I hesitate to contribute to SBAD but...wow!

[Rivguy]








Gentlemen,

I have only seen an occasional mention of the da vinci line of shaving brushes manufactured by Uomo of Germany so I was curious enough to try one. I purchased the #290 100% pure Silvertip brush. The brush arrived last week and I am very impressed. It has a 25 mm knot with some of the softest tips that I have experienced. My first impressions are as follows:

1. Build quality is outstanding. Upon close examination I could find no flaws. It is a beautiful brush with outstanding aesthetics. The contrast between the beautiful black handle, chrome ring and the gorgeous silvertip knot is extremely pleasing and satisfying. A close examination of the hairs and shape of the knot appeared flawless. I should have taken a picture of the packaging which was nicely done.

2. Because of the loft, I expected a large bloom and this brush did not disappoint. The bloom is fantastic in appearance and feel on the face. I face lather so the initial bloom produced by the test lather was exciting to see.

3. The first real test shave was with Cade soap. The loading with this large knot was easy and quick. The application to the face was outstanding in every way. It developed a great full lather and the face feel was just a wonderful experience. The caressing of the silvertip hair was fantastic.

4. The second test came today with GFT Spanish Leather cream. The experience was outstanding as was the first so this is definitely both a soap and cream brush. The tips seemed to be softer today so I am very anxious for this beauty to be broken in.


My overall experience with just two uses is that this is a brush that I will reach for often. If your preference is for a smaller knot scrubby brush, this is not the brush for you but I would recommend one of their smaller brushes which may well be my next brush purchase. If your preference is for a luxurious soft hair feel with nice backbone, you will love this brush.

I also want to comment on the purchase experience. The vendor in the US is http://promakeupbrush.com. They appear be run by the proprietor and his daughter Amy. I can not say enough about their helpful nature and friendless. Amy was a pleasure to deal with and even offered a first time discount. They also recommended a brush cleaning soap that is outstanding and I will review later.

I am sorry if this adds to any one's SBAD but in my view it is a great brush worth exploring.

Best regards,

Doug

[Vlad]

I've had my eye on this for a while, so keep up posted on it's use. What are the specs?

[BigBull]

This brush is SEXY.

[cessnabird]

This is a great looking brush, and from the sounds of it a nice performer as well. Thank you for sharing.

[vitalMyth]

wow, thanks for the post, that looks and sounds like an outstanding brush. i love that handle, and i like the handle on the #293 even better. A+ post, helpful and awesome all-around

[Amzimbo]

I just got one last week as well. Will add my own "WOW!" to the chorus. Just like the OP says - this one's a winner.

[Vlad]

Come on guys, lets get some specs and pics up. If you're going to flare up SBAD, you have to put some mustard on it!

[Face&Head]

Come on guys, lets get some specs and pics up. If you're going to flare up SBAD, you have to put some mustard on it!

Forget the mustard, I want the hot sauce! Looks outstanding...those Germans know how to put together a brush.

[Rivguy]

I am looking forward to using this brush again tomorrow morning to get some more experience with it and further the test. The knot is 25 mm with a loft of almost 60 mm. After two uses the fan spread is a delightful 77 mm. Overall height is 105 mm and the handle height is 44 mm and 43 mm in diameter. I find the handle to be very comfortable in my hand and in good balance with the knot. I find that because of the handle design, the flat fits nicely in my hand at the base of my forefinger or upper palm resulting in a nice firm, natural and comfortable grip. It is a beauty gents!

Regards,

Doug

[Rivguy]

Today for my third use of this brush I used another hard soap. This time it was TOBS Lavender which I very much enjoy and the results were fantastic. I loaded from the wooden bowl and found that the brush loaded easily and quickly without making a mess of the bowl. I had plenty of lather for a four pass shave. As I mentioned, I face lather and find that this brush does that extremely well. I may try bowl lathering one day to see how that works as well. The tips are extremely soft and I think will continue to soften. I would compare the tips and hair to my Kent BK8 but perhaps even softer but with more backbone in my view. I will continue to use this brush in a shortened rotation to hasten the break in period. If their is further interest by members, I will report back as this brush continues the break in period.

Regards,

Doug