13 PM
Yes - sort of. After seeing most fellas comments, i've been thinking about making the knot bigger. :smile:
As much as I would have preferred a bigger knot, this LE brush works perfect. I cannot fault it.
BroJohn
02-14-2009, 01:31 PM
I've not used the 2008LE with a shave cream. Up to this point I've used it with shave sticks, and with shave soaps --strictly face lathering. It is a standout in this role and I really enjoy using this brush. It's a pleasant surprise how much lather with small knot/loft can hold. I easily generate enough lather for three full passes. I do wish the the knot was a little longer, though. Kent's presentation details, the handle finish and markings, and the red case, are absolutely first rate.
-- John Gehman
dloyd9999
02-14-2009, 01:42 PM
still waiting :bored:
Rufus
02-14-2009, 06:07 PM
This is one fantastic brush. At first I thought it was on the small side, but after two weeks of use with cream and soap I have to say that it is perfect. When I compare it with my Simpson PJ1 and AOS , it is outstanding; I doubt if I'll use either brush again. I also have a Rooney Style 2 in Finest and the B&B Kent LE gives it a good run for its money; however, at the end of the day the feel of the Rooney Finest on my face is incomparable. This is not to say that the B&B Kent LE lacks, as it is very, very good. Overall, the B&B LE is an outstanding brush: beautifully finished, wonderful Badger and great feel on the face and in the hand. Joel and Nick you are to be congratulated on such a superb offering.
PottyDoctor
02-14-2009, 06:29 PM
My BB LE '08 is close to being the smallest brush of my little collection [BLK 4 is a small knot but not nearly the brush the BB LE '08 is]. I am primarily a ShaveMac and Savile Row [Silvertip] user in the 22mm to 24mm range. However, the BB LE '08 is in a class of it's own. I love the small but firm knot with its luxurious softness. I am primarily a cream user and the BB LE '08 works well with creams but I may have to buy some soap to see it perform at its best! I absolutely love the handle and overall feel and balance of it. It will remain a part of my rotation....right in there with the Big Boys! :biggrin:
Thebigspendur
02-15-2009, 01:00 PM
This is one fantastic brush. At first I thought it was on the small side, but after two weeks of use with cream and soap I have to say that it is perfect. When I compare it with my Simpson PJ1 and AOS , it is outstanding; I doubt if I'll use either brush again. I also have a Rooney Style 2 in Finest and the B&B Kent LE gives it a good run for its money; however, at the end of the day the feel of the Rooney Finest on my face is incomparable. This is not to say that the B&B Kent LE lacks, as it is very, very good. Overall, the B&B LE is an outstanding brush: beautifully finished, wonderful Badger and great feel on the face and in the hand. Joel and Nick you are to be congratulated on such a superb offering.
Wow, Joel must have sent me the wrong brush.
I have a Rooney finest medium and the B&B ain't even in the same ballpark, heck it ain't even in the same county.
biomesh
02-15-2009, 01:06 PM
Wow, Joel must have sent me the wrong brush.
I have a Rooney finest medium and the B&B ain't even in the same ballpark, heck it ain't even in the same county.
I think you forgot the IMO and YMMV :lol:
riooso
02-15-2009, 01:40 PM
I had the brush for about 2 days then I let'er go. The brush was beautiful and was nice and dense. I found that the knot was just not big enough for me but I am fairly new to all the brushes available so it was a learning experience for me. I am a 24mm kinda guy. Any bigger is a hassle any smaller is not going to make me happy but it is a YMMV thing. We are all so different that it is not possible to make something everyone will love, and God forbid we don't LOVE what we shave with.:biggrin:
The brush was a hell of a great product that the guys came out with and I for one would like to really thank them for their hard work. Then after the hard work there is putting up with all of us neurotic, AD mental cases! Priceless!:lol:
Thanks,
R
Big Fella
02-15-2009, 01:55 PM
I like BIG brushes, 28 - 30 mm knots. I shave my bald head at the same time I do my face and find the bigger brush works better. That being said, I like this little guy!! Maneuvers real well, like a well tuned sports car. I usually use my brushes in a one month rotation and it stayed for the full month. Joel, I do like this bush, good job. But maybe your next special could be for us guys that like the BIG brushes. Thanks!! Stay safe!!!
Wow, Joel must have sent me the wrong brush.
I have a Rooney finest medium and the B&B ain't even in the same ballpark, heck it ain't even in the same county.
