Silvertip, Super, Best, Pure, White, ????

**SMG** · 11-26-2007, 06:57 PM

OK, I have been shaving with a brush for about 3 weeks now. I have a C&E Travel brush that is Pure Badger, and I like it but still find it a bit prickly and slightly firm. I want a brush which is soft on the tips with a little less backbone, maybe even to the point of being a bit floppy. BUT, as I have no experience in these matters and there is not a plethora of brushes locally to try, I am in a quandry. BTW, this brush is tiny, I thought that would be a good thing, but I was wrong. Way too small for me to hold comfortably when whipping up lather in an espresso cup.

I think I would like a Silvertip brush, in a 22-24mm knot, with some loft to give it some suppleness. The handle should be substantial, and I use pretty much creams with the odd soap thrown in (I am getting a T&H Luxury soap for Xmas from my Sister). I have tried C&E Sienna and cannot get a good lather with it. I have tried Proraso, and frankly don't like it. I currently use C&E Sandalwood, but today picked up a tube of the Almond cream from them as well. See a trend here?!?.

I like the looks of the Shavemac finest 22709 and the price as well. I am not sure of Omega brushes, and don't see alot of positive things about them here. What about Vulfix?? I would go to the large C&E brush, but in Canada that thing is like $140 where it is only $85 or so in the US. Is there a Rooney which compares with the Shavemac in that price range?

I would like to spend less than $75 if I can get away with it, but heck I just don't know what I want.

Please help.

**Antique Hoosier** · 11-26-2007, 07:15 PM

Explore the Kent BK4....it is an excellent all around brush and will be close to your price point. Several members here and on various other forums will attest to its performance,,,,and you'll get the soft, somewhat floppy brush with a bit more "body" than the ones you mentioned.

**Kyle** · 11-26-2007, 07:34 PM

It sounds like the Shavemac is suited to your needs. In regards to the Rooney brushes, I have a Size 1 and find that it performs far better with soaps than with creams. I'm sure some of our other members can comment on the Size 2 and 3 and how they might perform for you.

**yomuppet** · 11-26-2007, 08:31 PM

Originally Posted by Kyle

It sounds like the Shavemac is suited to your needs. In regards to the Rooney brushes, I have a Size 1 and find that it performs far better with soaps than with creams. I'm sure some of our other members can comment on the Size 2 and 3 and how they might perform for you.

I think any of these options mentioned here will do you just fine. Best of luck.

J

**SMG** · 11-27-2007, 03:19 PM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

Explore the Kent BK4....it is an excellent all around brush and will be close to your price point. Several members here and on various other forums will attest to its performance,,,,and you'll get the soft, somewhat floppy brush with a bit more "body" than the ones you mentioned.

Is the BK-4 not a smaller travel style brush?? I actually am looking for something a little bigger. I find that the small size doesn't help when I am whipping up some lather.

Cheers,
Sean

**Antique Hoosier** · 11-27-2007, 04:17 PM

Originally Posted by SMG

Is the BK-4 not a smaller travel style brush?? I actually am looking for something a little bigger. I find that the small size doesn't help when I am whipping up some lather.

Cheers,
Sean

Sean...It is possible that the BK4 might be a bit small for you then. i do not think many regard it as a travel brush, but I see your point. The main thing is....Welcome to B&B which is filled with tons of opinions and help for you.

I primarily use the Simpson line of brushes and think quite highly of them. Many do not share my opinion on them as they prefer Shavemac, Savile Row, Rooney, etc...ALL fine brushes. Please let us know what works out best for you...I would imagine that you will ultimately own multiple brushes as they are quite addictive!

**SMG** · 11-27-2007, 06:31 PM

Originally Posted by Antique Hoosier

Sean...It is possible that the BK4 might be a bit small for you then. i do not think many regard it as a travel brush, but I see your point. The main thing is....Welcome to B&B which is filled with tons of opinions and help for you.

I primarily use the Simpson line of brushes and think quite highly of them. Many do not share my opinion on them as they prefer Shavemac, Savile Row, Rooney, etc...ALL fine brushes. Please let us know what works out best for you...I would imagine that you will ultimately own multiple brushes as they are quite addictive!

Yeah, I can see this is about as addicting as fountain pens and photography, both of which I am completely a slave to. I may have ended up with a Kent Bk-8, gotta see how it pans out. I do like the Saville Row brushes as well, but find it kinda hard to figure out how to order one.

If the Kent does not work out I will be getting either a Saville Row or a Shavemac. I really like the looks of the bulb type brushes.

I just threw out the Wilkinson Boar brush that I started with a couple of weeks ago. I am going to hang onto the C&E for travelling, and now that I have 2/3 of the Merkur adjustables coming in the mail I will have lots to play with.

Question though, I read alot of the brush reviews and note that they all say "after blooming" is this something which is done to prep the brush for use, OTHER than soaking it in water?? How does one "bloom" a brush? Do they just do that over use and time?

Cheers,
Sean

**Kyle** · 11-27-2007, 07:06 PM

Originally Posted by SMG

Question though, I read alot of the brush reviews and note that they all say "after blooming" is this something which is done to prep the brush for use, OTHER than soaking it in water?? How does one "bloom" a brush? Do they just do that over use and time?

Cheers,
Sean

A brush will bloom naturally over the course of time. Some will do so more quickly than others, just as some will bloom larger than others.

**thadeus finn** · 11-27-2007, 07:21 PM

Originally Posted by SMG

I do like the Saville Row brushes as well, but find it kinda hard to figure out how to order one.

You can go to www.qedusa.com and click on "OTHER FABULOUS TOILETRY PRODUCTS OFFERED BY QED." There are ordering instructions at the top of the page. I have a 3124, and I absolutely love it!

**SMG** · 11-29-2007, 02:05 PM

I finally pulled the trigger on 2 brushes. I ended up getting some cash so I picked up the C&E BBB today, will try it tomorrow. I also ordered a Vulfix 2234 Super today from Classic shaving. :)

Thanks to all who helped out, I am sure that this is not the end of brush buying for me, so some of the other suggestions will probably get tested out by yours truly at some point.

Cheers,
Sean