I'm new to DE shaving.
I've bought shave cream, a huge blade sampler pack, and am awaiting arrival of a Gillette Adjustable (1970's black handle, not sure what they are called) . All I need is a brush.
I’ve been reading over numerous brush posts, looking over numerous merchant sites, and I cannot really decide on a product. Some input would be useful.
My face (and head) is small. My whiskers are very mild, not full, could never dream of growing even a sparse beard or mustache (it would take 3-4 times the thickness of my whiskers to have a filled in beard or mustache…and I have virtually no sideburn whiskers to speak of). Essentially mild whiskers on my upper lip and chin with a few wild ones elsewhere.
I’ll mostly be using creams (currently purchased Taylor’s Avocado) and lathering in a bowl. I want a brush that expedites lathering as I’m often rushed in the mornings and can’t take 5 minutes to generate lather. I may also do palm lathering on occasion.
My skin can be sensitive i.e. I get razor burn and soreness with repeated razor strokes (from a Sensor. I just ordered my 1st DE razor). I’m a painter and currently I’m using an artist’s badger blending brush with the Taylor’s until I buy a shave brush.
I’m thinking because of my very small face size and small shaving area a smaller brush would work better (I assume I do not need a ton of lather in the bowl). I’d like a brush that is comfy on the face (I do not know if a brush would irritate me, but why force that issue?). I’d like good quality insofar as it is well made of good materials and will not be a disappointment to own and use.
I am not a fan of ‘ye olde school’ design for most things (there are exceptions) but for my hygiene and grooming stuff if available I prefer modern design, the sleeker and more contemporary the better. I’d prefer a black handled brush over white.
My budget is around $50-$75 new or used. I do not want to go too overboard nor do I want something that I’ll have an urge to replace anytime soon. This could be an item I’ll keep for quite some time, I barely have room for the other shaving stuff in my bathroom (shared) and none whatsoever for a ‘collection’. Would like to have something that I am proud to own and that is a joy to use.
One area which still eludes me is KNOT SIZE. Most of these smaller brushes are around 23mm, but I’ve been reading many recommendations to other shavers for an even smaller knot, in 20mm – 22mm range, but I don’t see that many brushes manufactured in that size. Would a smaller knot serve me better? I also see that Shavemac has a reasonably priced custom service (and you can order a smaller knot size) and many here are very pleased with this service. Btw, I live in NYC but will likely order online.
I’ve narrowed my choices a bit but I’m open to other suggestions.
The choices are:
Rooney Style 3 Size 1 (Small) - "Super" $75
Vulfix No. 2234 Super Badger - $55
Shavemac 429, Handmade, Finest Badger ( or 501 Finest Badger) - both are $79
What's the differences between the Shavemac 429 & 501?
From what I’ve gathered, all of the three brushes listed above are of respected quality and more or less in the same class. Unfortunately I’m not able to hold the brushes in my hand. Many say the Vulfix brushes are too floppy for them.
Another thing is the fan vs. bulb design. Anything I should take into consideration based on my preferences?
To those that have the experience, can you please describe what the differences between these brushes’ performance are and how that translates into a strength or weakness for the brush…in your opinion, of course. I’m trying to get a better grasp on which will suit me best. True, being a rank beginner it’s speculation about what qualities I’ll be drawn to in daily usage. In the end I’m certain I’ll be pleased with any of the brushes, however I’m trying to bias my decision slightly towards a brush I may prefer vs. randomly picking one.
Thanks a bunch guys.
Neal
I've bought shave cream, a huge blade sampler pack, and am awaiting arrival of a Gillette Adjustable (1970's black handle, not sure what they are called) . All I need is a brush.
I’ve been reading over numerous brush posts, looking over numerous merchant sites, and I cannot really decide on a product. Some input would be useful.
My face (and head) is small. My whiskers are very mild, not full, could never dream of growing even a sparse beard or mustache (it would take 3-4 times the thickness of my whiskers to have a filled in beard or mustache…and I have virtually no sideburn whiskers to speak of). Essentially mild whiskers on my upper lip and chin with a few wild ones elsewhere.
I’ll mostly be using creams (currently purchased Taylor’s Avocado) and lathering in a bowl. I want a brush that expedites lathering as I’m often rushed in the mornings and can’t take 5 minutes to generate lather. I may also do palm lathering on occasion.
My skin can be sensitive i.e. I get razor burn and soreness with repeated razor strokes (from a Sensor. I just ordered my 1st DE razor). I’m a painter and currently I’m using an artist’s badger blending brush with the Taylor’s until I buy a shave brush.
I’m thinking because of my very small face size and small shaving area a smaller brush would work better (I assume I do not need a ton of lather in the bowl). I’d like a brush that is comfy on the face (I do not know if a brush would irritate me, but why force that issue?). I’d like good quality insofar as it is well made of good materials and will not be a disappointment to own and use.
I am not a fan of ‘ye olde school’ design for most things (there are exceptions) but for my hygiene and grooming stuff if available I prefer modern design, the sleeker and more contemporary the better. I’d prefer a black handled brush over white.
My budget is around $50-$75 new or used. I do not want to go too overboard nor do I want something that I’ll have an urge to replace anytime soon. This could be an item I’ll keep for quite some time, I barely have room for the other shaving stuff in my bathroom (shared) and none whatsoever for a ‘collection’. Would like to have something that I am proud to own and that is a joy to use.
One area which still eludes me is KNOT SIZE. Most of these smaller brushes are around 23mm, but I’ve been reading many recommendations to other shavers for an even smaller knot, in 20mm – 22mm range, but I don’t see that many brushes manufactured in that size. Would a smaller knot serve me better? I also see that Shavemac has a reasonably priced custom service (and you can order a smaller knot size) and many here are very pleased with this service. Btw, I live in NYC but will likely order online.
I’ve narrowed my choices a bit but I’m open to other suggestions.
The choices are:
Rooney Style 3 Size 1 (Small) - "Super" $75
Vulfix No. 2234 Super Badger - $55
Shavemac 429, Handmade, Finest Badger ( or 501 Finest Badger) - both are $79
What's the differences between the Shavemac 429 & 501?
From what I’ve gathered, all of the three brushes listed above are of respected quality and more or less in the same class. Unfortunately I’m not able to hold the brushes in my hand. Many say the Vulfix brushes are too floppy for them.
Another thing is the fan vs. bulb design. Anything I should take into consideration based on my preferences?
To those that have the experience, can you please describe what the differences between these brushes’ performance are and how that translates into a strength or weakness for the brush…in your opinion, of course. I’m trying to get a better grasp on which will suit me best. True, being a rank beginner it’s speculation about what qualities I’ll be drawn to in daily usage. In the end I’m certain I’ll be pleased with any of the brushes, however I’m trying to bias my decision slightly towards a brush I may prefer vs. randomly picking one.
Thanks a bunch guys.
Neal