Glad you enjoy. :smile:
greenerock
02-15-2009, 05:05 PM
I love this brush. I think it's the perfect size and the handle is fantastic. I don't know how a brush could be any better.
Churchill
02-15-2009, 05:06 PM
Yes - sort of. After seeing most fellas comments, i've been thinking about making the knot bigger. :smile:
Noooooo...the knot is just great!
The only drawback I thought there was to the brush is that there could have been a tad more substantial base to the handle.Otherwise I really,really like mine!
I would really like to see the next one with the same knot and a different style handle.
dadwasright
02-15-2009, 05:10 PM
I absolutely LOVE this brush, and I have quite collection to which I can compare it.:blushing:
The handle is beautiful and ergonomic, it holds water like a sponge, and generates fantastic lather. I like the size even though others would find it small -- I can easily get at least three passes after loading it with lather. The Badger bristles are relatively soft, but not floppy (those looking for something prickly should look elsewhere).
The case is classy and consistent with the overall design (I love Kent!).
I'm seriously considering downsizing (or should I use the more politically correct "rightsizing") my collection at this point, as there are too many brushes that will now just collect dust.
Kudos to the team and to Kent. This is a masterwork.
Rick
Thanks for the review!
To JKH ... have you tried the B&B Essential brush too? I'm wondering how you feel the two handles compare, if you have had the chance to compare. I ask because I think the Essential handle is even better-designed than this one (although the '08 looks better in a classic sense.)
I own both and I find the 2008 B&BLE handle much more usable. I also find the brush much more luxurious and soft than the BBE. It is perfect to use for face lathering.
The BBE's taller loft on the other hand makes it a much better bowl latherer. It doesn't do too bad as a face lathering brush
However, purely from a cost-benefit perspective, I would choose the BBE over the 2008 LE any day
Redig
02-15-2009, 07:02 PM
I like the LE quite a bit. I would like to see a similar knot with a longer loft for the 09 version...48-50mm would be perfect imo.
Thebigspendur
02-17-2009, 09:30 AM
Glad you enjoy. :smile:
Now, don't take my comments the wrong way. I'm not knocking the brush itself. I agree its a very handsome brush with great build quality and ergonomics and I have no problems with the hair. My comments reflect the general shortcomings that a brush this small would have. No matter if it was a Plisson HMW with these dimensions or this brush. And actually I do enjoy the brush as a dedicated brush to use with Castle Forbes Cream.
Gruder
02-17-2009, 09:41 AM
I've found that I prefer a smaller brush for use with soaps (my 23mm shavemac being just slightly too large for the task, to me). In my case, the LE's combination of knot size, density, firmness, soft tips, and handle really fit the bill perfectly. That, and I'll admit that there's some pride of ownership in knowing that there aren't a ton of these out there. I thoroughly appreciate this brush, and I use it more often than any other.
prewt
02-22-2009, 07:42 AM
I have not used this brush much, today was only my 4th time but I am missing something?. I purchased it in the hopes of it being my soap brush but it isn't performing like I expected.
It hogs the lather and I have to squeeze the bristles in order to get any decent coverage. I have used it 2 times with soap and 2 times with cream. It works like a charm with shaving cream but not soap.
I tried loading the brush to its fullest the second time. I loaded it upside down until lather was falling from around the bowl.... the brush still didn't want to work the way it did with creams.
I don't want to use it too much in case I want to sell it and it looks like I am.:bored:. Any help would be most appreciated as I am only giving it a few more tries. The soaps I have used were TGQ Desert Ironwood and the mighty Tabac.
greenerock
02-22-2009, 07:47 AM
I have not used this brush much, today was only my 4th time but I am missing something?. I purchased it in the hopes of it being my soap brush but it isn't performing like I expected.
It hogs the lather and I have to squeeze the bristles in order to get any decent coverage. I have used it 2 times with soap and 2 times with cream. It works like a charm with shaving cream but not soap.
I tried loading the brush to its fullest the second time. I loaded it upside down until lather was falling from around the bowl.... the brush still didn't want to work the way it did with creams.
I don't want to use it too much in case I want to sell it and it looks like I am.:bored:. Any help would be most appreciated as I am only giving it a few more tries. The soaps I have used were TGQ Desert Ironwood and the mighty Tabac.
