Other "Chubby" style brushes I have or have had in my collection to compare it to are: WSP Stubby both in HMW ($185.00) and Superfine ($120), Simpson CH2 in Best ($179), Simpson CH1 in Super 3 Band ($185) and a Rooney Stubby 2 in Super 2 Band ($251.00). My favorite out of these is the Rooney Stubby followed closely by the WSP Stubby in High Mountain White.
Price - 10/10 - This customized brush cost $75.95 shipped from China. This is one hell of a bargain if you'll note the retail prices of the above brushes.
Appearance - 9/10 - This is actually a pretty little brush IMHO. I'm not very fond of the FS logo, but a little rubbing alcohol takes it right off. The FS Stubby is currently available in faux-ivory, faux-ebony or faux-horn all at the same price. I've read some criticism that FS forms their handles in lieu of lathe-turning them but I can't tell the difference in craftsmanship under magnification from the FS brush and a turned Simpson. The faux-ivory model (the one I ordered) is also lightly textured to look and feel like real ivory; a concept often left out by people labeling their product "faux-ivory" solely based on color. The knot is a standard bulb shape. It is light blonde in color with a thick black band running through the middle of it, indicative of a Silvertip brush. The reason the appearance doesn't score a ten is because the logo is ugly and comes off too easily.
Tips - 9/10 - The tips of this brush are as soft as any listed above. This really surprised me. The tips of the FS have both Simpsons and the Superfine beat straight up. They are equally soft with the Rooney 2 band and maybe a touch less soft than the High Mountain White hairs.
Density/Backbone - 10/10 - I custom ordered this brush at slightly less than the 2:1 ratio normally recommended for face lathering. I am quite certain that 2:1 would have been sufficient. I had read some reviews about the FS silvertip on here calling it floppy. This is just not the case with this brush. This brush gives the user that "wall of lather" feel that one looks for with a Chubby-style brush. Now, people can't seem to say enough about how the CH series' density is unmatched. That might have been true...until now. I will admit that none of the other aforementioned brushes (although close) are as dense as the two Simpson models I've used. This one is. Feel free to call me crazy. Call me a liar or just tell me I have it out for Simpson. I am telling you, I have these two brushes side-by-side and the density is as equal as my eyes, fingers or cheeks can tell. This brush is a winner for sure.
Flow Through - 10/10 - Again, right on par with all the brushes mentioned above...maybe a little better. Dense brushes with low lofts tend to be lather hogs. They generally use a lot of product and don't really want to give it back. Simpson brushes probably do the best job giving it back out of any...right along with my FS Chubby. It does use a ton of product, but it will give it all back to you during the course of your shave.
OVERALL: This brush is a real winner. Don't take my word on it, just buy one. Hell, it's only $80. If you are partial to Simpson, Shavemac or Rooney you are spending four times that on a brush. I had my wife blindfold me and lather my face with the Simpson Super and the FS Silvertip..... I picked the FS as the Simpson! I'm not kidding. Mr. Tang has really outdone himself this time. Just give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.
*I should also point out that I am in no way acquainted with Ian Tang or affiliated with Frank Shaving. This review was written as the result of a very pleasant surprise.
Price - 10/10 - This customized brush cost $75.95 shipped from China. This is one hell of a bargain if you'll note the retail prices of the above brushes.
Appearance - 9/10 - This is actually a pretty little brush IMHO. I'm not very fond of the FS logo, but a little rubbing alcohol takes it right off. The FS Stubby is currently available in faux-ivory, faux-ebony or faux-horn all at the same price. I've read some criticism that FS forms their handles in lieu of lathe-turning them but I can't tell the difference in craftsmanship under magnification from the FS brush and a turned Simpson. The faux-ivory model (the one I ordered) is also lightly textured to look and feel like real ivory; a concept often left out by people labeling their product "faux-ivory" solely based on color. The knot is a standard bulb shape. It is light blonde in color with a thick black band running through the middle of it, indicative of a Silvertip brush. The reason the appearance doesn't score a ten is because the logo is ugly and comes off too easily.
Tips - 9/10 - The tips of this brush are as soft as any listed above. This really surprised me. The tips of the FS have both Simpsons and the Superfine beat straight up. They are equally soft with the Rooney 2 band and maybe a touch less soft than the High Mountain White hairs.
Density/Backbone - 10/10 - I custom ordered this brush at slightly less than the 2:1 ratio normally recommended for face lathering. I am quite certain that 2:1 would have been sufficient. I had read some reviews about the FS silvertip on here calling it floppy. This is just not the case with this brush. This brush gives the user that "wall of lather" feel that one looks for with a Chubby-style brush. Now, people can't seem to say enough about how the CH series' density is unmatched. That might have been true...until now. I will admit that none of the other aforementioned brushes (although close) are as dense as the two Simpson models I've used. This one is. Feel free to call me crazy. Call me a liar or just tell me I have it out for Simpson. I am telling you, I have these two brushes side-by-side and the density is as equal as my eyes, fingers or cheeks can tell. This brush is a winner for sure.
Flow Through - 10/10 - Again, right on par with all the brushes mentioned above...maybe a little better. Dense brushes with low lofts tend to be lather hogs. They generally use a lot of product and don't really want to give it back. Simpson brushes probably do the best job giving it back out of any...right along with my FS Chubby. It does use a ton of product, but it will give it all back to you during the course of your shave.
OVERALL: This brush is a real winner. Don't take my word on it, just buy one. Hell, it's only $80. If you are partial to Simpson, Shavemac or Rooney you are spending four times that on a brush. I had my wife blindfold me and lather my face with the Simpson Super and the FS Silvertip..... I picked the FS as the Simpson! I'm not kidding. Mr. Tang has really outdone himself this time. Just give it a shot. You won't be disappointed.
*I should also point out that I am in no way acquainted with Ian Tang or affiliated with Frank Shaving. This review was written as the result of a very pleasant surprise.
for a badger brush, it sure as hell isn't going to be a cheap china FS brush. FS brush quality is famously inconsistent and FS brush prices are not the cheap brush bargain they once were.
