Savile Row brush question

[mrob]

I'm a new wet shaver and recently purchased what I think will turn out to be a "starter" brush--here are the stats:
Savile Row 101
Pure Badger shaving brush 3¾"
Handmade shaving brush with 100% pure badger hair. Mock-ivory lathe-turned resin handle. 3¾" tall.

Important measurements:
• Handle height = 45mm
• Hair height = 50mm
• Overall height = 95mm
• Knot size (hair width at base) = 20mm

I've been using the brush for 3-4 days and really like the shaving experience so far. I've been using some Proraso in the tube and some Trumpers Sandalwood cream, both of which I really like. I have a Merkur Vision on delivery as I write this, so have been using my Mach 3 Turbo till it arrives, with OK results--at least no cuts!

Here's my question--while I like the SR101, the tips feel a bit prickly on my face, and I'm not sure if this is what to expect from a good shave brush, or if its more about the quality to be expected of a brush with "pure" badger hair. I'm willing to stick it out for now, but wonder if a SilverTip (read = "more expensive") brush will make a big enough difference in this area to notice.

Any advice out there?

[Scotto]

Hi mrob,

What you describe is characteristic of a "pure badger" brush. As you spend more money on "best", "super", and "silvertip" you tend to get softer tips, though there are exceptions. Some of the super-badger brushes in the Savile Row collection are quite reasonably priced, and soft to boot. I have a couple, including the SR-208, as well as some silvertips.

That being said, the ability to whip up a solid lather isn't that different between a $20 brush and a $100 brush.

Hope this helps.

[mrob]

Hi mrob,

What you describe is characteristic of a "pure badger" brush. As you spend more money on "best", "super", and "silvertip" you tend to get softer tips, though there are exceptions. Some of the super-badger brushes in the Savile Row collection are quite reasonably priced, and soft to boot. I have a couple, including the SR-208, as well as some silvertips.

That being said, the ability to whip up a solid lather isn't that different between a $20 brush and a $100 brush.

Hope this helps.

------------
Yes--thanks! Its what I expected, but always helpful to get an expert opinion.

The SR101 whips up a nice lather, its just a tad scratchy on my face as I transfer the lather from brush to face. I think its fine as I develop my technique, but I wonder if it makes sense to go ahead and make the jump to a SilverTip of about the same size as the 101 and not bother with the in-between grades of hair?

[obsessis]

the 'scratchier' brushes seem to be easier to lather soap with.

[shavingrace]

QED's 4.3" Savile Row Super Badger is only $59, and it's an excellent brush--you get a lot of value for money with either Savile Row or Vulfix (both manufactured on the Isle of Man).

[xChris]

If you're absolutely set on silvertip, than the Savile Row models are very attractive in both aesthetics and value. I have a 3722 & 3824 (my favorite handle styles of the Savile Row silvertips), and they're great.

Another silvertip line would be Shavemac -- great quality & value in my opinion for these as well.