Wood versus non-wood handle for a shaving brush

There's no option for what I prefer: natural NOT WOOD. Stone, ceramic, porcelain.

The shavemac brushes cost about 182 dollar and they look great.

I like both wood and plastic as long as the handle shape/size looks good and feels comfortable.

Marco said:

I like both wood and plastic as long as the handle shape/size looks good and feels comfortable.

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Me to

I like a nice exotic wood. I turned one out of burl redwood, and it was probably the most difficult I have tried. The wood, while beautiful is so soft it catches the cutting tool easily and gouges. I finally got it done and sealed it well with cyanoacrylate glue.

Others have been turned, the knot cavity being sealed with epoxy, then generally an oil finish. Linseed or Watco on the visible handle surfaces. An occasional, every few years wipedown with fresh finish, seems to keep them water repelent.

takeshi said:

Those aren't the only three handle materials out there...

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In retrospect, I should have also added a "natural" category; ivory, bone, horn, etc.

I picked synthetics, but I love the look of nice, figured wood. Both have their problems. Synthetics will crack when dropped, but it takes a couple of good drops. Wood seems a bit more fragile - I've seen several wood brushes with chips and nicks around the base. Their owners tell me it happens frequently and easily depending on the design of the base. "Sharp" edges seem to chip easiest (90 degree or smaller angles).

Mostly out of practical reasons I voted synthetic handles. I love the look of wood but all the brushes that gave problems in the past had wooden handles. And when the synthetic material used is one of quality, like on the Vulfix and Simpson brushes, it is classy enough for me.

talibeard said:

Mostly out of practical reasons I voted synthetic handles. I love the look of wood but all the brushes that gave problems in the past had wooden handles. And when the synthetic material used is one of quality, like on the Vulfix and Simpson brushes, it is classy enough for me.

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Me to, but the wood handles look great

I have one wood and two synthetic handles. Definitely prefer the feel of wood....

Actually, I prefer highly figured horn, but exotic wood is a good second choice.