Don't shake out as much water as you normally would or else load the brush with soap and add water a little at a time. It really soaks it up!
norman931
02-22-2009, 08:48 AM
Well, I've been a cheerleader for this brush all along, but it wasn't a keeper for me. A larger knot would have been nice, in retrospect. Also, I really couldn't tell that it held much advantage over a Kent BK4, which can be had for less than half the price of the LE.
PottyDoctor
02-22-2009, 06:47 PM
Just the opposite for me....I MUCH prefer my B&B LE 2008 over my Kent BLK4! The two aren't even close in feel or performance, but that's just my opinion, FWIW! :biggrin:
razercat
02-24-2009, 04:18 PM
I myself got in on the B&B LE08 Kent brush. I have used it a lot sence I got it right befor Christmas. I do love it's look and feel very much. It is one of my favorite brushes, although I have not given up on any of my other's (Simpsons D3, CH1, Rooney 2/1, Emilion and several others not listed). But I do very very much use it a whole lot and have no regrets on getting in on the group buy. It was worth the long long wate.
Eddie
It is my second favorite brush for face lathering right behind my Rooney Heritage Ali Baba W(which I paid more than this brush for). It is exactly as described and what I expected. It is scrubby without scratchy and has a great shape and loft. If you are into scuttles and face painting, this is likely not your brush, but if you are a soap guy, this does a fantastic job. I like this much better than the 2006 which is great for creams, but floppy for soaps. Still a great brush too, but doesnot get reached for as often as this one or my Rooney. I also have the natural horn Shavemac and think this is a better brush than that.
Brad
TSWebster
02-24-2009, 06:53 PM
This brush is awesome, I like it so much I've stopped looking for more brushes at this point I'm probably only going to buy razors from now on. I have also used the B&B 2006 LE and the B&B Essential (1st Batch) and this is by far the best of the 3 B&B brushes.
prewt
02-27-2009, 05:06 AM
Mine is for sale in the Contributors Corner if that tells you anything.
scoopster
02-27-2009, 05:16 AM
Mine is for sale in the Contributors Corner if that tells you anything.
I would be interested in hearing the specifics. These threads are about the positive and negative experiences people have had with various products, even something as sacred as the 2008 LE :smile:
VR6ofpain
02-27-2009, 06:28 PM
I love the brush. Once you get over the small size, with the large performance, you will fall in love. It does everything right, over and over again.
prewt
02-27-2009, 06:48 PM
I would be interested in hearing the specifics. These threads are about the positive and negative experiences people have had with various products, even something as sacred as the 2008 LE :smile:
Maybe I expected too much from the brush in every aspect. I purchased it as a dedicated soap brush and it did not meet with my expectations. I couldn't get enough lather from the brush when soap was used but it worked great with a cream, (all the brushes I own work with creams so I wasn't impressed with it there). I know I can squeeze the brush but for the $ spent, it should work like a charm out of the box, no squeezing needed.
Everything is nice about this brush from the handle to the bristles, even the case is classy. The price just does not equal the performance for me and I got to thinking...... I planed on this being my main brush and if it was, I really don't need that case. Sure I can still use it for display but how often am I going to display it if I use it every day?:001_huh:
Maybe I don't like small brushes... maybe I don't like a super dense brush...... shoot, maybe I don't like things with class.. All I know is I am not happy with mine.
I might have given it more time but the more it gets used, the less it should be worth, IMO. If I don't like it after 4 uses, I probably won't like it after 12-14 more times. I own the B&B 2006, both Essential versions and the 2008 LE. The 2008 is the only one I am unhappy with, go figure. :confused: It just didn't work like it should, for me anyway...
RetroGrouch
02-27-2009, 08:33 PM
I really like mine. I have lots of other great brushes, so it'll never be my only brush. But I love having it as part of my rotation.
(Sheesh, sounds like I'm talking about one of my girlfriends.)
One day, I'll shave with a tight little brush like the LE 2008 or Rooney Finest 3/1. Then the next day, I'll indulge in a big sloppy Shavemac or Simpson Tulip 4!
What can I say, I like variety... :tongue_sm
superbleu
02-27-2009, 08:35 PM
I really like mine. I have lots of other great brushes, so it'll never be my only brush. But I love having it as part of my rotation.
(Sheesh, sounds like I'm talking about one of my girlfriends.)
One day, I'll shave with a tight little brush like the LE 2008 or Rooney Finest 3/1. Then the next day, I'll indulge in a big sloppy Shavemac or Simpson Tulip 4!
What can I say, I like variety... :tongue_sm
Good to see you finally got it Mike.
Sounds like it was worht the wait. :)
ytsejammer
02-27-2009, 08:39 PM
anyone want to PIF to me???
:wink:
RetroGrouch
02-27-2009, 08:41 PM
I have several former girlfriends I'll happily PIF to you!
(The brushes, I'm keeping.)
scoopster
02-27-2009, 08:45 PM
Maybe I expected too much from the brush in every aspect. I purchased it as a dedicated soap brush and it did not meet with my expectations. I couldn't get enough lather from the brush when soap was used but it worked great with a cream, (all the brushes I own work with creams so I wasn't impressed with it there). I know I can squeeze the brush but for the $ spent, it should work like a charm out of the box, no squeezing needed.
Everything is nice about this brush from the handle to the bristles, even the case is classy. The price just does not equal the performance for me and I got to thinking...... I planed on this being my main brush and if it was, I really don't need that case. Sure I can still use it for display but how often am I going to display it if I use it every day?:001_huh:
Maybe I don't like small brushes... maybe I don't like a super dense brush...... shoot, maybe I don't like things with class.. All I know is I am not happy with mine.
I might have given it more time but the more it gets used, the less it should be worth, IMO. If I don't like it after 4 uses, I probably won't like it after 12-14 more times. I own the B&B 2006, both Essential versions and the 2008 LE. The 2008 is the only one I am unhappy with, go figure. :confused: It just didn't work like it should, for me anyway...
Prewt - Dislike of things with class is not the issue - You frequent the halls of B&B :wink:
I think its a good move for you to sell. You know what you like and what works for you. If the LE brush doesn't, make room for the one that does.
I continue to really like the 2008 LE. It is a strikingly handsome brush and works well. My main concern when I ordered it was the relatively small knot and while it does hold a lot of lather for its size, I still prefer something a little larger. I'm leaving for vacation for a couple of weeks and with nothing to do but stare out at the ocean for a while I am going to decide whether I should keep it or move on to a bigger brush.
Rorschuck
03-01-2009, 09:20 AM
Prewt - Dislike of things with class is not the issue - You frequent the halls of B&B :wink:
Knowing a bit about Prewt's cologne preferences, I can doubly-vouch that this is not the case. :wink:
I have several former girlfriends I'll happily PIF to you!
(The brushes, I'm keeping.)
Those are the ex-GFs who told you to PIF off?? :001_rolle
I received my 2008LE a few weeks ago. It took awhile since I am in Canada and my ineptness with computers meant needing help a couple of times with the gift card.
I had considered ordering a custom Shavemac with a medium sized, extra dense, short loft as possibly my ideal brush. My current favorites are the 2006LE finest for creams (my silvertip never gets used any more), old style Kent T12 that sheds hairs for soaps (I didn't like the replacement T12, not as dense and too much loft) and an Omega Sunshine (a very tiny brush) for travel and face lathering if rushed.
I have found any decent brush seems to be good with creams. The 2008LE has no problem with creams.
I have a BK4 so I expected the new Kent to work with soap. I really like my BK4 but always wished it had just a little more backbone. The new 2008LE surpassed my expectations. It kept its luxurious feel while giving me the backbone I wanted. I use Kent/Mitchel wool fat soap for 75% of shaves and found this brush loads very easy with more than enough lather for 3 passes.
For the past few weeks the 2008LE has displaced my former rotation and it is a keeper for me. This brush performs well for all my needs. I am no longer thinking about a custom brush.
Thanks for the brush.
rudy812
03-10-2009, 10:07 AM
It is March 10, 2009 and just 15 minutes ago, I paid $47 CND for Tax/Duty/broker fee and then I recieved my two brushes. Its' been a long one. Within an hour from now, I will wash and rinse my one personal shaving gem a few times with Kent Woolfat shaving soap, to get rid of any possible brush skunk; and then I will begin my first shave with the same soap. Home Sweet Home.
rudy812
03-10-2009, 11:18 AM
After reading the comments and posts in the last 4 months, there seems to be a consensus that most of the owners are overwhelmed and are very happy with this shaving gem; it's a hit, a winner and in my bias opinion a masterpiece; even won over most of those whom prefer a larger knot size, I am one of those. For those owners who are not happy, its’ most complaint is its' small knot size. Then there are those 1 or 2 out of a hundred that will complain no matter what.
Best regards
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